2000 BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE tires

139n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Washing your vehicle You can wash your BMW at an auto-
matic car wash, even when it is new.
Brushless systems are preferable (refer
to page 144 as well).
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
In order to avoid spots, do not wash the
vehicle when the hood is warm, or dur-
ing or immediately after exposure to
strong sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle
>No damage will occur to vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the
car wash operator if necessary
>The wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system
>The vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing.Vehicles with rain sensor
*:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
from automatic car washes or insects
can cause the rain sensor* to malfunc-
tion.
Turn the rain sensor* off (refer to
page 78) when passing through an
automatic car wash. Failure to do so
could result in damage caused by unin-
tended wiper activation.<
Parts of the vehicle that are inaccessi-
ble to the automatic washer – such as
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. –
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially im-
portant to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also damage the
vehicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's sur-
face. Inadequate distance and exces-
sive pressure can damage or weaken
the finish, making it more susceptible to
subsequent attack. In addition, mois-
ture could penetrate to vehicle compo-
nents, leading to long-term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
Do not clean by wiping with a dry cloth
(scratches). Never use abrasives or
strong solvents to clean the covers.
Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water. Always use a deicer spray to
remove accumulated ice and snow –
never use a scraper.<
After washing the vehicle, apply
the brakes briefly to dry them.
Braking efficiency might otherwise be
reduced by the moisture and the brake
rotors could also corrode.<
Caring for your vehicle

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

177n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
This system regularly checks tire pres-
sure and monitors all four tires even
while driving, so you don't have to.
Behind the valve stem in every wheel,
there is an electronic chip that is de-
signed for severe-duty applications
and long service life. It contains a
pressure sensor, a transmitter and a
battery. The pressure is measured in
extremely short time intervals and then
transmitted by a radio signal. If an
irregularity is detected, the transmis-
sion rate is increased. 46cde078
There is an antenna located right near
every wheel in the vehicle body. Each
antenna picks up signals from its re-
spective wheel. A central electronics
system evaluates all four signals and
forwards any changes. The RDC pro-
vides an important contribution to
driving safety.

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 ZFuel consumption
display83
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp83
Fuel tank capacity185
Fuel tank gauge83
Fully automatic convertible
top
actuation49
emergency closure166
one-touch operation34
Functional status178
Fuses165GGarage-door opener100
Gasoline27
Gasoline gauge83
Glove compartment99
Glove compartment lamp
bulb replacement158
Grills94
Gross vehicle weight184HHandbrake72
Hands-free system103
Hanging the luggage
compartment floor up by
the hook40
Hardtop121
Hazard warning flashers25Hazard warning triangle25
Head restraints54
Headlamp covers,
care139, 153
Headlamp flasher92
Headlamp washer
system79, 132, 185
Heated seats99
Heater and ventilation94
Heavy loads106
Height183
High beams23, 77, 92
bulb replacement153
Hood release129
Horn17
Hub cap160
IIce warning85
Identification, tires126
Ignition key32
Ignition lock70
Increasing the space in the
luggage compartment41
Indicator lamps20
Inflated pressure27, 123
Inflation pressure
monitoring89, 177
INSPECTION83
Instrument cluster18
Instrument lighting91Interaxle tire rotation125
Interface socket for On-
Board Diagnostics149
Interference
cellular phones120
Interior lamps37, 92
bulb replacement157
remote control37
Interior rearview mirror,
automatic dimming
feature59, 175
Interlock70
Intermittent wipe77
ISOFIX Attachment of the
child seat62
JJack159
Jets94
Jump starting168KKey32
Key Memory60
Key with remote control32L"Lamps on" warning91
Lashing eyes107
Leather care143
Length183License plate lamp
bulb replacement157
Light switch91
Light-alloy wheels128
Lighter104
Load-securing devices107
Low beams91
bulb replacement153
Lug bolts160
Luggage compartment39
capacity184
emergency release39
floor panel41
remote control37
Luggage compartment
lamps
bulb replacement158
Luggage compartment
lid39
emergency release39
Luggage compartment
lighting39
Luggage rack108
Lumbar support56
MM+S tires127
Maintenance83, 138
Malfunction displays84
Manual convertible top
operation in the event of an
electrical malfunction166

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

Everything from A to Z
195n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Waxing, paintwork141
Weights184
Wheel lug wrench159
Wheel rims126
Wheelbase183
Wheels and tires126, 128
Width183
Wind deflector51
Windows
one-touch operation34
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment132
Windshield washer reservoir,
filling132, 185
Windshield wiper77
blade replacement152
Winter operation118
Winter tires126, 127
Wiper system77
Work in the engine
compartment129XXenon lamp153, 179