2000 BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE roof

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Manual convertible topThe fabric top offers perfect weather
protection, and can easily be opened
and closed by one person.
Here are a few tips to ensure that you
get the most enjoyment out of driving
your convertible. It is advisable to close
the convertible top when the vehicle is
parked. The closed convertible top not
only protects the passenger compart-
ment from unforeseeable damage from
the weather, it also provides a certain
degree of theft protection.
In addition, keep valuables only in the
locked luggage compartment, even
with the convertible top closed.
Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack on the convertible top.
To close the power side windows
while driving: be sure to close
either the rear windows first, or all win-
dows at the same time, otherwise, they
may not close all the way at higher
speeds.c
To open the convertible top
Operate the convertible top only
when the vehicle is stationary.
To prevent damage, the convertible top
compartment lid can not be opened if
the luggage compartment lid is open.c
1 Flip the locking handle out and turn
it until it hits the end stop
2 Raise the convertible top slightly
(reduces the tension)
46cde064
3 Press the button to unlock the top.
The lid locks for the convertible top
are unlocked and the side windows
lower slightly
If the convertible top compartment
lid has been raised, then the lid
locks for the convertible top will be
blocked. If the indicator lamp lights up
when you press the button, then you
cannot unlock. Flip the convertible top
compartment lid down; refer to page 41,
and close the luggage compartment
lid.c46cus003

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The fully automatic convertible top
*
The fully automatic convertible top
combines assured protection from the
weather with a one-touch operation.
Here are a few tips to ensure that you
get the most enjoyment out of driving
your convertible.
It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked. The
closed convertible top not only protects
the passenger compartment from un-
foreseeable damage from the weather,
it also provides a certain degree of theft
protection. In addition, keep valuables
only in the locked luggage compart-
ment, even with the convertible top
closed.
Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack on the convertible top.
To prevent damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures below
14 7 (–10 6).
To conserve the battery, operate the
convertible top only with the engine
running if at all possible.
The convertible top operation is
completely automatic. In rare in-
stances, some manual support may be
necessary (see Note in next column
but one).
Operate the convertible top only when
the vehicle is stationary. Do not start to
drive while operating it, either, because
the procedure could be interrupted
when the top hits certain positions.
A partially open convertible top can
lead to damage or injury.
If you initiate convertible top operation
with the vehicle stationary and then
start driving, e.g. at a traffic light, you
can completely carry out the initiated
operation. To do this, press and hold
the corresponding button again.
Give the respectively applicable traffic
rules preference during convertible top
operation, as otherwise you will be in
violation of the law.
Remove any foreign objects from the
windshield frame before closing the
convertible top, otherwise, they could
hinder the opening and closing of the
convertible top.
Do not place any objects on the con-
vertible top, since they would fall off
when the convertible top is operated
and cause damage or injuries.
While driving, always close the rear
power windows first, or close all 4 win-
dows at the same time, otherwise the
windows may not shut tightly at higher
speeds.cDo not reach into the convertible
top mechanism during opening
and closing. Keep children away from
the moving parts of the convertible top
during operation.
The automatic process is immediately
interrupted if the button for actuating
the convertible top is released. The pro-
cess can be continued in the direction
desired by pressing the switch.c
If the convertible top has been
stored in the convertible top com-
partment for an extended period of
time, e.g. during the winter months be-
cause the hardtop
* has been used, it
may be necessary to manually support
the top when closing it automatically for
the first time:
Should the convertible top stop shortly
before it reaches the end of the closing
operation, press from outside against
the front of the convertible top frame
while pressing the switch to help the
top along until it begins moving again
on its own.c

52n
Wind deflector
*
2 Flip out the side pieces on both sides
and lock them into place (arrow)46cde098
Position the wind deflector so that
the smaller portion points toward
the front.c
3 Guide the mounting pin for the side
part into the opening provided
4 Using the slide, pull the mounting pin
on the other side back, so that it can
be guided into the opening provided
5 Unlock the convertible top compart-
ment lid, refer to page 45 or 50, and
open the convertible top compart-
ment lid
6 Flip the rear half of the wind deflector
back so that the attachments are in
contact with the vehicle
7 Close the convertible top compart-
ment lid. The wind deflector has now
been attached and is theft-proof.
46cde099
To avoid any pinching, move the
convertible top compartment lid
from above only.
With wind deflector in place: never
push the front seat all the way back to
avoid damage to the wind deflector.c
RemovingRemove the wind deflector in the
opposite order of installation.

108n
Luggage rack for the hardtop
*
Mounting pointsAccess to the mounting points:
To open the covers (arrow), please
use the tool included with the luggage
rack system.
A special roof-rack system is available
for your BMW as an optional extra.
Please observe the precautions in-
cluded with the installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they
exercise a major effect on its handling
and steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof weight,
the approved gross vehicle weight or
the axle weights when loading the rack.
You will find the specifications under
"Technical Data" on page 184.46cde097
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
and attempt to distribute it evenly.
Always load the heaviest pieces first (on
the bottom). Make sure nothing projects
into the luggage compartment lid's
opening and closing path.
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or
being lost during driving (danger to fol-
lowing traffic).
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden ac-
celeration or braking. Do not corner at
high speeds.
The roof load increases aerodynamic
resistance, resulting in increased fuel
consumption and additional stresses on
the vehicle body.

138n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means for
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety – and as cost effectively as
possible for you. Once again, with re-
spect to the previous version, mainte-
nance costs were able to be reduced
due to technical innovations.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays
a significant role in maintaining its
resale value.
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance in-
tervals. These are then indicated in the 46cus018
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates, be-
cause miles can be traveled in many
different ways:
From a maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of short-dis-
tance urban driving are not the same as
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of long-dis-
tance highway driving.
In response to this fact, the BMW Main-
tenance System monitors operating
conditions as the basis for determining
the optimum service intervals for your
individual vehicle. The BMW Mainte-
nance System includes the Engine Oil
Service and Inspections I and II.
Determining maintenance intervals ac-
cording to the actual use of the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
Even those who drive very little – signif-
icantly less than 6,000 miles (10,000 km)
annually – should still have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years because
engine oil deteriorates over time, re-
gardless of the amount of wear and tear
to which it has been subjected.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty and
Service Guide (Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or to the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models).
As a precaution against rust, it is advis-
able to have the body checked for dam-
age from rocks or gravel at the same
time, depending upon operating condi-
tions.
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always up-to-date
on the latest maintenance work and re-
pair techniques and equipped with the
required special tools. In addition,
checking parts known from experience
to be subject to wear is a permanent
part of the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models). These entries will constitute
your proof that the vehicle has received
regular maintenance. They are also
required for warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Vehicle storage
If you intend to store the vehicle
for more than three months, have
the maintenance operations described
on this page performed.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the fol-
lowing procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent
or other treatment to the engine,
engine compartment, undercarriage,
axles and major components in ac-
cordance with approved repair pro-
cedures. Washing the vehicle, any in-
terior cleaning and subsequent paint-
and chrome care, and cleaning any
rubber seals for the hood and doors,
should be carried out in compliance
with approved procedures as well
2 Change engine oil and oil filter at op-
erating temperature. As an additional
corrosion protection measure, an an-
ticorrosive agent can be added to the
engine when refueling in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top off if necessary
4 Fill the fuel tank completely to pre-
vent the formation of condensation
5 Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kPa).
Before parking the vehicle1 Dry the parking brake and footbrakes
completely to keep the brake discs
and drums from corroding
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated space. Place the
transmission in first gear or set the
selector lever to the "P" position.
Chock the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from rolling if necessary. Do not
apply the parking brake
3 Remove the battery, charge it com-
pletely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
4 Remove the hardtop
* and store it
separately. Refer to page 121
5 Close the convertible top.
During storageRecharge the battery every six months.
If it is not recharged, it will not be ser-
viceable. Every time the battery drains,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic
Eye"
* turns black. Refer to page 162.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement if necessary. Refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide (Canadian models).

184n
Weights
BMW 323Ci
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
*
lbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)3,560 (1,615)
3,627 (1,645)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
*
lbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)4,442 (2,015)
4,508 (2,045)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,094 (950)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,469 (1,120)
Permissible roof load for the hardtop
*
lbs. (kg) 165 (75)
Luggage compartment capacity
with raised convertible top compartmentcu ft (l)
cu ft (l)9.2 (260)
10.6 (300)
Permitted axle loads and permitted total vehicle weight may not be exceeded.

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