2001 BMW 330i SEDAN Controls

185n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Rain sensor
*
Depending on the degree of wetness
on the windshield, the rain sensor
controls the operation of the windshield
wipers.
Infrared light is carried along the
surface of the windshield in an optical
conductor in such a manner that it is
reflected completely when the wind-
shield is dry. The quantity of reflected
light is measured.
If there is moisture on the glass, the
amount of light reflected is reduced
since the infrared light at the surface of
the windshield can escape. The quan-
tity of reflected light is thus a means of
gauging the degree of wetness on the
windshield.390de133
When the system is set to the "Intermit-
tent" wiper speed, the wipers react
immediately Ð if water is splashed onto
the windshield by vehicles traveling
ahead of you, for example. As a result,
the rain sensor provides a contribution
to driving safety and comfort.

187n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Self-diagnostics All of the important electrical and elec-
tronic systems in the vehicle are tested
regularly and automatically Ð the driver
does not have to perform any extra
operations or adjustments.
The indicator lamps also come on
briefly after the ignition has been turned
on.
While you are driving, the functional
status of the actuator motors (for the
windshield wipers, power windows,
seats, sliding/tilt sunroof, etc.) is
constantly analyzed by current
measurements in their relays.460de177
In the same manner, the electrical
resistance of the airbag ignition genera-
tors and all of the remaining airbag
components is measured at all times.
Any fault in this system would be
detected immediately by a current fluc-
tuation that would necessarily accom-
pany it. The fault would be indicated
immediately by the airbag warning
lamp.
Even after you shut off the engine, the
overall functional status of your vehicle
is monitored. For example, all of the
flaps of the heating and ventilation
system travel to the nearest limit posi-
tion. This ensures that the defrost func-
tion is always available even if a
malfunction in the air conditioner
system/automatic climate control
should occur while the vehicle is
parked overnight, for instance.
A calibration cycle runs every tenth time
the engine is shut off. During this cycle,
the actuator motors of all the heating
and ventilation flaps travel to their limit
stops in both directions. The limit posi-
tions and the return travel paths are
checked in this manner in order to
ensure that appropriate adjustments for
the operating elements can be made at
any time.You will hear the sounds of the air flaps
as the air conditioning system/auto-
matic climate control carry out their
self-diagnostic functions after the igni-
tion has been turned off. All of the other
self-diagnostics functions operate
silently in the background.
Any possible faults detected during
these self-diagnostics can be read out
by your BMW center during the next
regularly-scheduled maintenance and
corrected with a minimum of time.

189n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
191n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine data192
Dimensions193
Weights194
Capacities195
Electrical system196
V-belts196
Data
Owner service procedures

193n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
460us303
Dimensions

195n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 16.6 (approx. 63)
approx. 2.1 (approx. 8)Fuel specification: page 28
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer systemquarts (liters) approx. 5.6 (approx. 5.3) For details: page 138
Cooling system including heater circuit quarts (liters) approx. 8.9 (approx. 8.4) For details: page 142
Engine oil and filter change quarts (liters) 320i, 325i, 330i:
approx. 6.9 (approx. 6.5)
325xi, 330xi:
approx. 7.9 (approx. 7,5)BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
For details: page 140
Manual and automatic transmission, transfer
box and differentialÐ Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required

197n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
199n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Everything from A to Z200
Owner service procedures206
Index