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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Coolant temperature gauge Service Interval Display BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on in the course of
normal vehicle operation, the engine
has overheated. Turn it off immediately
and let it cool down.520de031
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.
For checking coolant level, refer to
page 113.
Remaining distance before
serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The remaining distance in miles and the
next scheduled service will appear
together with the display OILSERVICE
or INSPECTION.
The computer bases its calculations for
the remaining distance on the previous
driving style.
A flashing display and a "Ð" in front of
the number indicate that service is past
due by the number of miles displayed.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.520us006
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Engine oilChecking the oil level 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Let the warmed-up engine idle for
about 15 seconds, then turn it off
3. Pull the dipstick out after about
1 minute and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, tissue, or similar mate-
rial
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.520de089
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.520de091
Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, never let the oil drop below
this mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies to the
manual transmission, differential and
the power steering system.<520de166
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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, etc. so that
they are inaccessible to children, and
follow warning lables on containers.<
Do not add coolant to the coolant
system when the engine is hot,
since 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 corrosion inhibitor is
hazardous to health. Always store in
tightly closed original containers kept
well out of the reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethyleneÐglycol: never allow
the antifreeze to spill onto hot engine
components, as fire and serious
personal injury in the form of burns
could result.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelThe correct coolant level when the
engine is cold (approx. 687/206):
Up to the "MAX" mark on the translu-
cent expansion tank.520de156
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The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
ensuring that our customers enjoy
optimal vehicle safety and reliability
with only minimum effort and expense.
Please keep in mind that regular service
not only plays a vital role in ensuring
continued vehicle safety, but also plays
a significant role in maintaining your
vehicle's resale value.
520us006
Service Interval DisplayOptimal maintenance intervals are
calculated by using advanced tech-
nology; these then are indicated in the
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates,
because miles can be traveled in many
different ways:
From the maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
equivalent to the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System, which
is based on operating conditions,
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those drivers
who put significantly less than
6,000 miles (10,000 km) on their vehicle
anually should have the engine oil
changed at least every two years since
oil deteriorates over time, regardless of
use.
Service Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair work.
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 proof of regular
vehicle maintenance and the basis for
warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System
Everything from A to Z
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 21, 88
Accessories 6
Activated charcoal filter 75
Add brake fluid 114t
engine coolant 114t
engine oil 111t
washer fluid 110, 161
Adjust seats 45
steering wheel 47
temperature 74
washer nozzles 110t
Adjustment setting configuration 49
Air conditioner 72
Air distribution 74
Air outlets 72
Air pressure 99
Air supply 74
Airbags 21, 51 , 123 , 150
Alarm system 38
Antenna 94
Antifreeze 113
radiator 92
Antifreeze/corrosion protection 92
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 21, 88 Anti-theft alarm system
38
Anti-theft protection 32
Approved gross vehicle weight 160
Aquaplaning 99
Ashtray 81
Attach vehicle vacuum cleaner 82
Automatic car washes 117
Automatic headlamp washers 60
Automatic windshield washer 60
Avoiding a false alarm 39t
Axle weights 160
B
Backrest
adjusting 45
unlock 46
Backup lamps 58
bulb replacement 133t
Battery 138, 162
add distilled water 138t
capacity 162
charge current 20
charging 139t
discharged 145t
recycling 140t
removing and
installing 139t Belts
50
Beverage holder 80
Blower 74
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 112
Bore 158
Brake hydraulic system 20, 92
Brake system faults 92t
fluid 114t
pads 22, 92
refer also to ABS, DBC and
Disc brakes
Break-in procedure 86
Bulbs and lamps 131tC
California Proposition 65
Warning 125
Can holder 80
Car Memory 49
Car phone 81, 94
Car radio 64, 95
reception 95, 151
refer also to the radio
Owner's Manual
Car wash 117
Care exterior 119
for the vehicle finish 120
interior 121 Catalytic converter
87
CBC (Cornering Brake Control) 21, 89
CD player, refer to the radio Owner's Manual
Cellular phone 94
refer also to separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system 32
key 36
Changing a wheel 137t
Changing the oil filter 161
Changing tires 137t
Checking air pressure 26t
Checking engine oil level 111t
Child restraint systems 54
Child seat safety 54
Child seats 53
Child-restraint systems 53
Cigarette lighter 82
Clean headlamps 60
Clock 64
Cockpit 16
Code, refer to the radio
Owner's Manual
Combination switch, turn signal indicator/headlamp
flasher 59
Compartments 79
for stowing items 78
Compression 158