2001 BMW 330i SEDAN check oil

19n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Instrument cluster

1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp
for fuel reserve75
2 Indicator lamp for turn signal
indicators23
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for:

>

Battery charge current20

>

High beams23

>

Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level20, 22
5 Tachometer and Energy Control74
6 Engine coolant temperature gauge
with "Coolant temperature too high"
indicator75
7 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for:

>

Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
system/Cornering Brake Control
(CBC/DBC)20

>

Antilock Brake System (ABS)22

>

Brake pads22

>

Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)

*
20, 22

>

Airbags21

>

Please fasten safety belts21

>

Cruise control

*
23
8 Set button for the clock769 Program display for automatic
transmission

*
66, 68
Indicator lamp for automatic
transmission

*
21, 66
10 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

*
or DSC

*
and ADB

*
/
ADB-X

*
22
11 Indicator for:

>

Odometer74

>

Trip odometer74

>

Clock76

>

Service Interval76
Display for computer

*
, operation via
the turn signal lever, refer to
page 77:

>

Clock

>

Outside temperature

>

Average fuel consumption

>

Range

>

Average speed
12 Indicator for Check Control76
13 Trip odometer, reset to zero7414 Indicator and warning lamps
(clockwise) for:

>

Front fog lamps

*
23

>

Add washer fluid22

>

Coolant level23

>

Electronic Engine Power Control
(EML)

*
23

>

Service Engine Soon23
You can display the outside
temperature and distance driven
in different units of measurement.

<

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 "l" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion 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.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge l
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator V-belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue driving. If you do so, the
engine could be damaged due to over-
heating. If the V-belt is defective,
increased steering effort is also
required.<
Engine oil pressure
l
Stop the vehicle and switch off
the engine immediately. Check
the engine oil and top off 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)
* l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
For additional information, refer to
page 86.
Brake hydraulic system l
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 121 and 143.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

22n
Indicator and warning lampsYellow: check as soon as possible
Antilock Brake System (ABS) l
ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able without limitations. Please have
the system inspected by your BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 119.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute
minimum; therefore, add engine oil as
soon as possible. Do not drive more
than 30 miles (50 km) until you do.
For additional information, refer to
page 139.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: Add more engine
oil the next time you stop for gas.
For additional information, refer to
page 139.
Brake pads l

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information, refer
to page 121.
Tire Pressure Control (RDC) l
Check the tire inflation pressure.
Refer to pages 28 and 86.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
force and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
ASC+T has been switched off via the
button, or it is defective, or, the DSC
has been turned off, ADB is in ready
mode.
Please consult the nearest BMW center
in the event of a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
ASC+T beginning on page 80.
BMW 325xi, 330xi:
The DSC has either been turned off or
is defective. ADB-X is in ready mode. If
the warning lamp does not go out after
pressing the DSC button repeatedly,
then both the DSC
and ADB-X are
defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 84.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and
brake warning lamp l
The indicator lamps remain on:
The DSC and ADB/DBC have
been switched off by means of the
button or are defective.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 82.
BMW 325xi, 330xi:
DSC and ADB-X are defective. ADB-X
cannot be switched off.
Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 81.
Indicator and warning lamps
DSC and ADB/ADB-X/DBC for
Canadian models.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low, refill
at the earliest opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 138.

75n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Fuel gauge Temperature gauge Service Interval Display When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is stationary.
Once the indicator lamp begins to light
up continuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
Tank capacity: refer to page 195.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended
driving in mountainous areas, for
example), there may be slight fluctua-
tions of the needle.
Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty. Driving to the last drop of
fuel can result in damage to the engine
and/or the catalytic converter.<460us081
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on while operating
the vehicle: the engine is overheated.
Stop and switch the engine off immedi-
ately and allow it to cool down.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not
unusual for the needle to rise as far as
the edge of the red zone in response to
high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions. Checking coolant
level: refer to page 142.460de082
Remaining distance for serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds from ignition
key position 1 or after the engine is
started.
The next service due appears with the
message OILSERVICE or INSPECTION,
together with the remaining distance
before the service is due.
The computer bases its calculations of
the remaining distance on the previous
driving style.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of
the number mean that the service
interval has already been exceeded by
the distance shown on the display.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.460us112

139n
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
dipstick 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 graduations on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.462de244
The space 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 system.<462de245

145n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
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 vehi-
cle operates, because miles can be
traveled in many different ways:
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
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. Minimal use drivers Ð those who
drive significantly less than 6,000 miles
(10,000 km) per year Ð should neverthe-
less have the oil changed at least every
two years, since engine oil ages regard-
less of use.Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models) Please refer to the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet (US mod-
els) or the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian models) for addi-
tional information on maintenance inter-
vals and procedures.As a precaution against rust, it might be
a good idea 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 informed 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 Booklet
(Canadian models). These entries are
your verification for the regular mainte-
nance of your vehicle and are required
for the performance of warranty
repairs.<
The BMW Maintenance System

Everything from A to Z
201n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp163
Center 3-point-safety belt in
the rear109
Center armrest105
Central locking system34
button38
Changing a tire165
Changing a wheel165
Charge indicator lamp20
Check Control76
Child restraint
systems55,59,61
Child seat59
Child seat security61
Child-safety locks55
Cigarette lighter108
Clock76
refer also to the Radio or
Onboard Monitor Owner's
Manual
Cockpit16
Coin holder105
Combination switch69
Compression192
Computer77
Configure settings53
Consumption78
Consumption display75
Contents10
Coolant122,142,195
antifreeze122 Coolant temperature
gauge75
Cooling system195
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)21,119
Cruise control72
Cruising range78
Cup holder105
Curb weight194
D
Dashboard16
Data
dimensions193
engine192
weights194
Daytime-driving lamp
switch88
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)119
Defrost position96,101
Defroster, rear
window94,102
Defrosting the
windows96,101
Digital clock76
Dimensions193
Dipstick139
Disc brakes120
Displacement192
Displays18 Distance warning79
Diversity Antenna181
Divided rear backrest109
Door key32
Door locks, care122
Doors
child-safety locks55
emergency operation34
unlocking and locking34
Draft-free
ventilation95,102
Driving hints117
Driving in winter122
Driving lamps88
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)22,80,180
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)119
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)22,80,180
E
Electric power windows44
Electrical accessories,
failure170
Electrical system196
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer33
Elements of operation16
Emergency operation,
doors34
Energy Control74 Engine compartment136
Engine coolant142,195
Engine data192
Engine oil
capacity195
consumption139
pressure20
quality140
specifications140
viscosity140
Engine oil level22
check139
Engine speed192
Engine, starting62
Exterior mirrors52
F
Failure messages76
Fault displays76
Fault, ABS119
Filler cap cover27
Filling capacities195
Filling the washer
reservoir195
First-aid kit26
Fittings, towing and
tow-starting174
Flashlight104
Flat tire125,165
Fog lamps89
Folding rear backrest109
Footbrake120

Everything from A to Z
203n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Louvers92,98
Low beam headlamps88
Low beams, bulb
replacement159
Lug bolts166
Lug wrench165
Luggage compartment41
capacity194
floor mat41
floor panel41
remote control37
Luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
replacement164
Luggage compartment
lid39
emergency release39
securing separately39
Luggage compartment
lighting39
Luggage rack113
Lumbar support49 M
M+S tires129
Maintenance75,145
Malfunction displays76
Manual transmission65
Manually controlled
recirculated-air101
Memory50 MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)24
Microfilter95,171
Mirror memory50
Mirrors52
Mobile phone124
Modifications,
technical6,153
Motion sensor, interior42
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)24
N
Neckrest48 O
OBD interface socket154
Obstruction protection44
Odometer74
Oil
capacity195
consumption139
dipstick139
quality140
specifications140
viscosity140
Oil additives139
Oil change intervals, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
Oil filter change195 Oil level
check139
indicator lamp20
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp20
OILSERVICE75
Onboard tool kit158
Opening and closing Ð from
the inside38
Opening and closing Ð from
the outside34
Outside temperature
display77
Owner service
procedures206
P
Paint blemishes147
Paint, care147
Paintwork, minor
repairs148
Paintwork, waxing148
Park Distance Control
(PDC)79
Parking brake64
Parking help79
Parking lamps89
Parking, winter123
PDC (Park Distance
Control)79
Performance192
Phone, mobile124 Pocket flashlight104
Pollen95,102
Power seat49
Power steering123
Power windows44
safety switch45
Pressure monitoring,
tires86,186
Pressure, tires28,125
R
Radiator195
Radio Data System
(RDS)181
Radio reception124,181
Radio, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor69,185
RDC (Tire Pressure
Control)86,186
RDS (Radio Data
System)181
Reading lamps90
Rear backrest, folding109
Rear lamps161
Rear window
defroster71,94,102
Rearview mirror52
Recirculated air mode94
Reclining seat47
Refueling27
Remote control35