2000 BMW 323i SEDAN fuel cap

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

22n
Indicator and warning lampsOrange: Consult the nearest BMW
center
Automatic transmission
*
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: Refer to
page 65.
Yellow: Check as soon as
possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in re-
sponse to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information: Refer to
page 107.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been turned off: Check the
engine oil level.
For additional information: Refer to
page 125.
Brake pads l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: Refer
to page 109.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
Check the tire pressure. Refer to
pages 27 and 80.
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) l
DSC has been switched off or
has been deactivated because of a mal-
function. In the event of a malfunction,
have the system checked by your BMW
center.
For additional information: Refer to
page 79.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest op-
portunity.
For additional information: Refer to
page 124.
Service engine soon l
There is a defect in the Engine
Management system. It is impor-
tant to note that an illuminated lamp is
intended to inform the driver of the need
for service, not of the need to stop the
vehicle.
This can also be an indication that the
filler cap was not properly tightened after
refueling. Please have the system in-
spected by your BMW center.
For additional information: Refer to
page 139.
Engine Management warning
lamp for Canadian models.

26n
Refueling Fuel specificationsFuel filler doorPress on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
To unlock the fuel filler door if there is a
malfunction of the central locking sys-
tem, refer to page 156.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in your
vehicle. Whether empty or full, these
containers can leak, cause an explo-
sion, or lead to fire in the event of a col-
lision.< 460de004
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the fuel filler cap carefully.
If you do not, fuel could spray out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket at-
tached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refuel-
ing
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling. A loose or missing cap
will activate the Service Engine Soon
warning lamp.<
460de005
Use unleaded gasoline only.
Recommended fuel: Premium with a
minimum octane rating of 91 AKI.
BMW engines are equipped with knock
sensors and will adapt automatically to
different octane ratings, provided that
the minimum octane requirement
(87 AKI) is met.
Fuels with higher octane ratings will pro-
vide enhanced performance and lower
fuel consumption, while the use of fuels
with lower octane ratings will have the
opposite effect.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use of
leaded fuels will cause permanent
damage to the system's oxygen sensor
and the catalytic convertor.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index

74n
Fuel gauge Temperature gauge Service Interval Display When you switch on the ignition, the in-
dicator lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is stationary.
Once the indicator lamp begins to light
up continuously, there are still approx.
2.1 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
Tank capacity: page 175.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended
driving in mountainous areas, for exam-
ple), there may be slight fluctuations of
the needle.
Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty. Driving to the last drop of
fuel can result in damage to the engine
and/or the catalytic converter.<460us081
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle: The engine is overheated.
Stop and switch the engine off immedi-
ately and allow it to cool down.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not un-
usual for the needle to rise as far as the
edge of the red zone in response to
high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.
Checking coolant level: page 128.460de082
Remaining distance for serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in positions 1 and 2 or
after the engine is started.
The next service due appears with the
message OILSERVICE or INSPECTION,
together with the remaining distance
before scheduled service.
The computer bases its calculations of
the remaining distance on the rate of
fuel consumption in the period immedi-
ately preceding your data request.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of
the number mean that the service inter-
val has already been exceeded by the
distance shown on the display. Please
contact your BMW center for an
appointment.460de112

133n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your carExterior finish To provide effective corrosion protec-
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at
the factory. Cataphoretic immersion
priming techniques are supplemented
using special body-cavity protectants,
with the application of specially-devel-
oped and extensively tested materials.
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied
to the undercarriage. Following this, a
comprehensive undercoating treat-
ment with a wax-based protectant is
applied. Regular maintenance makes
an important contribution to maintaining
the safety and value of your vehicle.
Increasing awareness of the effects of
harmful environmental factors on vehi-
cle finishes have urged paint and vehi-
cle manufacturers to initiate ongoing
programs designed to further improve
the durability of their finishes. Despite
this, environmental factors that occur
locally or regionally can have negative
effects on the finish of your vehicle.
These should guide you in determining
the frequency and extent of your efforts
to maintain the vehicle finish.
Depending upon material and type of
impact (perforation of paint layer), phys-
ical stresses from sand, road salt, gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to
start extending beneath the finish, start-
ing at the point of impact.
Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects, ani-
mal droppings (strong alkali effect) and
tree excretions (resins and pollen) all
contain substances capable of causing
damage when allowed to remain on the
finish of your vehicle for any period of
time. This includes spots, etching, flak-
ing, and separations in the top coat.
In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust,
lime, oily soot, precipitation containing
sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-
ronmental pollutants will damage the
car's finish unless adequate care is pro-
vided Ð even though this is generally
limited to the outside horizontal sur-
faces.
In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-
spheric salt and humidity promote cor-
rosion.
In tropical zones, temperatures of over
105 7 (40 6) in the shade prevail, in
addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation
and high humidity. Under those condi-
tions, light paints can reach tempera-
tures up to 175 7 (80 6) and dark
paints up to 250 7 (120 6).
Caring for the vehicle finish Regular washing is a preventive mea-
sure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the vehi-
cle's finish, especially if you drive your
vehicle in areas with high levels of air
pollution or aggressive natural sub-
stances (tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive sub-
stances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled
during refueling, oil, grease and brake
fluid should always be cleaned away
immediately, as should bird droppings.
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use clean-
ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or
cotton pad to remove. Remove tar spots
with tar remover. After cleaning, the
affected areas should be waxed to
ensure continued protection.
Use cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<

139n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
OBD interface socket The OBD interface socket for onboard
diagnostics is located on the driver's
side at the left-hand bottom of the in-
strument panel and under a cover. The
cover has the letters "OBD" on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
assure proper emission control system
operation for the vehicle's lifetime by
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and
malfunction.460us250
An illuminated indicator informs you of
the need for service, not that you need
to stop the vehicle. Your system should
be checked, however, at the earliest
possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your near-
est BMW center immediately. Severe
engine misfire over even a short period
of time can seriously damage emission
control components, especially the cat-
alytic converter.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight
enough, the OBD system can detect
leaking vapor and the indicator will light
up. If the fuel filler cap is then tightened,
the indicator will usually go out after a
short period of time.

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.

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.