check engine BMW 3 SERIES 2004 E46 Service and warranty information

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.

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
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.  

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

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