2000 BMW 323i SEDAN manual transmission

66n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
D Drive (automatic shift program)This position is designed for driving un-
der all normal operating conditions. All
forward gears are available."Kickdown"In the "Kickdown" mode, you achieve
the maximum acceleration and the top
speed in position D.
To activate this mode, depress the ac-
celerator pedal beyond the full-throttle
position, at which a resistance point
must be overcome.
M/S Manual operation and
Sport ProgramShifting from D into M/S activates the
Sport Program. This is indicated by
"SD" in the gear selection display. This
position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style.
With the first brief touch, the automatic
transmission shifts from the Sport Pro-
gram to the manual mode.
When you move the selector lever for-
ward in the "+" direction, the transmis-
sion shifts up. When the lever is moved
back in the "Ð" direction, the transmis-
sion shifts down. M1 to M5 appear in
the gear indicator.460de145
Upshifts or downshifts will only be car-
ried out by the ATC at appropriate en-
gine speeds and road speeds. If the en-
gine speed is too high, for instance, a
downshift will not be executed. The gear
selected will appear briefly in the instru-
ment cluster followed by the current
gear.
To accelerate quickly in the man-
ual mode (to pass another vehicle,
for instance), shift down manually or
employ the kickdown mode.<
Shifting from M/S to the selector lever
positions P, R and N is possible only by
going through D.

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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.

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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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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oilChecking the oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material.
4 Push the dipstick all the way into the
guide tube and pull it out again.
5 The oil level should be between the
two graduations on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.460de051
The space between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.460de189
To add oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies for the
manual transmission, automatic trans-
mission, differential and the power
steering system.<462de245

174n
Weights
BMW 323i BMW 328i
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs (kg)
lbs (kg)3,153 (1,430)
3,213 (1,457)3,197 (1,450)
3,256 (1,477)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs (kg)
lbs (kg)4,211 (1,910)
4,255 (1,930)4,270 (1,937)
4,314 (1,957)
Approved front axle weight lbs (kg) 1,962 (890) 1,973 (895)
Approved rear axle weight lbs (kg) 2,348 (1,065) 2,370 (1,075)
Approved roof load capacity lbs (kg) 165 (75) 165 (75)
Luggage compartment capacity cu. ft. (liters) 14.5 (410) 14.5 (410)
Never exceed either the approved axle weights or the gross vehicle weight.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 16.6 (approx. 63)
approx. 2.1 (approx. 8)Fuel specification: Page 26
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer system
*
quarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx. 5.3) For details: Page 124
Cooling system including heater circuit quarts (liters) approx. 8.9 (approx. 8.4) For details: Page 128
Engine oil and filter change quarts (liters) approx. 6.9 (approx. 6.5) BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
For details: Page 126
Manual transmission, automatic transmission
and differentialÐ Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required.

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)22, 106
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal
filter90, 155
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)65, 162
Adding engine oil125
Adding washer
fluid124, 175
Adjusting the backrest47
Adjusting the steering
wheel51
Adjusting the thigh support
area49
Air distribution88
Air nozzles86
Air outlets86
ventilation86
Air pressure113
Air supply89
Airbags21, 56, 137, 163
Alarm system42
Antenna112
Antenna, Diversity164
Antifreeze128
radiator110
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)22, 106
Anti-theft alarm system42
Aquaplaning104, 113
Armrest93Ashtray95
front95
rear96
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)65, 162
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)89
Automatic car washes132
Automatic climate
control86
removing condensation
from the windows89
Automatic cruise control71
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror53
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)89
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic22, 65
Automatic windshield
washer69
Average consumption77
Average speed77
Axle loads174
BBackup lamps64
bulb replacement145
Battery152, 176
capacity176
charge154discharged157
removal and
installation153
Battery charge current20
Battery Safety Terminal
(BST)153
Belts54
Blower89
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils126
BMW Sports Seat49
Bore172
Brake fluid129
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps
bulb replacement145
Brake pads22
Brakes108
malfunctions109
Break-in procedure104
Breaking in the vehicle104
BST (Battery Safety
Terminal)153
Bulb replacement142
CCapacities175
Car Memory53
Car radio112
refer also to the separate
Owner's ManualCar radio
reception112, 164
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting96
Car wash132
Care
exterior133
interior134
Care of upholstery135
Care of wool velour135
Cargo loading99
Caring for the vehicle
finish133
Catalytic converter105
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21, 107
Cellular phone95, 112
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp147
Center armrest93
Central locking system34
button38
Changing a tire149
Changing a wheel149
Charge indicator lamp20
Check Control75
Child restraint
systems55, 59
Child seat59
Child-safety locks56
Cigarette lighter96
Everything from A-Z

Everything from A to ZGlove compartment lamp
bulb replacement148
Gross vehicle weight174HHandbrake63
Handsfree system95
Hazard warning flashers25
Hazard warning triangle25
Head restraint48
Headlamp covers,
care132, 143
Headlamp flasher83
Headlamp washer
system124, 175
Headlamp washers70
Heated seats91
Heavy loads99
Height173
HiFi system Ð harman
kardon92
High beams23, 68, 83
bulb replacement143
Hood release120
Horn17
Hubcap150IIce warning76
Icy roads76
Identification, tires116Ignition key32
Ignition lock61
Indicator lamps20
Inflated pressure27, 113
Inflation pressure
monitoring80, 167
INSPECTION74
Installing a child restraint
system60
Instrument cluster18
Instrument lighting82
Instrument panel18
Interaxle tire rotation115
Interface socket96
for Onboard
Diagnostics139
Interference
cellular phones112
Interior lamps36, 83
bulb replacement147
remote control36
Interior motion sensor42
Interior rearview mirror52
automatic dimming
feature53, 165
Interlock61
Intermittent wipe68
JJack149
Jump-starting157
KKey Memory53
Keys32
with remote control32LLAMPS ON warning82
Lashing eyes99
Leather care136
Length173
License plate lamp
bulb replacement147
Light switch82
Light-alloy wheels118
Lighter96
Load-securing devices99
Louvers86
Low beam headlamps82
Low beams
bulb replacement143
Lug bolts150
Lug wrench149
Luggage compartment41
capacity174
floor mat41
floor panel41
remote control37
Luggage compartment
lamps
bulb replacement148Luggage compartment
lid39
emergency release39
securing separately39
Luggage compartment
lighting39
Luggage rack100
Lumbar support49
MM+S tires117
Maintenance74, 131
Malfunction displays75
Manual transmission64
Manually controlled
recirculated-air89
Memory50
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)24
Microfilter90, 155
Mirror memory50
Mirrors52
Mobile phones112
Modifications,
technical6, 138
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)24NNeckrest48