engine BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2002 E46 Owner's Guide

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ComputerAverage fuel consumptionIf you continue to hold the button on the
turn signal lever, the average fuel
consumption last displayed is recalcu-
lated from that point in time.
RangeThe computer bases its calculations for
the cruising range on the operating
conditions in the preceding period and
on the remaining fuel in the tank.
Average speedIf you continue to hold the button on the
turn signal lever, the average speed last
displayed is recalculated from that
point in time.
Any time spent when the vehicle is
stationary and the engine is switched
off is ignored for the calculation.

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Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)

The conceptThis system optimizes vehicle stability
and traction, especially when you are
starting off, accelerating or when going
through curves.
ASC+T recognizes the danger present
in traction loss and will increase driving
stability and traction by reducing the
engine's output, and if necessary, by
applying the brakes to the rear wheels.
ASC+T is ready each time you start the
engine.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition,
refer to pages 18, 19.
The indicator lamp flashes:
ASC+T is actively controlling drive
torque and braking intervention.
The indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or it comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
There is a system malfunction or the
system was deactivated with the
button. Consequently, interventions to
increase driving stability (as described
in the preceding column) are no longer
available. You can still drive the vehicle
perfectly well without ASC+T
In the event of a fault, please contact
your BMW center, refer to
pages 18, 19.
Switch off the ASC+TPress the button; the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.
The illustration depicts the arrangement
of the buttons if the vehicle is fully
equipped. This may vary, depending on
the equipment actually installed.
In the following rare situations, it may
be effective to deactivate the ASC+T
for a brief period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the ASC+T acti-
vated whenever possible.<

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
ASC+T Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
*
Switch the ASC+T back onPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC+T. An
appropriate driving style always
remains the responsibility of the driver.
We therefore urge you to avoid using
the additional safety margin of the
system as an excuse for taking risks.<
The conceptThe Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
maintains vehicle stability, even in crit-
ical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
traction. In addition, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
under- or oversteering, and, as far as is
possible within the laws of physics,
helps keeping the vehicle on a steady
course by reducing the engine speed
and brake applications to the individual
wheels.
DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. DSC incorporates the func-
tionality of the Automatic Differential
Brake (ADB) and the Cornering Brake
Control (CBC).
The Automatic Differential Brake (ADB)
relies on selective braking applications
at the drive wheels to furnish the func-
tionality of a conventional limited-slip
differential for enhanced traction in crit-
ical driving conditions such as those
encountered on snow-covered road
surfaces, etc.
The ADB is in standby mode when DSC
is deactivated.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
switched on, refer to pages 18, 19.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is actively controlling drive torque
and braking intervention.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been deactivated manually;
ADB is operational.
ADB control intervention is not indi-
cated.
The indicator lamp and the
brake warning lamps will remain
on continuously:
The DSC, ADB and DBC have
been deactivated with the
button or are defective.
The vehicle will remain completely
operational, however, without DSC. In
the event of a fault, please consult your
BMW center, refer to pages 18, 19.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
*
The conceptRDC monitors the tire pressures at all
four wheels, even when the vehicle is
moving. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops
significantly below the specified pres-
sure in one or more tires.
In order for the system to learn the
correct tire inflation pressure, check the
inflation pressure in all tires according
to the inflation pressure table on
page 25 and make corrections as
necessary. Then activate the system.
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will inform you if
the tire pressure is not correct.
To activate the system1 Turn ignition key to position 2 (do not
start the engine)
2 Press the button long enough for the
yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster to light up for a few
seconds.
3 After a few minutes driving time, RDC
adopts the current inflation pressures
in the tires as the reference values to
be monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure following a correction of the tire
inflation pressure. Otherwise, RDC
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.
In the event of loss in inflation
pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped
significantly over a long period of time
(which is normal for any tire), the yellow
indicator lamp will come on.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated
to the specified pressures as soon as
possible.
If you are prompted to check the
tire pressure shortly after a
correction has been made, this indi-
cates that the corrected values were
not accurate. Please check the inflation
pressure again and make corrections
according to the inflation pressure
table. Then activate the system once
again.<

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Air conditioningAir supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. The heating and
ventilation become more and
more effective as the air
supply settings are increased. In
position 0, the blower and the heater
are switched off. The outside air supply
is blocked in position 0.
Temperature
In order to increase the
temperature of the passenger
compartment, turn the
temperature control to the
right (red). The temperature of the
incoming air is kept constant.
Air distribution
You can direct the emerging
air toward the windows ,
toward your upper body or
into the footwell . All inter-
mediate settings are possible. In the
setting, there is a low flow of air onto
the windows to keep them free of
condensation.
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window defroster
switches off automatically.
The rear window defroster auto-
matically assumes operation
within 5 minutes after the engine is
started at outside temperatures below
approx. 39 7 (+4 6).<
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started. Switching on the air
conditioning will reduce condensation
forming on the windows.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioning system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
external odors by temporarily
suspending the supply of outside air.
The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
If the windows should fog over in
the recirculated-air mode, switch
it off and increase the air supply as
required.<

94n
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system Ð switch on
with AUTO button 7. Select the desired
interior temperature.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program adjusts the
air distribution and the air
supply for you and Ð in addition to that Ð
adapts the temperature to external
influences (summer, winter) to meet
preferences you can specify.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting specific
distribution patterns to suit your
own individual requirements.
While the AUTO program is then deacti-
vated, the automatic airflow control
remains in operation. The system
directs air to the windows , the upper
body and into the footwells . You
can reactivate the automatic air distri-
bution mode by selecting the AUTO
button.
Temperature
The interior temperature that
appears in the display panel is a
general figure intended for reference
purposes. We recommend 72 7
(+22 6) as a comfortable setting, even
if the air conditioning is on. When you
start the vehicle, the system ensures
that the selected temperature is
achieved as quickly as possible. It then
maintains this temperature, regardless
of the season.
Air supply
By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. This deactivates the auto-
matic control of the air supply, AUTO
disappears from the display panel.
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged. You can
reactivate the automatic air distribution
mode by selecting the AUTO button.
When the lowest blower speed is set
and you press the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioning are
switched off. The outside air supply is
blocked. You can reactivate the system
by pressing any button for the auto-
matic climate control.
To defrost windows and remove
condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and the side windows.
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started. Switching on the air
conditioning will reduce condensation
forming on the windows.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioning system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.
<

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Automatic recirculated-air control
(AUC)
You can respond to unpleasant
external odors by temporarily
stopping the flow of outside air. The
system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
Press the button repeatedly to select
one of three different operating modes.
>Indicator lamps off: outside airflow is
on
>Left indicator lamp on Ð AUC mode:
the system recognizes pollutants in
the outside air and blocks the flow of
air when necessary. The system then
recirculates the air currently 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 indicator lamp on: the flow of
outside air into the vehicle is perma-
nently blocked. The system then
recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated-air mode, switch it off
and increase the air supply as
required.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window defroster
switches off automatically.
The rear window defroster auto-
matically assumes operation
within 5 minutes after the engine is
started at outside temperatures below
approx. 39 7 (+4 6).<
Draft-free ventilationYou can adjust the blower controls for
the upper body area to select the
optimum airflow rates and directions for
your personal requirements:
1 Rotary dials for infinitely-variable
opening and closing of the vent
outlets
2 Selector levers for airflow direction
3 Rotary dial 3 allows you to control the
temperature of the airflow from these
outlets as desired.

108n
To ensure that your vehicle continues to
provide maximum economy throughout
an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the
following instructions.
Engine and differentialThe first 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Attempt to constantly vary both vehicle
and engine speed during these initial
miles while remembering to avoid
engine speeds in excess of 4,500 rpm
and/or vehicle speeds of over 100 mph
(160 km/h):
Always obey all official speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
After the initial 1,200 miles (2,000 km)
you can gradually increase both engine
and vehicle speeds.
Please remember to observe the same
break-in procedures if either the engine
or the differential is replaced later in the
course of the vehicle's service life.
TiresOwing to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
We thus ask you to drive with extra care
during the first 200 miles (300 km).
Always obey all official speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads. elapse before the brake pads and
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and an extended service
life later on.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance); use caution to
avoid posing a danger to other road
users. You can prevent corrosion in the
drums by periodically repeating this
procedure.
The brake lamps do not come on
when you engage the parking
brake.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine off Ð when
towing, for example Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle. elapse before the clutch starts to
operate at optimum efficiency.
Remember to engage the clutch care-
fully during this initial period.
Break-in procedures

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Driving notes Antilock Brake System Brake system
Brakes: do not drive with your foot
resting on the brake pedal. Even
light but consistent pedal pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear
and possibly even brake failure.
Aquaplaning: when driving on wet or
slushy roads, reduce vehicle speed. If
you do not, a wedge of water may form
between the tires and the road surface.
This phenomenon can lead to partial or
complete loss of contact between the
tires and road surface, vehicle control
and braking ability.
Driving through water: do not drive
through water on the road if it is deeper
than 1 ft (30 cm), and then only at
walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.
Clothes hooks (with hardtop): when
hanging clothing from the hooks, be
sure that they will 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.<
The conceptThe Antilock Brake System (ABS) keeps
the wheels from locking during braking,
thereby enhancing active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply
maximum pedal pressure ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.
Brake fluid level If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a defect in one of the
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. It may be necessary to
apply higher levels of pressure to the
pedal when stopping and braking
distances may also be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<

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Brake system Hardtop
*
Disc brakesLimited vehicle use, extended periods
with the vehicle parked or in storage,
and operating conditions in which
braking is restricted to gentle, low-
pressure applications will all increase
the tendency for corrosion to form on
the rotors; this is often accompanied by
a simultaneous accumulation of
contamination on the brake pads. The
pads must exert a certain minimal level
of pressure against the rotors for the
disc brakes' inherent self-cleaning
effect to remain effective.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
When driving in heavy rain and on wet
roads it is useful to apply light pressure
to the brake pedal every few miles.
Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that
this maneuver does not pose a hazard
to you or to other road users. The heat
generated in this process helps dry the
pads and rotors to ensure that your
brake system will respond with undi-
minished efficiency when you need it.
When descending steep hills and
extended grades, downshift to a gear
that will allow you to continue safely with only a minimal amount of braking.
By minimizing the loads placed on the
brake system, this strategy helps
ensure that optimal brake system
response will remain available at all
times. Use care to avoid exceeding the
approved engine-speed range, refer to
page 74.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmission
or selector lever in neutral. Do not coast
with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when the
clutch is depressed 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 accelerator, clutch and brake
pedals and obstruct their movement.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that the manufacturer
has released for your particular vehicle
model. The manufacturer cannot eval-
uate 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.<
It is not necessary to remove the fabric
top even in the winter, when the
hardtop is generally in constant use.
But you can also remove it at any time
with no problem. Before the fabric top
is stored in the convertible top
compartment, it must be absolutely dry
in order to avoid water spots and
mildew from forming.
The hardtop offers reading lamps and
clothes hooks that can be used just by
pressing. In addition, a roof-rack can be
mounted, for more information, please
contact your BMW center.
When suspending articles of
clothing from the hooks, be sure
that they will 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 people are required for installation
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 rack
*
at your BMW center.