oil level BMW 128I 2009 E81 Owner's Manual

Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
135i: with fuel gauge
2Indicator lamps for turn signals
3Indicator and warning lamps13
4Tachometer56
5Fuel gauge57
135i: engine oil temperature57
6Display for
>Clock56
>Outside temperature56
>Indicator and warning lamps627Display for
>Position of automatic transmission
*49
>Computer57
>Date of next scheduled service, and
remaining distance to be driven61
>Odometer and trip odometer56
>Initializing the Flat Tire Monitor
*66
>Resetting the Tire Pressure Monitor68
>Checking oil level115
>Settings and information59
8Resetting the trip odometer56

Reference
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Driving tips
Mobility
57
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and
therefore the engine, becomes too hot.
Check coolant level, refer to page117.
Engine oil temperature*
When the engine is at normal operating temper-
ature, the engine oil temperature is between
approx. 2107/1006 and approx. 3007/
1506.
If the engine oil temperature is too high, a warn-
ing lamp comes on in the instrument cluster.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 14 US gallons/
53 liters.
You can find information on refueling on
page104.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period,
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Fuel display 135i: in speedometer.
Reserve
Once the fuel level has fallen to the reserve
zone, the indicator lamp lights up briefly and the
cruising range for the remaining amount of fuel
is displayed. The indicator lamp stays on per-
manently when the remaining range is less than
approx. 30 miles/50 km.
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<
Computer
Displays in the instrument cluster
Calling up information
Press the button in the turn indicator lever.

Reference
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59
Settings and information
Operating principle
Certain settings and information can only be
made or called up when the ignition is switched
on. A number of settings cannot be made while
driving.
1Button for:
>Selecting display
>Setting values
2Button for:
>Confirming selected display or set val-
ues
>Calling up computer information57
3When the lights are on: instrument lighting
brightness77
4Calling up Check Control62
5Checking oil level115
6Initializing the Flat Tire Monitor66
Resetting the Tire Pressure Monitor68
7Setting the time62
8Setting the date629Viewing service requirement display61
10Setting formats and units of measure,
resetting to factory settings60
11Adjusting settings
>Confirmation signals when locking and
unlocking the vehicle21
>Response during unlocking
procedure19
>Automatic locking22
>Pathway lighting74
>Daytime running lamps75
>Triple turn signal activation52
>Seat and mirror memory
*39
Exiting displays
The outside-temperature reading and the time
reappear when you press button2 or if you
make no entries within approx. 15 seconds. If
required, complete the current setting first.

Reference
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113
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for winter roads
or at temperatures below +457/+ 76.
Although all-season M+S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Always
protect tires against all contact with oil, grease
and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as this could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information. Snow chains must be
mounted in pairs and on the rear wheels only.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with chains.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to
page65.<

Reference
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115
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page117
2Washer fluid filler neck for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system,
refer to page533Jump-starting connection, refer to
page131
4Fluid filler neck for engine oil, refer to Add-
ing engine oil, page116
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking oil level
Your car is equipped with an electronic oil-level
monitor.
For a precise measurement and display of the
oil level, it is necessary that the engine be at
operating temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least approx. 6.5 miles/10 km. You
can have the oil level displayed while you are
driving, or while the vehicle is at a standstill on a
level surface and the engine is running.
You can have the oil level reading displayed in
the instrument cluster.1.Push button 1 in the turn indicator lever up
or down repeatedly until the appropriate
symbol is shown in the display, accompa-
nied by the word "OIL".
2.Press button 2.
The oil level is checked and the reading dis-
played.

Under the hood
116
Possible displays
1Oil level OK
2Oil level is being checked.
This can take about 3 minutes if the car is at
a standstill on a level surface, or about
5 minutes while the car is on the move.
3Oil level down to minimum:
Add engine oil as soon as possible, but no
more than 1 US quart/1 liter, refer also to
Adding engine oil on page116.
4Oil level is too high.
Too much oil will harm the engine.
Have the vehicle checked without
delay.<
5The oil level sensor is defective.
Do not add engine oil. You can continue
your journey. Note the newly calculated dis-
tance remaining to the next oil service, refer
to page118. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Do not add 1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil until
the following warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster or the oil level display reads
"+1l".
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Keep oils, greases, etc. out of the reach of
children and comply with the relevant
warnings on the containers. Otherwise, health
hazards may result.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or at
a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Do not use oil additives as these may
cause engine damage.<

Reference
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117
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is not
available, you can add small quantities of other
synthetic oils in between oil changes. Only use
oils with the API SM specification or higher.
Your BMW center will be glad to answer
any questions regarding BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is categorized in SAE classes.
Selecting the appropriate SAE class depends
on the regional climatic conditions in which you
normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the 0W-40,
0W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30 SAE
classes.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant consists of half water and half additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center for
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. Because
additives are harmful to your health, it is impor-
tant to follow the instructions on the contain-
ers.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Do not open the engine hood before the
engine has cooled down.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank a little
counterclockwise to allow any accumulated
pressure to escape, then continue turning
to open.
3.The coolant level is correct if it is between
the maximum and minimum marks in the
filler neck, refer also to the diagram next to
the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.

Reference
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Indication in Canadian models:
Warning lamp flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in damage
to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise due
caution. Have the vehicle checked
without delay.
Warning lamp comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse effect
on exhaust emissionsHave the car checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop, switch
off the engine and allow it to cool down.
Do not open the hood, otherwise there
would be a risk of injury by scalding.
Contact your BMW center.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the vehicle's power
supply system checked immediately.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your jour-
ney. Contact your BMW center.
Engine oil level too low Add engine oil immediately; refer to
page115 for more information.
Indication in US models:
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models:
Parking brake applied
12Cause Special actions to be taken

Reference
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153
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders89
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate80,83
BMW
– car shampoo123
BMW Maintenance
System118
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control65
Brake fluid
– service requirements61
Brake Force Display70
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display70
– replacing bulb127
Brake pads, breaking in96
Brake rotors98
– brakes96
– breaking in96
Brakes
– ABS65
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– braking safely98
– breaking in96
– parking brake49
– service requirements61
Brake system96
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– breaking in96
– disc brakes98
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance130
Breaking in the clutch96
Break-in period96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs124
Bulbs, changing124
Button for starting the
engine47
Buttons on the steering
wheel11C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Capacities150
Capacity of the cargo bay149
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery128
Car care, refer to Care120
Care120
– automatic car washes120
– care products120
– carpets122
– CD/DVD drives123
– chrome parts122
– convertible top121
– displays123
– exterior120
– fine wood parts123
– headlamps121
– high-pressure washer120
– interior122
– leather122
– light-alloy wheels122
– paintwork121
– plastic parts123
– rubber seals122
– safety belts123
– sensors and cameras123
– upholstery and cloth
trim122
– washing the car
manually121
– windows121
– wiper blades121
Cargo, securing100
Cargo bay
– capacity149
– convenient access27
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system91
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps77
– lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid23
– opening from outside23Cargo bay lid, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid23
Cargo bay net, refer to
Securing cargo100
Cargo loading99
– securing cargo100
– stowing cargo99
– vehicle99
Car jack
– jacking points128
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control
18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo123
Car wash98
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system97
Center armrest88
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulb127
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Central locking
– from inside22
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– convenient access26
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing wheels127
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment115
Check Control62
Checking oil level115
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH45
Child-restraint systems44
Child seats44
Chrome parts123
Chrome polish123
Cigarette lighter90

Reference
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Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades110
Draft-free ventilation81,84
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Drive-off assistance, refer to
DSC65
Drive-off assistant66
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams74
Driving notes96
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant66
Driving stability control
systems64
Driving through water98
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes96
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function84
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control65
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control65
– indicator lamps65
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC65
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps66
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution65
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door104
– glass roof30
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV65
Electronic oil level check115
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC65Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door104
– glass roof30
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission51
Emergency release, luggage
compartment lid24
Emergency Request130
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance130
Energy, saving
– saving fuel96
Engine
– breaking in96
– data146
– speed146
– starting48
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off48
Engine compartment115
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant117
Engine oil
– adding116
– additives116
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– checking level115
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements61
– specified engine oils116
Engine output, refer to Engine
data146
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data146
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine48
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC65
Event data recorders119
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system97Exterior mirrors41
– adjusting41
– automatic dimming
feature43
– automatic heating42
– folding in and out42
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away132
– for tying down loads100
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control62
Failure of an electrical
consumer128
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts41
Filter of automatic climate
control, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter84
Filter of heating or air
conditioner, refer to
Microfilter81
First aid pouch130
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock47
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires112
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– indicating a flat tire67
– initializing the system66
– malfunction67
– system limits66
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition111
Fog lamps77
– indicator lamp77,134
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely98
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety5