2001 BMW 325Ci COUPE key battery

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Many of the systems of your BMW
monitor themselves automatically, both
during engine starts and while you are
driving. Indicator and warning lamps
that are identified by "

l

" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge

l


The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator V-belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue driving, otherwise, the
engine could be damaged due to over-
heating. If the V-belt is defective,
increased steering effort is also
required.

<

Engine oil pressure


l


Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil and top off as
required. If the oil level is correct,
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving. If you do
so, the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.

<


Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately to stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to
page 85.
Brake hydraulic system l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to read the
notes on pages 118 and 138.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

32n
Keys1 The remote control master keys
determine Key Memory functions.
Refer to page 54
There is an extended-life battery
in every master key that is
charged automatically in the ignition
lock as you drive.
At least once a year, drive for an
extended period with a master key that
you do not use otherwise to charge the
battery. Refer also to page 35.<
2 Store spare key in a safe place, such
as in your wallet. This key is not
intended for constant use 46cde059
3 Door and ignition key
The locks for the luggage compart-
ment lid and the glove compartment
cannot be operated with this key Ð
this is recommended for valet
parking, for instance.
Replacement keysReplacement keys are available exclu-
sively through your BMW center.
Checking vehicle ownership is manda-
tory, since the keys are part of a secu-
rity system, refer to "Electronic vehicle
immobilizer" on page 33.
If possible, take all of the master
keys that belong to the vehicle
with you when you pick up your
replacement key.
Whenever you receive a new replace-
ment key, turn that key to position 2 in
the ignition lock once (ignition switched
on) and then back. This allows the elec-
tronic vehicle immobilizer to "learn" the
new key.<

35n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Opening and closing Ð from the outsideUsing the remote control The remote control gives you an
exceptionally convenient method for
unlocking and locking your vehicle.
Furthermore, it provides two additional
functions that can only be executed by
means of the remote control:
>Turn on the interior light, refer to
page 36.
With this function, you can also
"search for" your vehicle Ñ when
parked in an underground garage for
instance.
>Open the luggage compartment,
refer to page 37.
The luggage compartment lid will
open slightly, regardless of whether it
was locked or unlocked.
The anti-theft system is also deacti-
vated simultaneously when you unlock
the vehicle, the alarm system is
disarmed, and the interior lamps are
turned on. When you lock the vehicle,
the systems are activated and armed,
and the lamps go off.
You can have a signal set as an
acknowledgment message that
the vehicle is closed correctly.<
Master keysKeys with remote control are master
keys. Refer to page 32.
Children might be able to lock the
doors from the inside. For this
reason, always take the vehicle keys
with you so that the vehicle can be
opened again from the outside at any
time.<462de280
Master keys that are used repeat-
edly are always ready for opera-
tion since the battery in the key is
charged automatically in the ignition
lock as you drive.
If it is no longer possible to unlock the
vehicle using the remote control, the
battery is discharged. Use this key
while driving for an extended period in
order to recharge the battery. Refer
also to page 32.
To prevent unauthorized use of the
remote control, surrender only the door
and ignition key or the spare key (refer
to page 32) e. g. when leaving the
vehicle for valet parking.
In the event of a system malfunction,
please contact your BMW center. You
can also obtain replacement keys
there.<

42n
Alarm system
*
The conceptThe vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the
luggage compartment lid is opened.
>To movement inside the vehicle
(interior motion sensor).
>To a change of the vehicle's tilt Ð if
someone attempts to steal the
wheels or tow the vehicle without
authorization, for example.
>If there is an interruption in battery
voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
>Sounding an alarm for 30 seconds.
>The hazard warning flashers are acti-
vated for approx. five minutes.
>The high beams flash on and off in
sync with the hazard warning flashers.
To activate and deactivate the
alarm systemWhen the vehicle is locked or unlocked
by using a key or with the remote
control, the alarm system is also simul-
taneously armed or disarmed.
The interior motion sensor and the tilt
alarm sensor are activated approx.
30 seconds after you have finished
locking the vehicle.
If the alarm system has been armed
correctly, the hazard warning flashers
flash once.
You can have a signal set as
acknowledgment for both arming
and disarming the alarm system.<
You can also open the luggage
compartment lid when the system is
armed by pressing button 3 of the
remote control (refer to page 37). When
it is closed, the lid is once again
secured.
Indicator lamp displaysThe indicator lamp is located under the
interior rearview mirror.
>When the indicator lamp flashes
continuously: the system is armed.
>If the indicator lamp flashes during
arming of the system: the door(s), the
hood or luggage compartment lid are
not properly closed. Even if you do
not close the indicated area, the
system begins to monitor the
remaining areas, and the indicator
lamp flashes continuously after
>10 seconds. However, the interior
motion sensor is not activated.
>If the indicator lamp goes out when
the system is disarmed: no manipula-
tion or attempted intrusions have
been detected in the period since the
system was armed.463us010

64n
Starting the engine Switching off the engine Do not press the accelerator pedal
while starting the engine.
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time, but do not actuate it
for more than approx. 20 seconds.
Release the ignition key immediately
when the engine starts.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, begin
driving immediately at a moderate
engine speed.<
If the engine does not start on the first
attempt (if it is very cold or hot, for
instance):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
starting at about +57 (Ð156) and
at high altitudes above 3,300 ft
(1,000 meters):
>On the first start attempt, engage the
starter for a longer period (approx.
10 seconds).
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from
discharging, always deactivate
electrical devices that are not in
use. Switch the ignition off when the
vehicle is not being driven.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is still moving.
If you did so, the steering lock would
engage when the steering wheel is
turned.
Whenever you leave the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and lock the
steering wheel.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always apply the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined
surfaces, since placing the shift lever in
1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "Park."<

89n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Interior lamps Reading lamps frontThe reading lamps can be switched on
and off with the switch adjacent to each
lamp.46cde026463de009
Reading lamps rearThe rading lamps can be switched on
and off with the switch adjacent to each
lamp.46cde02646de155
In order to prevent battery
discharge, all of the lamps in the
vehicle are switched off automatically
approx. 15 minutes after the ignition
key has been turned to position 0.<

164n
BatterySymbolsYou will find the following symbols on
your vehicle battery. To avoid injury,
please comply with the corresponding
precautions whenever you work with or
near the battery.
Before handling the battery,
please read the following
information.
Wear eye protection. Do not
allow particles containing
battery acid or lead to come into
contact with your eyes, your skin, or
your clothing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
Do not allow children access to
batteries and battery acid.
Never allow sparks or open
flame in the vicinity of the
battery. Avoid sparks from elec-
trical cables or electrical equipment.
Turn the key to position 0 in the ignition
lock when disconnecting or connecting
the battery. Do not short circuit the
battery terminals. This creates a risk of
injury from high-energy sparks.
A highly explosive gas is gener-
ated when the battery is
charged.
If you happen to get acid in your
eyes, rinse thoroughly for
15 minutes with clear water.
Consult a physician immediately. If you
get acid spray on your skin or clothing,
rinse with plenty of water. If electrolyte
is accidentally ingested, consult a
physician immediately.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
do not place it in direct sunlight.
A discharged battery can freeze. Store
the battery in areas where temperature
remains above freezing.
Removal and installation
Do not disconnect the battery
when the engine is running. If you
do so, the ensuing voltage surge will
damage the vehicle's onboard
electronics.
Do not make any modifications in the
wires to the positive terminal. If you do
so, the protective function of the safety
battery terminal is no longer ensured.
Repair and disposal must be performed
by trained technicians only.<
When removing the battery, disconnect
the cable on the negative terminal first,
then the cable on the positive terminal.
Loosen the center adjusting screw on
the battery retaining strap (use the
screwdriver included with the onboard
tool kit) and disconnect the strap.
When installing a battery, connect the
positive terminal first, then connect the
negative terminal.
When installing a battery, be sure
that it is mounted properly and that
the retaining bracket is installed with the
center adjustment screw. If this is not
done, the battery will not be adequately
secured in case of an accident.<

Everything from A to ZPDC (Park Distance
Control)81
Performance184
Pocket flashlight102
Pollen93,100
Power seat50
Power steering121
Power windows44
safety feature44
Pressure monitoring,
tires85,179
Pressure, tires27,122 Q
Quality Grades123 R
Radiator187
Radio Data System
(RDS)176
Radio reception121,176
Radio, refer also to the
separate Owner's Manual
Rain sensor71,178
RDC (Tire Pressure
Control)85,179
RDS (Radio Data
System)176
Reading lamps89
Rear backrest, folding106 Rear lamps155
Rear window
defroster72,92,100
Rear-entry assist49
Rearview mirror52
Recirculated air mode92
Reclining seat47
Refueling26
Remote control35
Removing condensation
from the windows94,99
Replacement keys32
Reporting safety defects7
Restraint system56
Reverse17,66
Roller blind, sun
protection101
Roof load capacity186
Roof-mounted luggage
rack109
Rubber parts119
S
Safety belt tensioner176
Safety belts55
height adjustment55
Safety buttons38
Safety feature44
Safety terminal, battery164 Seats47
adjusting47
electric power50
heating101
mechanical47
memory51
sitting properly58
Securing the load108
Selector lever, automatic
transmission67
Self-defrosting mirrors52
Self-diagnostics180
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet140
Service Interval Display76
Shiftlock67
Side airbags57
Side impact Head Protection
System57
Side lamps87
bulb replacement154
Sitting properly with
airbag58
Ski bag107
Skid control120
Sliding/tilt sunroof45
closing following an
electrical malfunction167
convenience operation34
Slippery roads119
Snow chains119,126 Socket105
for flashlights105
for power supplies105
for vacuum cleaner105
Spare key32
Spare tire159
Spark plugs188
Speaker104
Specifications, fuel27
Speed control75
Speed display18
Speed, average80
Speedometer18
Sports seat49
Starting assistance168
Starting
problems113,168
Starting the engine63
Steel rim127
Steering121
Steering lock63
Steering wheel52
adjusting52
Steptronic67
Stopping the vehicle64
Storage compartments102
Storage facilities102
Storing your vehicle147
Stroke184
Summer tires125,127
Sun roller blind101
Sun visors53