
136n
Engine oil Specified engine oilThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the function
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only
certain 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 off 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
synthetic 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.
530us200

137n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oil Coolant
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing.
For this reason, thoroughly wash any
areas of skin that come into contact
with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot.
If you do, escaping coolant can cause
burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite- and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the approved specifica-
tions.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store it in its original container and in a
location that is inaccessible to children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene glycol. Therefore,
do not spill antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor on hot engine parts. It could
ignite and cause burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level when the engine
is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6):
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck (refer to the arrow in the illustra-
tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it Ð that is, up to the second mark
on the float (refer also the schematic
diagram next to the filler neck).46cde036

140n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means for
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety Ð and as cost effectively as
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed
to calculate the optimal maintenance
intervals. These are then indicated in
the Service Interval Display. While
conventional systems rely on distance
traveled alone to determine when
service is due, the BMW Maintenance
System has for years considered the 460us112
actual conditions under which the
vehicle operates, because miles can be
traveled in many different ways:
From a maintenance perspective,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) of short-
distance urban driving are not equiva-
lent to 62,000 miles (100,000 km)
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual use of the vehi-
cle covers every kind of operating situa-
tion. However, even those who drive
only short distances Ð significantly less
than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annually Ð
should have the engine oil changed at
least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty and
Service Guide (Canada models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or to the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models).
As a precaution against rust, it is
advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always "up to date"
on the latest maintenance work and
repair techniques and equipped with
the required special tools. In addition,
checking parts known from experience
to be subject to wear is a permanent
part of the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian
models). These entries will constitute
your proof that the vehicle has received
regular maintenance. They are also
required for warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System

187n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 16.6 (approx. 63)
approx. 2.1 (approx. 8)Fuel specification: page 28
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer system (front)
Rear window washer system (rear)quarts (liters)
quarts (liters)approx. 5.6 (approx. 5.3)
approx. 2.4 (approx. 2.3)For details: page 134
Cooling system including heater circuit quarts (liters) approx. 8.9 (approx. 8.4) For details: page 137
Engine oil filter change quarts (liters) 325i approx. 6.9
(approx. 6.5)
325xi: approx. 7.9
(approx. 7.5)BMW High Performance
synthetic oil
Specifications: page 136
Manual and automatic transmission and
differentialÐ Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required

Everything from A to ZA
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)22,116
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal
filter100,165
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)65,173
Adding engine oil135
Adding washer
fluid134,187
Adjust
backrest47
steering wheel50
temperature92
thigh support area48
Air conditioner90
Air distribution92,98
Air nozzles90
Air outlets96
ventilation90,96
Air pressure124
Air supply92,99
Airbags21,58,147,172
Alarm system41
Antenna123
Antenna Diversity174
Antifreeze137
radiator121
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)22,116
Anti-theft alarm system41
Aquaplaning115,124 Armrest102
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus
Traction)22,173
Ashtray104
ATC (Adaptive Transmission
Control)65,173
Attaching vacuum
cleaner104
AUC (Automatic climate
control)96
Automatic car washes141
Automatic climate
control96
remove condensation from
the windows98
Automatic cruise control71
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror52
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction
(ASC+T)22,173
Automatic transmission21
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
Automatic washer
rear window69
windshield69
Average consumption77
Average speed77
Axle loads186
B
Backrest, adjusting47
Backup lamps64
bulb replacement156
Battery162,188
capacity188
charging164
discharged167
removal and
installation163
Battery charge current20
Battery safety terminal163
Belts53
Beverage holder102
Blower92,99
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils136
BMW sports seat48
Bore184
Brake
fluid138
hydraulic system20
pads22
Brake lamps
bulb replacement156
Brake system118
faults120
Break-in procedure114
Bulb replacement153
Bulbs and lamps153
C
California Proposition
65 Warning148
Capacities187
Car Memory52
Car radio123
reception174
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone103
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting104
Car wash141
Care
upholstery145
vehicle exterior142
vehicle finish143
vehicle interior144
wool velour145
Cargo loading110
Catalytic converter115
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)21,117
Cellular phone123
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center armrest102
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp157
Central locking system34
button38
Changing a tire159

Everything from A to Z
193n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel159
Charge indicator lamp20
Check air pressure28
Check Control75
Check engine oil level135
Child restraint
systems54,60
Child-safety locks58
Child's seat54
Cigarette lighter104
Cleaning windshield68
Clock75
refer also to the Radio or
Computer Owner's Manual
Cockpit16
Coin holder102
Combination switch68
Compression184
Computer76
Configure settings52
Consumption77
display74
Contents10
Control elements20
Coolant121,137,187
antifreeze121
Coolant temperature
gauge74
Cooling system187
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21,117 Cruise control71
Cruising range77
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder102
Curb weight186
Current check indicator20
D
Dashboard16
Data
dimensions185
engine184
technical184
weights186
Daytime-driving lamp
switch87
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)118
Defrost position94,98
Defrostable rear window99
Defrosting
rear window92
windows94,98
Digital clock75
Dimensions185
Dipstick, engine oil135
Disc brakes118
Displacement184
Display lighting87
Displays18
Distance warning78 Diversity Antenna
system174
Door key32,35
Door locks, care121
Doors
child-safety locks58
emergency operation34
unlocking and locking34
DOT Quality Grades125
Draft-free ventilation93
Drive belts188
Driving hints115
Driving in winter121
Driving lamps87
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)81,173
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)118
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22,81,173
E
Electric power seat48
Electric power windows43
Electrical accessories,
failure164
Electrical system188
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Elements of operation16 Emergency operation,
doors34
Energy Control73
Engine
coolant137,187
data184
starting61
Engine oil
capacity187
consumption135
pressure20
quality136
specifications136
viscosity136
Engine speed184
Exterior mirrors51
F
Failure messages75
Fault displays75
Fault, ABS117
Filler cap cover27
Filling capacities187
Filling the washer
reservoir187
First-aid kit26
Fittings, tow starting and
towing168
Flashlight101
Flat tire124,159
Fog lamps88

Everything from A to ZRemote control35
Removal from service of the
vehicle147
Removing condensation
from the windows94
Reporting safety defects7
Restraint system54
Retaining straps40
Reverse17,64
Roll-up cover107
Roof load capacity186
Roof luggage rack111
Rubber parts121 S
Safety belt height
adjustment53
Safety belt tensioners175
Safety belts53
height adjustment53
Safety defects, reporting7
Safety feature43
Safety lock buttons38
Seat
electric power48
mechanical46
Seat adjustment46
Seat heating100
Seat memory49
Securing cargo110
Securing loads110 Selector lever, automatic
transmission65
Self-defrosting mirrors51
Self-diagnostics179
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
(US models)140
Service Interval Display74
Setting the temperature98
Shiftlock65
Side airbags58
Side impact Head Protection
System58
Side lamps87
bulb replacement154
Ski bag106
Skid control122
Sliding/tilt sunroof44
close in the event of an
electrical short166
convenience operation34
Slippery roads122
Snow chains121
Socket104
for electrical
appliances104
for flashlights104
for vacuum cleaner104
refer also to power
outlet105
Space-saver spare tire159 Spare key32,35
with radio remote
control32,35
Spare tire159
Spark plugs188
Speaker103
Speed control71
Speedometer18
Sports seat48
Sports steering wheel25
Starting assistance167
Starting
problems115,167
Starting the engine61
Steel wheels129
Steering123
Steering wheel lock61
Steering wheel,
adjusting50
Steptronic65
Stereo system Ð harman
kardon101
Stopping the vehicle62
Storage compartments102
Storing the vehicle147
Stroke184
Summer tires127
Sun visors51
Sunroof44
Switching off the engine62
Symbols4,163 Synthetic oils136
T
Tachometer73
Tail lamps156
bulb replacement156
Tailgate
emergency release166
Tailgate lamp, bulb
replacement157
Tank capacity187
Technical data184
Technical
modifications6,148
Telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Telephone hookup103
Temperature adjustment98
Temperature display,
outside temperature76
Temperature gauge, engine
coolant74
Temperature
layering93,100
Thigh support area,
adjusting48
Third brake lamp157
Tilt alarm42
Tilt sensor alarm system36
remote control36
Tire changing159

Owner service proceduresA
Activated-charcoal filter,
changing165
Adding brake fluid138
Adding engine coolant138
Adding engine oil135
Adjust washer nozzles134
Air pressure, checking28
Antifreeze138 B
Backup lamps
bulb replacement156
Battery
care163
charging164
removal and
installation163
Brake fluid, adding138
Brake lamps
bulb replacement156
Brakes, brake faults120 C
Changing a tire159
Changing a wheel159
Changing the
microfilter165
Charging the battery164 Check air pressure28
Check Control75
Checking air pressure28
Checking engine oil
level135
D
Defrost setting94
Defrosting the windows94
Difficult steering123
Disposal
batteries164
engine oil136
Doors, emergency
actuation34 E
Electrical accessories,
failure164
Electrical defect
fuel filler door166
sliding/tilt sunroof166
Emergency operation
doors34
fuel filler door166
luggage
compartment166
sliding/tilt sunroof166 Engine oil
add135
quality136
specifications136
viscosity136
Engine oil level,
checking135
F
Failure messages75
Filling washer reservoir134
First-aid kit26
Fittings, tow starting and
towing168
Flat tire159
Footwell lamps, bulb
replacement158
Front fog lamps
bulb replacement155
Fuses, replacing164 G
Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement158
H
Hatch lamps
bulb replacement156
Hatch, emergency lock
operation166
Hazard warning flashers26
Hazard warning triangle26
Headlamp cover, care153
High beams, bulb
replacement153 I
Indicator lamps20
Inflated pressure28
Interior lamps, bulb
replacement158
Interior motion sensor,
switching off42 J
Jack159 L
License plate lamp
bulb replacement157
Low beams, bulb
replacement153
Lug wrench159