2004 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE oil type

121
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
BMW recommends using only
wheels and tires that have been
approved by BMW for your particular
vehicle model, as otherwise body con-
tact and serious accidents can result
despite the use of the same nominal
size, e.g. due to manufacturing toler-
ances. If non-approved wheels and
tires are used, BMW cannot evaluate
their suitability, and therefore cannot be
held liable for driving safety.<
BMW tests certain tire brands for each
tire size, classifies them as road-safe
and approves them. Consult your BMW
center for more information. Observe
any country-specific regulations, e.g.
on making a corresponding entry in the
vehicle documents.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
such as ABS, DSC, Flat Tire Monitor.
The function of these systems is
impaired if improper wheel and tire
combinations are used.
Therefore, only use tires of the same
brand and same tread configuration on
the vehicle and, for example following a
tire failure, restore the approved wheel
and tire combination as soon as possi-
ble.<
The use of rims and lug bolts that
do not meet the specifications of
the original factory-installed equipment
will affect the safe operation of your
vehicle and may cause an accident and
personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol.<
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 infla-
tion pressures specified on the tire
sidewall.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

127
Adding engine oilOnly add engine oil when the oil level
has dropped to just above the lower
mark on the dipstick.
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.
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.
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. 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 10W-40
>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

Everything from A to Z
163
Electrical malfunction
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment
lid 35
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 86
Emergency call 146
Emergency operation
doors 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
luggage compartment
lid 35
Emergency release
luggage compartment
lid 36
Engine
breaking in 112
data 154
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 79, 154
starting 66
switching off 68
Engine compartment 124
Engine coolant 128
refilling 128Engine oil
adding 127
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 127
alternative oils 127
capacity 157
consumption 126
dipstick 126
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 127
specified oils 127
temperature gauge 79
types 127
Engine oil level 19
check 126
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil temperature 79
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 154
Engine speed 79, 154
Entering the rear 49
Equipment range, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 86Exterior mirrors 53
Eyeglasses
compartment 102
Eyelet, towing 149
F
Fastening the safety belts 50
Fault displays 81
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir 157
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 23
First-aid kit 23
Flat tire 140
Flat Tire Monitor 87
Mobility system 140
repairing 140
Flat Tire Monitor 87
activating/deactivating 89
indicator lamp 18, 19, 89
Flat tire, refer to Tire condi-
tion 118
Fluid reservoir for washer
systems 126
Fog lamps 93
indicator/warning lamp 20
Folding down convertible
top compartment panel 37
Follow me home lamps 91
Footbrake, refer to General
driving notes 113
Front airbags 55Front fog lamps 93
indicator/warning lamp 20
Front seat adjustment 47
Fuel
display 80
specifications 25
volume 157
Fuel consumption
display 84
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 80
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 80
Fuel mixture preparation 154
Fuel reserve indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 80
Fuel tank capacity 157
Fuses 145
G
Gasoline consumption, refer
to Average fuel consump-
tion 84
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 25
Gear indicator 71
Gearbox
manual transmission 69
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZMD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 51
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 64
Microfilter
automatic climate
control 100
Microphone, refer to Cellular
phone 102
Mini disc operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mirrors 53
automatic curb monitor 52
heated 53
memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 51
Mobile Service 146
Mobility system 140
Modifications, technical,
refer to For your own
safety 5
Multifunction steering
wheel 22
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 75
washer/wiper system 76N
Navigation system, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to
Head restraints 48
Nets 101
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 96
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
the vehicle 149
O
OBD interface socket 132
Odometer 79
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 127
alternative oils 127
capacity 157
dipstick 126
quality 127
specified engine oils 127
Oil change interval, refer
to Service interval
display 130
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian modelsOil filter change 157
Oil level
checking 126
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 81
Oil temperature 79
Oil types 127
Old batteries, refer to Dis-
posal 144
Onboard computer 83
Onboard computer, refer
also to the Owner's Man-
ual for Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 136
Opening and closing
from inside 34
from outside 31
via door lock 33
via remote control 31
Outlets, ventilation 96
Outside temperature dis-
play 83
changing unit of
measure 83
P
Paintwork care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochurePark Distance Control
(PDC) 85
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC) 85
Parking brake 68
indicator lamp 18
Parking lamps 91
bulb replacement 137
Parking lamps/Low
beams 91
Parts and accessories, refer
to Your individual vehicle 5
Passenger-side exterior mir-
ror tilt function 52
PDC Park Distance
Control 85
Plastic, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Please fasten safety belts
indicator lamp 18
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal
filter 100
Power output, refer to
Engine data 154
Power seat 47
Power socket, cigarette
lighter 103
Power windows
electric 38
Pressure monitoring, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 87