oil level BMW 325CI COUPE 2005 E46 Owner's Manual

18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

●

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react in the follow-
ing section.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

●

The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure

●

The engine oil pressure is too
low. Stop the vehicle immedi-
ately and switch off the engine. It is not
possible to continue driving. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

<

Flat Tire Monitor

●

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: there is a flat tire.
Reduce speed and carefully come to a
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 93.
Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. It is very
important that you follow the instruc-
tions on page 145 before driving on.
Have the system checked immediately.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

The brake warning lamp comes
on together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS

●

and DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Con-
tinue driving cautiously and
defensively. Avoid full brake
applications. Please have the
system checked by your BMW center
as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on
page 91.
CBC, ABS and DSC and DBC
indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when you start
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 71.

19
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Lock backrest/Fasten safety
belts

●

Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety belts are
fastened. Flashes if the backrest is not
locked.
For additional information on locking
the seat backrests, refer to page 53.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 54.
Airbags

●

Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 61.

Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center

Automatic transmission/sequen-
tial manual gearbox
The respective transmission has
responded to a malfunction by reverting
to operation in its emergency default
program. Have the system checked
immediately.
For additional information, refer to
pages 75, 79.

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Engine oil level
If the lamp comes on during
normal vehicle operation: the
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than approx.
30 miles/50 km before refilling.
For additional information, refer to
page 142.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at the earliest opportunity, such as
the next time you stop to refuel.
For additional information, refer to
page 142.
Brake pads

●

Have the brake pads checked
immediately.
For additional information, refer to
page 126.
Flat Tire Monitor

●

The Flat Tire Monitor is malfunc-
tioning or out of order. If there is
a malfunction, have the system
checked. For additional information,
refer to page 94.

Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

●

Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off with the
button; DTC is operational.
If there is a malfunction, have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on
page 91.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
and brake warning lamp

●

The indicator lamps remain on:
DSC/DTC have been switched
off with the button or are faulty.
If there is a malfunction, have
the system checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Additional information beginning on
page 91.
DSC indicator and brake warn-
ing lamps for Canadian models.

Indicator and warning lamps

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

142
Washer fluidHeadlamp* and windshield
washer systemApproximate capacity is
5.6 US quarts/5.3 liters.
Fill with water and, if required, with a
washer antifreeze additive according to
manufacturer's recommendations.
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agents for the washer
fluid are highly flammable. For this
reason, keep them away from sources
of flame and store them only in closed
original containers, inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with the instructions on
the containers.<
Engine oilChecking the oil level1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
way into the guide tube and pull it
out again
5. The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts/1 liter. Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.

143
Adding engine oilOnly add engine oil when the oil level
has dropped to just above the lower
mark on the dipstick.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, any skin areas
that come into contact with oil should
be thoroughly washed with soap and
water.
Store oils, grease and similar materials
so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and
information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
at your BMW center.Specified engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil is
extremely important for the operation
and service life of an engine. Based on
extensive testing, BMW has approved
only certain grades of engine oil.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If an approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil should be unavailable, you
may use small amounts of other syn-
thetic oils for topping up between oil
changes. Use only oils with the specifi-
cation API SH or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil or syn-
thetic oils that have been approved.<
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could even lead to
damage in some cases.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica toll-free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit
this website: www.bmwusa.com to
obtain this information.Viscosity ratingsViscosity is the oilflow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These kinds of oil may be used for driv-
ing in all ambient temperatures.
Engine oil
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

148Laws and regulations
California lawsProposition 65 warningCalifornia laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety
of automobile components and
parts, including components found in
the interior furnishings in a vehicle, con-
tain 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 com-
ponent 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
accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash your hands after hand-
ling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
water. or more sensing and diagnostic mod-
ules or a recording device capable of
recording or transmitting certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you
have a Subscription Service Agreement
for the BMW Assist system, certain
vehicle information may be transmitted
or recorded in order to provide such
services.
OBD interface socketThe interface socket for onboard diag-
nostics is located on the left-hand side
of the driver's side, behind a specially
marked cover located beneath the
instrument panel. The cover has the let-
ters OBD on it.
This interface makes it possible to
access data on emissions-related com-
ponents using special equipment.
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the vehi-
cle. However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW center at the
next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact the nearest
BMW center immediately. Severe

Everything from A to Z
177
Battery 161
charge 161
disposal 161
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 163
remote control 28, 29
Battery charge current 18
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 54
Beverage holders 113
Blower
air conditioning 102
automatic climate
control 106
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oils 143
BMW Maintenance
System 146
BMW sports seat 51
Bottle holders, see Bever-
age holders 113
Brake fluid 145
indicator lamp 18, 145
level 145
Brake force display 94
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 155
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 86
Brake lamps, refer to Brake
force display 94Brake pads
brake fluid level 18, 145
breaking in 124
indicator lamp 19
Brake rotors
breaking in 124
Brake wear warning
indicator lamp 19
Brakes
ABS 127
brake fluid 145
brake force display 94
brake pads 126
breaking in 124
driving notes 125
indicator/warning lamp
18, 19
parking brake 71
Break-in procedures 124
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 153
Bulb, replacing 153
Buttons in steering wheel 21
C
California laws
event data recorders 148
Proposition 65
warning 148
Can holders, see Beverage
holders 113
Capacities 173Car battery 161
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 28
Car radio, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
Car telephone
preparation 113
Car telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 114
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CBC Cornering Brake Con-
trol 127
warning lamp 18
CD changer, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Center armrest
front 112Center high-mount brake
lamp
bulb replacement 156
Central locking system 28
button 32
passenger
compartment 32
Changing a wheel 157
Charge indicator lamp 18
Check Control 86
Check Gas Cap
indicator lamp 19
Child seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems 62
Child-restraint mounting
system (LATCH) 64
Child-restraint system 62
Chock 158
Cigarette lighter 113
Cleaning chrome parts, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Cleaning light alloy wheels,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning position, convert-
ible top 43, 48
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning windshield 82
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZClock 87
12-/24-hour mode 87
setting, refer also to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Closing
from inside 32
from outside 29
Clutch
breaking in 124
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Coin box 113
Cold start, refer to Starting
the engine 69
Compact disc operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compartments 112
Computer 88
Condensation, refer to Air
conditioning mode
102, 106
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 68
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Power
socket 114Consumption
display 84
Consumption, refer to Aver-
age fuel consumption 89
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 14
Convenience operation
from outside 31
windows 30
Convertible top
cleaning position 43, 48
closing in an
emergency 46
electrical fault 46
indicator lamps 45
remote control 29
Convertible top activation
fully automatic top 44
manual top 39
Convertible top compart-
ment panel 35
Coolant 144
indicator lamp 19, 85
level 144
temperature gauge 85
Coolant water, refer to Cool-
ant 144
Cooling, refer to Tempera-
ture 102, 106
Copyright 4Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 127
warning lamp 18
Cruise control 82
indicator lamp 20
Cup holders, see Beverage
holders 113
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 172
Current consumption, refer
to Energy control 84
Curve lighting, refer to
Adaptive headlights 96
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 170
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 14
Data
capacities 173
dimensions 171
engine 170
technical 170
weights 172
Daytime driving lamps 95
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
19, 127
Deep water, refer to Driving
through water 125Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows
103, 106
Defrosting and demisting
windows
air conditioning 103
automatic climate
control 106
Defrosting windows
103, 106
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting windows
103, 106
Demisting windows
air conditioning 103
automatic climate
control 106
Differential
breaking in 124
Digital clock 87
Dimensions 171
Dipstick, engine oil 142
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 170
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 96
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 16
Disposal
oil 143
vehicle battery 161

Everything from A to Z
179
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 90
Door key 28
Door lock 31
Doors
emergency operation 31
Draft-free ventilation
103, 107
Driving light, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 95
Driving notes 125
Driving through water, deep
water 125
Dry air, refer to Air condi-
tioning mode 102, 106
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 91
indicator lamp 19, 91
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-
trol 91
indicator lamp 19, 91
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 19, 127
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 91
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) 91
indicator lamp 19, 91E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
the rear 53
Electric power windows 38
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 161
Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 79
door lock 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 23
luggage compartment
lid 33
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 91
Emergency call 162
Emergency operation
closing the convertible
top 46
doors 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 23
Emergency release
luggage compartment lid
33, 34
Emissions, minimum, refer
to Energy control 84
Energy control 84Engine
breaking in 124
data 170
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 84, 170
starting 69
switching off 71
Engine compartment 140
Engine coolant 144
adding 144
Engine oil
adding 143
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 143
capacity 173
consumption 142
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 143
specified oils 143
viscosity 143
Engine oil level 19
check 142
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil types 143
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 170
Engine speed 84, 170
Entering the rear 53Environmentally-friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control 84
Equipment range, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 91
Exterior mirrors 57
Eyelets, towing 165
F
False alarm, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
Fasten safety belts 54
warning lamp 18
Fault displays 86
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir 173
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 22
First-aid kit 22
Flashlight 109
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable
flashlight 109
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZLuggage compartment lid 33
emergency operation 33
emergency release 34
indicator lamp 86
opening from inside the
vehicle 33
opening from outside 33
remote control 30
securing separately 33
unlocking manually 33
Luggage compartment light-
ing 33
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 120
Lumbar support 52
M
Maintenance 86, 146
Maintenance system 146
Malfunction
convertible top 46
door lock 31
fuel filler door 23
Malfunction displays 86
Manual convertible top 39
closing 42
opening 40
operation 39Manual operation
door lock 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 23
luggage compartment
lid 33
power convertible top 46
Manual transmission 72
Master keys 28
MC operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
MD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 55
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 68
Microfilter
air conditioning 103
automatic climate
control 108
Microphone 113
Mini disc operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mirrors 57
heated 57
memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 55
Mobile Service 163Modifications, technical,
refer to For your own
safety 5
Multifunction steering
wheel 21
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 80, 81
N
Navigation system, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to
Head restraints 52
Nets 112
Nozzles, refer to Ventilation
100, 104
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
the vehicle 165
O
OBD interface socket 148
Odometer 84
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 143
capacity 173
dipstick 142
quality 143
specified engine oils 143
viscosity 143Oil change intervals, refer
to Service interval
display 146
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models/Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption 142
Oil dipstick 142
Oil filter change 173
Oil level
checking 142
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 86
Oil types 143
Old batteries, refer to Dis-
posal 161
Onboard computer 88
Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 152
Opening and closing
from outside 29
from the inside 32
via the door lock 31
via the remote control 29
Outlets, ventilation 100, 104