146n
Engine oil Specified engine oilsThe 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 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 
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 
152n
Caring for your vehicleExterior finish To provide effective corrosion protec-
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at 
the factory. Cataphoretic immersion 
priming techniques are supplemented 
using special body-cavity protectants, 
with the application of specially-devel-
oped and extensively tested materials. 
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied to 
the undercarriage. Following this, a 
comprehensive undercoating treat-
ment with a wax-based protectant is 
applied. Regular maintenance makes 
an important contribution to maintaining 
the safety and value of your vehicle.
Increasing awareness of the effects 
of harmful environmental factors on 
vehicle finishes have led paint and 
vehicle manufacturers to initiate 
ongoing programs designed to further 
improve the durability of their finishes. 
Despite this, environmental factors that 
occur locally or regionally can have 
negative effects on the finish of your 
vehicle. Use the factors to determine 
the frequency and extent of your efforts 
to maintain the vehicle finish.Depending upon material and type of 
impact (perforation of paint layer), 
physical stresses from sand, road salt, 
gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to 
start extending beneath the finish, 
starting at the point of impact.
Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects, 
animal droppings (strong alkali effect) 
and tree excretions (resins and pollen) 
all contain substances capable of caus-
ing damage when allowed to remain on 
the finish of your vehicle for any period 
of time. This includes spots, etching, 
flaking, and separations in the top coat.
In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust, 
lime, oily soot, precipitation containing 
sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other 
environmental pollutants will damage 
the vehicle's finish unless adequate 
care is provided Ð even though this is 
generally limited to the outside 
horizontal surfaces.In coastal regions, high levels of 
atmospheric salt and humidity promote 
corrosion.
In tropical zones, temperatures of over 
105 7 (+40 6) in the shade prevail, in 
addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation 
and high humidity. Under these condi-
tions, light paints can reach tempera-
tures of up to 175 7 (+80 6) and dark 
paints up to 250 7 (+120 6).