2004 BMW M3 COUPE oil level

18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

●

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

●

The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure

●

An alarm sounds at the same
time. Stop vehicle immediately
and switch off engine. Check the
engine oil level and top up as required.
If the oil level is correct: please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

<

Flat Tire Monitor

●

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: there is a flat tire.
Reduce speed and carefully come to a
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers.
For additional information: refer to
page 84
Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to comply with the
instructions on pages 112 and 125.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp

●

Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off. For additional information: refer to
page 65
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belts
●
Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety
belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 47
Airbags

●

Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 53

19

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

The brake warning lamp lights
up together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS

●

and
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Con-
tinue to drive; drive cautiously
and defensively and avoid full
brake applications. Please have the
system checked by your BMW center
as soon as possible.
For additional information: refer to
pages 83, 112
ABS, CBC and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.

Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center

Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine has been started,
or if it comes on during normal driving:
this indicates a malfunction in the sys-
tem. Please consult the nearest BMW
center.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system over-
load has occurred.
For additional information: refer to
page 71

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Engine oil level
Comes on while driving and is
accompanied by an alarm: the
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than 30 miles/50 km
before refilling.
For additional information: refer to
page 122

Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off and is accompa-
nied by an alarm: add engine oil at your
earliest opportunity, such as when you
stop to refuel.
For additional information: refer to
page 122
Brake pads

●

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 112
Flat Tire Monitor

●

The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 84

Indicator and warning lamps
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

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
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

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 ZCoin box 98
Cold start, refer to Starting
the engine 63
Compact disc operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compartments 98
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine data 150
Computer 80
Condensation, refer to Air
conditioning mode 94
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 60
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Cigarette
lighter 100
Consumption, refer to Aver-
age fuel consumption 81
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 14
Convenience operation
from outside 33
glass sunroof 32
windows 32
Coolant 124
indicator lamp 19, 77
level 124
temperature gauge 77Coolant water, refer to Cool-
ant 124
Cooling, refer to Tempera-
ture 94
Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 112
warning lamp 19
Correct tires 117
Cruise control 74
indicator lamp 20
Cup holders, see Beverage
holders 98, 99
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 152
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 150
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 14
Data
capacities 153
dimensions 151
engine 150
weights 152
Daytime driving lamps 88
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 112
warning lamp 19
Deep water, refer to Water
on roadways 111Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 94
Defrosting and demisting
windows
automatic climate
control 94
Defrosting windows 94
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting windows 94
Demisting windows
automatic climate
control 94
Determining the maximum
load 104
Differential
breaking in 110
Digital clock 79
Dimensions 151
Dipstick, engine oil 122
Disc brakes 112
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 150
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 89
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 16
Disposal
oil 123
vehicle battery 140
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 82Divided rear backrest 102
Door key 30
Door lock 33
Doors
emergency operation 33
Draft-free ventilation 95
Drivelogic 70
Driving light, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 88
Driving notes 111
Dry air, refer to Air condi-
tioning mode 94
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 83
indicator lamp 19, 83
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-
trol
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 112
warning lamp 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 83
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC)
indicator lamp 19
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
the rear 47
Electric glass sunroof 41
Electric power windows 40

Everything from A to Z
159
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 141
Electrical malfunction
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 42
luggage compartment
lid 35
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 83
Emergency call 142
Emergency operation
doors 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 42
Emergency release
luggage compartment lid
35, 37
Engine
breaking in 110
data 150
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 76, 150
starting 63
switching off 65
Engine compartment 120
Engine coolant 124
refilling 124Engine oil
adding 123
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 123
alternative oils 123
capacity 153
consumption 122
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 123
specified oils 123
temperature gauge 76
types 123
Engine oil level 19
check 122
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil temperature 76
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 150
Engine speed 76, 150
Entering the rear 47
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) 83
Exterior mirrors 51Eyeglasses compartment 99
Eyelet, towing 145
F
False alarm, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Fastening the safety belts 47
Fault displays 78
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir 153
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 23
First-aid kit 23
Flat tire 136
Flat Tire Monitor 84
Mobility system 136
repairing 136
Flat Tire Monitor 84
activating/deactivating 86
indicator lamp 18, 19, 86
Flat tire, refer to Tire condi-
tion 114
Fluid reservoir for washer
systems 122
Fog lamps 90
indicator/warning lamp 20
Folding rear backrest 102
Follow me home lamps 88
Footbrake, refer to General
driving notes 111
Front airbags 53Front center armrest 98
Front fog lamps 90
indicator/warning lamp 20
Fuel
display 77
specifications 25
volume 153
Fuel consumption
display 81
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 77
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 77
Fuel mixture preparation 150
Fuel reserve indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 77
Fuel tank capacity 153
Fuses 141
G
Gasoline consumption, refer
to Average fuel consump-
tion 81
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 25
Gear indicator 68
Gearbox
manual transmission 66
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

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