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Owner’s Manual for the vehicle. With a quick reference guide for your convenience.
318i 318is 323i 323is 328i 328is
Sedan Coupe Convertible
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW. Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and security when you drive it. Therefore, we have this request: Please take the time to read this Owner’s Manual and familiarize yourself with the information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new car. It con- tains important data and instructions intended to assist you in extracting maximum use and satisfaction from your BMW’s unique range of technical features. The manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to enhance operating safety and contribute to maintaining your BMW’s value throughout an extended service life. This Owner’s Manual should be regarded as a permanent part of the vehicle. When the vehicle is sold, the manual should remain in the car to furnish the next owner with a source of important information on operation, safety and maintenance procedures. This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information booklet (US models only). We recommend that you read this publication carefully. Your BMW is covered by the following warranties: — — — — — Detailed information on these warranties is contained in the Service and Warranty Information booklet. We wish you many miles of driving pleasure and satisfaction. BMW AG
New Vehicle Limited Warranty Limited Rust Perforation Warranty Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty Federal Emissions Performance Warranty California Emission Control System Limited Warranty
Notes on the Owner's Manual We have made every effort to ensure that you are able to find what you need in this Owner's Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way to find certain topics is by using the detailed index at the end. If you require an initial over- view of your vehicle, this can be found in the first chapter. The detailed table of contents immediately following the index is intended to arouse your curios- ity about your BMW and stimulate you to read about it. If at some time you wish to sell your BMW, remember to leave the Owner's Manual with the vehicle; consider it part of the vehicle. Should you have any further questions, your BMW Retailer will be glad to assist at any time.
© 1997 BMW AG Munich, Germany Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Munich. Order-No. 01 41 9 790 377
US VIII/97
Printed in Germany Printed on environment-friendly paper (recyclable and chlorine-free).Symbols used indicates notes you should defi- nitely read – for the sake of your own safety and the safety of others, and to avoid damages to your BMW. specific features of your vehicle. indicates the end of a block of infor-
special information on recycling.
indicates notes that alert you to
mation. indicates special equipment, country- specific equipment and optional extras.
indicates that you should study the relevant section of this Owner's Manual in connection with a particular part or assembly.
The individual vehicle In buying your BMW, you have de- cided in favor of a model with individu- alized equipment and fittings. This Owner's Manual describes all models and equipment that BMW offers within the same vehicle range. We hope you will understand that this manual describes equipment and fea- tures which you might not have chosen for your vehicle. You can easily recog- nize any differences, as all optional accessories are marked with an asterisk If your BMW features equipment which is not described in this Owner's Manual (e.g., car radio or telephone), (Supple- mentary) Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to read these manuals, too.
Status when going to press BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing development that is conceived to ensure that our vehicles continue to embody the highest quality standards combined with advanced, state-of-the- art technology. For this reason, it is possible that the features described in this Owner’s Manual could differ from those on your vehicle. We are unable to completely eliminate the possibility that errors might have occurred. We there- fore ask you to accept that no claims of a legal nature involving the specifica- tions, illustrations and descriptions can be considered.
Use unleaded gasoline only.
For your own safety Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% ox- ygen by weight (i.e. 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of co-solvent) will not void the applicable warranties with respect to defects in materials or workmanship. Field experience has indicated signifi- cant differences in fuel quality (i.e., volatility, composition, additives, etc.) among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. The use of poor-quality fuels may result in driving, starting and stalling problems espe- cially under certain environmental conditions, such as high ambient tem- perature and high altitude. Should you encounter problems while driving that you suspect could be related to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching to a recognized high- quality brand. Failure to comply with these recom- mendations may result in unscheduled maintenance. Follow the relevant safety rules when you are handling gasoline.
Important safety information! For your own safety, use genuine parts and accessories approved by BMW. When you purchase accessories tested and approved by BMW and Original BMW Parts, you simulta- neously acquire the assurance that they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure optimum performance when installed on your vehicle. BMW warrants these parts to be free from defects in material and work- manship. BMW will not accept any liability for damage resulting from installation of parts and accessories not approved by BMW. BMW cannot test every product from other manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a BMW safely and without risk to either the vehicle, its operation, or its occupants. Original BMW Parts, BMW Accesso- ries and other products approved by BMW, together with professional advice on using these items, are avail- able from all BMW Retailers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW approved accessories such as alarms, radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension components, brake dust shields, telephones (including operation of any portable cellular phone from within the vehicle without using an externally mounted antenna) or transceiver equipment (e.g., C.B., walkie-talkie, ham radio or similar) may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere with the vehicle’s electrical system or affect the validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. See your authorized BMW Retailer for additional information. Do not use key or remote control to lock doors or luggage compartment with anyone inside the car. "Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified automo- tive part."
The following only applies to vehicles owned and operated in the US.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of North America, Inc., P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone (201) 307-4000. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in indi- vidual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, Inc. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 202-366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
At a glance
Controls and features
Care and maintenance
Owner service procedure
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Contents
Cockpit 16
Instrument cluster 18
Indicator and warninglamps 20
Hazard warning system 22
Hazard warning triangle 22
First-aid kit 22
Refueling 23
Fuel specification 23
CARB OBD II interface 24
Tire inflation pressures 25Locks and security systems: Keys 30
Electronic immobilizing device 35
Doors 31
Trunk lid 33
Luggage compartment 34
Power windows 35
Sliding/tilt sunroof 36
Convertible top operation 37
Adjustments: Seats 43
Steering wheel 45
Mirrors 46
Passenger safety systems: Safety belts 47
Child restraint system 48
Installing child seats 49
Airbags 50
Child-safety locks 52
Rollover protection system –convertible 52
Driving: Steering/ignition lock 54
Starting the engine 54
Switching off the engine 55
Parking brake 56
Manual transmission 57
Automatic transmission 58
Turn signals/high beam 60
Wiper/washer system 61
Cruise control 62
Everything under control: Odometer 63
Tachometer 63
Energy control 63
Fuel gauge 64
Coolant temperature gauge 64
Service Interval Display 64
Multi-Information Display (MID) 66
Outside temperature displayand digital clock 68
Check Control 71
Check Control with outside temperature display and digital clock 74Onboard computer 77
Technology for driving comfort and safety: Automatic stability control plus traction (ASC+T) 84Special operating instructions: Break-in procedures 100
Driving notes 100
Catalytic converter 102
Antilock Brake System(ABS) 103
Disc brakes 104
Brake system 105
Winter driving 105
Roof-mounted luggage rack 107
Radio reception 108
Mobile phones 108
Hardtop – Convertible 109
Technical modificationsto the vehicle 110
Wheels and tires: Tire inflation pressures 111
Tire tread 111
Tire replacement 112
Interaxle tire changes 112
The right choice 113
Winter tires 114
Approved wheels and tires 11511
Under the hood: Hood 118
Engine compartment 120
Washer fluids 124
Engine oil 124
Coolant 127
Brake fluid 128
Power steering fluid 128
Vehicle Identification Number 129
Care and maintenance: The BMW MaintenanceSystem 130
Caring for your car 131
Cleaning and careof the convertible top 136
Vehicle storage 137
Contents
Lamps: Parking lamps/low beams 85
Instrument panel lighting 85
Foglamps 86
Interior lamps 86
Reading lamps 86
An inviting climate: Heated seats 87
Independent ventilationsystem 87
Automatic climate control 88
Cabin convenience: BMW Hi-Fi System 93
Glove compartment 93
Ashtray 94
Coin box, cup holder 94
Cigarette lighter 94
Center arm rest, rear 95
Through-loading system 95
Ski bag 95
Cargo loading 98Airbags 156
Automatic Stability Controlplus Traction (ASC+T) 156
Radio reception 157
Safety belt tensioner 157Engine specifications 160
Dimensions 161
Weights 163
Capacities 166
Electrical system 167
Drive belts 167Contents
Replacement procedures: Onboard tool kit 140
Windshield wiper blades 140
Lamps and bulbs 141
Master key withbattery lamp 145
Changing tires 146
Battery 149
Fuses 151
In case of electrical malfunction: Fuel filler door 152
Sliding/tilt sunroof 152
Assistance, giving and receiving: Jump-starting 153
Towing the vehicle 154
Towing 154Everything from A to Z 172
Owner service proceduresfrom A to Z 174
13
Cockpit 16
Instrument cluster 18
Indicator and warning lamps 20
Hazard warning system 22
Hazard warning triangle 22
First-aid kit 22
Refueling 23
Fuel specification 23
CARB OBD II interface 24
Tire inflation pressures 2515
At a glance
Controls and features
Care and maintenance
Owner service procedure
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
TO
16
Cockpit
Cockpit
1 Lamp switch 85
2 Foglamps 86
3 Horn, entire surface 4 Wiper/washer lever 61
5 Rear window defroster 91
6 Hazard warning system 22
62
7 Automatic cruise control 45
8 Adjust steering wheel 9 Turn signals, high beam headlampsand headlamp flasher 60
10 Engine hood unlocking device 118
17
18
Instrument cluster
13 Indicator lamps for
Foglamps 20
Emissions-related systems indicator 21 21
Rollover protection system 14 Trip odometer reset button 63Instrument cluster
1 Fuel gauge with low-fuel
warning lamp 64
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 20
3 Speedometer 4 Indicator and warning lamps forBattery charge current 20 High beams 20 Engine oil pressure 20
5 Tachometer 63
Energy control 63
6 Coolant temperature gauge 64
7 Indicator and warning lamps forBrake pad wear 20
Brake system hydraulics 21
Parking brake 21
Airbag 508 Indicator lamp for ASC+T 20
9 Indicator and warning lamps for 20Automatic transmission Warning lamp for Check Control 71
Please fasten seat belts ABS 2021
10 Trip odometer 63
11 Service Interval Display 64
12 Odometer 6319
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control plus Traction), yellow
s Goes out shortly after the igni-
tion is switched on: System OK.
Additional notes: Page 84
ABS (Antilock Brake System), yellowo Goes out after the engine has
started. If the lamp comes on during normal vehicle opera-
tion: ABS has been deactivated in response to a system malfunction. Con- ventional braking force remains unim- paired. Additional notes: Page 103
Brake pad wear, yellow# Lights up when starter is actu-
ated and goes out when the engine is started.
If the lamp comes on during normal vehicle operation: replace brake pads immediately. aUse only original BMW-approved brake pads otherwise the vehicle authorization is no longer valid.c
20
Indicator and warning lamps
Turn signal left/right, green
Engine oil pressure, red
Flashes when the turn signals are in operation.
Battery charge current, red
Goes out after the engine has started. If the lamp comes on during
normal vehicle operation: The battery is no longer being charged. Indicates a defect in the generator drive belt or the charging circuit. the coolant pump; overheating and potential engine damage would result. Contact your BMW Retailer. High beam, blue
If the V-belt is defective, do not run
l Lights up when the high beams
are switched on or the head- lamp flashers are activated.
w Goes out after the engine has
started. May come on briefly at idle when the engine is hot,
but must go out again at higher engine speed. If the lamp comes on during normal vehi- cle operation: stop vehicle and switch off engine immediately. Check engine oil level; if necessary, add oil. If oil level is correct: contact your BMW Retailer. Foglamps*, green
t Lights up whenever you switch
on the foglamps.
Airbags, red
p This lamp turns on for an oper-
ational check when you turn the ignition key to position 1. If, at the operation check, it does not go on, or goes on while driving, have it checked at your BMW Retailer. Additional notes: Page 50
Automatic transmission*, yellowO Goes out after the engine has
started. Additional notes: Page 58
Indicator and warning lamps
21
Please fasten safety belts*, red
q (With acoustic signal if the
driver’s belt is not buckled). Lights up briefly when the
ignition key is turned, and then goes out (in some models it goes out after you fasten safety belts). BMW Convertible Rollover Protection System*, yellow
; Goes out shortly after the igni-
tion is switched on: System OK.
Brake hydraulics, red
n Goes out after the engine has
started. If the lamp comes on during normal vehicle operation: low brake fluid. Additional notes: Page 128
Parking brake, redm Goes out after the engine has
started. Comes on when you engage the parking brake.
Additional notes: Page 56
Emissions-related systemsY Lamp goes out once engine
starts. If this indicator lamp lights up during normal vehicle operation, either continuously or intermittently, this indi- cates a fault in one of the emissions- related electronic circuits. Although the vehicle remains operational, you should have the systems checked by a BMW Retailer at the earliest possible opportu- nity.
22
Hazard warning system Hazard warning triangle* First aid kit*
The warning triangle can be stored in the luggage compartment in a storage shelf at the right for convenient access. aComply with legal requirements concerning the need to carry a warning triangle in the car.c
On the right in the luggage compart- ment, on a shelf. aSome of the items in the first-aid kit are suitable for use for a limited period only. Therefore you should regu- larly check the contents and replace defective articles. These are available in any pharmacy. Comply with legal requirements con- cerning the need to carry a first-aid kit in the car.c
The button flashes intermittently when the hazard warning lamps are on. The button is also illuminated whenever the vehicle lighting is switched on.
Refueling
Fuel specification
23
Unleaded gasoline only. Minimum octane requirement: 89 AKI BMW engines are equipped with knock sensors and automatically adapt to op- erate with fuels of different octane rat- ings, as long as the minimum octane requirement is met. Higher octane fuels will provide in- creased performance and fuel econ- omy, while the use of gasoline with a lower octane rating will have an adverse effect. aNever use leaded fuel, as it would cause permanent damage to both the catalytic converter and the engine-man- agement system’s oxygen sensors.c
AKI = Anti Knock Index
To unlock the filler door in the event of a central locking system failure, refer to page 152. aWhen handling fuel, comply with the safety regulations displayed by gas stations.c
24
CARB OBD II interface
The OBD II interface (data link connec- tor) is located beneath a cover panel (with the letters "OBD") near the foot support in the driver’s side footwell (arrow).
Tire inflation pressures
If the driver's door is open, the infla- tion pressures are also visible on the door pillar. Inflation pressures are indicated in psi (bar) with tires cold (ambient temperature). The inflation pressures apply to tires from BMW-approved manufacturers; your BMW Retailer will provide you with this information. Higher pres- sures may be required for tires from other manufacturers. aPeriodically check the inflation pressure – also of the spare tire – at least twice each month and before setting out on an extended trip. Failing this, incorrect tire pressure may ren- der the car unstable or cause tire damage resulting in an accident.c
Sedan models
BMW model
Tire sizes Inflation pressures are indicated in psi (bar)
185/65 R 15 88 Q, T M+S 185/65 R 15 88 T
205/60 R 15 91 H 225/55 R 15 92 V 225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S205/60 R 15 91 H 225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S318i
328i
See next page for additional models
BCBC
BCBC+C/$
29
(2.0)29
(2.2)35
(2.4)32
(2.2)36
(2.5)32
(2.2)44
(3.0)39
(2.7)29
(2.0)33
(2.3)33
(2.3)41
(2.8)25
26
Tire inflation pressures (cont.)
Coupe models
BMW model
Tire sizes Inflation pressures are indicated in psi (bar)
205/60 R 15 91 H 225/55 R 15 92 V 225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S185/65 R 15 88 Q M+S
205/60 R 15 91 H 225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S318is 323is
328is
See next page for additional models
BCBC
BCBC+C/$
29
(2.0)29
(2.0)29
(2.0)32
(2.2)35
(2.4)33
(2.3)32
(2.2)36
(2.5)33
(2.3)39
(2.7)44
(3.0)41
(2.8)Tire inflation pressures (cont.)
Convertible models
BMW model
Tire sizes Inflation pressures are indicated in psi (bar)
318i 323i
328i
205/60 R 15 91 H 225/55 R 15 92 V 225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S205/60 R 15 91 H 225/50 ZR 16
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S 225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S27
BC-max.
BCBC+$
29
(2.0)32
(2.2)32
(2.2)39
(2.7)29
(2.0)33
(2.3)33
(2.3)41
(2.8)28
Locks and security systems: Keys 30
Electronic vehicle immobilizer 30
Doors 31
Luggage compartment lid 33
Luggage compartment 34
Power windows 35
Sliding/tilt sunroof 36
Convertible top operation 37
Adjustments: Seats 43
Steering wheel 45
Mirrors 46
Passenger safety systems: Safety belts 47
Child restraint system 48
Installing child seats 49
Airbags 50
Child-safety locks 52
Rollover protection system –convertible 52
Driving: Steering/ignition lock 54
Starting the engine 54
Switching off the engine 55
Parking brake 56
Manual transmission 57
Automatic transmission 58
Turn signals/high beam 60
Wiper/washer system 61
Cruise control 62
Everything under control: Odometer 63
Tachometer 63
Energy control 63
Fuel gauge 64
Coolant temperature gauge 64
Service Interval Display 64
Multi-Information Display (MID) 66
Outside temperature displayand digital clock 68
Check Control 71
Check Control with outside temperature display and digital clock 74Onboard computer 77
Cabin convenience: BMW Hi-Fi System 93
Glove compartment 93
Ashtray 94
Coin box, cup holder 94
Cigarette lighter 94
Center arm rest, rear 95
Through-loading system 95
Ski bag 95
Cargo loading 98Technology for driving comfort and safety: Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T) 84
Lamps: Headlamp switch 85
Instrument panel lighting 85
Foglamps 86
Interior lamps 86
Reading lamps 86
An inviting climate: Heated seats 87
Independent ventilationsystem 87
Automatic climate control 88
29
At a glance
Controls and features
Care and maintenance
Owner service procedure
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
30
Keys
Electronic vehicle immobilizer
B M
B M
B M
B M
1 Master key with battery-powered
lamp (switch on by pressing the BMW symbol).
2 Master key without lamp. 3 Spare key to be kept in a safe place
e.g. in your wallet. This key is not intended for continuous use.
4 Door and ignition key
This key does not operate the locks for the glove compartment and the luggage compartment. This is useful e.g. at a hotel.
The electronic vehicle immobilization unit increases the anti-theft protection of your BMW – without additional adjustment or activation of systems. This electronic immobilization system is designed to reduce the susceptibility of the vehicle to theft by making it impos- sible to start the engine using any means other than the special keys fur- nished with the vehicle. The system features an electronic chip integrated within the key as a supple- ment to the conventional mechanical locking system. The lock mechanism itself is actually a dual-function device, simultaneously serving as a communications interface designed to allow the car security sys- tem to maintain a continuous stream of variable, vehicle-specific signals with the electronic circuitry in the key. The ignition, the flow of fuel and the starter are enabled only after the key has been recognized as "authorized". bExternal force can damage the electronic circuitry integrated in the key. Such a key can no longer be used to start the engine.c
Replacement of a key Replacement keys are available exclu- sively through your authorized BMW Retailer, who is also under obligation to request verification of vehicle owner- ship before issuing a substitute key. Your BMW Retailer can also cancel or restore the electronic system authoriza- tion for individual keys (e.g., if a key is lost). A deactivated key can no longer be used to start the engine. For US owners only The transmitter and receiver units com- ply with Part 15 of the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) Regula- tions. Operation is governed by the fol- lowing: FCC ID: LXBEWS As defined in the regulations, such a device is not to emit significant interfer- ence and must also be shielded against interference from external sources to prevent unauthorized or inadvertent activation. aAny unauthorized modifications or changes to these devices could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.c
Doors
Operating central locking system from outside the vehicle When the front doors are closed, the activation of a door lock or of the lug- gage compartment lock with a key unlocks or locks the following: d Doors d Luggage compartment d Fuel filler door d BMW Convertible: the glove com-
partment.
The double-lock system is engaged at the same time. Both the door locks and release handles remain locked.
aNever use the keys or the remote control* to lock an occupied vehicle, as it would then be impossible to unlock it from inside.c Convenience closing* for power win- dows and sliding/tilt sunroof: after clos- ing the doors, hold the key in the lock position to close the windows and slid- ing/tilt sunroof. The windows/sunroof stop moving immediately when you release the key. To be able to keep the closing system in view, convenience closing can only be activated via the driver's door lock for safety reasons, even on vehicles with remote control. Emergency lock operation (in the event of electrical failure) Turn the key to the end positions of the door lock to unlock/lock the respective door.
31
Activating the central locking system from inside the vehicle Pressing the lock button of a front door unlocks/locks the doors and luggage compartment, but does not arm the alarm system. bIf the vehicle is locked from the inside with this lock button, the fuel filler door remains unlocked to allow refueling. On the BMW Convertible, the glove compartment also remains un- locked to allow for its use. It is also possible to unlock the car from the inside by pulling on one of the front door handles.c To preclude accidental locking of the vehicle d it can not be locked with the lock
button when the driver's door is open
d the safety button of the passenger door activates the central locking system only when both front doors are locked.
