engine oil BMW Z4 2.5I 2004 Owners Manual

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
13
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light
up in various colors and combinations.
The following section explains the signifi-
cance of the individual colors as well as
how you should respond.
>Red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue driving cautiously
>Yellow:
Have the system checked soon
or
for your information
>Green:
For your information
>Blue:
For your information. Please fasten safety belts
+30
Airbags
+56
Battery charge current
+91
Engine oil pressure/Engine oil
level/Engine oil sensor
+83
Parking brake/Chassis control sys-
tems/Dynamic Brake Control/
Brake fluid
+38/ 52/ 53/ 85
Parking brake/Chassis control sys-
tems/Dynamic Brake Control/
Brake fluid for Canadian models
+38/ 52/ 53/ 85
Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control systems
+54/ 52
Antilock Brake System ABS/Chas-
sis control systems for Canadian
models
+54/ 52
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
+52
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
+52
Flat Tire Monitor
+54
Automatic transmission/
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG
+40/ 42
Brake pads
+70
Add coolant84
CHECK GAS CAP
+74
Service Engine Soon +87
Service Engine Soon warning lamp
for Canadian models
+87
Defective bulbs46
Turn signal indicators43
Fog lamps47
Headlamp flasher/
High beams43/ 47
Electric Power Steering EPS
+43
Engine electronics
+
Engine electronics malfunction.
You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine
speed. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW center.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
49
Between the blue and red zones
Normal operating range. The needle may
rise as far as the edge of the red sector dur-
ing normal operation.
Red
When you switch on the ignition, warning
lamp 1 comes on briefly to indicate an
operational check.
Comes on while driving:
The engine has overheated. Stop and
switch the engine off immediately and
allow it to cool down.
For checking the coolant level, refer to
page 84.
Service interval display
Remaining distance to next service
The displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the ignition
key is in position 1 or after the engine is
started.
The next service due appears with the
message OIL SERVICE or INSPECTION,
together with the distance remaining in
miles – in kilometers in Canada – before the
next scheduled service.
The computer bases its calculations of the
remaining distance on the preceding driv-
ing style.
A flashing message and a minus sign in
front of the number mean that the service
interval has already been exceeded by the
distance shown on the display. Please con-
tact your BMW center for an appointment.
Outside temperature
If the vehicle is not equipped with a com-
puter, the display in the instrument cluster
always shows the outside temperature.
Clock
If you wish to have a permanent time dis-
play, you can have it appear in the car radio
display, refer to the Owner's Manual for
Radio.
You can set the clock and the time display
in the car radio as follows.
To set
Ignition key in position 1 or higher:
Hours
1.Keep button 2 pressed for several sec-
onds until the hours are displayed and
the colon flashes
2.Press button 1 repeatedly until the
required hour is set
Minutes
3.Press button 2 to switch to the minutes
display

In the engine compartment
82
Engine compartment
1Reservoir for the headlamp and wind-
shield washer system 83
2Engine oil filler neck 84
3Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting 944Reservoir for brake fluid 85
5Chassis ground, negative terminal
6Engine oil dipstick 83
7Coolant expansion tank 84

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
83
Washer fluids for washer
systems
Headlamp* and windshield washer
system
Capacity of windshield washer system:
approx. 3.2 quarts/3 liters.
Capacity when equipped with headlamp
washer system: approx. 5.3 quarts/5 liters.
Fill with water and, if required, with an anti-
freeze agent according to the manufac-
turer's recommendations.
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to the
reservoir.<
Antifreeze agents for the washing
systems are highly flammable. For
this reason, keep them away from sources
of flame and store them only in their original
containers. Store them so that they are
inaccessible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.<
Engine oil
Engine oil pressure
The indicator lamp lights up in red:
Stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level and top off as required. If
the oil level is correct, please contact the
nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the engine
could sustain serious damage from
inadequate lubrication.<
Engine oil level
The indicator lamp lights up in yel-
low while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute mini-
mum; refill as soon as possible. Do not
drive more than 30 miles/50 km before
refilling.
The indicator lamp lights up in yel-
low after the engine has been
switched off:
Add engine oil at the earliest opportunity,
when you stop to refuel.
Engine oil sensor
The indicator lamp lights up in yel-
low within 20 seconds after the
engine is started:
The oil level sensor is defective. Please
have it checked by a BMW center.
Checking the oil level
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface
2.Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-
free cloth, paper towel, or similar mate-
rial
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
6.Return the dipstick to the guide tube,
inserting it as far as it will go.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption is
directly influenced by your driving style and
vehicle operating conditions.

In the engine compartment
84 The oil volume between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 quarts/1 liter. Do not fill beyond the
upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil will
damage the engine.
Adding engine oil
While 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 oper-
ate without oil additives; the use of
additives could even lead to damage in
some cases. This also applies to manual
and automatic transmissions and to the dif-
ferential.<
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory tests. For
this reason, thoroughly wash any areas of
skin that come into contact with oil using
soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar mate-
rials so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and the
information on the containers.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal of
used oil.<
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil is extremely
important for the function and life of an
engine. Based on extensive testing, BMW
has approved certain grades of engine oil.
Use approved High Performance Synthetic
Oil.
If you are unable to obtain an approved
High Performance Synthetic Oil, you may use small volumes of other synthetic oils for
topping up between oil changes. Use only
oils with the specification API SH or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details con-
cerning the specific High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils that
have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America
toll-free at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this
website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this
information.
Coolant
The yellow coolant indicator lamp
lights up:
The coolant level is too low: top up
as soon as possible.
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. If you do,
escaping coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in their original containers and
in a location inaccessible to children.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are
flammable. For this reason, do not spill
them on hot engine parts. They could ignite
and cause burns. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Checking the coolant level
Correct coolant level when the engine is
cold, approx. 687/206:
1.Open the cap of the expansion tank by
turning it slightly counterclockwise to

Maintenance
86
Maintenance
The BMW Maintenance
System
The BMW Maintenance System has been
designed as a reliable means of providing
maximum driving and operating safety, and
as cost-effectively for you as possible.
Please keep in mind that regular mainte-
nance is not only necessary for the safety
of your vehicle, but also plays a significant
role in maintaining the resale value of your
vehicle.
Service interval display
While conventional systems rely on dis-
tance traveled alone to determine when a
service is due, the BMW Maintenance Sys-
tem has taken the actual conditions under
which the vehicle is operated into consid-
eration for years, because miles can be
traveled in many different ways:
From a maintenance point of view,
60,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in
short-distance urban driving are not the
same as 60,000 miles/100,000 km accu-
mulated at moderate cruising speeds in
long-distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System includes
the Engine Oil Service and Inspections I
and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
based on the actual loads on the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
Minimal use drivers, who drive fewer than
about 6,200 miles/10,000 km per year,
should nevertheless have the oil changed at least every 2 years since engine oil dete-
riorates over time, regardless of use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
For additional information on required
maintenance intervals and procedures,
please refer to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models, or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.
Depending on operating conditions, it may
be advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel as a precau-
tion against corrosion.
BMW recommends that you have your
BMW center perform the mainte-
nance and repair.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
recorded in the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models, Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models. These entries will serve as proof
that the vehicle has received regular main-
tenance.<
Care
Interesting facts about the care of your
vehicle are found in the Caring for your
vehicle brochure.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
87
Laws and regulations
California Proposition 65
warning
California laws require us to state the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of CA to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash your hands after
handling. Used engine oil contains chemi-
cals that have caused cancer in laboratory
animals. Always protect your skin by wash-
ing thoroughly with soap and water.<
OBD interface socket
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime. The system monitors emission-related
components and system for deterioration
and malfunction.
If the Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp comes on either continuously
or intermittently, this indicates a
fault in the emissions-related electronic
systems. Although the vehicle remains
operational, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the earli-
est possible opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the
need for service, not that you need to stop
the vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW center at the
next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indi-
cates a high level of engine misfire. Reduce
speed and contact the nearest BMW center
immediately. Severe engine misfiring over
even a short period of time can seriously
damage emission control system compo-
nents, especially the catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon warning lamp
for Canadian models.
If the gas cap is not on tight enough,
the OBD system can detect leaking
vapor and the indicator will light up. If the
gas cap is then tightened, the indicator will
usually go out after a short period of time.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
103
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 14.5/55
approx. 2.1/8Fuel specifications:
page 74
Windshield washer system/
Headlamp washer systemquarts/liters
quarts/litersapprox. 3.2/3
approx. 5.3/5For details: page 83
Cooling system including heat-
ing circuit
with manual transm. or SMG
with automatic transmissionquarts/liters
quarts/liters8.8/8.3
9.3/8.8For details: page 84
Engine with oil filter renewal quarts/liters 6.9/6.5 For details: page 84
Manual transmission, SMG,
automatic transmission and
differential quarts/liters –Lifetime lubricant, no oil
change required

Everything from A to Z
104
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 54
– indicator lamp 13
Accessories, refer to
– For your own safety 5
– Your individual vehicle 5
Accident, refer to
Emergency call 93
Activated-charcoal filter 63
Adaptive Transmission
Control ATC 40
Air, drying,
refer to Air conditioning
mode 59, 62
Airbags 56
– deactivation 33
– indicator lamp 13
– passenger airbags
indicator lamp 34
– reactivation 33
– safe seating position 27
Airbag switch 33
Air conditioning 58
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 62
Air conditioning mode
switching on/off
manually 59, 62
Air distribution
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 62
Airing out, refer to
Ventilation 59, 63
Air outlets,
refer to Ventilation 59, 63
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 75
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 59, 63Air supply/blower
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 62
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications 74
Alarm system
– avoiding unintentional
alarms 26
Antenna, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Antifreeze 83, 84
– coolant 84
– washing fluids 83
Antilock Brake System
ABS 54
– indicator lamp 13
Anti-theft alarm system,
refer to Alarm system 25
Anti-theft protection 25
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights 101
Approved engine oils 84
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to
Weights 101
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray 65
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
ATC Adaptive Transmission
Control 40
AUC Automatic
recirculated-air
control 63Automatic
– air distribution 62
– air supply/blower 62
– cruise control 45
– headlamp control 46
– luggage compartment lid
operation 19
Automatic car wash, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate
control 61
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 63
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
– ignition 36
– indicator lamp 13
– interlock 36
– selector lever lock 39
– shiftlock 39
AUTO program,
refer to Automatic air
distribution 62
Average fuel
consumption 51
– setting units of
measure 50
Average speed 51
– setting units of
measure 50
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 101
B
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 28
Backup lamps 38
– bulb replacement 90
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 94
Everything from A to Z
Index

Everything from A to Z
106 Condensation, removing
from windows
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate
control 62
Configuring settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 31
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Cigarette
lighter 65
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption 51
Consumption display, refer
to Fuel gauge 48
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 10
Convenience operation
– convertible top 18
– from outside 18
– windows 18
Convertible top 21, 22
– care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– convenience operation 18
– electrical fault 23
– emergency closing 23
– fully automatic 22
– malfunction 23
– manual 21
Convertible top
compartment panel 20
Coolant 84
– indicator lamp 13
– level 84
– temperature 48
Coolant water, refer to
Coolant 84
Cooling, maximum 62
Cooling, refer to Air
conditioning mode 59, 62
Cooling system, refer to
Capacities 103
Cruise control 45
Cruising range 51
Cup holders, refer to
Beverage holders 65
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 101
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 100
D
Data, technical 100
– capacities 103
– dimensions 102
– engine data 100
– weights 101
Daytime driving lamps 46
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Defective bulb 46
Defrosting rear window
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 63
Defrosting windows 60, 62
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate
control 62
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioning 60
– automatic climate
control 62
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting
windows 60, 62
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting
windows 60, 62
Differential
– break-in procedures 68
Digital clock 49
Dimensions 102
Dimming mirror 31
Dipstick, engine oil 83
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signal
indicators 43
Disc brakes 69
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 100
Display elements 12
Display lighting,
refer to Instrument
lighting 47
Displays, refer to
Instrument cluster 12Disposal
– oil 84
– vehicle battery 92
Distance remaining, refer to
Range 51
Door key 16
Door lock 18
Doors, unlocking and
locking
– from inside 18
– from outside 17, 18
DOT quality grades 77
Draft-free ventilation 59, 63
Driving Dynamic Control 42
Driving light, refer to
Parking lamps/Low
beams 46
Driving notes 69
– break-in procedures 68
– driving tips 69
Driving stability control 52
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning mode 59, 62
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 52
– indicator lamp 13, 52
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
– indicator lamp 13, 52
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 53
– indicator lamp 13, 52
E
Electrical fault
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 40
– convertible top 23
– door lock 18
– driver's door 18
– fuel filler door 74
– luggage compartment
lid 19
– storage compartments 64