auto BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 Owner's Manual

6n

For your own safety

Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight (i.e. 15 %
MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an equiva-
lent amount of co-solvent) will not void
the applicable warranties respecting
defects in materials or workmanship.
Field experience has indicated signifi-
cant differences in fuel quality (volatility,
composition, additives, for example)
among gasolines offered for sale in the
United States and Canada. The use of
poor quality fuels may result in drive-
ability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental
conditions, such as high ambient
temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be
related to the fuel you are using, we
recommend that you respond by
switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Follow the relevant safety rules when
you are handling gasoline.

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Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure
optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damage resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product from
other manufacturers to verify if it can be
used on a BMW safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its
occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW centers.

Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones (including
operation of any portable cellular phone
from within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (such as C.B., walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause
extensive damage to the vehicle,
compromise its safety, interfere with
the vehicle's electrical system or affect
the validity of the BMW Limited
Warranty. See your BMW center for
additional information.

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Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.

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Symbol on vehicle parts

Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.

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The following only applies to vehicles owned and operated in the US.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could cause a crash o\
r could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (\
NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of
North America, Inc., P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Tel\
ephone (201) 307-4000.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and \
if it finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, N\
HTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, I\
nc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free \
at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transport\
ation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can
also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotlin\
e.

Contents

Overview
Controls and features

Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)24
Hazard warning flashers25
Warning triangle25
First-aid kit25
Refueling26
Fuel specifications27
Tire inflation pressure27

Opening and closing:

Keys32
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing Ð from the
outside34
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside38
Luggage compartment lid39
Luggage compartment40
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
The manual convertible top45
The fully automatic convertible
top48
Wind deflector50

Adjusting:

Seats52
Seat and mirror memory56
Steering wheel57
Mirrors57
Car Memory, Key Memory59

Passenger safety systems:

Safety belts60
Airbags61
Transporting children safely64
Rollover protection system67

Driving:

Steering/Ignition lock69
Starting the engine69
Switching off the engine70
Parking brake71
Manual transmission72
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic73
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher76
Washer/Wiper system76
Rear window defroster78
Cruise control79

Everything under control:

Odometer81
Tachometer81
Energy Control81
Fuel temperature gauge82
Coolant temperature gauge82
Service Interval Display82
Check Control83
Computer83

Technology for driving comfort
and safety:

Park Distance Control (PDC)87
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)88
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)89
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)91

Contents

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Lamps:

Side lamps/Low beams93
Instrument panel lighting93
High beams/Parking lamps94
Fog lamps94
Interior lamps94

Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:

Air conditioner96
Automatic climate control102
Seat heating107

Interior convenience:

Glove compartment107
BMW Universal Transmitter108
Storage facilities110
Cellular phone111
Ashtray, front111
Cigarette lighter112
Ashtray, rear112

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag113
Cargo loading114
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop116

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures120
Driving notes121
Catalytic converter121
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)122
Disc brakes125
Brake system126
Winter operation127
Power steering129
Cellular phone129
Radio reception129
Hardtop130

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure132
Tire condition132
Tire replacement133
Tire rotation134
Wheel and tire
combinations135
Winter tires136
Snow chains136
Approved wheel and tire
specifications137

Under the hood:

Hood140
Engine compartment142
Washer fluids144
Washer nozzles144
Engine oil145
Coolant147
Brake fluid148
Vehicle Identification
Number149

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System150
Caring for your vehicle151
Cleaning and care of the
convertible top157
Airbags159
Vehicle storage160

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications161
California Proposition
65 Warning161
ODB interface socket162

Contents

Repairs
Advanced technology
Technical data

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit166
Windshield wiper blades166
Lamps and bulbs166
Changing a wheel173
Battery176
Fuses179
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal
filter180

In case of electrical
malfunction:

Fuel filler door180
Convertible top181

Assistance, giving and
receiving:

Jump-starting183
Towing the vehicle184Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC)188
Airbags189
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)189
Radio reception190
Safety belt tensioner190
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming
feature191
Rain sensor191
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)192
Self-diagnostics192
Rollover protection system193
Xenon lamps193Engine data196
Dimensions197
Weights198
Capacities199
Electrical system200
Drive belts200

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Instrument cluster

1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for fuel reserve82
2 Turn signal indicator23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for:

>

Battery charge current20

>

High beams23

>

Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and
Energy control81
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high"
indicator82
7 Indicator and warning lamps (clock-
wise) for:

>

Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)/DBC20

>

Antilock Brake System (ABS)22

>

Brake pads22

>

Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)

*
20, 22

>

Rollover protection system67

>

Airbags21

>

Adjust and lock backrest/Please
fasten safety belts21

>

Cruise control23
8 Set button for the clock849 Program display for automatic
transmission

*
75
Indicator lamp for automatic
transmission

*
21, 75
10 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

*
and ADB22
11 Indicator for:

>

Odometer81

>

Trip odometer81

>

Clock84

>

Service Interval82
Indicator for computer,
operation using the turn signal lever,
refer to page 83:

>

Clock

>

Outside temperature

>

Average fuel consumption

>

Range

>

Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control83
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero8114 Indicator and warning lamps (clock-
wise) for:

>

Front fog lamps23

>

Add washer fluid22

>

Coolant level23

>

Electronic Throttle Control
(EML)

*
23

>

Service engine soon22
You can display the outside
temperature and distance driven
in different units of measurement.

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20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Many of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
that are identified by "

l

" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge

l


The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator V-belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue driving, otherwise, the
engine could be damaged due to over-
heating. If the V-belt is defective,
increased steering effort is also
required.

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Engine oil pressure


l


Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil and top off as
required. If the oil level is correct,
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving. If you do
so, the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.

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Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately to stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to
page 91.
Brake warning lamp l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to read the
notes on pages 126 and 148.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lampsRed and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
The brake warning lamp and the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS
and ASC+T/DSC both light up:
The entire ABS, CBC, ASC+T/
DSC
and
ADB/DBC system has
failed. Continue driving
cautiously and defensively.
Avoid hard brake applications.
Please have the system checked by
your BMW center as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 88, 123.
CBC, ABS, ASC+T/DSC
indi-
cator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
Red: an important reminder
Parking brake
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied Ð an acoustic
signal also sounds when starting off.
For additional information, refer to
page 71. Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Adjust and lock backrest/Please
fasten safety belts l
A warning signal will sound at
the same time. Flashes, if the backrest
is not locked. Lights up until the safety
belt is fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 60.
Airbags l

Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
pages 61, 189.
Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center
Automatic transmission
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information, refer to
page 75.

22n
Indicator and warning lampsYellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 123.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Lights up while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute
minimum; therefore, add engine oil as
soon as possible. Do not drive more
than 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information, refer to
page 145.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add oil at the
earliest opportunity (when you stop to
refuel).
For additional information, refer to
page 145.
Brake pads l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 126.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
Check tire inflation pressure:
refer to pages 27, 91.
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
force and braking force.
The indicator lamp remains on:
ASC+T has been switched off via the
button or it is defective, or the DSC has
been switched off, ADB is operational.
Please consult the nearest BMW center
in the event of a fault.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and
brake warning lamp l
The indicator lamps remain on:
DSC
and ADB/DBC are
switched off via the button or are defec-
tive.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
DSC and ADB/DBC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid.
The washer fluid is too low. Top
up the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 144.
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
inspected by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 162.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.

30n
Opening and closing:
Keys32
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing Ð from the
outside34
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside38
Luggage compartment lid39
Luggage compartment40
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
The manual convertible top45
The fully automatic convertible
top48
Wind deflector50
Adjusting:
Seats52
Seat and mirror memory56
Steering wheel57
Mirrors57
Car Memory, Key Memory59
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts60
Airbags61
Transporting children safely64
Rollover protection system67
Controls