2006 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 center66
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.
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.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
at your BMW center.
Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil is
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.<
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could even lead to
damage in some cases.<
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.
Engine oil
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124
Low ambient temperaturesThe oils used by BMW at the factory for
your vehicle model can be used at virtu-
ally any ambient temperature.
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 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 suitable for your BMW.
Your BMW center knows which addi-
tives are appropriate.
Only use approved additives, as
the engine could otherwise be
damaged. The additives are hazardous
to health.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating
the disposal of coolant additives.<
Checking the coolant level1. The engine must be at ambient tem-
perature
2. Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
to escape. Then open
3. The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is even
with the upper edge of the filler neck,
refer to the arrow in the illustration or
to the schematic diagram next to the
filler neck
4. If necessary, slowly add coolant until
the correct level is reached; do not
overfill
5. Close the cap by turning until it is
well tight
6. Have the cause for the coolant loss
removed as soon as possible.
Engine oil

Everything from A to ZMC 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 43
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 48
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 59
Microfilter
automatic climate
control 94
Microphone 97
Mini disc operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mirrors 50
automatic curb monitor 49
heated 50
memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 48
Mobile Service 143
Modifications, technical,
refer to For your own
safety 6
Multifunction steering
wheel 22Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 71
washer/wiper system 72
N
Navigation system, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to
Head restraints 45
Nets 96
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 90
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
and tow-starting the vehi-
cle 145
O
OBD interface socket 128
Odometer 75
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 123
alternative oils 123
capacity 153
dipstick 122
quality 123
specified engine oils 123
Oil change interval, refer to
Service interval
display 126Oil 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 77
Oil types 123
Old batteries, refer to Dis-
posal 141
Onboard computer 79
Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 132
Opening and closing
from inside 33
from outside 29
via remote control 29
via the door lock 32
Outlets, ventilation 90
Outside temperature dis-
play 79
changing unit of
measure 79P
Paintwork care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Panic mode, trigger
alarm 30
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 81
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC) 81
Parking brake 64
indicator lamp 18
Parking lamps 87
bulb replacement 133
Parking lamps/Low
beams 87
Parts and accessories, refer
to Your individual vehicle 5
Passenger-side exterior mir-
ror tilt function 49
PDC Park Distance
Control 81
Plastic, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to Microfil-
ter/activated-charcoal fil-
ter 94
Power output, refer to
Engine data 150
Power seat 44
Power socket 98