2003 BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE light

44
8. Press down slightly on the convert-
ible top compartment lid from above
– see arrow. The closing process will
then be carried out automatically
9. Either close the slightly lowered side
windows or put them at the desired
height.
Operate the convertible top com-
partment lid from above only in
order to avoid any pinching.
An interlock device helps avoid damage
to the vehicle by preventing the lug-
gage compartment lid from opening
unless the convertible top compartment
lid is completely closed.<
As soon as the convertible top com-
partment lid closes the central locking
system will release the lock to allow
renewed access to the luggage com-
partment.
To avoid fabric damage stemming
from extended exposure to mois-
ture, you should never retract the con-
vertible top when it is wet, refer also to
the Caring for your vehicle brochure.<
To close the convertible top1. Turn the ignition key to position 1
2. Press the button to unlock it. The
convertible top will be unlocked and
the side windows will lower slightly
3. Open the convertible top compart-
ment lid all the way
4. Lift the convertible top out by the lat-
eral guide section – see arrow 1, and
the front convertible top frame – see
arrow 2, swinging it forward until you
encounter perceptible resistance –
until it stops
To avoid damaging the side trim,
always fold the convertible top
forward before folding the rear frame
brace up into its vertical position.<
Manual convertible top
handbook.book Page 44 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

45
5. Either close the slightly lowered side
windows or put them at the desired
height
6. Press down slightly on the convert-
ible top compartment lid from above.
The top then closes automatically,
refer to page 41
Operate the convertible top com-
partment lid from above only in
order to avoid any pinching.<
As soon as the convertible top
compartment lid closes the central
locking system will release the lock to
allow renewed access to the luggage
compartment.<
7. Holding on to the locking handle, pull
the front part of the convertible top
frame up onto the windshield frame,
and lock the convertible top by turn-
ing the handle until you hear the con-
vertible top engage and lock.
The system automatically presses the
top's rear frame against the convertible
top compartment lid, pretensioning it to
ensure that it seals tightly.
At higher speeds, the ensuing
vacuum in the passenger com-
partment can cause the convertible top
to begin fluttering. Increase the air sup-
ply via the ventilation controls so that a
vacuum does not occur in the vehicle.<
Position for cleaningTo be able to access the convertible
top compartment, lean the rear frame of
the convertible top against the cover of
the convertible top compartment.
First, use the button for activating
the convertible top to unlock the
locks of the convertible top compart-
ment. Refer to page 42.<
For additional information on car-
ing for your vehicle, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle brochure.<
Manual convertible top
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 45 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

46
Fully-automatic convertible top*The fully-automatic convertible top
combines the benefits of effective pro-
tection against the elements with sim-
ple and convenient operation.
To gain maximum satisfaction from your
convertible, please observe the follow-
ing:
>We strongly recommend that you
close the convertible top before leav-
ing the vehicle parked. When closed,
the top not only guards the passen-
ger compartment from unforesee-
able damage from the weather, but
also affords a degree of protection
against theft. However, even when
the top is closed valuables should
always be stored in the locked lug-
gage compartment
>Never attempt to mount any kind of
roof rack or luggage carrier on the
convertible top
>To avoid damaging the convertible
top, do not activate it at temperatures
below 147/ –106.
Never store the convertible top
while it is wet to avoid permanent
damage from moisture.<
Driving when the opening or clos-
ing process has not been com-
pleted can cause vehicle damage or
personal injury.
To avoid possible legal violations,
always remember that traffic regula-
tions always take priority over these
instructions.
Do not lay objects on the convertible
top, as they could fall off when it
moves, causing vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
Always keep your hands and fingers
well away from the top's mechanism
while it is opening and closing. Ensure
that children remain at a safe distance
from the top's travel range while it is in
motion.<
Try to make sure that the vehicle
is completely stationary before
using the fully-automatic convertible
top. Otherwise the opening or closing
procedure could be interrupted.
If you set the convertible top in motion
while the vehicle is stationary and then
have to start suddenly – for instance, at
a traffic light – you can still complete
the procedure by driving as slowly as
possible and again holding the corre-
sponding button pressed.
Before closing the top, always ensure
that the windshield frame is clear of any
obstructions that could prevent the top
from closing correctly.<
When closing the electric power
windows while underway, always
remember to either start by closing the
rear windows or to close all of them at
once. Failure to adhere to this
sequence can prevent the windows
from sealing tightly at high speeds.<
At higher speeds, the ensuing
vacuum in the passenger com-
partment can cause the convertible top
to begin fluttering. Increase the air sup-
ply via the ventilation controls so that a
vacuum does not occur in the vehicle.<
handbook.book Page 46 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

47
1To close
2To openLocks and security systemsWith the ignition key in position 1 or
higher, and with the vehicle stationary
To avoid placing unnecessary loads on
the battery, you should avoid operating
the top when the engine is switched off.
1. Read and comply with the preceding
safety precautions
2. Before opening the convertible top,
ensure that the convertible top com-
partment panel is back down into its
original position, refer to page 37
3. Ensure that the luggage compart-
ment lid is closed
4. Maintain pressure on the corre-
sponding button for the convertible
top operation.
The red indicator lamp flashes when-
ever the convertible top mechanism
is in operation. It goes out when the
opening or closing process has been
completed.
If it continues flashing after the con-
trol button is released, the process
has not completed opening or clos-
ing. You can resume operation in the
desired direction by pressing the
button again.
If the yellow indicator lamp lights up
continuously with the button
pressed, the convertible top com-
partment panel has been raised and
the top cannot be moved, refer to
step 2.
The convertible top stops moving
immediately when the button is
released. You can resume operation in
the desired direction by pressing the
button again.<
While the convertible top is in
motion, the rear window will move
toward the passenger compartment. To
avoid possible pinching, the area
around the closing convertible top
should be clear.<
The side power windows are lowered a
small distance whenever the top is set
in motion by pressing the button and
after the opening or closing process is
completed, they will go back up, if you
keep holding the button down for more
than 2 seconds after the indicator lamp
has gone out.
The luggage compartment lid cannot be
opened while the convertible top is in
motion.
Do not close the side power win-
dows using the buttons if the con-
vertible top operation has been inter-
rupted.<
After having been stored for an
extended period of time in the
convertible top compartment, e.g. dur-
ing the winter months because the
hardtop was being used, 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
Fully-automatic convertible top*
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 47 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

57
Seat and mirror memory*You can store and recall three different
driver's seat and exterior mirror posi-
tions.
The lumbar support settings are
not stored in the memory. 2. Select the desired seat and exterior
mirror positions
3. Press the MEMORY 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.
To select a stored setting
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.<
Ignition key in position 1:
>Briefly press memory button 1, 2 or 3,
as desired.
Movement stops immediately when
one of the seat-adjustment or mem-
ory buttons is activated during the
adjustment process.
The driver's door is closed and the igni-
tion key is either removed or in position
0 or 2:
>Maintain pressure on the desired
memory button – 1, 2 or 3 – until the
adjustment process is completed.
If you press the MEMORY button
accidentally: press the button
again; the indicator lamp goes out.<
You can have this feature pro-
grammed so that when you use
the remote control from your personal-
ized key to unlock your door, your seat
and the exterior mirrors will move into
your own preferred positions.<
Before activating the programmed
adjustment feature, ensure that
the footwell behind the driver's seat is
empty and unobstructed. If you fail to
do so, persons, animals or objects
could be injured or damaged if the seat
should move backward.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 57 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

58
Passenger-side exterior mirror tilt
functionAutomatic curb monitor*
1. Move mirror selector switch 1 to the
driver's mirror position
2. When shifting into Reverse, or plac-
ing the selector lever into position R,
the passenger-side mirror tilts down-
ward. This allows the driver to see
the area directly adjacent to the vehi-
cle during parking – curbs, etc.
How far the passenger mirror tilts
can be set individually for each
ignition key.<
You can deactivate this automatic fea-
ture by setting the mirror selection
switch to the passenger side position.
Seat heating*The seat cushion and backrest can be
heated with the ignition key in
position 2.
You can select different heating modes
by repeatedly pressing the buttons.
You can also switch the higher heating
modes off directly:
Press the button and hold it slightly
longer.
Seat and mirror memory*
handbook.book Page 58 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

62
place their heads on or near the side
airbag. Therefore, we recommend that
the rear-seat side airbags, if installed in
the vehicle, be deactivated if children
will travel in the rear seat.
The rear-seat side airbags may already
have been deactivated, either at the
time of manufacture or by a BMW cen-
ter. Labels in the door opening should
indicate the status of your rear-seat
side airbags. If you are uncertain of
their status, or wish to have the airbags
activated or deactivated, please con-
tact your BMW center.<
Even when all these guidelines are fol-
lowed, there is still a small residual risk
of injuries to the face, hands and arms
occurring from airbag deployment in
isolated instances.
The ignition and inflation noise may
induce a mild temporary hearing loss in
sensitive individuals.
Corresponding airbag warning labels
are located on both sun visors.This is the right way a child should sit in
a child-restraint when rear side airbags,
see arrow, are provided.
This is the right way a larger child
should sit wearing the seat belt when
rear side airbags, see arrow, are pro-
vided.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp indicates the
operational status of the airbag
system when the ignition key is
in position 1 or higher.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly
when you turn the ignition key to
position 1 or higher.
System malfunction:
>Indicator lamp does not come on or
>indicator lamp lights up continuously.
Airbags
handbook.book Page 62 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

70Driving
Ignition lockIgnition key positions0Steering locked
1Steering unlocked
2Ignition on
3Start engine
Vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion:
Do not move the selector lever from
position P until the engine is running,
ignition key position 2.
To turn the key to position 0 or to
remove it, first move the selector lever
to position P – Interlock.<
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.<
Steering lockedThe key can only be inserted and
removed in this position.
After removing the key, turn the steer-
ing wheel slightly to the left or right until
you hear the lock engage.
If the key is not removed, an acoustic
signal sounds when the driver door is
opened.
The sound system remains operational
for approx. 20 minutes after you switch
off the ignition, ignition key in position 0
or key removed. Simply switch it back
on.Steering unlockedYou will find that it is often easier to turn
the ignition key from position 0 to posi-
tion 1 when you move the steering
wheel slightly to help disengage the
lock.
Individual electrical accessories are
ready for operation.
Starting the engineBefore starting>Engage the parking brake
>Ensure that the gearshift lever is in
neutral, or, with an automatic trans-
mission, that the selector lever is in P
>Depress the clutch pedal at low tem-
peratures.
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed spaces. Otherwise,
breathing the exhaust fumes can lead
to unconsciousness and death. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monox-
ide, an odorless and colorless, but
highly toxic gas. Do not leave the vehi-
cle unattended with the engine running.
An unattended vehicle with a running
engine represents a safety hazard.<
When driving, standing at idle,
and parking the vehicle, take care
to avoid contact between the hot
exhaust system and flammable materi-
als – grass, hay, leaves, etc. Such con-
tact could lead to a fire, resulting in
serious personal injury and property
damage.<
>Do not press the accelerator pedal
while starting the engine.
handbook.book Page 70 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM