belt BMW 330Ci CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 Owner's Guide

189n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Deceleration sensors continuously
monitor the acceleration forces acting
upon the vehicle. If, as the result of a
frontal collision, a deceleration is
reached at which the protection of the
safety belts alone is no longer
adequate, the gas generators of the
driver and passenger-front airbags are
ignited. However, the passenger-side
airbag is only triggered if an additional
sensor has recognized that the
passenger seat is occupied.
In the event of a side collision, the side
airbags in the front and/or rear
* are
triggered if necessary.
390de012
The airbags located under the marked
covers inflate and unfold in a matter of
a few milliseconds. In this process, they
tear through the designed separation
points of the upholstered covers or
press them out.
Because the inflation process must be
virtually instantaneous, it is accompa-
nied by a certain amount of ignition and
inflation noise, which will be drowned
out by the noise from the accident
itself. The gas required to inflate the
airbags is not dangerous, and the
associated smoke then dissipates.
The entire process is completed within
fractions of a second.Highly sensitive sensors monitor the
number of revolutions of the wheels.
When equipped with DSC, they also
monitor steering angle, lateral accelera-
tion, brake pressure and the movement
of the vehicle around its vertical axis.
If differences in the wheel speeds
occur, ASC+T counteracts the danger
of wheelspin by reducing engine
torque; if necessary, ASC+T will also
respond by applying the brakes to the
rear wheels.
In addition, DSC permanently monitors
the vehicle's current operating condi-
tion and compares it with an ideal
condition that is calculated from the
sensor's signals. If deviations from this
occur (understeering or oversteering,
for instance), DSC can stabilize the
vehicle in fractions of a second by
reducing engine output and with the
assistance of braking intervention at
individual wheels. Dangerous skids are
thus prevented before they can even
start, and all of this is possible, of
course, only within physically possible
limits. You may need some time to
become accustomed to the system's
intervention. However, it provides
optimum drive force and vehicle
stability. The braking intervention may
be accompanied by sounds specific to
the system.
Airbags ASC+T/DSC
*

190n
Radio reception Safety belt tensionerThe AM frequency bands (medium-
wave, long-wave and short-wave) make
it possible to receive stations from a
great distance, because the broadcast
signals travel not only along the ground
as surface waves, but also as atmo-
spheric waves that are reflected from
the ionosphere.
Frequency modulation (FM) offers
substantially better sound quality than
the other frequencies. However,
because FM transmissions rely on line-
of-sight broadcast waves, their effec-
tive reception range is limited. 360de084
The limitations inherent to radio recep-
tion in a moving vehicle have been
minimized by a number of innovative
system designs:
The "Radio Data System" (RDS) makes
sure that, for broadcast stations
sending on several frequencies, the
radio automatically tunes to the
frequency with the best reception
quality.
The Antenna Diversity system employs
several FM antennas integrated within
the rear window to provide three sepa-
rate sources for receiving broadcast
waves. An integral processor automati-
cally selects the antenna with the best
FM reception quality at any given time.
The selection of the antenna takes
place within milliseconds, and is
therefore not noticed by the radio
listener.The safety belt tensioner makes sure
that the belt tightens during a head-on
collision to ensure that occupants
remain firmly positioned in their seats.
A gas-pressure system retracts the
buckle assembly to tension the
shoulder and lap belts within fractions
of a second. This reduces the tendency
to slide under the lap belt.
390de330

193n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Rollover protection system
Xenon lamps
*
The rollover protection system offers
additional protection to the airbags and
the safety belts. It uses highly sensitive
sensors that respond immediately to
any unstable vehicle condition encoun-
tered while driving, e. g. a steep angle
or loss of wheel contact with the
ground. The protective bar in the rear
headrests would be triggered in this
type of situation.
The xenon lamp provides forward illu-
mination with significantly more bright-
ness and uniformity than the traditional
halogen lamp.
In a xenon lamp, an electric arc replaces
the filament in order to generate intense
illumination. A gas mixture in a quartz
glass tube with metal vapor is ignited by
a high electric voltage. The arc that is
generated is then sustained by a lower
voltage. When the lamp is turned on,
there is a brief warm-up period.
Maximum brightness is attained in
approx. 15 seconds.
390de134
Xenon lamps provide significantly
improved visibility, especially during
adverse weather conditions and difficult
driving situations (e. g. driving at night in
heavy rain or through road repair areas
where there are no lane markers).
Vehicles with xenon lamps are equipped
with an automatic headlamp range
control. As a result, the lane ahead of
you is always optimally lighted, even
under varying load conditions, and
drivers in oncoming traffic are not
blinded.
Xenon lamps make a significant contri-
bution to highway safety since other
highway users, bicyclists and motor-
cyclists in the right lane, and pedes-
trians are more easily detected.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
195n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine data196
Dimensions197
Weights198
Capacities199
Electrical system200
Drive belts200
Data

200n
Electrical system Drive belts Battery 12V, 80 AhSpark plugs NGK BKR 6 EQUP
Bosch FGR 7 DQPWater pump Ð Generator Ð
Power steering
V-belt 6 PK x 1538
A/C compressor
V-belt 5 PK x 863You can obtain Original BMW
Parts and Accessories, as well as
professional advice from your BMW
center.<

Everything from A to Z
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 22,122
Accessories 6
Activated-charcoal filter 106,180
Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) 73,188
Adding engine oil 145
Adding washer fluid 144,199
Adjusting backrest 52
Adjusting headrests 53
Adjusting the steering wheel 57
Adjusting the temperature 98,104
Adjusting thigh support 54
Air conditioner 96
Air distribution 98,104
Air nozzles 96,102
Air outlets 96,102
ventilation 96,102
Air pressure, tires 27,132
Air supply 98,105
Airbags 21,61 ,159 ,189
sitting properly with 62
Alarm system 42
Antenna 129
Antenna, Diversity 190 Antifreeze
147
radiator 127
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 22,122
Anti-theft alarm system 42
Aquaplaning 121,132
Armrest 110
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction) 22,88
Ashtray front 111
rear 112
ATC (Adaptive Transmission Control) 73,188
Attach vacuum cleaner 112
AUC (Automatic recirculated-air
control) 105
Automatic car washes 151
Automatic climate control 102
remove window
condensation 105
Automatic cruise control 79
Automatic dimming, interior rearview mirror 58
Automatic recirculated-air control (AUC) 105
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T) 22,88 Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 21,73
Automatic windshield washer 77
Average consumption 85
Average speed 86
Avoiding unwanted alarm 43
Axle loads 198
B
Backrest adjusting 52
locking 21,55
releasing 55
Backup lamps 72
bulb replacement 169
Battery 176,200
capacity 200
charge current 20,176
charging 178
discharged 183
removal and
installation 178
Belts 60
Beverage holder 111
Blower 98,105
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oils 146
BMW Maintenance System 150 BMW sports seat
54
Bore 196
Brake fluid 148
Brake hydraulic system 20
Brake lamps, bulb replacement 169
Brake pads 22,126
Brake system 126
Brakes 125
malfunctions 126
Break-in procedures 120
Bulb replacement 166
C
California Proposition 65 Warning 161
Capacities 199
Car Memory 59
Car radio 129
reception 129,190
refer also to the Radio
Owner's Manual
Car washes 151
Care convertible top 157
exterior 152
interior 154
leather upholstery 155
rubber seals and
components 127

Everything from A to Z
205n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
upholstery155
vinyl upholstery154
wool velour155
Cargo
loading114
securing114
Caring for the vehicle's
finish153
Cassette operation, refer
also to the Radio Owner's
Manual
Catalytic converter121
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21,123
CD operation, refer also to
the Radio Owner's Manual
Cellular phone111,129
refer to also the separate
Owner's Manual
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp171
Center armrest110
Central locking system34
button38
Changing a tire173
Changing a wheel173
Check Control83
Child restraints64
Child restraint
systems61,64
Child seat security65
Child's seat61,64
Cigarette lighter112 Cleaning headlamps78
Cleaning windshield77
Clock84
Cockpit16
Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Coin box, cup holder111
Combination switch76
Compression196
Computer83
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Configure settings59
Consumption85
Contents10
Convertible top45
cleaning and care157
closing following an
electrical malfunction181
compartment panel41
convenience operation34
electrical fault181
emergency closure181
Coolant127,147,199
antifreeze127
Cooling system199
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21,123
Cruise control79
Cruising range85
Curb weight198
Current check indicator20
D
Data
dimensions197
engine196
technical196
weights198
Daytime-driving lamp
switch93
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)124
Deep water121
Defrost setting100,105
Defrostable rear
window98,106
Defrosting the
windows100,105
Digital clock84
Dimensions197
Dipstick145
Disc brakes125
Displacement196
Display lighting93
Displays18
Disposal
batteries178
engine oil147
Distance warning87
Diversity Antenna190
Door key32
Door locks, care127 Doors
emergency operation34
remote control35
unlocking and locking34
DOT Quality Grades133
Draft-free
ventilation99,106
Drive belts200
Driving hints121
Driving in winter127
Driving lamps93
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)22,88,189
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)124
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22,88,189
E
Electric power windows44
Electrical accessories,
failure179
Electrical system200
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Elements of operation16
Emergency closure181
Emergency operation
convertible top181
doors34
fuel filler door180
Energy Control81

Everything from A to ZPDC (Park Distance
Control)87
Performance196
Phone, mobile129
Pocket flashlight107
Pollen99,106
Power steering129
Power windows44
convenience operation34
Pressure monitoring,
tires91,192
Pressure, tires27,132 Q
Quality Grades133 R
Radiator199
Radio
reception129,190
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Radio Data System
(RDS)190
Rain sensor77,191
RDC (Tire Pressure
Control)91,192
RDS (Radio Data
System)190
Rear lamps169
Rear window
defroster78,98,106
Rear-entry assist55 Rearview mirror57
Recirculated air mode98
Reclining seat52
Refueling26
Remote control35
Remove condensation,
windows105
Replacement keys32
Reporting safety defects7
Restraint system61,64
Reverse17,72
Rollover protection
system67,68,193
Roof load capacity198
Roof-mounted luggage
rack116
Rubber seals and
components127
S
Safety belt tensioner190
Safety belts60
Safety buttons38
Safety defects, reporting7
Seat adjustment52
Seat heating107
Seat memory57
Seat-integrated safety
belts55
Seats52
Securing cargo114
Securing loads114 Selector lever, automatic
transmission73
Self-defrosting mirrors57
Self-diagnostics192
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet150
Service Interval
Display82,150
Shiftlock73
Side airbags61
Side impact Head Protection
System61
Side lamps93
bulb replacement168
Sitting properly with
airbag62
Ski bag113
Skid control128
Slippery roads127
Snow
chains127,136,137
Socket112
for flashlight112
for power supplies112
for vacuum cleaner112
Spare key32
Spare tire173
Spark plugs200
Speaker111
Specifications, fuel27
Speed, average86
Speedometer18
Sports seat54 Starting
problems121,183
Starting the engine69
Steel wheels137
Steering129
Steering lock69
Steering wheel57
adjusting57
Steptronic73
Stopping the vehicle70
Storage compartments110
Storage facilities110
Storing your vehicle160
Stroke196
Summer tires135
Sun visors58
Switching off the engine70
Symbols4,177
Synthetic oils146
T
Tachometer81
Tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement169
Tank capacity199
Tank cover
unlock in case of electrical
fault180
Technical data196
Technical
modifications6,161
Telephone hookup111

Everything from A to Z
209n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Temperature
adjusting98,104
layering99,106
Temperature display
outside temperature84
Thigh support, adjusting54
Third brake lamp171
Tilt sensor alarm
system36,43
remote control36
Tire changing173
Tire codes135
Tire condition27,132
Tire damage132
Tire inflation
pressure27,132
Tire pressure
monitoring91,192
Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)91,192
Tire Quality Grading133
Tire replacement133,134
Tire rotation134
Tire specifications137
Tire tread132
Tools166
Torque196
Towing eyelets184
Towing the vehicle184
Track197
Traction Control System,
refer to DSC88 Transmission72
Transmitter key32
Transporting children
safely64
Tread depth, tires132
Tread wear indicator132
Trip odometer81
Trunk, refer to luggage
compartment39
Turn signal indicator23,76
bulb replacement168
Turning radius197
Two-way radios129
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading133
Used batteries,
disposal178 V
Vacuum cleaner,
connecting112
V-belts200
Vehicle battery176,200
Vehicle care
exterior152
interior154
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)149
Vehicle immobilizer33 Vehicle painting152
Vehicle start69
Vehicle storage160
Vehicle vacuum cleaner,
attaching112
Vehicle weight198
Ventilation96,99,102
draft-free99,106
Vinyl upholstery, care154
W

Warning flashers25
Warning lamps20
Warning messages83
Warning triangle25
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet150
Washer fluids144,199
Washer nozzles144
Washer reservoir, filling144
Washer system76
Washing your vehicle151
Water on roadways121
Waxing, paintwork153
Wear indicator in the
tires132
Weights198
Wheel changing173
Wheel lug wrench173
Wheel rims135
Wheel specifications137
Wheelbase197 Wheels and tires135,137
Width197
Windows
convenience operation34
remote control35
remove
condensation105
Windshield washer,
automatic77
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment144
Windshield washer reservoir,
filling144,199
Windshield wiper76
blade replacement166
Winter operation127
Winter tires135,136
Wiper blade,
replacement166
Wiper system76
Work in the engine
compartment140
X
Xenon lamps167,193