2003 BMW 330Ci CONVERTIBLE ENGINE IDLE

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.
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71
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time, but do not actuate it
for more than approx. 20 seconds.
Release the ignition key immediately
when the engine starts.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, drive off
immediately at a moderate engine
speed.<
If the engine does not start on the first
attempt – if it is very hot or cold, for
instance:
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at extremely low tempera-
tures below approx. +57/–156 and at
altitudes over 3,300 ft/1,000 m:
>On the first start attempt, it may be
necessary to engage the starter for a
longer period – but no longer than
20 seconds
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharg-
ing, always deactivate electrical
devices that are not in use. Switch the
ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent
or long periods with the starter
engaged, can damage the catalytic
converter.<
Starting the engine
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 71 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

157 Giving and receiving assistance
Jump-startingWhen your battery is discharged you
can use two jumper cables to start your
vehicle with power from the battery in a
second vehicle. You can also use the
same method to help start another
vehicle. Only use jumper cables with
fully insulated handles on the terminal
clamps.
Do not touch high-voltage wiring
and cables on a running engine.
Contact with components carrying high
voltage can be harmful or fatal. Care-
fully observe the following instructions
to avoid personal injury and/or damage
to one or both vehicles.<
1. The battery in the support vehicle
must also be rated at 12 volts. This
information is provided on the battery
label
2. Stop the engine of the support vehi-
cle and switch off all electrical com-
ponents in both vehicles – except for
the hazard warning flashers of the
support vehicle
3. Make absolutely certain that there is
no contact between the bodywork of
the two vehicles – short circuit haz-
ard
4. The auxiliary jump-starting terminal
located in your BMW's engine com-
partment acts as the positive battery
terminal. The cover of this auxiliary
terminal is marked with a + sign.
Remove by pulling the tab – see
arrow 1.
Start by connecting the jumper cable
from the positive terminal of the dis-
charged battery to the positive termi-
nal of the support battery
5. Then connect the negative terminals
with the other jumper cable. First
connect one end to the negative bat-
tery terminal or to a suitable ground
on the support vehicle. Then connect
the other end to the negative battery
terminal or a suitable ground on the
vehicle being started.
Your BMW is equipped with a special
nut for this purpose – see arrow 2
Always adhere to this sequence
when connecting jumper cables;
failure to observe this procedure can
lead to sparks at the battery terminals
and pose an injury hazard.<
6. Start the engine of the support vehi-
cle and let it run for several minutes
at a slightly elevated engine idle
speed
7. Start the engine of the other vehicle
as usual. If the first start attempt is
not successful, wait a few minutes
before another attempt in order to
allow the discharged battery to
recharge
8. Before disconnecting the jumper
cables, let the engines run for a few
minutes
9. Then disconnect the jumper cables
in reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault,
have the battery checked and
recharged by your BMW center.
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