warning BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2003 E46 Owner's Guide

93
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed
immediately and stop the vehicle in a
safe location. Avoid hard brake applica-
tions. Do not oversteer. Replace the
defective tire, refer to page 151.
The space-saver spare tire is pro-
vided for temporary use only in the
case of a tire failure. It does not have
TPM electronics and is not monitored.
The spare tire that has the same dimen-
sions as the tires already mounted on
the vehicle is equipped with the neces-
sary TPM electronics and will also be
monitored once the tire has been
mounted and the system initialized.<
The TPM cannot alert you to
severe and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors.<
Have the tires changed by your
BMW center.
Your BMW center has the information
needed for working with TPM and is
equipped with the necessary special
tools. quency can interfere with the TPM.
The yellow indicator lamp will come on
during the malfunction.
The indicator lamp also comes on
>in the event of a system fault
>if a wheel is mounted without the
appropriate TPM electronics
>if, in addition to the spare tire, addi-
tional wheels with TPM electronics
are being carried on board.
Please refer the problem to your BMW
center.
Flat Tire Monitor*The conceptAs you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor
keeps track of pressure levels in all four
tires in order to detect and warn of any
substantial pressure loss.
The system actually detects pressure
loss by monitoring differences in the
relative speeds of the four wheels. It
interprets variations outside specified
limits as severe pressure loss, and then
responds by generating a warning.
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)*
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 93 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

94
Initializing the systemInitializing is necessary to familiarize the
system with the correct inflation pres-
sures.
Repeat this process after any changes
in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or
replacement. Do not carry out further
system initialization after adjusting the
inflation pressure and letting the system
"learn" the correct pressures.
1. Check the tire inflation pressures in
all the tires, comparing them with the
inflation pressure chart on page 25
and adjusting their pressure if neces-
sary
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Press the button until the yellow indi-
cator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up. After a little while, the indi-
cator lamp will go out by itself
4. After a few minutes' driving time, the
Flat Tire Monitor adopts the current
pressure levels as the reference and
from that point on, can detect and
report a flat tire.
To activate/deactivate the systemThe Flat Tire Monitor automatically
assumes operation whenever you turn
the ignition key to position 2. Unless
manually deactivated, it is always on
during normal vehicle operation.
To deactivate the system: press the
button, the yellow indicator lamp comes
on.
To activate the system: press the but-
ton again, the indicator lamp goes out.
You should deactivate the system
before driving with snow chains, as the
chains can generate spurious warnings
and/or prevent the system from detect-
ing actual pressure loss.
Flat Tire Monitor*
handbook.book Page 94 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

95
Flat tire
The red warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up to
warn of pressure loss and tire
failure. This visual alert is accompanied
by an acoustic warning signal. Reduce
your speed immediately, and steer and
brake gently as you bring the vehicle to
a stop.
To reset the warning lamp: after replac-
ing the damaged tire you will need to
reset the red warning lamp manually:
maintain pressure on the Flat Tire Moni-
tor button until the warning lamp goes
out. Then reinitialize the system.
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot pro-
vide you with advance warning of
sudden and severe tire damage caused
by external factors.
The system also does not detect the
gradual and minor loss of pressure that
all tires display over extended periods
of time.<
Check tire inflation pressures on a
regular basis, correcting them as
necessary, refer to page 25.
The system may respond to operation
on slippery or snow-covered road sur-
faces with false warnings or delays in
detecting actual pressure loss.
Performance-oriented driving, slip at
the drive wheels and high rates of lat-
eral acceleration can also increase the
time that the Flat Tire Monitor requires
to detect a flat.<
System malfunctionsThe yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up and remains on
until the problem is corrected.
Please refer the problem to your BMW
center.
Flat Tire Monitor*
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 95 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

96Lamps
Parking lamps/Low beamsParking lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on. You can
use the parking lamps to signal
the position of the vehicle when it is
parked. For lighting on one side for
parking as an additional feature, refer to
page 97.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off
while the low beams are on, the
headlamps go out and only the
parking lamps remain on.
Follow me home lampsWhen you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle with the
lamps turned off, the low-beam head-
lamps will come on for a short time.
You can also have this function
deactivated. having turned the ignition key to posi-
tion 0, you will hear an acoustic signal
for a few seconds to remind you that
the lamps have not been switched off.Daytime driving lamps*If you desire, the light switch can be left
in the second position: When the igni-
tion is switched off, the external lighting
is also switched off.
You can have the activation set-
tings for the daytime driving lamps
programmed on your vehicle.<
Automatic headlamp control*
When the switch is set to this
position the system automati-
cally activates and cancels the
low beams in response to changes in
ambient light – in tunnels, at dusk, etc. –
and in the event of rain and snow.
The vehicle's external lights
remain on constantly when you
switch on the front fog lamps after the
headlamps have come on automati-
cally.<
Automatic headlamp control can-
not serve as a substitute for the
driver's judgement in determining when
the vehicle lights should be switched
on. For example, the sensors are not
able to detect fog. To avoid safety risks,
you should respond to these kinds of
low-visibility situations by switching the
headlamps on manually.<
You can have the sensitivity of
your vehicle's automatic head-
lamp control adjusted.<
handbook.book Page 96 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

139
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The brake warning lamp comes
on when the parking brake is
not engaged: the brake fluid
level is too low, refer to page 18.
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing 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 124.
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 by a
BMW center. Refer also to page 83 and
to the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet Booklet for
Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the 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.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 139 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

141 Laws and regulations
California Proposition 65 warningCalifornia laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its con-
stituents, and certain vehicle com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain
fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash your hands after hand-
ling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
water.<
OBD interface socketThe interface socket for onboard diag-
nostics is located on the left-hand side
of the driver's side, behind a specially
marked cover located beneath the
instrument panel. The cover has the let-
ters OBD on it.
This interface makes it possible to
access data on emissions-related com-
ponents using special equipment.
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the vehi-
cle. However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW center at the
next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact the nearest
BMW center immediately. Severe
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 141 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

151
License plate lamps5 watt bulb
1. Place a screwdriver in the slot and
press toward the left – see arrow – to
release the lens
2. Replace the bulb.
Changing a wheel
Safety precautions in the event of
a flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur-
face. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position and engage the
steering lock. Shift into 1st or Reverse,
or if you have an automatic transmis-
sion position the selector lever in Park,
and engage the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area – behind a guardrail,
for example.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface – snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc. – as either the vehicle or the
jack could slip sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support sur-
face.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. They could pre-
vent the jack from extending to its full
height and reduce its support capacity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack. There is otherwise a risk of
fatal injury.<
Lamps and bulbs
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 151 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

155
Run Flat tires*Run Flat tires are labeled on the side-
wall with a circular symbol containing
the letters RSC. Run Flat tires consist of
self-supporting tires and special rims.
The tire reinforcement ensures that the
tire retains some residual safety in the
event of pressure drop and driving
remains possible to a restricted degree.
The vehicle is equipped with a Tire
Pressure Monitor (TPM) or Flat Tire
Monitor, which indicate a flat tire.
Because the sides of Run Flat
tires are reinforced, a drop in infla-
tion pressure usually cannot be
detected from the outside.<
Flat tireIf there is a tire failure, the red warning
lamp symbol lights up. This visual alert
is accompanied by an acoustic warning
signal.
Additional information on the Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (TPM) or Flat Tire Monitor
is found beginning on page 92.
Reduce vehicle speed carefully to
under 50 mph / 80 km/h, avoiding hard
brake applications and steering maneu-
vers.
If it cannot be determined immediately
from the outside which wheel is defec-
tive, check the tire inflation pressure at
all four wheels.
Have Run Flat tires replaced by
your BMW center. In the interest
of safety, Run Flat tires should not be
repaired. Your BMW center has the
information needed for working with
Run Flat tires and is equipped with the
necessary special tools.<
If appropriate, please consult your
BMW center to reequip your vehi-
cle from summer to winter tires – or vice
versa.<
Driving with a damaged tireRun Flat tires allow you to continue
driving to a restricted degree at a maxi-
mum speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h
depending on the cargo load and the
extent of tire damage. You can deter-
mine the distance you may continue
driving on the basis of the following val-
ues:
>Tire inflation pressure of 0 psi/
0 kilopascal (kPa):
approx. 100 miles/150 km
>Tire inflation pressure of approx.
7-15 psi/50-100 kPa:
approx. 300 miles/500 km
>Tire inflation pressure greater than
15 psi/100 kPa:
approx. 600 miles/1,000 km.
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. Be
aware that vehicle handling will be
altered when there is a loss in inflation
pressure. Anticipate, e.g., reduced
tracking during braking, longer braking
distances and changed steering char-
acteristics.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 155 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

157 Giving and receiving assistance
Jump-startingWhen your battery is discharged you
can use 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. Only 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. The battery in the support vehicle
must also be rated at 12 volts. This
information is provided on the battery
label
2. Stop the engine of the support vehi-
cle and switch off all electrical com-
ponents in both vehicles – except for
the hazard warning flashers of the
support vehicle
3. Make absolutely certain that there is
no contact between the bodywork of
the two vehicles – short circuit haz-
ard
4. The auxiliary jump-starting terminal
located in your BMW's engine com-
partment acts as the positive battery
terminal. The cover of this auxiliary
terminal is marked with a + sign.
Remove by pulling the tab – see
arrow 1.
Start by connecting the jumper cable
from the positive terminal of the dis-
charged battery to the positive termi-
nal of the support battery
5. Then connect the negative terminals
with the other jumper cable. First
connect one end to the negative bat-
tery terminal or to a suitable ground
on the support vehicle. Then connect
the other end to the negative battery
terminal or a suitable ground on the
vehicle being started.
Your BMW is equipped with a special
nut for this purpose – see arrow 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.<
6. Start the engine of the support vehi-
cle and let it run for several minutes
at a slightly elevated engine idle
speed
7. Start the engine of the other vehicle
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 checked and
recharged by your BMW center.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 157 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 123
indicator lamp 19
Accessories 5
Activated-charcoal filter 108
ADB Automatic Differential
Braking 88
Adding brake fluid 134, 139
Air conditioning
100, 102, 106
Air distribution 102
automatic 106
individual 106
Air nozzles 100, 104
Air outlets 100, 104
Air pressure 127
check 25
Air supply 102, 106
Air supply/Blower
recirculated-air mode 107
Airbags 61
warning lamp 18
Alarm system 38
avoiding false alarm 39
indicator lamp 39
interior protection 38
tilt alarm sensor 38
Antifreeze 138
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 123
indicator lamp 19Anti-theft system 30, 38
Armrest 112
ASC+T Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction 88
indicator lamp 19
Ashtray
front 113
rear 114
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 107
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 104
Automatic cruise control 79
Automatic curb monitor 58
Automatic Differential Brak-
ing (ADB) 88
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 60
Automatic headlamp
control 96
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 107
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T) 88
indicator lamp 19
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 74
indicator lamps 19Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting 134, 157
Average fuel
consumption 86
Average speed 86
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Axle loads 164
B
Backrest
unlock 55
Backup lamps 73
replacing bulb 149
Battery 156
charge 156
charge current 18
charge indicator lamp 18
Belts 56
Beverage holder 113
Blower 100, 102, 106
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils 137
BMW Maintenance
System 140
BMW Universal
Transmitter 110
Bore 162
Bottle holder, see Beverage
holder 113
Brake
warning lamp 18Brake fluid level 124
warning lamp 18, 139
Brake hydraulics
warning lamp 18
Brake lamps
replacing bulb 149
Brake pads 124
indicator lamp 19
Brakes
driving notes 123
malfunctions 124
parking brake 72
Break-in procedures 122
Bulb, replacing 147
C
California Proposition
65 warning 141
Can holder, see Beverage
holder 113
Capacities 165
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car radio
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
Car telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 114
handbook.book Page 168 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM