2001 BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE Convertible top

78n
Washer/Wiper system Rear window defroster Cleaning headlamps
*
When the vehicle's lighting system is
switched on, the headlamps will also be
cleaned every fifth time cleaning wind-
shield is activated.
Do not use the washers if there
is any danger that the fluid will
freeze on the windshield. If you do so,
your vision could be obscured. Use an
antifreeze agent. Refer to page 144.
Do not use the washers if the reservoir
is empty, as otherwise the washer
pump could be damaged. automatically
* when the ignition key is
in position 2.
The illustration shows the button setup
for vehicles equipped with automatic
climate control. For other layouts, refer
to page 96.To activatePress the button with the convertible
top closed or the hardtop mounted: as
long as the indicator lamp remains on,
the rear window defroster operates at
high output (rapid thaw).
After the indicator lamp goes out, the
defroster continues operating at
reduced power for a limited period
before deactivating automatically. 462us036
To deactivatePress the button if the indicator lamp is
on.

114n
Ski bag
*
Cargo loading
When reattaching the filler piece,
guide both bars into the guide and
press the filler piece back into place.
Secure the safety belts in their holders
again.<
46cde067
Stowing cargo If you are transporting a load in your
BMW:
>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible Ð directly behind the back-
rests or the luggage compartment
partition Ð and as low as possible.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.46cde063
With the convertible top closed,
you can increase the space in
your luggage compartment. Refer to
page 41.
We recommend that you always fold
the convertible top compartment panel
down as soon as you have removed
your cargo from the luggage compart-
ment. This way, you can be sure that
you can always operate the convertible
top at any time.
Conversely, when the convertible top is
closed, raise the convertible top
compartment panel before stowing
your cargo in the luggage compartment
to avoid any damage to the convertible
top compartment or your load.<

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
119n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures120
Driving notes121
Catalytic converter121
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)122
Disc brakes125
Brake system126
Winter operation127
Power steering129
Cellular phones129
Radio reception129
Hardtop130
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure132
Tire condition132
Tire replacement133
Tire rotation134
Wheel and tire
combinations135
Winter tires136
Snow chains136
Approved wheel and tire
specifications137Under the hood:
Hood140
Engine compartment142
Washer fluids144
Washer nozzles144
Engine oil145
Coolant147
Brake fluid148
Vehicle Identification
Number149
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System150
Caring for your vehicle151
Cleaning and care of the
convertible top157
Airbags159
Vehicle storage160
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications161
California Proposition
65 Warning161
OBD interface socket162
Car care

130n
Hardtop
*
It is not necessary to remove the fabric
top even in the winter, when the
hardtop is generally in constant use.
But you can remove it at any time
without difficulty. Before the fabric top
is stored in the convertible top well, it
must be absolutely dry in order to avoid
water spots and mildew from forming.
The hardtop offers reading lamps and
clothing hooks that can be used by
pressing lightly. In addition, a roof-rack
assembly is possible. In this regard,
please contact your BMW center.
When hanging clothing from the
hooks, be sure that they do not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do
so, they could cause personal injury
during braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Two persons are required for installa-
tion or removal. Work with extreme
caution in order to avoid paint damage
and damage to the body or hardtop.
To facilitate hardtop installation or
removal, you can obtain a specially
designed hardtop lift
* or hardtop cart
*
at your BMW center.
Storing
Storing the hardtop on the floor:
push the styrofoam block
provided with the hardtop forward to its
center. The arrow on the styrofoam
block must be pointing upward.<
46cde088
Installation1 Lower the side windows completely
and flip the sun visors down. If
necessary, remove the rod antenna
to avoid any damage.
2 For vehicles with manual convertible
top operation, first release the
convertible top compartment lid, and,
if necessary, open it somewhat. For
vehicles with fully automatic convert-
ible top operation
*, open the
convertible top compartment lid
slightly by pressing the button for
operating the convertible top.
3 Remove the trim pieces on both
sides by pulling them off toward the
back (arrow) and reclose the convert-
ible top compartment lid.
46cde070

157n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cleaning and care of the convertible topCareThe appearance and life of the convert-
ible top are highly dependent on its
proper care and operation. You should
pay particular attention to the following
instructions if your car has a light-
colored top.
Protect the vehicle from exposure to
intense sunlight whenever possible by
parking it in the shade. This will help to
prevent the paint, rubber and fabric-
covered parts from being worn out.
Never stow the convertible top in the
convertible top compartment when it is
wet, dirty or frozen, since this can
cause mildew stains and chafe marks.
To prevent mildew stains, do not keep
the convertible top enclosed in the
convertible top compartment for any
extended period of time.
If the vehicle will be parked for lengthy
periods in an enclosed space, be sure
that the convertible top is dry and that
there is adequate ventilation.
Clean off bird droppings immediately,
since they attack the convertible top
and cause the rubber seals to swell due
to their caustic characteristics.Besides water, treat rubber seals only
with talcum powder, rubber care prod-
ucts or silicone spray, particularly when
they feel dry or tend to stick.
Eliminate noises such as squeaks with
lubricant spray.
Depressions and discoloration may
occur in the convertible top as a result
of improper maintenance and cleaning
or due to loading from excessive use.
The convertible top and its seams may
also develop leaks. These occurrences
are not covered by the warranty. For
repairs, please consult your BMW
center.
Washing your carYou can wash your BMW at an auto-
matic car wash. Brushless systems are
preferable.
If a brushless car wash is unavailable
and a brush car wash must be used,
modern systems with soft brushes are
preferable. Do not select the wax finish
option. The small amount of beading
wax always used in automatic car
washes will not harm your vehicle's
finish.
In the case of more extensive dirt,
which is definitely visible on light-
colored top materials, clean the top
with the BMW Convertible Cleaning
Set. Please proceed as follows:
Spray the convertible top with the
cleaning agent and then rub with a
well-dampened sponge using circular
motions until a foam develops. Then
you can finish washing the vehicle in an
automatic car wash. After washing your
vehicle 3 to 5 times, you should treat
the convertible top with a special
convertible top impregnating spray.
Please follow the instructions on the
spray can.

158n
Cleaning and care of the convertible topDo not use spot removers, paint thin-
ners, solvents, gasoline or similar
substances for removing spots from the
convertible top or from the rear
window. These materials destroy the
rubber seals, which will lead to leaks.
Use only BMW-approved cleaners.
Cleaning agents can contain
substances that are dangerous or
pose health risks. Therefore, always
comply with the warnings and danger
notices on the package.
Open the doors or windows on your
vehicle whenever cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
or other materials not specifically
intended for this purpose.c
Positioning for cleaningIn order to have free access to the
convertible top compartment, lean the
rear convertible top bow against the
convertible top compartment lid (see
illustration).
First release the convertible top
locks, see page 45 or 50.<46cde072
Hardtop
*
Please follow the information for caring
for your vehicle, which starts on
page 151.

160n
Vehicle storage
If you plan on parking the vehicle
for more than three months, have
the maintenance operations described
on this page performed.<
Preparations for storageHave your BMW center perform the
following procedures:
1 Clean and apply a rustproofing agent
or other treatment to the engine,
engine compartment, undercarriage,
axles and major components in
accordance with approved repair
procedures. First wash the vehicle
surface, then clean the interior,
following up with paint and chrome
care, after which you clean the
rubber seals for the hood and doors.
2 Change the engine oil and oil filter at
operating temperature. As an addi-
tional corrosion protection measure,
an anticorrosive agent can be added
to the engine in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top up if necessary.
4 Check the fluid level of the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir and top
up if necessary.
5 Fill the fuel tank completely to pre-
vent the formation of condensation.
6 Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kilopascal).
Before parking the vehicle1 To prevent the brake discs and
drums from corroding, dry the park-
ing and footbrake by applying the
brakes.
2 Park the vehicle in a covered, dry and
well-ventilated space. Place the
transmission in 1st gear or set the
selector lever to the "P" position.
Chock the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from rolling if necessary. Do
not set the parking brake.
3 Remove the battery, charge it
completely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room.
4 Remove the hardtop and store
separately. Refer to page 130.
5 Close the convertible top.During storageRecharge the battery every six months.
If it is not recharged, it will not be
serviceable. Every time the battery is
drained, especially over extended
periods, its service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic
Eye"
* turns black. Refer to page 176.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement if necessary. Refer
to the Service Manual.

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
165n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit166
Windshield wiper blades166
Lamps and bulbs166
Changing a wheel173
Battery176
Fuses179
Microfilter/Activated-charcoal
filter180
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door180
Convertible top181
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting183
Towing the vehicle184
Repairs