2004 BMW M3 COUPE checking oil

121
1Filler neck for headlamp and wind-
shield washer cleaning system122
2Coolant expansion tank124
3Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting –
positive terminal143
4Engine oil filler neck123
5Expansion tank for SMG Drivelogic
hydraulic unit, checking and possible
refilling by your BMW center67
6Engine oil dipstick122
7Filler neck for brake fluid125Engine compartment essentials
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122
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 their
closed original containers. Store them
inaccessible to children. 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. 1 minute, 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.
1.4 US quarts/1.3 liters.

123
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
at 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 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
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124
However, if the vehicle is exposed to
temperatures below –47/–206 for
extended periods, please have your
BMW center recommend a suitable oil.
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.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. You should
always store them in their closed origi-
nal containers and in a location inac-
cessible to children. Antifreeze and
anti-corrosion agents are inflammable.
For this reason, do not spill them on hot
engine parts. They could ignite and
cause burns. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of antifreeze agents with corro-
sion inhibitor.<
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 is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck – refer to the arrow in the illus-
tration. The end of the float may stick
out by a maximum of 3/4 in / 2 cm –
that is, up to the second mark on the
float. Refer also to the schematic dia-
gram next to the filler neck
Engine oil

Everything from A to ZMaximum speed
with winter tires 118
MC operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
MD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mechanical seats 44
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 49
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 60
Microfilter
automatic climate
control 96
Microphone, refer to Cellular
phone 99
Mini disc operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mirrors 51
automatic curb monitor 50
heated 51
memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 49
Mobile Service 142
Mobility system 136
Modifications, technical,
refer to For your own
safety 5Multifunction steering
wheel 22
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 72
washer/wiper system 73
N
Navigation system, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to
Head restraints 46
Nets 98
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 92
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
the vehicle 145
O
OBD interface socket 128
Odometer 76
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 123
alternative oils 123
capacity 153
dipstick 122
quality 123
specified engine oils 123Oil change interval, refer
to Service interval
display 126
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil filter change 153
Oil level
checking 122
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 78
Oil types 123
Old batteries, refer to Dis-
posal 140
Onboard computer 80
Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 132
Opening and closing
from inside 34
from outside 31
via remote control 31
via the door lock 33
Outlets, ventilation 92Outside temperature dis-
play 80
changing unit of
measure 80
P
Paintwork care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Panic mode, trigger
alarm 32
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 82
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC) 82
Parking brake 65
indicator lamp 18
Parking lamps 88
bulb replacement 133
Parking lamps/Low
beams 88
Parts and accessories, refer
to Your individual vehicle 5
Passenger-side exterior mir-
ror tilt function 50
PDC Park Distance
Control 82
Pinch protection
glass sunroof 41
Plastic, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure