2003 BMW 325Ci COUPE oil

121
Adding engine oilWhile you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
before adding oil, you should never
allow the oil level to fall 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, 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 contain-
ers.<
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 amounts 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
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124Maintenance
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 for
you as possible.
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 dis-
tance traveled alone to determine when
service is due, the BMW Maintenance
System has for years taken the actual
conditions under which the vehicle
operates into consideration, because
miles can be traveled in many different
ways:
From a maintenance point of view,
62,000 miles/100,000 km of short-dis-
tance urban driving cannot be com-
pared with 62,000 miles/ 100,000 km of
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 – significantly
fewer than 6,200 miles/10,000 km
annually – should have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years since oil
deteriorates 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 rust, it is advis-
able to have the body checked for dam-
age from rocks or gravel at the same
time, depending upon operating condi-
tions.
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 are your verification of regular
maintenance on your vehicle and are
required for the performance of war-
ranty repairs.<
handbook.book Page 124 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

126Laws and regulations
California Proposition 65 warningCalifornia laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its con-
stituents, and certain vehicle com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain
fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash your hands after hand-
ling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
water.<
OBD interface socketThe interface socket for onboard diag-
nostics is located on the left-hand side
of the driver's side, below the instru-
ment panel and under a cover panel.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
This interface makes it possible to
access data on emissions-related com-
ponents using special equipment.
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the vehi-
cle. However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact the nearest
BMW center immediately. Severe
handbook.book Page 126 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

149
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reservegal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 16.6/63
approx. 2.1/8Fuel specification: page 24
Windshield/
Headlamp washer reservoir quarts/liters approx. 5.6/5.3Specifications: page 120
Cooling system including heater circuit quarts/liters approx. 8.9/8.4 Specifications: page 122
Engine with oil filter change quarts/liters approx. 6.9/6.5 BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
Specifications: page 120
Manual and automatic transmission and differential – Lifetime lubricant, no oil change
required
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Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake System
18, 109
Accessories 5
Activated-charcoal filter 96
ADB Automatic Differential
Brake 77
Adding brake fluid 123
Air conditioning 88, 94
Air distribution 90, 94
Air nozzles 88, 92
Air outlets 88, 92
Air pressure 111
check 24
Air supply 90, 94
Airbags 18, 52
Alarm system 38
Anchorages 105
Antifreeze 122
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
18, 109
Anti-theft system 38
Armrest 98
ASC+T Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction 18,
19, 77
Ashtray
front 100
rear 100
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 95Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 92
Automatic cruise control 68
Automatic Differential Brake
(ADB) 77
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 51
Automatic headlamp
control 85
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 95
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T) 18,
19, 77
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 19, 63
Average fuel
consumption 75
Average speed 75
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Axle loads 148
B
Backrest, adjusting 44
Backup lamps 62
replacing bulb 133Battery
charge 140
charge current 18
discharged 140
Belts 47
Beverage holder 98, 99
Blind, sun protection 96
Blower 90, 94
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils 121
BMW sports seat 44
Bore 146
Bottle holder, see Beverage
holder 98
Brake hydraulic system 18
Brake lamps
replacing bulb 133
Brake pads 19
Brake, parking 61
Brakes, malfunctions 110
Break-in procedures 108
Bulb, replacing 131
C
California Proposition 65
warning 126
Can holder, see Beverage
holder 98
Capacities 149
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochureCar telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 100
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Cargo loading 104
Cassette player operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
CBC Cornering Brake
Control 18, 109
CD player operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio
Cellular phone 99
Center armrest 98
Center high-mount brake
lamp 134
Central locking system 30
button 34
Charge indicator lamp 18
Check Control 72
Child-restraint mounting
system (LATCH) 56
Cigarette lighter 100
Cleaning windshield 68
Clock 73
setting, refer also to the
radio or onboard com-
puter Owner's Manual
handbook.book Page 152 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

Everything from A to Z
153
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Coin box 98
Compartments 98
Compression ratio 146
Computer 74
Condensation
removing from windows
91, 94
Consumption 75
display 71
Coolant 122, 149
Cooling system 149
Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 18, 109
Cruise control 68
Cup holder, see Beverage
holder 98
Curb weight 148
Cushion height 147
D
Data
dimensions 147
engine 146
technical 146
weights 148
Daytime driving lamps 85
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 109Defrost position 91, 94
Defrosting
rear window 90, 95
windows 91, 94
Digital clock 73
Dimensions 147
Dipstick, engine oil 120
Displacement 146
Display lighting 86
Displays 16
Distance warning 76
Divided rear backrest 102
Door key 30
Door lock buttons 34
Doors
emergency operation 33
unlocking and locking 31
Driving notes 109
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 18, 19, 79
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 79
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 109
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 18, 19, 79
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) 79
E
Electric power windows 40Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 140
Electrical malfunction
fuel filler door 23
sliding/tilt sunroof 42
Emergency operation
doors 33
fuel filler door 23
sliding/tilt sunroof 42
Emergency release
luggage compartment
lid 37
Emissions, minimum, refer
to Energy control 70
Energy control 70
Engine
starting 59
switching off 61
Engine compartment 118
Engine coolant 149
adding 122
temperature gauge 71
Engine data 146
Engine oil
adding 120
capacity 149
quality 121
viscosity 121
Engine oil consumption 120
Engine oil level 19
check 120
Engine oil pressure 18Engine oil types 121
Engine speed 146
Entering the rear 46
Environmentally-friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control 70
Exterior mirrors 50
Eyelet, towing 142
F
False alarm, avoiding 39
Fault displays 72
First-aid kit 22
Flashlight 98
Flat tire 111, 135
Flat Tire Monitor 82
Fog lamps 87
Folding rear backrest 102
Follow me home lamps 85
Front fog lamps 87
Front seat adjustment 43
Frost protection
radiator 122
Fuel consumption 75
display 71
Fuel economy, refer to
Energy control 70
Fuel filler door 23
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 23
Fuel gauge 71
Fuel specifications 24
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handbook.book Page 153 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

Everything from A to Z
155
N
Navigation System, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Neckrest 46
O
OBD interface socket 126
Obstruction protection 40
Odometer 70
Oil
capacity 149
quality 121
viscosity 121
Oil additives 121
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 120
Oil dipstick 120
Oil filter change 149
Oil level
checking 120
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 72
Oil types 121Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 130
Operating elements 14
Outlets, ventilation 88, 92
Outside temperature dis-
play 74
P
Panic mode – trigger
alarm 32
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 76
Parking aid 76
Parking brake 61
Parking lamps 85
replacing bulb 132
PDC Park Distance
Control 76
Pocket flashlight 98
Pollen 91, 96
Power output 146
Power seat 45
Pressure, tires 24, 81, 111
monitoring 81
R
Radiator 149
Radio
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for RadioRain sensor 67
Range 75
Reading lamps
front 87
rear 87
Rear backrest, folding 102
Rear center 3-point safety
belt 102
Rear lamps 133
Rear window defroster
90, 95
Rearview mirror 50
Recirculated-air mode
90, 95
Reclining seat 43
Refueling 23
Remote control 31
Remote control keys 30
Replacement key 30
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve indicator lamp 71
Reverse 62
Roof load capacity 148
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 105
Run Flat tires 113, 139
S
Safe seating position 43
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 47
Safety feature 40Seat adjustment 43
mechanical 44
power 45
Seat heating 49
Seat memory 48
Securing cargo 105
Securing devices 105
Selector lever, automatic
transmission 63
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 124
Service interval display
72, 124
Shiftlock 63
Side airbags 52
Size 147
Ski bag 103
Sliding/tilt sunroof 41
closing following an elec-
trical malfunction 42
convenience operation 31
remote control 32
Snow chains 115
Socket 100
Spare key 30
Spare tire 135
Speedometer 16
Sports seat 44
Standing lamps 86
Starting problems 59
Starting the engine 59
Steering wheel lock 59
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 155 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

Everything from A to ZSteering wheel with multi-
function buttons 21
Steering wheel, adjusting 50
Steptronic 63
Storage compartments 98
Storage, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Stroke 146
Sun blind 96
Switching off the engine 61
Symbols 4
Synthetic oils 121
T
Tachometer 16, 70
Tail lamps
replacing bulb 133
Tank capacity 149
Technical data 146
Technical modifications 5
Telephone hookup 99
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Temperature adjustment
90, 94
Temperature display
engine coolant 71
outside temperature 74
Temperature layering 91, 95
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 44
Third brake lamp 134Through-loading system 102
Tilt alarm sensor
switching off 39
Time 73
Tire change 135
Tire damage 111
Tire inflation pressure
24, 111
Tire Pressure Monitor
(TPM) 81
Tire replacement 112
Tire tread 111
Tools 130
Torque 146
Towing eyelet 142
Towing the vehicle 142
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor 81
Track 147
Transmission 62
Transporting children
safely 54
Tread depth, tires 111
Tread wear indicator 111
Trigger alarm – Panic
mode 32
Trip odometer 70
Trunk, see Luggage com-
partment 35
capacity 148
Trunk lid, see Luggage com-
partment lid 35Turn signal indicator 20, 66
replacing bulb 132
Turning circle 147
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 113
V
Vacuum cleaner, connect-
ing 100
Vehicle
break-in procedures 108
starting 61
switching off 61
Vehicle Memory 58
Vehicle storage, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Vehicle weight 148
Ventilation 88, 92
draft-free 91, 95
Viscosity 121
Voice Control System, refer
to the separate Owner's
Manual
Voice recognition 21
W
Warning lamp
Please fasten safety
belts 18Warning lamps 18
Warning messages 72
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet 124
Warranty, refer also to sepa-
rate booklet 6
Washer fluid
refilling 120, 149
Washer reservoir
filling 120, 149
Washer/wiper system 67
Water on roadways
deep water 109
Wear indicator for tires 111
Weights 148
Wheel, changing 135
Wheelbase 147
Wheels and tires 114
Wheelslip control, see
DSC 79
Width 147
Window condensation
removing 91, 94
Windows
convenience operation 31
defrosting 91, 94
power 40
remote control 32
Windshield washer reservoir
filling 120, 149
Windshield wipers 67
Winter tires 114
handbook.book Page 156 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM