BMW 3 SERIES 2004 E46 Service and warranty information

Service and
Warranty
Information
2004
3 Series sedan,
coupe,
convertible &
sport wagon

Table of Contents
Maintenance Program................................................................................................................. 1
Maintenance System................................................................................................................ 2-3
Quality Certification I ................................................................................................................... 4
Unscheduled Maintenance......................................................................................................... 4
Engine Oil Service ....................................................................................................................... 5
Inspection I ............................................................................................................................... 6-7
Inspection II .................................................................................................................................. 8
Brake Fluid, Oxygen Sensor, Spark Plug, Automatic Transmission Services ............................. 8
Special Maintenance Record......................................................................................................9
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Service Record ......................................................................10-12
Emission Control Maintenance Schedule ................................................................................ 13
Battery Care ............................................................................................................................... 14
Corrosion Protection................................................................................................................. 14
Body Inspection ....................................................................................................................15-20
Customer Assistance Information ............................................................................................. 21
Customer Assistance Notification ............................................................................................. 22
BMW Import Processing Centers .............................................................................................. 22
Special Programs...................................................................................................................... 22
Roadside Assistance
– Owner's Eligibility ................................................................................................................... 23
– Getting Started ........................................................................................................................ 23
– Calling for Assistance ............................................................................................................. 23
– Dispatch Service .................................................................................................................... 24
– On-Site Assistance ................................................................................................................. 24
– Lock Out .................................................................................................................................. 24
– Towing Service ....................................................................................................................... 24
– Sign-and-Drive....................................................................................................................... 24
– Trip Interruption Benefits ......................................................................................................... 24
– Car Rental Discounts ............................................................................................................. 25
– Auto Valet Service ................................................................................................................... 25
– Personalized Trip Routing ...................................................................................................... 25
– Exclusions .............................................................................................................................. 25
Summary of BMW Limited Warranties ...................................................................................... 25
New Vehicle Limited Warranty .............................................................................................26-28
Limited Warranty Rust Perforation ............................................................................................ 29
Federal Emission System Defect Warranty ..........................................................................30-31
Federal Emission Performance Warranty ............................................................................32-33
California Emission Control Warranty Statement ..................................................................... 34
California Emission Control System Limited Warranty..........................................................35-37
Notice of Owner/Address Change ............................................................................................ 38
Tire Warranty Statement ............................................................................................................ 38

BMW Maintenance Programs -
2004 Models
Maintenance Programs are a benefit designed
to help reduce the cost of scheduled and
unscheduled maintenance.
2004 3 Series vehicles purchased from any
Authorized BMW center in the United States or
Puerto Rico are covered by Full Maintenance
for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever
occurs first. Coverage begins on the date of
first retail sale or the date the vehicle is first
placed in service as a demonstrator or
company vehicle, whichever is earlier.
Any authorized BMW center in the United
States or Puerto Rico will perform the sched-
uled or additional maintenance services on
your vehicle at no expense to you. The
maintenance schedule intervals are based on
normal driving conditions and operation.
Should you request more frequent mainte-
nance service, the cost of these services
will not be covered by the Maintenance
Program.
Coverage
Full Maintenance covers all factory recom-
mended maintenance, as determined by the
service interval indicator. Additional items that
need replacement due to normal wear and
tear, and that are not covered by the original
New Vehicle Limited Warranty - such as brake
pads, brake rotors, and wiper blade inserts -
are included, provided wear and tear
exceeds BMW specifications. Any adjust-
ments required due to normal operating
conditions are also included. See pages 5-8
of this statement for additional information.
Maintenance Intervals
Time intervals should be followed using the
maintenance interval as indicated by the BMW
Service Indicator lights on the check control
panel in the dashboard.This BMW Service and Warranty Information
Statement should be presented to your BMW
center when maintenance is required. Your
BMW center will stamp this book documenting
the services or maintenance performed.
Exclusions from coverage
– Items reimbursable under your New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
– Gasoline and gasoline additive.
– Windshield washer additive (except when
in conjunction with scheduled
maintenance).
– Tires, wheel alignment, tire balance and
rotation.
– Wear and tear of soft trim items, such as:
seats, carpets, moldings, headliner, door
panels and all chrome trim.
– Damage detected when performing the rust
perforation inspection.
– Damage which results from negligence,
improper operation of the vehicle, wear and
tear or deterioration due to driving habits or
conditions, improper repair, environmental
influences, flood, accident or fire damage,
road salt corrosion, alteration, installation of
non-BMW accessories, or use of improper,
poor quality or contaminated fuel.
– Altered or unreadable Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) or odometer irregularities or
vehicles where the true mileage cannot be
determined.
– Maintenance or repair after the vehicle is
deemed a total loss.
– Maintenance or repairs performed by other
than an Authorized BMW center within the
United States or Puerto Rico.
– Vehicles used in competitive events.
– Oil changes performed outside the
recommended maintenance intervals as
indicated by the Service Interval Indicator.
1

Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System has been
devised with the following objectives: to
maximize vehicle safety, reliability, and resale
value by minimizing breakdowns resulting from
wear, and minimizing cost and inconvenience
by computing maintenance intervals based
upon the specific manner in which each
individual vehicle is driven.
Maintenance intervals on motor vehicles have
conventionally been specified based upon
accumulated mileage. However, the type of
driving conditions has a major influence on
routine maintenance requirements; distance
traveled is only one of the significant factors.
A vehicle driven for 50,000 miles of short trips
in the city with numerous cold starts, pro-
longed periods of idling, stop-and-go driving,
and high engine speeds during acceleration
requires more frequent maintenance
intervals than a vehicle driven for 50,000
miles for long distances at low engine
speeds primarily at operating temperature.
The advanced technologies at BMW have led
to the development of the unique BMW service
interval indicator which computes the actual
optimum maintenance requirements based
not only upon the accumulated mileage, but
taking into account important factors such as
engine coolant temperatures, high or low
engine speeds, short or long trip driving, and
number of vehicle starts. The maintenance
interval may therefore be maximized with
considerable savings to owners of vehicles
subjected to light duty.
The service interval indicator consists of a
mileage reading, and the inscriptions “OIL
SERVICE” and “INSPECTION”.
Whenever the ignition is switched on, the
display shows the next scheduled type of
service and the remaining distance until the
service should be performed. The distance is
based on your driving style.If the maintenance interval has been ex-
ceeded, a “—” symbol reminds you of the
urgent need for servicing. In the interests of
road safety and reliability, you should avoid
driving your BMW when the “—” symbol is
showing, and have the essential maintenance
work performed without delay.
After each maintenance is performed the service
indicator is reset in order to compute the next
service interval.
If the service interval indicator displays an
illogical reading, or if there is no display, consult
a BMW center.
If the speedometer, tachometer or coolant
temperature gauge should develop a fault, the
service interval indicator will probably cease to
operate correctly as well, since it depends on
correct speed, distance and temperature
readings. The fault must be located and rectified
by a BMW center.
A detailed list of all maintenance operations
included in each of the elements of the BMW
Maintenance System is found on pages 5-8.
These elements are as follows:
Quality Certification I will be performed by your
selling center and certified on page 4.
2

3 The performance of certain subsequent
maintenance elements, as required by the
BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, will be
specified at intervals computed by the BMW
service interval indicator as follows:
– Oil Service: Engine oil changed with the
engine at operating temperature. Note:
change oil at least once a year. Your BMW is
factory-equipped with a newly-developed
synthetic engine oil. At the time of the
printing of this booklet BMW High-Perfor-
mance Synthetic 5W-30 Oil (Part Number
07 51 0 017 866) and Mobil 1 5W-30 and
5W-40 oils are strongly recommended and
approved by BMW for the 325ci and 330ci
models. BMW is evaluating various
synthetic oils for inclusion in our list of
recommended motor oils.
For the most current list of synthetic oils,
please contact your BMW center, or call
BMW of North America at 1-800-831-1117.
You can also obtain this information from
our website, www.bmwusa.com/.
It is recommended to check engine oil level
whenever fuel is added to the vehicle.
If you need to add oil between oil changes
and are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, Mobil 1 or
another special oil on the list, use a
synthetic oil with an API rating of SJ or
higher.
– Inspection I: Major vehicle maintenance
as specified in the following pages under
Inspection I.
– Inspection II: Additional major vehicle
maintenance as specified in the following
pages under Inspection II.
The following maintenance elements must
be performed at the mileage/time stated
(time intervals begin from the vehicle’s
production date):
– Brake Fluid Service: Change brake fluid
every two years.– Oxygen Sensor Service: The oxygen sensor
deteriorates strictly on a mileage basis and
must therefore be replaced every 120,000
miles to maximize vehicle fuel economy
and minimize exhaust pollution. The
replacement of the oxygen sensor is
required under the terms of the appli-
cable BMW emission system warranties.
– Spark Plug Service: Replace spark plugs
every 100,000 miles. Your BMW is
equipped with platinum-tipped spark plugs.
These allow a longer service life than
conventional spark plugs.
– Automatic Transmission Service: Change
ATF every 100,000 miles.
The engine coolant has a lifetime rating and
does not need to be changed.
For your convenience, you may also wish to
have your BMW center perform any necessary
operations to fulfill any state inspection
requirements in your area concurrent with the
maintenance elements specified above during
other repairs.
Make sure that confirmation of maintenance
work is always entered in this Service and
Warranty Information Statement. You may need
this for any warranty claims that become
necessary, and later on as evidence that your
car has been given the correct and regular
maintenance that justifies its resale or trade-in
value.
BMW has applied the most modern techno-
logical advances not only to the design and
production of your vehicle, but also to comput-
ing of the optimum maintenance interval for
your type of operations and driving style. Your
BMW center has made a substantial invest-
ment in unique BMW special service tools to
enable his BMW factory trained service
technicians to perform quality repairs on your
BMW in minimal time. He/she looks forward to
serving your every service need and to help
maximize your satisfaction with your BMW, its
longevity, and resale value.

Unscheduled Maintenance
Only use fuels advertised to have adequate
detergency and low alcohol content. Use of
fuels with insufficient detergent and/or excess
alcohol can cause driveability problems that
necessitate cleaning intake valves and fuel
injection valves, and, when applicable,
adjusting the engine idle. We suggest having
this work performed by your authorized BMW
center, perhaps while regular maintenance is
performed. Your BMW center can also recom-
mend a gasoline additive that will provide
sufficient detergency. While this recommended
unscheduled maintenance is not required in
order to maintain the emission warranty,
cleaning of intake valves or, when applicable,
fuel injection valves, or adjustment of engine
idle, necessitated by use of inappropriate fuel,
is not covered by warranty because no defect
in material or workmanship or component
failure is involved.
Special Note
Maintenance items and schedules stated
herein reflect the combined recommendations
for all model year 2004 BMWs, and are subject
to change. The most current maintenance
recommendations are available from your
authorized BMW center.
Quality Certification I
For a detailed list of items inspected, refer to
the Quality Certification I form provided to
the Owner at time of delivery. A copy of the
form is on file at the selling BMW center.
Quality Certification I
Performed by (selling BMW center/Stamp with Code)
FREE OF CHARGE
Date Mileage
Authorized
Signature of Service Manager
4

53 Con-
Series vertible
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature.  
We recommend BMW 5W-30 High Performance Synthetic Oil,
p/n 07 51 0 017 866.
Reset service interval indicator.  
Replace microfilter.  
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool.  
If replacement is necessary: Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad
contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness
of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary.  
Engine Oil Service
Engine Compartment
Lubricate convertible top sliding linkage covers. 
Body

63 Con-
Series vertible
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature.  
We recommend BMW 5W-30 High Performance Synthetic Oil,
p/n 07 51 0 017 866.
Check transmission for leaks.  
Check rear axle for leaks.  
Half-shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots.  
Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.  
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system.  
Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks. Check power steering fluid level;  
add fluid if necessary.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods,  
front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool.  
If replacement is necessary: Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad
contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness
of parking brake linings only when replacing rear brake pads.
Check brake system connections and lines for leaks, damage  
and incorrect positioning.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary.  
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.  
Check condition of tires (outer surface [left/right]), tread wear and pattern;
in case of uneven tread wear, readjust wheel alignment if requested
(invoice separately).
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust performation limited warranty.  
(Must be performed at least every two years).
Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system.  
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.  
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level. Add coolant if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection.  
Fill up and/or correct if required.
Check air conditioner for operation.  
Replace microfilter. (Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty  
operating conditions.)
Reset service interval indicator.
Inspection I
Only those items of inspection work which apply to your vehicle will be performed. This list is
subject to amendment.
Undercarriage

3 Con-
Series vertible
Check battery state-of-charge indicator and charge if required.  
Check lighting system, i.e.: headlights, foglights, parking, back-up,  
license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight,
illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment/area lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.  
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.  
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight  
dimmer and flasher switch.
Check wipers and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.  
Check condition and function of safety belts.  
Visually examine all SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or  
attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.
Check central locking/double lock.  
Check operation of all latches.  
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.  
Check rear view mirrors.  
Activate automatic roll-over protection system via OBD plug. 
Note: First remove hardtop/lower top.
Lubricate convertible top sliding linkage covers. 
Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual  
transmission or automatic transmission.
7
Inspection I
Body/Electrical