ESP BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2002 E46 Owner's Manual

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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
equivalent amount of co-solvent) will
not void the applicable warranties
covering defects in materials or work-
manship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel
quality (volatility, composition, addi-
tives, for example) among gasolines
offered for sale in the United States and
Canada. The use of poor-quality fuels
may result in driveability, 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.
Obey all applicable safety rules when
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 on the
market to determine whether 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 CB, 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. Contact your BMW center for
additional information.
Do not use key or remote control to
lock doors or luggage compartment
with anyone inside the vehicle. Refer to
pages 29 and 31 for more details.

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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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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

The system runs an operational check
on the indicator and warning lamps
identified with the

l

symbol each time
you switch on the ignition. 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 in the
following section.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current



l

The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and
serious engine damage. If the drive 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 level; top off as
required. If the oil level is correct:
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious
damage from inadequate lubrication.

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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 comply with
the instructions on pages 109 and 124
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor

l

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has occurred.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately and
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake
applications. As you steer the vehicle,
use caution to avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information refer to
pages 83, 85

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Indicator and warning lamps

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

The brake warning lamp comes
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS and
ASC+T/DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC, ASC+T/
DSC and ADB control system
has failed. Continue driving
cautiously and defensively.
Avoid full brake applications. Please
have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
For additional information refer to
pages 80, 81
CBC, ABS, ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/DBC indicator and warning
lamps for Canadian models.

Red: an important reminder

Parking brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged Ð an additional
acoustic signal sounds when you start
off.
For additional information refer to
page 66
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Lock backrest/Fasten safety
belts

l

An acoustic warning also
sounds in some versions. Flashes if the
backrest is not locked. Lights up either
for several seconds or until the belt is
engaged, depending upon version.
For additional information on safety
belts refer to page 52
Airbags

l

Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information refer to
page 56

Orange: consult the nearest
BMW center

Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission has
responded to a malfunction by
reverting to operation in its emergency
default program. Please consult the
nearest BMW center.
For additional information refer to
page 67

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

l

ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking performance
remains available with no loss of effi-
ciency. Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information refer to
page 109
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on during driving: the
engine oil level has fallen to the
absolute minimum; refill as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information refer to
page 121
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at the earliest opportunity (next time
you stop to refuel).
For additional information refer to
page 121

Brake pads

l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information refer
to page 109
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor

l

Check tire inflation pressures,
refer to pages 24, 83, 85
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)


l

Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
ASC+T has been switched off with the
button or it is defective, or the DSC has
been switched off, ADB is operational.
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.
Additional information beginning on
page 80

Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) indicator
lamp and brake warning lamp

l

The indicator lamps remain on:
the DSC


and ADB/DBC have
been switched off with the button or are
defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information refer to
page 81
DSC and ADB indicator and
warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

l

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired by your BMW
center.
For additional information refer to
page 82

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)

*
The buttons integrated in the multifunc-
tion steering wheel (MFL) are provided
so that you can operate a number of
accessories quickly and without being
distracted from traffic conditions. You
may operate:

>

Selected radio functions

>

The cruise control

>

Selected cellular phone functions.
The controls are active only when
the corresponding systems and
accessories are switched on.

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Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing,
terminate a call.

Switch between phone, radio, cassette
and CD.
Forward:

>

Radio
Press briefly: station scan in FM band
Extended pressure: search function

>

CD
Press briefly: jump to next track
Extended pressure: search function
in track

>

Cassette
Press briefly: stop track scan or fast
forward
Extended pressure: fast forward

>

Phone
Scan personal phone book.
Rewind/reverse: functions as fast
forward.

Volume
Cruise control: select a stored setting.
Cruise control: store and accelerate (+)
or decelerate and store (Ð).
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac-
tivate.

30n
Opening and closing Ð via the remote controlTo lock and securePress the button.
Do not lock the vehicle if there are
passengers still inside, because
they would not be able to unlock the
doors. button.To switch off the tilt alarm sensor
*
and interior motion sensor
*
Press the button a second time imme-
diately after locking.
For additional information refer to
page 37.
To open the luggage
compartment lidPress the button.
The luggage compartment lid will open
slightly, regardless of whether it was
previously locked or unlocked.
Before and after a trip, be sure
that the luggage compartment lid
has not been opened unintentionally. armed, you can respond to imminent
danger by holding down the button for
between two and five seconds.
Press the button to cancel the alarm. External systemsThe remote control system's operation
may be affected by other units or
equipment operating in the immediate
vicinity of your vehicle.
If this should occur, you can still open
and close the vehicle using the master
key in either the door or luggage
compartment lid locks.
For US owners onlyThe transmitter and receiver units
comply with part 15 of the FCC (Federal
Communication Commission) regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the
following:
FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
>this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications to
these devices could void the
user's authority to operate the equip-
ment.<

36n
Luggage compartment Alarm system
*
The fittings at the corners of the
luggage compartment provide you with
a convenient means of attaching
luggage nets
* and flexible straps for
securing luggage.
Refer also to Cargo loading on
page 103.
The conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the
luggage compartment lid is opened
>To movements inside the vehicle
(interior motion sensor)
>To variations in the vehicle's tilt angle
such as those occurring during
attempts to steal the wheels or tow
the vehicle
>To interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
>The acoustic alarm sounds for
30 seconds
>The hazard warning flashers are acti-
vated for approx. five minutes
>The high beams flash on and off in
rhythm with the hazard warning
flashers.
To arm and disarm the alarm
systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked
via the driver's door lock or with the
remote control, the alarm system is also
simultaneously armed or disarmed.
You can have different acknowl-
edgment signals set to confirm
arming and disarming.<
You can open the luggage compart-
ment lid even when the system is
armed by pressing the button on the
remote control, refer to page 30. When
it is closed, the lid is once again
secured.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Manual convertible topThe fabric top offers the perfect protec-
tion against weather and one person
can open and close it easily and simply.
So that you will get the most out of
enjoying your convertible, here are a
few tips: it is advisable to close the
convertible top when the vehicle is
being parked. The closed convertible
top not only protects the passenger
compartment from unforeseeable
damage from the weather, it also
provides a certain degree of theft
protection.
In addition, keep valuables only in the
locked luggage compartment, even
with the convertible top closed.
Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack on the convertible top.
Closing the electric power
windows: to help ensure that the
windows seal securely, you should
either close the rear windows first or
close all four windows at the same
time.<
To open the convertible top
Never attempt to open or close
the convertible top unless the
vehicle is completely stationary. To
prevent vehicle damage the top
compartment's lock will not disengage
unless the luggage compartment lid is
closed.<
1. Flip the locking handle out (refer to
illustration), and turn it as far as the
end stop will allow
2. Raise the convertible top a little bit
(release the tension)
3. To unlock, press the button with igni-
tion key in position 1. The top
compartment lid's lock disengages
and the lid itself rises a small
distance. The side windows will
lower slightly
If the indicator lamp lights up
when you press the button, this
indicates that the top compartment's
floor panel has been raised, preventing
the lock from disengaging, refer to
page 35. You should respond by folding
the top compartment panel back to its
original position and then reclosing the
luggage compartment lid.<

40n
Manual convertible top4. Position the rear convertible top
frame vertically and grip it firmly
You can make it easier to raise the
rear convertible top frame by
pressing the area indicated by the
arrow.<
5. Reach into the recess created when
the convertible top compartment is
lifted and pull it all the way by hand 1
6. Lay the rear convertible top frame in
the convertible top compartment 2
Let go of the rear convertible top
frame before laying the convert-
ible top down, otherwise, the side trim
panel could be damaged.<
7. Raise the front of the top and pull it
back for storage
Now finish pushing the convertible
top all the way down into the
convertible top compartment. This
makes it easier to close the convertible
top compartment lid, especially at
lower temperatures.<
8. Press down slightly on the convert-
ible top compartment lid from above
(arrow). The closing process will then
be carried out automatically
9. Either close the slightly lowered side
windows or put them at the desired
height.
To prevent finger injuries, always
grip the convertible top compart-
ment lid from above.
An interlock device helps avoid damage
to the vehicle by preventing the
luggage compartment lid from opening
unless the convertible top compartment
lid is completely closed.<

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Manual convertible top Fully-automatic convertible top
*
At higher speeds, the ensuing
vacuum in the passenger
compartment can cause the convertible
top to begin fluttering. Increase the air
supply via the ventilation controls so
that a vacuum does not occur in the
vehicle.<
The fully-automatic convertible top
combines the benefits of effective
protection against the elements with
simple and convenient operation.
To gain maximum satisfaction from your
convertible, please observe the
following:
>We strongly recommend that you
close the convertible top before
leaving the vehicle parked. When
closed, the top not only guards the
passenger compartment from unfore-
seeable damage from the weather,
but also affords a degree of protec-
tion against theft. However, even
when the top is closed valuables
should always be stored in the locked
luggage compartment
>Never attempt to mount any kind of
roof rack or luggage carrier on the
convertible top
>Never retract or attempt to move the
convertible top at temperatures
below 14 7 (Ð 10 6), as damage
could result.
Never store the convertible top
while it is wet to avoid permanent
damage from moisture.<
Driving when the opening or
closing process has not been
completed can cause vehicle damage or
personal injury.
Try to make sure that the vehicle is
completely stationary before using the
fully-automatic convertible top, other-
wise the system could respond by stop-
ping in mid-travel.
If you set the convertible top in motion
with the vehicle stationary and then have
to start suddenly Ð for instance, at a
traffic light Ð you can still complete the
operation by driving as slowly as
possible and again pressing and main-
taining pressure on the button. To avoid
possible legal violations, always
remember that traffic regulations always
take priority over these instructions.
Before closing the top always ensure
that the windshield frame is clear and
free of any obstructions that could
prevent it from seating correctly.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top, as they could fall off when it moves,
causing vehicle damage or personal
injury.
Always keep your hands and fingers well
away from the top's mechanism while it
is opening and closing. Ensure that chil-
dren remain at a safe distance from the
top's travel range while it is in motion.<