2004 BMW X3 oil temperature

Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System has been devised
with the following objectives: to maximize vehicle
safety, reliability, and resale value by minimizing
breakdowns resulting from wear, and minimizing
cost and inconvenience by computing mainte-
nance intervals based upon the specific manner
in which each individual vehicle is driven.
Maintenance intervals on motor vehicles
have conventionally been specified based
upon accumulated mileage. However, the
type of driving conditions has a major
influence on routine maintenance require-
ments; distance traveled is only one of the
significant factors. A vehicle driven for
50,000 miles of short trips in the city with
numerous cold starts, prolonged periods of
idling, stop-and-go driving, and high engine
speeds during acceleration requires more
frequent maintenance intervals than a
vehicle driven for 50,000 miles for long
distances at low engine speeds primarily at
operating temperature.
The advanced technologies at BMW have led to
the development of the unique BMW Service
Interval Indicator System which computes the
actual optimum maintenance requirements based
not only upon the accumulated mileage, but taking
into account important factors such as engine
coolant temperatures, high or low engine speeds,
short or long trip driving, and number of vehicle
starts. The maintenance interval may therefore be
maximized with considerable savings to owners
of vehicles subjected to light duty.
(Typical Display) 32 88 02 30The Service Indicator consists of five green,
one yellow and one red Iight-emitting-diodes
(LEDs) and the inscriptions “OIL SERVICE”
and “INSPECTION”.
Whenever the ignition is switched on, up to
five green LEDs will light up, depending on
the amount of use the vehicle has had since
the last maintenance service and your driving
style. As the number of illuminated green LEDs
decreases, this is an indication that the next
service is almost due and helps you to make
the necessary arrangements on a timely basis.
The green LEDs disappear when the engine
is started.
Notification that maintenance is required is
indicated with the illumination of the yellow
LED and accompanying inscription. These will
remain illuminated with the ignition on.
If the maintenance interval has been exceeded,
the red LED will light up in addition to the
yellow one to remind you of the urgent need for
servicing. In the interests of road safety and
reliability, you should avoid driving your BMW
when the red LED signal is showing, and have
the essential maintenance work performed without
delay.
After each maintenance is performed the
service indicator is reset in order to compute
the next service interval.
The green LEDs which then light up with the
ignition show you the interval before the next
maintenance is due.
If the service indicator displays an illogical
reading, for instance the green and red LEDs
at the same time, or if there is no display,
consult an authorized BMW SAV center.
If the speedometer, tachometer or coolant
temperature gauge should develop a fault, the
service indicator will probably cease to
operate correctly as well, since it depends on
correct speed, distance and temperature
readings. The fault must be located and
rectified by an authorized BMW SAV center.
2

3 A detailed list of all maintenance operations
included in each of the elements of the BMW
Maintenance System is found on pages 4-8.
These elements are as follows:
Quality Certification I will be performed by your
authorized BMW SAV center and certified on
the following page.
The performance of certain subsequent
maintenance elements, as required by the
BMW New SAV Limited Warranty, will be
specified at intervals computed by the BMW
Service Interval Indicator as follows:
– Oil Service: Engine oil should be changed
with the engine at operating temperature.
Note: Change oil at least once a year.
All 2004 BMW X3s are factory-filled with
BMW High Performance Synthetic oils. At the
time of the printing of this booklet, the
following oils are strongly recommended
and approved by BMW:
 BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic
Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866)
 Mobil 1 5W-30
 Mobil 1 5W-40
BMW is evaluating various synthetic oils for
inclusion in our list of recommended motor
oils. For the most current list of synthetic oils,
please contact your authorized BMW SAV
center, or call BMW of North America at 1-
800-831-1117. You can also obtain this
information from our website,
www.bmwusa.com.
It is recommended to check engine oil level
whenever fuel is added to the vehicle.
If you need to add oil between oil changes
and are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, Mobil 1 or
another special oil on the list, use a syn-
thetic oil with an API rating of SJ or higher.
– Inspection I: Major vehicle maintenance
as specified in the following pages under
Inspection I.
– Inspection II: Additional major vehicle
maintenance as specified in the following
pages under Inspection II.The following maintenance elements must
be performed at the mileage/time stated
(time intervals begin from the vehicle’s
production date):
– Brake Fluid Service: Change brake fluid
every two years.
– Oxygen Sensor Service: The oxygen sensor
deteriorates strictly on a mileage basis and
must therefore be replaced every 100,000
miles to maximize vehicle fuel economy
and minimize exhaust pollution. The
replacement of the oxygen sensor is
required under the terms of the applicable
BMW emission system warranties.
– Spark Plug Service: The X3 is equipped
with platinum-tipped spark plugs. These
allow a longer service life than conven-
tional plugs. Replace spark plugs every
100,000 miles.
– Automatic Transmission Service: Change
ATF every 100,000 miles.
The engine coolant has a lifetime rating and
does not need to be changed.
Please see your authorized BMW SAV center
for the most current information.
For your convenience, you may also wish to
have your authorized BMW SAV center
perform any necessary operations to fulfill any
state inspection requirements in your area
concurrent with the maintenance elements
specified above during other repairs.
Make sure that confirmation of maintenance
work is always entered in this SAV Service and
Warranty Information Statement. You may need
this for any warranty claims that become
necessary, and later on as evidence that your
SAV has been given the correct and regular
maintenance that justifies its resale or trade-in
value.
BMW has applied the most modern techno-
logical advances not only to the design and
production of your SAV, but also to computing
of the optimum maintenance interval for your
type of operations and driving style. Your
authorized BMW SAV center has made a

5 Engine Compartment
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature. 
We recommend BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil, p/n 07 51 0 017 866.
Reset service interval indicator. 
Replace microfilter. 
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool. 
If replacement is necessary: Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad
contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness
of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary. 
Engine Oil Service
X3

6
Inspection I
Only those items of inspection work which apply to your vehicle will be performed.
This list is subject to amendment.
UndercarriageX3
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature. 
We recommend BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil,
p/n 07 51 0 017 866.
Check transmission for leaks. 
Check transfer case for leaks. 
Change oil in transfer case only if prompted by diagnostic short-test 
Check rear axle for leaks. 
Check front axle differential for leaks. 
Half-shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots. 
Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks. 
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. 
Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks. Check power steering fluid level; 
add fluid if necessary.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, 
front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool. 
If replacement is necessary: Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad
contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness
of parking brake linings only when replacing rear brake pads.
Check brake system connections and lines for leaks, damage 
and incorrect positioning.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary. 
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary. 
Check condition of tires (outer surface [left/right]), tread wear and pattern;
in case of uneven tread wear, readjust wheel alignment if requested
(invoice separately).
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust performation limited warranty. 
(Must be performed at least every two years).