lights BMW 325CI CONVERTIBLE 2004 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

9

Passenger safety systems:

Airbags61
Transporting children safely64
Rollover protection system68
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory70

Driving:

Ignition lock71
Starting the engine71
Switching off the engine73
Parking brake73
Manual transmission74
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG*75
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*79
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher82
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*83
Cruise control*84

Everything under control:

Odometer86
Tachometer86
Energy control86
Fuel gauge87
Engine coolant temperature
gauge87
Service interval display88
Check Control88
Clock89
Computer90

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:

Park Distance Control (PDC)*92
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)93
Flat Tire Monitor*94
Brake force display96

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams97
Adaptive headlights*98
Instrument lighting98
High beams/Standing lamps99
Fog lamps99
Interior lamps100

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Air conditioning102
Automatic climate control*106

Interior conveniences:

Glove compartment111
Integrated universal remote
control*112
Storage compartments114
Cellular phone*115
Ashtray, front*115
Ashtray, rear*116

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag*117
Cargo loading118
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop*121

Controls and features

18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

●

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent 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 follow-
ing section.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

●

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 seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure

●

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 cen-
ter.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

<

Flat Tire Monitor

●

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: there is a flat tire.
Reduce speed and carefully come to a
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers.
For additional information: refer to
page 94
Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to comply with the
instructions on pages 126 and 141.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when you start
off.
For additional information: refer to
page 73
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Lock backrest/Fasten safety
belts

●

Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety belts are
fastened. Flashes if the backrest is not
locked.
For additional information on locking
the seat backrests, refer to page 55
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 56
Airbags

●

Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 61

20
DSC indicator and brake warn-
ing lamps for Canadian models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

●

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired at your BMW
center as soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
page 125
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 138
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

●

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 by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 143
Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

●

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 140
CHECK GAS CAP*

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the gas cap is loose or
missing.
Close the gas cap tightly: refer to
page 24

Rollover protection system

●

The rollover protection system
has been deactivated due to a
malfunction. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center at the
earliest opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 68

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is
operated.
Rapid flashing indicates a system mal-
function.
For additional information: refer to
page 82
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated: ready for oper-
ation via the buttons in the steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 84
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information: refer to
page 99

Indicator and warning lamps

39
Indicator lamp displays>The indicator lamp below the interior
rearview mirror flashes continuously:
The system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes during
arming: the door(s), the hood or the
luggage compartment lid are not
completely closed. Even if you do not
close the alerted area(s), the remain-
ing areas are secured, and the indi-
cator lamp will flash continuously
after 10 seconds. However, the inte-
rior motion sensor is not activated
>The indicator lamp goes out when the
system is disarmed: no manipulation
or attempted intrusions have been
detected in the period since the sys-
tem was armed
>The indicator lamp flashes for
10 seconds when the system is dis-
armed: an attempted entry has been
detected in the period since the sys-
tem was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the
indicator lamp will flash continuously.Avoiding unintentional alarmsThe tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor may be switched off at the same
time. You can do this to prevent a false
alarm from being triggered in garages
with elevator ramps, for instance, or
when the vehicle is transported by train:
Lock the vehicle twice to arm the sys-
tem. Press the button on the remote
control twice in succession or lock the
vehicle twice with the key.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm
sensor and the interior motion sensor
are deactivated as long as the system is
armed.
You can have the tilt alarm sensor
and the interior motion sensor
permanently deactivated.<
Interior motion sensor*Deactivate the interior motion sensor –
refer to Avoiding unintentional alarms –
if persons or animals are to remain in
the vehicle.
The system deactivates the tilt-
alarm sensor and the interior
motion sensor if the convenience clos-
ing of windows is interrupted in the first
10 seconds and then restarted. The
alarm must then be disarmed and reac-
tivated before it will resume opera-
tion.<
Alarm system*
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

42
To open the convertible top
Never attempt to open or close
the convertible top unless the
vehicle is completely stationary. To pre-
vent vehicle damage the top compart-
ment lid'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 the
ignition key in position 1 or higher.
The top compartment lid's lock dis-
engages and the lid itself rises a
small distance. The side windows
will lower slightly
If the indicator lamp lights up
when the button is pressed, the lid
cannot be unlocked because the top
compartment panel is raised, refer to
page 37. Lower the top compartment
panel and close the tailgate.<
Manual convertible top

47
Opening and closing1To close
2To open
To avoid placing unnecessary
loads on the battery, you should
avoid operating the top when the
engine is switched off.
Before closing the top, always ensure
that the windshield frame is clear of any
obstructions that could prevent the top
from closing correctly.<
With the ignition key in position 1 or
higher, and with the vehicle stationary
1. Read and comply with the preceding
safety precautions
2. Ensure that the convertible top com-
partment panel in the luggage com-
partment is folded down, see
page 37; otherwise, it will not be
possible to open the convertible top
3. Ensure that the luggage compart-
ment lid is closed
4. Maintain pressure on the corre-
sponding button for the convertible
top operation.
The luggage compartment lid can-
not be opened while the convert-
ible top is in motion.<
While the convertible top is in
motion, the rear window will move
toward the passenger compartment. To
avoid possible pinching, the area
around the closing convertible top
should be clear.<
After having been stored for an
extended period of time in the
convertible top compartment, e.g. dur-
ing the winter months because the
hardtop was being used, you may have
to support the convertible top by hand
when closing it for the first time.
If the convertible top should halt just
before the closing phase is completed,
press against the front section of the
convertible top frame from the outside
to help the closing process along. Con-
tinue pressing the switch while doing
so until the top starts up again on its
own.<
Indicator lamps>The red indicator lamp is lit whenever
the convertible top mechanism is in
motion. It goes out as soon as the
opening or closing operation has
been completed
>If the red indicator lamp flashes after
the control button is released, the
convertible top has not yet been
opened or closed completely. You
can resume operation in the desired
direction by pressing the button
again
>If the yellow indicator lamp lights up
continuously with the button pressed,
the convertible top compartment
Fully-automatic convertible top*
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

57
Seat and mirror memory*You can store and recall three different
driver's seat and exterior mirror posi-
tions.
The lumbar support settings are
not stored in the memory. 2. Select the desired seat and exterior
mirror positions
3. Press the M
EMORY
button: the indica-
tor lamp in the button lights up
4. Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as
desired: the indicator lamp goes out.
To select a stored setting
Do not select a memory position
while the vehicle is moving. If you
do so, there is a risk of accident from
unexpected seat movement.<
Ignition key in position 1:
>Briefly press memory button 1, 2 or 3,
as desired.
Movement stops immediately when
one of the seat-adjustment or mem-
ory buttons is activated during the
adjustment process.
The driver's door is closed and the igni-
tion key is either removed or in position
0 or 2:
>Maintain pressure on the desired
memory button – 1, 2 or 3 – until the
adjustment process is completed.
If you press the
MEMORY
button acci-
dentally: press the button again; the
indicator lamp goes out.
You can have this feature pro-
grammed so that when you use
the remote control from your personal-
ized key to unlock your door, your seat
and the exterior mirrors will move into
your own preferred positions.<
Before activating the programmed
adjustment feature, ensure that
the footwell behind the driver's seat is
empty and unobstructed. If you fail to
do so, persons, animals or objects
could be injured or damaged if the seat
should move backward.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

63
This is the right way a larger child
should sit wearing the seat belt when
rear side airbags are provided.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp indicates the
operational status of the airbag
system when the ignition key is
in position 1 or higher.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly
when you turn the ignition key to
position 1 or higher.
System malfunction:
>Indicator lamp does not come on or
>indicator lamp lights up continuously.
If there is a system malfunction,
there is a risk that the airbags will
not be triggered within their normal
response range, even if the level of
impact would normally have triggered
them. Have your BMW center inspect
the airbag system immediately.<
Airbags
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

78
Sport programYou can choose between two driving
programs: smoothly dynamic or Sport.
With the sport program, gearshifts are
faster in sequential mode and the shift
points are adapted in drive mode.
To activate the Sport program: press
the SPORT button. The LED in the but-
ton lights up.Acceleration assistantThe acceleration assistant permits opti-
mum racing-style acceleration on roads
with good grip.
Do not use the acceleration assis-
tant frequently as this could other-
wise cause premature wear of the com-
ponents.<
1. Activate the Sport program
2. Press and hold the DSC button, refer
to page 93, for more than three sec-
onds
3. Quickly press the accelerator pedal
down fully: kickdown. The optimum
rpm for driving off will be adjusted.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC acti-
vated whenever possible.<
Sequential manual gearbox SMG*

87
Fuel gaugeOnce the indicator lamp stays on con-
tinuously, there are still approx. 2.1 gal-
lons/8 liters of fuel in the fuel tank.
Fuel tank capacity approx.
16.6 gallons/63 liters.
Certain operating conditions, such as
those encountered in mountainous
areas, may cause the needle to fluctu-
ate slightly.
Fill the fuel tank before it is com-
pletely empty. Driving to the last
drop of fuel can prevent the engine
from operating properly and result in
damage.<
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an
operation check.
Engine coolant temperature gaugeBlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle
may rise as far as the edge of the red
sector during normal operation.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly as an
operation check.
If the lamp comes on during normal
vehicle operation: the engine has over-
heated. Shut off the engine immediately
and allow it to cool down.
To check coolant level, refer to
page 140.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex