Get Operation, care and maintenance -> Engine oil Guide for BMW 5 Series 4 Door Fourth Generation (1995-2003)

Engine oil

139n

Checking oil level

To add oil

The oil volume between the two marks

on the dipstick corresponds to approx.

1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond

the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess

oil will damage the engine.

1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.

2 Allow the engine to run at operating

temperature for at least 15 seconds

at idle, then shut it off.

Wait until the level has dropped to just

above the lower mark before adding oil.

However, do not wait until the oil level

drops below the lower mark.

3 After approx. one minute, pull the

dipstick out and wipe it off with a

clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or

similar material.

BMW engines are designed to

operate without oil additives; the

use of additives could lead to damage

in some cases. This is also true for the

manual transmission, the differential,

and the power steering system.<

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 graduations on the dipstick.

As with fuel economy, oil consumption

is directly influenced by your driving

style and vehicle operating conditions.

¹⁴⁰ⁿEngine oil

Specified engine oils

Viscosity ratings

The quality of the engine oil selected

has critical significance for the opera-

tion and service life of an engine. Based

on extensive testing, BMW has

Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-

lished in SAE classes.

The selection of the correct SAE class

depends on the climatic conditions in

the area where you typically drive your

approved only certain engine oils.

Use only approved "BMW High Perfor- BMW.

mance Synthetic Oil."

Approved oils are in SAE classes

5W-40 and 5W-30.<

If you are unable to obtain "BMW High

Performance Synthetic Oil," you can

add small amounts of synthetic oil in

These oils may be used for driving in all

ambient temperatures.

between oil changes. Use only oils with

the API SH specification or higher.

Ask your BMW center for details

concerning the specific "BMW

High Performance Synthetic Oil" or

"synthetic oils" which have been

approved.<

You can also call BMW of North

America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this

website: to obtain

this information.

Engine oil

Coolant

141n

Always observe all environmental

protection guidelines and regula-

tions when disposing of used oil.<

Do not add coolant to the cooling

system when the engine is hot. If

you attempt to do so, escaping coolant

can cause burns.

Recommendation: have the oil changed To avoid the possibility of secondary

by your BMW center only.

damage, never use anything other than

factory-approved, nitrite and amino-

free extended-duty antifreeze with

Continuous exposure to used oil

has caused cancer in laboratory

testing.

corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is

familiar with the official specifications.

Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are

hazardous to health. You should always

store them in their original container

and in a location which is out of reach of

children. Extended-duty antifreeze with

corrosion inhibitor contains the flam-

For this reason, any skin areas that

come into contact with oil should be

thoroughly washed with soap and

water.

Checking coolant level

Correct coolant level when the engine

is cold (approx. 68 7/20 6):

Always store oils, grease and similar

materials so that they are inaccessible

Visible within the transparent expansion

tank, no higher than the COLD mark.

to children. Comply with warning labels mable substance ethylene glycol. For

and information on containers.<

this reason, do not spill antifreeze with

corrosion inhibitor on hot engine parts.

It could ignite and cause serious

burns.<

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the

disposal of extended-duty antifreeze

with corrosion inhibitor.<

Operation, care and maintenance -> Engine oil for Your BMW 5 Series 4 Door Fourth Generation (1995-2003)

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