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BMW 323Ci (2000 year). Instruction - part 9

110nWinter operation

The onset of winter is often accompa-

Snow chains

Brakes

nied by rapid changes in weather. Adap-

BMW snow chains* can be mounted on

Winter road conditions substantially

tations in driving style should be accom-

both summer and winter tires. Mount

reduce the traction available between

panied by preparations on the vehicle

them in pairs on the rear wheels only

the tires and the road surface.

itself to ensure that your progress

and comply with the manufacturer's

Remember that braking distances will

through the winter remains safe and

safety precautions. Do not exceed a

be significantly longer as a result.

trouble-free.

maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).

ABS is intended to prevent the wheels

In this situation (snow chains mounted),

from locking during brake applications,

Coolant

deactivate the DSC. Refer to page 81.

thus helping to maintain vehicle stability

Be sure that the coolant mixture is kept

and steering response.

at the year-round ratio of 50:50 of water

Starting off

If the ABS does not respond in a critical

and antifreeze/corrosion protection.

We recommend that you use the man-

braking situation and the wheels lock:

This mixture provides protection against

ual control switch to deactivate DSC

Reduce the pressure on the brake

freezing down to approx. - 347

when starting off in deep snow or when

pedal until the wheels just start to roll

(- 37 6). Replace the coolant every four

rocking the car to free it (refer to

again while still maintaining enough

years.

page 81).

force to continue braking. Then in-

crease the pressure, reduce the pres-

Locks

Driving on low-traction road

sure when the wheels lock, reapply

BMW door lock deicer can be used to

surfaces

pressure etc.

free them if frozen. This deicer also

Use smooth, gentle pressure to control

This staggered braking procedure will

contains lubricant.

the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive

reduce stopping distances while help-

After using deicer, treatment with BMW

engine speeds and shift to the next

ing you maintain steering control.

lock barrel grease is recommended.

higher gear at an early point. Adapt

You can then attempt to steer around

your speed and driving style when ap-

hazards after you have reduced pres-

Rubber seals and components

proaching grades or slopes. Maintain

sure on the brake pedal.

To prevent the weather-stripping from

an adequate distance between yourself

freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-

and the car ahead.

ment or silicone spray to the door, hood

and luggage compartment lid seals.

A full range of car-care products is

available from your BMW center.<

Winter operation

111n

Do not shift down on slick road

Parking

surfaces. Doing so could cause

Engage 1st or reverse gear. If your car

the rear wheels to lose traction and

is equipped with an automatic transmis-

skid, that could result in the loss of

sion, place the selector lever in "Park".

vehicle control.<

On vehicles with manual transmission,

also apply the parking brake when

Depress the clutch during hard

parking on inclined surfaces. In order to

braking on road surfaces that pro-

prevent the parking brake linings from

vide only poor or uneven traction.<

locking due to frost or corrosion, dry

them by gently applying the parking

Skid control

brake as the vehicle is coming to a

Depress the clutch and release the

stop. Make sure that following traffic is

accelerator pedal, or place the selector

not endangered.

lever of the automatic transmission into

the "Neutral" position. Countersteer

The brake lamps do not light up

carefully and attempt to regain control

when the parking brake is ap-

of the vehicle.

plied.<

112nPower steering

Cellular phones*

Radio reception

High steering effort:

Mobile communications systems (cellu-

The reception and sound quality ob-

Please contact a BMW center.

lar phone, two-way radios, etc.) are only

tained from mobile radios varies ac-

allowed a power output of up to 10 Watt.

cording to a variety of factors, including

High steering effort during sudden tran-

Mobile communications devices not

the broadcast range of the transmitter

sitions:

specifically designed for use in your car

and the directional orientation of the

Have your authorized BMW center in-

may trigger malfunctions while operat-

antenna. Interference factors such as

spect this system as soon as possible.

ing your vehicle. BMW can neither test

high-tension power lines, buildings and

nor assume responsibility for every indi-

natural obstructions can all lead to un-

If the power steering fails, in-

vidual product being offered on the mar-

avoidable reception interference, re-

creased effort will be required to

ket. We recommend that you consult

gardless of how well the vehicle's sound

steer the vehicle.<

your BMW center before purchasing any

system is operating.

device of this kind.

Climatic factors such as intense solar

radiation, fog, rain and snow can also

To ensure that your BMW continues to

interfere with reception.

provide reliable and trouble-free opera-

tion, refrain from using a mobile phone

Car telephones or cellular phones not

or other radio device with an antenna

approved by BMW can also cause in-

located inside the passenger compart-

terference in the radio during a tele-

ment. The antenna should always be

phone call. This phenomenon assumes

fitted on the outside of the vehicle.

the form of a low-pitched hum emanat-

ing from the speaker system.

Before loading the vehicle on a

Please refer to the supplementary oper-

car-carrier train or driving it

ating instructions provided with your

through a car-wash, remove the an-

sound system for detailed information

tenna.<

on its use.

Tire inflation pressures

Tire condition

113n

Information for your safety

Do not drive on a deflated (flat) tire.

A flat tire greatly impairs steering

The factory-approved radial tires are

and braking response, and can lead to

matched to the car and have been se-

complete loss of control over the

lected to provide optimum safety and

vehicle.

driving comfort on your car.

Avoid overloading the vehicle so that

It is not merely the tire's service life, but

the permitted load on the tires is not

also driving comfort and - above all

exceeded. Overloading can lead to

else - driving safety that depend on the

overheating and increases the rate at

condition of the tires and the mainte-

which damage develops inside the tires.

nance of the specified tire pressure.

The ultimate result can assume the form

Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent

of a sudden air loss.

cause of tire damage. It also signifi-

Unusual vibrations encountered during

Tire tread - Tire damage

cantly influences the roadholding ability

normal vehicle operation can indicate

Inspect your tires frequently for tread

of your BMW.

tire failure or some other vehicle defect,

wear, signs of damage and for foreign

as can variations in normal vehicle

objects lodged in the tread. Check the

Check tire inflation pressure regu-

response, such as a pronounced ten-

tread depth.

larly — including the space-saver

dency to pull to the left or right. Should

and/or the spare tire — at least twice a

The tread depth should not be any shal-

this occur, respond by immediately

month and before beginning a longer

lower than 0.12 in (3 mm).

reducing your speed and carefully pro-

road trip. Incorrect tire pressure can

Otherwise there is an increased risk of

ceeding to the nearest BMW center or

otherwise lead to tire damage and acci-

aquaplaning, even at relatively moder-

professional tire center, or having the

dents.<

ate speeds and with only small amounts

vehicle towed in to have it and its tires

of water on the road.

inspected.

We recommend that you always replace

Tire damage (up to and including blow-

the tires once the tread wears to 0.12 in

outs) can endanger the lives of both the

(3 mm). If you continue to use the tires,

vehicle occupants and other road

wear indicators appear in the tread at

users.<

0.063 in (1.6 mm).

114n

Tire replacement

Tire rotation

To maintain good handling and vehicle

Tire age

Between the axles

response, use only tires of a single

The date on which the tire was manu-

The tread wear patterns at the front end

tread configuration from a single manu-

factured is indicated by the code on the

differ from those at the rear - the actual

facturer. BMW tests and approves

sidewall:

patterns will vary according to individ-

wheel/tire combinations. Refer to

DOT ... 129 indicates that the tire was

ual driving conditions. In the interests of

page 117.

manufactured in Week 12 of 1999.

safety and maintaining optimal handling

characteristics, tire rotation is not rec-

BMW recommends the replacement of

Do not use retreaded tires, since

ommended.

all tires when the tires are no more than

driving safety may be impaired by

6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years

If a proposed interaxle rotation of tires

their use. This due to the possible varia-

is possible.

is based on economic considerations,

tions in casing structures and, in some

one should consider whether the costs

cases, to their extreme age, that can

Spare tires over 6 years old should be

for the rotation are likely to be recap-

lead to a decrease in their durability.<

used only in case of emergency. Such

tured by any increase in the service life

a tire should be replaced by a new tire

of the tires which might be realized.

immediately, and should not be fitted

In principle, interaxle rotation should be

together with new tires.

performed in short intervals, with a

maximum of 3,000 miles (5,000 km).

Consult your authorized BMW center

for more information.

Should you decide to rotate the tires, it

is essential to comply with the following:

Rotate tires on the same side only, since

braking characteristics and road grip

could otherwise be adversely affected.

Following rotation, correct the tire infla-

tion pressure.

If different tire sizes are mounted

on the front and rear axles (refer to

page 117), the wheels may not be ro-

tated from one axle to the other.<

Wheel and tire combinations

115n

The right choice

Codes on the tires and wheels

Winter tires:

Use only BMW-approved tires, refer to

The tire codes will aid you in selecting

Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

page 117.

the correct tire.

T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

Due to the high speeds this vehicle can

Codes on radial tires:

achieve, the use of specific tire brands,

Codes stamped on light-alloy wheels:

Example:

225/50 R 16 92

W

specifications and dimensions is man-

Nominal width

Example:

7

J x

16

H 2

datory.

in mm

Rim width

Consult any BMW center for details.

Aspect ratio in %

in inches

Comply with local/national regulations.

Radial tire code

Code letter for

Rim diameter in inches

flange type

The correct wheel/tire combinaton

Load rating

Symbol for full-drop

affects different sytems, such as

(not on ZR tires)

center rim

ABS, ATC, DSC. The function of these

Speed rating

Rim diameter in inches

systems can be impaired if the correct

(before R on ZR tires)

Hump on the 2 rim shoulders

combinaton is not used.

Therefore, only use tires of the same

The speed rating indicates the ap-

Protect valve inserts against dirt using

brand and tread pattern. Replace a flat

proved maximum speed for the tire.

screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the

tire with an approved wheel/tire combi-

valves frequently leads to slow leaks.

Summer tires:

nation as soon as possible.<

S

= up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

T

= up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

H

= up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

V

= up to 150 mph (240 km/h)

W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)

Y

= above 167 mph (270 km/h)

ZR = above 150 mph (240 km/h)

116nWinter tires

Choosing the right tire

Never exceed the maximum speed

Storage

for that the tires are rated.

BMW recommends winter tires (M+S

Store tires in a cool, dry place, away

Unprofessional attempts by laymen to

radial tires) for driving in adverse winter

from light whenever possible. Protect

service tires can lead to damage and

road conditions. Although all-season

the tires against contact with oil, grease

accidents.

M+S tires provide better winter traction

and fuel.

Have this work performed by skilled

than standard summer tires with H, V,

professionals only. Your BMW center

W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they gener-

Snow chains*

will be glad to assist you with both their

ally fail to provide the same levels of

Use narrow-link BMW snow chains on

expertise and the proper equipment for

performance as standard snow tires in

summer or winter tires only in pairs and

your vehicle.<

winter driving.

only on the rear wheels. Comply with all

For of safe tracking and steering re-

manufacturer's safety precautions when

Tire condition, tire pressure

sponse, install winter tires made by the

mounting the chains.

Winter tires display a perceptible loss in

same manufacturer having the same

their ability to cope with winter driving

tread configuration on all four wheels.

conditions once the tread wears to be-

Mount only winter tires approved by

low 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus be

BMW. Any BMW center will be glad to

replaced.

provide you with information on the

Comply with the specified tire inflation

best winter tires for your particular driv-

pressures - and be sure to have the

ing conditions.

wheel and tire assemblies balanced

every time you change the tires.

Approved wheel and tire specifications

117n

Snow chains*

Tire specifications

Steel rim (wheel rim)

Light-alloy wheel

Snow chains cannot be mounted on the

BMW 323Ci

following tires:

All-Season

225/50 R 16 92 W

195/65 R 15 91 H

-

6.5Jx15

225/50 ZR 16

225/45 R 17 91 W

Summer tires

225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H

195/65 R 15 91 H

-

6.5Jx15

225/45 R 17 91 Q/T/H

205/60 R 15 91 H

-

6.5Jx15

7Jx15

Mixed tires

205/55 R 16 91 H

-

7Jx16

For details concerning tire manufactur-

225/50 R 16 92 W

ers for mixed tires, refer to the original-

225/50 ZR 16

equipment specifications.

225/45 R 17 91 W

-

8Jx17

Front: 225/45 ZR 17

-

7.5Jx17

Rear: 245/40 ZR 17

-

8.5Jx17

Winter tires

195/65 R 15 91 Q M+S

6.5Jx15

6.5Jx15

205/60 R 15 91 Q M+S

6.5Jx15

6.5Jx15

7Jx15

205/55 R 16 91 Q M + S

7Jx16

7Jx16

225/50 R 16 92 Q M + S

225/45 R 17 91 Q M + S

-

8Jx17

Space-saver spare tire

T 125/90 R 15 96 M

3.5Bx15

-

T 125/90 R 16 98 M

3.5Bx16

-

Pay attention to the specifications for tires and wheels in the vehicle's

manuals. If you install tire sizes not approved by the manufacturer,

you are required to enter this in the vehicle documents.

118nApproved wheel and tire specifications

Snow chains*

Tire specifications

Steel rim (wheel rim)

Light-alloy wheel

Snow chains cannot be mounted on the

BMW 328Ci

following tires:

All-Season

225/50 R 16 92 W

225/50 ZR 16

205/55 R 16 91 H

-

7Jx16

225/45 R 17 91 W

Summer tires

225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H

205/55 R 16 91 H

-

7Jx16

225/45 R 17 91 Q/T/H

225/50 R 16 92 H

225/50 ZR 16

Mixed tires

225/45 R 17 91 H

-

8Jx17

For details concerning tire manufactur-

ers for mixed tires, refer to the original-

Front: 225/45 ZR 17

-

7.5Jx17

equipment specifications.

Rear: 245/40 ZR 17

-

8.5Jx17

Winter tires

205/55 R 16 91 Q M + S

7Jx16

7Jx16

225/50 R 16 92 Q M + S

225/45 R 17 91 Q M + S

-

8Jx17

Space-saver spare tire

T 125/90 R 16 98 M

3.5Bx16

-

Pay attention to the specifications for tires and wheels in the vehicle's

manuals. If you install tire sizes not approved by the manufacturer, you

are required to enter this in the vehicle documents.

Hood

119n

To unlock

To open

To close

Pull the lever located under the left-

Pull the release handle and open the

Let the engine hood drop from about

hand side of the instrument panel.

hood.

30 cm (about 12 inches) up, so that it

audibly engages.

Do not work on your vehicle with-

out appropriate skills. Always

To avoid injuries, be sure that the

switch off the engine and allow it to

travel path of the hood is clear

cool down before working in the engine

when it is closed, as with all closing

compartment. Always disconnect the

procedures.

battery before working on any electrical

If it is determined that the hood is not

systems or equipment, especially when

completely closed while driving, stop

these are located within the engine

immediately and close it securely.<

compartment. Comply with all applica-

ble instructions and warnings. Have

your vehicle serviced by an authorized

BMW service center if you are not famil-

iar with the guidelines that need to be

followed. Improper parts and materials

servicing could create a safety hazard

not only for passengers, but also for fel-

low drivers on the road.<

120nEngine compartment

122nWasher fluids

Washer nozzles

Antifreeze agent for the washer

Windshield washer

systems is inflammable. For this

The spray from the nozzles should be

reason, keep it away from sources of

directed so as to ensure effective

flame and store it only in its original

cleaning, even at high speeds. Use a

container. Store it so that it is inaccessi-

needle to adjust the nozzles as re-

ble to children. Comply with the instruc-

quired, or have them adjusted by your

tions on the containers.<

BMW center.

Headlamp washer system*

Have these adjusted by your BMW

center as required.

Headlamps* and windshield

washer

Filling capacity: approx. 5.6 US quarts

(5.3 liters).

Fill with water and - if required - with a

washer antifreeze (according to manu-

facturer's recommendations).

We recommend that you mix the

washer fluid before adding it to

the reservoir.<

Engine oil

123n

Checking oil level

The space between the two marks on

To add oil

the dipstick corresponds to approx.

1 Park the vehicle on a level surface

Wait until the level has dropped to just

1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond

2 Shut the engine off after it has

above the lower mark before adding oil.

the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess

reached normal operating tempera-

But never let the oil drop below the

oil will damage the engine.

ture

lower mark.

3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-

stick out and wipe it off with a clean

BMW engines are designed to op-

lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar

erate without oil additives; the use

material

of additives could lead to damage in

4 Push the dipstick all the way into the

some cases. This also applies for the

guide tube and pull it out again

manual transmission, automatic trans-

5 The oil level should be between the

mission, differential and the power

two graduations on the dipstick.

steering system.<

As with fuel economy, oil consumption

is directly influenced by your driving

style and vehicle operating conditions.

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