Page 168 of 189

168n
Self-diagnostics All of the important electrical and elec-
tronic systems in the vehicle are tested
regularly and automatically Ð the driver
does not have to perform any extra
operations or adjustments.
The indicator lamps also come on
briefly after the ignition has been turned
on.
While you are driving, the functional
status of the actuator motors (for the
windshield wipers, power windows,
seats, sunroof, etc.) is constantly ana-
lyzed by current measurements in their
relays.460de177
In the same manner, the electrical re-
sistance of the airbag ignition genera-
tors and all of the remaining airbag
components is measured at all times.
Any fault in this system would be de-
tected immediately by a current fluctua-
tion that would necessarily accompany
it. The fault would be indicated immedi-
ately by the airbag warning lamp.
Even after you shut off the engine, the
overall functional status of your vehicle
is monitored. For example, all of the
flaps of the heating and ventilation sys-
tem travel to the nearest limit position.
This action ensures that the system will
be able to provide defrosting, regard-
less of other circumstances (if a mal-
function in the heating or ventilation
system should occur during the night
while the vehicle is parked, for in-
stance).
A calibration cycle runs every tenth time
the engine is shut off. During this cycle,
the actuator motors of all the heating
and ventilation flaps travel to their limit
stops in both directions. The limit posi-
tions and the return travel paths are
checked in this manner in order to en-
sure that appropriate adjustments for
the operating elements can be made at
any time.You will hear the sounds of the air flaps
as the heater/ventilation system carries
out its self-diagnostic functions after the
ignition is shut off. All of the other self-
diagnostics functions operate silently in
the background.
Any faults detected during these self-
diagnostics can be read out by your
BMW center during the next regularly-
scheduled maintenance and corrected
with a minimum of time.
Page 171 of 189
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
171n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine data172
Dimensions173
Weights174
Capacities175
Electrical system176
Ribbed V-belt176
Data
Owner service procedures
Page 172 of 189
172n
BMW 323i BMW 328i
Displacement
Number of cylinders cu.in. (cmm) 152.2 (2,494)
6170.4 (2,793)
6
Max. output
at engine speed hp (kW)
RPM170 (127)
5,500193 (144)
5,500
Maximum torque
at engine speedlb.ft (Nm)
rpm181 (245)
3,500206 (280)
3,500
Compression ratio
10.5 10.2
Stroke
Borein. (mm)
in. (mm)2.95 (75)
3.31 (84)3.31 (84)
3.31 (84)
Fuel-injection system Digital-electronic engine-management system
Engine data
Page 175 of 189
175n
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.
Page 180 of 189

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
Page 181 of 189

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
Page 184 of 189

Everything from A to ZSpeed display18
Speedometer18
Sports Seat49
Starting61
Starting assistance157
Starting problems105, 157
Starting the engine61
Steel wheels118
Steering111
Steering wheel lock61
Steptronic65
Stopping the vehicle62
Storage compartments93
Storing the vehicle137
Stroke172
Summer tires116
Sun visors52
Switching off the engine62
Symbols4, 153
Synthetic oils126TTachometer73
Tail lamp assembly
bulb replacement145
Tail lamps145
Tank capacity175
Technical data172
Technical
modifications6, 138Telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Telephone hookup95
Temperature adjustment88
Temperature display
outside temperature76
Temperature gauge
engine coolant74
Temperature layering90
Third brake lamp147
Through-loading system97
Tilt alarm36, 43
remote control36
Tire codes116
Tire damage113
Tire inflation
pressure27, 113
Tire pressure
checking27
Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)80, 167
Tire pressure
monitoring80, 167
Tire replacement114, 115
Tire specifications118
Tire tread113
Tools142
Torque172
Tow fittings158
Tow starting158Towing158
Track173
Traction Control System
refer to DSC79
Transmission64
Tread depth, tires113
Trip odometer73
Trunk39
Trunk lid, refer to luggage
compartment lid39
Turn signal
indicator23, 68, 144
bulb replacement144
Turning radius173
Two-way radios112
UUsed batteries154VVacuum cleaner,
connecting96
Vanity mirror52
bulb replacement148
Vehicle battery152, 176
Vehicle care
exterior133
interior134
Vehicle identification130
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)130Vehicle immobilizer33
Vehicle painting133
Vehicle storage137
Vehicle weight174
Ventilation86
draft-free90
Vinyl care135
WWarning lamp "Please fasten
safety belts"21
Warning lamps20
Warning messages75
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet131
Washer reservoir, filling124
Washing your car132
Water on roadways
deep water104
Waxing, paintwork134
Weights174
Wheel rims116
Wheelbase173
Wheels and tires116, 118
Width173
Windows, convenience
operation34
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment124
Windshield washer reservoir,
filling124, 175
Page 185 of 189
Everything from A to Z
185n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Windshield wiper68
Windshield wiper blade
replacement142
Winter operation110
Winter tires116, 117
Wiper blade
replacement142
Wiper system68
Work in the engine
compartment120XXenon lamps143, 169