2001 BMW 330Ci CONVERTIBLE light

48n
The manual convertible top
The fully automatic convertible top
*
At higher speeds, the ensuing
vacuum in the passenger
compartment can cause the convertible
top to begin fluttering. Increase the air
supply via the ventilation controls so
that a vacuum does not occur in the
vehicle.<
The completely automatically operated
convertible top combines assured
protection against the elements
together with simple, convenient
handling. So that you will get the most
out of enjoying your convertible, here
are a few tips:
It is advisable to close the convertible
top when the vehicle is parked. The
closed convertible top not only protects
the passenger compartment from
unforeseeable damage from the
weather, it also provides a certain
degree of theft protection. In addition,
keep valuables only in the locked
luggage compartment, even with the
convertible top closed.
Never mount a roof-mounted luggage
rack on the convertible top.
To prevent damage, do not operate the
convertible top at temperatures below
Ð 10 6.
To conserve the battery, only operate
the top with the engine running if
possible.
The convertible top operation is
completely automatic. You will hardly
ever need to support it by hand, refer to
page 49.
Operate the convertible top only if
the vehicle is parked and do not
start driving while the convertible top is
in motion, because at certain points,
this could possibly interrupt the
process. A partially open convertible
top can possibly lead to damage or
injury.
If you initiated convertible top operation
while the vehicle was standing still, and
then start to drive off, you can complete
the process at a traffic light, for
example, while traveling at a moderate
rate of speed. To do this, keep pressing
the proper switch.
Traffic laws applicable in your area take
precedence when you operate the
convertible top, otherwise you may be
breaking the law.
Before closing the convertible top,
remove any objects from the windshield
frame that could keep the convertible
top from closing properly.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top, since they will fall off when the
convertible top is in motion and cause
damage or injuries.
To close the electric power windows
while driving, always be sure to close
either the rear windows first, or all
four windows at the same time, other-
wise, at high speeds, the windows may
not close tightly.

49n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The fully automatic convertible top
*
Do not reach into the convertible top
mechanism during opening and closing.
Keep children away from the moving
parts of the convertible top during oper-
ation.
The automatic sequence will be inter-
rupted immediately if you release the
button that operates the top. The
sequence can be continued in the
desired direction by pressing this
button.<
After having been stored for an
extended period of time in the
convertible top compartment Ñ e. g.
during the winter months because the
hardtop
* was being used Ñ you may
have to support the convertible top by
hand when closing it for the first time:
If the convertible top should halt just
before the closing phase is completed,
press against the front section of the
convertible top frame from the outside to
help the closing process along. Continue
pressing the switch while doing so until
the top starts up again on its own.<
Opening and closing1 Closing
2 Opening
Continue pressing the button for oper-
ating the convertible top until the
opening or closing process has ended.
The side windows will lower slightly
while it is being opened. When the top
is being closed, the side windows will
also close if you continue pressing the
button after the convertible top has
finished closing.
The red indicator lamp will light up
while the convertible top is in motion. It
will keep blinking after you release the
button, if the opening or closing proce-
dure was not completed properly.46cus043
The convertible top cannot be moved if
the convertible top compartment panel
is raised. In this case, the yellow indi-
cator lamp will light up and stay on
when the button is pressed, indicating
that it is not possible to complete a
convertible top operation.
Flip down the convertible top compart-
ment panel; see page 41.
If the opening or closing process
has been interrupted, the convert-
ible top will remain in that position for
15 minutes
.
After that, the convertible top can be
moved again and, if it is an emergency
situation, you may need to help the top
along manually. This can also be done
in ignition key position 0.
The luggage compartment cannot be
opened while the convertible top is in
motion.
When operating the convertible top, the
windows will lower slightly when you
press on the switch, and after the
opening operation has finished, they
will move up again if you continue
holding the switch down for more than
2 seconds after the indicator lamp has
gone out.<

50n
The fully automatic convertible top
*
Wind deflector
*
While the convertible top is in
motion, the side windows will
lower slightly. Do not close the side
power windows using the switches if
the convertible top has been inter-
rupted while it is in motion.
In certain cases, the luggage compart-
ment lid cannot be opened if the
opening or closing operation has been
interrupted.
Never store the convertible top while it
is wet to avoid permanent damage from
moisture.
While the convertible top is in motion,
the rear window will move toward the
passenger compartment and will gently
press the heads of the passengers
sitting in the rear forward. Normally, this
is not dangerous. To avoid possibly
being pinched, passengers in the back
seat should lean their heads slightly
forward while the convertible top is in
motion.<
Convenient operation from the
driver-side door lock>To open: with the door closed, turn
and hold the key in the "Unlock" posi-
tion.
>To close: with the door closed, turn
and hold the key to the "Lock" posi-
tion.
Letting go of the key will stop the
motion.
In order to keep the closing process in
view, it is not possible to use the
convenient operation via the remote
control for safety reasons.
At higher speeds, the ensuing
vacuum in the passenger
compartment can cause the convertible
top to begin fluttering. Increase the air
supply via the ventilation controls so
that a vacuum does not occur in the
vehicle.<
The wind deflector keeps air movement
in the passenger compartment to a
minimum, thus providing you with a
pleasant drive, even at higher speeds.
The wind deflector comes in a protec-
tive sleeve, and because of its slim
dimensions, can be easily stored in the
luggage compartment.Installing1 Take the wind deflector out of its
protective sleeve.

52n
For your personal safety when adjusting
the seat position, please follow the
instructions below carefully:
Never try to adjust your seat while
driving the vehicle. The seat could
respond with an unexpected move-
ment, and the ensuing loss of vehicle
control could lead to an accident.
Be sure that the safety belt remains
firmly against your body at all times. In
the event of a frontal impact, a loose lap
belt could slide over the hips, leading to
abdominal injury. In addition, the safety
belt's restraint effectiveness is reduced
if the belt is worn loosely.
Never ride with the backrest reclined to
an extreme angle (especially important
for the front passenger to remember),
otherwise, you run the risk of sliding
under the safety belt during an acci-
dent, thus negating the protection the
safety belt provides.<
Correct sitting postureTo reduce strain on the spinal column,
sit all the way back in the seat and rest
your back fully against the backrest.
The ideal sitting posture is achieved
with your head extending from your
spine in a straight line.
For long-distance driving, you may wish
to increase the backrest angle slightly
to reduce muscular tension. You should
be able to grasp the steering wheel at
its highest point with your arms slightly
bent.
1 Backward/Forward adjustment
2 Cushion height
3 Backrest angle
Follow the setting instructions on
this page. Failure to do so could
result in diminished personal safety.<
46cde012
Seat adjustment

56n
Seat and mirror memory*You can store and recall three different
driver's seat and exterior mirror posi-
tions. The illustration shows the buttons
on the driver's seat for making these
adjustments.
The headrest setting is stored in
the memory, but the lumbar
support is not. 2 Set the desired seat, headrest and
exterior mirror positions.
3 Press the
M
EMORY button: the indi-
cator lamp in the button lights up.
4 Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as
desired: the indicator lamp goes out.
46cde014
To select a stored settingConvenience function:
1 Open the driver's door after
unlocking or turn the ignition key in
position 1.
2 Briefly press memory button 1, 2 or 3,
as desired.
The adjustment cycle is canceled
immediately if you press a seat
adjustment switch or one of the
memory buttons.
Security function:
1 With the driver's door closed and the
ignition key either removed or in posi-
tion 0 or 2.
2 Maintain pressure on the desired
memory button (1, 2 or 3) until the
adjustment process is completed.
If you accidentally press the
M
EMORY
button: press the button again; the
indicator lamp goes out.
Do not select a memory position
while the vehicle is moving. If you
do so, there is a risk of accident from
unexpected seat movement.<
Your BMW center can adjust your
vehicle's systems in such a
manner that your personalized settings
are automatically set for the seat, head-
rest and exterior mirror positions when
you unlock the vehicle with your
personal remote control.<
If you make use of this method of
adjustment, be sure that the foot-
well behind the driver's seat is unob-
structed before unlocking the vehicle.
If you fail to do so, persons or objects
could be injured or damaged if the seat
should move backward.<

58n
MirrorsYou can also adjust the mirrors manu-
ally by pressing against the outer edges
of their lenses.
The mirror on the passenger's
side features a lens with a more
convex surface than the mirror installed
on the driver's side. When estimating
the distance between yourself and
other traffic, bear in mind that the
objects reflected in the mirror are closer
than they appear. Estimations of the
distance to following traffic should
therefore not be regarded as precise. with the ignition key in position 2.
Interior rearview mirror To reduce glare from vehicles behind
you when driving at night, tilt the mirror
by turning the rotary button.Sun visorsThese can be folded down toward the
windshield and swiveled out against the
side window.46cus034
Interior rearview mirror with
automatic dimming feature
*
By responding to the effects of ambient
light and the glare from following traffic,
this mirror automatically dims through
an infinitely-variable range.
The mirror switches to its clear,
undimmed mode whenever the trans-
mission is placed in reverse gear
(selector lever in "Reverse").
To ensure that the mirror continues to
operate properly, keep the two photo-
cells clean and unobstructed. One
photocell (arrow) is in the mirror glass,
while the other is offset somewhat on
the other side of the mirror.
For addition information on the electro-
chromic technology used in this mirror,
refer to page 191.46cde023

62n
AirbagsOperational status
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster displays the opera-
tional status of the airbag
system when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1 and higher.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly
then goes out.
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp fails to come on.
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly
before going out, and then lights up
again.
If there is a system malfunction, there is
a risk that the airbags will not be trig-
gered within their normal response
range, even if the level of impact would
normally have triggered them.
Have your BMW center inspect the
system immediately.
The airbag indicator lamp also
comes on if the safety belt
tensioners have been triggered.<
Sitting correctly with airbags
For your safety, comply with the
following instructions for the
airbags. If you do not, the airbags may
not be able to provide their maximum
protection. All passengers in the vehicle
should be aware of and comply with
this information:
The airbags are supplemental restraint
devices designed to provide extra
protection; they are not a substitute for
safety belts. Wear your safety belt at all
times. The airbags will not be triggered
in the event of a minor accident, a
vehicle roll-over, or collisions from the
rear. In these instances, the safety belt
provides optimal protection.
Airbags are located under cover panels
in the steering wheel, in the dashboard
and in the side trim panels in the front
and rear
*.
Adjust your seat to a position that
provides a maximum distance between
you and the steering wheel, the instru-
ment panel and the door while still
allowing comfortable and safe access
to all vehicle controls.
To avoid sustaining hand and arm inju-
ries, always grasp the steering wheel
on the rim with your hands at the 9 and
3 o'clock positions. Do not place your
hands on the center pad.
Never allow any objects to obstruct the
area between the airbag and an occu-
pant.
Do not use the cover panel above the
passenger-side airbag as a storage
area.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them
or modify them in any other way.
Do not install a rear-facing child
restraint system in the front passenger
seat of this vehicle.
Children under 13 years of age and
children less than 5 ft (150 cm) tall
should ride only in the rear seat.
Infants or small children should never
be held on the lap of a passenger.
If your car is equipped with side airbags
in the rear passenger area
*, be sure
that child restraints are mounted
correctly and provided with the grea-
test-possible distance between the
airbags in the side trim panels. Do not
allow children to lean out of the child's
seat in the direction of the side trim
panels. If they do so, serious injuries
can occur if the airbag is triggered.<

69n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
0 Steering lock engaged The key can only be inserted or
removed in this position.
After removing the key, turn the
steering wheel slightly to the left or right
until the lock engages.
Vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion:
Do not move the selector lever from the
"Park" position until the engine is
running (ignition key at position 2). In
order to turn the key back to position 0
or to remove it, move the selector lever
into position "Park" first (Interlock).<46cde093
1 Steering lock disengaged Turning the steering wheel slightly to
the right or left often makes it easier to
turn the key from 0 to 1.
Individual electrical devices are ready
for operation.2 Ignition onAll electrical devices and accessories
are available for use.3 Starting the engine
Vehicles with manual transmis-
sion:
Step on the clutch when starting the
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine
from starting if the clutch is not
depressed.<
Before starting>Engage the parking brake.
>Put manual-shift gear lever in the
idling position or in P for automatic
transmissions.
>Step on the clutch pedal.
Do not run the engine in enclosed
areas. The exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Breathing the exhaust gases poses an
extreme health risk, and can lead to
unconsciousness and death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unat-
tended vehicle with a running engine
represents a potential safety hazard.<
Steering/Ignition lock Starting the engine