2001 BMW 325Ci COUPE warning

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The conceptThe PDC assists you when you back
into a parking space. A signal warns
you of the distance to an obstacle. To
do this, four ultrasonic sensors in the
rear bumper measure the distance to
the nearest object. The range for the
sensors located at both rear corners
ends approx. 2 ft (60 cm) behind the
bumpers. The range for the two middle
sensors is slightly less than 4.9 ft
(1.50 meters).
The system starts to operate automati-
cally about one second after you select
reverse with the ignition key in posi-
tion 2. PDC is deactivated when you
shift back out of reverse.
Acoustical signalsThe distance to the nearest object is
indicated by a tone sounding at various
intervals. As the distance between
vehicle and object decreases, the
intervals between the tones become
shorter. A continuous tone indicates
the presence of an object less than 1 ft
(30 cm) away.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. three seconds if the distance to
the obstacle remains constant during
this time (if you are moving parallel to
a wall, for instance).
System malfunctions will be indicated
by a continuous high-pitched tone
when the system is activated the first
time. Please refer the problem to your
BMW center.The PDC does not remove the
driver's personal responsibility for
evaluating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstacles. Even when
sensors are involved, there is a blind
spot in which objects cannot be
detected. This applies especially in
those cases where the system
approaches the physical limits of ultra-
sonic measurement, as occurs with tow
bars and trailer couplings, and in the
vicinity of thin and painted objects.
Certain sources of sound, such as a
loud radio, could drown the PDC signal
tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free
of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they continue to operate effec-
tively.
Do not subject the sensors to high-
pressure washers for a prolonged
period of time. Always maintain a
distance of more than 4 in (10 cm).<
Park Distance Control (PDC)
*

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
ASC+T DSC
*
Reactivating the ASC+TPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC+T. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. We therefore urge you to
avoid using the additional safety margin
of the system as an excuse for taking
risks.<
For additional details concerning
ASC+T, please refer to the chapter
"Advanced Technology" on page 175.
The ConceptDSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
traction. In addition, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
understeering or oversteering, and, as
far as is possible within the laws of
physics, helps keep the car on a steady
course by reducing the engine spped
and brake applications to the individual
wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine. DSC contains the
functions of ADB and CBC, refer to
page 116.
The ADB (automatic differential braking)
copies the function of conventional
differential and transverse lock through
brake intervention, and increases trac-
tion whenever conditions merit, e. g.
when driving on snow-covered roads.
If the DSC is switched off the ADB will
still be in ready mode.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment panel will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
started. Refer to pages 21 and 22.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
ASC+T or DSC control the drive and
braking forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off via the
button; ADB is operational.
ADB intervention not indicated.
The indicator lamp and the
brake warning lamp will light up
continously:
The DSC, ADB and DBC have
been turned off with the switch
or are defective.
The vehicle will remain completely
operational, however, without DSC. In
the event of a fault, please see your
BMW center. Refer to pages 21 and 22.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.

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DSC
*
Switch off the DSC/Activate the
ADBPress the DSC button briefly; the indi-
cator lamp lights up continously.
The DSC has been switched off; ADB is
operational.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the DSC for a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>When driving on snow-covered.
grades, in deep snow, or on a snow-
covered surface that has been
packed down from being driven on.
>When driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 119.
The gain in traction is achieved by a
reduction in stabilizing intervention.462de301
Switch the DSC and ADB offHold down the DSC switch for at least
3 seconds. The indicator and the yellow
brake warning lamps will remain on the
entire time.
In this case, no interventions to
increase stability and traction for
engine and brakes are carried out.
To maintain vehicle stability,
always drive with the DSC on
whenever possible.<
Switch the DSC and ADB back onPress the button again; the indicator
lamp or the indicator lamps will go out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. It will
always be the driver's responsibility to
drive in a manner that matches road
conditions. We therefore urge you to
avoid using the additional safety margin
of the system as an excuse for taking
risks.
Whenever the ADB has been activated,
the DSC is deactivated and will not
perform any stabilizing intervention.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Allow only authorized
technicians to perform work on the
DSC.<
For additional details concerning DSC,
please refer to the chapter "Advanced
Technology" on page 175.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Side lamps
With the switch in this position,
the front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on.
For lighting on one side for parking as
an additional feature, refer to page 88.
Low beam headlamps
When you switch the ignition off
with the low beam headlamps
on, only the side lamps will
remain on.
"Follow-me-home lamps:"
If you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle, then
the low-beam headlamps will come on
for a short time. You can also have this
function deactivated.<
460us035
"LIGHTS ON" warningWhen you open the driver's door after
turning the ignition key to position 0,
buzzer sounds for a few seconds to
remind you that the headlamps have
not been switched off.Daytime-driving lamps
*
If you desire, the light switch can be left
in the second position:
When the ignition is switched off, the
external lighting is also switched off.
Turn the rotary dial to adjust the
illumination intensity.
460us036
Side lamps/Low beams
Instrument panel lighti
ng

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures112
Driving notes113
Catalytic converter113
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)115
Disc brakes117
Brake system118
Winter operation119
Power steering121
Cellular phones121
Radio reception121
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure122
Tire condition122
Tire replacement123
Tire rotation124
Wheel and tire
combinations125
Winter tires126
Snow chains126
Approved wheel and tire
specifications127Under the hood:
Hood130
Engine compartment132
Washer fluids134
Washer nozzles134
Engine oil135
Coolant137
Brake fluid138
Vehicle Identification
Number139
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System140
Caring for your vehicle141
Airbags146
Vehicle storage147
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications148
California Proposition
65 Warning148
OBD interface socket149
Car care

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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
If 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
checked 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.
If the brake warning lamp, and
the ABS and ASC+T/DSC
indi-
cator lamps come on, refer to
page 21, then the entire ABS,
CBC, ASC+T/DSC control
system has failed. Continue
driving cautiously and defen-
sively. Avoid full brake applica-
tions. 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.
Indicator and warning lamps for
CBC, ABS and ASC+T/DSC and
ADB for Canadian models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
information beginning on page 83.
If you step on the brake rapidly, this
system automatically produces
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction,
the yellow brake warning lamp
comes on. Normal braking effi-
ciency and ABS are still fully available.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
Please observe the section "Infor-
mation for your safety" concerning
the ABS system, which also applies to
the DSC system.<

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Brake systemBrake fluid level
If the brake warning lamp
comes on with the parking
brake released:
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir (refer to page 138).
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
If the warning lamp for the brake
pads 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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Do not work on your vehicle with-
out appropriate skills. Always
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down before working in the engine
compartment. Always disconnect the
battery before working on any electrical
systems or equipment. Comply with all
applicable instructions and warnings.
Failure to work in an informed, profes-
sional manner when servicing compo-
nents and materials constitutes a safety
hazard for vehicle occupants and other
road users. If you are not familiar with
the guidelines, please have the opera-
tions performed by your BMW center.<
To unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument cluster. 460us012
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.462de269
Hood