2000 BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE light

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Parking lamps
With the switch in this position,
the front, rear and side vehicle
lighting comes on. For lighting
on one side for parking, refer to page 92.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off
and the low beams are on, only
the parking lamps will remain on.
"Follow-Me-Home" lamps:
If you actuate the headlamp
flasher after you have parked the vehi-
cle and shut off the engine, the low
beams will remain on for a brief period.
You may also have this function deacti-
vated if you wish.<
460us035
"LAMPS ON" warningWhen you open the driver's door after
turning the ignition key to position 0, an
acoustic signal will go off for a few sec-
onds to remind you that the headlamps
have not been switched off
.
Daytime running lamps
*
If you desire, the lamp switch can be
left in the second position. When the
ignition is switched off, the external
lighting is also switched off.
Turn the rotary dial to adjust the illumi-
nation intensity.
460us036
Parking lamps/Low beams Instrument lighting

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The seat cushion and backrest can be
heated when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 2.
You can call up different heating modes
by repeatedly pressing the button.
When the three indicator lamps are
illuminated, the highest heating mode
is activated. One lamp indicates the
lowest heating mode. The temperature
is regulated with a thermostat in
each mode.
You can also switch the higher heating
modes off directly:
Press the button and hold it slightly
longer.46cus014
To open Pull the handle. The lamp comes on.ClosingFold the cover up.To lockLock with one of the master keys.
A master key can also be used for
unlocking.
If you turn over only your door
and ignition keys for valet parking
(refer to page 32), for example, access
to the glove compartment and the lug-
gage compartment is not possible.<462de235
To prevent injury in the event of
a crash, close the glove compart-
ment immediately after use.<
Rechargeable flashlight The flashlight is located on the left-hand
side of the glove compartment.
It features integral overload protection
so it can be left in its holder continuously.
Be sure that the flashlight is
switched off when it is inserted
into its holder. Failure to do so could
lead to overcharging and damage.<
Seat heating
*
Glove compartment

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BMW Universal Transmitter
*
The concept The BMW Universal Transmitter re-
places up to three hand-held transmit-
ters for different devices such as ga-
rage-door openers, alarm systems, or
door-locking systems. The BMW Uni-
versal Transmitter recognizes and
"learns" the transmitted signal of each
of the original hand-held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held
transmitter can be programmed on one
of the three channel keys. Following
that, each of the devices can be actu-
ated with the appropriately pro-
grammed channel key. The indicator
lamp flashes to confirm transmission
of the signal.
If the vehicle is sold, the memory of the
channel keys should be cleared as de-
scribed on page 102.
During programming and before
every remote actuation of a pro-
grammed device by the BMW Universal
Transmitter, check to be sure that there
are no persons, animals or objects
within the actuation range of the device
in order to prevent possible injuries or
damage. Also, comply with the safety
precautions of the original hand-held
transmitter.<
To Canadian residents:
During programming, your hand-
held transmitter may automatically stop
transmitting after two seconds. This
may not be long enough to program the
BMW Universal Transmitter. If you are
programming from one of these hand-
held transmitters, the Universal Trans-
mitter's light may begin to flash in a
series of double-blinks. If this occurs,
continue to hold the button of the Uni-
versal Transmitter while you reactivate
your hand-held transmitter. You may
have to repeat this function several
times while programming.<
Before programming, read the
"User information" section on
page 102.<
Original hand-held transmitter
If this symbol is present on the
packaging or in the instructions
of the original hand-held trans-
mitter, it may be assumed that this
hand-held transmitter is compatible
with the BMW Universal Transmitter.
Checking for the conversion code To determine whether the original
hand-held transmitter has a conver-
sion-code system, you may either read
the instructions for the original hand-
held transmitter or program a channel
key as described on the next page (left-
hand column under "Programming").
Then press and hold the programmed
channel key of the BMW Universal
Transmitter. If the indicator lamp of
the BMW Universal Transmitter flashes
for two seconds and then stays on
steadily, the original hand-held trans-
mitter is equipped with a conversion-
code system. Using the conversion-
code system, program the channel keys
as described on the next page (right-
hand column under "Programming a
hand-held transmitter using conversion
code").
If you have additional questions,
please consult your BMW center
or call 1-800-355-3515.
You can also visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com.<

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Ashtray front Cigarette lighter Ashtray rear To emptyPress the edge of the lid (arrow): you
can now pull the ashtray upward for
removal.46cus016
Press the lighter in. Remove the lighter
as soon as it retracts.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette
lighter by the knob only. Holding
or touching it in other areas could
result in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains opera-
tional when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, children
should never be left in the vehicle
unattended. a flashlight, car vacuum cleaner, or other
appliances up to approx. 200 watts at
12 volts. Avoid damaging the socket due
to inserting plugs of different shapes or
sizes.46cus017
To open Push the cover open.To emptyPress on the edge of the raised cover
in the opening direction (arrow). You
can now pull the ashtray upward for
removal.460de104

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cargo loadingSecuring the load >For small, light items, use the rubber-
lined non-skid side of the floor mat or
secure with a luggage compartment
net
* or elastic straps (refer to
page 40)
>For large, heavy pieces, see your
BMW center for load-securing de-
vices*. Lashing eyes (arrow) are pro-
vided at the corners of the luggage
compartment for attaching these
load-securing devices
>Comply with the information enclosed
with the load-securing devices.
46cde008
Always position and secure the
load correctly. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
vehicle weight and the permissible axle
loads (refer to page 184). If you do, safe
operation of the vehicle is no longer
ensured, and you are in violation of the
law.
Do not carry hard or heavy objects un-
secured in the passenger compartment.
If you do so, they may be projected
through the air during braking and eva-
sive maneuvers, thus endangering vehi-
cle occupants.<

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To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you comply
with the following recommendations.
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine and road
speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm
or 100 mph (160 km/h) during this time.
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
"kickdown" point.
After you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), you can gradually increase
the engine and road speed.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
differential is replaced at a later point.
TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
Thus, drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or com-
plete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your
speed on wet roads. their optimum wear and surface-con-
tact patterns until you have driven
approx. 300 miles (500 km).
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that traf-
fic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine shut off – when
towing, for example – substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.<
Break-in procedures

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear, and possibly
to brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the
tires and the road surface. This phe-
nomenon is referred to as aquaplaning
or hydroplaning. It is characterized by a
partial or complete loss of contact be-
tween the tires and the road surface.
The ultimate results are loss of steering
and braking control.
Driving through water:
Do not drive through water over the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft (30 cm), and
then only at walking speed, otherwise
the engine, electrical system and trans-
mission could be damaged.
Clothes hooks (when hardtop
* is
mounted):
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that they will not obstruct
the driver's vision. Do not hang heavy
objects on the hooks. If you do, they
could cause personal injury during
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
The catalytic converter reduces harmful
exhaust emissions. It is designed for
use with unleaded fuel only.
Even minute quantities of lead would be
enough to permanently damage both
the catalytic converter and the system
oxygen sensor.To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and to avoid potential damage:>Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements
>Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty
>Tow-start only when the engine is
cold. If you attempt to tow-start with
a warm engine, unburned residual
fuel in the catalytic converter could
ignite and cause damage. It is better
to jump-start the vehicle with outside
assistance
>Avoid other situations in which the
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-
pletely, such as engaging the starter
frequently or for extended periods, or
repeated start attempts in which the
engine does not start (stopping and
restarting an engine which is running
properly does not present a problem).
Never allow the engine to run with
any of the spark plug cables
disconnected.Be sure to observe the instruc-
tions above to prevent unburned
fuel from reaching the catalytic con-
verter, otherwise, the catalytic con-
verter could overheat and be damaged.
High temperatures occur in every vehi-
cle equipped with a catalytic converter.
Heat shields are installed adjacent to
some sections of the exhaust system.
Never remove these shields; do not
apply undercoating to their surfaces.
When driving, standing at idle, and
parking the vehicle, take extra care to
avoid contact between the exhaust sys-
tem and flammable materials (grass,
hay, leaves, etc.). Such contact could
lead to a fire, resulting in serious per-
sonal injury and property damage.<
Driving notes Catalytic converter

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering de-
sign of the ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking dur-
ing high lateral acceleration, or when
braking during a lane change, vehicle
stability is improved and steering re-
sponse is enhanced.
In the event of a malfunction
If the ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up,
refer to page 22. The brake
system then reverts to conventional
operation as on vehicles without ABS.
However, have the brake system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible, to prevent undetected
defects and cumulative faults from
adversely affecting the brake system.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
If the brake warning lamp
comes on together with the indi-
cator lamps for ABS and DSC –
refer to page 21 – the entire
ABS, CBC and DSC control sys-
tem has failed. Continue driving
cautiously and defensively.
Avoid full brake applications.
This could cause the vehicle to lose
stability and you might no longer be
able to control it.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible by your BMW center.
Indicator and warning lamps
CBC, ABS and DSC for Cana-
dian models.