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EnglishOperation, maintenance -> Engine oil for your BMW 3 Series 1997-2006
124 Washer fluids
Engine oil
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.4 US quarts/1.3 liter.
Headlamp* and windshield
washer system
Checking the oil level
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
Capacity 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.<
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.
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, inaccessible
to children. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
Engine oil
125
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning oils that have been
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
approved. You can also call BMW of
in some cases. This also applies to the North America toll-free at 1-800-831-
manual transmission, the differential,
and the power steering system.<
1117 or visit this website:
mation.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
Alternative oil types
If a High Performance Synthetic Oil
approved by BMW should be unavail-
able, you may use small volumes of
other synthetic oils for topping up
between oil changes. The following
data must appear on the packaging:
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.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Adding engine oil
While you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
before adding oil, you should never
allow the oil level to fall below this
mark.
>Viscosity
preferred: SAE 10W-60
alternative: SAE 5W-40 or
SAE 10W40
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on
the dipstick. Excess oil will damage the
engine.
>Specifications
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
preferred: API SJ/CF
alternative: API SJ – also SK, SL, S
etc.
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.
Specified engine oils
Low ambient temperatures
The quality of the engine oil is
The oils used by BMW at the factory for
your vehicle model can be used at virtu-
ally any ambient temperature.
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.
126 Engine oil
Coolant
However, if the vehicle is exposed to
temperatures below –47 /–206 for
extended periods, please have your
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
BMW center recommend a suitable oil. 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.<
Check the coolant level and add
coolant
Check 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 – but no more than 3/4 in/
2 cm above it – that is, up to the sec-
ond mark on the float. Refer also to
the schematic diagram next to the
filler neck
