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Owner's Manual for the Vehicle. With a quick reference guide for your convenience.


323Ci


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. We therefore 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 vehicle. It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maxi- mum use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW. The manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to en- hance operating safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your BMW throughout an extended service life. This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important operating, safety and maintenance information. This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet (US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly. Your BMW is covered by the following warranties: – New Vehicle Limited Warranty – Limited Warranty Rust Perforation – Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty – Federal Emissions Performance Warranty – California Emission Control System Limited Warranty Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). We wish you an enjoyable driving experience. BMW AG


Preface


4n


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 wish to gain only an ini- tial overview of your vehicle, you will find this in the first chapter. The detailed list of contents that di- rectly follows the summary of contents is intended to stimulate your curiosity regarding your BMW and to encourage you to read the manual. Should you wish to sell your BMW at some time in the future, please remem- ber to hand over the Owner's Manual to the new owner; it is part of the vehicle. Should you have any further questions, your BMW center will be glad to assist at any time.


© 2000 BMW AG Munich, Germany Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Munich. Part number 01 41 0 155 048
US Englisch I/00
Printed in Germany Printed on environmentally friendly paper (bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling)


Symbols used


These sections contain vital infor- mation – please read the accom- panying text passages carefully, both for your own safety and to prevent damage to your BMW.


indicates notes that alert you to specific features of your vehicle.


Indicates special information on recycling.


Indicates the end of a note.


Indicates special equipment, coun- try-specific equipment and optional extras.


Alerts you to functions that can be adjusted by your BMW center ("Car Memory" or "Key Memory"). Refer to page 60.


The individual vehicle On purchasing your BMW, you have decided in favor of a model with individ- ualized equipment and features. This Owner's Manual describes all models and equipment that BMW offers within the same range. We hope you will understand that equipment and features are included which you might not have chosen for your vehicle. Any differences can easily be identified, since all optional acces- sories and special equipment are marked with an asterisk If your BMW features equipment which is not described in this Owner's Manual (car radio or telephone, for instance), Supplementary Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to read these manuals as well.


Notes Symbols The individual vehicle


Status at time of printing BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing development that is conceived to ensure that our vehicles continue to embody the highest quality and safety 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. Nor can errors and omissions be entirely ruled out. You are therefore asked to appreciate that no legal claims can be entertained on the basis of the data, illustrations or descriptions in this Owner's Manual.


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Status at time of printing


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For your own safety


Important safety information.


Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels containing up to and including


10% ethanol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight (i.e. 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equiva- lent amount of co-solvent) will not void the applicable warranties respecting defects in materials or workmanship. Field experience has indicated signifi- cant differences in fuel quality (volatility, composition, additives, for example) among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. The use of poor-quality fuels may result in drive- ability, starting and stalling problems, especially under certain environmental conditions, such as high ambient tem- perature and high altitude. Should you encounter driveability prob- lems which you suspect could be re- lated to the fuel you are using, we rec- ommend 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.


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 simultaneously acquire the assurance that they have been thor- oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti- mum performance when installed on your vehicle. BMW warrants these parts to be free from defects in material and workman- ship. BMW will not accept any liability for damage resulting from installation of parts and accessories not approved by BMW. BMW cannot test every product made by 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 Accessories and other products approved by BMW, together with professional advice on using these items, are available from all BMW centers.


Installation and operation of non-BMW approved accessories such as alarms, radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension components, brake dust shields, telephones (including op- eration of any portable cellular phone from within the vehicle without using an externally mounted antenna) or trans- ceiver equipment (such as C.B., walkie- talkie, ham radio or similar devices) 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 War- ranty. See your authorized BMW center for additional information.


Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control de- vices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified auto- motive part.


Symbol for vehicle parts


Denotes vehicle parts for which you should consult this Owner's


Manual.


For your own safety


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The following applies only to vehicles owned and operated in the US.


REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS


If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that 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 individual 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 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.


Reporting safety defects


8n


9n


Overview


Controls and features


Operation, care and maintenance


Owner service procedures


Advanced technology


Technical data


Index


Contents


Cockpit 16
Instrument cluster 18
Indicator and warning lamps 20
Multifunction steering wheel


(MFL) 24


Hazard warning flashers 25
Warning triangle 25
First-aid kit 25
Refueling 26
Fuel specifications 27
Tire inflation pressure 27


Opening and closing: Keys 32
Electronic vehicle immobilizer 33


Central locking system 34
Opening and closing – from


outside 34


Opening and closing – from


inside 38


Luggage compartment lid 39
Luggage compartment 40
Alarm system 42
Electric power windows 44
Manual convertible top 45
The fully automatic convertible


top 49


Wind deflector 51


Adjustments: Seats 53
Seat and mirror memory 57
Steering wheel 58
Mirrors 58
Car Memory, Key Memory 60


Passenger safety systems: Safety belts 61
ISOFIX Attachment of the


child seat 62


Airbags 63
Child restraints 66
Installing a child restraint


system 67


Rollover protection system 68


Driving: Steering/Ignition lock 70
Starting the engine 70
Switch off the engine 71
Parking brake 72
Manual transmission 73
Automatic transmission with


Steptronic 74


Turn signal indicator/


Headlamp flasher 77
Washer/Wiper system/


Rain sensor 77


Rear window defroster 79
Cruise control 80


Everything under control: Odometer 82
Tachometer 82
Energy Control 82
Fuel gauge 83
Coolant temperature gauge 83
Service Interval Display 83
Check Control 84
Clock 84
Onboard computer 85


Technology for safety and driving convenience: Park Distance Control (PDC) 87
Dynamic Stability Control


(DSC) 88


Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 89


Contents


Lamps: Parking lamps/Low beams 91
Instrument lighting 91
High beams/Parking lamps 92
Fog lamps 92
Interior lamps 92
Reading lamps 93


Controlling the climate for pleasant driving: Automatic climate control 94
Seat heating 99


Cabin convenience: Glove compartment 99
BMW Universal


Transmitter* 100


Storage compartments 102
Cellular phone 103
Ashtray front 103
Cigarette lighter 104
Ashtray rear 104


Loading and transporting: Ski bag 105
Cargo loading 106
Luggage rack for the


hardtop 108


Special operating instructions: Break-in procedures 112
Driving notes 113
Catalytic converter 113
Antilock Brake System


(ABS) 114


Disc brakes 116
Brake system 117
Winter operation 118
Power steering 120
Cellular phone 120
Radio reception 120
Hardtop 121


Wheels and tires: Tire inflation pressure 123
Tire condition 123
Tire replacement 124
Tire rotation 125
Wheel and tire


combinations 126


Winter tires 127
Snow chains 127
Approved wheel and tire


specifications 128


11n


Under the hood: Hood 129
Engine compartment 130
Washer fluids 132
Washer nozzles 132
Engine oil 133
Coolant 135
Brake fluid 136
Vehicle Identification


Number 137


Care and maintenance: The BMW Maintenance


System 138


Caring for your vehicle 139
Cleaning and caring for your


convertible top 144


Airbags 146
Vehicle storage 147


Laws and regulations: Technical modifications to the


vehicle 148


OBD interface socket 149


Contents


Replacement procedures: Onboard tool kit 152
Windshield wiper blades 152
Lamps and bulbs 152
Changing a wheel 159
Battery 162
Fuses 165


In case of electrical malfunction: Fuel filler door 165
Fully automatic convertible


top 166


Assistance, giving and receiving: Jump-starting 168
Towing the vehicle 169


Engine data 182
Dimensions 183
Weights 184
Capacities 185
Electrical system 186
Drive belts 186


Adaptive Transmission Control


(ATC) 172
Airbags 173
Dynamic Stability Control


(DSC) 173


Radio reception 174
Safety belt tensioner 174
Interior rearview mirror with


automatic dimmer 175


Rain sensor 176
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 177
Self-diagnostics 178
Rollover protection system 179
Xenon lamp 179


Everything from A to Z 190
Owner service procedures 196


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14n


Cockpit 16
Instrument cluster 18
Indicator and warning lamps 20
Multifunction steering wheel


(MFL) 24


Hazard warning flashers 25
Warning triangle 25
First-aid kit 25
Refueling 26
Fuel specifications 27
Tire inflation pressure 27


15n


Overview


Controls and features


Operation, care and maintenance


Owner service procedures


Advanced technology


Technical data


Index


Overview


16n


Cockpit


Cockpit


1 Parking lamps/Low beams 91


Turn signals indicators 77
Parking lamps 92
High beams 92
Headlamp flasher 77
Onboard computer


85
3 Washer/Wiper system 77
4 Shift lever/Selector lever


73


For vehicles equipped with manual transmission: to engage reverse gear, press the lever to the left and overcome the slight resistance you will encounter


5 Hazard warning flashers 25
6 Central locking system 34
7 Rear window defroster 79
8 Horn: the entire surface 9 Adjusting steering wheel 58
10 Fog lamps 92


17n


18n


Instrument cluster


9 Program display for automatic


transmission Indicator lamp for automatic transmission


22, 76


76


10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability


Control (DSC) 22


11 Display for


Odometer 82
Trip odometer 82
Clock 84
Service Interval 83


Display for onboard computer operation via the turn signal lever, refer to page 85:


Clock Outside temperature Average fuel consumption Cruising range Average speed


12 Display for Check Control 84
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero 82


14 Indicator and warning lamps


19n


(clockwise) for


Fog lamps 23
Add washer fluid 22
Coolant level 23
Electronic Engine Power Control (EML) Engine 22


23


You can display the outside tem- perature and distance driven in


different units of measurement.


Instrument cluster


1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp


for fuel reserve 83


2 Turn signal indicator lamp 23
3 Speedometer 4 Indicator lamp for


Battery charge current 20
High beams 23
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil level 20, 22


5 Tachometer and Energy Control 82
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge with "Coolant temperature too high" indicator 83


7 Indicator and warning lamps


(clockwise) for


Parking brake/Brake hydraulic system/Cornering Brake Control (CBC) 20
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 22 Brake pads 22
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) Rollover protection system 68
Airbags 21
Please fasten safety belts 21
Cruise control 23


20, 22


8 Reset button for


Clock 84


20n


Indicator and warning lamps


" are tested for


Technology that monitors itself Many of the systems of your BMW monitor themselves automatically, both during engine starts and while you are driving. Indicator and warning lamps that are identified by " proper functioning whenever the igni- tion key is turned. 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 will light up while the vehicle is mov- ing. You will see how to react to this below.


Tire Pressure Control (RDC)* l In addition, an acoustic will go off: a tire failure has occurred. Reduce vehicle speed immediately to stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake ap- plications. Do not oversteer. For additional information, refer to page 89.


Brake hydraulic system l If the lamp comes on when the parking brake is not engaged,


check the brake fluid level. Before driv- ing further, be sure to read the notes on pages 117 and 136.


Brake warning lamp for Cana- dian models.


Red: stop immediately


Battery charge The battery is no longer being charged. There is a malfunction of the alternator V-belt or in the charg- ing circuit of the alternator. Please con- tact the nearest BMW center.


If the ribbed V-belt is defective, do not continue driving. The engine could be damaged due to overheating. If the V-belt is defective, increased steering effort is also required.<


Engine oil pressure l Stop the vehicle immediately and switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level and refill as required. If the oil level is correct, please contact the nearest BMW center.


Do not continue driving. If you do so, the engine could be damaged


because of inadequate lubrication.<


Indicator and warning lamps


21n


Yellow: stop immediately


Engine oil level Comes on while driving: Stop the vehicle immediately


and switch off the engine. The oil level is at the absolute minimum. For additional information, refer to page 133.


Do not continue driving until you have refilled the engine oil. If you continue to drive, the engine could be damaged because of inadequate lubrication.<


Red and yellow: continue driving cautiously


Cornering Brake Control (CBC) l If the brake warning lamp comes on together with the yel- low indicator lamps for ABS and DSC: The entire ABS, CBC and DSC control system has failed. Con-


tinue driving cautiously and defensively. Avoid hard brake applications. Please have the system checked by your BMW center as soon as possible. For additional information, refer to pages 88, 115.


CBC, ABS and DSC indicator and warning lamps for Canadian models.


Red: an important reminder


Parking brake Comes on when the parking brake is applied – an additional


acoustic signal sounds when starting off. For additional information, refer to page 72.


Brake warning lamp for Cana- dian models.


Please fasten safety belts l An acoustic warning signal sounds at the same time. Lights up for a few seconds or until the safety belt is fastened. For additional information on safety belts, refer to page 61.


Airbags l Please have the system in- spected by your authorized


BMW center. For additional information, refer to pages 63, 173.


22nIndicator and warning lamps


Orange: consult the nearest BMW center


Automatic transmission* Because of a malfunction, the automatic transmission shifts


only in the emergency program. Please consult the nearest BMW center. For additional information, refer to page 76.


Yellow: check as soon as possible


Antilock Brake System (ABS) l ABS has been deactivated in response to system malfunction. Conventional braking efficiency is avail- able without limitations. Please have the system inspected by your BMW center. For additional information, refer to page 115.


ABS warning lamp for Canadian models.


Engine oil level Comes on after the engine has been switched off: check the


engine oil level. For additional information, refer to page 133.


Brake pads l Have the brake pads checked. For additional information, refer


to page 117.


Tire Pressure Control (RDC)* l Check the tire pressure. For additional information, refer


to pages 27 and 89.


Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) l DSC has been deactivated in response to system malfunction or by means of the button. In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked by your BMW center. For additional information, refer to page 88.


Add washer fluid The washer fluid is too low. Top off the fluid at the earliest op-


portunity. For additional information, refer to page 132.


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. Al- though the vehicle remains operational, you should have the systems checked by your BMW center at the earliest pos- sible opportunity. For additional information, refer to page 149.


"Service Engine Soon" warning lamp for Canadian models.


Indicator and warning lamps


23n


Engine Power Control (EML)* l Malfunction in the EML. Please have the system inspected by


your BMW center.


Green: for your information


Blue: for your information


Turn signal indicators Flashes when the turn signal indicators are operated. Rapid


High beams Lights up when the high beams are on or the headlamp flasher


Add coolant The coolant level is too low. Top off the coolant at the earliest op-


flashing indicates a system malfunction. For additional information, refer to page 77.


is actuated. For additional information, refer to pages 77, 92.


portunity. For additional information, refer to page 135.


Cruise control Lights up when the cruise con- trol is activated. Available for


operation via the multifunction steering wheel. For additional information, refer to page 80.


Fog lamps Lights up whenever you switch on the fog lamps.


For additional information, refer to page 92.


24nMultifunction steering wheel (MFL)


The buttons integrated in the multifunc- tion steering wheel are provided so that you can operate a number of accesso- ries quickly and without being distracted from traffic conditions. You can operate: > selected radio functions > the cruise control > selected cellular phone functions.


In order to operate a system via the MFL, the corresponding sys-


tems must be switched on.<


1 Radio/Cellular phone: select 2 Cellular phone: receive a call, start


6 Horn: the entire surface 7 Cruise control: activate stored


dialing, terminate a call


setting (resume)


3 Radio/Cellular phone: volume 4 Radio/Cellular phone: scan backward


or station buttons or scroll through the phone listings


5 Radio/Cellular phone: scan forward or station buttons or scroll through the phone listings


8 Cruise control: store and accele- rate (+); decelerate and store (–)


9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/


cancel.


Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle*


First-aid kit*


25n


For easy access, the hazard warning triangle is stored in the onboard tool kit in the luggage compartment lid. To open it, loosen the wing nut screw.


Comply with legal requirements for keeping a hazard warning


triangle in the vehicle.<


The button flashes intermittently when the hazard flashers are on. To help you locate the button in an emergency, the button is also illumi- nated whenever the vehicle's lamps are on.


The turn signal indicator function takes priority over the hazard


warning flasher function. This means that with the ignition key in position 1, you can still use the turn signal indica- tor funtion, even if the hazard warning flashers are being used at the same time.<


The first-aid kit is located under the passenger seat. To open: press the button (arrow) and fold the lid downward. To close: fold the lid up until it audibly engages.


Some of the articles in the first-aid kit may be used within a limited time only. For this reason, check the expiration dates of each of the items regularly, and replace any with passed dates. You can purchase replacements in any drugstore or pharmacy. Comply with legal requirements for keeping a first-aid kit in the vehicle.<


26nRefueling


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 Service Engine Soon lamp.<


Fuel filler door


Before filling the tank, shut off the engine. If you do not, fuel cannot


flow into the tank and the "Service Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<


Simple and environmentally friendly


Open the filler cap carefully to prevent fuel from spraying out.


Fuel spray may cause injury.<


Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler door to open and close it. To unlock the filler door if the central locking system malfunctions, refer to page 165.


When handling fuels, comply with all of the applicable safety precau- tions and regulations pertaining to fuels. 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.<


Place (or put) the filler cap in the bracket 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 refueling > results in premature pump shutoff > and will reduce the effect of the vapor


recovery system on the pump.


The fuel tank will be full whenever the filler nozzle has been used properly and shuts off the first time. Tank capacity: refer to page 185.


Fuel specifications


Tire inflation pressure


27n


Check tire inflation pressures reg- ularly – at least every two weeks


and before beginning a longer trip. Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure can lead to driving instability or to tire dam- age and accidents. Check the tire pressure in the space- saver tire as well.<


Use unleaded gasoline only. Recommended fuel: premium with a minimum octane rating of 91 AKI. BMW engines are equipped with knock sensors and will adapt automatically to different octane ratings, provided that the minimum octane requirement (87 AKI) is met. Fuels with higher octane ratings will provide enhanced performance and lower fuel consumption, while the use of fuels with low octane ratings will have the opposite effect.


Do not use leaded fuels. The use of leaded fuels will cause perma- nent damage to the system's oxygen sensor and the catalytic converter.<


AKI = Anti Knock Index


You will find the inflation pressures on the inside door pillar (visible with door open).


Check tire pressures All pressure specifications are stated in psi (kilopascal) with cold tires (cold = ambient temperature). Refer to the next page as well. For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control (RDC)*: After correcting the tire inflation pres- sure, reactivate the system. Refer to page 89.


28nTire inflation pressure


Observe tire approval specifications The inflation pressures in the table ap- ply to tires made by BMW-approved manufacturers. Your BMW center is familiar with these pressures. Higher pressures may be specified for tires made by other manufacturers. Ap- proved tire sizes are listed on page 128. Your vehicle is equipped with tires that meet US and European standards. We recommend the exclusive use of BMW-approved tires.


BMW


323Ci


Tires All pressure specifications in the table are indicated in psi (kilopascal) with cold tires (cold = ambient temperature) All summer tires as well as extra-load tires Winter tires Space-saver tire


30 (220) 33 (230) 36 (250) 44 (300)


33 (230) 36 (250) 39 (270) 46 (320)


61 (420)


For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires.


29n


30n


Opening and closing: Keys 32
Electronic vehicle immobilizer 33
Central locking system 34
Opening and closing – from


outside 34


Opening and closing – from


inside 38


Luggage compartment lid 39
Luggage compartment 40
Alarm system 42
Electric power windows 44
Manual convertible top 45
The fully automatic


convertible top 49


Wind deflector 51


Adjustments: Seats 53
Seat and mirror memory 57
Steering wheel 58
Mirrors 58
Car Memory, Key Memory 60


Passenger safety systems: Safety belts 61
ISOFIX Attachment of


the child seat 62


Airbags 63
Child restraints 66
Installing a child restraint


system 67


Rollover protection system 68


Controls


Driving: Steering/Ignition lock 70
Starting the engine 70
Switching off the engine 71
Parking brake 72
Manual transmission 73
Automatic transmission with


Steptronic 74


Turn signal indicator/Headlamp


flasher 77


Washer/Wiper system/


Rain sensor 77


Rear window defroster 79
Cruise control 80


Everything under control: Odometer 82
Tachometer 82
Energy Control 82
Fuel gauge 83
Coolant temperature gauge 83
Service Interval Display 83

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