2003 BMW 320i oil change

127
Adding engine oilWait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, you should 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 also applies to the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the 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., out of
reach of children. Comply with all warn-
ing labels and information on lubricant
containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the operation
and service life of an engine. Based on
extensive testing, BMW has approved
only certain grades of engine oil.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If an approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil should be unavailable, you
may use small volumes of other syn-
thetic 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 syn-
thetic oils that have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica toll-free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit
this website: www.bmwusa.com to
obtain this information.
Viscosity ratingsViscosity is the oilflow 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 driv-
ing in all ambient temperatures.
Engine oil
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

130Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance SystemThe BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety – 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 displayWhile conventional systems rely on
milage alone to determine when service
is due, the BMW Maintenance System
reflects the actual conditions under
which the vehicle is operated: some
miles are more strenuous than others.
From a maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate cruising speeds in
long-distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
This service strategy accurately reflects
your own vehicle's specific needs by
defining maintenance intervals accord-
ing to individual operating conditions.
Minimal use drivers – significantly fewer
than 6,200 miles/10,000 km annually –
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 for US models/
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian modelsFor additional information on required
maintenance intervals and procedures,
please refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet for US mod-
els, or the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.As a precaution against corrosion, if
your vehicle is exposed to potential
damage from unimproved road sur-
faces we suggest that you have the
body checked for damage from stone
chips and gravel at the same time.
Have your BMW center perform
maintenance and repair.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
recorded in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models, or
in the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These
entries confirm that your vehicle has
benefitted from regular maintenance,
and are also required for warranty
claims.<
CareYou can find everything you need to
know on this topic by consulting the
separate Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.

155
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 16.6/63
approx. 2.1/8Fuel specification, refer to page 25
Windshield/
Headlamp washer reservoirquarts/liters approx. 5.6/5.3 Specifications, refer to page 126
Cooling system including heater circuit quarts/liters approx. 8.9/8.4 Specifications, refer to page 128
Engine oil and filter change quarts/liters 320i, 325i, 330i:
approx. 6.9/6.5
325xi, 330xi:
approx. 6.6/6.2BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
Specifications, refer to page 126
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer box and differential–Lifetime lubricant, no oil change
required
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to Z
161
Microfilter 95, 100
Microphone 104
Mirror
automatic curb monitor 50
Mirror defrosting 51
Mirror memory 49
Mirrors 51
Modifications, technical 5
Multifunction switch 67
N
Navigation system, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Neckrest 47
O
OBD interface socket 131
Obstruction protection 40
Odometer 71
Oil
capacity 155
quality 127
viscosity 127
Oil additives 127
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models/Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption 126Oil dipstick 126
Oil filter change 155
Oil level
checking 126
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 73
Oil types 127
Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 136
Operating elements 14
Outlets, ventilation 92, 96
Outside temperature dis-
play 75
P
Panel lighting 90
Panic mode – trigger
alarm 32
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 77
Parking aid 77
Parking brake 62
Parking lamps 89
replacing bulb 138
PDC Park Distance
Control 77
Pocket flashlight 102
Pollen 95, 100Power output 152
Power seat 46
Power windows
safety switch 41
Pressure, tires 25, 85, 117
monitoring 85
R
Radiator 155
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 68
Range 76
Reading lamps
front 91
rear 91
Rear backrest, folding 106
Rear center 3-point safety
belt 106
Rear lamps 139
Rear window defroster
94, 99
Rearview mirror 51
Recirculated-air mode
94, 99
Reclining seat 44
Refueling 24
Remote control 31
Remote control keys 30
Replacement key 30
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve indicator lamp 72Reverse 63
Roller sun blind 100
Roof load capacity 154
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 110
Run Flat tires 119, 145
S
Safe seating position 44
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 48
Safety feature 40
Seat adjustment 44
mechanical 45
power 46
Seat heating 50
Seat memory 49
Securing cargo 109
Securing devices 109
Selector lever, automatic
transmission 64
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 130
Service interval display
73, 130
Shiftlock 64
Side airbags 53
Size 153
Ski bag 107
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