Operation, maintenance -> Coolant for Your BMW Z3 SUV First Generation (1995-2002)

Engine oil  
Coolant  
125n  
Comply with the applicable envi-  
ronmental laws regulating the  
disposal of used oil.<  
Do not add coolant to the cooling  
system when the engine is hot. If  
you do, escaping coolant can cause  
burns.  
Recommendation: have the oil changed To avoid the possibility of damage later  
by your BMW center only.  
on, do not use anything other than  
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-  
free extended-duty antifreeze with  
corrosion inhibitor which can be used  
with aluminum radiator cores. Your  
BMW center is familiar with the  
approved specifications.  
Continuous exposure to used oil  
has caused cancer in laboratory  
testing. Any skin areas that come in  
contact with oil should thus be thor-  
oughly washed with soap and water.  
Store oil, grease, etc., out of reach of  
children. Comply with warning labels  
and information on containers.  
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents  
are hazardous to health. Store them in  
their original containers. Keep the  
Checking coolant level  
Correct coolant level when the engine  
is cold (approx. +68 7/+20 6):  
If you use SAE 15W-40 engine oil in low containers tightly closed and out of  
Unscrew the cap from the expansion  
tank.  
temperatures (below +14 7/10 6),  
the engine may become difficult to  
start.  
reach of children.  
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-  
sion inhibitor contains the flammable  
substance ethylene glycol. For this  
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 illustra-  
tion), but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)  
above it – that is, up to the second mark  
on the float (refer also to the schematic  
diagram next to the filler neck).  
Special engine oils individually  
approved by BMW are preferred for use reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-  
in your engine. Please contact your  
BMW center for details.<  
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot  
engine components. If you do, it could  
be ignited and cause burns.<  
Comply with the applicable envi-  
ronmental laws regulating the  
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze  
with corrosion inhibitor.<  
 
126nCoolant  
Brake fluid  
To add coolant  
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 field; otherwise,  
there is a danger of scalding.  
1. Turn the cap slightly counterclock-  
wise in order to allow accumulated  
pressure to escape, then open  
2. If the coolant is low, slowly add  
coolant until the correct level is  
reached – do not overfill.  
Z3 roadster 2.5i  
Z3 roadster 3.0i, Z3 coupe 3.0i  
If the warning lamp for the brake  
hydraulic system comes on:  
Brake fluid loss may result in extended  
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer  
to the notes on page 104.  
The coolant is a mixture of water and  
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion  
inhibitor. Always maintain the  
The brake fluid level is too low, refer  
also to the instructions on page 104.  
For adding brake fluid or for deter-  
mining 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).  
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,  
it absorbs moisture from the air  
over time.  
prescribed all-season 50 :50 mixture  
ratio for year-round protection against  
internal corrosion. No other additives  
are required.  
In order to ensure the operating safety  
and reliability of the brake system, have  
the brake fluid changed every two years  
by a BMW center, refer also to the  
Service and Warranty Information  
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty  
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian  
models).  
Replace the coolant regularly. Refer to  
the Service and Warranty Information  
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty  
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian  
models).