In the engine compartment
86
Washer fluids for washer
systems
Headlamp* and windshield washer
system
Capacity of windshield washer system: approx.
3.2 quarts/3 liters.
Capacity when equipped with headlamp
washer system: approx. 5.3 quarts/5 liters.
Fill with water and, if required, with an antifreeze
agent according to the manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
We recommend that you mix the washer
fluid before adding it to the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agents for the washing sys-
tems are highly flammable. For this rea-
son, keep them away from sources of flame and
store them only in their original containers.
Store them so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with the instructions on the con-
tainers.<
Engine oil
Oil consumption is directly influenced by your
driving style and vehicle operating conditions.
Warning lamp
Engine oil pressure
The warning lamp lights up in red:
The engine oil pressure is too low.
Stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level
and top up if necessary. If the oil level is correct,
please contact the nearest BMW center.Do not continue driving, as the engine
could sustain serious damage from inad-
equate lubrication.<
Engine oil level
The warning lamp lights up in yellow
while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute mini-
mum; refill as soon as possible. Do not drive
more than 30 miles/50 km before refilling.
The warning lamp lights up in yellow
after the engine has been switched off:
Add engine oil at the earliest opportu-
nity, e.g. when you stop to refuel.
Engine oil sensor
The warning lamp lights up in yellow
within 20 seconds after the engine is
started:
The oil level sensor is defective. Please have it
checked by a BMW center.
Checking the oil level
1.With the vehicle's engine at normal operat-
ing temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the
vehicle on a level surface
2.Switch off the engine
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick
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
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
87
6.Return the dipstick to the guide tube,
inserting it as far as it will go.
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 quarts/
1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.<
Adding engine oil
Do not add oil until the oil level has dropped
almost to the lower mark on the dipstick, refer to
page86.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory tests. For this
reason, thoroughly wash any areas of skin that
come into contact with oil using soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar materials
so that they are inaccessible to children. Com-
ply with warning labels and the information on
the containers.<
Comply with the applicable environmen-
tal laws regulating the disposal of used
oil.<
Oil change
Have your oil changed only by a BMW center or
a workshop that works according to BMW
requirements with the appropriately trained
personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil is extremely impor-
tant for the function and life of an engine. Based
on extensive testing, BMW has approved cer-
tain grades of engine oil.
Use approved High Performance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain an approved High
Performance Synthetic Oil, you may use small
volumes of other synthetic oils for topping up
between oil changes. Use only oils with the
specification API SH or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details concern-
ing the specific High Performance Syn-
thetic Oil or synthetic 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 information.
BMW engines are designed to operate
without oil additives; the use of additives
could even lead to damage in some cases.<
Coolant
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up:
The coolant level is too low. Top up the
coolant as soon as possible.
Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. If you do, escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additives.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Your BMW center knows
which additives are appropriate.
Use only approved additives, as the
engine could otherwise be damaged. The
additives are hazardous to health.<
Comply with the applicable environmen-
tal laws regulating the disposal of coolant
additives.<
