2000 BMW 323i SEDAN winter

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Headlamps82
Dash lighting82
High beams/Parking lamps83
Fog lamps83
Interior lamps83
Reading lamps84

Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:

Automatic climate control86
Seat heating91
Roller sun blind91

Interior conveniences:

HiFi system92
Glove compartment92
Storage compartments93
Cellular phones95
Ashtray, front95
Cigarette lighter96
Ashtray, rear96

Loading and transporting:

Through-loading system97
Ski bag98
Cargo loading99
Roof-mounted luggage rack100

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures104
Driving notes104
Catalytic converter105
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)106
Disc brakes108
Brake system109
Winter operation110
Power steering111
Cellular phones112
Radio reception112

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressures113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Tire rotation115
Wheel and tire
combinations116
Winter tires117
Snow chains117
Approved wheel and tire
specifications118

Under the hood:

Hood120
Engine compartment122
Washer fluids124
Washer nozzles124
Engine oil125
Coolant128
Brake fluid129
Vehicle Identification
Number130

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System131
Caring for your car132
Airbags137
Vehicle storage137

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications to the
vehicle138
OBD interface socket139

28n
Tire inflation pressureBMW Tires
Inflation pressures in psi (kilopascal)
323iSummer tires 29 (2.0) 33 (2.3) 33 (2.3) 41 (2.8)
Winter tires 32 (2.2) 36 (2.5) 36 (2.5) 44 (3.0)
328iSummer tires 29 (2.0) 33 (2.3) 33 (2.3) 41 (2.8)
Winter tires 32 (2.2) 36 (2.5) 36 (2.5) 44 (3.0)
All Space-saver spare tire 61 (4.2) 61 (4.2) 61 (4.2) 61 (4.2)
For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires.

88n
Automatic climate controlTips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system (switch on
AUTO Ð button 7). Select an interior
temperature that is comfortable for you
Ð we recommend 70 7 (22 6). When
the outside temperature is above 42 7
(5 6), you can also use the air condi-
tioner (12). This will dry the air as well
as preventing condensation on the win-
dow surfaces Ð if there are passengers
with damp clothing, for example. Set
the air outlets (2) so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at
you. Set the rotary dial between the air
outlets (2) for the upper body to a me-
dium position, since air that is some-
what cooler promotes driving without
fatigue.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Your vehicle is set in such a man-
ner that, when you unlock the car
with your personalized remote control,
your own personalized setting of the
automatic climate control is initiated.<
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program assumes
the adjustment of the air distri-
bution and the air supply for you and in
addition adapts the temperature to ex-
ternal influences (summer, winter) to
meet preferences you can specify. This
program maintains a comfortable in-car
climate regardless of the season. Select
an interior temperature that is comfort-
able for you Ð we recommend 70 7
(22 6). The temperature selected and
AUTO for the air supply appear in
display (10), refer to the overview on
page 86. Open the air outlets for the
upper body area. Switch on the air con-
ditioner in warm weather. The maxi-
mum cooling capacity is achieved when
you set rotary dial (3) to cold. Refer to
page 90.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO pro-
gram by selecting specific dis-
tribution patterns to suit your
own individual requirements.
You can direct air to flow onto the win-
dows , toward the upper body ,
and into the footwell .
Temperature
The figures in the display pro-
vide a general indication of inte-
rior temperature. We recommend 70 7
(22 6) as a comfortable setting,
whether the air conditioner is operating
or not. When you start the vehicle, the
system ensures that the selected tem-
perature is reached as quickly as possi-
ble. It then maintains this temperature,
regardless of the season.
Set rotary dial (3; refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 90) to a medium
setting, since air that is somewhat
cooler promotes driving without fatigue.
You can use this setting for mixing air to
make minor comfort modifications.
The full, uncontrolled heater out-
put is available starting at an inte-
rior temperature setting of 90 7
(32 6). At a setting of 60 7 (16 6),
the full cooling output is available when
the air conditioner is activated.<

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
103n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures104
Driving notes104
Catalytic converter105
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)106
Disc brakes108
Brake system109
Winter operation110
Power steering111
Cellular phones112
Radio reception112
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressures113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Tire rotation115
Wheel and tire
combinations116
Winter tires117
Snow chains117
Approved wheel and tire
specifications118Under the hood:
Hood120
Engine compartment122
Washer fluids124
Washer nozzles124
Engine oil125
Coolant128
Brake fluid129
Vehicle Identification
Number130
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System131
Caring for your car132
Airbags137
Vehicle storage137
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications to the
vehicle138
OBD interface socket139
Car care

110n
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.

111n
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.<

116n
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice Use only BMW-approved tires. Refer to
page 118.
Due to the high speeds this vehicle can
reach, the use of specific brands, spec-
ifications and sizes is mandatory. Con-
sult any BMW center for details. Com-
ply with local/national regulations.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such
as ABS, ATC and DSC. The function of
these systems is impaired if improper
wheel-tire combinations are used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern. In the
event of a flat tire, for example, remount
the approved wheel-tire combination as
soon as possible.<
Codes on tires and wheels The tire codes will aid you in selecting
the correct tire.
The codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the approved
maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = above 167 mph (270 km/h)
ZR = above 150 mph (240 km/h) Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Radial tire ID code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
205/60 R
1591W
Winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes stamped on light-alloy wheels:
Protect tire valve from dirt by using
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the
valves frequently leads to slow leaks. Example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Hump on the 2 rim shoulders
7 x 15 H 2
J

117n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction
than standard summer tires with H, V,
W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of
performance as standard snow tires in
winter driving.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels.
Mount only winter tires approved by
BMW. Any BMW center will be glad to
provide you with information on the
best winter tires for your particular driv-
ing conditions.Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 inches (4 mm), and should
thus be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel.Snow chains
*
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains on summer or winter tires is
approved only in pairs and only on the
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when mount-
ing the chains.