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BMW E32 User Manual

BMW E32
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BMW E32 Owner’s Handbook
©Copyright 2004 Odd-Jarle Kristoffersen http://ow.no/
Compiled to Acrobat Format by Odd-Jarle Kristoffersen
Based on scanned materials from Paul Dean @ The UK Register
Please visit http://ow.no/
for BMW E32 Tech Tips
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BMW E32 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandBMW
ModelE32
CategoryAutomobile
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Important Information for Your Safety

Adding Fuel and Fuel Grades

Fuel Grades

Specifications for unleaded and leaded fuel for different engine types.

Main Controls Overview

Keys

Description of master key, spare key, and door/ignition key functions.

Central Locking System Operation

Operation of central locking, thiefproofing, and emergency functions.

Luggage Compartment Operation

Safety Locking for Luggage Compartment

Details on the safety locking mechanism for the luggage compartment.

Childproof Rear Door Locks

Explanation of the childproof lock mechanism for rear doors.

Infrared Remote Control System

Transmitter Initialization and Key Blade Changing

Procedures for setting up new transmitters and replacing key blades.

Seat and Headrest Adjustments

Seat Back and Height Adjustment

Manual adjustments for seat recline and height.

Seat and Mirror Memory System

How to program and select preferred seat and mirror positions.

Steering Column and Seat Belt Systems

Lumbar Support and Steering Column Adjustment

Details on lumbar support adjustment and steering wheel positioning.

Seat Belt Usage and Safety

Proper use of seat belts and important safety considerations.

Airbag Restraint System

Airbag System Operation and Warning Lights

Information on the airbag system, its function, and warning lights.

Mirrors and Sun Visors

Operation of interior and exterior mirrors, including automatic-dip and sun visors.

Ignition, Lighting, and Instrument Cluster

Ignition Switch and Steering Lock

Understanding the ignition switch, starting positions, and steering lock.

Main Light Switch and Instrument Lighting

How to operate headlights and adjust instrument panel illumination.

Turn Indicator and Beam Lever Operation

Using the turn signals, parking lights, and headlight beam controls.

Wipers, Horn, and Driver Information Displays

Wash/Wipe System Controls

How to use intermittent, normal, and fast wiper speeds, plus washer functions.

Energy Control and Revolution Counter

Understanding fuel consumption indicators and engine speed readings.

Fuel, Coolant, and Service Indicators

Fuel Gauge and Coolant Temperature

Interpreting the fuel gauge and coolant temperature readings.

Service Indicator Functionality

Understanding the service indicator lights and their meaning.

Telltale and Warning Lamps Guide

Explanation of various warning lights on the instrument panel.

Check Control System Operation

Check Control Priority Levels and Operation

Understanding fault priorities and how to interact with the Check Control display.

Fog Lights and Hazard Warning Flashers

Manual Gearbox Operation

Instructions for using the manual gearbox, including selecting gears and reverse.

Automatic Transmission and Shift Programs

Automatic Transmission Selector Lever

Understanding the positions of the automatic transmission selector lever.

Shift Program Selection (E, S, M)

How to select and use the Economy, Sports, and Manual shift programs.

Drive Modes and Special Conditions

Explanations for D, 3, 2, 1 gear selections and conditions like skidding.

Climate Control - Heating and Ventilation

Heating and Ventilation Controls

Controls for adjusting cabin temperature, airflow, and distribution.

Stratified Temperatures for Comfort

Achieving personalized comfort with separate temperature zones for front passengers.

Air Conditioning System Operation

Automatic Air Distribution and Recirculation

How the system automatically controls airflow and manages interior air quality.

Air Conditioning and Defrosting Controls

Operating the air conditioning and maximum defrost functions.

Electronic Damping and Stability Control Systems

EDC - Electronic Damping Control

Adjusting the damping control for comfort or sport settings.

ASC Automatic Stability Control Functions

How ASC prevents wheel spin and maintains traction during acceleration and cornering.

ASC System Malfunction Indicators

What to do when ASC system malfunction lights appear.

Interior Lighting and Convenience Features

Interior Light and Footwell Light Operation

How interior lights and footwell lights function automatically or manually.

Analog Clock and Ashtray Operation

How to set the analog clock and empty the ashtrays.

Glove Box and Other Storage

Accessing and using the glove box and other storage compartments.

Electric Windows, Sunroof, and Seat Heating

Electric Window Lifts and Safety Switch

Operating electric windows and the safety switch for rear windows.

Sliding/Vent Roof Operation

Manual and automatic operation of the sliding or vent sunroof.

Seat Heating and Rear Sun Blinds

Using the electric seat heating and rear window sun blind.

Heater/Ventilation System Programming

Time Switch for Independent Heater/Ventilation

How to set times for the independent heater/ventilation system.

Independent Heater/Ventilation System Notes

Important operational details and recommendations for the auxiliary heating system.

On-Board Computer and Remote Control

On-Board Computer Functions Overview

Key functions and readiness of the on-board computer system.

Remote Control Information Display

How the remote control interacts with the instrument panel display.

Cruise Control and Parking Assistance

Automatic Cruise Control Operation

Steps for setting, adjusting, and switching off the cruise control system.

Park Distance Control System

How the parking distance sensors work and alert the driver.

On-Board Computer Data Input and Information Displays

Time, Date, and Consumption Data Input

How to input time, date, and average fuel consumption values.

Range, Speed, and Temperature Displays

How to view fuel range, average speed, and outside temperature.

Stopwatch and Heater/Ventilation Timer Input

Using the stopwatch and setting times for the auxiliary heating system.

On-Board Computer Information Functions

Distance to Destination and Arrival Time

Inputting destination distance and estimating arrival time.

Speed Limit Warning and Immobiliser Code

Setting speed limits and using the car's immobiliser code.

Further On-Board Computer Information

Details on temperature warnings, timer functions, and speed limit input.

Ski Bag and Anti-Theft Alarm Systems

Ski Bag Usage and Loading

How to use and load the ski bag for safe transport of skis.

Acoustic Signal Burglar Alarm Operation

How the alarm system activates and its various functions and sensors.

Alarm System with Interior Protection

Details on the alarm system with interior protection and tilt sensor.

Car Radio Operation and Reception

Radio Reception Quality Factors

Factors affecting radio signal strength and sound quality.

FM Reception and Stereo Transmissions

Tips for optimal FM reception and stereo signal quality.

Starting the Engine and Energy-Conscious Driving

Engine Starting Procedures

Proper procedures for starting the engine under various conditions.

Energy-Conscious Driving Tips

Advice on driving style to improve fuel economy.

Catalyst Models and Engine Operation

Information on catalytic converters, fuel, and engine behavior.

Running-In Procedures and Additional Tips

Running-In Guidelines for New Vehicles

Recommended practices for initial driving to ensure longevity.

Tyre and Brake Running-In Procedures

Recommended practices for new tyres and brakes to ensure longevity.

Handbrake Operation and Driving Tips

Proper use of the handbrake and practical advice for driving.

Engine Compartment Access and Components

Engine Compartment Lid and Light

How to open the engine lid and the function of the compartment light.

Maker's Plate and Vehicle Identification

Location and importance of the car's identification plates.

Principal Engine Compartment Components

Identification of key parts located in the engine compartment.

Engine Compartment Components and Fluid Checks

Engine Oil Consumption and Adding Oil

Understanding oil consumption and how to properly add engine oil.

Engine Oil Level Checking and Specifications

Procedures for checking engine oil level and specifications.

Engine Oil Specifications and Fluid Checks

Engine Oil Specifications and Viscosity Grades

Recommended engine oil types and viscosity grades based on temperature.

Steering Hydraulics and Automatic Transmission Oil

Checking the oil levels for steering hydraulics and automatic transmission.

Power Steering and Self-Levelling Suspension Oil

Procedures for checking power steering and self-levelling suspension fluid levels.

Brake Fluid and Coolant Level Checks

Brake Fluid Reservoir and Maintenance

Checking the brake fluid level and its hygroscopic nature.

Coolant Level and Cooling System Maintenance

Checking coolant level and requirements for antifreeze and inhibitors.

Cleaning System Fluid Reservoirs and Jets

Windscreen and Intensive Cleaning System

Locations and filling procedures for windscreen and intensive cleaning fluids.

Headlight and Fog Light Cleaning System

Information on headlight cleaning fluid reservoirs and jet adjustments.

Battery Maintenance and Fuse Checks

Battery Care and Important Safety Notes

Information on battery maintenance, safety precautions, and handling.

Fuses and Fuse Box Operation

How to check fuses, replace blown ones, and locate the fuse box.

Battery Removal and Installation

Procedures for safely removing and installing the car battery.

Jump-Starting and Towing Procedures

Starting with a Flat Battery

How to jump-start a car using another vehicle's battery.

Towing Facilities and Safety

Guidelines for using towing eyes and tow ropes/straps safely.

Tow-Starting and Towing Away Procedures

Instructions for tow-starting and towing the vehicle, including automatic transmission.

Vehicle Maintenance and Wheel Changing

First Aid Box and Fire Extinguisher

Location and maintenance of the first aid kit and fire extinguisher.

Wheel Changing Procedure

Step-by-step guide for changing a wheel, using the jack and tools.

Car Jack, Wheel Stud Wrench, and Wheel Chock

Location and usage of essential tools for wheel changing.

Brake System and Steering Operation

Lockable Wheel Studs

Operation of lockable wheel studs and recommendations for their use.

Brake System Warnings and Failure Modes

What different brake system warning lights and failures signify.

Power Steering and Self-Levelling Suspension

Troubleshooting power steering issues and understanding self-levelling suspension.

Headlight and Lighting System Maintenance

Low and High Beam Headlight Bulb Replacement

Instructions for changing bulbs in low and high beam headlights.

Parking, Side, and Fog Light Bulb Replacement

How to change bulbs for parking, side, and fog lights.

Turn Indicator and Rear Light Cluster Bulb Replacement

Procedures for replacing bulbs in front indicators and rear light clusters.

Vehicle Storage and Restoration Procedures

Laying Up a Car Out of Use

Recommended maintenance before storing the vehicle to prevent damage.

Restoring a Car to Use

Steps to take when bringing a stored car back into regular operation.

Winter Operation and Driving Preparations

Winter Operation and Coolant Checks

Precautions for winter driving and checking coolant antifreeze levels.

Winter Tyres and Snow Chains

Information on selecting and using winter tyres and snow chains.

Winter Driving Hints and Preparations

Tips for safe driving in snow/ice and essential items to carry.

Disc Brake Information and Driving Procedures

Disc Brake Performance and Maintenance

How brake performance is affected by conditions and basic maintenance.

Recommended Driving Procedures for Disc Brakes

Techniques for using disc brakes effectively, especially in varying conditions.

Tyre Safety and Maintenance Information

Tyre Pressure and Tread Depth Checks

Importance of correct tyre pressure and tread depth for safety.

Tyre Treads and Damage Considerations

How tyre damage affects performance and safety, and how to avoid it.

Wheels, Tyres, and Technical Modifications

Approved Road Wheels and Tyre Sizes

Specifications for approved BMW wheels and tyre sizes.

Winter Tyres and Snow Chain Compatibility

Guidelines for fitting winter tyres and using snow chains.

Technical Modifications and Vehicle Identification

Advice on car modifications and the importance of identification numbers.

Towing and Roof Rack Guidelines

Towing a Trailer and Trailer Load Limits

Regulations and recommendations for towing trailers safely.

Roof Rack Installation and Usage

Proper installation and loading procedures for roof racks.

Trailer Operation and Antilock Brake System (ABS)

Trailer Operation Regulations and ABS System

Legal limits for towing and the benefits and operation of the ABS system.

Driving with ABS and System Malfunctions

How ABS affects driving and what to do if warning lights indicate a fault.

Stability Control and Car Care Principles

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Limited-Slip Differential

How ASC and LSD enhance driving stability and traction.

General Car Care and Paintwork Protection

Advice on washing, protecting, and maintaining the car's paint finish.

Car Washing and Paintwork Maintenance

Car Washing Procedures

Detailed instructions for washing the car by hand or in an automatic wash.

Paintwork Cleaning and Minor Damage Repair

How to clean paintwork, remove dirt, and touch up minor scratches.

Interior Upholstery and Leather Care

Upholstery Fabric Care

Guidelines for cleaning and maintaining fabric seats and preventing static.

Leather Upholstery Care

Specific instructions for cleaning and conditioning leather seats.

Water Buffalo Leather Care

Care instructions for water buffalo leather upholstery.

Engine Data, Fuel Consumption, and Dimensions

Engine Performance Specifications

Key engine data including displacement, torque, and output.

Vehicle Dimensions and Weight Limits

Dimensions, weight capacities, and load limits for the vehicle.

Vehicle Performance and Technical Data

Vehicle Performance Figures

Details on acceleration times and top speeds for different models.

Technical Data: Gear Ratios and Electrical System

Specifications for gearbox ratios and the car's electrical system components.

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