2001 BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE flat tire

Contents

Overview
Controls and features

Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)24
Hazard warning flashers25
Warning triangle25
First-aid kit25
Refueling26
Fuel specifications27
Tire inflation pressure27

Opening and closing:

Keys32
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Central locking system34
Opening and closing Ð from the
outside34
Opening and closing Ð from the
inside38
Luggage compartment lid39
Luggage compartment40
Alarm system42
Electric power windows44
The manual convertible top45
The fully automatic convertible
top48
Wind deflector50

Adjusting:

Seats52
Seat and mirror memory56
Steering wheel57
Mirrors57
Car Memory, Key Memory59

Passenger safety systems:

Safety belts60
Airbags61
Transporting children safely64
Rollover protection system67

Driving:

Steering/Ignition lock69
Starting the engine69
Switching off the engine70
Parking brake71
Manual transmission72
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic73
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher76
Washer/Wiper system76
Rear window defroster78
Cruise control79

Everything under control:

Odometer81
Tachometer81
Energy Control81
Fuel temperature gauge82
Coolant temperature gauge82
Service Interval Display82
Check Control83
Computer83

Technology for driving comfort
and safety:

Park Distance Control (PDC)87
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)88
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)89
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)91

Contents

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Lamps:

Side lamps/Low beams93
Instrument panel lighting93
High beams/Parking lamps94
Fog lamps94
Interior lamps94

Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:

Air conditioner96
Automatic climate control102
Seat heating107

Interior convenience:

Glove compartment107
BMW Universal Transmitter108
Storage facilities110
Cellular phone111
Ashtray, front111
Cigarette lighter112
Ashtray, rear112

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag113
Cargo loading114
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop116

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures120
Driving notes121
Catalytic converter121
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)122
Disc brakes125
Brake system126
Winter operation127
Power steering129
Cellular phone129
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
specifications137

Under 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
ODB interface socket162

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology

15n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)24
Hazard warning flashers25
Warning triangle25
First-aid kit25
Refueling26
Fuel specifications27
Tire inflation pressure27
Overview

22n
Indicator and warning lampsYellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 123.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Lights up while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute
minimum; therefore, add engine oil as
soon as possible. Do not drive more
than 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information, refer to
page 145.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add oil at the
earliest opportunity (when you stop to
refuel).
For additional information, refer to
page 145.
Brake pads l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 126.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
Check tire inflation pressure:
refer to pages 27, 91.
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
force and braking force.
The indicator lamp remains on:
ASC+T has been switched off via the
button or it is defective, or the DSC has
been switched off, ADB is operational.
Please consult the nearest BMW center
in the event of a fault.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and
brake warning lamp l
The indicator lamps remain on:
DSC
and ADB/DBC are
switched off via the button or are defec-
tive.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 88.
DSC and ADB/DBC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid.
The washer fluid is too low. Top
up the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 144.
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
inspected by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 162.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.

27n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressure The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
Proper inflation pressures are on a
sticker attached to the B-pillar and
visible with the driver's door open.Check tire pressuresOn the next page you will find all the tire
pressure and ambient air temperature
specifications stated in the units usually
used in your country (psi; kilopascal).
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
(RDC):
After correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, reactivate the system. Refer to
page 91.462de197
Check tire inflation pressures,
including the space-saver spare
tire, regularly, at least every two weeks
and before beginning any extended
driving. Otherwise, incorrect tire pres-
sure can lead to tire damage and acci-
dents.<

28n
Tire inflation pressure Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires from BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these manufacturers.
Higher pressures may be specified for
tires made by other manufacturers. You
will find a list of approved tires begin-
ning on page 137.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US and European standards. We
recommend the exclusive use of tires
approved by BMW.BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) for cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
325CiAll summer tires 29 (200) 33 (230) 36 (250) 44 (300)
All winter tires 32 (220) 36 (250) 39 (270) 46 (320)
330Ci All summer and winter tires 32 (220) 36 (250) 39 (270) 46 (320)
All Space-saver spare tire 61 (420)
For all season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires.
BMW 325Ci: when using the tire 205/50 R 17 93 W extra load, the
inflation pressure increases by 3 psi (20 kilopascal).
BMW 330Ci: when using the tire 225/45 R 17 91 W and mixed tires 225/45 ZR 17
(front) + 245/40 ZR 17 (rear) the inflation pressure decreases by 3 psi
(20 kilopascal).

91n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
The conceptRDC monitors the tire pressures at all
four wheels, even when the vehicle is
moving. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops
significantly below the specified pres-
sure in one or more tires.
In order for the system to "learn" the
correct tire inflation pressure, check the
inflation pressure in all tires according
to the inflation pressure table (page 28)
and make corrections if necessary.
Then activate the system.
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will inform you if
the tire pressure is not correct.
Activate the systemDepending on the type of equipment,
the switch either has the letters RDC on
it or the RDC-symbol.
1 Turn ignition key to position 2 (do not
start the engine).
2 Press the switch long enough for the
yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster to light up for a few
seconds.
3 After a few minutes driving time, RDC
sets the current inflation pressure in
the tires as the target values to be
monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure following a correction of the tire
inflation pressure. Otherwise, RDC
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.46cus046
In the event of loss in tire
pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped
significantly over a long period of time
(which is normal for any tire), the indi-
cator lamp will come on with a yellow
lamp.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated
to the specified pressures as soon as
possible.
If you are prompted to check the
tire pressure shortly after a
correction has been made, this indi-
cates that the corrected values were
not accurate. Please check the inflation
pressure again and make corrections
according to the inflation pressure
table. Then activate the system once
again.<

92n
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
In the event of a flat tireIf there is a tire failure with loss of pres-
sure, the indicator lamp comes on with
a red lamp. In addition, an acoustic
signal is sounded.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed
immediately to stop the vehicle in a safe
location. Avoid hard brake applications.
Do not oversteer. Replace the wheel
and flat tire.
The space-saver spare tire is
provided for temporary use only in
the event of a flat tire. It does not have
RDC electronics and is not monitored.<
RDC cannot alert you to severe
and sudden tire damage caused
by external factors.<
Have the tires changed by your
BMW center.
Your BMW center has been trained to
work with the RDC system and is
equipped with the necessary special
tools.<
System interferenceLocal devices using the same radio
frequency can interfere with the RDC.
The yellow indicator lamp will come on
during the malfunction.
The indicator lamp also comes on
>in the event of a system fault.
>if a wheel is mounted without RDC
electronics.
>if additional wheels with RDC elec-
tronics are on board.
Please contact your BMW center for
additional information.