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EnglishOperation, care and maintenance -> Coolant for your BMW 5 Series 1995-2003
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.<
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.
