2000 BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE lock

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate controlAir supply

By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. By doing this, you switch off
the automatic control for the air supply.
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged.
When you set the lowest blower speed
by pressing the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heater and air conditioner are
switched off, and the air supply stops.
You can reactivate the system by
pressing any button of the automatic
climate control.
Defrost the windshield and side
windows
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and side windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and – depending on the tem-
perature setting – rewarmed when the
air conditioner system is switched on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off when outside air temperatures
are below approx. 41 7 (+5 6). This
will help to prevent the windows from
fogging over.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Automatic recirculated air
control (AUC)
If there are unpleasant odors or
pollutants in the outside air, you
can temporarily block the air flow from
the outside. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehicle.
By repeated actuation of the button,
you can select three different operating
modes.
>Indicator lamps off: fresh air flows
into the vehicle
>Left-hand indicator lamp on – AUC
mode: the system detects pollutants
in the outside air and responds by
deactivating the outside air flow as
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehicle.
Depending on air quality require-
ments, the system automatically
switches between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air already
within the vehicle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
flow of outside air is permanently
blocked. The system recirculates the
air already within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply
as required.<

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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.<

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures112
Driving notes113
Catalytic converter113
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)114
Disc brakes116
Brake system117
Winter operation118
Power steering120
Cellular phone120
Radio reception120
Hardtop121
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure123
Tire condition123
Tire replacement124
Tire rotation125
Wheel and tire
combinations126
Winter tires127
Snow chains127
Approved wheel and tire
specifications128Under the hood:
Hood129
Engine compartment130
Washer fluids132
Washer nozzles132
Engine oil133
Coolant135
Brake fluid136
Vehicle Identification
Number137
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System138
Caring for your vehicle139
Cleaning and caring for your
convertible top144
Airbags146
Vehicle storage147
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications to the
vehicle148
OBD interface socket149
Car care

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Antilock Brake System (ABS)The concept ABS enhances active driving safety
by helping to prevent the wheels from
locking while braking. This is because
locked wheels are dangerous. When
the front wheels slide, the driver loses
steering control over the vehicle.
Traction loss at the rear wheels can
cause the rear end to break into an
uncontrolled skid.
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability
>To help maintain steering control and
maneuverability – on all types of road
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, mud, wet
road surfaces, snow, ice).
The system can achieve the shortest
braking distances possible under most
conditions (on straight aways and in
curves, on asphalt, ice, wet road sur-
faces, etc.).
Braking with ABSThe system is operative once the vehi-
cle exceeds a speed of approx. 6 mph
(10 km/h). It is deactivated once again
below approx. 4 mph (6 km/h). This
means that the wheels can lock in the
final phase of a panic stop – a factor of
no significance in actual use.
If you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply maxi-
mum brake pressure ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless
avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The ABS closed-loop control circuit
cycles in fractions of a second. A pulsa-
tion at the brake pedal, together with
the sounds associated with the hydrau-
lic controls, tells you that the brake sys-
tem is within its maximum limit range,
and reminds you that you should adapt
road speed to the road conditions.
On road surfaces that have a loose
surface layer on a firm base with good
traction (on gravel or snow, for exam-
ple), or when snow chains are mounted,
braking distances may be longer than
with locked wheels. However, ABS continues to provide
enhanced vehicle stability and steering
response under these conditions.
Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws of
physics. ABS cannot prevent the conse-
quences of brake applications with inad-
equate clearances for safety between
vehicles, when exceeding the speed
limit in curves, or the risks involved
when aquaplaning occurs. Responsibil-
ity for these types of situations remains
in the hands (and at the feet) of the
driver. You should never allow the
added safety of ABS to lull you into a
false sense of security, or mislead you
into taking increased risks that could
affect your own safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.<

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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.

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Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that
must be exerted by the pads to clean
the rotors by brake applications is
not reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has ap-
proved for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-ap-
proved brake pads to determine if they
are suited for use, and therefore cannot
ensure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle if they are installed.<
Driving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles or kilometers. Watch traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other drivers. The heat
which is generated by the brake appli-
cations helps to dry the brake pads and
rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels continue to rotate, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique described on
page 119.
Extended or steep mountain descents
do not necessarily lead to reduced
braking efficiency if you drive downhill
with the transmission in a gear that
allows minimal brake applications (or,
with automatic transmission
*, in an
appropriate lower gear).
You can further increase the engine's
braking effect by selecting a lower gear,
downshifting as far as first gear or plac-
ing the selector lever in position 1.If engine braking should prove to be
inadequate, you should still avoid ex-
tended, continuous braking. Instead of
maintaining low to moderate pressure
over an extended period of time, you
should decelerate by applying more
substantial pressure to the brake pedal
(watch for following traffic), releasing
the pedal, and then repeating the appli-
cation (staggered braking). The cooling
phases between active braking inter-
vals prevent the brakes from overheat-
ing, thus ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch de-
pressed or with the shift lever or
selector lever in "Neutral". Do not drive
with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when the
clutch is depressed or the transmission
is in "Neutral", and there is no power
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is not running.
Do not allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the brake pedal, the clutch or
the accelerator, which could obstruct
their freedom of movement.<

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Winter operationWinter is often accompanied by rapid
changes in weather, requiring not only
a different driving style, but also certain
preparations to the vehicle itself to en-
sure that your vehicle operates safely
and trouble free throughout the winter
months.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture con-
tains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-
tion. This mixture provides protection
against freezing down to approx. –34 7
(–37 6). Replace the coolant every four
years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free them if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After its use, treatment with BMW lock
barrel grease is recommended.
Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and luggage compartment lid seals.
A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center. both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
and comply with the manufacturer's
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
In this type of exceptional situation
where the snow chains are mounted,
deactivate the DSC. Refer to page 88.
Starting offWhen starting off from a full stop in
deep snow or when "rocking" the vehi-
cle to free it, it may be effective to
deactivate the DSC system for a short
period. Refer to page 88.Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. On down-
hill grades or slopes, shift down to the
next lower gear at an early point. Main-
tain an adequate distance between
yourself and the vehicle ahead.