Under the hood
176
Engine compartment 1Engine oil dipstick, refer to next column
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath
the microfilter cover178
3Reservoir for windshield and headlamp
washer system73
4Engine oil filler neck177
5Coolant expansion tank178
6Jump-starting terminal187 Engine oilChecking oil level1.Park the vehicle on a level surface
2.Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature 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 should extend to between the
two marks on the disptick
As is the case with fuel economy, the rate
at which the engine uses oil is strongly
influenced by driving style and operating
conditions.
The space between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 litre). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil
can damage the engine.
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177
Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without additives, and their
use could even lead to damage in some
cases. This also applies to the automatic
transmission, the differential and the power
steering system.<
Recommendation: have your oil changed at
your BMW center.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come
into contact with oil should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Always store oil, grease, etc., well out of
the reach of children; always observe all
warning labels on the containers.<
Please observe all environmental-
protection rules and regulations when
disposing of used oil.< Specified engine oils The quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. BMW approves
only specific oils after confirming their suit-
ability for use in its vehicles with extensive
testing.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, you can add
small amounts of another synthetic oil
between oil changes. Use only oils with the
API SH specification or higher. Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils
which 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 informa-
tion.
Viscosity ratingsViscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in the
area where you typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot.
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 official
specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor contains ethylene glycol Ð a flam-
mable substance. For this reason, do not
spill antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor on
hot engine parts. It could ignite and cause
serious burns.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor.<
