fluid BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2002 E46 Owner's Manual

5n

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Controls and features
Operation, maintenance

Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)81
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)83
Flat Tire Monitor85

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams87
Instrument lighting88
High beams/Standing lamps88
Fog lamps88
Interior lamps89

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Air conditioning90
Automatic climate control93

Interior conveniences:

Glove compartment96
BMW Universal Transmitter97
Storage compartments99
Cellular phone100
Ashtray, front100
Ashtray, rear101

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag102
Cargo loading103
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop105

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures108
Driving notes109
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)109
Brake system109
Hardtop110

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Wheel and tire
combinations116
Winter tires116

In the engine compartment:

Hood118
Engine compartment
essentials119
Washer fluids120
Engine oil121
Coolant123
Brake fluid124

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System125

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications126
California Proposition
65 Warning126
OBD interface socket127

17n

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.

<

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.

<

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

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity. For additional information
refer to page 120
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
checked at your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity. For addi-
tional information refer to page 127
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine electronics

l

There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity. For additional information refer to
page 123

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is
operated.
Rapid flashing indicates a system
malfunction.
For additional information refer to
page 69
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise
control is activated: available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information refer to
page 72
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information refer to
page 88

Blue: for your information

High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information refer to
pages 69, 88

71n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Washer/Wiper system0 Wipers retracted
1 Clean the windshieldCleaning the windshield
Do not use the washers if there is
any danger that the fluid will
freeze on the windshield, as your vision
could be obscured. Always use a wind-
shield washer antifreeze in cold
weather, refer to page 120.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty. This could cause damage
to the washer pump.<
The system sprays washer fluid against
the windshield and activates the wipers
for a brief period.
Cleaning headlamps
*
When the vehicle's lighting system is
switched on, the headlamps will also be
cleaned every fifth time the automatic
windshield washer is activated.Windshield washer nozzlesThe windshield washer nozzles are
heated automatically
* when the ignition
key is in position 2.

109n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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.<

119n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine compartment essentials1 Brake fluid reservoir124
2 Engine oil dipstick1213 Coolant expansion tank123
4 Reservoir for the headlamp and
windshield washer system1205 Engine oil filler neck121
6 Auxiliary terminal for
jump-starting140

120n
Washer fluidsHeadlamp
* and windshield
washer system
Approximate capacity is 5.6 US quarts
(5.3 liters).
Fill with water and Ð if required Ð with a
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agents or intensive-
cleaning washer fluids for the
washer systems are highly flammable.
For this reason, keep them away from
sources of flame and store only in orig-
inal containers. Store them inaccessible
to children. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<

124n
Brake fluidWarning lamp
The brake warning lamp comes
on when the parking brake is
not engaged: the brake fluid
level is too low, refer to page 17.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is familiar
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss results in extended
pedal travel. Refer to the information on
page 109.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake
fluid changed every two years at a
BMW center, refer to page 75 and to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in original container and in a location
which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill brake fluid and do not fill
the brake fluid reservoir beyond the
MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite
upon contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating
the disposal of brake fluid.<

140n
Do not use spray starter fluids to start
the engine.
When your battery is discharged you
can used two jumper cables to start
your vehicle with power from the
battery in a second vehicle. You can
also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Always use jumper
cables with fully insulated handles on
the terminal clamps.
Do not touch high-voltage wiring
and cables on a running engine.
Contact with components carrying high
voltage can be harmful or fatal. Care-
fully observe the following instructions
to avoid personal injury and/or damage
to one or both vehicles.<
1. Ensure that the battery in the support
vehicle is also rated at 12 volts. This
information is provided on the top of
the battery casing
2. Do not disconnect your battery from
your vehicle's electrical system.
Switch off all electrical accessories in
both vehicles
3. Make absolutely certain that there is
no contact between the bodywork of
the two vehicles Ð short circuit
hazard
4. Start the engine on the support
vehicle and allow it to run
5. Use one jumper cable (+) to connect
the positive terminal of the battery in
the support vehicle with the auxiliary
positive terminal provided in the
engine compartment of your BMW
(arrow 1). The cover on this auxiliary
terminal is identified by a "+" symbol.
Remove by pulling the tab
6. Next, connect one end of the other
jumper cable (Ð) to either the support
vehicle's negative battery terminal or
a suitable ground on its engine or
bodywork. Connect the other end to
the negative battery terminal or a
suitable ground on the vehicle being
started. There is a special nut on
your BMW (2)
Always adhere to this sequence
when connecting jumper cables;
failure to observe this procedure can
lead to sparks at the battery terminals
and pose an injury hazard.<
7. Start the support vehicle's engine
and let it run at an increased idling
speed for a few minutes. Start the
engine on the vehicle needing the
jump-start, and allow it to run as
usual. If the first start attempt is not
successful, wait a few minutes
before another attempt in order to
allow the discharged battery to
recharge
8. Before disconnecting the jumper
cables let the engines run for a few
minutes
9. Then disconnect the jumper cables
in reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault,
have the battery recharged by your
BMW center.
Jump-starting

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)19, 109
Access to the rear51
Accessories10
Activated-charcoal filter96
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)68
ADB (Automatic Differential
Brake)81
Adding
brake fluid124
coolant123
engine oil121
washer fluids120
Adjusting
electric power seats49
head restraints50
lumbar support50
mirrors55
steering wheel54
Air conditioning90
temperature setting91
Air distribution91, 94
Air nozzles90
Air outlets
ventilation90, 93 Air supply91, 94
Airbags18, 56
sitting correctly48
Alarm system28, 36
Antifreeze and anti-
corrosion agents123
disposal123
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)19, 109
Anti-theft system28, 29, 32
Aquaplaning109
Armrest99
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)80
Ashtray
front100
rear101
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)68
Attach vehicle vacuum
cleaner101
AUC (Automatic recircu-
lated-air control)95
Automatic climate
control93, 94
Automatic cruise control72 Automatic Differential Brake
(ADB)81
Automatic dimming feature,
mirrors56
Automatic headlight
control87
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)95
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)80
Automatic transmission67
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic18, 67
Average fuel
consumption78
Average speed78
Axle loads146
B
Backup lamps66
bulb replacement133
Battery139
care139
charging139
disposal139
Battery charge current
indicator17 Belts, safety52
Beverage holder100
Blower91, 94
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil122
BMW Maintenance
System125
BMW sports seat,
adjustment49
BMW Universal
Transmitter97
Bore144
Bottle holder, refer to
beverage holder100
Brake fluid124
disposal124
warning lamp17, 124
Brake fluid level109
Brake hydraulic system,
warning lamp17
Brake lamps
bulb replacement133
Brake pads19

A-Z