2000 BMW 323i towing

Contents

Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit142
Windshield wiper blades142
Lamps and bulbs142
Changing a wheel149
Battery152
Fuses154
Microfilter155

In case of electrical
malfunction:

Fuel filler door156
Sliding/Tilt sunroof156

Assistance, giving and
receiving:

Jump-starting157
Towing the vehicle158Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC)162
Airbags163
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)163
Radio reception164
Safety belt tensioner164
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming
feature165
Rain sensor166
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)167
Self-diagnostics168
Xenon lamps169Engine data172
Dimensions173
Weights174
Capacities175
Electrical system176
Ribbed V-belt176

23n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lamps
Electronic Engine Power Control
(EML)
* l
Malfunction in engine timing.
Higher brake application pressure may
be necessary and brake pedal travel
may be significantly longer. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Top
up the coolant at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information: Refer to
page 128.
Green: For your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal in-
dicator is actuated. Includes the
trailer turn signals if you are towing a
trailer. Rapid flashing indicates a sys-
tem malfunction.
For additional information: Refer to
page 68.
Cruise control
*
Comes on when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information: Refer to
page 71.
Front fog lamps
*
Lights up whenever you switch
on the front fog lamps.
For additional information: Refer to
page 83.
Blue: For your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information: Refer to
pages 68 and 83.

67n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
In the following situations, the Step-
tronic "thinks" for you in the manual
mode:
>In order to prevent the engine from
overrevving, the transmission shifts
automatically to the next higher gear
just before the RPM cutoff point.
>If you do not do anything to inter-
vene, it will automatically downshift
at lower speeds.
>In kickdown, it will downshift into
the lowest gear possible, depending
on the engine speed.
>According to the situation, for in-
stance in wintry conditions, the
vehicle can be started in 2nd or
3rd gear.
Available displays
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5460de138
Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on,
there is a malfunction in the
transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop, select trans-
mission position "P," set the parking
brake and turn the engine off (ignition
key to position 0).
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission per-
formance has been restored. You may
continue to drive as usual.
If the indicator lamp does not go out,
you can place the selector lever in all
positions. However, the vehicle will now
only operate in 3rd and 4th gear.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest BMW
center.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment when a drive gear (for-
ward or reverse) is engaged. If you do
this, the vehicle could move.<
For towing, tow-starting or jump-start-
ing the vehicle, refer to the information
beginning on page 157.

99n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cargo loadingStowing cargo If you are transporting a load in your
BMW
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible Ð directly behind the back-
rests or the luggage compartment
partition Ð and as low as possible.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest.460de160
>If you are transporting very heavy
loads when the rear seat is not occu-
pied, secure the outer safety belts in
the opposite buckles (refer to the
illustration).460de185
Securing 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 41).
>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 en-
closed with the load-securing de-
vices.
460de161

104n
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 speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4,500 RPM or a road speed of 100 mph
(160 km/h) during this initial period.
Do not apply 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.
Follow the same break-in procedure if
either the engine or the differential is
replaced in the future.
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 Ð when towing,
for example Ð 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:
Reduce your speed when you drive on
wet or slushy roads. If you do not, a
wedge of water can 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 that is
deeper than 1 foot (30 cm). If you must
drive through water accumulations up
to that depth, drive only at walking
speed. Driving at a faster speed could
cause damage to the engine, the elec-
trical systems and the transmission.
Package tray:
Never use the rear window shelf to
store heavy or bulky objects. If you do
so, such objects could pose the risk of
injury to vehicle occupants during brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers or in a crash.
Break-in procedures Driving notes

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
141n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit142
Windshield wiper blades142
Lamps and bulbs142
Changing a wheel149
Battery152
Fuses154
Microfilter155
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door156
Sliding/Tilt sunroof156
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting157
Towing the vehicle158
Repairs

158n
Towing the vehicleTow fittingThe screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting is
designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle. It is intended for towing on
paved road surfaces only. This fitting
should not be used to pull a vehicle out
of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.
Always comply with all applicable tow-
ing laws and regulations. Access to tow socketsFront
Use a screwdriver in the upper section
of the recess to press the cover out.460de063
Rear
Use a screwdriver in the upper section
of the recess to press the cover out.
Screw the tow fittings in com-
pletely and tightly. If you do not,
the threads could be damaged.
Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-
nents of the running gear, or lash them
down in any way. If you do so, the com-
ponents could be damaged, leading to
possible accidents.<460de064
Towing with a commercial tow
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equip-
ment.
>Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier.
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to the tie rods,
control arms, or any other part of the
vehicle suspension. If you do so, severe
damage will occur to these compo-
nents.c380us124

Everything from A to Z
181n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Clock75
refer also to the Radio
or Onboard Computer
Owner's Manual
Cockpit16
Coin holder, cup holder93
Combination switch68
Compression172
Computer76
Configure settings53
Consumption77
Consumption display74
Coolant110, 128, 175
antifreeze110
Coolant temperature
gauge74
Cooling system175
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21, 107
Cruise control71
Cruising range77
Curb weight174DDash lighting82
Dashboard16
Data
dimensions173
engine172
weights174
Daytime-driving lamp
switch82
Defrost position89Defroster, rear window90
Defrosting the windows89
Digital clock75
Dimensions173
Dipstick125
Disc brakes108
Displacement172
Display lighting82
Displays18
Distance warning78
Diversity Antenna164
Divided rear backrest97
Door key32
Door locks, care110
Doors
child-safety locks56
emergency operation34
unlocking and locking34
Draft-free ventilation90
Driving hints104
Driving in winter110
Driving lamps82
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22, 79, 163
EElectric power windows44
Electrical accessories,
failure154
Electrical system176
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Elements of operation16Emergency operation,
doors34
Energy Control73
Engine
starting61
Engine compartment122
Engine coolant128, 175
Engine data172
Engine oil
capacity175
consumption125
pressure20
quality126
specifications126
viscosity126
Engine oil level21, 22
check125
Engine speed172
Exterior mirrors52
FFailure messages75
Fault
ABS107
Fault displays75
Filler cap cover26
Filling capacities175
Filling the washer
reservoir175
First aid25
First-aid kit25
Fittings, towing and
tow-starting158Flashlight92
Flat tire113, 149
Fog lamps83
Folding rear backrest97
Footbrake108
Footwell lamps83
bulb replacement148
Front fog lamps83
bulb replacement145
Front seat-adjustment47
Frost protection,
radiator128
Fuel26
fuel injection172
Fuel consumption77
Fuel consumption
display74
Fuel filler door
releasing following an
electrical malfunction156
Fuel gauge74
Fuel quality26
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp74
Fuel tank capacity175
Fuel tank gauge74
Functional status168
Fuses154
GGasoline26
Gasoline gauge74
Glove compartment92