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EnglishOperation, care and maintenance -> Engine oil for your BMW 5 Series 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
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.<
