oil level BMW 330Ci COUPE 2003 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 to this below.

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

●

Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off engine. Check
the engine oil level and top off as
required. If the oil level is correct,
please contact the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

<

Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to comply with the
instructions on pages 110 and 123.
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)/Flat
Tire Monitor

●

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has occurred.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately to
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake
applications. As you steer the vehicle,
use caution and avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information: refer to
pages 81, 82

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

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

●

and
ASC+T/DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC,
ASC+T/DSC and ADB control
system has failed. Continue
driving cautiously and defen-
sively. Avoid hard brake applications.
Please have the system checked by
your BMW center as soon as possible.
Additional information beginning on
page 77
CBC, ABS and ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/DBC indicator and warning
lamps for Canadian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp
Comes on when the parking
brake is applied – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information: refer to
page 61

handbook.book Page 18 Tuesday, July 30, 2002 12:16 PM

19
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts

●

Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety
belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 47
Airbags

●

Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 52

Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center

Automatic transmission
The transmission has
responded to a malfunction by
reverting to operation in its emergency
default program. Please consult the
nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 63

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 120
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: add more engine
oil at the earliest opportunity, such as
when you next stop to refuel.
For additional information: refer to
page 120
Brake pads

●

Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 110
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)/Flat
Tire Monitor

●

Check tire inflation pressures.
Refer to pages 24, 81, 84

Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)
●
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
The ASC+T has been switched off via
the button, ADB is operational; or DSC
has been switched off using the button,
DTC is operational.
Please consult the nearest BMW center
in case of a malfunction.
Additional information beginning on
page 77
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and
brake warning lamp
The indicator lamps remain on:
The ASC+T/ADB or DSC/DTC
have been switched off manually or
there is a system malfunction.
Please consult the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
Additional information beginning on
page 77

Indicator and warning lamps

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120
Washer fluidsHeadlamp* and windshield
washer systemCapacity approx. 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.
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121
Adding engine oilWhile you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
before adding oil, you should never
allow the oil level to fall below this
mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This also applies to the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
at your BMW center.
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.
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of
reach of children. Comply with all warn-
ing labels and information on contain-
ers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
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.<
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
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126Laws and regulations
California Proposition 65 warningCalifornia laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its con-
stituents, and certain vehicle com-
ponents 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
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.<
OBD interface socketThe interface socket for onboard diag-
nostics is located on the left-hand side
of the driver's side, below the instru-
ment panel and under a cover panel.
The cover has the letters 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
earliest possible 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
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Everything from A to Z
153
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Coin box 98
Compartments 98
Compression ratio 146
Computer 74
Condensation
removing from windows
91, 94
Consumption 75
display 71
Coolant 122, 149
Cooling system 149
Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 18, 109
Cruise control 68
Cup holder, see Beverage
holder 98
Curb weight 148
Cushion height 147
D
Data
dimensions 147
engine 146
technical 146
weights 148
Daytime driving lamps 85
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 109Defrost position 91, 94
Defrosting
rear window 90, 95
windows 91, 94
Digital clock 73
Dimensions 147
Dipstick, engine oil 120
Displacement 146
Display lighting 86
Displays 16
Distance warning 76
Divided rear backrest 102
Door key 30
Door lock buttons 34
Doors
emergency operation 33
unlocking and locking 31
Driving notes 109
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 18, 19, 79
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 79
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 109
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 18, 19, 79
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) 79
E
Electric power windows 40Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 140
Electrical malfunction
fuel filler door 23
sliding/tilt sunroof 42
Emergency operation
doors 33
fuel filler door 23
sliding/tilt sunroof 42
Emergency release
luggage compartment
lid 37
Emissions, minimum, refer
to Energy control 70
Energy control 70
Engine
starting 59
switching off 61
Engine compartment 118
Engine coolant 149
adding 122
temperature gauge 71
Engine data 146
Engine oil
adding 120
capacity 149
quality 121
viscosity 121
Engine oil consumption 120
Engine oil level 19
check 120
Engine oil pressure 18Engine oil types 121
Engine speed 146
Entering the rear 46
Environmentally-friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control 70
Exterior mirrors 50
Eyelet, towing 142
F
False alarm, avoiding 39
Fault displays 72
First-aid kit 22
Flashlight 98
Flat tire 111, 135
Flat Tire Monitor 82
Fog lamps 87
Folding rear backrest 102
Follow me home lamps 85
Front fog lamps 87
Front seat adjustment 43
Frost protection
radiator 122
Fuel consumption 75
display 71
Fuel economy, refer to
Energy control 70
Fuel filler door 23
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 23
Fuel gauge 71
Fuel specifications 24
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Everything from A to Z
155
N
Navigation System, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
Neckrest 46
O
OBD interface socket 126
Obstruction protection 40
Odometer 70
Oil
capacity 149
quality 121
viscosity 121
Oil additives 121
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 120
Oil dipstick 120
Oil filter change 149
Oil level
checking 120
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 72
Oil types 121Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 130
Operating elements 14
Outlets, ventilation 88, 92
Outside temperature dis-
play 74
P
Panic mode – trigger
alarm 32
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 76
Parking aid 76
Parking brake 61
Parking lamps 85
replacing bulb 132
PDC Park Distance
Control 76
Pocket flashlight 98
Pollen 91, 96
Power output 146
Power seat 45
Pressure, tires 24, 81, 111
monitoring 81
R
Radiator 149
Radio
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for RadioRain sensor 67
Range 75
Reading lamps
front 87
rear 87
Rear backrest, folding 102
Rear center 3-point safety
belt 102
Rear lamps 133
Rear window defroster
90, 95
Rearview mirror 50
Recirculated-air mode
90, 95
Reclining seat 43
Refueling 23
Remote control 31
Remote control keys 30
Replacement key 30
Reporting safety defects 6
Reserve indicator lamp 71
Reverse 62
Roof load capacity 148
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 105
Run Flat tires 113, 139
S
Safe seating position 43
Safety belt height adjust-
ment 47
Safety feature 40Seat adjustment 43
mechanical 44
power 45
Seat heating 49
Seat memory 48
Securing cargo 105
Securing devices 105
Selector lever, automatic
transmission 63
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 124
Service interval display
72, 124
Shiftlock 63
Side airbags 52
Size 147
Ski bag 103
Sliding/tilt sunroof 41
closing following an elec-
trical malfunction 42
convenience operation 31
remote control 32
Snow chains 115
Socket 100
Spare key 30
Spare tire 135
Speedometer 16
Sports seat 44
Standing lamps 86
Starting problems 59
Starting the engine 59
Steering wheel lock 59
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