BMW SERIE 3 SEDAN 2000 User Manual

Owner's Manual for the Vehicle.
Contents
A – Z
With a quick reference guide for your convenience.
323i 328i
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

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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.
© 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)

Symbols used

These sections contain vital infor-
mation – please read the accom­panying text passages carefully, for your safety, the safety of others and to
<
prevent damage to your BMW.
These passages contain informa-
tion on special and unique fea-
<
tures of your vehicle.
Indicates special information on
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recycling.
<
Indicates the end of a note.
*
Indicates special equipment, country-
specific equipment and optional extras.
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.

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 (car radio or telephone, for instance), Supplementary Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to read these manuals as well.
Notes on the Owner's Manual Symbols used 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

Use unleaded gasoline only.
Fuels containing up to 10% etha­nol or other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen 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 signifi­cant 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 drive­ability, starting and stalling problems, especially under certain environmental conditions, such as high ambient tem­perature and high altitude. Should you encounter driveability prob­lems 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 recom­mendations may result in unscheduled maintenance. Follow the relevant safety rules when you are handling gasoline.
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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 simultaneously 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 workman­ship. 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 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 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
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.
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REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
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Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
9n
Index
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

Contents

Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18 Indicator and warning lamps 20 Multifunction steering wheel
Overview
(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
Controls and features
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
Contents
11n
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Headlamps 82 Dash lighting 82 High beams/Parking lamps 83 Fog lamps 83 Interior lamps 83 Reading lamps 84
Controlling the climate for pleasant driving:
Automatic climate control 86
Controls and features
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
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
Operation, care and maintenance
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
Contents
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
Owner service procedures
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
Advanced technology
Rain sensor 166 Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 167 Self-diagnostics 168 Xenon lamps 169
Engine data 172 Dimensions 173 Weights 174 Capacities 175 Electrical system 176 Ribbed V-belt 176
Technical data
Everything from A to Z 180
Owner service procedures 186
Index
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14n
15n
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

Overview

Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
Index
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
Overview
16n

Cockpit

460us001
Cockpit
1 Headlamp switch 82
>
Turn signal indicator 68
2
>
Parking lamps 83
>
High beams 83
>
Headlamp flasher 68
>
Onboard computer*76
3 Wiper/Washer system 68
*
4 Shift lever/Selector lever
For vehicles equipped with manual transmission: Press the lever to the left to overcome the slight resistance to
engage reverse gear 5 Central locking system 34 6 Hazard warning flashers 25 7 Rear window defroster 70 8 Horn: The entire surface functions
as the horn 9 Adjusting steering wheel 51
*
10 Front fog lamps
83
64
17n
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
18n

Instrument cluster

460us048
Instrument cluster
19n
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for fuel reserve 74 2 Turn signal indicator 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 73 6 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high" indicator 74
7 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for
>
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 20
>
ABS 22
>
Brake pads 22
>
Tire Pressure Control
*
(RDC)
>
Airbags 21
>
Please fasten safety belts 21
>
Cruise control*23 8 Clock reset
>
Clock 75
>
Service Interval 74
20, 22
9 Program display for automatic
* *
65, 67
22, 65
*
,
transmission Indicator lamp for automatic transmission
10 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) 22
11 Indicator for
>
Odometer 73
>
Trip odometer 73
>
Clock 75
>
Service Interval 74
Display for onboard computer operation via the turn signal lever: Refer to page 76.
>
Clock
>
Outside temperature
>
Average fuel consumption
>
Range
>
Average speed 12 Indicator for Check Control 75 13 Trip odometer, reset to zero 73
14 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for
>
Front fog lamps*23
>
Add washer fluid 22
>
Coolant level 23
>
Electronic Engine Power Control
*
(EML)
>
Engine 22
You can display the outside tem­perature and distance driven in
different units of measurement.
23
<
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
20n

Indicator and warning lamps

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 igni­tion 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 lights up while the vehicle is moving. You will see how to react to this below.
" are tested for
Red: Stop immediately
Battery charge ● The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction of the alternator ribbed V-belt or in the charging circuit of the alternator. Please contact the nearest BMW center.
If the ribbed V-belt is defective, do
not continue driving. If you do so, the engine could be damaged due to overheating. If the ribbed V-belt is de­fective, increased steering effort is also required.<
Engine oil pressure Stop the vehicle and switch off
the engine immediately. Check the engine oil and top up 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.<
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)* In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: A tire failure has oc­curred. Reduce vehicle speed immedi­ately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake applications. Do not oversteer. For additional information: Refer to page 80.
Brake hydraulic system
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged: Check the brake fluid level. Before driv­ing further, be sure to read the notes on pages 109 and 129.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Indicator and warning lamps
21n
Yellow: Stop immediately
Engine oil level Comes on while driving: Stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine immediately. The oil level is at the absolute minimum. For additional information: Refer to page 125.
Do not continue driving until you
have topped up 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) If the brake warning lamp comes on together with the yellow indi­cator lamps for ABS and DSC: The entire ABS, CBC and DSC control system has failed. Con­tinue 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 79 and 107.
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 63.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts
An acoustic warning signal
sounds simultaneously. Lights up for a few seconds or until the safety belt is fastened. For additional information on safety belts: Refer to page 54.
Airbags
Please have the system in-
spected by your BMW center. For additional information: Refer to pages 56 and 163.
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
22n
Indicator 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 65.
Yellow: Check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) ABS has been deactivated in re-
sponse to system malfunction. Conventional braking efficiency is avail­able without limitations. Please have the system inspected by your BMW center. For additional information: Refer to page 107.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been turned off: Check the engine oil level. For additional information: Refer to page 125.
Brake pads
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: Refer to page 109.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
Check the tire pressure. Refer to
pages 27 and 80.
*
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
DSC has been switched off or has been deactivated because of a mal­function. In the event of a malfunction, have the system checked by your BMW center. For additional information: Refer to page 79.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest op­portunity. For additional information: Refer to page 124.
Service engine soon
There is a defect in the Engine
Management system. It is impor­tant to note that an illuminated lamp is intended to inform the driver of the need for service, not of the need to stop the vehicle. This can also be an indication that the filler cap was not properly tightened after refueling. Please have the system in­spected by your BMW center. For additional information: Refer to page 139.
Engine Management warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Indicator and warning lamps
23n
Electronic Engine Power Control
*
(EML)
Malfunction in engine timing. Higher brake application pressure may be necessary and brake pedal travel may be significantly longer. Please have the system inspected by your BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Top
up the coolant at the earliest opportunity. For additional information: Refer to page 128.
Green: For your information
Turn signal indicator Flashes when the turn signal in-
dicator is actuated. Includes the trailer turn signals if you are towing a trailer. Rapid flashing indicates a sys­tem malfunction. For additional information: Refer to page 68.
Cruise control
Comes on when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Available for operation via the multifunction steering wheel. For additional information: Refer to page 71.
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the front fog lamps. For additional information: Refer to page 83.
*
*
Blue: For your information
High beams Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher is actuated. For additional information: Refer to pages 68 and 83.
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
24n

Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)*

The controls integrated in the multi­function steering wheel are provided so that you can operate a number of accessories quickly and without being distracted from traffic conditions. You may operate:
> selected radio functions > the cruise control > selected cellular phone functions.
In order to operate a system via the MFL, the corresponding sys-
tem controls must be switched on.<
460de065
1 Cellular phone: Receive a call, initiate
dialing and terminate a call 2 Radio/Cellular phone: Select 3 Radio/Cellular phone: Scan back-
ward or scan station keys or scroll in
the phone listings 4 Radio/Cellular phone: Volume 5 Radio/Cellular phone: Scan forward
or scan station keys or scroll in the
phone listings
6 Horn: The entire surface functions as
the horn 7 Cruise control: Resume stored setting 8 Cruise control: Store and accelerate
(+); decelerate and store (–) 9 Cruise control: Activate/Interrupt/
Cancel.

Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle* First-aid kit*

460de003
25n
460us002
The push button flashes rhythmically when the hazard flashers are on.
To help you locate the switch in an emergency, the button is also illumi­nated whenever the car lamps are on.
460de071
The hazard warning triangle is stored in a recess on the left-hand side of the luggage compartment where it is quickly available.
Comply with legal requirements that cover the availability of a
hazard warning triangle in the car.<
The first-aid kit is located under the passenger seat.
To open: Pull the handle and fold the cover down.
To close: Fold the cover up.
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 whose expi­ration dates have passed. You can pur­chase replacements in any drugstore or pharmacy. Comply with legal require­ments that cover the availability of a first-aid kit in the car.<
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
26n
Refueling Fuel specifications
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 pro-
460de004
Fuel filler door
Press on the rear edge of the fuel filler door to open and close it.
To unlock the fuel filler door if there is a malfunction of the central locking sys­tem, refer to page 156.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau­tions 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.<
460de005
Simple and environmentally friendly
Open the fuel filler cap carefully. If you do not, fuel could spray out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.<
Keep 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.
vide enhanced performance and lower fuel consumption, while the use of fuels with lower octane ratings will have the opposite effect.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use of
leaded fuels will cause permanent damage to the system's oxygen sensor and the catalytic convertor.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling. A loose or missing cap will activate the Service Engine Soon warning lamp.<

Tire inflation pressure

27n
460de163
The inflation pressures are indicated on a sticker attached to the door pillar be­hind the driver's door (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 RDC (Tire Pressure Control) After a correction of the tire inflation pressure, reactivate the system. Refer to page 80.
*:
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly – at least every two weeks and before beginning a longer trip. In­correct tire pressure can otherwise lead to tire damage and accidents. Also check the inflation pressure of the space-saver tire or spare tire the spare tire to the highest inflation specified for your vehicle.<
*. Inflate
Comply with tire approval specifications
The inflation pressures in the table ap­ply to tires from BMW-approved manu­facturers. Your BMW center is familiar with these pressures. Higher pressures may be specified for tires from other manufacturers. You will find a list of approved tires beginning on page 118.
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
28n
Tire inflation pressure
BMW Tires
Inflation pressures in psi (kilopascal)
323i
328i All Space-saver spare tire 61 (4.2) 61 (4.2) 61 (4.2) 61 (4.2)
For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires.
Summer tires 29 (2.0) 33 (2.3) 33 (2.3) 41 (2.8) Winter tires 32 (2.2) 36 (2.5) 36 (2.5) 44 (3.0) Summer tires 29 (2.0) 33 (2.3) 33 (2.3) 41 (2.8) Winter tires 32 (2.2) 36 (2.5) 36 (2.5) 44 (3.0)
29n
Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview
30n
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

Controls

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