2000 BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE Owner's Manual

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle
*
First-aid kit
*
The button flashes intermittently when
the hazard flashers are on.
To help you locate the button in an
emergency, the button is also illumi-
nated whenever the vehicle's lamps
are on.
The turn signal indicator function
takes priority over the hazard
warning flasher function. This means
that with the ignition key in position 1,
you can still use the turn signal indica-
tor funtion, even if the hazard warning
flashers are being used at the same
time.< 460us002
For easy access, the hazard warning
triangle is stored in the onboard tool kit
in the luggage compartment lid.
To open it, loosen the wing nut screw.
Comply with legal requirements
for keeping a hazard warning
triangle in the vehicle.<46cde028
The first-aid kit is located under the
passenger seat.
To open: press the button (arrow) and
fold the lid downward.
To close: fold the lid up until it audibly
engages.
Some of the articles in the first-aid
kit may be used within a limited
time only. For this reason, check the
expiration dates of each of the items
regularly, and replace any with passed
dates. You can purchase replacements
in any drugstore or pharmacy. Comply
with legal requirements for keeping a
first-aid kit in the vehicle.< 46cde084

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Refueling Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
flow into the tank and the "Service
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
To unlock the filler door if the central
locking system malfunctions, refer to
page 165.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event
of a collision.<
462de275
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Place (or put) the filler cap in the
bracket attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during
refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank will be full whenever the
filler nozzle has been used properly and
shuts off the first time.
Tank capacity: refer to page 185.
460de005
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
Service Engine Soon lamp.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressure Use unleaded gasoline only.
Recommended fuel: premium with a
minimum octane rating of 91 AKI.
BMW engines are equipped with knock
sensors and will adapt automatically
to different octane ratings, provided
that the minimum octane requirement
(87 AKI) is met.
Fuels with higher octane ratings will
provide enhanced performance and
lower fuel consumption, while the use
of fuels with low octane ratings will have
the opposite effect.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index
You will find the inflation pressures on
the inside door pillar (visible with door
open).Check tire pressuresAll pressure specifications are stated
in psi (kilopascal) with cold tires (cold =
ambient temperature). Refer to the next
page as well.
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)
*:
After correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, reactivate the system. Refer to
page 89.
462de197
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly – at least every two weeks
and before beginning a longer trip.
Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure can
lead to driving instability or to tire dam-
age and accidents.
Check the tire pressure in the space-
saver tire as well.<

28n
Tire inflation pressureObserve tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table ap-
ply to tires made by BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers. Ap-
proved tire sizes are listed on
page 128.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US and European standards. We
recommend the exclusive use of
BMW-approved tires.BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) with cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
323CiAll summer tires as well as
extra-load tires30 (220) 33 (230) 36 (250) 44 (300)
Winter tires 33 (230) 36 (250) 39 (270) 46 (320)
Space-saver tire 61 (420)
For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

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Opening and closing:
Keys32
Electronic vehicle immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing – from
outside34
Opening and closing – from
inside38
Luggage compartment lid39
Luggage compartment40
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
Manual convertible top45
The fully automatic
convertible top49
Wind deflector51
Adjustments:
Seats53
Seat and mirror memory57
Steering wheel58
Mirrors58
Car Memory, Key Memory60
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts61
ISOFIX Attachment of
the child seat62
Airbags63
Child restraints66
Installing a child restraint
system67
Rollover protection system68
Controls

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock70
Starting the engine70
Switching off the engine71
Parking brake72
Manual transmission73
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic74
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher77
Washer/Wiper system/
Rain sensor77
Rear window defroster79
Cruise control80
Everything under control:
Odometer82
Tachometer82
Energy Control82
Fuel gauge83
Coolant temperature gauge83
Service Interval Display83
Check Control84
Clock84
Onboard computer85
Technology for safety and
convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)87
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)88
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)89Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams91
Instrument lighting91
High beams/Parking lamps92
Fog lamps92
Interior lamps92
Reading lamps93
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Automatic climate control94
Seat heating99
Cabin conveniences:
Glove compartment99
BMW Universal
Transmitter *100
Storage compartments102
Cellular phone103
Ashtray front103
Cigarette lighter104
Ashtray rear104
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag105
Cargo loading106
Luggage rack for the
hardtop108

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Keys1 The master keys with remote control
determine the functions for the Key
Memory, refer to page 60
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is
charged automatically in the steering
lock as you drive.
If you have a master key that is not
being used, use that key at least once a
year by driving with it for an extended
period to recharge the battery. Refer
also to page 35.<
2 Keep your spare key in a safe place,
such as in your wallet. This key is not
intended for continuous use 46cde059
3 Door and ignition key
The locks for the luggage compart-
ment lid and the glove compartment
cannot be operated with this key –
this is recommended for valet park-
ing, for instance.
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your BMW center. Since
the keys are part of a security system,
vehicle ownership must be checked
before a replacement key can be issued
(refer to "Electronic Vehicle Immobi-
lizer" on page 33).
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your re-
placement key. After getting a replace-
ment key, turn it to position 2 in the
ignition lock once (ignition switched on)
and then back. This allows the passive
anti-theft system to "learn" the new
key.<