BMW 323is E36 (1998 year). Instruction - part 8
Ski bag*
97
BMW Convertible - loading the ski
Detach cut-out trim at bottom.
Open the cover panel from the luggage
bag
compartment and use the magnetic
Extend the ski sack between the front
retainers to attach it to the lower side of
Removing filler piece.
seats. The zipper provides convenient
the rear shelf within the luggage com-
access to the inside of the sack, and
partment.
can also be left open to promote drying.
bSecure the stored skis or other
bWhen remounting the trim, press it
objects by tightening down the strap on
firmly onto the guide rod at the bot-
the ski bag at the buckle.c
tom.c
For general information on the ski bag,
refer to page 95.
98
Cargo loading
Stowing a load
If you are transporting a load in your
a
Always position and secure the
BMW
load correctly, otherwise it can endan-
ger the passengers in the event of brak-
d Stow a heavy load as far forward as
ing or swerving.
possible - directly behind the back-
Do not exceed the permissible gross
rests or the front wall of the luggage
weight and axle load (refer to page 163),
compartment - and on the floor.
otherwise the vehicle's operating safety
d Cover sharp edges and corners.
is no longer assured and does not com-
d Do not pile objects higher than the
ply with traffic laws.
top edge of the backrest.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in the
d If the load is heavy and the rear seat
passenger compartment, otherwise
is unoccupied, put the outer safety
Securing load
they would be thrown around during
belt in its lock.
braking and evasive maneuvers and en-
d Secure smaller, lighter items with
danger the occupants.c
retaining straps or draw straps (refer
to page 34).
d For large, heavy items, see your
BMW Retailer for load-securing
devices*. The lashing eyes on the
corners of the luggage compartment
are used to attach these straps.
d Observe the information enclosed
with the load-securing devices.
99
Special operating instructions:
Under the hood:
At a glance
Break-in procedures
100
Hood
118
Driving notes
100
Engine compartment
120
Catalytic converter
102
Washer fluids
124
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
103
Engine oil
124
Disc brakes
104
Coolant
127
Controls and features
Brake system
105
Brake fluid
128
Winter driving
105
Power steering fluid
128
Roof-mounted luggage rack
107
Vehicle Identification Number
118
Radio reception
108
Care and maintenance:
Cellular phones
108
Care and maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
Hardtop - Convertible
109
System
130
Technical modifications to
Caring for your car
131
the vehicle
110
Cleaning and care of the
Wheels and tires:
convertible top
136
Owner service procedure
Tire inflation pressures
111
Vehicle storage
137
Tire tread
111
Tire replacement
112
Interaxle tire changes
112
The right choice
113
Advanced technology
Winter tires
114
Approved wheels and tires
115
Technical data
Index
100
Break-in procedures
Driving notes
To ensure that your vehicle provides
Tires
Engine
maximum economy throughout a long
Due to technical factors associated with
Do not allow the engine to warm to its
service life, we request that you
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
normal operating temperature by leav-
observe the following.
their full traction potential until an initial
ing it idling with the vehicle parked.
break-in period has elapsed. This
Engine and differential
However, when starting in extremely
means that you should drive with addi-
Up to 1,250 miles (2,000 km):
cold weather it is a good idea to allow
tional caution for the first 200 miles
the engine to run at fast idle for about
Drive at different engine speeds and
(300 km).
30 seconds before getting underway;
vehicle speeds, but be careful not to
this precaution ensures adequate lubri-
Brake system
exceed the following engine speed:
cation.
Brake pads and disks attain their opti-
4,500 rpm
Avoid high engine speeds while the
mal wear patterns only after approx.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
engine is still cold; this helps avoid pre-
300 miles (500 km).
pressing the accelerator beyond the
mature wear and reduced service life.
kickdown point.
When driving under high engine loads
After 1,250 miles (2,000 km) you can
(acceleration, steep hills), try to keep
gradually increase the number of revo-
the engine running above 1,500 rpm.
lutions or the speed.
We recommend downshifting into a
You should also observe these break-in
more suitable range, especially when
procedures if the engine or differential
driving up extended inclines.
is replaced later in the course of the
It is a good idea to follow extended
vehicle service life.
periods of low-speed operation (dense
urban traffic, stop-and-go driving) by
maintaining an engine speed consis-
tently above 3,000 rpm for several
miles. This procedure helps prevent
deposits from accumulating in the
engine.
Driving notes
101
Clutch
Water on the roads:
When driving through water (maximum
Depress the clutch throughout its com-
depth one foot = 30 cm) always drive at
plete travel range to shift gears. Do not
walking speed, otherwise damage to
"ride" the clutch by driving with your
the engine, the electrical system and
foot resting against the pedal.
the transmission can occur.
Rear window shelf:
aBrakes:
Never use the rear window shelf to
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
store heavy or bulky objects. They
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
could pose a danger to the occupants
pedal pressure can lead to high temper-
when the car is braked heavily.
atures, brake wear and possibly even
brake failure.
Clothes hooks:
When suspending clothing from the
Aquaplaning:
hooks, ensure that they will not obstruct
A wedge of water can form between
the driver's vision. Refrain from hanging
tires and road surface when you oper-
heavy objects from the hooks, as these
ate the vehicle on wet or slushy roads.
could cause personal injury when the
This phenomenon is referred to as
car is braked heavily.c
aquaplaning, or hydroplaning, and it is
characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and
the road surface. The ultimate results
are loss of steering and braking control.
102
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter reduces harmful
Traveling abroad
exhaust emissions.
aAlways observe the above points
Always make sure that unleaded fuel
It is designed for use with unleaded fuel
to prevent unburned mixture from
meeting your engine’s octane require-
only.
entering the catalytic converter. This
ments will be available when planning
Even minute quantities of lead would be
could result in overheating, leading to
trips outside the country. The use of
enough to permanently damage both
serious damage.
fuel failing to meet the official octane
the catalytic converter and the system's
High temperatures occur on all vehicles
requirements could result in engine
oxygen sensor.
equipped with a catalytic converter.
damage.
Heat shields are installed adjacent to
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
If you are considering traveling to a
some sections of the exhaust system.
operation and avoid potential damage:
country in which unleaded fuel is not
Never remove these shields; do not
readily available, please remember that
d Always have your car serviced in
apply undercoating to their surfaces.
leaded fuel will destroy the lambda oxy-
accordance with maintenance
When driving, standing at idle or park-
gen sensor and the catalytic converter
instructions.
ing the vehicle, take care to avoid con-
on your BMW. After operation on
d Never continue driving until the fuel
tact between the exhaust system and
leaded fuel, your vehicle will no longer
tank is empty.
flammable materials (e.g., grass, hay,
meet American and Canadian exhaust
d Respond to engine miss by switching
leaves, etc.). Such contact could lead to
emission standards, and there will also
off the engine at once.
a fire, resulting in personal injury and
be a loss of fuel economy. Upon your
d Never tow-start the car unless the
property damage.c
return to the US or Canada, you will be
engine is cold, or else unburned fuel
expected to comply with legal ordi-
may reach the catalytic converter.
nances requiring that you replace both
Better yet: use jumper cables!
the oxygen sensor and the catalytic
d Avoid other situations in which the
converter, and to have the fuel system
fuel would not be (completely)
flushed to remove any traces of leaded
burned, for instance:
fuel.
Frequent, extended, or repeated
starting attempts during which the
engine fails to start. (Switching off
and restarting a healthy engine
causes no damage).
Never let the engine run with any of
the spark-plug cables disconnected.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
103
ABS enhances active safety by helping
Driving with ABS
On road surfaces featuring a loose top
to prevent the wheels from locking under
layer on a firmer substratum, e.g., on
The yellow ABS warning in the instru-
braking. When the front wheels slide, the
gravel or snow, the braking distances
ment panel goes out as soon as the
driver loses steering control over the
with ABS may be longer than with the
engine is started.
vehicle. Traction loss at the rear wheels
wheels locked. However, ABS continues
The system becomes operative once the
can cause the rear end to break into
to provide enhanced vehicle and steer-
vehicle exceeds a speed of 5 mph
uncontrolled oversteer.
ing control under these conditions.
(8 km/h). The ABS is deactivated when-
ABS is designed to meet two essential
ever the vehicle's speed drops below
requirements during every application:
approx. 2 mph (3 km/h). This means that
a
To ensure that the system remains
d to help provide vehicle stability on all
the wheels can lock in the final phase of
completely operational, never modify the
types of road surface (asphalt,
a braking action - a factor of no signifi-
ABS. Service procedures on ABS are to
cement, dirt, moisture, snow and ice).
cance in actual practice.
be performed by authorized technicians
d to help to retain steering and maneu-
only.c
The ABS system closed-loop control cir-
vering capability under the same con-
ABS may fail to function with maximum
cuit cycles in fractions of a second. A
ditions.
pulsation at the brake pedal indicates to
efficiency when tires of different sizes
However, certain important consider-
the driver that ABS is active, that is, that
are mounted (e.g., winter tires/spare tire;
ations must be borne in mind in connec-
the car is within its maximum braking
remount the correct tires at all wheels as
tion with these requirements:
range. In addition, the audible pulsation
soon as possible).
Not even ABS can suspend the normal
that accompanies the control operation
In the event of a fault, the ABS warning
laws of physics. ABS alone can not pre-
calls your attention to the reduced trac-
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up,
vent accidents when the brakes are
tion between tires and road surface
refer to page 18. The braking system
applied without an adequate safety
(marginal adhesion), and reminds you
then reverts to conventional operation as
interval between vehicles, when the car
that the vehicle's speed should be
on a vehicle without ABS. However,
reaches excessive rates of lateral accel-
reduced to adapt to road conditions.
have the brake system checked by your
eration in curves, or if aquaplaning
BMW Retailer as soon as possible. To
occurs. Responsibility for these types of
prevent undetected defects and cumu-
situations remains in the hands (and feet)
lative faults from adversely affecting the
of the driver. You should never allow the
brake system, refer any problems to
added safety of ABS to lull you into a
your authorized BMW Retailer at the
false sense of security, or mislead you
earliest opportunity.
into taking increased risks that could
affect your own safety and that of others.
104
Disc brakes
Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
Driving notes
Should engine braking prove inade-
tion and braking control as well as
quate, you should still avoid extended,
While driving in wet conditions and in
greater fade resistance under heavy
continuous braking. Instead of main-
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply
use.
taining low to moderate pressure over
light pressure to the brake pedal every
an extended period of time, you should
Limited vehicle use, extended periods
few miles - Watch traffic conditions to
decelerate the vehicle by applying more
with the car parked or in storage and
ensure that this maneuver does not
substantial force at the pedal (watch for
light loading will increase the tendency
endanger other road users. The heat
following traffic!) and then pausing
for corrosion to form on the rotors, and
generated in this braking process helps
before repeating the application. This
dirt to accumulate on the pads. This
dry the brake pads and rotors.
staggered braking technique allows the
happens because the minimum pres-
Maximum braking force is obtained
brakes to cool in the intervals between
sure between the pad and the disc
while the wheels continue to rotate,
active braking phases, preventing over-
required for the self-cleaning function
peaking when the wheels remain on the
heating and ensuring that full braking
of the disc brakes is not achieved.
verge of locking without actually doing
capacity remains available at all times.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
so. ABS maintains this state automati-
will tend to respond to braking with a
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert
pulsating effect which even extended
to the staggered braking technique
aDo not allow the vehicle to coast by
application will fail to cure.
described above (refer to page 106).
pressing down the clutch pedal or shift-
Extended or steep mountain descents
ing into neutral while underway. Never
do not necessarily have to lead to
drive with the engine switched
aUse only original BMW-approved
reduced braking efficiency; downshift
off (!). The engine provides no braking
brake pads, as otherwise vehicle autho-
to a gear in which only minimal periodic
effect when the clutch is disengaged or
rization is no longer valid.c
brake applications are required (you
the transmission is in neutral, and there
can move the selector lever to the
is no power-assist for brakes and steer-
appropriate lower range if your car is
ing when the engine is not running.
equipped with an automatic transmis-
Never allow floor mats, carpets or other
sion).
objects to protrude into the area around
You can further increase the engine's
the accelerator, clutch and brake pedals
braking effect by selecting a lower gear,
and obstruct their movement.c
downshifting as far as first gear or plac-
ing the selector lever in position 1 (2).
Brake system
Winter driving
105
Failure of one brake circuit
The onset of winter is often accompa-
Snow chains
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Pedal travel increases, more pressure is
BMW snow chains* can be mounted on
Adaptations in driving style should be
required at the pedal.
both summer and winter tires. Mount
accompanied by preparations on the
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
The remaining circuit continues to pro-
vehicle itself to ensure that your
and observe the manufacturer's safety
vide good braking response.
progress through the winter remains
precautions. Do not exceed a maximum
safe and trouble-free.
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h). For maxi-
a
In the event of any malfunction in
Coolant
mum traction, deactivate ASC+T when
the brake system, consult the nearest
driving with snow chains mounted, refer
Ensure that the coolant contains the
BMW Retailer as soon as possible.c
to page 84.
year-round 50:50 ratio of water and
antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor. This
Starting off
mixture provides protection against
When driving off in deep snow or "rock-
freezing down to approximately -345F
ing" the vehicle to free it, you should
(-376). Replace the coolant every
switch off ASC+T, refer to page 84.
three years.
Locks
Driving on low-traction road
surfaces
can be made operative again using
Operate the accelerator pedal sensi-
BMW lock de-icer. This de-icer also
contains lubricants.
tively, avoid high engine speeds and
shift up to the next-higher gear early.
In addition, a treatment with BMW lock
cylinder grease is recommended.
Shift down into the next lowest gear
when approaching uphill or downhill
Rubber seals and components
grades. Maintain an adequate distance
To prevent the weather-stripping from
between yourself and the car ahead.
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and luggage compartment lid seals.
b
A complete range of car-care
products is available from any autho-
rized BMW Retailer.c
106
Winter driving
Brakes
Parking
Winter road conditions substantially
a
Never downshift to exploit engine
Select 1st or reverse gear. If your car is
reduce the amount of traction available
braking when driving on slippery road
equipped with an automatic transmis-
between the tires and the road surface;
surfaces; it could lead to loss of rear-
sion, select Park. Engage the parking
the resulting - considerable - increases
wheel traction and endanger vehicle
brake when parking on hills and
in braking distance should be continu-
control. ABS and ASC+T can not protect
inclined surfaces. To prevent frost and
ally borne in mind.
against such loss of traction, since they
corrosion from locking the parking
have no effect on this kind of decelera-
brake liners at the drum, you can dry
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
tion.c
them by gently pulling up the lever
from locking under braking; to help the
while stopping (ensure that you do not
vehicle to remain stable and sensitive to
endanger following traffic).
steering. Should the ABS fail, with lock-
b
Disengage the clutch during hard
ing wheels as a result: Reduce the
braking on road surfaces affording only
pressure on the brake pedal until the
poor or uneven traction.c
a
The brake lamps do not light up
wheels just start to roll again while still
when the parking brake is applied.c
Loss of lateral traction (sliding)
maintaining enough force to continue
braking. Then increase the pressure,
Release the accelerator pedal and
release the pressure when the wheels
depress the clutch pedal or push the
lock, reapply pressure, etc.
selector lever to position N with auto-
matic transmission. Countersteer care-
This staggered braking procedure will
fully and attempt to regain control of the
reduce stopping distances while help-
vehicle.
ing you maintain steering control.
It can allow you to steer around hazards
once you have reduced the pressure on
the brake pedal.
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
107
A special luggage system is available as
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
an option for your BMW. Please
securely to prevent it from shifting or
observe the precautions included with
being lost during driving (danger to fol-
the installation instructions.
lowing traffic).
Because roof racks raise the center of
Drive smoothly: avoid sudden accelera-
gravity of the car when loaded, they
tion and braking maneuvers; corner
exercise a major effect on its handling
gently.
and steering response.
The roof load increases the surface
You should therefore always remember
area exposed to the wind: increased
not to exceed the approved roof weight,
fuel consumption and stress on the roof
the approved gross vehicle weight or
are the immediate results.
the axle weights when loading the rack.
For specifications refer to "Technical
data", page 163ff.
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
and attempt to distribute it evenly.
Always load the heaviest items first (on
the bottom).
Make sure there is sufficient space to
raise the sliding/tilt sunroof.
108
Radio reception
Cellular phones*
The reception and sound quality
Mobile communications devices (mo-
obtained from mobile radios varies
bile phones, two-way radios, etc.) not
according to a variety of factors, includ-
specifically designed for use in your car
ing the broadcast range of the transmit-
may trigger malfunctions in other vehic-
ter and the directional orientation of the
ular systems. BMW can neither test nor
antenna.
assume responsibility for every individ-
ual product being offered on the mar-
Interference factors such as high-ten-
ket. We recommend that you consult
sion power lines, buildings and natural
your BMW Retailer before purchasing
obstructions can all lead to unavoidable
any device of this kind.
reception interference, regardless of
how well the vehicle's sound system is
To ensure that your BMW continues to
operating.
provide reliable and trouble-free opera-
tion, refrain from using a cellular tele-
Climatic factors such as intense solar
phone or other radio device with an
radiation, fog, rain and snow can also
antenna located inside the passenger
interfere with reception.
compartment. The antenna should
Cellular telephones without official BMW
always be mounted on the outside of
approval can generate radio interfer-
the vehicle.
ence. This is noticeable e.g., as a low-
pitched hum in the loudspeakers.
b
Before loading the vehicle on a
Please refer to the supplementary oper-
train or driving it through a car-wash,
ating instructions provided with your
remove the antenna.c
sound system for detailed information
on its use.
Hardtop* - Convertible
109
Even in winter, when the hardtop may
be in constant use, the fabric top does
not need to be removed. Before storing
the fabric top in the convertible top
compartment, it must be absolutely dry
to prevent the formation of water and
mildew spots.
Two persons are required for mounting
and removal. Use extreme care when
working to prevent paint damage and
damage to the body and hardtop.
To make it easier to mount and remove
Mounting
Before positioning the hardtop on the
the hardtops, you can purchase a spe-
car, fold down the covers below the
cially developed hardtop lift* from your
Lower the side windows and remove
interior lamps at the left and right and
BMW Retailer.
the rod antenna if necessary to prevent
open the locking levers outward.
damage.
Now, with somebody else’s help, posi-
Unlock the convertible top compart-
tion the hardtop on the mounts.
ment lid on vehicles with manual con-
vertible top operation, or open the con-
Close the locking lever at the back by
vertible top compartment lid slightly
turning it inward (arrow) up to the stop
with the convertible top operating but-
behind the trim.
ton on vehicles with electric convertible
As with the fabric top, fold out the lock-
top operation, as illustrated.
ing handle inside and lock the hardtop
Remove the trim pieces on both sides
at the front by turning the handle until it
and then close the convertible top com-
audibly engages.
partment lid again.
110
Hardtop* - Convertible
Technical modifications to the vehicle
Any BMW Service station will gladly
aDo not lift the hardtop by the seals.
provide information on the purpose of
Accidentally shifted or pulled-out seals
technical modifications to the car, the
cause leaks.c
legal position and the manufacturer's
recommendations. For this purpose,
Remove
the Retailer requires the Vehicle Identi-
Proceed as for mounting, however in
fication Number and, in some cases,
the reverse order.
also the engine number.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
Control units, displays and other interior
equipment of your vehicle have LED's
behind protective lenses as a light
source. These LEDs resemble conven-
tional lasers and are classified by law as
"Class 1 light-emitting diodes".
a
Do not remove the protective
lens and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.c