auto BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 Workshop Manual

103n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control
*
1 Air onto the windshield and onto the
side windows
2 Air for the upper body area
The side rotary dials open and close
the air supply through an infinitely-
variable range; the levers will
change the direction of the air flow.
The center rotary dial adjusts the
temperature of the air as it flows
out, see page 106
3 Air for the front footwell
There are vent outlets for the foot-
well in the rear as well
4 Recirculated air mode/Automatic
recirculated air control (AUC)105
5 Air supply105
6 Temperature104
7 Automatic air distribution104
8 Individual air distribution104
9 Air grill for interior temperature
sensor Ð please keep clear and
unobstructed
10 Display for temperature and air
supply104
11 Defrost windows and remove
condensation105
12 Air conditioner105
13 Rear window defroster78, 106

104n
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system (switch on
AUTO-button 7). Select an interior
temperature that is comfortable for
you Ñ e. g. 72 7 (+22 6). Whenever
the outside temperature is above 41 7
(+5 6), you can also use the air condi-
tioner 12. This will dry the air as well as
preventing condensation on the
window surfaces Ð if there are passen-
gers with damp clothing, for example.
Set the air outlets 2 so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at
you. Set the rotary dial between the air
outlets 2 for the upper body to a
medium position, since air that is some-
what cooler promotes driving without
fatigue.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program assumes
the adjustment of the air distri-
bution and the air supply for you and in
addition adapts the temperature to
external influences (summer, winter) to
meet preferences you can specify. This
program maintains a comfortable in-car
climate regardless of the season. Select
an interior temperature that is comfort-
able for you Ñ e. g. 72 7 (+22 6). The
temperature selected and AUTO for
the air supply appear in display 10,
refer to the overview on page 102.
Open the air outlets for the upper body
area. Switch on the air conditioner in
warm weather. The maximum cooling
capacity is achieved when you set
rotary dial 3 (refer to page 106) to cold.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting specific
distribution patterns to suit your
own individual requirements.
You can direct air to flow onto the
windows , toward the upper body
, and into the footwell .
Temperature
The figures in the display
provide a general indication of
interior temperature. We recommend
72 7 (+22 6) as a comfortable
setting, even if the air conditioner is on.
When you start the vehicle, the system
ensures that the selected temperature
is reached as quickly as possible. It
then maintains this temperature,
regardless of the season.
Set rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 106) to a medium
setting, since air that is somewhat
cooler promotes driving without fatigue.
You can use this setting for mixing air to
make minor comfort modifications.
You can set uncontrolled heater
output up to 90 7 (+32 6). The
air conditioner is at full cooling output
at 60 7 (+16 6).<

105n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control
*
Air supply

By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. By doing this, you switch off
the automatic control of the air supply.
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged.
When you set the lowest blower speed
by pressing the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off, and the air supply is
stopped. You can reactivate the system
by pressing any button for the auto-
matic climate control.
To defrost the windows and to
remove condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and side windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed when
the air conditioner is switched on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures
below approx. 41 7 (+5 6). This will
help to prevent the windows from
fogging up.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, that then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Automatic recirculated air control
(AUC)
If there are unpleasant odors or
pollutants in the outside air, you
can temporarily block the air supply
from the outside. The system then
recirculates the air already within the
vehicle. By repeated actuation of the
button, you can select one of three
different operation modes.
>Indicator lamps off: fresh air flows
into the vehicle.
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system detects pollutants
in the outside air and responds by
deactivating the outside air supply as
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehicle.
Depending on the air quality, the
automatic system then switches back
and forth between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle.
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
supply of outside air is permanently
blocked. The system recirculates the
air already within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required.<

106n
Automatic climate control
*
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window defroster
switches off automatically. Refer to
page 78.
Draft-free ventilation You can adjust the blower controls for
the upper body area to select the
optimum air flow rates and directions
for your personal requirements:
Use rotary dials 1 to open and close the
air outlets through an infinitely-variable
range. You can adjust the direction of
the air flow with levers 2.
Set the outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.
Rotary dial 3 allows you mix the air from
the outlets for your upper body by
warming or cooling the air as desired.460de040
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal
filterThe microfilter filters out dust and
pollen from the incoming air. The acti-
vated-charcoal filter helps clean the
incoming outside air of gaseous pollut-
ants. Your BMW center will replace this
combined filter during the regularly
scheduled maintenance. A substantial
reduction in air supply indicates that the
filter must be replaced before normal
maintenance.
For further information on the filter
change, refer to page 180.

108n
BMW Universal Transmitter
*
The concept The BMW Universal Transmitter
replaces up to three handheld transmit-
ters of different devices such as
garage-door openers, alarm systems,
or door locking systems. The BMW
Universal Transmitter recognizes and
"learns" the transmitted signal of each
of the original handheld transmitters.
The signal of an original handheld
transmitter can be programmed on one
of the three channel keys. Following
that, each of the devices can be actu-
ated with the appropriately-
programmed channel key. The indicator
lamp flashes to confirm transmission of
the signal.
If the vehicle is sold, the memory of the
channel keys should be cleared as
described on page 110.
During programming and before
every remote actuation of a
programmed device by the BMW
Universal Transmitter, check to be sure
that there are no persons, animals or
objects within the actuation range of
the device in order to prevent possible
injuries or damage. Also, comply with
the safety precautions of the original
handheld transmitter.<
To Canadian residents:
During programming, your hand-
held transmitter may automatically stop
transmitting after two seconds. This
may not be long enough to program the
BMW Universal Transmitter. If you are
programming from one of these hand-
held transmitters, the Universal Trans-
mitter's light may begin to flash in a
series of double-blinks. If this occurs,
continue to hold the button of the
Universal Transmitter while you reacti-
vate your hand-held transmitter. You
may have to repeat this function several
times while programming.<
Before programming, read the
"User information" section on
page 110.<
Original handheld transmitter
If this symbol is present on the
packaging or in the instructions
of the original handheld trans-
mitter, it may be assumed that this
handheld transmitter is compatible with
the BMW Universal Transmitter.
Checking for the conversion code To determine whether the original
handheld transmitter is provided with a
conversion-code system, you may
either read the instructions for the orig-
inal handheld transmitter or program a
channel key as described on the next
page (left-hand column under
"Programming").
Then press and hold the programmed
channel key of the BMW Universal
Transmitter. If the indicator lamp of the
BMW Universal Transmitter flashes for
two seconds and then comes on
steadily, the original handheld trans-
mitter is provided with a conversion-
code system. With a conversion code
system, program the channel keys as
described on the next page (right-hand
column under "Programming a hand-
held transmitter with conversion code").
If you have additional questions,
please consult your BMW center
or call 1-800-355-3515.
You can also visit this website
www.bmwusa.com.<

124n
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
information beginning on page 89.
If you step on the brake rapidly, this
system automatically produces
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction,
the brake warning lamp lights up
yellow. Normal braking effi-
ciency and ABS are still fully available.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
Please observe the section "Infor-
mation for your safety" concerning
the ABS system, which also applies to
the DSC system.<

125n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
discs and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
discs by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake discs are corroded, they will
tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Driving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Be aware of traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The
heat which is generated by the brake
applications helps to dry the brake
pads and discs.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the
antilock brake system ever fails, you
should revert to pumping the brakes
(refer to page 128).
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible
impairment of the braking effect.
You can further increase the engine's
braking effect by selecting a lower gear,
downshifting as far as first gear. When
driving a vehicle with automatic trans-
mission, you can still downshift into first
gear. Refer to page 74.If engine braking should prove to be
inadequate, you should still avoid
extended, continuous braking. Instead
of maintaining low to moderate pres-
sure over an extended period of time,
you should decelerate by applying
more substantial pressure to the brake
pedal (watch for following traffic),
releasing the pedal, and then repeating
the application (staggered braking). The
cooling phases between active braking
intervals prevent the brakes from over-
heating, thus ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the shift lever
or selector lever in Neutral. Do not drive
with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when the
clutch is depressed or the transmission
is in Neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is not running. Never allow floor
mats, carpets or any other objects to
protrude into the area around the brake,
clutch or accelerator pedals, which can
obstruct pedal travel.<

128n
Winter operationBrakesWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface;
the resulting increase in braking
distance is considerable and should
always be kept in mind.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.
If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Then increase the pressure, reduce the
pressure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
This staggered braking procedure will
reduce stopping distances while
helping you maintain steering control.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal.Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces. Doing so could cause
the rear wheels to lose traction and
skid, that could result in the loss of
vehicle control.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces that
provide only poor or uneven traction.<
Skid control Depress the clutch and let up on the
accelerator pedal, or place the selector
lever for the automatic transmission in
the "Neutral" position. Countersteer
carefully and attempt to regain control
of the vehicle.
ParkingEngage 1st or reverse gear. If your
vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the selector lever in
"Park." On vehicles with manual trans-
mission, also apply the parking brake
when parking on inclined surfaces. In
order to prevent the parking brake pads
from locking due to frost or corrosion,
dry them by gently applying the parking
brake as the vehicle is coming to a
stop. Make sure that following traffic is
not endangered.
The brake lamps do not come
on when the parking brake is
applied.<

130n
Hardtop
*
It is not necessary to remove the fabric
top even in the winter, when the
hardtop is generally in constant use.
But you can remove it at any time
without difficulty. Before the fabric top
is stored in the convertible top well, it
must be absolutely dry in order to avoid
water spots and mildew from forming.
The hardtop offers reading lamps and
clothing hooks that can be used by
pressing lightly. In addition, a roof-rack
assembly is possible. In this regard,
please contact your BMW center.
When hanging clothing from the
hooks, be sure that they do not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do
so, they could cause personal injury
during braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Two persons are required for installa-
tion or removal. Work with extreme
caution in order to avoid paint damage
and damage to the body or hardtop.
To facilitate hardtop installation or
removal, you can obtain a specially
designed hardtop lift
* or hardtop cart
*
at your BMW center.
Storing
Storing the hardtop on the floor:
push the styrofoam block
provided with the hardtop forward to its
center. The arrow on the styrofoam
block must be pointing upward.<
46cde088
Installation1 Lower the side windows completely
and flip the sun visors down. If
necessary, remove the rod antenna
to avoid any damage.
2 For vehicles with manual convertible
top operation, first release the
convertible top compartment lid, and,
if necessary, open it somewhat. For
vehicles with fully automatic convert-
ible top operation
*, open the
convertible top compartment lid
slightly by pressing the button for
operating the convertible top.
3 Remove the trim pieces on both
sides by pulling them off toward the
back (arrow) and reclose the convert-
ible top compartment lid.
46cde070

145n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oilChecking the oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
similar material.
4 Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again.
5 The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.462de244
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.460de189
To add oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential and the
power steering.<462de245