2000 BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE steering wheel

127n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to a tread depth
below 0.16 in (4 mm), winter tires dis-
play a perceptible decrease in their
ability to cope with winter driving condi-
tions, and should be replaced in the
interest of safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures – and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. Although all-season
tires with the M+S identification provide
better winter traction than summer tires
with H, V, W Y and ZR speed ratings,
they generally fail to provide the same
levels of performance as standard
winter tires.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels.
Mount only winter tires which have
been approved by BMW. Any BMW
center will be glad to provide you with
information on the best winter tires for
your particular driving conditions.
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel.Snow chains
*
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains on summer or winter tires is
approved only in pairs and only on the
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when mount-
ing the chains.

146n
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.<

159n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel
Safety measures in the event of a
flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat sur-
face. Switch on the hazard flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and en-
gage the steering lock. Shift into 1st or
reverse (selector lever in "Park" with au-
tomatic transmission) and engage the
parking brake.
Have all passengers leave the vehicle
and remain well away from your immedi-
ate working area (behind a guardrail, for
instance).
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface that is not slippery. Avoid jack-
ing the vehicle on a soft or slippery sup-
port surface (snow, ice, loose gravel,
etc.), as it could slide sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support sur-
face.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack, otherwise, the
jack might not be able to reach its full
support capacity because of the limited
height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack. Failure to comply with this cre-
ates a risk of fatal injury.<
Your BMW has a space-saver spare
tire for temporary use to ensure your
mobility.
To remove the space-saver spare
tire, lift the floor panel in the lug-
gage compartment completely out
(refer to page 41).<
What you will needIn order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Jack (1)
Raise the floor panel in the luggage
compartment (refer to page 41) and
unscrew the red wing nut (arrow).
When you have completed your work,
screw the jack all the way back down.
Fold the handle back and insert it into
its holder
>Wedge (2)
The wedge, or wheel chock, is lo-
cated behind the jack on the luggage
compartment's rear wall. Loosen the
wing nut to remove it46cde038

162n
Changing a wheel Battery Driving with the space-saver
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed
of 45 mph (80 km/h).
You can anticipate changes in vehicle
handling such as delayed braking re-
sponse, longer braking distances and
changes in self-steering properties
when approaching stability limits.
The changes in handling characteristics
will be even more pronounced in con-
junction with winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire
may be mounted at one time. Re-
install wheels and tires of the same size
and specification as soon as possible.
Maintain correct tire pressures. Refer to
page 28.<
Installation locationThe battery is located at the right-rear
of the luggage compartment. Raise the
luggage compartment floor panel (refer
to page 40). Release the two fasteners
plus an additional fastener in the upper-
center side trim panel by turning a
screwdriver or a coin 1/4-turn counter-
clockwise. In order to remove the stor-
age tray, slide the side trim panel
slightly upward.46cde045
Charge conditionYou can read the charge condition of
the battery with the "Magic Eye"
*
(= hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge
>Black: not adequately charged. The
battery must be recharged. Please
contact your BMW center for addi-
tional information
>Yellow: replace the battery.
The service life specified for the
battery can be achieved only if it is
always kept adequately charged. If the
vehicle is primarily used for driving
short distances, be sure to check the
charge status often.<
46cde044

173n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Deceleration sensors continuously
monitor the acceleration forces acting
upon the vehicle. If, as the result of a
frontal collision, a deceleration is
reached at which the protection of the
safety belts alone is no longer ade-
quate, the gas generators of the driver
and passenger-front airbags are ignited.
However, the passenger-side airbag is
only triggered if an additional sensor
has recognized that the passenger seat
is occupied.
In the event of a side collision, the
side airbags in the front are triggered
if necessary. 390de012
The airbags located under the marked
covers inflate and unfold in a matter of
a few milliseconds. In this process, they
tear through the designed separation
points of the upholstered covers or
press them out.
Because the inflation process must be
virtually instantaneous, it is necessarily
accompanied by a certain amount of
ignition and inflation noise. The gas
required to inflate the airbags is not
dangerous, and the smoke associated
with it dissipates.
The entire process is completed within
fractions of a second.Highly sensitive sensors monitor the
wheel speeds, steering angle, lateral
acceleration, brake pressure and the
movement of the vehicle around its
vertical axis.
If differences in the wheel speeds occur,
the system counteracts the danger of
wheelspin by reducing torque. If neces-
sary, the system also responds with
additional brake applications at the
rear wheels.
In addition, DSC permanently monitors
the vehicle's current operating condition
and compares it with an ideal condition
that is calculated from the sensor sig-
nals. If deviations from this occur (un-
dersteering or oversteering, for in-
stance), DSC can stabilize the vehicle in
fractions of a second by reducing engine
output and with the assistance of brak-
ing intervention at individual wheels.
As a result, most skids can be preven-
ted from their very onset.
You may need some time to become
accustomed to this system intervention.
However, it provides optimum drive
force and vehicle stability.
The braking intervention may be
accompanied by sounds specific to
the system.
Airbags DSC

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)22, 114
Accessories6
Activated charcoal filter98
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)74, 172
Adding engine oil133
Adding washer
fluid132, 185
Adjust seats53
Adjust the temperature96
Adjusting the steering
wheel58
Air distribution96
Air outlets94
Air pressure123
Air supply97
Airbags21, 63, 146, 173
sitting properly with64
Alarm system42
Antenna120
Antenna, Diversity174
Antifreeze135
Antifreeze, radiator118
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)22, 114
Anti-theft alarm system42
Aquaplaning113, 123
Armrest102
Ashtray
front103
rear104Assisted rear entry56
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)74, 172
Attaching vehicle vacuum
cleaner104
AUC (Automatic recirculated
air control)97
Automatic car washes139
Automatic climate
control94
remove window
condensation97
Automatic cruise control80
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror59
Automatic recirculated air
control (AUC)97
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic22, 74
Automatic windshield
washer78
Average consumption86
Average speed86
Avoiding unwanted
alarm43
Axle loads184
BBackrest
release56
Backup lamps73
bulb replacement155Battery162, 186
capacity186
charge164
charge current20
drained168
removal and
installation164
Belts61
Blower97
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils134
BMW Sports Seat55
BMW Universal
Transmitter100
Bore182
Brake fluid136
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps
bulb replacement155
Brake pads22
Brakes116
malfunctions117
Break-in procedure112
Breaking in the vehicle112
Bulb replacement152
CCapacities185
Car Memory60
Car radio120
refer also to the separate
Owner's ManualCar radio
reception120, 174
Car wash139
Care
convertible top144
exterior140
interior141
Care of upholstery142
Cargo loading106
Caring for the vehicle
finish140
Caring for wool velour142
Cassette operation, refer to
the Radio Owner's Manual
Catalytic converter113
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21, 115
CD operation, refer to the
Radio Owner's Manual
Cellular phone103, 120
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center armrest102
Center brake lamp157
Central locking system34
key38
Changing tires159
Check Control84
Child restraint
systems61, 66, 67
installation67
Child's seat61, 66
Everything from A to Z

Everything from A to Z
193n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Manual transmission73
Manually controlled
recirculated-air97
Memory57
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)24
Mirror memory57
Mirrors58
Mobile phones120
Modifications,
technical6, 148
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)24NNavigation system, refer to
the Radio Owner's ManualOOBD interface socket149
Odometer82
Oil
additives133
capacity185
consumption133
dipstick133
quality134
specifications134
viscosity134
Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information BookletOil filter change185
Oil level
check133
Indicator lamp20
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp20
OILSERVICE83
Onboard computer85
also refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Onboard tool kit152
Opening and closing
from inside38
from outside34
Operating the convertible
top
manual convertible top45
Outlets, ventilation94
Outside temperature
display85
PPaint blemishes140
Paint, care140
Paintwork, minor
repairs141
Paintwork, waxing141
Park Distance Control
(PDC)87
Parking brake72
Parking help87
Parking lamps92Parking, winter119
PDC (Park Distance
Control)87
Performance182
Pocket lamp99
Pollen98
Power seats53
Power steering120
Power windows44
Pressure monitoring,
tires89, 177
Pressure, tires27, 123
RRadiator185
Radio Data System
(RDS)174
Radio reception120, 174
Radio, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor78, 176
RDC (Tire Pressure
Control)89, 177
RDS (Radio Data
System)174
Reading lamps93
Rear lamp155
Rear window
defroster79, 98
Rearview mirror58, 59
Reclining seat53
Refueling26Remote control35
Remote control key32
Remove condensation,
windows97
Replacement key32
Reporting safety defects7
Restraint system61, 66
Reverse17, 73
Rollover protection
system68, 179
lowering68
Roof load capacity184
Roof luggage rack108
Roof-carrier assembly121
Rubber parts118
SSafety belt tensioners174
Safety belts61
Safety buttons38
Seat heating99
Seat memory57
Seat-integrated safety belt
system56
Seats
sitting properly53, 64
Securing cargo107
Securing loads107
Selector lever, automatic
transmission74
Self-defrosting mirrors59
Self-diagnostics178

Everything from A to ZService and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models)138
Service Interval
Display83, 138
Shiftlock74
Side airbags63
Side lamps91
bulb replacement154
Sitting properly53
using airbags64
Ski bag105
Skid control119
Slippery roads118
Snow chains118, 128
Socket104
Space-saver spare tire159
Spare key32
Spare tire159
Spark plugs186
Speaker103
Speedometer18
Starting70
Starting problems113, 168
Steel wheels128
Steering120
Steering wheel lock70
Steptronic74
Stopping the vehicle71
Storage compartments102
Storing your vehicle147
Stroke182
Summer tires126Switching off the engine71
Symbols4, 163
Synthetic oils134
TTachometer82
Tail lamps155
bulb replacement155
Tank capacity185
Tank cover
unlock in case of electrical
fault165
Technical data182
Technical
modifications6, 148
Telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Telephone hookup103
Temperature display
outside temperature85
Temperature gauge
engine coolant83
Temperature layering98
Tether anchorage for child
retsraint66
Third brake lamp157
Tilt alarm37
remote control37
Tilt sensor alarm system43
Tire codes126
Tire damages123Tire inflation
pressure27, 123
Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)89, 177
Tire pressure
monitoring89, 177
Tire pressure, checking27
Tire replacement124, 125
Tire specifications128
Tire tread123
Tools152
Torque182
Tow fittings169
Towing169
Track183
Traction Control System
refer to DSC88
Transmission73
Tread depth, tires123
Trip odometer82
Trunk39
locking separately39
Trunk lid, refer to luggage
compartment lid39
Turn signal indicator23, 77
Turn signals
bulb replacement154
Turning radius183
Two-way radios120
UUniform Tire Quality
Grading124Universal Transmitter100
Used batteries164
VVehicle
battery162, 186
identification137
immobilizer33
painting140
starting70
storage147
weight184
Vehicle care
exterior140
interior141
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)137
Ventilation94
draft-free98
Vinyl upholstery, care142
Visors59WWarning lamp "Please fasten
safety belts"21
Warning lamps20
Warning messages84
Warranty and Service Guide
(Canadian models)138
Washer reservoir, filling132
Washing your car139
Water on roadways
deep water113