BMW 325ci Convertbile (2002 year). Instruction - part 9
Engine compartment essentials
119n
1 Brake fluid reservoir
124
3 Coolant expansion tank
123
5 Engine oil filler neck
121
2 Engine oil dipstick
121
4 Reservoir for the headlamp and
6 Auxiliary terminal for
windshield washer system
120
jump-starting
140
120nWasher fluids
Antifreeze agents or intensive-
cleaning washer fluids for the
washer systems are highly flammable.
For this reason, keep them away from
sources of flame and store only in orig-
inal containers. Store them inaccessible
to children. Comply with the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Headlamp* and windshield
washer system
Approximate capacity is 5.6 US quarts
(5.3 liters).
Fill with water and - if required - with a
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Engine oil
121n
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.
Checking oil level
Adding engine oil
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
While you should wait until the level has
2. Switch the engine off after it has
dropped to just above the lower mark
reached normal operating tempera-
before adding oil, you should never
ture
allow the oil level to fall below this
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
mark.
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
BMW engines are designed to
similar material
operate without oil additives; the
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
use of additives could lead to damage
way into the guide tube and pull it
in some cases. This is also true for the
out again
manual transmission, the automatic
5. The oil level should be between the
transmission, the differential, and the
two marks on the dipstick.
power steering system.<
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
Recommendation: have the oil changed
is directly influenced by your driving
at your BMW center.
style and vehicle operating conditions.
122nEngine oil
Continuous exposure to used oil
Specified engine oils
Viscosity ratings
has caused cancer in laboratory
The quality of the engine oil is
Viscosity is the oilflow rating as estab-
testing. For this reason, any skin areas
extremely important for the operation
lished in SAE classes.
that come into contact with oil should
and service life of an engine. Based on
The selection of the correct SAE class
be thoroughly washed with soap and
extensive testing, BMW has approved
depends on the climatic conditions in
water.
only certain grades of engine oil.
the area where you drive your BMW.
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of
Use only approved "BMW High
reach of children. Comply with all
Performance Synthetic Oil."
Approved oils are in SAE classes
warning labels and information on lubri-
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
cant containers.<
If you are unable to obtain an approved
"BMW High Performance Synthetic
These kinds of oil may be used for
Comply with the applicable envi-
Oil," you may use small volumes of
driving in all ambient temperatures.
ronmental laws regulating the
other synthetic oils for topping up
disposal of used oil.<
between oil changes. Use only oils with
the specification API SH or higher.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific "BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or
synthetic oils that have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North
America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this
website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain
this information.
Coolant
123n
Do not add coolant to the cooling
Comply with the applicable envi-
system when the engine is hot. If
ronmental laws regulating the
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
can cause burns.
with corrosion inhibitor.<
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. You should
always store them in their original
Checking coolant level
container and in a location which is out
of reach of children.
Correct coolant level when the engine
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
is cold (approx. 68 7 or +20 6):
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank
substance ethylene glycol. For this
by turning it slightly counterclock-
reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot
to escape, then open
engine parts. It could ignite and cause
2. The coolant level is correct when the
serious burns.<
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck, but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it - that is, up to the second
mark on the float (refer also to the
schematic diagram next to the filler
neck)
3. If necessary, add coolant.If the
coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached - do
not overfill.
124nBrake fluid
Brake fluid loss results in extended
pedal travel. Refer to the information on
page 109.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake
fluid changed every two years at a
BMW center, refer to page 75 and to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
Warning lamp
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
The brake warning lamp comes
models).
on when the parking brake is
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
not engaged: the brake fluid
vehicle's paint. You should always store
level is too low, refer to page 17.
it in original container and in a location
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
which is out of reach of children.
dian models.
Do not spill brake fluid and do not fill
the brake fluid reservoir beyond the
MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite
upon contact with hot engine parts and
Adding brake fluid
cause serious burns.<
For adding brake fluid or for deter-
mining and correcting the cause of
Comply with the applicable envi-
brake fluid loss, consult your BMW
ronmental laws regulating
center. Your BMW center is familiar
the disposal of brake fluid.<
with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
The BMW Maintenance System
125n
Service Interval Display
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
While conventional systems rely on
milage alone to determine when service
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
is due, the BMW Maintenance System
reflects the actual conditions under
For additional information on required
which the vehicle is operated: some
maintenance intervals and procedures,
miles are more strenuous than others.
please refer to the Service and
From a maintenance point of view,
Warranty Information Booklet (US
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumu-
models) or the Warranty and Service
lated in short-distance urban driving are
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
not the equivalent of the same distance
As a precaution against corrosion, if
covered at moderate cruising speeds in
your vehicle is exposed to potential
The BMW Maintenance System has
long-distance highway travel.
damage from unimproved road
been designed as a reliable means of
The BMW Maintenance System moni-
surfaces we suggest that you have the
providing maximum driving and oper-
tors actual operating conditions as the
body checked for damage from stone
ating safety - and as cost-effectively as
basis for defining when the Engine Oil
chips and gravel at the same time.
possible for you.
Service and Inspections I and II are
Please keep in mind that regular main-
due.
We recommend that you refer all
tenance is not only necessary for the
maintenance and repair opera-
This service strategy accurately reflects
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
tions to your BMW center.
your own vehicle's specific needs by
significant role in maintaining its resale
Be sure that all maintenance work is
defining maintenance intervals
value.
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
according to individual operating condi-
Information Booklet (US models), or in
tions. However, drivers who cover only
the Warranty and Service Guide
extremely short distances - substan-
Booklet (Canadian models). These
tially less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km)
entries confirm that your vehicle has
annually - should still have the engine
benefitted from regular maintenance,
oil changed at least every 2 years, as it
and are also required for warranty
continues to age regardless of whether
claims.<
the vehicle is used on a regular basis.
126n
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 Warning
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
Engine exhaust, some of its
source for many of the controls and
constituents, and certain vehicle
displays in your vehicle. These LEDs
components contain or emit chemicals
are related to conventional lasers.
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
Do not remove the protective lens
reproductive harm.<
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.<
OBD interface socket
127n
An illuminated indicator informs
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight
you of the need for service, not
enough, the OBD system can
that you need to stop the
detect leaking vapor and the indicator
vehicle. However, the systems should
will light up. If the fuel filler cap is then
be checked by your BMW center at the
tightened, the indicator will usually go
next opportunity.
out after a short period of time.<
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates 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
The interface socket for onboard diag-
emission control system components,
nostics is located on the left-hand side
especially the catalytic converter.
of the driver's side, behind a specially
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
marked cover located beneath the
warning lamp for Canadian
instrument panel. The cover has the
models.
letters OBD on it.
This interface makes it possible to
access data on emissions-related
components using special equipment.
128n
129n
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
130n
Onboard tool kit
Windshield wiper blades Lamps and bulbs
The lamps and bulbs make essential
contributions to the safety of your
vehicle. Therefore, comply fully with the
following instructions during bulb
replacement. If you are not familiar with
any of the procedures, consult your
BMW center.
Do not touch the glass portion of
a new bulb with your bare hands
since even small amounts of impurities
burn in to the surface and reduce the
service life of the bulb. Use a clean
The onboard tool kit is located in the
1. Fold the wiper arm completely out
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-
luggage compartment lid.
from the windshield
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic
2. Position the wiper blade at an angle
Loosen the wingnut to open.
base.<
and pull the release spring (arrow)
3. Fold the wiper blade down and
A replacement bulb set is available from
unhook it toward the windshield
your BMW center.
4. Pull the wiper blade past the wiper
arm toward the top
Before working on the electrical
5. Insert a new wiper blade and apply
system, switch off the electrical
pressure until you hear it engage.
accessory you are working on or
disconnect the cable from the negative
Use only wiper blades which have
terminal of the battery. Failure to
been approved by BMW.<
observe this precaution could result in
short circuits.
To prevent injuries and damage,
comply with any instructions provided
by the bulb manufacturer.<
Lamps and bulbs
131n
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
> Do not clean by wiping with a dry
cloth (scratches). Never use abra-
sives or strong solvents to clean the
covers
> Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water
> Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow - never
use a scraper.<
Low and high beams
Parking lamps
Engine compartment, left side:
Engine compartment, left side:
Xenon lamps
1 Low beam
The service life of these bulbs is very
1. Turn the bulb holder to the left
2 High beam
long and the probability of a failure is
(arrow) and remove it
very low, provided that they are not
2. Remove and replace the bulb.
H7 bulb, 55 watts
switched on and off an unusual number
5 watt bulb
of times. If one of these bulbs should
The H7 bulb is pressurized. There-
nevertheless fail, it is possible to
fore, wear safety glasses and
continue driving with great caution
protective gloves. Failure to comply
using the fog lamps, provided local
with these precautions can result in
traffic laws do not prohibit this.
physical injury if the bulb breaks.<
Because of the extremely high
1. Press the two release catches at the
voltages involved, any work on the
front while simultaneously turning
lighting system should be carried out by
them to the left to remove the bulb
technically-qualified personnel only.
holder
Otherwise, there is a risk of fatal
2. Remove and replace the bulb.
injury.<
132nLamps and bulbs
Turn signal, front
4 Align the lamp assembly's two ridges
Side turn signals
and the centering pin with the guides
21 watt bulb
5 watt bulb
on the vehicle when installing
1 Extend a screwdriver through the
5 Slide in the lamp, applying gentle
1. Use finger pressure against the rear
upper opening and loosen the
end of the lens (arrow) to press it
pressure until you hear it snap into
internal clamp
place.
forward for removal
2 Extract the lamp by removing it from
2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
the front
while turning it to the left to remove.
3 Apply gentle pressure and turn the
bulb to the left, then remove it for
replacement