BMW 323Ci (2000 year). Instruction - part 8
96nAshtray, front*
Cigarette lighter*
To open
To empty
Press in. Remove as soon as the lighter
jumps back out.
Press briefly in direction indicated by
Open the lid and press down (arrow):
arrow.
You can now pull the ashtray upward
Hold or touch the hot cigarette
for removal.
To extinguish a cigarette, tap off the ash
lighter by the knob only. Holding
and gently press the tip into the funnel.
On vehicles equipped for non-smok-
or touching it in other areas could result
ers, the insert is removed in the same
in burns.
way.
The cigarette lighter remains operational
when the ignition key has been removed.
For this reason, children should never
be left in the car unattended.<
Cigarette lighter socket
Suitable for attaching power supplies for
flashlights, car vacuum cleaners, etc., up
to a rating of approx. 200 watts at 12 volts.
Avoid damaging the socket due to insert-
ing plugs of different shapes or sizes.
On vehicles equipped for non-smokers,
the socket is provided at the same location.
Ashtray, rear*
Clothes hooks
97n
To open
Press on the upper edge to fold it up.
Additional notes: Refer to page 105
Push the cover open.
To empty
Press on the edge of the raised cover in
the opening direction (arrow). You can
now pull the ashtray upward for re-
moval.
On vehicles equipped for non-smokers,
the insert is removed in the same way.
98nThrough-loading facility
The fittings at the corners of the lug-
gage compartment provide you with a
convenient means of attaching luggage
nets* and flexible straps for securing
suitcases and luggage.
Refer also to "Cargo loading" on
page 100.
The rear backrest is divided into two
The rear backrest section will move for-
sections, one-third and two-thirds of
ward slightly when it is unlocked. Reach
the seat respectively. For carrying
into the gap and pull the backrest down.
longer objects, you can fold down either
section of the backrest separately.
When you close the backrest, be
sure that the retainer engages cor-
To unlock, pull the lever corresponding
rectly. If it is not correctly engaged,
to the section (arrow).
transported cargo could enter the pas-
senger compartment from the luggage
compartment during brake applications
or evasive maneuvers and endanger the
vehicle occupants.<
Ski bag*
99n
The ski bag allows the safe and clean
transport of four pairs of skis or two
snowboards.
The length of the ski bag and the addi-
tional space provided in the luggage
compartment make it possible to carry
skis with a length of up to 6.8 feet
(2.1 meters). The ski bag can only
accommodate two pairs of skis with a
length of 6.8 feet (2.1 meters), because
of the tapered shape of the bag.
Loading
Secure the skis or other objects in
the bag by tightening the strap at
1 Pull down the center armrest. Loosen
the trim from the upper Velcro fas-
the buckle.<
tener and place it on the armrest
2 Press button 1 downward and swing
Please ensure that the skis are clean
before loading them into the bag.
the cover forward
3 Press knob 2: The cover in the lug-
Take care to avoid damage from sharp
edges.
gage compartment is unlocked
4 Extend the ski bag between the front
To store the ski bag, perform the above
seats. The zipper provides conve-
steps in reverse sequence.
nient access to the stored items, and
can also be left open to promote dry-
ing.
100nCargo loading
Stowing cargo
> When transporting heavy cargo while
Securing the load
the rear seat is unoccupied, secure
If you are transporting a load in your
> For small, light items, use the rubber-
each of the outside safety belts in the
BMW:
lined non-skid side of the floor mat
opposite lock (refer to the illustration).
or secure with a luggage compart-
> Load heavy cargo as far forward as
ment net* or elastic straps (refer to
possible - directly behind the back-
page 41)
rests or the luggage compartment
> For large, heavy pieces, see your
partition - and as low as possible
BMW center for load-securing de-
> Cover sharp edges and corners
vices*. Lashing eyes (arrow) are pro-
> Do not pile objects higher than the
vided at the corners of the luggage
top edge of the backrest
compartment for attaching these
load-securing devices
> Comply with the information en-
closed with the load-securing de-
vices.
Cargo loading
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
101n
Always position and secure the
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
load correctly, otherwise it can en-
and attempt to distribute it evenly.
danger the passengers in the event of
Always load the heaviest pieces first
braking or swerving.
(on the bottom). Be sure that adequate
Do not exceed the permissible gross
clearance is maintained for raising the
weight and axle load (refer to page 172),
sliding/tilt sunroof, and that objects do
otherwise the vehicle's operating safety
not project into the opening path of the
is no longer assured and you are in vio-
luggage compartment lid.
lation of the law.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the
securely to prevent it from shifting or
passenger compartment without first
being lost during driving (danger to fol-
securing them. Otherwise they would
lowing traffic).
be thrown around during braking and
Anchors
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden ac-
evasive maneuvers and endanger the
Access to the anchors:
celeration or braking. Do not corner at
occupants.<
To open the cover (arrow) please use
high speeds.
the tool included with the luggage sys-
The roof load increases the aerody-
tem.
namic resistance. Increased fuel con-
A special luggage system is available as
sumption and additional strain on the
an option for your BMW. Please comply
vehicle's body result from this.
with the precautions included with the
installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center
of gravity of the car when loaded, they
exercise a major effect on its handling
and steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof weight,
the approved gross vehicle weight or
the axle weights when loading the rack.
You will find the specifications under
"Technical Data" on page 172.
102n
103n
Special operating instructions:
Under the hood:
Overview
Break-in procedures
104
Hood 119
Driving notes
104
Engine compartment
120
Catalytic converter
105
Washer fluids
122
Antilock Brake System
Washer nozzles
122
(ABS)
106
Engine oil
123
Controls and features
Disc brakes
108
Coolant
126
Brake system
109
Brake fluid
127
Winter operation
110
Vehicle Identification
Power steering
112
Number 128
Operation, care
Cellular phones
112
Care and maintenance:
Radio reception
112
and maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
Wheels and tires:
System 129
Tire inflation pressures
113
Caring for your car
130
Tire condition
113
Airbags
135
Owner service procedures
Tire replacement
114
Vehicle storage
136
Tire rotation
114
Laws and regulations:
Wheel and tire
Technical modifications to the
combinations
115
vehicle
136
Advanced technology
Winter tires
116
OBD connector 137
Snow chains 116
Approved wheel and tire
specifications
117
Technical data
Index
104n
Break-in procedures
Driving notes
To ensure that your vehicle provides
Tires
Brakes:
maximum economy throughout a long
Do not drive with your foot resting
Due to technical factors associated with
service life, we request that you ob-
on the brake pedal. Even light but con-
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
serve the following:
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high
their full traction potential until an initial
temperatures, brake wear, and possibly
break-in period has elapsed. For this
Engine and differential
to brake failure.
reason, drive cautiously during the first
Aquaplaning:
Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
200 miles (300 km).
A wedge of water can form between the
Drive at varying engine speeds and
tires and the road surface when you op-
road speeds, but do not exceed the fol-
Brake system
erate the vehicle on wet or slushy roads.
lowing engine or road speeds at this
Brake pads and disks do not attain their
This phenomenon is referred to as
time: 4,500/min or 100 mph (160 km/h).
optimal wear patterns until after approx.
aquaplaning or hydroplaning. It is char-
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
300 miles (500 km).
acterized by a partial or complete loss
pressing the accelerator beyond the
To break-in the separate parking brake
of contact between the tires and the
kickdown point.
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
road surface. The ultimate results are
After 1,200 miles (2,000 km), you can
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
loss of steering and braking control.
gradually increase the engine speed or
signal, for instance), provided that traf-
Driving through water:
road speed.
fic conditions allow you to do so.
Do not drive through water more than
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
1 ft (30 cm) deep. Drive only at walking
You should also observe these break-in
procedures if the engine or differential
dure from time to time.
speed, otherwise damage to the engine,
is replaced later in the course of the
the electrical system and the transmis-
vehicle service life.
The brake lamps do not come on
sion can occur.
when the parking brake is set.
Rear parcel tray:
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
Never use the rear parcel tray to store
on your BMW is available only when the
heavy or bulky objects. They could pose
engine is running. When you move the
a danger to the occupants when the car
car with the engine off - when towing,
is braked heavily.
for example - substantially higher levels
of pedal force will be required to brake
the vehicle.<
Driving notes
Catalytic converter
105n
Clothes hooks:
The catalytic converter reduces harmful
Be sure to comply with the in-
When suspending clothing from the
exhaust emissions, and is designed for
structions above to prevent un-
hooks, ensure that they will not obstruct
use with unleaded fuel only.
burned fuel from reaching the catalytic
the driver's vision. In order to avoid per-
Even minute quantities of lead would be
converter. Otherwise, the catalytic con-
sonal injuries during braking maneu-
enough to permanently damage both
verter could respond by overheating,
vers, do not hang heavy objects on the
the catalytic converter and the system
leading to serious damage.
hooks.<
oxygen sensor.
Extreme temperatures occur at the cat-
alytic converter. Heat shields are in-
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
stalled adjacent to some sections of the
operation and avoid potential damage:
exhaust system. Never remove these
> Be sure to comply with the scheduled
shields; do not apply undercoating to
maintenance requirements
their surfaces. When driving, standing
> Do not drive until the fuel tank is
at idle, and parking the vehicle, take
empty
care to avoid contact between the ex-
> Tow-start only when the engine is
haust system and flammable materials
cold, otherwise unburned, residual
(grass, hay, leaves, etc.). Such contact
fuel in the catalytic converter could
could lead to a fire, resulting in serious
ignite and cause damage. It is better
injury and property damage.<
to start the vehicle with an outside
starting aid
> Avoid other situations in which the
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-
pletely, such as engaging the starter
frequently or for extended periods, or
repeated start attempts in which the
engine does not start (stopping and
restarting an engine that is running
properly does not present a problem).
Never let the engine run with any of
the spark plug cables disconnected.
106nAntilock Brake System (ABS)
The concept
Braking with ABS
(on gravel or snow, for instance), or with
snow chains, the braking distance may
ABS enhances active safety by helping
The system becomes operative once
also be longer than when the wheels
to prevent the wheels from locking dur-
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
are locked. However, ABS continues to
ing brake applications. Locked wheels
6 mph (10 km/h). Below approx. 3 mph
provide enhanced vehicle stability and
are dangerous. When the front wheels
(6 km/h), it is once again deactivated.
steering response under these condi-
slide, the driver loses steering control
This means that the wheels can lock in
tions.
over the vehicle. Traction loss at the
the final phase of a panic stop - a factor
rear wheels can cause the rear end to
of no significance in actual use.
break into an uncontrolled skid.
Information for your safety
If you are in a situation that requires full
Not even ABS can suspend the laws
The system can achieve the shortest
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of physics. ABS cannot prevent the
braking distances possible under most
of the ABS system if you apply maxi-
consequences of brake applications
conditions (on straight-aways and in
mum brake pressure ("panic stop").
with inadequate clearances for safety
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road sur-
Since the vehicle maintains steering re-
between vehicles, when exceeding the
faces, etc.).
sponsiveness, you can avoid possible
speed limit in curves, or the risks in-
obstacles with a minimum of steering
ABS is designed to meet two essential
volved when aquaplaning occurs. Re-
effort, despite the full brake application.
requirements during every brake appli-
sponsibility for these types of situations
cation:
The ABS system closed-loop control
remains in the hands (and at the feet) of
circuit cycles in fractions of a second.
> To help provide vehicle stability
the driver.
A pulsation at the brake pedal indicates
> To help maintain steering control and
You should never allow the added
to the driver that ABS is active, that is,
maneuverability - on all types of road
safety of ABS to lull you into a false
that the vehicle is within its maximum
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, mud,
sense of security, or mislead you into
braking range. In addition, a pulsation -
wet, snow, ice).
taking increased risks that could affect
a result of the control function cycles -
your own safety and that of others.
indicates to the driver that vehicle
speed should be reduced to adapt to
Do not make any modifications to
road surface conditions when there is
the ABS system.
reduced traction and grip between tires
Service procedures on ABS are to be
and road surface (slippery road sur-
performed by authorized technicians
face).
only.<
In driving conditions where there is a
loose upper surface together with a
subsurface that provides good traction
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
107n
Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
In the event of a fault
Warning lamps CBC, ABS and
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
DSC for Canadian models.
If the ABS warning lamp in the
CBC is an advanced engineering devel-
instrument cluster lights up,
opment of ABS. When braking while
refer to page 22. The brake sys-
cornering at high speed or braking dur-
tem then reverts to conventional opera-
ing high lateral acceleration, or when
tion as on vehicles without ABS. How-
braking during a lane change, vehicle
ever, have the brake system checked by
stability is improved and steering
your BMW center as soon as possible.
response is enhanced.
To prevent undetected defects and cu-
mulative faults from adversely affecting
the brake system, refer any problems to
your authorized BMW center at the ear-
liest opportunity.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
model.
If the brake warning lamp comes
on together with the indicator
lamps for the ABS and DSC sys-
tems, refer to page 21. The en-
tire ABS, CBC and DSC govern-
ing system has deactivated.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake ap-
plications. This could cause the vehicle
to lose stability and you might no longer
be able to control it.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible by your authorized BMW cen-
ter.
108nDisc brakes
Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
Driving notes
Should engine braking prove inade-
tion and braking control and greater
quate, you should still avoid extended,
While driving in wet conditions and in
fade resistance under heavy use.
continuous braking. Instead of main-
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
taining low to moderate pressure over
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
pressure to the brake pedal every few
an extended period of time, you should
sionally, during extended periods when
miles (kilometers). Watch traffic condi-
decelerate the vehicle by applying more
the vehicle is not used at all, and in op-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
substantial force on the pedal (watch
erating conditions where brakes appli-
not endanger other road users. The
for following traffic!) and then pausing
cations are less frequent, there is an in-
heat that is generated by the brake ap-
before repeating the application. This
creased tendency for corrosion of the
plications helps to dry the brake pads
staggered braking technique allows the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
and rotors.
brakes to cool in the intervals between
tion on the brake pads. This occurs be-
Maximum braking force is obtained
active braking phases, preventing over-
cause the minimal pressure that must
while the wheels continue to rotate,
heating and ensuring that full braking
be exerted by the pads to clean the
peaking when the wheels remain on the
capacity remains available at all times.
rotors by brake applications is not
verge of locking without actually doing
reached.
so. ABS maintains this state automati-
Do not coast with the clutch de-
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert
pressed or with the transmission
will tend to respond to braking with a
to the staggered braking technique
or selector lever in neutral. Do not drive
pulsating effect that even extended
described on page 110.
with the engine shut off. The engine
brake applications will fail to cure.
Long or steep mountain descents do
provides no braking effect when the
not necessarily lead to reduced braking
clutch pedal is depressed or the trans-
For your own safety: Only use
efficiency if you drive downhill with the
mission is in neutral, and there is no
brake linings that BMW has re-
transmission in a gear that allows mini-
power-assist for brakes and steering
leased for your particular vehicle model.
mal brake applications (or, with an auto-
when the engine is not running.
BMW cannot vouch for driving safety or
matic transmission, in an appropriate
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
the suitability of brake linings other than
lower range).
other objects to protrude into the area
those they have released.<
You can further increase the engine's
around the accelerator, clutch and
braking effect by selecting a lower gear,
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
downshifting as far as first gear or plac-
ment.<
ing the selector lever in position (1).
Brake system
109n
Brake fluid level
Brake pads
If the brake-warning lamp
If the warning lamp for the brake
comes on with the parking brake
pads lights up:
released:
The brake pads have reached
The brake fluid level is too low in the
their minimum pad thickness. Proceed
reservoir (refer to page 127).
to the nearest authorized BMW center
as soon as possible to have the pads
If the brake fluid level is too low and
replaced.
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in
For your own safety: Only use
one of the brake system's hydraulic
brake linings that BMW has re-
circuits.
leased for your particular vehicle model.
Brake-warning lamp for Cana-
BMW cannot vouch for driving safety or
dian model.
the suitability of brake linings other than
those they have released.<
Proceed to the nearest authorized
BMW center. Higher brake appli-
cation pressure may be necessary un-
der these conditions, and brake pedal
travel may be significantly longer.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<