Coolant, T low – BMW X3 3.0i SAV 2006 User Manual

Page 97

works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.

Approved engine oils

The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil in between oil
changes. Only use oils with the API SH specifi-
cation or higher.

Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for more details concerning BMW

High Performance Synthetic Oil or other
approved synthetic oils.

You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.

BMW engines are designed to operate
without additives, and their use could

even lead to damage in some cases.

Viscosity classes

Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class depends
on the climate conditions in the area where you
typically drive your BMW.

Approved oils belong to SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.

These oils can be used for driving in all ambient
temperatures.

Coolant

Warning lamp

The warning lamp lights up: coolant
level is too low; top off at the next
opportunity.

Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause

burns.

Coolant consists of water and coolant additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center for suitable additives.

Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. The additives

present a health hazard.

Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-

posing of used coolant additives.

Checking coolant level

The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.

Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.

The coolant level is correct if the upper end
of the red float bar is at least at the same
height as the top edge of the filler neck,
refer to arrow. The bar end may only pro-
trude by a maximum of

ι in/2 cm, i.e. up to

the second mark on the float bar, refer also
to drawing beside the filler neck.

If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.

Screw on the cap and tighten snugly.

Have the reason for the coolant loss cor-
rected as soon as possible.