heating BMW 330i SEDAN 2001 E46 Owner's Manual

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Lamps:

Side lamps/Headlamps88
Instrument lighting88
High beams/Parking lamps89
Fog lamps89
Interior lamps89

Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:

Air conditioner92
Automatic climate control98
Seat heating103
Roller sun blind103

Interior conveniences:

HiFi system104
Glove compartment104
Storage compartments105
Cellular phones107
Ashtray, front107
Cigarette lighter108
Ashtray, rear108

Loading and transporting:

Through-loading system109
Ski bag110
Cargo loading112
Roof-mounted luggage rack113

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures116
Driving notes117
Catalytic converter117
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)118
Disc brakes120
Brake system121
Winter operation121
Power steering123
Cellular phones124
Radio reception124

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressures125
Tire condition125
Tire replacement126
Tire rotation127
Wheel and tire
combinations128
Winter tires129
Snow chains129
Approved wheel and tire
specifications130

Under the hood:

Hood134
Engine compartment136
Washer fluids138
Washer nozzles138
Engine oil139
Coolant142
Brake fluid143
Vehicle Identification
Number144

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System145
Caring for your vehicle146
Airbags151
Vehicle storage152

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications to the
vehicle153
California Proposition
65 Warning153
OBD interface socket154

20n
Indicator and warning lamps Technology that monitors itself Many of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
that are identified by "l" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different 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 to this below.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge l
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator V-belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue driving. If you do so, the
engine could be damaged due to over-
heating. If the V-belt is defective,
increased steering effort is also
required.<
Engine oil pressure
l
Stop the vehicle and switch off
the engine immediately. Check
the engine oil and top off as required. If
the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. If you do
so, the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to
page 86.
Brake hydraulic system l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
Check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to read the
notes on pages 121 and 143.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
31n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock62
Starting the engine62
Switching off the engine63
Parking brake64
Manual transmission65
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic66
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher69
Wiper/Washer system69
Rear window defroster71
Cruise control72
Everything under control:
Odometer74
Tachometer74
Energy Control74
Fuel gauge75
Temperature gauge75
Service Interval Display75
Check Control76
Clock76
Computer77
Technology for safety and
convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)79
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)80
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)82
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)86Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams88
Instrument lightning88
High beams/Parking lamps89
Fog lamps89
Interior lamps89
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Air conditioner92
Automatic climate control98
Seat heating103
Roller sun blind103
Interior conveniences:
HiFi system104
Glove compartment104
Storage compartments105
Cellular phones107
Ashtray, front107
Cigarette lighter108
Ashtray, rear108
Loading and transporting:
Through-loading system109
Ski bag110
Cargo loading112
Roof-mounted luggage rack113

93n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Air conditioner1 Air onto the windshield and onto the
side windows
2 Air for the upper body area
The side rotary dials allow you to
open and close the air supply through
an infinitely-variable range, while the
levers change the air flow direction.
The center rotary dial controls the
temperature of the air as it flows out.
Refer to page 94
3 Air for the front footwell
There are also vent outlets for the
footwell in the rear as well
4 Air supply
Heating and ventilationd are available
starting with position 1. Refer to
page 94
5 Temperature94
6 Air distribution toward
>the windows
>the upper body
>the footwell
You can also make all intermediate
settings. Refer to page 94
7 Rear window defroster94
8 Air conditioner94
9 Recirculated-air mode94

94n
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 fan and the heater are
switched off. By using position 0, you
can totally block the air supply 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 92).
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 71.
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. 41 7(+5 6). 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.<

96n
Air conditioner Rapid heating 1 Set the blower speed control for the
air flow rate to position 3
2 Turn the rotary temperature control
completely to the right (red)
3 Rotary control for air distribution in
position .463de019
Defrost the windshield and side
windows 1 Set the blower speed control for the
air flow rate to position 4
2 Turn the rotary temperature control
completely to the right (red)
3 Rotary control for air distribution in
position
4 Switch on the rear window defroster
to defrost the rear window. 463de020
HeatingWhen the windows are free of ice and
condensation, we recommend the
following settings:
1 Set the fan speed control for the air
flow rate to position 2
2 Use the rotary temperature control to
select an interior temperature which
is comfortable for you
3 Rotary control for air distribution in
position .390de127463de021

101n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control
*
Air supply

By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. By doing this, you switch off
the automatic control of the air supply.
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged.
When you set the lowest blower speed
by pressing the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off, and the air supply is
stopped. You can reactivate the system
by pressing any button of the automatic
climate control.
To defrost the windshield and
side windows
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and side windows.
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 wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Switch off the air conditioner at outside
temperatures below approx. 41 7
(+5 6). 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.<
Automatic recirculated air control
(AUC)
If there are unpleasant odors or
pollutants in the outside air, you
can temporarily block the air flow from
the outside. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehicle.
By repeated actuation of the button,
you can select one of three different
operation modes.
>Indicator lamps off: fresh air flows
into the vehicle
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system detects pollutants
in the outside air and responds by
deactivating the outside air flow as
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the
vehicle.
Depending on air quality require-
ments, the system automatically
switches between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air already
within the vehicle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
flow of outside air is permanently
blocked. The system 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.<

103n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Seat heating
*
Roller sun blind
*
The seat cushion and backrest can
be heated with the ignition key in posi-
tion 2.
You can call up different heating modes
by repeatedly pressing the keys.
When the three indicator lamps are illu-
minated, the highest heating mode is
activated. One lamp indicates the
lowest heating mode. The temperature
is regulated with a thermostat in each
mode.
You can also switch the higher heating
modes off directly:
Press and hold the button slightly
longer.460us285
To actuate, press the button briefly with
the ignition key in position 2.
The illustration depicts the arrangement
of the buttons if the vehicle is fully
equipped. This may vary, depending on
the equipment actually installed.460us286

118n
Catalytic converter Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Be sure to comply with the
instructions above to prevent
unburned fuel from reaching the cata-
lytic convertor. If you do not, the cata-
lytic converter could respond by
overheating, leading to serious
damage.
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields
are installed adjacent to some sections
of the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply under-
coating to their surfaces. When driving,
standing at idle, and parking the
vehicle, take extra care to avoid contact
between the exhaust system and flam-
mable materials (grass, hay, leaves,
etc.). Such contact could lead to a fire,
resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
The concept ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking
under braking. This is because locked
wheels are dangerous. When the front
wheels slide, the driver loses steering
control over the vehicle. Traction loss at
the rear wheels can cause the rear end
to break into an uncontrolled skid.
The system can achieve the shortest
braking distances possible under most
conditions (on straight-aways and in
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road
surfaces, etc.).
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability
>To help maintain steering control and
maneuverability Ð on all types of road
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, mud, wet
road surfaces, snow, ice).Braking with ABSThe system becomes operative once
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). Below approx. 4 mph
(6 km/h), it is once again deactivated.
This means that the wheels can lock in
the final phase of a panic stop Ð a factor
of no significance in actual use.If you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply
maximum brake pressure ("panic
stop"). Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of
steering effort, despite the full brake
application.
The ABS system closed-loop control
circuit cycles in fractions of a second. A
pulsation at the brake pedal, together
with the sounds associated with the
hydraulic controls, tells you that the
brake system is within its maximum
limit range and reminds you that you
should adapt road speed to the road
conditions.
On road surfaces that have a loose
surface layer on a firm base with good
traction (on gravel or snow, for
example), or when snow chains are
mounted, braking distances may be
longer than with locked wheels.
However, ABS continues to provide
enhanced vehicle stability and steering
response under these conditions.
Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws of
physics. ABS cannot prevent the

120n
Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in oper-
ating conditions where brake applica-
tions are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
discs and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
discs by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake discs are corroded, they will
tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Driving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Be aware of traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The
heat that is generated by the brake
applications helps to dry the brake
pads and discs.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique described on
page 122.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible
impairment of the braking effect.
The braking effect of the engine can be
further increased by downshifting, into
first gear, if necessary. In the manual
mode of the automatic transmission,
you can also downshift into first gear.
Refer to page 66.Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure over
an extended period of time, you should
decelerate by applying more substantial
pressure to the brake pedal (watch for
following traffic), releasing the pedal,
and then repeating the application
(staggered braking). The cooling
phases between active braking inter-
vals prevent the brakes from over-
heating, thus ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the shift lever
or selector lever in neutral. Do not drive
with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when the
clutch is depressed or the transmission
is in neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is not running.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: have brake inspec-
tions performed at a BMW center only.
If you do not, parts of the four-wheel
drive system could be damaged.
Do not allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the brake pedal, the clutch or
the accelerator which could obstruct
their freedom of movement.<