2004 BMW 325CI COUPE Owner's Manual

121
If there is a total loss of tire inflation
pressure, 0 psi/0 kPa, or obvious tire
damage, you can determine the dis-
tance you may continue driving based
on the following values:
>With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
2 persons, luggage compartment full;
or 4 persons without luggage:
approx. 90 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
4 persons or more, luggage compart-
ment full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. Be
aware that vehicle handling will be
altered when there is a loss in inflation
pressure. Anticipate, e.g., reduced
tracking during braking, longer braking
distances and changed steering char-
acteristics.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
not having damaged Run Flat tires
repaired. In this case, consult your
BMW center.<
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires
mounted only by a skilled profes-
sional. Work that is improperly carried
out could result in consequential dam-
age and pose safety hazards.<
Ask your BMW center for details con-
cerning the correct wheel and tire com-
bination. Have the wheels balanced
each time a wheel or tire has been
replaced.
The correct wheel and tire combination
also affects different systems such as
ABS or DSC. The function of these sys-
tems is impaired if improper wheel and
tire combinations are used.
BMW advises against using
retreaded tires, as driving safety
could otherwise be impaired. This is
due to the possible variations in casing
structures and, in some cases, to their
extreme age, which can lead to a
decrease in their durability.<
The correct wheels and tires
BMW recommends using only
wheels and tires that have been
tested and approved by BMW for the
particular vehicle model, as otherwise
body contact and serious accidents can
result despite the use of the same nom-
inal size, e.g. due to manufacturing tol-
erances. BMW cannot evaluate all tires
and wheels on the market, and is thus
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will
continue to perform safely if unap-
proved tires and/or wheels are
mounted.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
brand and tread configuration. After a
flat tire, have the previous wheel and
tire combination restored as soon as
possible.
Recommended tire sizes and
brandsFor each tire size, certain tire brands
have been tested, classified as road-
safe and approved by BMW. You can
find out about these from a professional
Run Flat tires*
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122
tire center, preferably your BMW cen-
ter. Observe any country-specific regu-
lations, e.g. on making a corresponding
entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-approved radial belt tires
are matched to your vehicle and pro-
vide optimum safety and driving com-
fort when used properly.Run Flat tiresIf your vehicle is equipped with Run Flat
tires, refer to Run Flat tires, use only
these tires since no spare wheel is
available in the event of a flat.Special characteristics of winter
tiresBMW recommends the use of winter
tires for operation under winter road
conditions. While all-season tires with
M+S designation provide better winter
traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally do not achieve the full performance
of winter tires.
Run Flat tires:
If your vehicle is equipped with Run Flat
tires, refer to Run Flat tires, please note
the following: when mounting new tires
or replacing summer tires with winter tires, or vice versa, use only Run Flat
tires since no spare wheel is available
in the event of a flat. Your BMW center
will be glad to advise you.
Observing speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated. Unprofessional attempts by
laymen to service tires can lead to dam-
age and accidents. Have this work per-
formed by skilled professionals only.
The technicians at your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with the
required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel. Do not
exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sures specified on the tire sidewall.
Snow chains*Only certain snow chains have been
tested by BMW and determined and
approved as roadworthy. Consult your
BMW center for details. BMW recom-
mends using only these approved fine-
link snow chains. Use them in pairs on
either summer or winter tires, but only
on both rear wheels.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph /
50 km/h when using snow chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the
following tires:
>225/50 R 16
>225/45 R 17
>245/40 R 17
>225/40 R 18
>255/35 R 18.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Moni-
tor after mounting snow chains to
the tires.
When driving with snow chains, it may
be useful to turn off the DSC for a short
time, refer to page 81 or 82.<
New wheels and tires

123 In the engine compartment
HoodTo releasePull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.
Do not attempt to service your
vehicle if you do not have the
required technical background. If you
are not familiar with the regulations to
be observed, have your vehicle ser-
viced only by a BMW center or a shop
that works according to BMW require-
ments with the appropriately trained
personnel. Work that is improperly car-
ried out could result in consequential
damage and pose safety hazards.<
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.
To closeAllow the hood to fall from a height of
about 1 ft/30 cm so that it audibly
engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, following the same
safety precautions used in all closing
procedures.
If you notice while driving that the hood
is not completely closed, stop immedi-
ately and close it securely.<
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124
Engine compartment essentials

125
1Brake fluid reservoir128
2Engine oil dipstick126
3Coolant expansion tank128
4Reservoir for the headlamp and
windshield washer system126
5Engine oil filler neck127
6Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting147Engine compartment essentials
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126
Washer fluidsHeadlamp* and windshield
washer systemCapacity approx.
5.6 US quarts/5.3 liters
Fill with water and, if required, with a
washer antifreeze additive according to
manufacturer's recommendations.
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agents for the washer
fluid are highly flammable. For this
reason, keep them away from sources
of flame and store them only in closed
original containers, inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with the instructions on
the containers.<
Engine oilChecking the oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
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.
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.

127
Adding engine oilOnly add engine oil when the oil level
has dropped to just above the lower
mark on the dipstick.
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.
Store oils, grease and similar materials
so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and
information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
at your BMW center.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.<
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could even lead to
damage in some cases.<
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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128
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water as well as an
additive such as antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor. Not all commercially
available additives are suitable for your
BMW. Your BMW center knows which
additives are appropriate.
Only use approved additives, as
the engine could otherwise be
damaged. The additives are hazardous
to your health; therefore, follow the
instructions on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of antifreeze with corrosion inhib-
itor.<
Checking the coolant level and
adding coolantCheck the coolant level when the
engine is cold, approx. 687/+206.
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
to escape. Then open
2. The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float rod is at
least even with the upper edge of the
filler neck; see arrow. The end of the
float may stick out by a maximum of
3/4 in/2 cm – that is, up to the sec-
ond mark on the float
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the cool-
ant is low, slowly add coolant until
the correct level is reached – do not
overfill.
Brake fluidIndicator lamp
The warning lamp comes on
even though the parking brake
is released:
The brake fluid level in the reservoir is
too low, refer to page 18. At the same
time, there may be significantly greater
pedal travel. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Warning lamp for Canadian
models.
If you continue driving, extended
pedal travel may be necessary
and braking distances may be signifi-
cantly longer. Be sure to adapt your
driving style accordingly.<