2001 BMW 325Ci COUPE Owner's Manual

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

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Do not work on your vehicle with-
out appropriate skills. Always
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down before working in the engine
compartment. Always disconnect the
battery before working on any electrical
systems or equipment. Comply with all
applicable instructions and warnings.
Failure to work in an informed, profes-
sional manner when servicing compo-
nents and materials constitutes a safety
hazard for vehicle occupants and other
road users. If you are not familiar with
the guidelines, please have the opera-
tions performed by your BMW center.<
To unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument cluster. 460us012
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.462de269
Hood

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
HoodTo closeAllow the hood to fall from a height
of about 12 inches (30 cm) so that it
audibly engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures. If it is determined that the
hood is not completely closed while
driving, stop immediately and close
it securely.<462de270

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Engine compartment Ð BMW 325Ci, 330Ci
462us055

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine compartment Ð BMW 325Ci, 330Ci1 Brake fluid reservoir138
2 Dipstick for the engine oil135
3 Coolant expansion tank137
4 Engine oil filler neck135
5 Reservoir for the headlamp
* and
windshield washer system134
6 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting168

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Washer fluids Washer nozzlesHeadlamp
* and windshield
washer system
Capacity: approx. 5.6 US quarts
(5.3 liters).
Fill with water and Ð if required Ð with a
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.< 462de243
Antifreeze for the washer systems
is flammable. For this reason,
keep it away from sources of flame and
store it in its original container. Store it
so that it is inaccessible to children.
Comply with the instructions on the
containers.<
Windshield washer The spray from the nozzles should be
directed so as to ensure effective clean-
ing, even at high speeds. Use a needle
to adjust the nozzles as required, or
have them adjusted by your BMW
center.Headlamp washer system
*
Have this system adjusted by your
BMW center as required.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oilChecking the oil level 1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material.
4 Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again.
5 The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.462de244
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.460de189
To add oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential and the
power steering.<462de245

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Engine oil Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil is ex-
tremely important for the function and
life of an engine. Based on extensive
testing, BMW has approved only cer-
tain types of engine oils.
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil."
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil," you may
use small volumes of other approved
synthetic oils for topping up between oil
changes. Use only oils with the specifi-
cation API SH or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific "BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or syn-
thetic oils that have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North
America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this
website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain
this information.
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These kinds of oil may be used for
driving in all ambient temperatures.
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