2000 BMW 323Ci steering

104n
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you ob-
serve the following:
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed the fol-
lowing engine or road speeds at this
time: 4,500/min or 100 mph (160 km/h).
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
After 1,200 miles (2,000 km), you can
gradually increase the engine speed or
road speed.
You should also observe these break-in
procedures if the engine or differential
is replaced later in the course of the
vehicle service life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until an initial
break-in period has elapsed. For this
reason, drive cautiously during the first
200 miles (300 km).Brake systemBrake pads and disks do not attain their
optimal wear patterns until after 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 set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
car with the engine off – when towing,
for example – substantially higher levels
of pedal force will be required to brake
the vehicle.<
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:
A wedge of water can form between the
tires and the road surface when you op-
erate the vehicle on wet or slushy roads.
This phenomenon is referred to as
aquaplaning or hydroplaning. It is char-
acterized by a partial or complete loss
of contact between the tires and the
road surface. The ultimate results are
loss of steering and braking control.
Driving through water:
Do not drive through water more than
1 ft (30 cm) deep. Drive only at walking
speed, otherwise damage to the engine,
the electrical system and the transmis-
sion can occur.
Rear parcel tray:
Never use the rear parcel tray to store
heavy or bulky objects. They could pose
a danger to the occupants when the car
is braked heavily.
Break-in procedures Driving notes

106n
Antilock Brake System (ABS)The concept ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking dur-
ing brake applications. 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.
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.).
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, snow, ice).
Braking with ABSThe system becomes operative once
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). Below approx. 3 mph
(6 km/h), it is once again deactivated.
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 re-
sponsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
The ABS system closed-loop control
circuit cycles in fractions of a second.
A pulsation at the brake pedal indicates
to the driver that ABS is active, that is,
that the vehicle is within its maximum
braking range. In addition, a pulsation –
a result of the control function cycles –
indicates to the driver that vehicle
speed should be reduced to adapt to
road surface conditions when there is
reduced traction and grip between tires
and road surface (slippery road sur-
face).
In driving conditions where there is a
loose upper surface together with a
subsurface that provides good traction (on gravel or snow, for instance), or with
snow chains, the braking distance may
also be longer than when the wheels
are locked. However, ABS continues to
provide enhanced vehicle stability and
steering response under these condi-
tions.
Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws
of physics. ABS cannot prevent the
consequences of brake applications
with inadequate clearances for safety
between vehicles, when exceeding the
speed limit in curves, or the risks in-
volved when aquaplaning occurs. Re-
sponsibility 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.<

107n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering devel-
opment of 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
response is enhanced.
In the event of a fault
If the ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up,
refer to page 22. The brake sys-
tem then reverts to conventional opera-
tion as on vehicles without ABS. How-
ever, have the brake system checked by
your BMW center as soon as possible.
To prevent undetected defects and cu-
mulative faults from adversely affecting
the brake system, refer any problems to
your authorized BMW center at the ear-
liest opportunity.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
model.
If the brake warning lamp comes
on together with the indicator
lamps for the ABS and DSC sys-
tems, refer to page 21. The en-
tire ABS, CBC and DSC
govern-
ing system has deactivated.
Continue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake ap-
plications. 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 authorized BMW cen-
ter.
Warning lamps CBC, ABS and
DSC for Canadian models.

108n
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 op-
erating conditions where brakes appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an in-
creased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs be-
cause 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: Only use
brake linings that BMW has re-
leased for your particular vehicle model.
BMW cannot vouch for driving safety or
the suitability of brake linings other than
those they have released.<
Driving notesWhile driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles (kilometers). Watch traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The
heat that is generated by the brake ap-
plications helps to dry the brake pads
and rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels continue to rotate,
peaking when the wheels remain on the
verge of locking without actually doing
so. ABS maintains this state automati-
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert
to the staggered braking technique
described on page 110.
Long or steep mountain descents do
not necessarily lead to reduced braking
efficiency if you drive downhill with the
transmission in a gear that allows mini-
mal brake applications (or, with an auto-
matic transmission, in an appropriate
lower range).
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).Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure over
an extended period of time, you should
decelerate the vehicle by applying more
substantial force on the pedal (watch
for following traffic!) and then pausing
before repeating the application. This
staggered braking technique allows the
brakes to cool in the intervals between
active braking phases, preventing over-
heating and ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch de-
pressed or with the transmission
or selector lever in neutral. Do not drive
with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when the
clutch pedal is depressed or the trans-
mission is in neutral, and there is no
power-assist for brakes and steering
when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<

110n
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather. Adap-
tations in driving style should be accom-
panied by preparations on the vehicle
itself to ensure that your progress
through the winter remains safe and
trouble-free.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture is kept
at the year-round ratio of 50:50 of water
and antifreeze/corrosion protection.
This mixture provides protection against
freezing down to approx. – 347
(– 376). Replace the coolant every four
years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free them if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After using deicer, 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.<
Snow chains BMW snow chains
* can be mounted on
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 situation (snow chains mounted),
deactivate the DSC. Refer to page 81.
Starting offWe recommend that you use the man-
ual control switch to deactivate DSC
when starting off in deep snow or when
rocking the car to free it (refer to
page 81).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. Adapt
your speed and driving style when ap-
proaching grades or slopes. Maintain
an adequate distance between yourself
and the car ahead.
BrakesWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the traction available between
the tires and the road surface.
Remember that braking distances will
be significantly longer as a result.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.
If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
Reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal until the wheels just start to roll
again while still maintaining enough
force to continue braking. Then in-
crease the pressure, reduce the pres-
sure when the wheels lock, reapply
pressure etc.
This staggered braking procedure will
reduce stopping distances while help-
ing you maintain steering control.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal.

112n
Power steering Cellular phones
* Radio reception
High steering effort:
Please contact a BMW center.
High steering effort during sudden tran-
sitions:
Have your authorized BMW center in-
spect this system as soon as possible.
If the power steering fails, in-
creased effort will be required to
steer the vehicle.<
Mobile communications systems (cellu-
lar phone, two-way radios, etc.) are only
allowed a power output of up to 10 Watt.
Mobile communications devices not
specifically designed for use in your car
may trigger malfunctions while operat-
ing your vehicle. BMW can neither test
nor assume responsibility for every indi-
vidual product being offered on the mar-
ket. We recommend that you consult
your BMW center before purchasing any
device of this kind.
To ensure that your BMW continues to
provide reliable and trouble-free opera-
tion, refrain from using a mobile phone
or other radio device with an antenna
located inside the passenger compart-
ment. The antenna should always be
fitted on the outside of the vehicle.
Before loading the vehicle on a
car-carrier train or driving it
through a car-wash, remove the an-
tenna.<
The reception and sound quality ob-
tained from mobile radios varies ac-
cording to a variety of factors, including
the broadcast range of the transmitter
and the directional orientation of the
antenna. Interference factors such as
high-tension power lines, buildings and
natural obstructions can all lead to un-
avoidable reception interference, re-
gardless of how well the vehicle's sound
system is operating.
Climatic factors such as intense solar
radiation, fog, rain and snow can also
interfere with reception.
Car telephones or cellular phones not
approved by BMW can also cause in-
terference in the radio during a tele-
phone call. This phenomenon assumes
the form of a low-pitched hum emanat-
ing from the speaker system.
Please refer to the supplementary oper-
ating instructions provided with your
sound system for detailed information
on its use.

113n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the car and have been se-
lected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your car.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and – above all
else – driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability
of your BMW.
Check tire inflation pressure regu-
larly — including the space-saver
and/or the spare tire — at least twice a
month and before beginning a longer
road trip. Incorrect tire pressure can
otherwise lead to tire damage and acci-
dents.<
Tire tread – Tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
The tread depth should not be any shal-
lower than 0.12 in (3 mm).
Otherwise there is an increased risk of
aquaplaning, even at relatively moder-
ate speeds and with only small amounts
of water on the road.
We recommend that you always replace
the tires once the tread wears to 0.12 in
(3 mm). If you continue to use the tires,
wear indicators appear in the tread at
0.063 in (1.6 mm).390de331
Do not drive on a deflated (flat) tire.
A flat tire greatly impairs steering
and braking response, and can lead to
complete loss of control over the
vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading can lead to
overheating and increases the rate at
which damage develops inside the tires.
The ultimate result can assume the form
of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect,
as can variations in normal vehicle
response, such as a pronounced ten-
dency to pull to the left or right. Should
this occur, respond by immediately
reducing your speed and carefully pro-
ceeding to the nearest BMW center or
professional tire center, or having the
vehicle towed in to have it and its tires
inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the
vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire inflation pressures Tire condition

116n
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction
than standard summer tires with H, V,
W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of
performance as standard snow tires in
winter driving.
For of safe tracking and steering re-
sponse, install winter tires made by the
same manufacturer having the same
tread configuration on all four wheels.
Mount only winter tires approved by
BMW. Any BMW center will be glad to
provide you with information on the
best winter tires for your particular driv-
ing conditions.Never exceed the maximum speed
for that the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to be-
low 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus be
replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures – and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, away
from light whenever possible. Protect
the tires against contact with oil, grease
and fuel.Snow chains
*
Use narrow-link BMW snow chains on
summer or winter tires only in pairs and
only on the rear wheels. Comply with all
manufacturer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.