Contents A­Z Owner's Manual for the Vehicle. With a quick reference guide for your convenience. Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 024 - © 07/99 BMW AG 323i 328i Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 024 - © 07/99 BMW AG 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 driving your new car. It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maximum use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW. The manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to enhance 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 these publications thoroughly. Your BMW is covered by the following warranties: ­ New Vehicle Limited Warranty ­ Limited Warranty Rust Perforation ­ Emissions System Defect Warranty ­ Emissions Performance Warranty ­ California Emissions Control System Limited Warranty Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet (US models) and the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models). We wish you an enjoyable driving experience. BMW AG Preface Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 024 - © 07/99 BMW AG 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 initial overview of your vehicle, you will find this in the first chapter. The detailed list of contents that directly 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 remember to hand over this 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. Symbols used These sections contain vital information ­ please read the accompanying text passages carefully, for your safety, the safety of others and to prevent damage to your BMW.< These passages contain information on special and unique features of your vehicle.< Indicates special information on recycling.< < Indicates the end of a note. The individual vehicle On purchasing your BMW, you have decided in favor of a model with individualized equipment and features. This Owner's Manual describes all models and equipment that BMW offers within the same group. 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 accessories and special equipment are marked with an asterisk *. If your BMW features equipment which is not described in this Owner's Manual * Indicates special equipment, country- (car radio or telephone, for instance), specific equipment and optional extras. Supplementary Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to read these manuals as well. Indicates that you should consult the relevant section of this Owner's Manual for information on a specific part or assembly. Alerts you to functions that can be adjusted by your BMW center ("Car Memory" or "Key Memory"). Refer to page 53.< © 1999 BMW AG Munich, Germany Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Munich. Order number 01 41 0 155 024 US English IX/99 Printed in Germany Printed on environmentally friendly paper (bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling) Notes on the Owner's Manual Symbols used The individual vehicle 0 155 024 - © 07/99 BMW AG Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 5n 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. Status at time of printing Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 024 - © 07/99 BMW AG 6n For your own safety Important safety information! For your own safety, use genuine Use unleaded gasoline only. parts and accessories approved by Fuels containing up to 10% etha- BMW. nol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% When you purchase accessories tested oxygen by weight (i.e. 15% MTBE or and approved by BMW and Original 3% methanol plus an equivalent BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire amount of co-solvent) will not void the the assurance that they have been thorapplicable warranties with respect to oughly tested by BMW to ensure optidefects in materials or workmanship. mum performance when installed on Field experience has indicated signifiyour vehicle. cant differences in fuel quality (volatility, BMW warrants these parts to be free composition, additives, for example) from defects in material and workmanamong gasolines offered for sale in the ship. United States and Canada. The use of BMW will not accept any liability for poor-quality fuels may result in drivedamage resulting from installation of ability, starting and stalling problems, parts and accessories not approved by especially under certain environmental BMW. conditions, such as high ambient temBMW cannot test every product from perature and high altitude. other manufacturers to verify if it can be Should you encounter driveability prob- used on a BMW safely and without risk lems that you suspect could be related to either the vehicle, its operation, or its to the fuel you are using, we recomoccupants. mend that you respond by switching Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories to a recognized high-quality brand. and other products approved by BMW, Failure to comply with these recomtogether with professional advice on mendations may result in unscheduled using these items, are available from all maintenance. BMW centers. Follow the relevant safety rules when you are handling gasoline.< 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 (such as C.B., walkietalkie, 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 BMW center for additional information. Do not use a key or remote control to lock the doors or luggage compartment with anyone inside the car. See page 34 for more details. "Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified automotive part."< For your own safety Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 024 - © 07/99 BMW AG 7n The following only applies 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 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. REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 024 - © 07/99 BMW AG 8n Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 024 - © 07/99 BMW AG 9n Owner service procedures Technology Repairs Index Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 024 - © 07/99 BMW AG Advanced technology Technical data Data Index Car care Operation, care and maintenance Controls Controls and features Overview Overview 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 26 Tire inflation pressure 27 Locks and security systems: 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 41 Alarm system 42 Electric power windows 44 Sliding/Tilt sunroof 45 Adjustments: Seats 47 Seat and mirror memory 50 Steering wheel 51 Mirrors 52 Car Memory, Key Memory 53 Passenger safety systems: Safety belts 54 Child restraint systems 55 Child-safety locks 56 Airbags 56 Child restraints 59 Installing a child restraint system 60 Driving: Steering/Ignition lock 61 Starting the engine 61 Switching off the engine 62 Parking brake 63 Manual transmission 64 Automatic transmission with Steptronic 65 Turn signal indicator/Headlamp flasher 68 Wiper/Washer system/Rain sensor 68 Rear window defroster 70 Cruise control 71 Everything under control: Odometer 73 Tachometer 73 Energy Control 73 Fuel gauge 74 Temperature gauge 74 Service Interval Display 74 Check Control 75 Clock 75 Onboard computer 76 Technology for safety and convenience: Park Distance Control (PDC) 78 Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 79 Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 80 Controls and features Overview Contents Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 024 - © 07/99 BMW AG 11n Controlling the climate for pleasant driving: Automatic climate control 86 Seat heating 91 Roller sun blind 91 Interior conveniences: HiFi system 92 Glove compartment 92 Storage compartments 93 Cellular phones 95 Ashtray, front 95 Cigarette lighter 96 Ashtray, rear 96 Loading and transporting: Through-loading system 97 Ski bag 98 Cargo loading 99 Roof-mounted luggage rack 100 Operation, care and maintenance Controls and features Lamps: Parking lamps/Headlamps 82 Dash lighting 82 High beams/Parking lamps 83 Fog lamps 83 Interior lamps 83 Reading lamps 84 Special operating instructions: Break-in procedures 104 Driving notes 104 Catalytic converter 105 Antilock Brake System (ABS) 106 Disc brakes 108 Brake system 109 Winter operation 110 Power steering 111 Cellular phones 112 Radio reception 112 Wheels and tires: Tire inflation pressures 113 Tire condition 113 Tire replacement 114 Tire rotation 115 Wheel and tire combinations 116 Winter tires 117 Snow chains 117 Approved wheel and tire specifications 118 Under the hood: Hood 120 Engine compartment 122 Washer fluids 124 Washer nozzles 124 Engine oil 125 Coolant 128 Brake fluid 129 Vehicle Identification Number 130 Care and maintenance: The BMW Maintenance System 131 Caring for your car 132 Airbags 137 Vehicle storage 137 Laws and regulations: Technical modifications to the vehicle 138 OBD interface socket 139 Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 024 - © 07/99 BMW AG Contents Owner service procedures Advanced technology Replacement procedures: Onboard tool kit 142 Windshield wiper blades 142 Lamps and bulbs 142 Changing a wheel 149 Battery 152 Fuses 154 Microfilter 155 In case of electrical malfunction: Fuel filler door 156 Sliding/Tilt sunroof 156 Assistance, giving and receiving: Jump-starting 157 Towing the vehicle 158 Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) 162 Airbags 163 Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 163 Radio reception 164 Safety belt tensioner 164 Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimming feature 165 Rain sensor 166 Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 167 Self-diagnostics 168 Xenon lamps 169 Technical data Engine data 172 Dimensions 173 ...