2001 BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE ECO mode

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control
*
1 Air onto the windshield and onto the
side windows
2 Air for the upper body area
The side rotary dials open and close
the air supply through an infinitely-
variable range; the levers will
change the direction of the air flow.
The center rotary dial adjusts the
temperature of the air as it flows
out, see page 106
3 Air for the front footwell
There are vent outlets for the foot-
well in the rear as well
4 Recirculated air mode/Automatic
recirculated air control (AUC)105
5 Air supply105
6 Temperature104
7 Automatic air distribution104
8 Individual air distribution104
9 Air grill for interior temperature
sensor Ð please keep clear and
unobstructed
10 Display for temperature and air
supply104
11 Defrost windows and remove
condensation105
12 Air conditioner105
13 Rear window defroster78, 106

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control
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Air supply

By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. By doing this, you switch off
the automatic control of the air supply.
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged.
When you set the lowest blower speed
by pressing the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off, and the air supply is
stopped. You can reactivate the system
by pressing any button for the auto-
matic climate control.
To defrost the windows and to
remove condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and side windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed when
the air conditioner is switched on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures
below approx. 41 7 (+5 6). This will
help to prevent the windows from
fogging up.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, that then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Automatic recirculated air control
(AUC)
If there are unpleasant odors or
pollutants in the outside air, you
can temporarily block the air supply
from the outside. The system then
recirculates the air already within the
vehicle. By repeated actuation of the
button, you can select one of three
different operation modes.
>Indicator lamps off: fresh air flows
into the vehicle.
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system detects pollutants
in the outside air and responds by
deactivating the outside air supply as
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehicle.
Depending on the air quality, the
automatic system then switches back
and forth between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle.
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
supply of outside air is permanently
blocked. The system recirculates the
air already within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The seat cushion and backrest can be
heated with ignition key in position 2.
You can call up different heating modes
by repeatedly pressing the button.
When the three indicator lamps are illu-
minated, the highest heating mode is
activated. One lamp indicates the
lowest heating mode. The temperature
is regulated with a thermostat in each
mode.
You can also switch the higher heating
modes off directly:
Press the button and hold it slightly
longer.46cus047
To openPull the handle and the lamp comes on.ClosingFold up cover.To lockUse one of the master keys. A master
key must also be used for unlocking.
If you turn over only your door and
ignition keys for valet parking
(refer to page 32), for example, access
to the glove compartment and to the
luggage compartment is not possible.<462de235
To prevent injury in the event of
a crash, close the glove compart-
ment immediately after use.<
Rechargeable flashlightThe flashlight is located on the left-
hand side of the glove compartment.
It features integral overload protection
so that it can be left in its holder contin-
uously.
Be sure that the flashlight is
switched off when it is inserted
into its holder. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to over-
charging and damage.<
Seat heating
*
Glove compartment

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Antilock Brake System (ABS)/
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering
design of the ABS. When braking while
cornering at high speed or braking
during high lateral acceleration, or
when braking during a lane change,
vehicle stability is improved and
steering response is enhanced.
In the event of a malfunction
The ABS warning lamp 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
chekked by your BMW center as soon
as possible. To prevent undetected
defects and cumulative faults from
adversely affecting the brake system,
refer any problems to your BMW center
at the earliest opportunity.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
The brake-warning lamp comes
on along with the indicator
lamps for ABS and ASC+T/DSC,
refer to page 21, then the entire
control system for ABS, CBC
and ASC+T/DSC and ADB/DBC
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 by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
CBC, ABS and ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/DBC indicator and warning
lamps for Canadian models.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
discs and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
discs by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake discs are corroded, they will
tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved 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.<
Driving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Be aware of traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The
heat which is generated by the brake
applications helps to dry the brake
pads and discs.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the
antilock brake system ever fails, you
should revert to pumping the brakes
(refer to page 128).
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible
impairment of the braking effect.
You can further increase the engine's
braking effect by selecting a lower gear,
downshifting as far as first gear. When
driving a vehicle with automatic trans-
mission, you can still downshift into first
gear. Refer to page 74.If engine braking should prove to be
inadequate, you should still avoid
extended, continuous braking. Instead
of maintaining low to moderate pres-
sure over an extended period of time,
you should decelerate by applying
more substantial pressure to the brake
pedal (watch for following traffic),
releasing the pedal, and then repeating
the application (staggered braking). The
cooling phases between active braking
intervals prevent the brakes from over-
heating, thus ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the shift lever
or selector lever in Neutral. Do not drive
with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when the
clutch is depressed or the transmission
is in Neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is not running. Never allow floor
mats, carpets or any other objects to
protrude into the area around the brake,
clutch or accelerator pedals, which can
obstruct pedal travel.<

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Brake systemBrake fluid level
The brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake
released:
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir (refer to page 148).
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
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The brake pads warning lamp
lights up:
Only the minimum pad thick-
ness still remains on the brake pads.
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
approved 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.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Caring for your vehicleCaring for the vehicle's finish Regular washing is a preventive
measure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the
vehicle's finish, especially if you drive
your vehicle in areas with high levels of
air pollution or aggressive natural
substances (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
structure 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 the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Waxing your vehicle Protect the finish using carnauba or
synthetic-based waxes only.
The best way to determine when the
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the
surface.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
Use the cleaning and car-care
products available at your BMW
center.<
Paint damageYou can touch up small areas of paint
damage with a BMW spray paint or a
BMW touchup stick.
The paint color code for your vehicle
is provided on a sticker located on the
right hand-side under the hood and
on the first page of your Service and
Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Damage caused by flying stones,
scratches, etc., must be touched up
without delay to prevent rust from
forming.
If corrosion has started to form in an
area with paint damage, remove all rust
and clean the area. Then prime the area
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply
the finish coat. Wait a few days, then
polish the repaired area. Finish by
applying a wax preservative.
More extensive paint damage should
be repaired professionally in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Your BMW center uses original
BMW finish materials in accordance
with approved repair procedures.

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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.