2000 BMW 323i SEDAN warning light

17n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Cockpit

1 Headlamp switch82
2

>

Turn signal indicator68

>

Parking lamps83

>

High beams83

>

Headlamp flasher68

>

Onboard computer

*
76
3 Wiper/Washer system68
4 Shift lever/Selector lever

*
64
For vehicles equipped with manual
transmission:
Press the lever to the left to
overcome the slight resistance to
engage reverse gear
5 Central locking system34
6 Hazard warning flashers25
7 Rear window defroster70
8 Horn: The entire surface functions
as the horn
9 Adjusting steering wheel51
10 Front fog lamps

*
83

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Many of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
that are identified by "

l

" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: Stop immediately

Battery charge

l


The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator ribbed V-belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, do
not continue driving. If you do so,
the engine could be damaged due to
overheating. If the ribbed V-belt is de-
fective, increased steering effort is also
required.<
Engine oil pressure l
Stop the vehicle and switch off
the engine immediately. Check
the engine oil and top up as required. If
the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving. If you do
so, the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
* l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: A tire failure has oc-
curred. Reduce vehicle speed immedi-
ately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information: Refer to
page 80.
Brake hydraulic system l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
Check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to read the notes on
pages 109 and 129.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lampsYellow: Stop immediately
Engine oil level

Comes on while driving: Stop
the vehicle and switch off the
engine immediately. The oil level is at
the absolute minimum.
For additional information: Refer to
page 125.
Do not continue driving until you
have topped up the engine oil. If
you continue to drive, the engine could
be damaged because of inadequate
lubrication.<
Red and yellow: Continue driving
cautiously
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) l
If the brake warning lamp comes
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS and DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Con-
tinue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid hard brake
applications. Please have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For additional information: Refer to
pages 79 and 107.
CBC, ABS and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Red: An important reminder
Parking brake
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied Ð an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information: Refer to
page 63.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts l
An acoustic warning signal
sounds simultaneously. Lights
up for a few seconds or until the safety
belt is fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: Refer to page 54.
Airbags l
Please have the system in-
spected by your BMW center.
For additional information: Refer to
pages 56 and 163.

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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.

82n
Parking lamps
With the switch in this position,
the front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on. For light-
ing on one side for parking, refer to
page 83.
Low beam headlamps
When you switch the ignition off
with the low beam headlamps
on, only the parking lamps will
remain on.
"Follow-me-home lighting:"
If you actuate the headlamp
flasher after you have parked the vehi-
cle and shut off the engine, the low
beams will remain on for a brief period.
You can also have this function deacti-
vated.<
460us035
LAMPS ON warningWhen you open the driver's door after
turning the ignition key to position 0, an
acoustic signal sounds for a few sec-
onds to remind you that the headlamps
have not been switched off.Daytime running lamps
*
If you desire, the light switch can be left
in the second position:
When the ignition is switched off, the
external lighting is also switched off.
Turn the rotary dial to adjust the illumi-
nation intensity.
460us036
Parking lamps/Headlamps Dash lighting

107n
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.

109n
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.<

136n
Caring for your carThe buildup of an electrostatic charge
on the seat covers, particularly if atmo-
spheric humidity is low, can give the
occupants an unpleasant electric shock
if they touch metal body parts after leav-
ing the vehicle. Although this not dan-
gerous in any way, it can be avoided by
touching a bare or polished metal part
of the car while getting out.Leather care The leather upholstery
* used by BMW
is a natural product of the highest qual-
ity, processed using state-of-the-art
methods to ensure that it will maintain
its high quality for years to come, pro-
vided that it is properly cared for.
Because this product is manufactured
using natural materials, you must make
allowance for its special characteristics
and for the peculiarities of its use and
care.
Regular periodic cleaning and care are
essential, as dust and road dirt act as
abrasives in the pores and creases of
the material. This leads to wear spots
and premature brittleness on the sur-
face of the leather. We therefore sug-
gest that you clean the leather with a
vacuum cleaner or cloth at frequent
intervals.For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning
foam.
Since dirt and grease gradually attack
the protective layer of the leather, the
cleaned surfaces should be treated
with BMW leather care agent. This also
acts as an antistatic agent.
For protection against dampness or
moisture, treat the leather with a BMW
impregnating agent.
We recommend that you perform this
procedure twice a year on leather ex-
posed to normal use.
Spills should be wiped up immediately.
Remove grease and oil stains without
rubbing, but rather by dabbing with
spot remover.
If the upholstery will be exposed to in-
tense sunlight, or if the vehicle is to be
stored for an extended period, cover all
leather surfaces to prevent fading (or
better yet, cover the windows).
Use cleaning and car-care
products that you can obtain at
your BMW center.<
Cleaning agents can contain sub-
stances that are dangerous or that
pose health risks. For this reason, al-
ways comply with the warnings and
danger notices on the packaging.
Open the doors or windows on your ve-
hicle when cleaning the interior. Never
clean your vehicle with solvents or other
materials not specifically intended for
this purpose.<