2000 BMW 323i SEDAN Owner's Manual

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Clothes hooks:
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, be sure that they will not ob-
struct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do
so, such objects could pose the risk of
personal injury during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers. exhaust emissions, and 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 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 discon-
nected.Be sure to comply with the in-
structions above to prevent un-
burned fuel from reaching the catalytic
convertor. If you do not, the catalytic
converter could respond by overheat-
ing, leading to serious damage.
Extreme temperatures occur at the cat-
alytic converter on this and every cata-
lyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields are
installed adjacent to some sections of
the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply undercoat-
ing to their surfaces. When driving,
standing at idle, and parking the vehi-
cle, take extra care to avoid contact be-
tween the exhaust system and flamma-
ble materials (grass, hay, leaves, etc.).
Such contact could lead to a fire, re-
sulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.

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Antilock Brake System (ABS)The concept ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking un-
der 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 Ð on all types of road
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, mud, wet,
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 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 Ð 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 Ð
a result of the control function cycles Ð
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).
On road surfaces that have a loose sur-
face 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 con-
sequences of brake applications with
inadequate clearances for safety be-
tween 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 af-
fect 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 devel-
opment of ABS. When braking during
cornering with high lateral accelera-
tion, or when braking during a lane
change, vehicle stability is improved
and the steering response is enhanced.
In the event of a fault
If the ABS 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 cumu-
lative faults from adversely affecting the
brake system, refer any problems to
your BMW center at the earliest oppor-
tunity.
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.
CBC, ABS and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
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 oper-
ating conditions where brake applica-
tions 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-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Driving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Be aware of 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 are not locked, 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 above 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 au-
tomatic 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 by applying more substantial
pressure to the brake pedal (watch for
following traffic), releasing the pedal,
and then repeating the application
(staggered braking). The cooling phases
between active braking intervals pre-
vent the brakes from overheating, thus
ensuring that full braking capacity re-
mains 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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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Brake systemBrake fluid level
If the brake warning lamp
comes on and the parking brake
has been released:
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir (refer to page 129).
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in
one of the hydraulic circuits of the brake
system.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these
conditions, and brake pedal travel may
be significantly longer. Please remem-
ber to adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.<
Brake pads
If the warning lamp for the brake
pads lights up:
The brake pads have reached
their minimum pad thickness. Proceed
to the nearest BMW center as soon as
possible to have the pads replaced.
For your own safety: Use only
brake pads that BMW has ap-
proved for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<

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Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Adaptations in driving style should be
accompanied 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 con-
tains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and extended-duty antifreeze/
corrosion protection. This mixture pro-
vides protection against freezing down
to approx. Ð 34 7 (Ð 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.<
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).
For best performance, deactivate the
DSC when snow chains are mounted.
Refer to page 79.
Starting offWhen starting from a full stop in deep
snow or for "rocking" the vehicle to free
it, we recommend that you deactivate
the DSC system. Refer to page 79.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-
grades or slopes, shift down to the next
lower gear at an early point. Maintain an
adequate distance between yourself
and the car ahead.
BrakesWinter road conditions substantially re-
duce the traction available between the
tires and the road surface. Remember
that braking distances will be signifi-
cantly 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.
Following that, increase pedal pressure
again. Reduce the pressure as the
wheels lock, then reapply pressure.
Repeat this procedure. This type of
staggered braking will reduce the brak-
ing distance, and the vehicle still re-
mains responsive to steering. It allows
you to steer around hazards once you
have reduced the pressure on the brake
pedal.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter operation Power steering
Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces. Doing so could cause
the rear wheels to lose traction and
skid, resulting in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces that pro-
vide only poor or uneven traction.<
Skid control Depress the clutch and release the ac-
celerator pedal, or place the selector
lever of the automatic transmission into
the "Neutral" position. Countersteer
carefully and attempt to regain control
of the vehicle.
ParkingEngage 1st or reverse gear. If your car
is equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, place the selector lever in
Park. On vehicles with manual trans-
mission, also apply the parking brake
when parking on inclined surfaces. In
order to prevent the parking brake lin-
ings from locking due to frost or corro-
sion, dry them by gently applying the
parking brake as the vehicle is coming
to a stop. Make sure that following traf-
fic is not endangered.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the parking brake is ap-
plied.<
High steering effort:
Contact an BMW center immediately to
have this system inspected.
If the power steering fails, in-
creased effort will be required to
steer the vehicle.<

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Cellular phones
* Radio reception
Mobile communications systems (cellu-
lar phone, radio, etc.) are only allowed a
power output of up to 10 watts. Mobile
communications devices not specifi-
cally designed for use in your car may
trigger malfunctions while operating
your vehicle. BMW can neither test nor
assume responsibility for every individ-
ual 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, do not use a cellular phone or other
radio device with an antenna located
inside the passenger compartment or
an antenna that is not mounted 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 accord-
ing to a variety of factors, including the
broadcast range of the transmitter and
the directional orientation of the an-
tenna. Interference factors such as high-
tension power lines, buildings and natu-
ral obstructions can all lead to unavoid-
able reception interference, regardless
of how well the vehicle's sound system
is operating.
Climatic factors such as intense solar ra-
diation, fog, rain and snow can also in-
terfere 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.