BMW 323Ci (2000 year). Instruction - part 10
124nEngine oil
Prescribed engine oil
Viscosity ratings
The quality of the engine oil is extremely
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
important for the function and life of an
lished in SAE classes.
engine. Based on extensive testing,
The selection of the correct SAE class
BMW has approved only certain kinds
depends on the climatic conditions in
of engine oil.
the area where you drive your BMW.
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
BMW recommends the use of oils in
mance Synthetic Oil".
SAE classes SAE 5W-30 or SAE 5W-40.
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High
These oils may be used for driving in all
Performance Synthetic Oil", you can
ambient temperatures.
add small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Only use oils with
the API SH specification or higher.
Ask your authorized BMW center
for details concerning the specific
"BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil"
or synthetic oils that have been ap-
proved.<
You can also call BMW of North America
at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this infor-
mation.
Engine oil
125n
Always observe all environmental
protection laws when disposing of
used oil.<
Recommendation: Have the oil changed
by your BMW center only.
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. Comply with all warn-
ing labels and information on lubricant
containers.<
126nCoolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
Add coolant
system when the engine is hot,
Wait until the engine cools before
since escaping coolant can cause
removing the cap from the expansion
burns.
tank. The coolant gauge needle in the
To avoid the possibility of damage later
instrument cluster must be located in
on, never use anything other than fac-
the blue field; otherwise, otherwise, you
tory-approved, nitrite- and amino-free
could be scalded.
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
1 Turn the cap slightly counterclock-
inhibitor. Your authorized BMW center
wise in order to allow accumulated
is familiar with the official specifica-
pressure to escape. Then open.
tions.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
coolant until the correct level is
hazardous to health. Store antifreeze
Checking coolant level
reached - do not overfill.
and anticorrosion agents in their origi-
Correct coolant level when the engine
nal containers and inaccessible to chil-
The coolant is a mixture of water and
is cold (approx. 687 or 206):
dren. Extended-duty antifreeze with
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
corrosion inhibitor contains the flamma-
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
inhibitor. Always maintain the pre-
tank.
scribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio
ble substance ethyleneglycol. Do not
spill antifreeze containing corrosion
The coolant level is correct when the
for year-round protection against inter-
inhibitor on hot engine components,
end of the red float is aligned with the
nal corrosion. No other additives are re-
since it could catch fire and cause seri-
upper edge of the filler opening (refer to
quired.
ous burns.<
the arrow in the illustration or the sche-
Replace the coolant every four years.
matic diagram next to the cap).
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor.<
Brake fluid
127n
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to safeguard the proper opera-
tion of your brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
your authorized BMW center; also refer
to page 153 and to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet (US models)
or Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the ve-
If the warning lamp for the brake hy-
hicle's paint. You should always store it
draulic system lights up and the parking
in its original container and in a location
brake is released:
that is out of reach of children.
Check the brake fluid level and, if nec-
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
essary, refill it to the top mark.
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
Should you determine that the brake
contact with hot engine parts and cause
fluid is low, refer the problem to your
serious burns.<
BMW center, who can trace and rectify
any sources of leakage when refilling
Comply with the applicable envi-
the reservoir.
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
Your BMW center is familiar with the
posal of brake fluid.<
specifications for approved brake fluids
(DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss can result in extended
pedal travel. Comply with the informa-
tion provided on page 109.
128nVehicle Identification Number
In the engine compartment, on the
right-hand strut dome (arrow).
The BMW Maintenance System
129n
Service Interval Display
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)
Advanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance in-
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian models)
tervals. These are then indicated in the
Service Interval Display. While conven-
Please refer to the Service and War-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
ranty Information Booklet (US models)
alone to determine when service is due,
or Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
the BMW Maintenance System has for
(Canadian models) for additional infor-
years considered the actual conditions
mation on maintenance intervals and
under that the vehicle operates, be-
procedures.
cause miles can be traveled in many
As a precaution against rust, it might be
different manners:
a good idea to have the body checked
The BMW Maintenance System has
From the point of view of maintenance,
for damage from rocks or gravel at the
been designed as a reliable means of
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
same time, depending upon operating
providing maximum driving and operat-
in short-distance urban driving are not
conditions.
ing safety - and as cost-effectively as
the equivalent of the same distance
possible for you. With respect to the
covered at moderate speeds in long-
Have your BMW center do the
previous version, maintenance costs
distance highway travel.
maintenance and repair.
can clearly be reduced due to technical
The BMW Maintenance System in-
Your BMW center is always informed on
innovations.
cludes the Engine Oil Service and
the latest maintenance work and repair
Please keep in mind that regular main-
Inspections I and II.
techniques and equipped with the re-
tenance is not only necessary for the
quired special tools. In addition, check-
Determining the maintenance intervals
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
ing parts known from experience to be
according to the actual loads on the car
significant role in maintaining the resale
subject to wear is a permanent part of
covers every kind of operating situation.
value of the vehicle.
the maintenance specifications.
Minimal use drivers - those who drive
Be sure that all maintenance work is
significantly less than 6,000 miles
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
(10,000 km) per year - should neverthe-
Information Booklet or the Warranty and
less have the oil changed at least every
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian mod-
two years, since engine oil ages regard-
els). These entries are your proof that
less of the load.
the vehicle has received regular mainte-
nance. They are also a prerequisite for
warranty claims.<
130n
Caring for your car
Washing your car
Vehicles with rain sensor:
When cleaning the headlamps,
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
please observe the following:
Right from the start, you can wash your
from car washes or the presence of
> Do not rub dry. Never use abrasives
new BMW in an automatic car wash.
dead insects can cause rain sensor
or strong cleaning agents to clean the
Car wash systems that do not employ
malfunctions.
covers
brushes are preferable.
> Remove dirt and contamination
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
Switch the rain sensor off when
(such as insects) by soaking with
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle passes through the car
BMW Car Shampoo and then rinsing
the car.
wash (refer to page 70). Damage could
with plenty of water
To prevent spots, avoid washing when
occur by an undesired actuation of the
> Always use a deicer spray to remove
the hood is still warm, or immediately
wipers if the system is not deacti-
accumulated ice and snow - never
after and during exposure to strong
vated.<
use a scraper.<
sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be
Parts of the car that are inaccessible
After washing the car, apply the
sure that:
to the automatic washer - such as door
brakes briefly to dry them. Braking
sills, door and hood edges, etc. -
efficiency might otherwise be reduced
> The car wash system is suited for the
should be cleaned by hand.
by the moisture and the brake rotors
dimensions of your vehicle
could also be corroded.<
> No damage will occur on vehicles
In the winter months, it is especially im-
with attached body accessories (such
portant to ensure that the car is washed
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the
on a regular basis. Large quantities of
car wash operator if necessary
dirt and road salt are difficult to remove,
> The wheels and tires of your vehicle
and they also cause damage to the ve-
cannot be damaged by the convey-
hicle.
ance devices of the car wash system
> The vehicle is cleaned with minimum
If spray wands or high-pressure
brush pressure, and that ample water
washers are used, be sure to
is available for washing and rinsing.
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's sur-
face. Inadequate distance and exces-
sive pressure can damage or weaken
the finish, making it more susceptible to
subsequent attack. In addition, mois-
ture could penetrate to vehicle compo-
nents, leading to long-term damage.<
Caring for your car
131n
Exterior finish
Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects, ani-
Caring for the vehicle finish
mal droppings (strong alkali concentra-
To provide effective corrosion protec-
Regular washing is a preventive mea-
tion) and tree excretions (resins and
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at
sure against long-term effects from
pollen) all contain substances capable
the factory. Cataphoretic immersion
substances that are harmful to the vehi-
of causing damage when allowed to re-
priming techniques are supplemented
cle's finish, especially if you drive your
main on the finish of your car for any
using special body-cavity protectants,
vehicle in areas with high levels of air
period of time (spots, etching, flaking,
with the application of specially-devel-
pollution or aggressive natural sub-
separation in the top coat).
oped and extensively tested materials.
stances (tree resins, pollen).
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied to
In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust,
Nevertheless, you should immediately
the undercarriage. Following this, a
lime, oily soot, precipitation containing
remove especially aggressive sub-
comprehensive undercoating treatment
sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-
stances. Failure to do so can lead to
with a wax-based protectant is applied.
ronmental pollutants will damage the
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
Regular maintenance makes an impor-
car's finish unless adequate care is pro-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled
tant contribution to maintaining the
vided - even though this generally lim-
during refueling, oil, grease and brake
safety and resale value of your vehicle.
ited to the outside horizontal surfaces.
fluid should always be cleaned away
Increasing awareness of the effects of
In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-
immediately, as should bird droppings.
harmful environmental factors on vehi-
spheric salt and humidity promote cor-
All of these substances cause damage
cle finishes have led paint and vehicle
rosion.
to the finish.
manufacturers to initiate ongoing pro-
In tropical zones temperatures of over
Any contamination remaining on the
grams designed to further improve the
1007 (406) in the shade prevail, in
surface of the vehicle will be especially
durability of their finishes. Despite this,
addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation
conspicuous after washing. Use clean-
environmental factors that occur locally
and high humidity. Under those circum-
ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or
or regionally can have negative effects
stances light colored paints reach tem-
cotton pad to remove. Remove tar
on the finish of your vehicle. These
peratures of up to 1807 (80 6) and
spots with tar remover. After cleaning,
should guide you in determining the fre-
dark paints up to 2507 (1206).
the affected areas should be waxed to
quency and extent of your efforts to
ensure continued protection.
maintain the vehicle finish.
Depending upon material and type
A full range of car-care products is
of impact (perforation of paint layer),
available from your BMW center.<
physical stresses from sand, road salt,
gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to
start extending beneath the finish, start-
ing at the point of impact.
132nCaring for your car
Waxing your car
Paint damage
Caring for other vehicle
components and materials
Protect the finish using carnauba or
You can touch up small areas of paint
synthetic-based waxes only.
damage with a BMW spray paint or a
Light-alloy wheels should be treated
BMW touch-up stick.
with alloy wheel cleaner, especially dur-
The best way to determine when the
ing the winter months. However, do not
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
The paint color code for your car is pro-
use aggressive products containing ac-
when water stops beading on the sur-
vided on a sticker located next to the
ids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do not
face.
type plate and on the first page of your
use steam cleaners operating at tem-
Service and Warranty Information
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
peratures above 1407 (606). Follow
Booklet.
any wax or silicone that may have been
the manufacturer's instructions.
left on the windows during waxing.
Damage caused by flying stones,
If your vehicle has chrome parts* such
scratches, etc., must be touched up
as the window frames and door handles,
A full range of car-care products is
without delay to prevent rust from form-
be especially careful about cleaning
available from your BMW center.<
ing.
them with plenty of water and possibly a
If corrosion has started to form in an
shampoo supplement as well after the
area with paint damage, remove all rust
roads have been salted. Use chrome
and clean the area. Then prime the area
polish as an additional treatment.
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply
You can use window and glass cleaner
the finish coat. Wait a few days, then
to clean inside window surfaces and
polish the repaired area. Finish by ap-
mirrors without smearing and streaking.
plying a wax preservative.
Never use polishing pastes or abrasive
More extensive paint damage should be
(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.
professionally repaired in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
Your BMW center uses original BMW
finish materials in accordance with offi-
cial repair procedures.
Caring for your car
133n
Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,
After cleaning, never allow the inertia
Care of upholstery materials
headliners, lamp lenses, the clear cover
reel to retract the belts until they are
Depressions in the upholstered materi-
of the instrument panel and compo-
completely dry. Dirty safety belts pre-
als resulting from everyday use can be
nents with a sprayed dull black surface
vent the inertia reel mechanism from
brushed up by brushing "against the
can be cleaned with water (add plastic
retracting the strap properly, and thus
nap" with a lightly dampened brush.
shampoo as required). Do not allow
constitute a safety hazard.
The tendency of the pile to lie in a par-
moisture to soak through the seats or
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats*
ticular direction on velour upholstery is
headliner. Never use solvents such as
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.
not a quality defect, and, just as on
lacquer thinner, heavy-duty grease re-
The floor mats can be removed from the
home textiles or clothing, cannot be
mover, fuels, etc.
vehicle for cleaning.
avoided.
Rubber components should be cleaned
Please use only a damp cloth to clean
Lint on upholstery materials, textile or
with water only; a rubber treatment or
wooden fascia panels and components.
leather remnants that have been worn
silicone spray may also be applied.
Follow up by drying with a soft cloth.
into the upholstery may be removed
Clean the wiper blades with soapy wa-
with a lint brush or a Velcro‚ brush. A
ter. The wiper blades should be re-
A full range of car-care products is
cleaning glove is available for particu-
placed twice a year, before and after
available from your BMW center.<
larly "stubborn" lint. Stains and fairly
the cold season. This especially impor-
large areas of dirt should be cleaned off
tant for vehicles with a rain sensor.
without delay, using lukewarm water
and an interior cleaner, stain remover or
Use only wiper blades approved
cleaning-grade benzene. Brush the fab-
by BMW.<
ric afterwards to restore its appearance.
If the vehicle will be stored for an ex-
The safety belts should be cleaned with
tended period, or if it is exposed to in-
a mild soap and water solution without
tense sunlight, cover all seats or the
removing them from the car. Never at-
windows to prevent fading.
tempt chemical or dry cleaning, as
damage to the belt fabric could result.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.<
134nCaring for your car
The buildup of an electrostatic charge
Leather care
Since dirt and grease gradually attack
on the seat covers, particularly if atmo-
the protective layer of the leather, the
The leather upholstery* used by BMW
spheric humidity is low, can give the
cleaned surfaces should be treated with
is a natural product of the highest qual-
occupants an unpleasant electric shock
BMW leather care agent. This also acts
ity, processed using state-of-the-art
if they touch metal body parts after leav-
as an antistatic agent.
methods to ensure that it will maintain
ing the vehicle. Although this not dan-
its high quality for years to come, pro-
To protect against moisture and water
gerous in any way, it can be avoided by
vided that it is properly cared for.
treat the leather with BMW Impregnat-
touching a bare or polished metal part
ing Agent.
Because this product is manufactured
of the car while getting out.
using natural materials, you must make
We recommend that you perform this
allowance for its special characteristics
procedure twice a year on leather ex-
and for the peculiarities of its use and
posed to normal use.
care.
Spills should be wiped up immediately.
Regular periodic cleaning and care are
Remove grease and oil stains without
essential, as dust and road dirt act as
rubbing, but rather by dabbing with
abrasives in the pores and creases of
spot remover.
the material. This leads to wear spots
If the upholstery is to be exposed to in-
and premature brittleness on the sur-
tense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be
face of the leather. We therefore sug-
stored for an extended period, cover all
gest that you clean the leather with a
leather surfaces (or, better yet, the win-
vacuum cleaner or dust cloth at fre-
dows) to prevent fading.
quent intervals.
For cleaning use BMW leather cleaning
A full range of car-care products is
foam.
available from your BMW center.<
Caring for your car
Airbags
135n
Cleaning agents can contain sub-
Do not modify or tamper with either the
stances that are dangerous or
wiring or the individual components in
pose health risks. Therefore always
the airbag system. These include the
comply with the warnings and danger
padded steering wheel hub, the instru-
notices on the package.
ment panel, the side trim panels of the
Open the doors or windows on your
front or rear doors and the roof pillars or
vehicle when cleaning the interior.
the sides of the headliner. Never tape
Never clean your vehicle with solvents
the air bag cover panels, cover them
or other materials not specifically in-
over or alter them in any other way. Do
tended for this application.<
not remove or dismantle the steering
wheel.
To ensure compliance with official
1
Front airbag for driver and passenger
safety regulations, have an authorized
BMW center dispose of airbag genera-
2
Side impact Head Protection System
tors.
(front)
Unprofessional attempts to service the
3
Side airbags (front and rear* side)
system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation,
Important safety notices
either of which could result in personal
Do not attempt to remove the gas
injury.<
generators of the airbag supple-
mental restraint system from the vehi-
cle. Testing and service procedures are
to be performed exclusively by spe-
cially-qualified technicians. In the event
of a malfunction, deactivation or trig-
gered actuation (as a response to an
accident) of the airbag restraint system,
consult your authorized BMW center for
repairs or service operations.
136nVehicle storage
Technical modifications to the vehicle
Consult your authorized BMW center
Any BMW center will gladly provide
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
regarding special procedures if you in-
information on the value of technical
Light-emitting diodes installed behind
tend to store the vehicle for more than
modifications to the car, the legal posi-
translucent lenses serve as the light
three months.
tion and the manufacturer's recommen-
source for many of the controls and
dations. For this purpose, the center re-
displays in your vehicle. These LEDs
quires the Vehicle Identification Number
resemble conventional lasers and are
and, in some cases, also the engine
classified by law as "Class 1 light-
number.
emitting diodes".
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.<
OBD connector
137n
An illuminated indicator informs you of
the need for service, not that you need
to stop the vehicle. Your system should
be checked, however, at the earliest
possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact your near-
est BMW center immediately. Severe
engine misfire over only a short period
of time can seriously damage emission
control components, especially the cat-
The Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) connec-
alytic converter.
tor is on the driver's side, underneath
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
the left-hand side of the instrument
tightened, the OBD system can detect
panel, under a cover. The cover has the
the vapor leak and the indicator will
letters "OBD" on it.
light up. If the fuel filler cap is subse-
The purpose of the OBD system is to
quently tightened, the indicator should
assure proper emission control system
extinguish after a short time.
operation for the vehicle's lifetime by
monitoring emission-related compo-
nents and systems for deterioration and
malfunction.