2001 BMW 330I air condition

99n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control
*
1 Air on the windshield and on the
side windows
2 Air flow toward the upper body
The side rotary dials allow you to
open and close the air supply
through an infinitely-variable range,
while the levers change the air flow
direction. The center rotary dial
controls the temperature of the air
as it flows out. Refer to page 102
3 Front footwell ventilation
There are corresponding air vents in
the rear footwell as well
4 Recirculated air mode/Automatic
recirculated air control (AUC)101
5 Air supply101
6 Temperature100
7 Automatic air distribution100
8 Individual air distribution100
9 Air grill for interior temperature
sensor Ð please keep clear and
unobstructed
10 Display for temperature and air
supply100
11 Defrost the windshield and side
windows101
12 Air conditioner101
13 Rear window defroster71, 102

100n
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system (switch on
AUTO Ð button 7). Select an interior
temperature that is comfortable for you
Ð we recommend 72 7 (+22 6). When
the outside temperature is above 41 7
(+5 6), you can also use the air condi-
tioner (12). This will dry the air as well
as preventing condensation on the
window surfaces Ð if there are passen-
gers with damp clothing, for example.
Set the air outlets (2) so that the air
flows past you and is not directed
straight at you. Set the rotary dial
between the air outlets (2) for the upper
body to a medium position, since air
that is somewhat cooler promotes
driving without fatigue.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program assumes
the adjustment of the air distri-
bution and the air supply for you and in
addition adapts the temperature to
external influences (summer, winter) to
meet preferences you can specify. This
program maintains a comfortable in-car
climate regardless of the season. Select
an interior temperature that is comfort-
able for you Ð we recommend 72 7
(+22 6). The temperature selected and
AUTO for the air supply appear in
display (10), refer to the overview on
page 98. Open the air outlets for the
upper body area. Switch on the air
conditioner in warm weather. The
maximum cooling capacity is achieved
when you set rotary dial (3) to cold.
Refer to page 102.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting specific
distribution patterns to suit your
own individual requirements.
You can direct air to flow onto the
windows , toward the upper body ,
and into the footwell .
Temperature
The figures in the display
provide a general indication of
interior temperature. We recommend
72 7 (+22 6) as a comfortable setting,
whether the air conditioner is operating
or not. When you start the vehicle, the
system ensures that the selected
temperature is reached as quickly as
possible. It then maintains this tempera-
ture, regardless of the season.
Set rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 102) to a medium
setting, since air that is somewhat
cooler promotes driving without fatigue.
You can use this setting for mixing air to
make minor comfort modifications.
The full, uncontrolled heater
output is available at 90 7
(+32 6). At a setting of 60 7 (+16 6),
the full cooling output is available when
the air conditioner is activated.<

101n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Automatic climate control
*
Air supply

By pressing the left or right half
of the button, you can vary the
air supply. By doing this, you switch off
the automatic control of the air supply.
Nevertheless, the automatic air distri-
bution remains unchanged.
When you set the lowest blower speed
by pressing the left half of the button,
all of the displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off, and the air supply is
stopped. You can reactivate the system
by pressing any button of the automatic
climate control.
To defrost the windshield and
side windows
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and side windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ð depending on the
temperature setting Ð rewarmed when
the air conditioner system is switched
on.
Depending on the weather, the wind-
shield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started.
Switch off the air conditioner at outside
temperatures below approx. 41 7
(+5 6). This will help to prevent the
windows from fogging up.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Automatic recirculated air control
(AUC)
If there are unpleasant odors or
pollutants in the outside air, you
can temporarily block the air flow from
the outside. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the vehicle.
By repeated actuation of the button,
you can select one of three different
operation modes.
>Indicator lamps off: fresh air flows
into the vehicle
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system detects pollutants
in the outside air and responds by
deactivating the outside air flow as
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air already within the
vehicle.
Depending on air quality require-
ments, the system automatically
switches between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air already
within the vehicle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
flow of outside air is permanently
blocked. The system recirculates the
air already within the vehicle.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required.<

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
115n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Under the hood:
Hood134
Engine compartment136
Washer fluids138
Washer nozzles138
Engine oil139
Coolant142
Brake fluid143
Vehicle Identification
Number144
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System145
Caring for your vehicle146
Airbags151
Airbags152
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications to the
vehicle153
California Proposition
65 Warning153
OBD interface socket154
Car care Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures116
Driving notes117
Catalytic converter117
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)118
Disc brakes120
Brake system121
Winter operation122
Power steering123
Cellular phones124
Radio reception124
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure125
Tire condition125
Tire replacement126
Tire rotation127
Wheel and tire
combinations128
Winter tires129
Snow chains129
Approved wheel and tire
specifications130

120n
Disc brakesDisc brakes furnish optimum decelera-
tion and braking control and greater
fade resistance under heavy use.
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in oper-
ating conditions where brake applica-
tions are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
discs and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure that must
be exerted by the pads to clean the
discs by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake discs are corroded, they will
tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
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.<
Driving notesWhen driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is effective to apply light
pressure to the brakes every few miles
or kilometers. Be aware of traffic condi-
tions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The
heat that is generated by the brake
applications helps to dry the brake
pads and discs.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique described on
page 122.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible
impairment of the braking effect.
The braking effect of the engine can be
further increased by downshifting, into
first gear, if necessary. In the manual
mode of the automatic transmission,
you can also downshift into first gear.
Refer to page 66.Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure over
an extended period of time, you should
decelerate by applying more substantial
pressure to the brake pedal (watch for
following traffic), releasing the pedal,
and then repeating the application
(staggered braking). The cooling
phases between active braking inter-
vals prevent the brakes from over-
heating, thus ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the shift lever
or selector lever in neutral. Do not drive
with the engine shut off. The engine
provides no braking effect when the
clutch is depressed or the transmission
is in neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is not running.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: have brake inspec-
tions performed at a BMW center only.
If you do not, parts of the four-wheel
drive system could be damaged.
Do not allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the brake pedal, the clutch or
the accelerator which could obstruct
their freedom of movement.<

121n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Brake systemBrake fluid level
If the brake warning lamp
comes on and the parking brake
has been released:
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir (refer to page 143).
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:
The brake pads have reached
their minimum pad thickness. 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.<

122n
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Adaptations in driving style should be
accompanied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your
progress through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and extended-duty antifreeze/
corrosion protection. This mixture
provides protection against freezing
down to approx. -34 7 (-37 6).
Replace the coolant every four years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free them if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After its use, treatment with BMW lock
barrel grease is recommended.Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather-stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and luggage compartment lid seals.A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center.<
Snow chains BMW snow chains can be mounted on
both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
and comply with the manufacturer's
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
In this situation, it may be appropriate
to deactivate the ASC+T/DSC for a
short period of time. Refer to page 80.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: in a worst-case
scenario, if your vehicle is stuck on one
side or you cannot access one tire, then
a chain may be attached to one rear
wheel for a short period of time.Starting offWhen starting from a full stop in deep
snow or for "rocking" the vehicle to free
it, it may be effective to deactivate the
ASC+T/DSC system. Refer to page 80.Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. On down-
grades or slopes, shift down to the next
lower gear at an early point. Maintain an
adequate distance between yourself
and the vehicle ahead.BrakesWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the traction available between
the tires and the road surface.
Remember that braking distances will
be significantly longer as a result.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.
If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
Reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
until the wheels just start to roll again
while still maintaining enough force to
continue braking.
Following that, increase pedal pressure
again. Reduce the pressure as the
wheels lock, then reapply pressure.
Repeat this procedure. This type of
staggered braking will reduce the
braking distance, and the vehicle still
remains responsive to steering. It allows
you to steer around hazards once you
have reduced the pressure on the brake
pedal.

125n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your vehicle.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability
of your BMW.
Check tire inflation pressures
regularly Ð include the space-
saver spare tire or spare tire Ð at least
twice a month and before beginning a
longer trip (refer to page 29). If this is
not done, incorrect tire pressures can
cause driving instability and tire
damage, ultimately resulting in an acci-
dent.<
Tire tread Ð Tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At a
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread
depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-
groove base indicate that the legally-
permissible wear limit has been
reached. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread
depth, there is an increased risk of
aquaplaning, even at relatively
moderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.390de331
Do not drive on a deflated (flat)
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over
the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading can lead to
overheating and increases the rate at
which damage develops inside the
tires. You could have a blowout as a
result.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect.
This is also true for irregularities in the
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
left or right. Should this occur, respond
by immediately reducing your speed.
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it and
its tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the
vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition