tow BMW 325Ci COUPE 2001 E46 User Guide

92n
Air conditionerAir 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 posi-
tion 0, the blower and the heater are
switched off. By using position 0, you
can totally block the interior ventilation
outlets by pressing the button for the
recirculated-air mode.
Temperature
In order to increase the
temperature of the passenger
compartment, turn it to the
right (red). Temperature regu-
lation will keep the interior temperature
you have selected constant.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the
footwell . You can also
make all intermediate settings. In the
setting, there is a low flow of air onto
the windows to keep them free of
condensation. The "6 o'clock" setting is
recommended as a normal setting (refer
also to the illustration and overview on
page 90).
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window defroster
switches off automatically. Refer to
page 72.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed when
the air conditioner system is switched
on. Depending on the weather, the
windshield may fog over briefly when
the engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures
below approx. 417(+56). This will
help to prevent the windows from
fogging up.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner 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
blocking the outside air. The system
then recirculates the air already within
the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required.<< < <

98n
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system (switch on
AUTO Ð button 7). Select an interior
temperature that is comfortable for you
Ñ e. g. 72 7 (+22 6). Whenever the
outside temperature is above 41 7
(+5 6), you can also use the air condi-
tioner 12. This will dry the air as well
as preventing condensation on the
window surfaces Ð if there are passen-
gers with damp clothing, for example.
Set the air outlets 2 so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at
you. Set the rotary dial between the air
outlets 2 for the upper body to a
medium position, since air that is
somewhat cooler promotes driving
without fatigue.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program assumes
the adjustment of the air distri-
bution and the air supply for you and in
addition adapts the temperature to
external influences (summer, winter) to
meet preferences you can specify. This
program maintains a comfortable in-car
climate regardless of the season. Select
an interior temperature that is comfort-
able for you Ñ e. g. 72 7 (+22 6). The
temperature selected and AUTO for
the air supply appear in display 10,
refer to the overview on page 96. Open
the air outlets for the upper body area.
Switch on the air conditioner in warm
weather. The maximum cooling
capacity is achieved when you set
rotary dial 3 (refer to page 100) to cold.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting specific
distribution patterns to suit your
own individual requirements.
You can direct air to flow onto the
windows , toward the upper body
, and into the footwell .
Temperature
The figures in the display
provide a general indication of
interior temperature. We recommend
72 7 (+22 6) as a comfortable setting,
even if the air conditioner is on. When
you start the vehicle, the system
ensures that the selected temperature
is reached as quickly as possible. It
then maintains this temperature,
regardless of the season.
Set rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 100) to a medium
setting, since air that is somewhat
cooler promotes driving without fatigue.
You can use this setting for mixing air to
make minor comfort modifications.
You can set uncontrolled heater
output up to 90 7 (+32 6). The
air conditioner is at full cooling output
at 60 7 (+16 6).<

108n
Cargo loadingStowing cargo If you are transporting a load in your
BMW:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible Ð directly behind the back-
rests or the luggage compartment
partition Ð and as low as possible.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest.462de241
>If you are transporting very heavy
loads when the rear seat is not occu-
pied, secure the outer safety belts in
the opposite buckles (refer to the
illustration).460de185
Securing the load >For small, light items, use the rubber-
lined non-skid side of the floor mat or
secure with a luggage net
* or flexible
straps (refer to page 41).
>For large, heavy pieces, see your
BMW center for load-securing
devices
*. Lashing eyes (arrow) are
provided at the inner corners of the
luggage compartment for attaching
these load-securing devices.
>Comply with the information
enclosed with the load-securing
devices.
460de161

109n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack
*
Always position and secure the
load correctly. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during
braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
weight and axle loads (refer to
page 186), otherwise the vehicle's oper-
ating safety is no longer assured and
you are in violation of the law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in
the passenger compartment without
securing them. Otherwise they would
be thrown around during braking and
evasive maneuvers and endanger the
occupants.<
AnchorsAccess to the anchors:
To open the cover (arrow) please use
the tool included with the roof-rack
system.
A special roof-rack system is available
for your BMW as an optional extra.
Please comply with the precautions
included with the installation instruc-
tions.
Because roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they
exercise a major effect on its handling
and steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof
weight, the approved gross vehicle
weight or the axle loads when loading
the rack. Pertinent specifications are 462de271
listed under "Technical Data,"
page 186.
Make sure that the load is not too
heavy, and attempt to distribute it
evenly.
Always load the heaviest pieces first (on
the bottom). Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the
sliding/tilt sunroof, and that objects do
not project into the opening path of the
luggage compartment lid.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or
being lost during driving (danger to
following traffic).
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
acceleration or braking. Do not corner
at high speeds.
The roof load increases aerodynamic
resistance, which in turn increases fuel
consumption and places additional
stress on the vehicle itself.

112n
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you comply
with the following recommendations.
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine and road
speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm
or a speed of 100 mph (160 km/h):
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Do not apply full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), engine speed and vehicle
speed can be gradually increased.
Follow the same break-in procedure if
either the engine or the differential is
replaced in the future.
TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
For this reason drive cautiously during
the initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum
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.<
Brake systemApproximately 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and discs
achieve the optimal pad-surface and
wear patterns required for trouble-free
operation and long 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), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is set.
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. optimally after about 300 miles
(500 km). Engage the gears carefully
during the break-in period.
Break-in procedures

113n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
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 to 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 is referred to as aqua-
planing or hydroplaning. It is character-
ized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
steering and braking control.
Driving through water:
Do not drive through water on the road
if it is deeper than 1 foot (30 cm), and
then only at walking speed. Otherwise,
the vehicle's engine, the electrical
systems and the transmission may be
damaged.
Rear window shelf:
Never use it to store heavy or hard
objects, otherwise, occupants could
be injured if the vehicle is braked hard.
Clothes hooks:
When suspending 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. exhaust emissions.
It is designed for use with unleaded fuel
only. Even minute quantities of lead
would be enough to permanently
damage both the catalytic converter
and the system oxygen sensor.
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and to avoid potential
damage:
>Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements.
>Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty.
>Tow-start only when the engine is
cold. If you attempt to tow-start with
a warm engine, unburned residual
fuel in the catalytic converter could
ignite and cause damage. It is better
to jump-start the vehicle with outside
assistance.
>Avoid other situations in which the
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-
pletely, such as engaging the starter
frequently or for extended periods, or
repeated start attempts in which the
engine does not start (stopping and
restarting an engine which is running
properly does not present a problem).
Never allow the engine to run with
any of the spark plug cables discon-
nected.
Driving notes Catalytic converter

122n
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your vehicle.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety that depend on the con-
dition of the tires and the maintenance
of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability
of your BMW.
Be sure to check the tire inflation
pressure Ð including the space-
saver spare tire or the spare tire Ð on a
regular basis, at least twice a month
and before doing any extended driving.
Refer to page 27. If this is not done, in-
correct tire pressures can cause driving
instability and tire damage, ultimately
resulting in an accident.<
Tire tread Ð tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At a
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread
depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-
groove base indicate that the legally-
permissible wear limit has been
reached. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread
depth, there is an increased risk of
aquaplaning, even at relatively moder-
ate speeds and with only small amounts
of water on the road.390de331
Do not drive on a deflated (flat)
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over
the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not ex-
ceeded. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which
damage develops inside the tires. You
could have a blowout as a result.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect.
This is also true for irregularities in the
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
left or right. Should this occur, respond
by immediately reducing your speed.
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it and
its tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the
vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition

135n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oilChecking the oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material.
4 Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again.
5 The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.462de244
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.460de189
To add oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential and the
power steering.<462de245

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
151n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit152
Windshield wiper blades152
Lamps and bulbs152
Changing a wheel159
Battery163
Fuses166
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal
filter166
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door167
Sliding/tilt sunroof167
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting168
Towing the vehicle169
Repairs

152n
The onboard tool kit is located in the
luggage compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
460de066
1 Rotate the wiper arm completely out
from the windshield.
2 Position the wiper blade at an angle
and pull the release spring (arrow).
3 Fold the wiper blade down and
unhook it toward the windshield.
4 Pull the wiper blade past the wiper
arm toward the top.
5 Insert a new wiper blade and apply
pressure until you hear it engage.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<460de056
The lamps and bulbs are essential
factors contributing to the safety of
your vehicle. For this reason, follow the
instructions below carefully when
replacing a bulb. If you are not familiar
with any of the procedures, consult
your BMW center.
Do not touch the glass portion of
a new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn into the surface and reduce the
service life of the bulb. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar material,
or hold the bulb by its metallic base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
Whenever working on the
electrical system, switch off the
electrical accessory you are working on
or disconnect the cable from the
negative terminal of the battery. Failure
to do this could result in short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage, comply
with any instructions provided by the
bulb manufacturer.<
Onboard tool kit Windshield wiper blades Lamps and bulbs