differential BMW M3 2004 E46 Service and warranty information

Unscheduled Maintenance
Only use fuels advertised to have adequate
detergency and low alcohol content. Use of
fuels with insufficient detergent and/or excess
alcohol can cause driveability problems that
necessitate cleaning intake valves and fuel
injection valves, and, when applicable,
adjusting the engine idle. We suggest having
this work performed by your authorized BMW
center, perhaps while regular maintenance is
performed. Your BMW center can also recom-
mend a gasoline additive that will provide
sufficient detergency. While this recommended
unscheduled maintenance is not required in
order to maintain the emission warranty,
cleaning of intake valves or, when applicable,
fuel injection valves, or adjustment of engine
idle, necessitated by use of inappropriate fuel,
is not covered by warranty because no defect
in material or workmanship or component
failure is involved.
Special Note
Maintenance items and schedules stated
herein reflect the combined recommendations
for all model 2004 BMWs, and are subject to
change. The most current maintenance
recommendations are available from your
authorized BMW center.
Quality Certification I
For a detailed list of items inspected, refer to
the Quality Certification I form provided to
the Owner at time of delivery. A copy of the
form is on file at the selling BMW center.
Quality Certification I
Performed by (selling BMW center/Stamp with Code)
FREE OF CHARGE
Date Mileage
Authorized
Signature of Service Manager
4
1200 Mile Service 1200 Mile Service1200 Mile Service 1200 Mile Service
1200 Mile Service
Performed at:
(Actual Vehicle Mileage)
(Mileage on Service Indicator)
Date/Stamp/Signature
1200 Mile Service
The engine incorporated in your BMW M3 is a
race-bred engine design which includes
increased power output and maximum engine
speeds compared to conventional BMW 3
Series engines. The increased power output
also affects other major drivetrain components
such as the transmission and the rear axle
differential. The 1200 Mile Service requires
changing the oil in the engine and both the
transmission and the differential.

5
1200 Mile Service
Engine Oil Service
Engine Compartment
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature. 
Use only Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil or Castrol
Formula RS 10W-60 Synthetic oil, BMW p/n 07 51 0 009 420.
Reset service interval indicator. 
Replace microfilter. 
Check overall thickness of rear disc brake pads using special tool.rear
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.
Remove and install front disc brake pads, check overall thickness. 
Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel centering hubs.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary. 
Body
Convertible: Lubricate convertible top sliding linkage covers. 
M3
Read out diagnostic system.
Change oil and filter while engine is at normal operating temperature. 
Use only Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil,
BMW p/n 07 51 0 009 420.
Replace transmission fluid. 
Replace differential oil. 
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control. 
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering,
clutch/manual transmission. 

M3
Replace air cleaner element. (Note: Reduce replacement interval in 
dusty operating conditions).
Replace spark plugs. 
Undercarriage
Replace transmission fluid. 
Replace differential oil. 
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 100,000 miles. 
M-Mobility System Service
Replace sealant cartridge every 3 years.