2003 BMW 325Ci oil

140Maintenance
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 its resale
value.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.
handbook.book Page 140 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

141 Laws 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, behind a specially
marked cover located beneath the
instrument panel. The cover has the let-
ters 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
next 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
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165
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reservegal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 16.6/63
approx. 2.1/8Fuel quality, refer to
page 25
Windshield/
Headlamp washer reservoir quarts/liters approx. 5.6/5.3For details, refer to
page 136
Cooling system including heating circuit quarts/liters approx. 8.9/8.4 For details, refer to
page 138
Engine oil and filter change quarts/liters approx. 6.9/6.5 BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil
Specifications, refer to page 136
Manual and automatic transmission and differential – Lifetime lubricant, no oil change
required
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 123
indicator lamp 19
Accessories 5
Activated-charcoal filter 108
ADB Automatic Differential
Braking 88
Adding brake fluid 134, 139
Air conditioning
100, 102, 106
Air distribution 102
automatic 106
individual 106
Air nozzles 100, 104
Air outlets 100, 104
Air pressure 127
check 25
Air supply 102, 106
Air supply/Blower
recirculated-air mode 107
Airbags 61
warning lamp 18
Alarm system 38
avoiding false alarm 39
indicator lamp 39
interior protection 38
tilt alarm sensor 38
Antifreeze 138
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 123
indicator lamp 19Anti-theft system 30, 38
Armrest 112
ASC+T Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction 88
indicator lamp 19
Ashtray
front 113
rear 114
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 107
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 104
Automatic cruise control 79
Automatic curb monitor 58
Automatic Differential Brak-
ing (ADB) 88
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 60
Automatic headlamp
control 96
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 107
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T) 88
indicator lamp 19
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 74
indicator lamps 19Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting 134, 157
Average fuel
consumption 86
Average speed 86
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Axle loads 164
B
Backrest
unlock 55
Backup lamps 73
replacing bulb 149
Battery 156
charge 156
charge current 18
charge indicator lamp 18
Belts 56
Beverage holder 113
Blower 100, 102, 106
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils 137
BMW Maintenance
System 140
BMW Universal
Transmitter 110
Bore 162
Bottle holder, see Beverage
holder 113
Brake
warning lamp 18Brake fluid level 124
warning lamp 18, 139
Brake hydraulics
warning lamp 18
Brake lamps
replacing bulb 149
Brake pads 124
indicator lamp 19
Brakes
driving notes 123
malfunctions 124
parking brake 72
Break-in procedures 122
Bulb, replacing 147
C
California Proposition
65 warning 141
Can holder, see Beverage
holder 113
Capacities 165
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car radio
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
Car telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 114
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Everything from A to Z
169
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Cargo loading 116
Cassette player operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio
CBC Cornering Brake
Control 123
indicator lamp 19
CD player operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio
Cellular phone 113
Center armrest 112
Center high-mount brake
lamp 150
Central locking system 30
button 34
Changing a wheel 151
Check Control 83
Check Filler Cap
indicator lamp 19
Checking coolant level 138
Checking oil level 136
Child seats 63
integrated 61
Child-restraint mounting
system (LATCH) 66
Child-restraint system 63
Cigarette lighter 113
Clean headlamps 79Cleaning position, convert-
ible top 45, 50
Cleaning windshield 79
Clock 84
setting 84
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Coin box 113
Compartments 112
Compression ratio 162
Computer 85
Condensation
removing from windows
103, 106
Consumption
display 82
fuel 86
Convertible top
cleaning position 45, 50
closing in an
emergency 48
electrical fault 48
Convertible top activation
fully automatic top 46
manual top 41
Convertible top compart-
ment panel, folding
down 37
Coolant 134, 138, 165
indicator lamp 19
Cooling system 165Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 123
indicator lamp 19
Cruise control 79
indicator lamp 20
Cup holder, see Beverage
holder 113
Curb weight 164
Cushion height 163
D
Data
dimensions 163
engine 162
technical 162
weights 164
Daytime driving lamps 96
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 123
warning lamp 19
Defrost position 103, 106
Defrosting rear window
102, 107
Defrosting windows
103, 106
Digital clock 84
Dimensions 163
Dipstick, engine oil 136
Disc brakes 124
Displacement 162
Display lighting 97Displays 16
Distance warning PDC 87
Door key 30
Door lock buttons 34
Doors
emergency operation 33
manual operation 33
remote control 31
unlocking and locking
31, 33
Driving notes
braking 123
disc brakes 124
general information 123
hydroplaning 123
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 90
indicator lamp 19
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 90
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 123
warning lamps 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 90
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) 90
E
Electric power windows 40
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Everything from A to ZElectrical accessories, fail-
ure 156
Electrical malfunction
convertible top 48
doors 33
fuel filler door 24
Emergency operation
closing the convertible
top 48
doors 33
fuel filler door 24
Emergency release
luggage compartment
lid 36
Emissions, minimum, refer
to Energy control 81
Energy control 81
Engine
displacement 162
power output 162
starting 70
switching off 72
torque 162
Engine compartment 134
Engine coolant 165
adding 138
temperature gauge 82
Engine data 162
Engine electronics
warning lamp 19Engine oil
adding 134, 136
capacity 165
consumption 136
quality 137
viscosity 137
Engine oil level
check 134
indicator lamp 19
warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
warning lamp 18
Engine oil types 137
Engine speed 162
Entering the rear
rear entry aid 55
Environmentally-friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control 81
Exterior mirrors 59
Eyelet, towing 158
F
False alarm, avoiding 39
Fault displays 83
First-aid kit 23
Flashlight 109
Flat tire 127, 151
Flat Tire Monitor 93
indicator lamp 18, 19
Fog lamps 98
Follow me home lamps 96Footbrake 124
see Driving notes 123
Front fog lamps 98
indicator lamp 20
Front seat adjustment 52
Frost protection
radiator 138
Fuel 25
Fuel consumption 86
display 82
Fuel economy, refer to
Energy control 81
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel gauge 82
Fuel specifications 25
Fuel tank
capacity 165
display 82
gauge 82
Fuel-injection system 162
Fully automatic convertible
top 46
activation 46
opening, closing 47
Fuses 156
replacing 156
G
Garage-door opener 110Gasoline 25
gauge 82
Glove compartment 109
Grills 100, 104
Gross vehicle weight 164
H
Hands-free system 113
Hardtop 125
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
Head restraints 54
Headlamp flasher 97
Headlamp washer
reservoir 134
Headlamp washer system
136, 165
Headlamps 96
automatic control 96
Heated mirrors 59
Heated seats 58
Heavy loads 116
High beams 77, 97
indicator lamp 21
replacing bulb 147
Holder for beverages 113
Hood release 132
Horn 14
Hydraulic Brake assistant,
see DBC
Hydroplaning 123, 127
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Everything from A to Z
171
I
Ice warning 85
Ignition key 30
positions 70
Ignition lock 70
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18
Individual settings
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 69
Inflation pressure 25, 127
monitoring 92
INSPECTION 83
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 97
Instrument panel 14, 16
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD) 141
Interior lamps 32, 98
remote control 32
Interior motion sensor 38
remote control 32
switching off 32, 39
Interior rearview mirror 60
automatic dimming
feature 60
Interior temperature, adjust-
ment 106
Interlock 70
Intermittent mode 78J
Jack 151
Jump-starting 157
K
Key Memory 69
Keys 30
L
Labels, tires 130
Lamps
daytime driving lamps 96
fog lamps 98
interior lamps 98
panel lighting 97
parking lamps 96
reading lamps 98
replacing 147
standing lamps 97
Lashing fittings 117
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 66
Length 163
License plate lamp
replacing bulb 151
Light switch 96
Lighter 113
Lighting, see Lamps
LIGHTS ON warning 96
Load-securing devices 116
Lock, steering wheel 70Low beams 96
replacing bulb 147
Lug wrench 151
Luggage compartment 35
capacity 164
enlarge volume 37
floor panel 37
folding down convertible
top compartment panel 37
opening from the inside 35
Luggage compartment lid 35
emergency release 36
manual operation 35
remote control 32
securing separately 35
Luggage compartment light-
ing 35
Luggage rack 118
Lumbar support 53
M
M+S tires 130
Maintenance 83, 140
Malfunction displays 83
Manual convertible top 41
closing 44
opening 42
operation 41
Manual operation of con-
vertible top during electri-
cal fault 48
Manual transmission 73Master keys 30
MC operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
MD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
Memory 57, 69
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 69
Microfilter 103, 108
Microphone 113
Mirror
exterior 59
interior 60
Mirror defrosting 59
Mirror memory 57
Mirrors 59
Modifications, technical 5
Multifunction switch 77
N
Navigation System, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Neckrest 54
O
OBD interface socket 141
Odometer 81
Oil
capacity 165
quality 137
viscosity 137
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 171 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM

Everything from A to ZOil additives 137
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 136
Oil dipstick 136
Oil filter change 165
Oil level
checking 136
indicator lamp 19
warning lamp 18
Oil pressure
warning lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 83
Oil types 137
Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 146
Opening and closing
from the inside 34
via the door lock 33
via the remote control 31
Operating elements 14
Outlets, ventilation 104
Outside temperature dis-
play 85P
Panic mode, trigger alarm
32
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 87
Parking aid 87
Parking brake 72
Parking lamps 96
replacing bulb 148
PDC Park Distance
Control 87
Pocket flashlight 109
Pollen 103, 108
Power output 162
Power seat 53
Pressure, tires 25, 92, 127
monitoring 92
R
Radiator 165
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 78
Range 86
Reading lamps
front 98
rear 98
Rear lamps 149
Rear window defroster
102, 107
Rearview mirror 59Recirculated-air mode
102, 107
Refueling 24
Remote control 31
Remote control keys 30
Replacement key 30, 31
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve indicator lamp 82
Restraint system 63
Reverse 73
Rims 130
Rollover protection
system 67
indicator lamp 19
lowering 67
Roof load capacity 164
Roof-mounted luggage rack
118, 125
Run Flat tires 129, 155
S
Safe seating position 52
Safety belts 56
seat-integrated safety belt
system (SGS) 55
Seat
rear entry aid 55
Seat adjustment 52
lumbar support 53
thigh support 53
Seat heating 58
Seat memory 57Securing cargo 116
Securing child-restraint sys-
tem 65
Securing devices 117
Selector lever, automatic
transmission 74
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 140
Service Engine Soon
warning lamp 19
Service interval display
83, 140
Setting
clock 84
Shiftlock 74
Side airbags 61
Side turn signal indicators
replacing bulb 149
Size 163
Ski bag 115
Snow chains 131
Socket 114
Spare key 30
Spare tire 151
Speedometer 16
Standing lamps 97
Starting problems 70
Starting the engine 70
Steering wheel lock 70
Steering wheel with multi-
function buttons 22
Steering wheel, adjusting 59
handbook.book Page 172 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 9:29 AM