engine oil BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE 2011 E88 Owner's Manual

Notes
6
California Proposition 65 warning
California law requires us to issue the following
warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior fur-
nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Wash
your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals. Always
protect your skin by washing thoroughly with
soap and water.<
Service and warranty
We recommend that you read this publication
thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warran-
ties:
>New Vehicle Limited Warranty
>Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
>Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
>Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
>California Emission Control System Limited
Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is
listed in the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Your vehicle has been specifically adapted and
designed to meet the particular operating con-
ditions and homologation requirements in your
country and continental region in order to
deliver the full driving pleasure while the vehicle
is operated under those conditions. If you wish
to operate your vehicle in another country or
region, you may be required to adapt your vehi-
cle to meet different prevailing operating condi-
tions and homologation requirements. You
should also be aware of any applicable warranty
limitations or exclusions for such country or
region. In such case, please contact Customer
Relations for further information.

Dashboard
12
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
135i: with fuel gauge
2Indicator lamps for turn signals
3Indicator and warning lamps13
4Tachometer68
5Fuel gauge69
135i: engine oil temperature69
6Display for
>Clock68
>Outside temperature68
>Indicator and warning lamps767Display for
>Position of automatic transmission
*57
>Gear indicator in 7-gear Sports auto-
matic transmission with double
clutch
*60
>Computer69
>Date of next scheduled service, and
remaining distance to be driven72
>Odometer and trip odometer68
>High-beam assistant
*93
>Checking the oil level203
>Settings and information71
8Resetting the trip odometer68

Opening and closing
38 5.Insert the Allen wrench
* supplied with the
onboard vehicle tool kit, refer to page213,
into the opening provided. Move the glass
roof in the desired direction.
6.Reattach the lamp cover and reinstall the
control unit.
Convertible: top
The fully automatic top combines reliable
weather protection with simple and easy-to-
use operation.
The following tips will enhance your driving
pleasure in your Convertible:
>It is advisable that you close the convertible
top when you park the vehicle. Not only
does the closed top protect the vehicle inte-
rior against unanticipated weather damage,
it also offers a certain amount of theft pro-
tection. However, even when the top is
closed, valuables should only be stored in
the locked cargo area.
>Do not attach roof-mounted luggage sys-
tems to the convertible top.
>If the top is opened while it is wet, e.g. after
driving in the rain, water may drip into the
cargo area. If necessary, remove items from
the cargo area beforehand to avoid water
stains or soiling.
At temperatures below +147/–106, do
not move the convertible top as this could
result in damage.
Do not keep the convertible top in the convert-
ible top box for longer than one day if it is wet;
otherwise, the moisture may cause damage.
Do not place objects on the convertible top, as
otherwise they may fall off when you operate the convertible top and cause damage or injury.
Never move the convertible top when the roll-
over protection system is in the activated posi-
tion.
Always fully complete a convertible top move-
ment. Driving with the convertible top incom-
pletely opened or closed can result in damage
or injury.
Do not reach into the mechanism during the
opening or closing procedure. Keep children
away from the opening/closing path of the con-
vertible top.
For safety reasons, only move the convertible
top when the vehicle is stationary, if possible.<
The convertible top swings upward when
opening and closing. When operating the
convertible top in a garage, under a bridge, etc.,
ensure that there are at least 6 ft 7 in/2 m of
headroom; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam-
aged.<
Before opening and closing
>Comply with the safety precautions
described above.
>Ensure that the cargo area partition is
folded down and engaged on both sides,
refer to page107; otherwise, it will not be
possible to open the convertible top.
>Ensure that the cargo does not press
against the cargo area partition from below.
>Ensure that the trunk lid is closed.
Opening and closing
Convertible top operation with Comfort Access,
refer also to page28.
As of radio readiness, refer to page55:
If possible, conserve the battery by only
operating the convertible top when the
engine is running.
Before closing the convertible top, remove all
foreign objects from the windshield frame as
these could prevent the hardtop from closing
properly.<

Controls
69Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and
therefore the engine, becomes too hot.
In addition, a message will appear on the Con-
trol Display.
Check coolant level, refer to page206.
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 mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 14 US gallons/
53 liters.
You can find information on refueling on
page192.
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, a message briefly appears on the Control
Display and the remaining cruising range is dis-
played on the computer. Under a cruising range
of approx. 30 miles/50 km, the message
appears continuously in the Control Display.
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 signal/high beam
lever.
The following items of information are dis-
played in the order listed:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
>Current fuel consumption
>No information

Controls
73Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Possible displays
1Button for selecting functions
2Service requirements
3Engine oil
4Roadworthiness test
*
5Front brake pads6Rear brake pads
7Brake fluid
The sequence of displayed service items may
vary. The data for the next service appointment
is shown first.
More information
Detailed information on service
requirements
You can call up additional information on the
maintenance regimen on the Control Display.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Service required"Required maintenance procedures and legally
mandated inspections are displayed.
You can request more detailed information on
every entry:
Select the entry and press the controller.
To exit from the menu:
Move the controller to the left.
Symbols
No service is currently required.
The deadline for service or a legally man-
dated inspection is approaching. Please
schedule a service appointment.
The service deadline has already passed.

Mobility
203Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Important parts of the engine compartment
1Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page205
2Washer fluid filler neck for headlamp clean-
ing system and window washer system,
refer to page663Jump-starting connection, refer to
page220
4Fluid filler neck for engine oil, refer to Add-
ing engine oil, page205
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 precise measurement and display of the oil
level, the engine must be at operating tempera-
ture, i.e. following at least 6.2 miles/10 km of
uninterrupted driving. 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.
Display in the instrument cluster
1.Push button1 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 button2.
The oil level is checked and the reading dis-
played.

Under the hood
204
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 page205.
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 page207. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Display via iDrive
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Engine oil level"
Possible messages
>"Engine oil level OK"
>"Measurement not possible at this time."
>"Measuring engine oil level...":
This can take about 1 minute if the car is at a
standstill on a level surface and the engine
is running, and about 5 minutes while the
car is moving.
If engine oil was added, it may take up to
30 minutes to obtain an oil level reading.
>"Engine oil level below minimum. Add 1
quart!"
Add engine oil as soon as possible, but no
more than 1 US quart/1 liter, refer also to
Adding engine oil below.
If the oil level is below the minimum value,
add engine oil immediately to avoid engine
damage.
>"Engine oil level too high! Have this
checked."
*:

Mobility
205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately; otherwise, the excess oil may
lead to engine damage.<
>"Measurement inactive. Have this
checked.":
Do not add engine oil. Before continuing to
drive, note the recalculated remaining mile-
age until the next oil change service, refer to
Service requirements on page72. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Do not add 1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil
until a corresponding message is shown
on the Control Display. Add oil within the next
125 miles/200 km; otherwise, the engine could
be damaged.<
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.
Oil grades
Do not use any oil additives; otherwise,
you may cause engine damage.<
Approved engine oils
You BMW center will be happy to advise you
about the engine oils approved by the manufac-
turer of your vehicle.
The engine oil grade is a decisive factor for the
service life of the engine.
Approved engine oils can be found in the fol-
lowing specification:
Approved engine oils belong to the viscosity
classes SAE 0W-40, SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-40,
and SAE 5W-30.
Alternative oil grades
If approved oils are not available, you can use
quantities of up to 1 US quart/1 liter of another
oil with the following specifications:
API SM or higher
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.<
Gasoline engine
Preferred: BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Alternative: BMW Longlife-98

Mobility
207Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW. The objective is to optimize
efforts with respect to minimal vehicle mainte-
nance costs.
If and when you come to sell your BMW, a com-
prehensive record of servicing will prove a sig-
nificant benefit.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. Condition Based Service uses this to
determine the current and future service
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirements, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
On the Control Display, you can have the
remaining times or distances for selected main-
tenance tasks and any legally prescribed dates
displayed, refer to page72:
>Engine oil
>Brake pads: separately for front and rear
>Brake fluid
>Vehicle check
>Legally mandated inspections depending
on local regulations
Service data in the remote control
Your vehicle continuously stores service-
requirement information in the remote control
while you are driving. Your BMW Service Advi-
sor can read out this data from the remote con-
trol unit, and propose an optimized mainte-
nance approach. Whenever you take your car in
for servicing you should therefore hand your
BMW Service Advisor the remote control unit
that you last used.
Make sure that the date is always set cor-
rectly, refer to page75; otherwise, the
effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS
is not assured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<

Mobility
209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Care
Care products
Regular cleaning and care contributes signifi-
cantly to the value retention of your BMW.
BMW recommends cleaning and caring for your
vehicle with products that are approved by
BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on
the products and services available for cleaning
and caring for your BMW.
Original BMW CareProducts have been
material tested, laboratory checked and
proven in the field, and offer optimal care and
protection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents as these may result in dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or hazardous to your
health. Therefore, follow the warning and safety
instructions on the packaging. When cleaning
inside the vehicle, always open the doors or
windows of the vehicle. In enclosed areas, pro-
vide for sufficient ventilation. Only use products
designed for cleaning vehicles.<
Exterior care
Washing the vehicle
Especially during the winter months,
ensure that the vehicle is washed more
frequently. Heavy soiling and road salt can lead
to vehicle damage.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them; otherwise,
water can reduce braking efficiency over the
short term and brake discs can corrode.<
Automatic car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.
Do not use high-pressure car washes;
otherwise, water may drip into the vehicle
around the windows.<
Before driving into a car wash, ensure that it is
suitable for your BMW. Check the following:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page227.
>If necessary, fold in the outside rearview
mirrors, refer to page50.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rail heights
over 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, there is the
danger of damaging chassis parts.<
>In Convertibles, do not treat the convertible
top with wax. Ensure that a program is avail-
able that does not apply wax or is designed
specifically for convertibles.
Preparations before driving into an automatic
car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna
*.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Remove additional attachments, e.g. spoil-
ers or telephone antennas, if there is a pos-
sibility that they could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into an automatic car wash, per-
form the following steps to ensure that the vehi-
cle can roll:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2.Move the selector lever to position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.