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BMW 323ci Convertible (2000 year). Instruction - part 11

140nCaring for your vehicle

Exterior finish

gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to

Caring for the vehicle finish

start extending beneath the finish, start-

To provide effective corrosion protec-

Regular washing is a preventive mea-

ing at the point of impact.

tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at

sure against long-term effects from

the factory. Cataphoretic immersion

Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects, ani-

substances that are harmful to the vehi-

priming techniques are supplemented

mal droppings (strong alkali effect) and

cle's finish, especially if you drive your

with special body-cavity protectants,

tree excretions (resins and pollen) all

vehicle in areas with high levels of air

by applying specially developed and

contain substances capable of causing

pollution or aggressive natural sub-

extensively tested materials.

damage when allowed to remain on the

stances (tree resins, pollen).

A layer of flexible PVC is first applied to

finish of your vehicle for any extended

Nevertheless, you should immediately

the undercarriage. Following this, a

period of time. This includes spots,

remove especially aggressive sub-

comprehensive undercoating treat-

etching, flaking, and separations in the

stances. Failure to do so can lead to

ment with a wax-based protectant is

top coat.

changes in the paint's chemical struc-

applied. Regular maintenance makes

In industrial areas, flue dust deposits,

ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled

an important contribution to maintaining

lime, oily soot, precipitation containing

during refueling, oil, grease and brake

the safety and value of your vehicle.

sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-

fluid should always be cleaned away

Increasing awareness of the effects of

ronmental pollutants will damage the

immediately, as should bird droppings.

harmful environmental factors on vehi-

vehicle's finish unless adequate care is

Any contamination remaining on the

cle finishes have led paint and vehicle

provided - even though this is generally

surface of the vehicle will be especially

manufacturers to initiate programs de-

limited to the outside horizontal sur-

conspicuous after washing. Use clean-

signed to further improve the durability

faces.

ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or

of their finishes. Despite this, environ-

In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-

cotton pad to remove. Remove tar

mental factors that occur locally or re-

spheric salt and humidity promote

spots with tar remover. After cleaning,

gionally can have negative effects on

corrosion.

the affected areas should be waxed to

the finish of your vehicle. Use the fac-

ensure continued protection.

In tropical zones, temperatures of over

tors to determine the frequency and

105 7 (+40 6) in the shade prevail, in

extent of your efforts to maintain the

Use the cleaning and car-care

addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation

vehicle finish.

products available at your BMW

and high humidity. Under these condi-

Depending upon material and type of

center.<

tions, light paints can reach tempera-

impact (perforation of paint layer), phys-

tures up to 175 7 (+80 6) and dark

ical stresses from sand, road salt,

paints up to 250 7 (+120 6).

Caring for your vehicle

141n

Waxing your vehicle

Paint damage

Caring for other vehicle

components and materials

Protect the finish using only carnauba

You can touch up small areas of paint

or synthetic-based waxes.

damage with a BMW spray paint or a

Light-alloy wheels should be treated

BMW touchup stick.

with alloy wheel cleaner, especially dur-

The best way to determine when the

ing the winter months. However, do not

finish needs to be waxed is by noting

The paint color code for your vehicle is

use aggressive products containing ac-

when water stops beading on the

provided on a sticker located on the

ids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do not

surface.

right hand side under the hood and on

use steam cleaners operating at tem-

the first page of your Service and War-

You can use a glass cleaner to remove

peratures above 140 7 (+60 6). Fol-

ranty Information Booklet (US models)

any wax or silicone that may have been

low the manufacturer's instructions.

or Warranty and Service Guide (Cana-

left on the windows during waxing.

dian models).

If your vehicle has chrome parts*, such

as the window frames and door han-

Use the cleaning and car-care

Damage caused by flying stones,

dles, clean these parts carefully with

products available at your BMW

scratches, etc., must be touched up

ample clean water and a shampoo sup-

center.<

without delay to prevent rust from

plement if desired, especially if they

forming.

have an accumulation of road salt.

If corrosion has started to form in an

Use a chrome polish for an additional

area with paint damage, remove all rust

treatment.

and clean the area. Then prime the area

You can use window and glass cleaner

with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply

to clean inside window surfaces and

the finish coat. Wait a few days, then

mirrors without smearing and streaking.

polish the repaired area. Finish by ap-

Never use polishing pastes or abrasive

plying a wax preservative.

(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.

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.

142nCaring for your vehicle

Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,

After cleaning, never allow the inertia

Care of upholstery materials

the headliner (with the hardtop*), lamp

reel to retract the belts until they are

Depressions in the upholstery that re-

lenses, the clear cover for the instru-

completely dry. Dirty safety belts pre-

sult from everyday use can be brushed

ment cluster and dull black surfaces can

vent the inertia reel mechanism from

smooth by brushing against the nap

be cleaned with either water and possi-

retracting the strap properly, and thus

with a lightly dampened brush.

bly a cleaner designed to be used on

constitute a safety hazard.

The tendency of the pile to lie in a par-

plastic. Do not soak the seats or the

Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats*

ticular direction on velour upholstery is

headliner (this applies to the hardtop*).

can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.

not a quality defect, and, just as on

Never use solvents such as lacquer thin-

The floor mats can be removed from

home textiles or clothing, cannot be

ner, heavy-duty grease remover, fuels,

the vehicle for cleaning.

avoided.

or similar substances.

Use only a damp cloth to clean trim

Lint on upholstery materials, textile or

Rubber components should be cleaned

panels made of real wood* and other

leather remnants that have been worn

with water only; a rubber treatment or

parts constructed of real wood*. Follow

into the upholstery may be removed

silicone spray may also be applied.

up by drying with a soft cloth.

with a lint brush or a Velcro brush. A

Clean the wiper blades with soapy wa-

cleaning glove is available for especially

ter. The wiper blades should be re-

Use the cleaning and car-care

"stubborn" lint. Stains and fairly large

placed twice a year - before and after

products available at your BMW

areas of dirt should be cleaned off with-

winter. This is especially important for

center.<

out delay, using lukewarm water and an

vehicles with a rain sensor*.

interior cleaner, stain remover or appro-

priate cleaning fluid. Brush the fabric

Use only wiper blades approved

afterwards to restore its appearance.

by BMW.<

If the vehicle is to be stored for an

extended period, or if it is exposed to

Do not remove safety belts to clean

intense sunlight, cover all the seats or

them. Clean them with mild soapy wa-

the windows to prevent fading.

ter only. Do not use chemicals or dry

cleaners to clean safety belts, since this

Use the cleaning and car-care

could damage the belt fabric.

products available at your BMW

center.<

Caring for your vehicle

143n

The buildup of an electrostatic charge

For cleaning, use BMW leather

Cleaning agents can contain sub-

on the seat covers, particularly if atmo-

cleaning foam.

stances that are dangerous or

spheric humidity is low, can give the

pose health risks. For this reason,

Since dirt and grease gradually attack

occupants an unpleasant electric shock

always comply with the warnings and

the protective layer of the leather, the

if they touch metal body parts after leav-

danger labels on the packaging.

cleaned surfaces should be treated

ing the vehicle. Although this not dan-

When cleaning the vehicle's interior,

with BMW leather care agent. This also

gerous in any way, it can be avoided by

open the doors or windows (if the con-

acts as an antistatic agent.

touching a bare or polished metal part

vertible top has been closed). Never

For protection against dampness or

of the vehicle while getting out.

clean your vehicle with solvents or

moisture, treat the leather with an im-

other materials not specifically in-

pregnating agent made by BMW.

Leather care

tended for this purpose.<

We recommend that you perform this

The leather upholstery* used by BMW

procedure twice a year on leather

is a natural product of the highest qual-

exposed to normal use.

ity, processed using state-of-the-art

methods to ensure that it will maintain

Spills should be wiped up immediately.

its high quality for years to come, pro-

Remove grease and oil stains by dab-

vided that it is properly cared for.

bing with spot remover. Avoid rubbing.

Because this product is manufactured

If the upholstery is to be exposed to in-

using natural materials, you must make

tense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be

allowance for its special characteristics

stored for an extended period, cover all

and for the peculiarities of its use

leather surfaces (or, better yet, the win-

and care.

dows) to prevent fading.

Regular periodic cleaning and care are

Use the cleaning and car-care

essential, as dust and road dirt act as

products available at your BMW

abrasives in the pores and creases of

center.<

the material. This leads to wear spots

and premature brittleness on the sur-

face of the leather. We therefore sug-

gest that you clean the leather with a

vacuum cleaner or cloth at frequent

intervals.

Cleaning and caring for your convertible top

145n

Do not use spot removers, paint thin-

Hardtop*

ners, solvents, gasoline or similar sub-

Please note and follow the information

stances for removing spots from the

about caring for your vehicle, which

convertible top or from the rear win-

starts on page 139.

dow. These materials destroy the rub-

ber layer, which will lead to leaks. Use

only BMW-approved cleaners.

Cleaning agents can contain sub-

stances that are dangerous or

that pose health risks. For this reason,

always comply with the warnings and

danger notices on the packaging.

Getting your vehicle ready for

Open the doors or windows on your

cleaning

vehicle when cleaning the interior.

In order to maintain free access to your

Never clean your vehicle with solvents

convertible top compartment, rest the

not specifically intended for it.c

rear convertible top bar against the

convertible top compartment lid (refer

to illustration).

Release the lid locks for the con-

vertible top first; refer to page 45

or 50.<

146nAirbags

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.

1

Front airbags for driver and

Unprofessional attempts to service

passenger

the system could lead to failure in an

2

Side airbags (front)

emergency or undesired airbag acti-

vation, either of which could result in

Important safety notices

personal injury.<

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.

Vehicle storage

147n

If you intend to store the vehicle

Before parking the vehicle

Removing the vehicle from

for more than three months, have

storage

1

Dry the parking brake and footbrakes

the maintenance operations described

completely to keep the brake discs

Recharge the battery if the "Magic

on this page performed.<

and drums from corroding

Eye"* turns black. Refer to page 162.

2

Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,

Then have Inspection I performed by

Preparations for storage

and well-ventilated space. Place the

your BMW center, including a brake

Have your BMW center perform the fol-

transmission in first gear or set the

fluid replacement if necessary. Refer to

lowing procedures:

selector lever to the "P" position.

the Service and Warranty Information

Chock the wheels to prevent the ve-

1

Clean and apply a rustproofing agent

Booklet (US models) or the Warranty

hicle from rolling if necessary. Do not

or other treatment to the engine,

and Service Guide (Canadian models).

apply the parking brake

engine compartment, undercarriage,

3

Remove the battery, charge it com-

axles and major components in ac-

pletely and store it in a cool (but

cordance with approved repair pro-

frost-free) room

cedures. Washing the vehicle, any in-

4

Remove the hardtop* and store it

terior cleaning and subsequent paint-

separately. Refer to page 121

and chrome care, and cleaning any

5

Close the convertible top.

rubber seals for the hood and doors,

should be carried out in compliance

with approved procedures as well

During storage

2

Change engine oil and oil filter at op-

Recharge the battery every six months.

erating temperature. As an additional

If it is not recharged, it will not be ser-

corrosion protection measure, an an-

viceable. Every time the battery drains,

ticorrosive agent can be added to the

especially over extended periods, its

engine when refueling in accordance

service life is reduced.

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).

148nTechnical modifications

Any BMW center will be glad to inform

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

you of the advisability, legal require-

Light-emitting diodes installed behind

ments and factory recommendations

translucent lenses serve as the light

regarding technical modifications on

source for many of the controls and dis-

your vehicle. For this purpose, the

plays in your vehicle. These LEDs re-

BMW center will require the Vehicle

semble conventional lasers and are

Identification Number and, in some

classified by law as "Class 1 light-emit-

cases, the engine number as well.

ting diodes".

Do not remove the protective lens

and avoid staring directly at the

unfiltered beam for extended periods

(several hours). To do so could result in

inflammation of the iris.<

OBD interface socket

149n

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

The interface socket for the onboard

control components, especially the

diagnostics is located on the driver's

catalytic converter.

side at the left-hand bottom of the

Warning lamp: "Service Engine

dashboard and under a cover. The

Soon" for Canadian models

cover has the letters "OBD" on it.

The purpose of the OBD system is to

ensure proper emission control system

When the fuel filler cap is not pro-

operation for the life of the vehicle by

perly tightened, the OBD system

monitoring emission-related compo-

can detect the vapor leak and the indi-

nents and systems for deterioration and

cator will light up. If the fuel filler cap is

malfunction.

then tightened, the indicator will usually

go out after a short period of time.<

150n

151n

Replacement procedures:

Overview

Onboard tool kit

152

Windshield wiper blades

152

Lamps and bulbs 152

Changing a wheel

159

Battery

162

Controls and features

Fuses

165

In case of electrical

malfunction:

Fuel filler door

165

Operation, care

Fully automatic convertible

and maintenance

top

166

Assistance, giving and

receiving:

Owner service procedures

Jump-starting

168

Towing the vehicle

169

Advanced technology

Technical data

Index

Repairs

152n

Onboard tool kit

Windshield wiper blades Lamps and bulbs

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

The onboard tool kit is located in the

1

Rotate the wiper arm completely out

cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-

luggage compartment lid.

from the windshield

rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic

2

Position the wiper blade at an angle

Loosen the wingnut to open.

base.<

and pull the release spring (arrow)

3

Fold the wiper blade down and

A replacement bulb set is available from

unhook it toward the windshield

your BMW center.

4

Pull the wiper blade past the wiper

arm toward the top

Whenever working on the electri-

5

Insert a new wiper blade and apply

cal system, switch off the electri-

pressure until you hear it engage.

cal accessory you are working on or

disconnect the cable from the negative

Use only BMW-approved wiper

terminal of the battery. Failure to do this

blades.<

could result in short circuits.

To prevent injuries and damage, com-

ply with any instructions provided by

the bulb manufacturer.<

Lamps and bulbs

153n

When cleaning the headlamps,

Xenon lamps*

please observe the following:

The service life of these bulbs is very

Do not clean by wiping with a dry cloth

long and the probability of a failure is

(scratches). Never use abrasives or

very low, provided that they are not

strong solvents to clean the covers.

switched on and off an unusual number

Remove dirt and contamination (such

of times. If one of these bulbs should

as insects) by soaking with BMW Car

nevertheless fail, it is possible to con-

Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty

tinue driving with great caution using

of water. Always use a deicer spray to

the fog lamps, provided traffic laws in

remove accumulated ice and snow -

your area do not prohibit this.

never use a scraper.<

Because of the extremely high

The illustration shows the left-hand side

voltages involved, any work on the

of the engine compartment.

lighting system should be performed

only by technicians with the appropriate

1 Low beams

qualifications. Failure to comply with

this creates a risk of fatal injury.<

H7 bulb, 55 watts

2 High beams

H7 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.

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