check engine BMW 330i TOURING 2001 E46 User Guide

117n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Nevertheless, ABS possesses the
advantage of vehicle stability and
steering response.Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws
of physics. The consequences of brake
applications with inadequate clea-
rances for safety between vehicles,
excessive speed or if aquaplaning
occurs are always the responsibility of
the driver. You should never allow the
added safety of ABS to lull you into a
false sense of security, or mislead you
into taking risks that could affect your
own safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only. Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering devel-
opment of ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking
during high lateral acceleration, or
when braking during a lane change,
vehicle stability is improved and
steering response is enhanced.
In the event of a malfunction
If the ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up,
refer to page 22. The brake
system then reverts to conventional
operation as on vehicles without ABS.
However, have the brake system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible. To prevent undetected
defects and cumulative faults from
adversely affecting the brake system,
refer any problems to your authorized
BMW center at the earliest opportunity.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
model.
If the brake warning lamps light
up together with the indicator
lamps for ABS and ASC+T/DSC
Ð refer to page 19 Ð then the
entire regulating system, the
ABS, CBC and ASC+T/DSC
and
ADB/ ADB-X/DBC have failed.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake applica-
tions. This could cause the vehicle to
lose stability and you might no longer
be able to control it.
Have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
CBC, ABS und ASC+T/DSC
indicators and warning lamps
for Canadian models.

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
dipstick 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 also applies to the
manual transmission, automatic trans-
mission, differential and power steering
system.<462de245

137n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing.
For this reason, thoroughly wash any
areas of skin that come into contact
with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot.
If you do, escaping coolant can cause
burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite- and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the approved specifica-
tions.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store it in its original container and in a
location that is inaccessible to children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene glycol. Therefore,
do not spill antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor on hot engine parts. It could
ignite and cause burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6):
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck (refer to the arrow in the illustra-
tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it Ð that is, up to the second mark
on the float (refer also the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck).46cde036

138n
Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolant Wait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge
in the instrument cluster must be
located in the blue zone. If it is not,
there is a danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape, then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
Replace the coolant every four years.If the brake warning lamp comes on
and the parking brake has been
released:
Check the brake fluid level. Fill it to the
top mark ("MAX") if necessary.
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is familiar
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can result in extended
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 120.
460de128
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<

140n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means for
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety Ð and as cost effectively as
possible for you.
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 the resale
value of the vehicle.
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed
to calculate the optimal maintenance
intervals. These are then indicated in
the Service Interval Display. While
conventional systems rely on distance
traveled alone to determine when
service is due, the BMW Maintenance
System has for years considered the 460us112
actual conditions under which the
vehicle operates, because miles can be
traveled in many different ways:
From a maintenance perspective,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of short-
distance urban driving are not equiva-
lent to 62,000 miles (100,000 km)
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual use of the vehi-
cle covers every kind of operating situa-
tion. However, even those who drive
only short distances Ð significantly less
than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annually Ð
should have the engine oil changed at
least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty and
Service Guide (Canada 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
advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always "up to date"
on the latest maintenance work and
repair 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

149n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD interface socket The interface socket for onboard diag-
nostics 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 vehicle's lifetime 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, however, at the earliest possi-
ble 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 even a short period
of time can seriously damage emission
control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect leaking vapor and the indicator
will light up. If the fuel filler cap is then
tightened, the indicator will usually go
out after a short period of time.<

164n
Battery FusesCharging the battery Charge the battery in the vehicle only
when the engine is not running.
Before performing any work on
the electrical system, disconnect
the cable from the negative terminal. If
you do not, short circuits can cause fire
or personal injury.<
If you plan to park the vehicle for longer
than 4 weeks, disconnect the battery
from the vehicle electrical system by
disconnecting the cable at the negative
terminal. Then recharge the battery with
an appropriate battery charger.
If you intend to store the vehicle for
longer than 12 weeks, remove the
battery, charge it and store it in a cool
and dust-free room where there is no
danger of freezing. During storage,
have the battery recharged every
3 months. Also recharge the battery
before it is reinstalled. If this is not
done, the battery will not be service-
able. Every time the battery is drained,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center.
Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage.
Secure the battery to prevent it from
tilting during transport.<
Storage periods during which
the battery is disconnected are
not taken into consideration by the
Service Interval Display for changing
the brake fluid.
For this reason, be sure that the brake
fluid is changed every two years,
regardless of the information displayed.
Read and comply with the information
on page 138 covering this subject.<
If an electrical accessory should fail,
switch it off and check the fuse. In glove compartment1 Open the glove compartment and
turn the two white quick-release
fasteners outward. Spare fuses and
plastic tweezers are located on the
fuse holder.
2 Use the plastic tweezers to remove
the fuse for the accessory or equip-
ment that has stopped working.
3 If the fuse is burned through ("blown"),
the metal strip will have melted and
separated; replace it with a new fuse
of the same ampere rating (color
code).460de062

179n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Self-diagnostics All of the important electrical and elec-
tronic systems in the vehicle are tested
regularly and automatically; the driver
does not have to perform any extra
operations or adjustments.
The indicator lamps also come on
briefly after the ignition has been turned
on.
While you are driving, the functional
status of the actuator motors (for the
windshield wipers, power windows,
seats, sliding/tilt sunroof, etc.) is
constantly analyzed by current
measurements in their relays.460de177
In the same manner, the electrical
resistance of the airbag ignition genera-
tors and all of the remaining airbag
components is measured at all times.
Any fault in this system would be
detected immediately by a current fluc-
tuation that would necessarily accom-
pany it. The fault would be indicated
immediately by the airbag warning
lamp.
Even after you shut off the engine, the
overall functional status of your vehicle
is monitored. For example, all of the
flaps of the heating and ventilation
system travel to the nearest limit posi-
tion. This action ensures that the
system will be able to provide
defrosting, regardless of other circum-
stances, e. g. if a malfunction in the air
conditioner/climate control system
should occur during the night while the
vehicle is parked.
A calibration cycle runs every tenth time
the engine is shut off. During this cycle,
the actuator motors move all air condi-
tioner/automatic climate control flaps to
their limit stops in both directions. The
limit positions and the return travel
paths are checked in this manner in
order to ensure that appropriate adjust-
ments for the operating elements can
be made at any time.You will hear the sounds of the air flaps
as the air conditioning system/auto-
matic climate control carry out their
self-diagnostic functions after the igni-
tion has been turned off. All of the other
self-diagnostics functions operate
silently in the background.
Any possible defects detected during
these self-diagnostics can be read out
by your BMW center and quickly
corrected during the vehicle's next
regularly scheduled maintenance.

Everything from A to Z
193n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel159
Charge indicator lamp20
Check air pressure28
Check Control75
Check engine oil level135
Child restraint
systems54,60
Child-safety locks58
Child's seat54
Cigarette lighter104
Cleaning windshield68
Clock75
refer also to the Radio or
Computer Owner's Manual
Cockpit16
Coin holder102
Combination switch68
Compression184
Computer76
Configure settings52
Consumption77
display74
Contents10
Control elements20
Coolant121,137,187
antifreeze121
Coolant temperature
gauge74
Cooling system187
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21,117 Cruise control71
Cruising range77
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder102
Curb weight186
Current check indicator20
D
Dashboard16
Data
dimensions185
engine184
technical184
weights186
Daytime-driving lamp
switch87
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)118
Defrost position94,98
Defrostable rear window99
Defrosting
rear window92
windows94,98
Digital clock75
Dimensions185
Dipstick, engine oil135
Disc brakes118
Displacement184
Display lighting87
Displays18
Distance warning78 Diversity Antenna
system174
Door key32,35
Door locks, care121
Doors
child-safety locks58
emergency operation34
unlocking and locking34
DOT Quality Grades125
Draft-free ventilation93
Drive belts188
Driving hints115
Driving in winter121
Driving lamps87
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)81,173
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)118
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22,81,173
E
Electric power seat48
Electric power windows43
Electrical accessories,
failure164
Electrical system188
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Elements of operation16 Emergency operation,
doors34
Energy Control73
Engine
coolant137,187
data184
starting61
Engine oil
capacity187
consumption135
pressure20
quality136
specifications136
viscosity136
Engine speed184
Exterior mirrors51
F
Failure messages75
Fault displays75
Fault, ABS117
Filler cap cover27
Filling capacities187
Filling the washer
reservoir187
First-aid kit26
Fittings, tow starting and
towing168
Flashlight101
Flat tire124,159
Fog lamps88

Owner service proceduresA
Activated-charcoal filter,
changing165
Adding brake fluid138
Adding engine coolant138
Adding engine oil135
Adjust washer nozzles134
Air pressure, checking28
Antifreeze138 B
Backup lamps
bulb replacement156
Battery
care163
charging164
removal and
installation163
Brake fluid, adding138
Brake lamps
bulb replacement156
Brakes, brake faults120 C
Changing a tire159
Changing a wheel159
Changing the
microfilter165
Charging the battery164 Check air pressure28
Check Control75
Checking air pressure28
Checking engine oil
level135
D
Defrost setting94
Defrosting the windows94
Difficult steering123
Disposal
batteries164
engine oil136
Doors, emergency
actuation34 E
Electrical accessories,
failure164
Electrical defect
fuel filler door166
sliding/tilt sunroof166
Emergency operation
doors34
fuel filler door166
luggage
compartment166
sliding/tilt sunroof166 Engine oil
add135
quality136
specifications136
viscosity136
Engine oil level,
checking135
F
Failure messages75
Filling washer reservoir134
First-aid kit26
Fittings, tow starting and
towing168
Flat tire159
Footwell lamps, bulb
replacement158
Front fog lamps
bulb replacement155
Fuses, replacing164 G
Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement158
H
Hatch lamps
bulb replacement156
Hatch, emergency lock
operation166
Hazard warning flashers26
Hazard warning triangle26
Headlamp cover, care153
High beams, bulb
replacement153 I
Indicator lamps20
Inflated pressure28
Interior lamps, bulb
replacement158
Interior motion sensor,
switching off42 J
Jack159 L
License plate lamp
bulb replacement157
Low beams, bulb
replacement153
Lug wrench159