Page 125 of 166

125
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.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on
the dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.
Before checking the engine oil level
after topping up, restart the engine and
allow it to run to obtain a correct dis-
play. Then proceed as described under
Checking the oil level.
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 differential,
and the power steering system.<
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 and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on 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 function
and life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only
certain grades of engine oil.
Use only oils approved for your vehicle
model.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning oils that have been
approved. You can also call BMW of
North America toll-free at 1-800-831-
1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this infor-
mation.<
Alternative oil typesIf a High Performance Synthetic Oil
approved by BMW should be unavail-
able, you may use small volumes of
other synthetic oils for topping up
between oil changes. The following
data must appear on the packaging:
>Viscosity
preferred: SAE 10W-60
alternative: SAE 5W-40 or
SAE 10W40
>Specifications
preferred: API SJ/CF
alternative: API SJ – also SK, SL, S
etc.Low ambient temperaturesThe oils used by BMW at the factory for
your vehicle model can be used at virtu-
ally any ambient temperature.
Engine oil
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 125 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 9:28 AM
Page 157 of 166

Everything from A to Z
157
Cleaning position, convert-
ible top 45
Cleaning windshield 78
Clock 83
refer also to the radio or
onboard computer
Owner's Manual
Cockpit 14
Code, tires 118
Coin box 102
Compression ratio 150
Computer 84
Condensation, removing
from windows 98
Configure personal settings
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 65
Consumption
display 81
fuel 85
Convertible top
cleaning position 45
electrical malfunction 44
emergency operation 44
opening and closing 42
Convertible top operation
fully automatic convertible
top 41
Coolant 122, 126, 153
indicator lamp 19
Cooling system 153
Copyright 4Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 111
Cruise control 78
indicator lamp 20
Cup holder, see Beverage
holder 102
Curb weight 152
Cushion height 151
D
Data
dimensions 151
engine 150
weights 152
Daytime driving lamps 92
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 88
warning lamp 19
Defrost position 98
Defrosting rear window 99
Defrosting windows 98
Digital clock 83
Dimensions 151
Dipstick, engine oil 124
Disc brakes 112
Displacement 150
Display lighting 93
Displays 16
Distance warning 86
Door key 30
Door lock buttons 34Doors
emergency operation 33
manual operation 33
remote control 31
unlocking and locking
31, 33
Drivelogic 74
Driving notes
braking 111
disc brakes 112
general 111
hydroplaning 111
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 87
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 88
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 87
indicator lamp 19
E
Electric malfunction
doors 33
Electric power windows 40
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 144
Electrical malfunction
convertible top 44
fuel filler door 24Emergency operation
doors 33
fuel filler door 24
Emergency release
luggage compartment
lid 36
Engine
displacement 150
output 150
starting 67
switching off 69
torque 150
Engine compartment 122
Engine coolant 153
refilling 126
temperature gauge 81
Engine data 150
Engine electronics
warning lamp 19
Engine oil
adding 122, 124
capacity 153
consumption 124
dipstick 124
quality 125
types 125
viscosity 125
Engine oil level
check 122
indicator lamp 19
warning lamp 18
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 157 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 9:28 AM
Page 159 of 166

Everything from A to Z
159
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 62
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Length 151
License plate lamp
replacing bulb 139
Light switch 92
Lighter 102
Lighting, see lamps
LIGHTS ON warning 92
Load-securing devices 106
Lock, steering wheel 66
Low beams 92
bulb replacement 135
Luggage compartment
35, 37
capacity 152
floor panel 37
increase volume 37
Luggage compartment lid 35
emergency release 36
manual operation 35
opening from the inside 35
remote control 32
securing separately 35
Luggage compartment light-
ing 35
Luggage rack 107
Lumbar support 50M
M Engine dynamics
control 91
M Mobility system 139
M+S tires 118
Maintenance 82, 128
Malfunction displays 82
Manual operation
convertible top 44
Manual transmission 70
Master keys 30
with remote control 30
Memory 53, 65
Microfilter 100
Microphone 102
Mirror defrosting 55
Mirror memory 53
Mirrors 55
automatic curb monitor 54
inside rearview 56
outside 55
Mobility system 139
Modifications, technical 5
Mounting the roof rack 113
Multifunction switch 76
N
Navigation system, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Neckrest 50O
OBD interface socket 130
Odometer 80
Oil
additives 125
capacity 153
quality 125
viscosity 125
Oil change interval, see Ser-
vice and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil filter change 153
Oil level
checking 124
indicator lamp 19
warning lamp 18
Oil pressure
warning lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 82
Oil types 125
Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 134
Opening and closing
from inside 34
via remote control 31
via the door lock 33
Operating elements 14Outlets, ventilation 96
Outside temperature dis-
play 84
P
Paintwork care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Panic mode, trigger
alarm 32
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 86
Parking aid 86
Parking brake 69
Parking lamps 92
PDC Park Distance
Control 86
Pollen 100
Power output 150
Power seat 49
Pressure, tires 25, 115
R
Radiator 153
Radio navigation, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Radio 85
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 77
Range 85
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book Page 159 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 9:28 AM