BMW 325ci Convertbile (2002 year). Instruction - part 8
Roof-mounted luggage rack for the hardtop*
105n
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof load
capacity, the approved gross vehicle
weight or the maximum axle loads
when loading the rack. These weights
are listed under Technical Data on
page 146.
Make sure that the load is not too bulky,
and attempt to distribute it evenly.
Always load the heaviest pieces first (on
the bottom). Make sure that no objects
will be in the way when the luggage
A special roof-rack system is available
compartment lid is opening or closing.
as an optional extra for your BMW.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
Please observe the precautions
securely to prevent it from shifting or
included with the installation instruc-
being lost during driving (danger to
tions.
following traffic).
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden
Anchorages
acceleration or braking. Do not corner
Access to the anchorages:
at high speeds.
To fold up the covers (arrow), please
The roof-mounted luggage rack and the
use the tool which is provided with the
roof load increase the aerodynamic
roof-rack system.
resistance: increased fuel consumption
and additional stress on the vehicle's
Loading and driving notes
body are the result.
Roof-mounted luggage racks raise the
center of gravity of the vehicle when
they are loaded. For this reason, they
exercise a major effect on the vehicle's
handling and steering response.
106n
107n
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
108n
Break-in procedures
To ensure that your vehicle continues to
Tires
users. You can prevent corrosion in the
provide maximum economy throughout
drums by periodically repeating this
Owing to technical factors associated
an extended service life, we request
procedure.
with their manufacture, tires do not
that you devote careful attention to the
achieve their full traction potential until
following instructions.
The brake lamps do not come on
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
when you engage the parking
We thus ask you to drive with extra care
Engine and differential
brake.
during the first 200 miles (300 km).
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
The first 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Always obey all official speed limits.
on your BMW is available only when the
Attempt to constantly vary both vehicle
engine is running. When you move the
and engine speed during these initial
When the vehicle is operated on
vehicle with the engine off - when
miles while remembering to avoid
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
towing, for example - substantially
engine speeds in excess of 4,500 rpm
water may form between the tire and
higher levels of pedal force will be
and/or vehicle speeds of over 100 mph
the road surface. This phenomenon is
required to brake the vehicle.<
(160 km/h):
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
Always obey all official speed limits.
planing, and can lead to partial or
Clutch
complete loss of traction, vehicle
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
Approx. 300 miles (500 km) must
control and braking effectiveness.
pressing the accelerator beyond the
elapse before the clutch starts to
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
kickdown point.
operate at optimum efficiency.
After the initial 1,200 miles (2,000 km)
Remember to engage the clutch care-
Brake system
you can gradually increase both engine
fully during this initial period.
Approx. 300 miles (500 km) must
and vehicle speeds.
elapse before the brake pads and
Please remember to observe the same
rotors achieve the optimal pad-surface
break-in procedures if either the engine
and wear patterns required for trouble-
or the differential is replaced later in the
free operation and an extended service
course of the vehicle's service life.
life later on.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance); use caution to
avoid posing a danger to other road
Driving notes
Antilock Brake System
Brake system
109n
Brakes: do not drive with your foot
The concept
Brake fluid level
resting on the brake pedal. Even
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) keeps
If the brake fluid level is too low and
light but consistent pedal pressure can
the wheels from locking during braking,
brake pedal travel has become longer,
lead to high temperatures, brake wear
thereby enhancing active driving safety.
there may be a defect in one of the
and possibly even brake failure.
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Aquaplaning: when driving on wet or
Braking with ABS
slushy roads, reduce vehicle speed. If
Proceed to the nearest BMW
If you are in a situation that requires full
you do not, a wedge of water may form
center. It may be necessary to
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
between the tires and the road surface.
apply higher levels of pressure to the
of the ABS system if you apply
This phenomenon can lead to partial or
pedal when stopping and braking
maximum pedal pressure ("panic stop").
complete loss of contact between the
distances may also be longer. Please
Since the vehicle maintains steering
tires and road surface, vehicle control
remember to adapt your driving style
responsiveness, you can avoid possible
and braking ability.
accordingly.<
obstacles with a minimum of steering
Driving through water: do not drive
effort, despite the full brake application.
through water on the road if it is deeper
than 1 ft (30 cm), and then only at
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
engine, the electrical systems and the
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
transmission may be damaged.
active mode.
Clothes hooks (with hardtop): when
hanging clothing from the hooks, be
sure that they will not obstruct the
driver's vision. Do not hang heavy
objects on the hooks. If you do so, they
could cause personal injury during
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
110nBrake system
Hardtop*
Disc brakes
with only a minimal amount of braking.
It is not necessary to remove the fabric
By minimizing the loads placed on the
top even in the winter, when the
Limited vehicle use, extended periods
brake system, this strategy helps
hardtop is generally in constant use.
with the vehicle parked or in storage,
ensure that optimal brake system
But you can also remove it at any time
and operating conditions in which
response will remain available at all
with no problem. Before the fabric top
braking is restricted to gentle, low-
times. Use care to avoid exceeding the
is stored in the convertible top
pressure applications will all increase
approved engine-speed range, refer to
compartment, it must be absolutely dry
the tendency for corrosion to form on
page 74.
in order to avoid water spots and
the rotors; this is often accompanied by
mildew from forming.
a simultaneous accumulation of
Do not coast with the clutch
The hardtop offers reading lamps and
contamination on the brake pads. The
depressed or with the transmission
clothes hooks that can be used just by
pads must exert a certain minimal level
or selector lever in neutral. Do not coast
pressing. In addition, a roof-rack can be
of pressure against the rotors for the
with the engine shut off. The engine
mounted, for more information, please
disc brakes' inherent self-cleaning
provides no braking effect when the
contact your BMW center.
effect to remain effective.
clutch is depressed and there is no
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
power-assist for braking or steering
When suspending articles of
will tend to respond to braking with a
when the engine is not running.
clothing from the hooks, be sure
pulsating effect that even extended
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
that they will not obstruct the driver's
brake applications will fail to cure.
other objects to protrude into the area
vision. Do not hang heavy objects on
When driving in heavy rain and on wet
around the accelerator, clutch and brake
the hooks. If you do so, they could
roads it is useful to apply light pressure
pedals and obstruct their movement.<
cause personal injury during braking or
to the brake pedal every few miles.
evasive maneuvers.<
Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that
Brake pads
this maneuver does not pose a hazard
Two people are required for installation
For your own safety: use only
to you or to other road users. The heat
or removal. Work with extreme caution
brake pads that the manufacturer
generated in this process helps dry the
in order to avoid paint damage and
has released for your particular vehicle
pads and rotors to ensure that your
damage to the body or hardtop.
model. The manufacturer cannot eval-
brake system will respond with undi-
To facilitate hardtop installation or
uate non-approved brake pads to
minished efficiency when you need it.
removal, you can obtain a specially
determine if they are suited for use, and
When descending steep hills and
designed hardtop lift* or hardtop rack*
therefore cannot ensure the operating
extended grades, downshift to a gear
safety of the vehicle if they are
at your BMW center.
that will allow you to continue safely
installed.<
Hardtop*
111n
Storage
Installation
4.
Release the front locking levers by
pressing the buttons. The levers will
Storing the hardtop on the floor:
1.
Lower the side windows completely
release slightly. Raise the levers as
Slide the styrofoam block that
and flip the sun blinds down. If
far as the stop will allow
came with the hardtop onto its center.
necessary, remove the antenna rod
The arrow on top of the styrofoam block
to avoid any damage
has to be pointing upward when you
2.
On vehicles with manual convertible
are doing this.<
top operation, first release the
convertible top compartment lid,
and, if necessary, open it some-
what. On vehicles with fully-auto-
matic convertible top operation,
open the convertible top compart-
ment lid slightly by pressing the
button for the operation of the
convertible top
3.
Remove the trim pieces on both
sides by pulling them off toward the
back (arrow), and reclose the
convertible top compartment lid
112nHardtop*
9. To lock the hardtop in the front,
Removal
keep pressing on the front locking
Follow the same procedure as when
levers until you hear them engage
installing, just reverse the steps.
10. Check the rubber weatherstripping
between the windshield frame and
the top on both the left and right
sides. If it is folded or bent out of
place you should smooth it back
into position by hand to ensure
secure and reliable sealing.
Lift the hardtop carefully. Be
extremely careful not to shift the
5.
Before installing, first flip the cover
seals. Seals that have been shifted out
panels that are located underneath
of place or actually pulled out cause
the left and right interior lamps
leaks.<
down. To do this, press on the
slight bump on the cover panel.
There is a holder in the cover panel
to securely store the trim pieces
that have been removed (1)
6.
Open the red release levers as far
as the stop will allow (2)
7.
Position the hardtop onto the
supports with the help of a second
person. Be sure to put the mount-
ings exactly into the proper
brackets
8.
In the back, close the red locking
levers by turning to the inside as far
as the stop located behind the trim
will allow. Flip the cover panels
back into place
Tire inflation pressures
Tire condition
113n
Information for your safety
aquaplaning, even at relatively
moderate speeds and with only small
The factory-approved radial tires are
amounts of water on the road.
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
Do not drive on a deflated (flat)
driving comfort.
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
steering and braking response, and can
also driving comfort and - above all else
lead to complete loss of control over
- driving safety that depend on the
the vehicle.
condition of the tires and the mainte-
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
nance of the specified tire pressure.
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading leads to over-
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is
heating and causes damage inside the
a frequent cause of tire damage.
Tire tread - tire damage
tires. The ultimate result can assume
Tire pressure also has a major effect on
Inspect your tires frequently for tread
the form of a sudden air loss.
your BMW's handling response.
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
Unusual vibrations encountered during
Be sure to check the tire pressures,
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
including the space-saver spare tire or
tread depth.
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
the spare tire, on a regular basis, at
Tread depth should not be allowed to
tion. The type of problem can be
least twice a month and before every
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This
extended journey, refer to page 24.
the legally specified minimum tread
is also true for irregularities in the
Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure can
depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
lead to poor handling, to tire damage
indicators (arrow) are embedded in the
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
and accidents.<
base of the tire's tread. Their locations
left or right. Should this occur, respond
are indicated by the legend TWI - Tread
by immediately reducing your speed.
Wear Indicator - at various points on
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
the tire's shoulder. When the tread
center or professional tire center, or
reaches a depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm),
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its
these indicators appear to signal that
wheels and tires inspected.
the tires have worn to the minimum
legal level. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread
depth, there is an increased risk of
114nTire condition
Tire replacement
Tire damage (up to and including
To maintain good handling and vehicle
Traction
sudden and complete air loss) can
response, use only tires of a single
The traction grades, from highest to
endanger the lives of both the vehicle
tread configuration from a single manu-
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
occupants and other road users.<
facturer.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
DOT Quality Grades
under controlled conditions on speci-
Tread wear
fied government test surfaces of
Traction AA A B C
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
Temperature A B C
may have poor traction performance.
All passenger vehicle tires must
The traction grade assigned to
conform to Federal Safety
this tire is based on straight-
Requirements in addition to these
ahead braking traction tests, and does
grades.<
not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
Tread wear
teristics.<
The tread wear grade is a comparative
Temperature
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
The temperature grades are A (the
tions on a specified government test
highest), B, and C, representing the
course.
tire's resistance to the generation of
For example, a tire graded 150 would
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
wear one and one-half (1 g) times as
when tested under controlled condi-
well on the government course as a tire
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
graded 100. The relative performance
test wheel.
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
Sustained high temperature can cause
tions of their use, however, and may
the material of the tire to degenerate
depart significantly from the norm due
and reduce tire life, and excessive
to variations in driving habits, service
temperature can lead to sudden tire
practices and differences in road char-
failure. The grade C corresponds to a
acteristics and climate.
level of performance which all
passenger vehicle tires must meet
Tire replacement
115n
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Tire age
Safety tires*
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
The date on which the tire was manu-
Safety tires consist of self-supporting
represent higher levels of performance
factured is indicated by the code on the
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
on the laboratory test wheel than the
sidewall:
forcement ensures that the tire retains
minimum required by law.
DOT ... 4101 indicates that the tire was
some residual safety in the event of
manufactured in week 41 of the year
pressure drop and driving remains
The temperature grade for each
2001.
possible to a restricted degree. The
tire is defined for a tire that is
vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure
Although tires may have a theoretical
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor,
service life of up to 10 years, BMW
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
which indicate a flat tire.
strongly recommends that you replace
excessive loading, either separately or
For additional information on Tire Pres-
all tires after an absolute maximum of
in combination, can cause heat buildup
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor
6 years.
and possible tire failure.<
refer to page 83 or 85.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Safety tires are only possible in
Quality grades can be found where
conjunction with Tire Pressure
applicable on the tire sidewall between
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
Do not use retreaded tires, since
driving safety may be impaired.
This is due to the possible variations in
casing structures and, in some cases,
to their extreme age, which can lead to
a decrease in their durability.<
116nWheel and tire combinations
The right choice
Never mount wheels and tires that
have not been specifically
approved by BMW for use on your
particular model. Although other wheels
and tires may theoretically have the
same dimensions, variations in factors
such as manufacturing tolerances can
result in contact between tire and body-
work, ultimately leading to serious acci-
dents. BMW can not evaluate all tires
and wheels on the market, and is thus
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will
continue to perform safely if unap-
proved tires and/or wheels are
mounted.<
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects various systems
that would otherwise be impaired, for
example ABS, ATC, ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/DBC.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same manufacture and tread configura-
tion. In the event of a flat tire, for
example, remount the approved wheel
and tire combination as soon as
possible.<
Winter tires
117n
Choosing the right tire
Never exceed the maximum
Storage
speed for which the winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires (M+S
Store tires in a cool, dry place,
are rated.
radial tires) for operation under
protecting them against light whenever
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
inclement winter driving conditions.
possible. Protect the tires against
service tires can lead to damage and
While all-season tires (M+S designa-
contact with oil, grease and fuel.
accidents.
tion) provide better winter traction than
Have this work performed by trained
summer tires with the load ratings H, V,
Snow chains*
professionals only. Any BMW center
W, Y and ZR, they generally do not
BMW narrow-link snow chains are
has the required technical knowledge
achieve the performance of winter tires.
intended for mounting on summer or
and the proper equipment and will be
In the interest of safe tracking and
winter tires in pairs at the rear wheels
happy to assist you.<
steering response, install winter tires
only. Comply with all manufacturer's
made by the same manufacturer and
safety precautions when mounting the
Tire condition, tire pressure
with the same tread configuration on all
chains.
Once the tire wears to below 0.16 in
four wheels.
You cannot mount snow chains with the
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
following tires:
tible decrease in their ability to cope
with winter driving conditions, and
225/50 R 16 92
should be replaced in the interest of
225/45 R 17 91
safety.
245/40 ZR 17
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures — and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
118n
Hood
To release
To open
To close
Pull the lever located under the left-
Pull the release handle and open the
Allow the hood to fall from a height of
hand side of the instrument panel.
hood.
about 12 in (30 cm) so that it audibly
engages.
Do not attempt to service your
vehicle if you do not have the
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
required technical background. Failure
travel path of the hood is clear
to work in an informed, professional
when it is closed, observing the same
manner when servicing components
precautions as with all closing proce-
and materials constitutes a safety
dures.
hazard for vehicle occupants and other
If you notice that the hood is not
road users. If you are not familiar with
completely closed while driving, stop
the guidelines, please have the opera-
immediately and close it securely.<
tions performed at your BMW center.<