Operation, care and maintenance -> Brake fluid for your BMW 5 Series 1995-2003

142nCoolant  
Brake fluid  
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,  
it absorbs moisture from the air  
Adding coolant  
Brake fluid level  
Wait until the engine cools before  
removing the cap from the expansion  
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge  
in the instrument cluster must be  
located in the blue zone; otherwise,  
there is a danger of scalding.  
If the indicator lamp for the  
over time. In order to ensure the safety  
and reliability of the brake system, have  
the brake fluid changed every two years  
by an BMW center. Refer also to the  
Service and Warranty Information  
brake hydraulic system appears  
or if the "CHECK BRAKE FLUID"  
message appears in the Check  
Control*: the brake fluid level is  
too low in the reservoir.  
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty  
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian  
models). Brake fluid is toxic and  
1 Turn the cap counterclockwise The brake fluid reservoir is located  
slightly in order to allow accumulated under the microfilter housing on the  
pressure to escape. Then open.  
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add  
coolant until the correct level is  
reached – do not overfill.  
driver's side of the vehicle. For adding  
brake fluid or for determining and  
correcting the cause of brake fluid loss,  
consult your BMW center. Your BMW  
center is familiar with the specifications  
for factory-approved brake fluids  
(DOT 4).  
damages the vehicle's paint. You  
should always store it in its original  
container and in a location which is out  
of reach of children. Do not spill the  
fluid and do not fill the brake fluid reser-  
voir beyond the MAX mark. The brake  
fluid could ignite upon contact with hot  
engine parts and cause serious burns.<  
The coolant is a mixture of water and  
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion  
inhibitor. Always maintain the  
prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture  
ratio for year-round protection against  
internal corrosion. No other additives  
are required.  
Brake fluid loss may result in extended  
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer  
to the information on page 124.  
Comply with the applicable  
environmental laws regulating  
the disposal of brake fluid.<  
Replace the coolant every three years.