2000 BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE Owner's Manual

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cleaning and caring for your convertible topDo not use spot removers, paint thin-
ners, solvents, gasoline or similar sub-
stances for removing spots from the
convertible top or from the rear win-
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.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle when cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
not specifically intended for it.c
Getting your vehicle ready for
cleaningIn order to maintain free access to your
convertible top compartment, rest the
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.<46cde072
Hardtop
*
Please note and follow the information
about caring for your vehicle, which
starts on page 139.

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Airbags 1 Front airbags for driver and
passenger
2 Side airbags (front)Important safety notices
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.
46cus032
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.
Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or undesired airbag acti-
vation, either of which could result in
personal injury.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Vehicle storage
If you intend to store the vehicle
for more than three months, have
the maintenance operations described
on this page performed.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the fol-
lowing procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent
or other treatment to the engine,
engine compartment, undercarriage,
axles and major components in ac-
cordance with approved repair pro-
cedures. Washing the vehicle, any in-
terior cleaning and subsequent paint-
and chrome care, and cleaning any
rubber seals for the hood and doors,
should be carried out in compliance
with approved procedures as well
2 Change engine oil and oil filter at op-
erating temperature. As an additional
corrosion protection measure, an an-
ticorrosive agent can be added to the
engine when refueling in accordance
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).
Before parking the vehicle1 Dry the parking brake and footbrakes
completely to keep the brake discs
and drums from corroding
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated space. Place the
transmission in first gear or set the
selector lever to the "P" position.
Chock the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling if necessary. Do not
apply the parking brake
3 Remove the battery, charge it com-
pletely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
4 Remove the hardtop
* and store it
separately. Refer to page 121
5 Close the convertible top.
During storageRecharge the battery every six months.
If it is not recharged, it will not be ser-
viceable. Every time the battery drains,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic
Eye"
* turns black. Refer to page 162.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement if necessary. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide (Canadian models).

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Technical modificationsAny BMW center will be glad to inform
you of the advisability, legal require-
ments and factory recommendations
regarding technical modifications on
your vehicle. For this purpose, the
BMW center will require the Vehicle
Identification Number and, in some
cases, the engine number as well.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and dis-
plays in your vehicle. These LEDs re-
semble conventional lasers and are
classified by law as "Class 1 light-emit-
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.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD interface socket The interface socket for the onboard
diagnostics is located on the driver's
side at the left-hand bottom of the
dashboard and under a cover. The
cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper emission control system
operation for the life of the vehicle by
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and
malfunction.460us250
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
control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
Warning lamp: "Service Engine
Soon" for Canadian models
When the fuel filler cap is not pro-
perly tightened, the OBD system
can detect the vapor leak and the indi-
cator will light up. If the fuel filler cap is
then tightened, the indicator will usually
go out after a short period of time.<

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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit152
Windshield wiper blades152
Lamps and bulbs152
Changing a wheel159
Battery162
Fuses165
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door165
Fully automatic convertible
top166
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting168
Towing the vehicle169
Repairs

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The onboard tool kit is located in the
luggage compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
46cde042
1 Rotate the wiper arm completely out
from the windshield
2 Position the wiper blade at an angle
and pull the release spring (arrow)
3 Fold the wiper blade down and
unhook it toward the windshield
4 Pull the wiper blade past the wiper
arm toward the top
5 Insert a new wiper blade and apply
pressure until you hear it engage.
Use only BMW-approved wiper
blades.<460de056
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
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic
base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW center.
Whenever working on the electri-
cal system, switch off the electri-
cal accessory you are working on or
disconnect the cable from the negative
terminal of the battery. Failure to do this
could result in short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage, com-
ply with any instructions provided by
the bulb manufacturer.<
Onboard tool kit Windshield wiper blades Lamps and bulbs