Content .. 8 9 10 11 ..

BMW 328i E36 (1998 year). Instruction - part 10

Engine oil

125

Measure the oil level:

Engine oil specifications

Pull out dipstick and wipe off with a

Always refer to the API specifications

lint-free cloth, paper tissue, etc.

when selecting oil.

Push the dipstick all the way into the

Required quality:

guide tube and pull it out again.

API SH

API-SH/CD

The oil level should be between the

API-SH/CE

two marks on the dipstick.

Viscosity ratings

Viscosity = Oil flow rating according to

SAE class.

Select the SAE viscosity rating accord-

Add oil

ing to the average seasonal air temper-

Wait until the level has dropped to just

ature.

above the lower graduation before add-

Consult the table on the following page

ing oil. Never wait until the oil drops

to determine the correct SAE viscosity.

below the lower mark.

You can continue to operate the vehicle

The space between the two marks on

for short periods of time at tempera-

the dipstick corresponds to approxi-

tures beyond the range for the SAE rat-

mately 1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill

ing of the oil being used.

to beyond the upper mark on the dip-

stick. Excess oil harms the engine.

Because it would be consumed within a

AAlways observe all environmental

short period, it would also result in an

protection guidelines and regulations

abnormally high rate of oil consump-

when disposing of used oil.c

tion.

Recommendation: have the oil changed

by your BMW Retailer.

BMW engines are designed to op-

erate without oil additives; the use of ad-

ditives could lead to damage in some

cases. This also applies to the manual

and automatic transmissions, the differ-

ential and the power steering system.c

126

Engine oil

C

F

aContinuous 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. Observe all warning

labels and information on lubricant

containers.

If you use SAE 15W-40 engine oil in low

temperatures below 145F (-10 6) the

engine may become difficult to start.c

-10

-20

-30

* Special engine oils individually

approved by BMW are the most suited

SAE

to your engine. Please contact your

5W-30

BMW Retailer for details.

Coolant

127

To add coolant

Long-term antifreeze and corrosion

protectant contains the flammable

Wait until the engine cools before re-

substance ethylene glycol. You should

moving the cap from the expansion

therefore avoid spilling it on hot engine

tank. Before unscrewing the cap, en-

components, as it could catch fire and

sure that the needle on the temperature

cause serious burns.c

gauge is in the blue sector to avoid

scalding.

d Start by turning the cap counter-

AObserve the applicable environ-

clockwise. Pause to allow any accu-

mental protection laws when disposing

mulated pressure to escape, then

of used antifreeze.c

open.

d Add coolant up to the KALT/COLD

Coolant level with engine cold: up to

mark. Excess coolant drains off

the KALT/COLD mark on the transpar-

through the overflow line.

ent coolant expansion tank.

The coolant is a mixture of water and

aDo not add coolant while the

extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion

engine is hot.

inhibitor. Always maintain the prescribed

To avoid the possibility of damage later

all-season 50:50 mixture ratio for year-

on, never use anything other than

round protection against internal corro-

factory-approved nitrite and amino-free

sion. No other additives are required.

long-term antifreeze and corrosion

Replace the coolant every three years.

protectant. Your authorized BMW

Retailer is familiar with the official

specifications.

Antifreeze with corrosion protectant is

toxic. Always store in original contain-

ers only, keeping them tightly closed.

Store well out of reach of children.

When disposing of it, observe the

applicable environmental protection

laws.

128

Brake fluid

Power steering fluid

booklet). Brake fluid is toxic, and also at-

tacks vehicle paintwork. Always store in

the original containers, and keep them

tightly closed, out of reach of children.

When disposing of it, observe the appli-

cable environmental protection laws. Do

not spill brake fluid and do not fill be-

yond the MAX graduation on the reser-

voir. Should it come into contact with

hot engine components, the brake fluid

could catch fire and cause serious

burns.c

Warning lamp for brake hydraulic sys-

With the engine off, unscrew the reser-

tem lights up:

APlease observe the applicable envi-

voir cap, then reinsert it.

Brake fluid loss resulting in extended

ronmental protection laws when dis-

The fluid level should be in between the

pedal travel.

posing of used brake fluid.c

graduations on the dipstick.

Fill up to the upper mark (MAX, level

Use ATF to top up as required. Your

visible from the outside).

BMW Service representative can pro-

vide you with the fluid specifications.

Any BMW Retailer can provide you with

information on factory-approved brake

Start the engine. Pour in more fluid as

fluids (DOT 4).

required, continuing until it reaches to

between the two marks.

aBrake fluid is hygroscopic, i.e., it

Switch off the engine. The fluid may rise

absorbs moisture from the atmosphere

to about 0.2 inches (5 mm) above the

over the course of time. To ensure that

upper mark.

your brake system continues to operate

Screw the reservoir cap back on.

at maximum efficiency, we strongly rec-

ommend that you have the brake fluid

bBMW 318i, 318is: Please contact

changed at a BMW Retailer every two

your BMW Retailer for the required

years (refer to pages 71, 105 and 138

work.c

and to Service and Warranty Information

Power steering fluid

Vehicle Identification Number

129

High steering effort:

Check oil level, refer to previous page.

High steering effort during sudden tran-

sitions:

Please contact your BMW Retailer for

an immediate inspection.

If the power steering fails, in-

creased effort will be required to steer

the vehicle.c

In the engine compartment on the right-

hand side of the heater partition panel

(arrow).

The information on the type plate and

the Vehicle Identification Number must

match those contained in the vehicle

papers.

These data are essential for processing

inquiries, expediting service procedures

and when ordering replacement parts.

130

The BMW Maintenance System

Service Interval Display

Service and Warranty Information

booklet

Advanced technology is employed to

calculate the optimal maintenance

Please refer to the Service and War-

intervals, which are then indicated in

ranty Information booklet for additional

the Service Interval Display. While con-

information on maintenance intervals

ventional maintenance systems rely on

and procedures.

mileage alone to determine when ser-

Depending on operating conditions, as

vice is due, the BMW Maintenance Sys-

a precaution against rust it may be a

tem reflects the actual conditions under

good idea to have the body checked for

which the vehicle is operated, because

stone damage and chips at the same

mileage is not simply mileage:

time.

From the point of view of maintenance,

Please ensure that all maintenance

The BMW Maintenance System has

62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated

operations are entered in the Service

been designed as a reliable means of

in short-distance driving are not the

and Warranty Information booklet upon

providing the customer with maximum

equivalent of the same distance cov-

completion. These entries will consti-

vehicle safety and reliability with mini-

ered in long-distance highway travel.

tute your proof that the vehicle has

mum complication and expense.

The BMW Maintenance System

received regular maintenance. They

Please remember that regular periodic

includes the Engine Oil Service as well

are also required for warranty claims.

maintenance plays an essential part in

as Inspections I and II.

ensuring continued vehicle security. It

Determining the maintenance intervals

Have your BMW Retailer carry out

also helps maintain the resale value of

according to the actual loads on the car

the maintenance and repair. Your BMW

the vehicle.

covers every kind of operating situation.

Retailer is always informed on the latest

However, drivers who cover only

maintenance work and repair tech-

extremely short distances - substantially

niques and equipped with the required

less than 6,200 miles (10,000 km) annu-

special tools. In addition, the testing of

ally - should have the engine oil changed

parts known from experience to be sub-

at least once a year, as it continues to

ject to wear is a permanent part of the

age whether or not the car is used on a

maintenance specifications.c

regular basis.

Caring for your car

131

Washing your car

In the winter months, it is especially

aAlways maintain an adequate dis-

important to ensure that the car is

Right from the start, you can wash your

new BMW either by hand or in an auto-

tance between the spray source and the

washed on a regular basis. Large quan-

vehicle's surface when using spray

tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to

matic car wash. BMW Convertible: For

instructions on cleaning and care of the

wands and high-pressure washers. In-

remove, and they also cause damage to

adequate distance and excessive pres-

the vehicle.

convertible top, refer to page 136 ff.

sure can damage or weaken the finish,

To prevent spots, avoid washing when

making it more susceptible to subse-

the hood is still warm, or immediately

aAfter washing, the brakes may be

quent attack. In addition, moisture could

after and during exposure to strong

wet and thus less effective! Apply the

penetrate to vehicle components, lead-

sunlight.

brakes briefly to dry them.c

ing to long-term damage.c

When using an automatic car wash,

Parts of the car which are inaccessible

ensure that

to the automatic washer - such as door

d no damage occurs to vehicles with

sills, door and hood edges, etc. -

add-on body elements (e.g., spoilers,

should be cleaned by hand.

telephone aerials). Consult the car

wash operator if necessary

Please observe the following

d the vehicle is cleaned with minimum

when cleaning the headlamp covers:

brush pressure, and that ample water

is available for washing and rinsing.

d Do not clean by wiping with a dry

cloth (scratches). Never use abra-

Loosen and remove stubborn dirt and

sives or strong solvents to clean the

dead insects before washing the car.

covers.

d Remove dirt and contamination (such

as insects) by soaking with BMW Car

Shampoo and then rinsing with

plenty of water.

d Always use a de-icer spray to remove

accumulated ice and snow - Never

use a scraper!c

132

Caring for your car

Exterior finish

extending beneath the finish, starting at

Caring for the vehicle finish

the point of impact.

To provide effective corrosion protec-

As a precaution against damage result-

tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at

Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects, ani-

ing from exposure to aggressive sub-

the factory. Cataphoretic immersion

mal droppings (strong alkali effect) and

stances, we recommend that you wash

priming techniques are supplemented

tree excretions (resins and pollen) all

the car weekly when it is used in an

using special body-cavity protectants,

contain substances capable of causing

area with high levels of air pollution or

with the application of specially-devel-

damage when allowed to remain on

aggressive natural substances (tree

oped and extensively tested materials.

your car's finish for any period of time

resin, pollen).

(spots, etching, flaking, separation in

The entire underbody is sprayed with a

Remove particularly aggressive sub-

the top coat).

flexible PVC layer before final compre-

stances immediately in order to prevent

hensive application of a wax-based

In industrial areas, deposits from fly ash,

changes to, and discoloration of, the

protectant.

lime, oily soot, sulphur dioxide in pre-

paint. Such substances are e.g., gaso-

cipitation (acid rain) and other environ-

line spilled during refueling, oil, grease,

Regular maintenance makes an impor-

mental pollutants will damage the car's

brake fluid and bird droppings.

tant contribution to maintaining the

surface (usually limited to the external

safety and value of your vehicle.

Any contamination remaining on the

horizontal surfaces) unless adequate

surface of the vehicle will be especially

Increasing awareness of the effects of

protection is provided.

conspicuous after washing. Use clean-

harmful environmental factors on vehi-

In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-

ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or

cle finishes have led paint and vehicle

spheric salt and humidity promote cor-

cotton pad to remove. You can use tar

manufacturers to initiate ongoing pro-

rosion.

remover to remove any spots on the fin-

grams designed to further improve the

ish of the vehicle, but should never

durability of their finishes. Despite the

In tropical zones, temperatures of over

apply it or any other aggressive

high quality of the resulting products,

100 5F (approx. 406) in the shade pre-

cleanser to lenses or headlamp covers.

local and regional factors can still have

vail, in addition to heavy ultraviolet radi-

These areas should then be waxed to

a negative effect on your car's paint-

ation and high humidity. Under those

maintain protection.

work. These should guide you in deter-

circumstances, light-colored paints

mining the frequency and extent of your

reach temperatures of up to 175 5F

efforts to maintain the vehicle finish.

(approx. 806) and dark paints up to

A full range of car-care products is

250 5F (approx. 1206).

available from your BMW Retailer.c

Depending upon material and type of

impact (perforation of paint layer), phys-

ical stresses from sand, road salt,

gravel, etc. can cause corrosion to start

Caring for your car

133

Waxing your car

Paint damage

Caring for other vehicle compo-

nents and materials

Protect the finish using carnauba or

You can touch up small areas of dam-

synthetic-based waxes only.

age with BMW spray paint, a BWM

Light-alloy wheels* should be treated

touch-up stick or BMW paint tape.

with alloy wheel cleaner, particularly dur-

The best way to determine when the

ing the winter months. Refrain from using

finish needs to be waxed is by noting

The paint color code for your car is pro-

aggressive products containing acids,

when water stops beading on the sur-

vided on a sticker located next to the

strong alkalis or abrasives. Alloy wheels

face.

type plate and on the first page of your

should not be cleaned with a steam jet

Service and Warranty Information book-

You can use a glass cleaner to remove

operating at temperatures in excess of

let.

any wax or silicone that may have been

140 5F (606) (note manufacturer's

left on the windows during waxing.

Damage caused by flying stones,

instructions).

scratches, etc. must be touched up

You can use window and glass cleaner to

without delay to prevent rust from form-

A full range of car-care products is

clean inside window surfaces and mir-

ing.

available from your BMW Retailer.c

rors without smearing and streaking.

If corrosion has started to form in an

Never use polishing pastes or abrasive

area with paint damage, remove all rust

(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.

and clean the area, then prime the area

Clean plastic parts, imitation leather sur-

with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply

faces, the roof lining, the lenses of lamps,

the finish coat. Wait a few days, then

the glass cover of the instrument panel

polish the repaired area. Finish by

and all dull black sprayed parts with

applying a wax preservative.

water or products for the care of plastics.

More extensive paint damage should be

Avoid soaking the headliner. Never use

professionally repaired in accordance

solvents such as lacquer thinner, heavy-

with the manufacturer's instructions.

duty grease remover, fuels, etc.

Your BMW Retailer uses original BMW

Rubber components should be cleaned

finish materials in accordance with offi-

with water only; a rubber treatment or sil-

cial repair procedures.

icone spray may also be applied.

Clean the wiper blades with soapy water.

The wiper blades should be replaced

twice a year, before and after the cold

season.

134

Caring for your car

The safety belts should be cleaned with

Care of upholstery materials

The build-up of an electrostatic charge

a mild soap and water solution without

on the seat covers, particularly if atmo-

Depressions resulting in the upholstered

being removed from the car. Never

spheric humidity is low, can give the

materials in the course of everyday use

attempt chemical or dry cleaning, as

occupants an unpleasant electric shock

can be brushed up by brushing with a

damage to the belt fabric could result.

if they touch metal body parts after

lightly dampened brush "against the

After cleaning, never allow the inertia

leaving the vehicle. Although this is not

nap".

reel to retract the belts until they are

dangerous in any way, it can be

The tendency of the pile to lie in a par-

completely dry. Dirty safety belts pre-

avoided by touching a bare or polished

ticular direction on velour upholstery is

vent the inertia reel mechanism from

metal part of the car while getting out.

not a quality defect, and, just as on

retracting the strap properly, and thus

If necessary, anti-static products can

home textiles or clothing, can not be

constitute a safety hazard.

be used to eliminate this effect to a

avoided.

Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats*

large extent.

Fuzz on upholstery materials, rubbed-in

can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.

fabric or suede residues can be removed

The floor mats can be removed from the

with a fuzz or Velcro brush. A cleaning

vehicle for cleaning.

glove is available for particularly "stub-

Please use only a damp cloth to clean

born" fuzz. Stains and fairly large areas

wooden fascia panels and components.

of dirt should be cleaned off without

Follow up by drying with a soft cloth.

delay, using lukewarm water and an

interior cleaner, stain remover or clean-

Products for cleaning and care are

ing-grade benzene. Brush the fabric

available from your BMW Retailer.c

afterwards to restore its appearance.

If the upholstery is to be exposed to

intense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be

stored for an extended period, cover all

seats to prevent fading.

A full range of car-care products is

available from your BMW Retailer.c

Caring for your car

135

Leather care

We recommend that you perform this

procedure twice a year on leather ex-

Cleaning agents can contain dan-

The leather upholstery* used by BMW

is a natural product of the highest qual-

posed to normal use.

gerous or unhealthy ingredients. There-

ity, processed using state-of-the-art

Spills should be wiped up immediately.

fore always observe the warnings and

methods to ensure that it will maintain

Remove grease and oil stains without

danger notices on the package.

its high quality for years to come, pro-

rubbing, but rather by dabbing with

Open the doors or windows on your ve-

vided that it is properly cared for.

spot remover.

hicle when cleaning the interior.

Never clean your vehicle with solvents

Because this product is manufactured

If the upholstery is to be exposed to

or other materials not specifically in-

using natural materials, you must make

intense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be

tended for this application.c

allowance for its special characteristics

stored for an extended period, cover all

as well as for the peculiarities of its use

leather surfaces (or, better yet, the win-

and care.

dows) to prevent fading.

Regular periodic cleaning and care are

essential, as dust and road dirt act as

abrasives in the pores and creases of

the material. This leads to wear spots

and premature brittleness on the sur-

face of the leather. We therefore sug-

gest that you clean the leather with a

vacuum cleaner or dust cloth at frequent

intervals.

For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning

foam.

As dirt and grease can slowly attack the

protective layer of the leather, the

cleaned leather surfaces must be

treated with BMW Leather Care. This

serves also as an anti-static agent.

To protect against moisture and water

you can treat the leather with BMW

Impregnating Agent.

136

Cleaning and care of the convertible top

Care

Besides water, only treat rubber seals

Washing your car

with talcum powder, rubber care prod-

The appearance and life of the convert-

You can wash your BMW Convertible in

ucts or silicone spray, particularly when

ible top are highly dependent on its

automatic car washes. Here preference

they feel dry or tend to stick.

proper care and operation. You should

should be given to brushless systems.

pay particular attention to the following

Noises, e.g., squeaks, can be elimi-

If a brushless car wash is unavailable

instructions if your care has a light-col-

nated with a lubricant spray.

and brush car wash must be used,

ored top.

Never use sharp-edged objects to

modern systems with soft brushes are

Protect the vehicle from exposure to

clean the rear window of snow and ice.

preferable. Do not select special wax-

intense sunlight whenever possible by

The use of de-icing spray is not permit-

ing programs. The small amount of

parking it in the shade to prevent the

ted. Due to the danger of damage and

beading wax always used in automatic

paint, rubber and fabric-covered parts

discoloration, do not apply adhesive

car washes will not harm your vehicle's

from being attacked.

tape, stickers etc. to the window or

finish.

cover it with plastic film.

Never fold up the convertible top and

In the case of more extensive dirt,

store it in the convertible top compart-

The convertible top and its seams may

which is especially visible on light-col-

ment when wet, dirty or frozen, as mil-

become leaky as the result of improper

ored top materials, clean the top with

dew stains and rub spots may result.

care and cleaning and from the strain of

the BMW Convertible Cleaning Set.

long use, and depressions and dirt can

Please proceed as follows:

To prevent the formation of a fold in the

result. All warranty claims are void in

rear window and mildew stains, do not

Spray the top with the cleaning agent

these cases. Please take your vehicle to

leave the top folded up in the convert-

and then rub with a well-dampened

your BMW Retailer for servicing.

ible top compartment for longer peri-

sponge using circular motions until a

ods.

foam develops. Then you can finish

washing the vehicle in an automatic car

If the vehicle is temporarily stored in a

wash. After three to five washings the

close room, ensure that the top is dry

top should be treated with a special

and provide sufficient ventilation.

impregnating spray. Please follow the

Clean off bird droppings immediately,

instructions on the spray can.

as they attack the convertible top and

cause the rubber seals to swell due to

their caustic characteristics.

Cleaning and care of the convertible top

Vehicle storage

137

Never use spot remover, paint thinner,

If the vehicle is to be temporarily stored

solvents, gasoline etc. to remove spots

aCleaning agents can contain sub-

for more than three months, have the

from the convertible top and from the

stances that are dangerous or bad for

following maintenance performed by

rear window, as these substances

your health. Therefore always observe

your BMW Retailer:

destroy the rubber seals and lead to

the warnings and danger notices on the

Cleaning, preservation and retreat-

leaks. Use only BMW-approved clean-

package.

ment of the engine, engine compart-

ers.

Open the doors or windows on your ve-

ment, underbody, axles and

In addition to the advantage of being

hicle when cleaning the interior.

subassemblies in accordance with

extremely flexible, the rear window also

Never clean your vehicle with solvents

the factory specifications. Vehicle

has the disadvantage of having a rela-

or other materials not specifically in-

washing with interior cleaning fol-

tively soft surface. For this reason, only

tended for this application.c

lowed by paint and chrome care.

clean the rear window with a soft, anti-

Clean rubber seals of the hood, lug-

Hardtop:

static cloth or with BMW Convertible

gage compartment lid and doors and

Please follow the instructions for car

Rear Window Cleaner.

rub with either talcum powder or

care from page 131.

glycerine oil.

If you wash the vehicle frequently in

brush car washes, and in particular in

Change engine oil and oil filter at

those with hard brushes, faint scratches

operating temperature. As an addi-

in the rear window may result. With the

tional corrosion protection measure,

window replacement system you can

an anti-corrosive agent can be added

replace a heavily scratched window at a

to the engine in accordance with the

relatively low price. Please contact your

manufacturer's instructions.

authorized BMW Retailer for additional

Check the coolant level and concen-

information.

tration and top up if necessary.

Check the acid level in the battery

A full range of car-care products is

cells and add distilled water if neces-

available from your BMW Retailer.c

sary.

Increase the tire inflation pressure to

50.9 psi (3.5 bar).

138

Vehicle storage

Conduct the following work immedi-

Removing vehicle from storage

ately prior to storing the vehicle:

Recharge the battery and replace if

1 Activate the parking brake and foot-

necessary.

brake to dry them; this will prevent

Then have Inspection I carried out by

the brake disks and drums from cor-

your BMW Retailer.

roding.

2 Store the vehicle in a dry, well-venti-

Storage periods during which the

lated room, shift into reverse gear or

battery is disconnected are not taken

set the selector lever to position P

into consideration by the Service Inter-

and chock the wheels to prevent roll-

val Display for changing the brake fluid.

ing. Do not set the parking brake.

Therefore, make sure that the brake fluid

3 Remove the battery, recharge and

is changed every two years at the latest,

store in a cool, frost-free room.

regardless of the display. Additional

During storage, recharge the battery

notes: refer to page 128.c

every three months, as otherwise it will

become unusable. Every time the bat-

tery is discharged, especially over

extended periods, its service life is

reduced.

Content .. 8 9 10 11 ..