2003 BMW 330Ci COUPE brake fluid

Contents

Operation, maintenance

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures108
Driving notes109
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)109
Brake system110

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure111
Tire condition111
Tire replacement112
Wheel and tire
combinations114
Winter tires114

In the engine compartment:

Hood116
Engine compartment
essentials118
Washer fluids120
Engine oil120
Coolant122
Brake fluid123

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System124

Laws and regulations:

California Proposition 65
warning126
OBD interface socket126

Owner service procedures

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit130
Windshield wiper blades130
Lamps and bulbs131
Changing a wheel135
Run Flat tires*139
Battery140
Fuses140

Giving and receiving
assistance:

Jump-starting141
Towing the vehicle142

Technical data

Engine data146
Dimensions147
Weights148
Capacities149

handbook.book Page 10 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

●

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent 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 to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

●

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 seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure

●

Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off engine. Check
the engine oil level and top off as
required. If the oil level is correct,
please contact the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

<

Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to comply with the
instructions on pages 110 and 123.
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)/Flat
Tire Monitor

●

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has occurred.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately to
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake
applications. As you steer the vehicle,
use caution and avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information: refer to
pages 81, 82

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 defen-
sively. Avoid hard brake applications.
Please have the system checked by
your BMW center as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on
page 77
CBC, ABS and ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/DBC indicator and warning
lamps for Canadian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information: refer to
page 61

handbook.book Page 18 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

20
DSC and ADB indicator and
brake warning lamps for Cana-
dian models.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

●

Malfunction in the DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system repaired at your BMW
center as soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
page 109
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 120
CHECK FILLER CAP

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to
page 23

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

●

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 by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 126
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

●

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 122

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signal is
operated.
Rapid flashing indicates a system mal-
function.
For additional information: refer to
page 66
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Ready for oper-
ation via the steering wheel with multi-
function buttons.
For additional information: refer to
page 68
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the front fog lamps.
For additional information: refer to
page 87

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 66, 86

Indicator and warning lamps

handbook.book Page 20 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

110
Brake systemBrake fluid levelIf the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a defect in one of the
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW cen-
ter. It may be necessary to apply
higher levels of pressure to the pedal
when stopping and braking distances
may also be longer. Please remember
to adapt your driving style accord-
ingly. with the vehicle parked or in storage,
and operating conditions in which brak-
ing is restricted to gentle, low-pressure
applications will all increase the ten-
dency for corrosion to form on the
rotors; this is often accompanied by a
simultaneous accumulation of contami-
nation on the brake pads. The pads
must exert a certain minimal level of
pressure against the rotors for the disc
brakes' inherent self-cleaning effect to
remain effective; the pressure available
under the above conditions may not
provide adequate cleansing.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
brake applications will fail to cure.
When driving in heavy rain and on wet
roads it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
pose a hazard to you or to other road
users. The heat generated in this pro-
cess helps dry the pads and rotors to
ensure that your brake system will
respond with undiminished efficiency
when you need it.
When descending steep hills and
extended grades, downshift to a gear
that will allow you to continue safely
with only a minimal amount of braking.
By minimizing the loads placed on the
brake system, this strategy helps
ensure that optimal brake system
response will remain available at all
times. Use care to avoid exceeding the
approved engine-speed range, refer to
page 70.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in Neutral. Do not
coast with the engine shut off. The
engine provides no braking effect when
the clutch is depressed and there is no
power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment. For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
released for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suitable for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
handbook.book Page 110 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

119
1Brake fluid reservoir123
2Engine oil dipstick120
3Coolant expansion tank122
4Reservoir for the headlamp and
windshield washer system120
5Engine oil filler neck121
6Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting141Engine compartment essentials
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 119 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

123
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The brake warning lamp comes
on when the parking brake is
not engaged: the brake fluid
level is too low, refer to page 18.
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Adding brake fluidFor adding brake fluid or for determin-
ing and correcting the cause of brake
fluid loss, consult your BMW center.
Your BMW center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids – DOT 4.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. Refer to the informa-
tion on page 110.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake
fluid changed every two years by a
BMW center. Refer to the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet for US
models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not
fill the brake fluid reservoir beyond the
MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite
upon contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating
the disposal of brake fluid.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 123 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake System
18, 109
Accessories 5
Activated-charcoal filter 96
ADB Automatic Differential
Brake 77
Adding brake fluid 123
Air conditioning 88, 94
Air distribution 90, 94
Air nozzles 88, 92
Air outlets 88, 92
Air pressure 111
check 24
Air supply 90, 94
Airbags 18, 52
Alarm system 38
Anchorages 105
Antifreeze 122
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
18, 109
Anti-theft system 38
Armrest 98
ASC+T Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction 18,
19, 77
Ashtray
front 100
rear 100
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 95Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 92
Automatic cruise control 68
Automatic Differential Brake
(ADB) 77
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 51
Automatic headlamp
control 85
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 95
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T) 18,
19, 77
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 19, 63
Average fuel
consumption 75
Average speed 75
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Axle loads 148
B
Backrest, adjusting 44
Backup lamps 62
replacing bulb 133Battery
charge 140
charge current 18
discharged 140
Belts 47
Beverage holder 98, 99
Blind, sun protection 96
Blower 90, 94
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils 121
BMW sports seat 44
Bore 146
Bottle holder, see Beverage
holder 98
Brake hydraulic system 18
Brake lamps
replacing bulb 133
Brake pads 19
Brake, parking 61
Brakes, malfunctions 110
Break-in procedures 108
Bulb, replacing 131
C
California Proposition 65
warning 126
Can holder, see Beverage
holder 98
Capacities 149
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochureCar telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 100
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Cargo loading 104
Cassette player operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
CBC Cornering Brake
Control 18, 109
CD player operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio
Cellular phone 99
Center armrest 98
Center high-mount brake
lamp 134
Central locking system 30
button 34
Charge indicator lamp 18
Check Control 72
Child-restraint mounting
system (LATCH) 56
Cigarette lighter 100
Cleaning windshield 68
Clock 73
setting, refer also to the
radio or onboard com-
puter Owner's Manual
handbook.book Page 152 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

Everything from A to ZSteering wheel with multi-
function buttons 21
Steering wheel, adjusting 50
Steptronic 63
Storage compartments 98
Storage, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Stroke 146
Sun blind 96
Switching off the engine 61
Symbols 4
Synthetic oils 121
T
Tachometer 16, 70
Tail lamps
replacing bulb 133
Tank capacity 149
Technical data 146
Technical modifications 5
Telephone hookup 99
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Temperature adjustment
90, 94
Temperature display
engine coolant 71
outside temperature 74
Temperature layering 91, 95
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 44
Third brake lamp 134Through-loading system 102
Tilt alarm sensor
switching off 39
Time 73
Tire change 135
Tire damage 111
Tire inflation pressure
24, 111
Tire Pressure Monitor
(TPM) 81
Tire replacement 112
Tire tread 111
Tools 130
Torque 146
Towing eyelet 142
Towing the vehicle 142
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor 81
Track 147
Transmission 62
Transporting children
safely 54
Tread depth, tires 111
Tread wear indicator 111
Trigger alarm – Panic
mode 32
Trip odometer 70
Trunk, see Luggage com-
partment 35
capacity 148
Trunk lid, see Luggage com-
partment lid 35Turn signal indicator 20, 66
replacing bulb 132
Turning circle 147
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 113
V
Vacuum cleaner, connect-
ing 100
Vehicle
break-in procedures 108
starting 61
switching off 61
Vehicle Memory 58
Vehicle storage, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Vehicle weight 148
Ventilation 88, 92
draft-free 91, 95
Viscosity 121
Voice Control System, refer
to the separate Owner's
Manual
Voice recognition 21
W
Warning lamp
Please fasten safety
belts 18Warning lamps 18
Warning messages 72
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet 124
Warranty, refer also to sepa-
rate booklet 6
Washer fluid
refilling 120, 149
Washer reservoir
filling 120, 149
Washer/wiper system 67
Water on roadways
deep water 109
Wear indicator for tires 111
Weights 148
Wheel, changing 135
Wheelbase 147
Wheels and tires 114
Wheelslip control, see
DSC 79
Width 147
Window condensation
removing 91, 94
Windows
convenience operation 31
defrosting 91, 94
power 40
remote control 32
Windshield washer reservoir
filling 120, 149
Windshield wipers 67
Winter tires 114
handbook.book Page 156 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM