air condition BMW 3 SERIES 2004 E46 Service and warranty information

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

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.
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Inspection I
Body/Electrical

3 Con-
Series vertible
Replace air cleaner element. (Note: Reduce replacement interval in  
dusty operating conditions).
Inspection II
Includes all items listed under Inspection I, and the following checks
and maintenance operations.
Engine Compartment
8
Brake Fluid Service
Replace brake fluid every 2 years (time interval begins from the  
vehicle’s production date).
Oxygen Sensor Service
Replace Oxygen Sensor every 120,000 miles.  
Spark Plug Service
Replace spark plugs every 100,000 miles.  
Automatic Transmission Service
Replace ATF every 100,000 miles.  

The maintenance schedule as shown
is required for the proper functioning
of the emission control systems for
optimum vehicle performance and fuel
economy.
Abbreviations:
I - Inspect
R - Replace part(s) and/or fluid listed
Basic Engine
Engine oil....................................................
Engine oil filter..........................................
Fuel System
Air filter.......................................................
Ignition System
Spark plugs...............................................
Emission Control Components
Oxygen sensor..........................................
Emission Control Maintenance Schedule 3 Series
Oxygen Sensor Service: The oxygen sensor deteriorates strictly on a mileage basis and must
therefore be replaced to maximize vehicle fuel economy and minimize exhaust pollution.
The mileage interval varies according to individual driving conditions and is determined by the
service interval indicator.
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Oil Service
Inspection I
Oil Service
Inspection II
RRR R
RRR R
R
Replace at intervals of
100,000 miles
Replace at intervals of
120,000 miles3 Series

As a BMW owner, you will experience BMW
quality first hand. Our dedication to excellence
in design, engineering, and service is among
the best in the world. And we invest heavily
every year in our people and facilities to
ensure that our quality standards are consis-
tently applied from the factory to the BMW
center. Par t of that investment program is
devoted to our multi-million-dollar
Import Processing Centers staffed by our
highly trained specialists.
At these state-of-the-art facilities, each BMW is
given a thorough inspection after its trans-
atlantic shipment to the United States.
Imperfections in the mechanical and electrical
systems or damage to the sheet metal, paint,
trim or other components of the vehicle which
may occur during transportation from the
factory to the United States are normally
detected and corrected at the Import
Processing Centers in the United States.
Any defect in material or workmanship which
occurs during the warranty period is covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
BMW Import Processing Center
Special Programs
SOMETIMES BMW OF NORTH AMERICA
OFFERS A SPECIAL ADJUSTMENT
PROGRAM TO PAY ALL OR PART OF THE
COST OF CERTAIN REPAIRS BEYOND THE
TERMS OF THE WARRANTY. CHECK WITH
YOUR BMW CENTER TO DETERMINE
WHETHER ANY ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM
IS APPLICABLE TO YOUR MOTOR
VEHICLE. During a specific period (usually the earlier of
12 months or 12,000 miles, though this
period varies by state), some states
require us or our authorized BMW center,
to repair in a reasonable number of attempts,
any defect or condition which substantially
impairs the use, value, or safety of a new
vehicle sold, leased or registered in that
state.
A “reasonable number of attempts” is gener-
ally defined as (i) two or more attempts to
repair the same defect (the number of attempts
may vary by state) or (ii) that the same defect
has caused the vehicle to be out of service by
reason of repair for more than 30 days (this
period may vary by state), except for delays
created by conditions beyond our control.
If we are unable to correct a defect or condition
covered by these statutes in a reasonable
number of attempts, we may be obligated
either to replace the vehicle or reimburse the
owner/lessee in an amount equal to the
purchase price or lease payments paid by the
owner/lessee, less the amount directly
attributable to use of the vehicle by the owner/
lessee.
YOU SHOULD SEND WRITTEN NOTIFICA-
TION DIRECTLY TO BMW OF NORTH
AMERICA OF THE EXISTENCE OF AN
ALLEGED DEFECT. SEND WRITTEN
COMMUNICATION TO THE NATIONAL
CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
ADDRESS LISTED BELOW.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA
CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 1227
WESTWOOD, NEW JERSEY 07675-1227
Telephone: 1-800-831-1117
Customer Assistance -
Notification
22

25 – Must occur in excess of 100 miles from the
driver’s residence, and;
– Repairs cannot be completed during
normal business hours on the same day of
breakdown.
Reimbursements will be made for meals,
lodging, car rentals, and alternate transporta-
tion to bring the driver and the BMW automo-
bile together after the vehicle has been
repaired by an authorized BMW center.
Original receipts must accompany all reim-
bursement requests.
Trip interruption coverage is limited to $750.00
per incident, to a maximum of five days per
incident.
Always contact BMW Roadside Assistance for
trip interruption benefits. They will assist in
making all the necessary arrangements.
Car Rental Discounts
Discounts of up to 30% are available from
Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Hertz and National car
rental companies. Benefits may vary with each
company and location, and are subject to
change without notice.
Simply display your BMW Service Card
(showing the applicable Plan number) during
reservation and at the time of rental to secure
your discount.
Auto Valet Service
Should there be a need beyond BMW
Roadside Assistance, Auto Valet will provide a
personal assistant who will help in every way
to get you to your final destination. Auto Valet
will help you locate a rental car or taxi agency,
hotel or even help procure airline reservations.
In event of an emergency, this service will
assist you in getting information out to the
proper party whether it’s business or personal.
If unable to contact, the message relay service
will document the information, and will makereasonable efforts to deliver the message to
the message recipient.
Personalized Trip Routing
Leave the planning to us. Simply give one of
our Roadside Assistance service representa-
tives a call, and we’ll provide you with detailed,
easy to read, computerized trip itinerary and
companion map package.
Exclusions
Specifically excluded from coverage are:
– Fines, taxes, or impound towing fees
caused by a violation of local or state law.
– Expenses related to hazardous weather
conditions (removal from snow, ice, etc.).
– Expenses for the removal of snow tires, and
mounting or removal of snow chains.
Services provided by Cross Country Motor
Club, Inc., Boston, MA 02155, except in Alaska,
California, Hawaii, Oregon, Wisconsin and
Wyoming where services are provided by
Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc.,
Boston, MA 02155.
The BMW Roadside Assistance Program is
not a warranty and does not affect your rights
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

This warranty applies only to U.S. specifica-
tion vehicles distributed by BMW of North
America (BMW NA) or sold through the BMW
NA European Delivery Program.
In accordance with the defect warranty
provisions of section 207(b) of the Clean Air
Act, BMW NA warrants to the first retail
purchaser, and each subsequent purchaser,
that the car (a) was designed, built and
equipped so as to conform, at the time of
sale, with all regulations of the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency applicable at the
time of manufacture and (b) is free from
defects in materials and workmanship which
would cause it to fail to conform with
applicable regulations for a period of 2 years
or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first,
except for specific emission control compo-
nents (as listed on page 36), for which the
warranty period is 8 years or 80,000 miles,
whichever occurs first.
This warranty 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.
Warranty claims must be made as soon as
reasonably possible after a defect is
discovered. To make a claim, the car must
be brought to any authorized BMW center
during normal business hours.
The BMW center will, without charge for parts
or labor (including diagnosis), either repair or
replace the defective part, if any. The decision
whether to repair or replace said parts is solely
the prerogative of BMW NA and must be
expected to correct the failure of the warranted
part. Parts for which replacements are made
become the property of BMW NA. In all cases,
a reasonable time must be allowed for
warranty repairs to be completed after the car
is received by the BMW center.For assistance in determining which specific
parts or components of your vehicle are
covered under this warranty, please contact
your BMW center.
It is the owner’s responsibility to have all
scheduled inspection and maintenance
services performed (at the owner’s ex-
pense), as prescribed in the maintenance
schedule for the BMW Emission Control
System. Service intervals are computed by
the onboard BMW service interval indicator
and displayed on the instrument panel. The
instructions for proper maintenance and use
can be found in the Owner’s Manual. It is
strongly recommended that any replacement
parts used for maintenance, repair or
replacement of emission control systems be
certified BMW Service Parts or BMW
Authorized Remanufactured Parts. Without
invalidating this warranty, the owner may
elect to have maintenance, repair or
replacement of the emission control systems
performed by any automotive repair estab-
lishment, or elect to use parts other than
certified BMW Service Parts. However, the
cost of such service or parts will not be
covered under this warranty, except in
emergency situations. In an emergency
situation, where an authorized BMW center
or a warranty replacement part is not
reasonably available (within 30 days),
repairs may be performed at any available
service establishment using any equivalent
part. BMW NA will reimburse the owner for
such emergency repairs (including labor,
parts and diagnosis not to exceed BMW NA
rates for labor, parts, and diagnosis in said
area) that are covered under this warranty.
Replaced parts and paid invoices must be
presented at a BMW center as a condition of
reimbursement for emergency repairs not
performed by a BMW center.
The use of replacement parts, which are not
of equivalent quality, may impair the effec-
tiveness of the emission control system. If
other than certified BMW Service Parts or
Authorized Remanufactured Parts are used
for maintenance, repair or replacement of
components affecting emission control, the
owner should obtain assurances that such
Federal Emissions System
Defect Warranty
(Valid only in the U.S.A. and
Puerto Rico)
30

In those states and jurisdictions that have
established periodic vehicle emissions tests to
encourage proper vehicle maintenance and
require the car to pass an emissions test
approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and:
1. The car was distributed by BMW of North
America (BMW NA), or sold through the
BMW NA European Delivery Program; and
2. The car has been maintained and oper-
ated in accordance with the instructions for
proper maintenance and use set forth in
the Owner’s Manual supplied with the car;
and
3. The car fails to conform to the applicable
emissions standards of the EPA as judged
by an EPA approved emissions test; and
4. The failure to conform results or will result
in the owner of the car having to bear a
penalty or other sanction (including the
denial of the right to use the car) under
local state or federal law if the non-
conformity is not remedied within a
specified period of time.
Then, in accordance with the provisions of
section 207(b) of the Clean Air Act, BMW NA
warrants that if the car is eligible for coverage
under this warranty, any non-conformities in
the car, which cause it to fail an EPA-approved
emissions test will, without charge for parts or
labor (including diagnosis), be adjusted,
repaired, or replaced, at the option of BMW NA
to proper specifications, in order to make the
car comply with applicable emissions stan-
dards. The decision to adjust, repair or replace
parts is solely the prerogative of BMW NA and
must reasonably be expected to correct the
failure of the warranted part.This warranty 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. This warranty continues
for a period of 2 years or 24,000 miles,
whichever occurs first, except for specific
emissions control components (as listed on
page 37), for which the warranty period is 8
years or 80,000 miles whichever occurs first.
This warranty is made subject to the terms and
conditions that apply to the Emission Control
System Warranty and the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
No claim under this warranty will be denied
on the basis of use of a properly installed
EPA certified emission part for maintenance
and repair.
A vehicle manufacturer may deny an emission
performance warranty claim on the basis of an
uncertified replacement part used in the
maintenance or repair of a vehicle only if the
vehicle manufacturer presents evidence that
the uncertified replacement part is either
defective in materials or workmanship or not
equivalent from an emission standpoint to the
original equipment part.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emission control devices and systems may
be performed by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using any
certified part.
Immediately after the car has failed an EPA
approved emission short test, your claim can
be made at any authorized BMW center. The
BMW center will honor or deny your claim
within the time period specified by local or
state laws (not to exceed 30 days), to avoid
further penalties or sanctions. lf the claim is
denied, the BMW center will notify you in
writing of the reason(s). The BMW center is
required by law to honor the claim if notice of
denial is not received by the owner within the
specified time period.
Federal Emissions Performance
Warranty
(Valid only in the U.S.A. and
Puerto Rico)
32

The California Air Resources Board and BMW
of North America (BMW NA) are pleased to
explain the emission control system warranty
on your 2004 vehicle. In California, new motor
vehicles must be designed, built and
equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-
smog stan-dards. BMW NA must warrant the
emission control system on your vehicle for the
periods of time listed below provided there has
been no abuse, neglect or improper
maintenance of your vehicle.
Your emission control system may include
parts such as the fuel injection system, the
ignition system, catalytic converter, and engine
computer. Also included may be hoses, belts,
connectors and other emission-related
assemblies.
Where a warrantable condition exists, BMW NA
will repair your vehicle at no cost to you
including diagnosis, parts and labor.
Manufacturer’s Warranty Coverage:
– For 3 years or 50,000 miles whichever
occurs first:
1. If your vehicle fails a Smog Check inspec-
tion, all necessary repairs and adjustments
will be made by BMW NA to ensure that
your vehicle passes the inspection. This is
your emission control system PERFOR-
MANCE WARRANTY.
2. If any emission-related part on your vehicle
is defective, the part will be repaired or
replaced by BMW NA. This is your short-
term emission control system DEFECTS
WARRANTY.
– For 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever
occurs first:
If an emission-related part, specially noted on
page 40 as having coverage for 7 years or
70,000 miles is defective, the part will berepaired or replaced by BMW NA. This is your
long-term emission control system DEFECTS
WARRANTY.
Owner’s Warranty Responsibilities:
– As the vehicle owner, you are responsible
for the performance of the required mainte-
nance listed in your Owner’s Manual. BMW
NA recommends that you retain all receipts
covering maintenance on your vehicle, but
BMW NA cannot deny warranty solely for
the lack of receipts or for your failure to
ensure the performance of all scheduled
maintenance.
– You are responsible for presenting your
vehicle to an authorized BMW center as
soon as a problem exists. The warranty
repairs should be completed in a reason-
able amount of time, not to exceed 30 days.
– As the vehicle owner, you should also be
aware that BMW NA may deny your
warranty coverage if your vehicle or part has
failed due to abuse, neglect, improper
maintenance or unapproved modifications.
If you have any questions regarding your
warranty rights and responsibilities, you should
contact:
BMW of North America
Customer Relations Department
PO. Box 1227
Westwood, N.J. 07675-1227
Telephone: 1-800-831-1117
Website: www.bmwusa.com
or the
California Air Resources Board
9528 Telstar Avenue
P.O. Box 8001
El Monte, CA 91731
*The California Emissions Control System
Limited Warranty applies to all 2004 U.S.
specification BMW vehicles sold, leased, and/or
registered in California, Maine, Massachusetts
or Vermont.
California Emission Control
Warranty Statement*
Your Warranty Rights and
Obligations
34