engine oil BMW CONVERTIBLE 1998 User Guide

12 6
a
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory testing.
Any skin areas that come in contact with
oil should be thoroughly washed with
soap and water.
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of
reach of children. Observe all warning
labels and information on lubricant
containers.
If you use SAE 15W-40 engine oil in low
temperatures below 145F (-10 6) the
engine may become difficult to start.c
*Special engine oils individually
approved by BMW are the most suited
to your engine. Please contact your
BMW Retailer for details..Engine oil
Special - Oils* most preferable
15W - 40
5W - 30
30
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30-20 0 20 40 60 80 °C°F
APISERVICESG
ENERGYCONSERVINGII
SAE
5W-30
365us312

12 9
At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
High steering effort:
Check oil level, refer to previous page.
High steering effort during sudden tran-
sitions:
Please contact your BMW Retailer for
an immediate inspection.a
If the power steering fails, in-
creased effort will be required to steer
the vehicle.c
In the engine compartment on the right-
hand side of the heater partition panel
(arrow).
The information on the type plate and
the Vehicle Identification Number must
match those contained in the vehicle
papers.
These data are essential for processing
inquiries, expediting service procedures
and when ordering replacement parts.
360de310
Power steering fluid Vehicle Identification Number

13 0
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing the customer with maximum
vehicle safety and reliability with mini-
mum complication and expense.
Please remember that regular periodic
maintenance plays an essential part in
ensuring continued vehicle security. It
also helps maintain the resale value of
the vehicle.
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance
intervals, which are then indicated in
the Service Interval Display. While con-
ventional maintenance systems rely on
mileage alone to determine when ser-
vice is due, the BMW Maintenance Sys-
tem reflects the actual conditions under
which the vehicle is operated, because
mileage is not simply mileage:
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance driving are not the
equivalent of the same distance cov-
ered in long-distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service as well
as Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the car
covers every kind of operating situation.
However, drivers who cover only
extremely short distances - substantially
less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km) annu-
ally - should have the engine oil changed
at least once a year, as it continues to
age whether or not the car is used on a
regular basis.
Service and Warranty Information
bookletPlease refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information booklet for additional
information on maintenance intervals
and procedures.
Depending on operating conditions, as
a precaution against rust it may be a
good idea to have the body checked for
stone damage and chips at the same
time.
Please ensure that all maintenance
operations are entered in the Service
and Warranty Information booklet upon
completion. These entries will consti-
tute your proof that the vehicle has
received regular maintenance. They
are also required for warranty claims.b
Have your BMW Retailer carry out
the maintenance and repair. Your BMW
Retailer is always informed on the latest
maintenance work and repair tech-
niques and equipped with the required
special tools. In addition, the testing of
parts known from experience to be sub-
ject to wear is a permanent part of the
maintenance specifications.c
360us009The BMW Maintenance System

13 7
At a glanceControlsCar careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Never use spot remover, paint thinner,
solvents, gasoline etc. to remove spots
from the convertible top and from the
rear window, as these substances
destroy the rubber seals and lead to
leaks. Use only BMW-approved clean-
ers.
In addition to the advantage of being
extremely flexible, the rear window also
has the disadvantage of having a rela-
tively soft surface. For this reason, only
clean the rear window with a soft, anti-
static cloth or with BMW Convertible
Rear Window Cleaner.
If you wash the vehicle frequently in
brush car washes, and in particular in
those with hard brushes, faint scratches
in the rear window may result. With the
window replacement system you can
replace a heavily scratched window at a
relatively low price. Please contact your
authorized BMW Retailer for additional
information. b
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW Retailer.c
a
Cleaning agents can contain sub-
stances that are dangerous or bad for
your health. Therefore always observe
the warnings and danger notices on the
package.
Open the doors or windows on your ve-
hicle when cleaning the interior.
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
or other materials not specifically in-
tended for this application.c
Hardtop:Please follow the instructions for car
care from page 131.If the vehicle is to be temporarily stored
for more than three months, have the
following maintenance performed by
your BMW Retailer:
1 Cleaning, preservation and retreat-
ment of the engine, engine compart-
ment, underbody, axles and
subassemblies in accordance with
the factory speciÞcations. Vehicle
washing with interior cleaning fol-
lowed by paint and chrome care.
Clean rubber seals of the hood, lug-
gage compartment lid and doors and
rub with either talcum powder or
glycerine oil.
2 Change engine oil and oil Þlter at
operating temperature. As an addi-
tional corrosion protection measure,
an anti-corrosive agent can be added
to the engine in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
3 Check the coolant level and concen-
tration and top up if necessary.
4 Check the acid level in the battery
cells and add distilled water if neces-
sary.
5 Increase the tire inßation pressure to
50.9 psi (3.5 bar).
Cleaning and care of the convertible top Vehicle storage

16 6
Quarts (Liter) Notes
Fuel tank
of which reserve approx. 17 gal. (62)
approx. 2 gal. (8)Fuel specification: Page 24
Windshield washer system
with headlamp washer systemapprox. 2.6 (2.5)
approx. 5.3 (5.0)For details: Page 124
Cooling system including
heater circuit6.9 (6.5) - 318i, 318is
11.1 (10.5) - 323i, 323is, 328i, 328isFor details: Page 88
Engine oil and filter change 5.2 (5.0) - 318i, 318is
6.9 (6.5) - 323i, 323is, 328i, 328isApproved HD oil
Specifications: Page 126
Shift, Automatic- and final drive ÐLifetime fluid, no fluid change required.
Capacities

170
Note: This index does not correspond to the original manual in all details
AABS (Antilock Brake
System)
103
Acceleration values
163
Activated charcoal filter
92
Adjusting steering wheel 45
Air conditioner
91
Air distribution 90
Air pressure
111
Air supply
92
Airbag
50
Aluminum wheel
115
Antifreeze
105
, 127
Antifreeze,
Radiator
105
, 127
Antifreeze,
radiator
127, 105
Anti-lock braking system
ABS
103
Aquaplaning
100
, 111
ASC+T Automatic stability
control plus
Traction
Traktion
10
, 84
Ashtray
94
AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control
91
Automatic car washes
131
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC
91
Automatic stability control
plus traction
ASC+T
10
, 84Automatic transmission
58
Capacity
166
Filling capacity
166
Autoradio
108
Average fuel
consumption
79
Average speed 78
Axle load, permissible
163
BBackrest unlock
45
Backup lights
57
, 143
Battery
149
, 167
Removal and
installation 150
Symbols
149
Battery capacity
167
Battery change
Key
145
Battery charge current
20
Battery electrolyte
149
Battery, discharged 153
Belts
47
blower 92
BMW Convertible
Car wash
136
Care
136
Electrical
Convertible top
actuation
39
Emergency closure
41
Fully automatic
Convertible top
actuation
39Hardtop
109
Manual convertible top
Actuation 41
Manual convertible top
actuation 37
Rear window
Ventilation 91
, 105
Rollover protection
system
52
Ski bag 97
Storage compartment
95
Vehicle
decommissioning
137
BMW Convrtible
Electrical windows
Lifters
36
BMW Hi-Fi System
93
BMW Sport seat
44
Brake fluid
128
Brake lights,
Replace bulbs
143
Brake pads
20
Brake system hydraulic
circuits
21
Brake-in procedure
100
Brakes
104
Defects 128
Interference
105
Braking system 105
Breaking in vehicle
100
Bulb replacement 141
CCar battery
149
Car wash
131
CARB OBD II interface
24
Care of upholstery
134
Care of wool velour 134
Care, exterior
132
Care, interior 133
Care, vehicle exterior
132
Catalytic converter
102
Cellular phone
108
Center armrest 95
Central brake light
143
Central locking system
31
Central locking system
button
32
Central locking unit
31
Changes,
technical
6
Charge-current indicator
light
20
Charging the battery
150
Check air pressure
25
Check control
71
Check Control with outside
temperature gauge and
digital clock 74
Check engine oil level
124
CHECK key
71
Check oil level 124
Childproof door locks
52
Child-restraint system 48
Cigarette lighter
94
Everything from A to Z

171
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Note: This index does not correspond to the original manual in all detailsClock
66
, 67
, 68
, 69
Cockpit
16
Coinbox 94
Computer 77
, 78
, 79
, 80
,
81
, 82
, 83
Consumption display
64
Convenient closure
31
Convertible, refer to BMW
convertible
Coolant
105
, 127
, 166
Coolant, Antifreeze 105
Cooling system
166
Cruise control 62
Cruising range 79
Cup holder
94
DDashboard
16
Dashboard lighting
85
Data
Dimensions
161
Engine
160
Road performance
163
Weights
163
Data, technical
160
Date
68
, 72
, 74
Daytime light switch
85
Decommissioning of the
Vehicle
137
Deep water 101
Defrost windshields
91
Defrost, windshields 91
Defrosting position 91
DieselInjection system
19
Interference
19
Digital clock
66
, 67
, 68
, 69
Dimensions
161
Dipstik, engine oil
124
Disc brakes
104
Disconnect the battery
150
Display lighting
85
Distance, remaining
79
Door keys
30
Door locks 31
Doors, emergency actuation

31
Drive belts
167
Driver's airbag
50
Driving hints
100
Driving in winter
105
EElectric window actuator
35
Electrical seat
Adjustment
44
Electrical system
167
Electrolyte
149
Electronic unit
Vehicle immobilization
30
Elements of operation
16
Emergency actuation,
Central locking system 31
Tank cover
152
Energy Control 63
Engine coolant 166
Engine data
160
Engine oil
124Capacity
166
Filling capacity
166
Engine oil additives 125
Engine oil consumption
124
Engine oil level
20
Engine oil pressure
20
Eyelets, tow starting and
Towing
154
FFailure message
71
Failure of an electrical
device
151
Fault display
71
Filler cap cover 23
Filling capacity 166
Final drive
Capacity
166
Filling capacity
166
First aid
22
First aid kit 22
Flashers
60
Flat tire 111
, 146
Flower pollen 92
Foglight
86
Foglights, replace bulb
142
Folding
Rear backrest
95
Footbrake
104
Footwell light,
Replace bulb
145
Footwell lights 86
Front seat, position
43
FuelPreparation
160
Processing 160
Fuel consumption indicator

63
Fuel gauge
64
Fuses,
Replacing 151
GGlove compartment
93
Glove compartment light,
bulb replacement 145
Gross weight,
permissible
163
HHand light
93
Handbrake 56
Hazard warning system
22
Hazard warning triangle 22
Head restraint
43
Headlight cleaning System

124
Headlight cleaning system

166
Headlight covers, care
131
Headlight flasher
60
Heated seats
87
Height
161
Hi-Fi System
93
High beams 60
Highbeam headlights,
Replace lights
141
Hood release
118
Horn
17
Everything from A to Z

173
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Note: This index does not correspond to the original manual in all detailscomponents
105
SSAFETY DEFECTS
7
Seat heaters
87
Seat, electric 44
Seat, mechanical
43
Seatback release 45
Seatbelts
47
Seats, adjustment
43
Selector lever, automatic
transmission
58
Service Interval Display
64
Shift programs
59
Side airbag
50
Sliding
106
Sliding/tilt sunroof
36
Close in case of electrical
fault
152
Slippery roads
105
Snow chains
105
Spare key
30
Spare keys 30
Spare tire 112
, 146
Spark plugs
167
Special oils 125
Speed warning activation
threshold 80
Sport seat 44
Start
54
Start the engine
Preheating
54
Starting assistance
153Starting problems
102
Steel wheel
115
Steering
128
Steering lock
54
Steering wheel lock
54
Stopwatch
80
Storage shelves
93
Summer tires
113
Sun visor
46
Switching off the engine
55
Switching off the vehicle 55
Symbols
4
Battery 149
TTachometer
63
Tailgate
33
Taillights 143
Taillights,
Replace bulbs
143
Tank cover
Unlock in case of
electrical fault 152
Technical Data 160
Technical data 160
Telephone
108
Temperature 91
Temperature display
66
Temperature layering 92
Tempomat
62
Thigh support
Ajustment 44
Third brake light
143Through loading system
95
Timer
81
Tire change
146
Tire damages 111
Tire inflation pressure
25
,
111
Tire inscription
113
Tire replacement 112
Tire sizes
115
Tire tread 111
Tool kit
140
Tools
140
Tow starting
154
Towing
154
Towing eyelets
154
Track
161
Trailer load, permissible
163
Trailer nose weight,
permissible
163
Transmission 57
Traveling abroad
102
Tread depth, tires 111
Trip
63
Trip distance recorder
63
Trip odometer
63
Trunk
Capacity
163
Trunk lights,
Replace bulb
145
Turn on
54
Turn signal indicator
60
Turn signal,Replace bulb
142
Turn signals
143
Turning circle 161
Turning radius 161
UUnloaded vehicle weight

163
Unlocking and locking doors

31
Used batteries
150
VVehicle care, interior
133
Vehicle decommissioning

137
Vehicle identification
129
Vehicle identification
number
129
Vehicle immobilization unit

30
Vehicle paintwork
132
Vehicle weight
163
Ventilate at a standstill
81
Ventilation, draft free
92
WWarm feet - cool head
92
Warning
71
Warning Light-On
85
Warning lights
20
Washer fluid
Add
124
Fill up 166
Washer fluid reservoir
Everything from A to Z

175
At a glanceControls Car careRepairsTechnicalDataIndex
Note: This index does not correspond to the original manual in all details
AAdd coolant 127
Adding oil 125
Adjusting washer
nozzles 124
Antifreeze, use 127BBackup lamp,
replace bulb 143
Battery,
charging 150
Battery change,
master key 145
radio remote control 145
Battery,
add distilled water 149
discharged 153
Brake fluid, add 128
Brake lamps,
replace bulb 143
Brakes, defects 105CCheck air pressure 24
Check Control 70
Check engine oil level 124
Coolant, add 127DDefrost windshields 91
Difficult steering 129Door, emergency
actuation 32
EElectrical fault
Sliding/tilt sunroof 152
Fuel filler door 152
Emergency actuation,
Door 32
Sliding/tilt sunroof 152
Fuel filler door 152
External starts 153FFailure messages 70
Failure of an
electrical device 151
Fault displays 70
First aid 21
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing 154
Flat tire 146
Foglamps,
replace bulb 142
Footwell lamp,
replace bulb 145GGlove compartment lamp,
replace bulb 145
HHazard warning system 21
Hazard warning triangle 21
Headlamp cover, care 141
Help in case of a
breakdown 153
High beam headlamps,
replace lamps 141IIndicator lamps 19
Inflation pressure 24
Interior lamps,
replace bulbs 144KKey, battery change 145LLicense plate lamp,
replace bulb 144
Low beam headlamps,
replace lamps 141
Luggage compartment lid,
emergency actuation 32
Luggage compartment
lamps, replace bulb 145MMaintenance 63OOnboard tool kit 140
PParking lamp,
replace bulb 141
Power steering,
add oil 128
Pressure, tires 24
Protective glazing,
care 131RRear foglamps,
replace bulb 142
Remove mist on
windshields 91
Replace bulbs 141
Replace fuses 151SSliding/tilt sunroof,
close in case of power
supply interruption 152
Snow chains 105
Starting difficulties 102, 153
Starting with a discharged
battery 153TTaillamp 143
Taillamp,
replace bulb 143
Tire change 146
Tire damage 111
Tools 140
Owner service procedures from A to Z

So that you will have important specifi-
cations available when you stop to re-
fuel, we recommend that you supple-
ment this table with data which apply to
your vehicle.

Fuel


For a description, refer to page 23

Engine oil

For a description, refer to page 125
The space between the
two marks on the
dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Designation
AKI: Minimum
AKI: For rated performance
AKI: For enhanced
performance
Quality

Tire inflation pressures

For a description, refer to page 25Summer Winter
Front Rear Front Rear
4 persons
5 persons or 4 plus luggage

Refueling