service BMW 328Ci CONVERTIBLE 2000 E46 Owner's Guide

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The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means for
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety – and as cost effectively as
possible for you. Once again, with re-
spect to the previous version, mainte-
nance costs were able to be reduced
due to technical innovations.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays
a significant role in maintaining its
resale value.
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance in-
tervals. These are then indicated in the 46cus018
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates, be-
cause miles can be traveled in many
different ways:
From a maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of short-dis-
tance urban driving are not the same as
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of long-dis-
tance highway driving.
In response to this fact, the BMW Main-
tenance System monitors operating
conditions as the basis for determining
the optimum service intervals for your
individual vehicle. The BMW Mainte-
nance System includes the Engine Oil
Service and Inspections I and II.
Determining maintenance intervals ac-
cording to the actual use of the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
Even those who drive very little – signif-
icantly less than 6,000 miles (10,000 km)
annually – should still have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years because
engine oil deteriorates over time, re-
gardless of the amount of wear and tear
to which it has been subjected.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty and
Service Guide (Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or to the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models).
As a precaution against rust, it is advis-
able to have the body checked for dam-
age from rocks or gravel at the same
time, depending upon operating condi-
tions.
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always up-to-date
on the latest maintenance work and re-
pair techniques and equipped with the
required special tools. In addition,
checking parts known from experience
to be subject to wear is a permanent
part of the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models). These entries will constitute
your proof that the vehicle has received
regular maintenance. They are also
required for warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicleWaxing your vehicle Protect the finish using only carnauba
or synthetic-based waxes.
The best way to determine when the
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the
surface.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Paint damageYou can touch up small areas of paint
damage with a BMW spray paint or a
BMW touchup stick.
The paint color code for your vehicle is
provided on a sticker located on the
right hand side under the hood and on
the first page of your Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet (US models)
or Warranty and Service Guide (Cana-
dian models).
Damage caused by flying stones,
scratches, etc., must be touched up
without delay to prevent rust from
forming.
If corrosion has started to form in an
area with paint damage, remove all rust
and clean the area. Then prime the area
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply
the finish coat. Wait a few days, then
polish the repaired area. Finish by ap-
plying a wax preservative.
More extensive paint damage should
be repaired professionally in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Your BMW center uses original
BMW finish materials in accordance
with approved repair procedures.
Caring for other vehicle
components and materials Light-alloy wheels should be treated
with alloy wheel cleaner, especially dur-
ing the winter months. However, do not
use aggressive products containing ac-
ids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do not
use steam cleaners operating at tem-
peratures above 140 7 (+60 6). Fol-
low the manufacturer's instructions.
If your vehicle has chrome parts
*, such
as the window frames and door han-
dles, clean these parts carefully with
ample clean water and a shampoo sup-
plement if desired, especially if they
have an accumulation of road salt.
Use a chrome polish for an additional
treatment.
You can use window and glass cleaner
to clean inside window surfaces and
mirrors without smearing and streaking.
Never use polishing pastes or abrasive
(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.

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Airbags 1 Front airbags for driver and
passenger
2 Side airbags (front)Important safety notices
Do not attempt to remove the gas
generators for the airbag restraint
system from the vehicle. Testing and
servicing must be performed by trained
technicians only. In the event of a mal-
function, deactivation or triggered actu-
ation (as a response to an accident) of
the airbag restraint system, consult
your BMW center for repairs or service
operations.
46cus032
Do not modify or tamper with either the
wiring or the individual components in
the airbag system. This includes the up-
holstered covers on the steering wheel,
in the instrument panel and in the side
trim panels of the doors. Do not apply
adhesive materials to these compo-
nents or cover or modify them in any
way. Do not attempt to remove or dis-
mantle the steering wheel.
To ensure compliance with official
safety regulations, have a BMW center
dispose of airbag generators.
Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or undesired airbag acti-
vation, either of which could result in
personal injury.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Vehicle storage
If you intend to store the vehicle
for more than three months, have
the maintenance operations described
on this page performed.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the fol-
lowing procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent
or other treatment to the engine,
engine compartment, undercarriage,
axles and major components in ac-
cordance with approved repair pro-
cedures. Washing the vehicle, any in-
terior cleaning and subsequent paint-
and chrome care, and cleaning any
rubber seals for the hood and doors,
should be carried out in compliance
with approved procedures as well
2 Change engine oil and oil filter at op-
erating temperature. As an additional
corrosion protection measure, an an-
ticorrosive agent can be added to the
engine when refueling in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top off if necessary
4 Fill the fuel tank completely to pre-
vent the formation of condensation
5 Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kPa).
Before parking the vehicle1 Dry the parking brake and footbrakes
completely to keep the brake discs
and drums from corroding
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated space. Place the
transmission in first gear or set the
selector lever to the "P" position.
Chock the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling if necessary. Do not
apply the parking brake
3 Remove the battery, charge it com-
pletely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
4 Remove the hardtop
* and store it
separately. Refer to page 121
5 Close the convertible top.
During storageRecharge the battery every six months.
If it is not recharged, it will not be ser-
viceable. Every time the battery drains,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic
Eye"
* turns black. Refer to page 162.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement if necessary. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide (Canadian models).

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD interface socket The interface socket for the onboard
diagnostics is located on the driver's
side at the left-hand bottom of the
dashboard and under a cover. The
cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper emission control system
operation for the life of the vehicle by
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and
malfunction.460us250
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the vehicle.
Your system should be checked by your
BMW center at the earliest possible
opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your near-
est BMW center immediately. Severe
engine misfire over only a short period
of time can seriously damage emission
control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
Warning lamp: "Service Engine
Soon" for Canadian models
When the fuel filler cap is not pro-
perly tightened, the OBD system
can detect the vapor leak and the indi-
cator will light up. If the fuel filler cap is
then tightened, the indicator will usually
go out after a short period of time.<

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit152
Windshield wiper blades152
Lamps and bulbs152
Changing a wheel159
Battery162
Fuses165
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door165
Fully automatic convertible
top166
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting168
Towing the vehicle169
Repairs

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The onboard tool kit is located in the
luggage compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
46cde042
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 BMW-approved wiper
blades.<460de056
The lamps and bulbs are essential fac-
tors contributing to the safety of your
vehicle. For this reason, follow the in-
structions below carefully when replac-
ing 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 mate-
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic
base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
Whenever working on the electri-
cal system, switch off the electri-
cal 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, com-
ply with any instructions provided by
the bulb manufacturer.<
Onboard tool kit Windshield wiper blades Lamps and bulbs

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Lamps and bulbsThe illustration shows the left-hand side
of the engine compartment.1 Low beams H7 bulb, 55 watts2 High beamsH7 bulb, 55 watts
The H7 bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-
tective gloves. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to injury if
the bulb is accidentally damaged during
replacement.<
1 Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove it
2 Remove and replace the bulb.460de130
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
Do not clean by wiping with a dry cloth
(scratches). Never use abrasives or
strong solvents to clean the covers.
Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water. Always use a deicer spray to
remove accumulated ice and snow –
never use a scraper.<
Xenon lamps
*
The service life of these bulbs is very
long and the probability of a failure is
very low, provided that they are not
switched on and off an unusual number
of times. If one of these bulbs should
nevertheless fail, it is possible to con-
tinue driving with great caution using
the fog lamps, provided traffic laws in
your area do not prohibit this.
Because of the extremely high
voltages involved, any work on the
lighting system should be performed
only by technicians with the appropriate
qualifications. Failure to comply with
this creates a risk of fatal injury.<

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Changing a wheel Battery Driving with the space-saver
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed
of 45 mph (80 km/h).
You can anticipate changes in vehicle
handling such as delayed braking re-
sponse, longer braking distances and
changes in self-steering properties
when approaching stability limits.
The changes in handling characteristics
will be even more pronounced in con-
junction with winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire
may be mounted at one time. Re-
install wheels and tires of the same size
and specification as soon as possible.
Maintain correct tire pressures. Refer to
page 28.<
Installation locationThe battery is located at the right-rear
of the luggage compartment. Raise the
luggage compartment floor panel (refer
to page 40). Release the two fasteners
plus an additional fastener in the upper-
center side trim panel by turning a
screwdriver or a coin 1/4-turn counter-
clockwise. In order to remove the stor-
age tray, slide the side trim panel
slightly upward.46cde045
Charge conditionYou can read the charge condition of
the battery with the "Magic Eye"
*
(= hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge
>Black: not adequately charged. The
battery must be recharged. Please
contact your BMW center for addi-
tional information
>Yellow: replace the battery.
The service life specified for the
battery can be achieved only if it is
always kept adequately charged. If the
vehicle is primarily used for driving
short distances, be sure to check the
charge status often.<
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
BatteryBattery careThe battery is absolutely maintenance-
free, that is, the original acid will nor-
mally last for the service life of the
battery under temperate climatic
conditions.
For all questions regarding the
battery, please consult your BMW
center. Since the battery is absolutely
maintenance-free, the following infor-
mation is for your use only.<
SymbolsYou will find the following symbols on
your vehicle battery. For your safety,
please be cautious whenever you work
with or near the battery.
Before handling the battery,
please read the following infor-
mation.
Wear eye protection. Do not al-
low particles containing battery
acid or lead to come into con-
tact with your eyes, your skin, or your
clothing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
Do not allow children to have
access to batteries and battery
acid.
Never allow sparks or open
flame near the battery. Do not
smoke in the vicinity of the bat-
tery. Avoid sparks from electrical cables
or electrical equipment. Turn the key to
position 0 in the steering lock when dis-
connecting or connecting the battery.
Do not short-circuit the battery termi-
nals. This creates a risk of injury from
high-energy sparks.
A highly explosive gas is
generated when the battery is
charged.
If you happen to get acid in
your eyes, rinse thoroughly for
15 minutes with clear water.
Consult a physician immediately. If you
get acid spray on your skin or clothing,
rinse with plenty of water. If acid is ac-
cidentally ingested, consult a physician
immediately.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
do not place it in direct sunlight.
A drained battery can freeze. Store the
battery in areas where temperature
remains above freezing.