Engine oil level (BMW 3 Series E46)

Table of contents: Before starting the engine ↓ Brand of oil ↓ Preventive measures ↓

Before starting the engine

Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface.

Check the oil level before starting the engine or no earlier than 5 minutes after stopping it.

Brand of oil

Modern engines are very sensitive to the brand of oil they fill. Filling the engine with the brand of oil recommended by the manufacturer is important to maintain the engine's performance and ensure its longevity (see "Lubricants and Working Fluids").

Preventive measures

If you have to add oil to the engine frequently, check for leaks. To do this, place a sheet of clean paper under the engine overnight and check its condition in the morning. If there are no leaks, this may mean that the oil may be burning in the engine due to wear of the sealing tracks (see "Troubleshooting"). Oil may leak from under the seals when the engine is running.

Always maintain the oil level between the lower and upper marks on the dipstick (see fig. 3). Insufficient oil can cause very serious malfunctions. High levels are also harmful - they can cause the sealing cuffs to fail.

1. The dipstick head is usually brightly colored to make it easy to spot. Remove the dipstick.

2. Use a clean rag or paper towel to wipe the bottom end of the dipstick dry. Insert the clean dipstick all the way into the filler neck and pull it out again.

3. Check the oil level, which should be between the "MAX" (1) and "MIN" (2) marks. Approximately 1 liter of oil is required to increase the level from "MIN" to "MAX".

If you measure the oil level immediately after stopping the engine, some of the oil will not have time to drain from the top of the engine, and the dipstick will show a low level.

4. Oil should be added through the filler neck. Unscrew the filler neck cap. Add oil. To avoid spilling oil, use a funnel. Add oil in small portions, periodically checking the level. Do not allow overflow.

[The text is based on materials from the website «BMWMan.ru»]

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БМВ E46: Weekly checks

Check points under the hood
Introduction

Coolant level
Brake fluid level (and clutch)
Steering hydraulic fluid level
Tire condition and pressure
Types of tire wear

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