service interval BMW M3 2004 E46 Service and warranty information

BMW Maintenance Programs -
2004 M3
Maintenance Programs are a benefit designed
to help reduce the cost of scheduled and
unscheduled maintenance.
2004 M3 vehicles purchased from any
Authorized BMW center in the United States or
Puerto Rico are covered by Full Maintenance
for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever
occurs first. Coverage begins on the date of
first retail sale or the date the vehicle is first
placed in service as a demonstrator or
company vehicle, whichever is earlier.
Any authorized BMW center in the United
States or Puerto Rico will perform the sched-
uled or additional maintenance services on
your vehicle at no expense to you. The
maintenance schedule intervals are based on
normal driving conditions and operation.
Should you request more frequent mainte-
nance service, the cost of these services
will not be covered by the Maintenance
Program.
Coverage
Full Maintenance covers all factory recom-
mended maintenance, as determined by the
service interval indicator. Additional items that
need replacement due to normal wear and
tear, and that are not covered by the original
New Vehicle Limited Warranty - such as brake
pads, brake rotors, and wiper blade inserts -
are included, provided wear and tear
exceeds BMW specifications. Any adjust-
ments required due to normal operating
conditions are also included. See pages 5-8
of this statement for additional information.
Maintenance Intervals
Time intervals should be followed using the
maintenance interval as indicated by the BMW
Service Indicator lights on the check control
panel in the dashboard.This BMW Service and Warranty Information
Statement should be presented to your BMW
center when maintenance is required. Your
BMW center will stamp this book documenting
the services or maintenance performed.
Exclusions from coverage
– Items reimbursable under your New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
– Gasoline and gasoline additive.
– Windshield washer additive (except when
in conjunction with scheduled mainte-
nance).
– Tires, wheel alignment, tire balance and
rotation.
– Wear and tear of soft trim items, such as:
seats, carpets, moldings, headliner, door
panels and all chrome trim.
– Damage detected when performing the rust
perforation inspection.
– Damage which results from negligence,
improper operation of the vehicle, wear and
tear or deterioration due to driving habits or
conditions, improper repair, environmental
influences, flood, accident or fire damage,
road salt corrosion, alteration, installation of
non-BMW accessories, or use of improper,
poor quality or contaminated fuel.
– Altered or unreadable Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) or odometer irregularities or
vehicles where the true mileage cannot be
determined.
– Maintenance or repair after the vehicle is
deemed a total loss.
– Maintenance or repairs performed by other
than an Authorized BMW center within the
United States or Puerto Rico.
– Vehicles used in competitive events.
– Oil changes performed outside the
recommended maintenance intervals as
indicated by the Service Interval Indicator.
1

Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System has been
devised with the following objectives: to
maximize vehicle safety, reliability, and resale
value by minimizing breakdowns resulting from
wear, and minimizing cost and inconvenience
by computing maintenance intervals based
upon the specific manner in which each
individual vehicle is driven.
Maintenance intervals on motor vehicles
have conventionally been specified based
upon accumulated mileage. However, the
type of driving conditions has a major
influence on routine maintenance require-
ments; distance traveled is only one of the
significant factors. A vehicle driven for
50,000 miles of short trips in the city with
numerous cold starts, prolonged periods of
idling, stop-and-go driving, and high engine
speeds during acceleration requires more
frequent maintenance intervals than a
vehicle driven for 50,000 miles for long
distances at low engine speeds primarily at
operating temperature.
The advanced technologies at BMW have led to
the development of the unique BMW service
interval indicator which computes the actual
optimum maintenance requirements based not
only upon the accumulated mileage, but taking
into account important factors such as engine
coolant temperatures, high or low engine
speeds, short or long trip driving, and number of
vehicle starts. The maintenance interval may
therefore be maximized with considerable
savings to owners of vehicles subjected to light
duty.
The service interval indicator consists of a
mileage reading, and the inscriptions “OIL
SERVICE” and “INSPECTION”.
Whenever the ignition is switched on, the
display shows the next scheduled type of
service and the remaining distance until the
service should be performed. The distance is
based on your driving style.If the maintenance interval has been ex-
ceeded, a “—” symbol reminds you of the
urgent need for servicing. In the interests of
road safety and reliability, you should avoid
driving your BMW when the “—” symbol is
showing, and have the essential maintenance
work performed without delay.
After each maintenance is performed the service
indicator is reset in order to compute the next
service interval.
If the service interval indicator displays an
illogical reading, or if there is no display, consult
a BMW center.
If the speedometer, tachometer or coolant
temperature gauge should develop a fault, the
service interval indicator will probably cease to
operate correctly as well, since it depends on
correct speed, distance and temperature
readings. The fault must be located and rectified
by a BMW center.
A detailed list of all maintenance operations
included in each of the elements of the BMW
Maintenance System is found on pages 5-14.
These elements are as follows:
Quality Certification I will be performed by your
selling center and certified on the following
page.
2

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 the only approved
engine oils are:
Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60
Synthetic, or Castrol Formula RS 10W-60
Synthetic (BMW part number 07 51 0 009
420). 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 100,000
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 Inspection II). Your BMW is equipped
with platinum-tipped spark plugs. These
allow a longer service life than conven-
tional spark plugs.
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
computing of the optimum maintenance
interval for your type of operations and
driving style. Your BMW center has made a
substantial investment 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.

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. 

Inspection I
Only those items of inspection work which apply to your vehicle will be performed. This list is
subject to amendment.
Undercarriage
6M3
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature. 
Use only Castrol TWS Motorspor t SAE 10W-60 Synthetic, or Castrol Formula
RS 10W-60 Synthetic oil, BMW p/n 07 51 0 009 420.
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 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 brake pads.
Remove and install front disc brake pads, check overall thickness. Examine
disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel
centering hubs.
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 valve settings. Adjust if needed. 
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.

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. 

The maintenance schedule as shown
is required for the proper functioning
of the emission control systems for
optimum vehicle performance and fuel
economy.
Abbreviations:
I - Inspect
R - Replace part(s) and/or fluid listed
Basic Engine
Engine oil....................................................
Engine oil filter..........................................
Fuel System
Air filter.......................................................
Ignition System
Spark plugs...............................................
Emission Control Components
Oxygen sensor..........................................
Emission Control Maintenance Schedule M3
Oxygen Sensor Service: The oxygen sensor deteriorates strictly on a mileage basis and must
therefore be replaced to maximize vehicle fuel economy and minimize exhaust pollution.
The mileage interval varies according to individual driving conditions and is determined by the
service interval indicator.
13
Oil Service
Inspection I
Oil Service
Inspection II
RRR R
RRR R
R
R
Replace at intervals of
100,000 milesM3

29 BMW NA warrants this original vehicle against
defects in materials or workmanship which will
result in rust perforation of the vehicle body for
a period of 6 years, without mileage limitation,
commencing on the date of first retail sale, or
the date the vehicle is first placed in service as
a demonstrator or company vehicle, whichever
is earlier.
To obtain service under this warranty, the
vehicle must be brought, upon discovery of
any rust perforation, to the workshop of any
authorized BMW center. This BMW center will,
without charge for par ts or labor, either repair
or replace the defective part(s). The decision to
repair or replace said part(s) is solely the
prerogative of BMW of North America. Parts for
which replacements are made become the
property of BMW of North America.
REQUIRED MAINTENANCE:
In order to keep this warranty in effect, the
vehicle must be inspected at every BMW
Inspection II (at least every two years). Any
areas requiring preventative maintenance
must be repaired. (THIS INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE IS AT THE OWNER’S
EXPENSE).
The Inspection/Maintenance consists of:
a. Washing the chassis before inspection, if
necessary, due to dirt accumulation.
b. Repairing any damages to undercoating or
paint due to stone chips, gravel erosion,
scratches, or other external influences.
BMW of North America makes no other
express warranty on this product except the
new car warranty or the warranty as to the
emission control system. THE DURATION OF
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANT-
ABILITY, IS LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF
THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES HEREIN.BMW OF NORTH AMERICA HEREBY
EXCLUDES INCIDENTAL AND CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF
TIME, INCONVENIENCE, OR LOSS OF USE
OF THE VEHICLE, FOR ANY BREACH OF
ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY,
INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, APPLICABLE TO THIS
PRODUCT.
Some states do not allow limitations on how
long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclu-
sion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitations and
exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state. Any legal claim or action
arising from any express or implied warranty
contained herein must be brought within 12
months of the date it arises.
This warranty does not apply to the
following:
a. Damage caused by negligence, improper
accident damage repairs, or improper use.
b. Damage attributable to failure to perform
required inspections/maintenance at the
specified intervals or in accordance with the
BMW rust inspection/maintenance program
instructions. Proof must be provided by a
paid invoice or filling in the appropriate
boxes in the Service Section of this
Statement.
BMW will not accept any liability for any
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
This warranty shall be null and void if the
vehicle identification number has been
altered or cannot be read, if the odometer
has been replaced or altered and the true
mileage cannot be determined, if the vehicle
has been declared a total loss or sold for
salvage purposes, or if the vehicle has been
used in any competitive event.
Limited Warranty -
Rust Perforation 2004 M3

Federal Emissions System
Defect Warranty
(Valid only in the U.S.A. and
Puerto Rico)
30 This warranty applies only to U.S. specifica-
tion vehicles distributed by BMW of North
America (BMW NA) or sold through the BMW
NA European Delivery Program.
In accordance with the defect warranty
provisions of section 207(b) of the Clean Air
Act, BMW NA warrants to the first retail
purchaser, and each subsequent purchaser,
that the car (a) was designed, built and
equipped so as to conform, at the time of
sale, with all regulations of the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency applicable at the
time of manufacture and (b) is free from
defects in materials and workmanship which
would cause it to fail to conform with
applicable regulations for a period of 2 years
or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first,
except for specific emission control compo-
nents (as listed on page 33), for which the
warranty period is 8 years or 80,000 miles,
whichever occurs first.
This warranty begins on the date of first
retail sale, or the date the vehicle is first
placed in service as a demonstrator or
company vehicle, whichever is earlier.
Warranty claims must be made as soon as
reasonably possible after a defect is
discovered. To make a claim, the car must
be brought to any authorized BMW center
during normal business hours.
The BMW center will, without charge for
parts or labor (including diagnosis), either
repair or replace the defective part, if any.
The decision whether to repair or replace
said parts is solely the prerogative of BMW
NA and must be expected to correct the
failure of the warranted part. Parts for which
replacements are made become the
property of BMW NA. In all cases, a reason-
able time must be allowed for warranty
repairs to be completed after the car is
received by the BMW center.For assistance in determining which specific
parts or components of your vehicle are
covered under this warranty, please contact
your BMW center.
It is the owner’s responsibility to have all
scheduled inspection and maintenance
services performed (at the owner’s ex-
pense), as prescribed in the maintenance
schedule for the BMW Emission Control
System. Service intervals are computed by
the onboard BMW service interval indicator
and displayed on the instrument panel. The
instructions for proper maintenance and use
can be found in the Owner’s Manual. It is
strongly recommended that any replacement
parts used for maintenance, repair or
replacement of emission control systems be
certified BMW Service Parts or BMW
Authorized Remanufactured Parts. Without
invalidating this warranty, the owner may
elect to have maintenance, repair or
replacement of the emission control systems
performed by any automotive repair estab-
lishment, or elect to use parts other than
certified BMW Service Parts. However, the
cost of such service or parts will not be
covered under this warranty, except in
emergency situations. In an emergency
situation, where an authorized BMW center
or a warranty replacement part is not
reasonably available (within 30 days),
repairs may be performed at any available
service establishment using any equivalent
part. BMW NA will reimburse the owner for
such emergency repairs (including labor,
parts and diagnosis not to exceed BMW NA
rates for labor, parts, and diagnosis in said
area) that are covered under this warranty.
Replaced parts and paid invoices must be
presented at a BMW center as a condition of
reimbursement for emergency repairs not
performed by a BMW center.
The use of replacement parts, which are not
of equivalent quality, may impair the effec-
tiveness of the emission control system. If
other than certified BMW Service Parts or
Authorized Remanufactured Parts are used
for maintenance, repair or replacement of
components affecting emission control, the
owner should obtain assurances that such

35
California Emission Control
System Limited Warranty*
This warranty applies to California certified
vehicles distributed by BMW of North America
(BMW NA) or sold through the BMW NA
European Delivery Program, registered and
operated primarily in California.
BMW NA warrants to the original purchaser
and each subsequent owner that the vehicle
is:
(a) designed, built and equipped so as to
conform with the applicable California Air
Resources Board emission standards.
(b) free from defects in materials and workman-
ship which cause any part that can affect
emissions to fail to conform with applicable
requirements or to fail a California Smog
Check test or EPA approved short test for a
period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, which-
ever occurs first.
(c) free from defects in materials and workman-
ship in emission related parts, which are
contained in the California Emission
Warranty Parts List on page 40, for a period
of 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever
occurs first.
This warranty begins on the date of first retail
sale, or the date the vehicle is first placed in
service as a demonstrator or company vehicle,
whichever is earlier.
To obtain service under this warranty, the
vehicle must be brought, upon failure of a
Smog Check test or upon discovery of the
defect, to the workshop of any authorized
BMW center, during normal business hours.
The BMW center will honor or deny your claim
within 30 days. If the claim is denied, the BMW
center will notify you in writing of the reason(s).
The BMW center is required by law to honor
the claim if notice is not given to the owner
within 30 days.
The BMW center will, without charge for parts
or labor (including diagnosis), either adjust,repair or replace the defective part and other
parts affected by the failure of the warranted
part, if any. If your vehicle failed the California
Smog Check test or an EPA approved short
test, then BMW NA will repair your vehicle so
that it will pass this test. Items that require
scheduled replacement are warranted up to
the replacement interval specified in the
Service section of this Statement. BMW NA
may repair a part in lieu of replacing it when
performing warranty repairs. Parts for which
replacements are made become the property
of BMW NA. After 3 years or 50,000 miles, and
in accordance with paragraph (c) above, such
repairs are limited to the repair or replacement
of those parts identified in the California
Emissions Warranty List.
If your California registered vehicle is between
7 and 8 years old and has been driven less
than 80,000 miles, then your vehicle is eligible
for additional warranty coverage under the
Federal Emissions Warranty.
A repair performed as the result of a smog
check test failure due to a defect in a part,
which is warranted for 7 years/70,000 miles, is
covered.
In all cases, a reasonable time, not to exceed
30 days, must be allowed for a warranty repair
to be completed, after the car is received by
the BMW center.
It is the owner’s responsibility to have all
required maintenance services performed (at
the owner’s expense), as prescribed in the
maintenance schedule for the BMW Emission
Control System. Service intervals are com-
puted by the service interval indicator and
displayed on the instrument panel.
*The California Emissions Control System
Limited Warranty applies to all 2004 U.S.
specification BMW vehicles sold, leased, and/
or registered in California, Maine, Massachu-
setts or Vermont.