2002 BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE Owner's Manual

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Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

The system runs an operational check
on the indicator and warning lamps
identified with the

l

symbol each time
you switch on the ignition. 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 in the
following section.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current



l

The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and
serious engine damage. If the drive belt
is defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

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Engine oil pressure


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Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level; top off as
required. If the oil level is correct:
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious
damage from inadequate lubrication.

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Brake warning lamp

l

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to comply with
the instructions on pages 109 and 124
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor

l

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has occurred.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately and
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake
applications. As you steer the vehicle,
use caution to avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information refer to
pages 83, 85

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Indicator and warning lamps

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

The brake warning lamp comes
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS and
ASC+T/DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC, ASC+T/
DSC and ADB control system
has failed. Continue driving
cautiously and defensively.
Avoid full brake applications. Please
have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
For additional information refer to
pages 80, 81
CBC, ABS, ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/DBC indicator and warning
lamps for Canadian models.

Red: an important reminder

Parking brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged Ð an additional
acoustic signal sounds when you start
off.
For additional information refer to
page 66
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Lock backrest/Fasten safety
belts

l

An acoustic warning also
sounds in some versions. Flashes if the
backrest is not locked. Lights up either
for several seconds or until the belt is
engaged, depending upon version.
For additional information on safety
belts refer to page 52
Airbags

l

Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information refer to
page 56

Orange: consult the nearest
BMW center

Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission has
responded to a malfunction by
reverting to operation in its emergency
default program. Please consult the
nearest BMW center.
For additional information refer to
page 67

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Indicator and warning lamps

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

l

ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking performance
remains available with no loss of effi-
ciency. Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information refer to
page 109
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on during driving: the
engine oil level has fallen to the
absolute minimum; refill as soon as
possible. Do not drive more than
approx. 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information refer to
page 121
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at the earliest opportunity (next time
you stop to refuel).
For additional information refer to
page 121

Brake pads

l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information refer
to page 109
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor

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Check tire inflation pressures,
refer to pages 24, 83, 85
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)


l

Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
ASC+T has been switched off with the
button or it is defective, or the DSC has
been switched off, ADB is operational.
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.
Additional information beginning on
page 80

Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) indicator
lamp and brake warning lamp

l

The indicator lamps remain on:
the DSC


and ADB/DBC have
been switched off with the button or are
defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information refer to
page 81
DSC and ADB indicator and
warning lamps for Canadian
models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

l

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired by your BMW
center.
For additional information refer to
page 82

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Indicator and warning lamps

Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity. For additional information
refer to page 120
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

l

If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked at your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity. For addi-
tional information refer to page 127
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine electronics

l

There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity. For additional information refer to
page 123

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is
operated.
Rapid flashing indicates a system
malfunction.
For additional information refer to
page 69
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise
control is activated: available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information refer to
page 72
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information refer to
page 88

Blue: for your information

High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information refer to
pages 69, 88

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Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)

*
The buttons integrated in the multifunc-
tion steering wheel (MFL) are provided
so that you can operate a number of
accessories quickly and without being
distracted from traffic conditions. You
may operate:

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Selected radio functions

>

The cruise control

>

Selected cellular phone functions.
The controls are active only when
the corresponding systems and
accessories are switched on.

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Press briefly:
Receive a phone call, initiate dialing,
terminate a call.

Switch between phone, radio, cassette
and CD.
Forward:

>

Radio
Press briefly: station scan in FM band
Extended pressure: search function

>

CD
Press briefly: jump to next track
Extended pressure: search function
in track

>

Cassette
Press briefly: stop track scan or fast
forward
Extended pressure: fast forward

>

Phone
Scan personal phone book.
Rewind/reverse: functions as fast
forward.

Volume
Cruise control: select a stored setting.
Cruise control: store and accelerate (+)
or decelerate and store (Ð).
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac-
tivate.

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Hazard warning triangle

*
Refueling

The hazard warning triangle is stored in
the luggage compartment lid inside the
container for the onboard tools.
To open the container, loosen the wing
nut.
Always observe all legal regula-
tions requiring a warning triangle
to be carried in the vehicle.

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Fuel filler door

Always switch off the engine
before refueling, as it is not
possible to add fuel with the engine
running, and attempts may also trigger
the SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.

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Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler
door to open and close it.
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you
can unlock the fuel filler door manually:
1. Unlock the trim panel on the right
side of the luggage compartment
2. Pull the button with the fuel pump
symbol.

Always observe all safety precau-
tions posted at the service station
when handling fuel.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of
a collision.

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Refueling Fuel specificationsSimple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket (arrow)
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effectiveness of
the vapor recovery system on the
pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used prop-
erly, the fuel tank is full whenever the
nozzle shuts off the first time.
Refill early to avoid damaging the
catalytic converter; never attempt
to drive to the last drop of fuel in the
tank.<
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
message CHECK FILLER CAP lamp or
the SERVICE ENGINE SOON lamp.<
Tank capacity: approx. 16.6 gal.
(63 liters), incl. a reserve capacity of
approx. 2.1 gal. (8 liters).
The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Never use leaded fuel, as it would
cause permanent and irreversible
damage to the oxygen sensor and the
catalytic converter.<

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Tire inflation pressures The specified inflation pressures are
provided on a sticker attached to the
B-pillar and visible with the driver's
door open.Checking tire pressuresAll pressures are specified in the stan-
dard units of pressure for your country,
psi or kilopascal, and apply to cold tires
(tires at ambient temperature, refer to
tire pressure table on the following
page).
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
(RDC)/Flat Tire Monitor: after correcting
the inflation pressures, reactivate the
system, refer to pages 83, 85.
Another instruction plate regarding
inflation pressures on the door pillar
indicates which system is equipped on
your vehicle.
Check the tire pressures on a
regular basis Ð at least twice a
month Ð and before every extended
journey. Otherwise, incorrect tire pres-
sure can lead to poor handling, to tire
damage and accidents.
Remember to check the inflation pres-
sure in the space-saver or standard
spare tire.

Inflate the spare tire to the highest infla-
tion pressure of any tire on your
vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to BMW approved tire sizes and
tire manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US standards, but also
European standards. We recommend
the exclusive use of BMW approved
tires.