2008 BMW M3 SEDAN engine oil

Mobility
219Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page222
2Washer fluid filler neck for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system,
refer to page653Jump-starting connection, refer to
page231
4Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding
engine oil
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
Your car is equipped with an electronic oil-level
monitor.
The oil level can be displayed when the engine
is warm. Continuous short distance travel or a
very sporty driving style may make measure-
ment impossible.
Display in the instrument cluster
1Oil level
2Maximum mark
3Minimum mark
4Computer button

Under the hood
220 Press button 4 in the turn indicator lever repeat-
edly until the oil level display appears in the
instrument cluster.
M dual clutch transmission: the oil level
appears in the top display.<
The oil level must be between the two mark-
ings.
A new measurement is taken automatically
each time the engine is started.
Possible displays
1Oil level OK.
2Oil level is being checked.
This can take about 1 minute if the car is at
a standstill on a level surface, or about
5 minutes while the car is moving.
If engine oil was added, it can take up to
30 minutes to get an oil level reading.
3Oil level down to minimum:
Add engine oil at the next opportunity, but
no more than 1 US quart/1 liter, refer also to
Adding engine oil on page221. Add at least
0.5 US quart/0.5 liters, otherwise the oil-
level monitor will be unable to display the
new value reliably.
If the oil level is below the minimum value, add engine oil immediately to avoid engine
damage.
4Oil level is too high.
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately, otherwise the excess oil may
lead to engine damage.<
5A value cannot be read at this time. The
engine is not yet warm.
Quick measurement
In addition to the automatic measurement, you
can also determine the current oil level manu-
ally, e. g. after adding engine oil, but such mea-
surements are less accurate.
1.Park the vehicle with a warm engine, i.e.
after an uninterrupted drive of at least
6 miles/10 km, on a horizontal surface.
2.Let the engine idle.
3.Press the computer button in the turn indi-
cator lever repeatedly until the oil level dis-
play appears in the instrument cluster.
4.Press the computer button for at least
2seconds.
The oil level is determined. A clock symbol
appears during measurement.
5.After approx. 1 minute, the current oil level
is displayed.
Display via iDrive
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Info sources" and press the control-
ler.

Mobility
221Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
4.Select "Service Info" and press the control-
ler.
5.If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the uppermost field. Turn the controller
until "Service requirements" is selected and
press the controller.
6.If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the second field from the top. Turn the con-
troller until "Engine oil level" is selected and
press the controller. The oil level is dis-
played.
Possible messages
>"Engine oil level O.K."
>"No measurement available: Updating
engine oil level measurement..."
The engine oil level is measured. This can
take about 1 minute if the car is at a stand-
still on a level surface and the engine is run-
ning, or about 5 minutes while the car is
moving.
If engine oil was added, it can take up to
30 minutes to get an oil level reading.
>"Oil level at the minimum! Refill with 1 quart
of engine oil."
Add engine oil as soon as possible, but no
more than 1 US quart/1 liter, refer also to
Adding engine oil below. Add at least
0.5 US quart/0.5 liters, otherwise the oil-
level monitor will be unable to display the
new value reliably.
If the oil level is below the minimum value,
add engine oil immediately to avoid engine
damage.
>"Engine oil level too high"Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately, otherwise the excess oil may
lead to engine damage.<
>"Please observe recalculated service inter-
val for engine oil"
Do not add engine oil. Before resuming your
trip, note the newly calculated distance
remaining to the next oil service, refer to
page72. Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
Adding engine oil
Do not add 1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil until a
corresponding message is shown on the Con-
trol Display.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km,
otherwise the engine could be damaged.
Add no more than 1 US quart/1 liter of oil, oth-
erwise too much engine oil can lead to engine
damage. Add at least 0.5 US quart/0.5 liters,
otherwise the oil-level monitor will be unable to
display the new value reliably.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the relevant
warnings on the containers. Otherwise, health
hazards may result.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or at
a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-

Under the hood
222 cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Do not use oil additives as these may
cause engine damage.<
Your BMW center will be glad to answer
any questions regarding BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
Approved oils belong to the 10W-60 SAE
class.<
Alternative oil types
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is not
available, you can add small quantities of other
synthetic oils in between oil changes. Only use
oils with the following specifications:
>Viscosity:
preferred: SAE 10W-60;
alternative: SAE 10W-40, SAE 5W-50 or
SAE 10W-50
>Specification:
API SJ/CF, API SK/CF or higher
Low ambient temperatures
The oils used at BMW factories for your vehicle
type are suitable for virtually any ambient tem-
perature. However, if the vehicle is operated at
temperatures below –47/–206 for extended
periods, your BMW center will be glad to rec-
ommend an optimal oil.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns. Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center for
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. Because
additives are harmful to your health, it is impor-
tant to follow the instructions on the contain-
ers.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Do not open the engine hood before the
engine has cooled down.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.
3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the maximum and minimum marks in the
filler neck, refer also to the diagram next to
the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.If the loss of coolant is substantial, have the
cause eliminated as soon as possible.

Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
DVD
– drive for navigation DVD152
DVD for navigation124
"Dynamic route" in
navigation137
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
– indicator/warning lamp84
– M Dynamic Mode MDM82
E
"EDC"48,49
EDC, refer to Electronic
Damper Control84
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player152
Electric
– seat adjustment41
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door204
– glass roof39
– luggage compartment lid33
– M dual clutch transmission
with Drivelogic59
Electric seat41
Electric seat adjustment41
Electric steering wheel lock
– with convenient access36
Electronic brake-force
distribution82
Electronic Damper Control
EDC84
– "Comfort"84
– "Normal"84
– "Sport"84
Electronic oil level check219
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC82
Emergency operation
– fuel filler door, manual
release204
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass roof39Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside34
Emergency Request230
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance230
"Enabled services"198
"Enabled TeleServices"196
"End call"185
Engine
– breaking in114
– data238
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature68
– speed238
– starting55
– starting, convenient
access35
– switching off55
Engine compartment219
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant222
Engine oil
– adding221
– BMW Maintenance
System212
– checking level219
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements72
– possible displays220
"Engine oil level"221
Engine output, refer to Engine
data238
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data238
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine55
"Enter address"127
Entering a destination127
Entering a destination
country127
Entering a house number or
intersection129
Entering an intersection128
Entering a street128"Entertainment"152
Entry lamps, refer to Interior
lamps95
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control155
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control154
Error messages, refer to
Check Control77
"ESN"162
Event data recorders213
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system114
Exterior mirrors45
– adjusting45
– automatic dimming
feature46
– automatic heating46
– folding in and out45
External audio device106
External audio device, refer to
AUX-In port171
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away232
– for tying down loads117F
Fader, tone control153
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control77
Failure of an electrical
consumer229
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm35
– switching off an alarm34
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts44
Fastest route for
navigation137
Fast forward
– CD changer169
– CD player169
"Fast route" in navigation137

Everything from A - Z
252 Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control100
First aid pouch231
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock54
Flashlight, refer to LED hand
lamp106
Flash when locking/
unlocking31
Flat tire
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM86
Flat tire, repairing226
Flat Tire Monitor FTM84
– indicating a flat tire86
– indicator/warning lamp86
– initializing the system85
– malfunction86
– snow chains85,211
– system limits85
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition209
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir65
"FM", waveband152,156
FM, waveband156
Folding in the mirrors, before
driving into a car wash45
Folding up the floor panel110
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely115
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps95
Forward position, engaging,
refer to Selector lever
positions57
For your own safety5
Frequency, selecting
manually157
Front airbags89
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor84Fuel204
– average consumption69
– gauge68
– high-quality brands204
– quality204
– specifications204
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities241
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Fuel filler door204
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction
204
Fuses229
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control102
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption69
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel204
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge68
Gasoline engine, checking
engine oil level219
Gear
– neutral58
Gear change59
Gear display, refer to Displays
in the instrument cluster59
Gearshift lever
– manual transmission56
Gearshifts
– manual transmission56
General driving notes114Glass roof, electric38
– closing after electrical
malfunction39
– convenient operation30,31
– initializing39
– opening, closing38
– operation with convenient
access36
– pinch protection system38
– power failure39
– raising38
– remote control30
Glove compartment105
– LED hand lamp106
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system124
Grills96
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights240
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake56
Hand lamp, refer to LED hand
lamp106
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
"HD radio"159
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio159
Head airbags89
Headlamp control,
automatic92
Headlamp flasher63
– indicator lamp11,13
Head restraints42
– front, removing42
– rear, removing42
– sitting safely40
Heated
– mirrors46
– rear window99
– seats43
Heating
– mirrors46
– rear window99
– residual heat99
– seats43

Everything from A - Z
256 "New address" in
navigation135
"New destination"127,131
"New route"143
New tires209
"Next entertainment
source"47
"Normal"63
"Normal" with EDC84
North-facing map141
Nozzles96
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data238
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope233
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for On-Board Diagnosis213
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications204
Odometer67
Oil, refer to Engine oil219
Oil consumption219
Oil level219
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal228
"On a new destination" in
navigation133
"Onboard info"69
Onboard tool kit223
"On destination"133
"On location"133
Opening and closing
– convenient access35
– from inside32
– from outside29
– using the door lock31
– via the remote control29Operation by voice for mobile
phone189
– adjusting volume190
– canceling189
– correcting phone
number190
– dialing phone number190
– placing a call190
– redialing190
– voice commands189
– voice phone book190
"Options"197,198
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation99
Output, refer to Engine
data238
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control98
Outside temperature
display67
– changing units of
measure71
– in computer71
Outside temperature
warning67
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature68
P
Paintwork care215
Park assistant, refer to Park
Distance Control81
Park Distance Control PDC81
"Parked car operation"100
"Parked car ventilation"100
Parked car ventilation100
– activating switch-on
times101
– preselecting switch-on
times100
– switching on and off
directly100
Parking
– vehicle55
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC81Parking brake56
– indicator lamp56
Parking lamps92
Parking lamps/low beams92
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function46
"Pathway lighting"93
Pathway lighting93
"PDC"81
Personal Profile28
"Perspective"141
Phone book183
Phone numbers
– deleting from phone
book187
– dialing185
– most recent numbers186
– selecting in phone book186
– Top 8186
Pinch protection system
– glass roof, electric38
– windows37
Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
"Play" for satellite radio163
Polish216
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control100
Position
– displaying147
– saving, refer to Storing
current position135
"POWER"48,49
Power failure228
Power windows37
– safety switch38
Power windows, refer to
Windows37
"Presets", displaying with the
radio156
"Presets" for satellite
radio
163
Pressure, tires206
Pressure monitoring, tires84
– Flat Tire Monitor84