2001 BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE coolant level

19n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Instrument cluster

1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for fuel reserve82
2 Turn signal indicator23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for:

>

Battery charge current20

>

High beams23

>

Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and
Energy control81
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high"
indicator82
7 Indicator and warning lamps (clock-
wise) for:

>

Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)/DBC20

>

Antilock Brake System (ABS)22

>

Brake pads22

>

Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)

*
20, 22

>

Rollover protection system67

>

Airbags21

>

Adjust and lock backrest/Please
fasten safety belts21

>

Cruise control23
8 Set button for the clock849 Program display for automatic
transmission

*
75
Indicator lamp for automatic
transmission

*
21, 75
10 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

*
and ADB22
11 Indicator for:

>

Odometer81

>

Trip odometer81

>

Clock84

>

Service Interval82
Indicator for computer,
operation using the turn signal lever,
refer to page 83:

>

Clock

>

Outside temperature

>

Average fuel consumption

>

Range

>

Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control83
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero8114 Indicator and warning lamps (clock-
wise) for:

>

Front fog lamps23

>

Add washer fluid22

>

Coolant level23

>

Electronic Throttle Control
(EML)

*
23

>

Service engine soon22
You can display the outside
temperature and distance driven
in different units of measurement.

<

23n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Indicator and warning lamps
Engine electronics
* l
There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. The
electronics will allow you to continue
driving with reduced engine output or
reduced engine speed. 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 147.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is
on.
Rapid flashing indicates a system
malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 76.
Cruise control

Lights up when the cruise
control is activated: available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 79.
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the front fog lamps.
For additional information, refer to
page 94.
Blue: for your information
High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 76, 94.

82n
Fuel gauge Coolant temperature Service Interval Display When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
Once the indicator lamp stays on
continuously, there are still approx. 2
gallons (8 liters) of fuel remaining in the
fuel tank.
For fuel tank capacity: refer to page 199.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended
driving in mountainous areas, for
example), there may be slight fluctua-
tions 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.<462us020
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp comes on briefly to
confirm 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
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response to
high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions. To check the
coolant level: refer to page 147.460de082
Remaining distance for serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The next service due appears with the
message OILSERVICE or INSPECTION,
together with the distance remaining
before the next scheduled service.
The computer bases its calculations of
the remaining distance on the
preceding driving conditions.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of
the number mean that the service
interval has already been exceeded by
the distance shown on the display.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.46cus006

147n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Always observe all environmental
protection laws when disposing of
used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing.
For this reason, thoroughly wash any
areas of skin that come into contact
with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store it in its original container and in a
location that is inaccessible to children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains ethylene glycol, a
flammable substance. For this reason,
do not spill antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor on hot engine parts. It could
ignite and cause burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level for cold engine
(approx. 68 7 or +20 6):
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck (refer to the arrow in the illustra-
tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it Ð that is, up to the second mark
on the float (refer also to the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck).46cde036

148n
Coolant Brake fluidAdding coolant Wait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant temper-
ature gauge in the instrument cluster
must be located in the blue zone. If it
is not, there is a danger of scalding.
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
wise in order to allow accumulated
pressure to escape. Then open.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached Ð do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
Replace the coolant every four years.The brake warning lamp comes on
when the parking brake has been
released:
Check the brake fluid level and if
necessary, top up to the "MAX" mark.
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW
center. Your BMW center is familiar
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can result in extended
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 126.
460de128
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
an authorized BMW center. Refer also
to the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models). Brake fluid is hazardous to
health and damages the vehicle's paint.
You should always store it in its original
container and in a location that is
inaccessible to children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable
environmental laws regulating
the disposal of brake fluid.<

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.

Everything from A to ZEngine
compartment142,143
Engine coolant147,199
Engine data196
Engine oil145
adding145
capacity199
consumption145
disposal147
level check145
pressure20
quality146
specifications146
viscosity146
Engine speed196
Engine, starting69
Engine, switching off70
Enlarging the luggage
compartment41
Enter the rear55
Entry to the rear55
Exterior mirrors57
Eyelets, towing184 F
Failure messages83
Fault, ABS123
Filler cap cover26
Filling capacities199
Filling the washer
reservoir199
First-aid kit25 Fittings, towing and tow
starting184
Flashlight107
Flat tire132,173
Fog lamps94
bulb replacement169
Follow-Me-Home lamps93
Footbrake125
Footwell lamps94
bulb replacement172
Front seat adjusting52
Frost protection,
radiator147
Fuel27
consumption85
gauge82
preparation196
quality27
reserve indicator85
specifications27
tank capacity199
Fuel filler door
unlock in case of electrical
fault180
Functional status of
electrical and electronic
systems192
Fuses179
replacing179
G
Garage-door opener108
Gasoline27
Gasoline gauge82
Glove compartment107
Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement172
Gross vehicle weight198 H
Handbrake71
Handsfree system111
Hazard warning flashers25
Hazard warning triangle25
Head restraints53
Headlamp cover,
care151,167
Headlamp flasher76,94
Headlamp washer
system78,144,199
Heated seats107
Heating, rapid100
Heavy loads114
Height197
High beams23,76,94
bulb replacement167
High Performance Synthetic
Oils146
High-mount brake lamp171
Hood, release140
Horn17 Hubcap174
Hydraulic Brake assistant,
refer to DBC
I
Ice warning85
Identification, tires135
Ignition key32
Ignition lock69
Imprint4
Indicator lamps20
Inflation pressure27,132
monitoring91,192
INSPECTION82
Instrument cluster18
Instrument panel16,18
lighting93
Interaxle tire rotation134
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostics162
Interference
cellular phones129
Interior lamps36,94
bulb replacement171
remote control36
Interior motion
sensor36,43
Interior rearview mirror58
automatic dimming
feature58,191

Owner service procedures
A
Activated-charcoal filter 180
Adding brake fluid 148
Adding engine coolant 148
Adding engine oil 145
Air pressure, checking 27
Antifreeze 147
Avoiding unwanted alarm 43
B
Backup lamps, bulb replacement 169
Battery add distilled water 177
charging 178
Brake faults 126
Brake fluid, adding 148
Brake lamps, bulb replacement 169
Brakes, brake faults 126
C
Changing a tire 173
Changing a wheel 173
Changing the
microfilter 180 Checking air pressure
27
Checking engine oil level 145
D
Defrost setting 100,105
Defrosting the windows 100,105
Difficult steering 129
Doors, emergency actuation 34
E
Electrical accessories, failure 179
Emergency operation convertible top 181
doors 34
fuel filler door 180
Engine coolant, adding 148
Engine oil add 145
level checking 145
quality 146
specifications 146
viscosity 146
Eyelets, towing 184
F
False alarm, avoiding 43
First-aid kit 25
Flat tire 173
Fog lamps, bulb replacement 169
Footwell lamps, bulb replacement 172
Fuel filler door manual release after
electrical fault 180
Fuses, replacing 179
G
Glove compartment lamp, bulb replacement 172
H
Hazard warning flashers 25
Hazard warning triangle 25
Headlamp cover, care 167
High beam headlamps, bulb replacement 167
Hood release 140
I
Indicator lamps 20
Inflation pressures 27,132 Interior lamps, bulb
replacement 171
Interior motion sensor, switching off 43
J
Jack 173
L
License plate lamp, bulb replacement 171
Low beam headlamps, bulb replacement 167
Luggage compartment emergency release 39
Luggage compartment lamps, bulb
replacement 172
Luggage compartment lid emergency release 39
M
Maintenance 150
Microfilter, changing 180
Motion sensor, switching off 43