Weekly or every 400 km (what comes first).
The procedures for checking the fluid level are described below, carried out every 400 km or weekly. A description of other fluid level checks can be found later in the Sections on specific maintenance procedures. Regardless of the scheduled inspection intervals, do not allow fluid to leak under the vehicle, such leaks indicate a malfunction that should be repaired immediately.
Fluids are an integral part of the lubrication, cooling, brake and windshield washer systems. Due to the gradual consumption and / or contamination of fluids during normal vehicle operation, they should be replaced periodically. See the section Types of Lubricants and Fluids Used in Table of sizes and adjustment data at the end of this manual before adding fluid to any of the components listed.
Whenever checking the fluid level, the vehicle must be on a level surface.
Engine oil
The engine oil level is checked using a dipstick located on the side of the engine (refer to the illustrations of the engine compartment given in this chapter to determine its location). The dipstick goes down through the metal tube to reach the bottom of the engine sump.
Measuring the level of impellent oil is carried out before starting the engine or at least 15 minutes after it is turned off.
If you start measuring the engine oil level immediately after turning off the engine, some of the oil will remain in the upper part of the engine, which will significantly affect the accuracy of the dipstick readings.
1. Remove the probe from the tube and dry the blade with a clean cloth or paper towel. Insert the probe all the way back into the tube and remove it again. The height of the oiled section of the blade will match the oil level in the engine. This level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.
2. One liter of oil is required to raise the oil level from the minimum mark on the dipstick to the maximum mark. Do not allow the level to fall below the minimum mark, as oil starvation can damage the engine. On the other hand, overfilling the engine with oil (topping up above the maximum mark) can cause clogged spark plugs, oil leaks, or seal failure.
5. To add oil, unscrew the filler cap located on the cylinder head cover.
4. After adding oil, wait a few minutes for the oil level to stabilize, then remove the dipstick and check the level again. Add more oil if required. Close the filler cap and tighten it by hand.
Checking the oil level is an important preventive procedure. A persistent drop in oil level indicates either oil leaks from damaged seals or loose connections, or it is burning out (internal leaks through worn piston rings or through valve guides). In addition, you should pay attention to the condition of the oil itself. If the oil has a milky color or you can see drops of water in its composition, this indicates a possible leak in the cylinder head gasket or a crack in the cylinder head or block. In this case, the engine should be repaired immediately. Each time you check the oil level, run your thumb and forefinger over the dipstick blade before wiping. If dirt particles or metal particles are found adhering to the dipstick, the oil should be changed (see Section Changing the engine oil and oil filter).
Engine cooler
Do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with your skin or painted vehicle surfaces. If this does happen, rinse off the antifreeze immediately with plenty of water. Antifreeze is extremely toxic if ingested. Never leave it unattended in an open container or spilled on the floor; children or animals may be attracted to its sweet smell and drink it. Arrange with local authorities to dispose of used antifreeze.
All vehicles covered in this manual are equipped with an overpressure compensation type cooling system. On most models, the white plastic expansion tank is located in the engine compartment and connected to the radiator with a hose. As the engine warms up during operation, the expanding coolant fills the reservoir. When the engine cools down, the coolant automatically returns to the cooling system, which ensures that its level is maintained at a constant value.
The coolant level in the tank should be checked regularly. Add 40%/60% ethylene glycol antifreeze/water mixture.
1. On some models, the expansion tank is attached to the radiator - make sure the fluid level is maintained at or near the FULL mark (arrow).
2. On other models, the expansion tank is located on the side of the engine compartment - remove the cap and add coolant.
3. On some models, the expansion tank is located on the bulkhead.
Adding antifreeze mixture.
Do not remove the filler cap of the expansion tank or the radiator cap to check the coolant level before the engine has completely cooled down! The level in the reservoir fluctuates depending on the temperature of the engine. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be above the LOW mark on the reservoir. As the engine warms up, the level should approach the FULL mark. If not, let the engine cool down and then remove the tank cap.
4. Run the car and measure the coolant level again. If only a small amount of coolant needs to be added to the correct level, clean water can be used for this. However, frequent additions of water will dilute the antifreeze. In order to ensure the correct ratio of antifreeze and water, always top up to the correct level with the required mixture.
5. If the coolant level drops regularly, there may be a leak in the system. Inspect the radiator, hoses, filler cap, drain plugs and water pump (see Section Draining, flushing and filling the cooling system). If no leaks are found, have the expansion tank cap and radiator leak tested by a BMW dealer.
6. If you need to remove the cover, wait until the engine is completely cool, then wrap a piece of thick rag around the cover and unscrew it to the first stop. If steam or coolant starts to escape from the cover, allow the engine to cool slightly before removing the cover.
7. You should also check the condition of the cooler. It should be relatively clean. If the fluid is brown or rusty in color, it must be drained, the system flushed and filled with new mixture. Even if the coolant looks normal, the corrosion inhibitors it contains lose their effectiveness over time, so it should be replaced at regular intervals.
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Brake fluid can harm your eyes and damage the painted surfaces of your vehicle, so be very careful when handling it. Do not use brake fluid that has been exposed for a long time or is more than one year old. Brake fluid tends to absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to a dangerous loss of brake system performance. Use only the recommended type of brake fluid. Mixing different types of liquid (such as DOT 3 or 4 and DOT 5) may result in brake system failure.
The master cylinder of the brake system is installed in the rear left corner of the engine compartment. clutch cylinder (on models with manual transmission) located on the right side.
1. To check the clutch fluid level, look at the translucent reservoir. The level should be near the ledge on the tank. If it is lower, remove the cap and add the recommended fluid.
2. The brake fluid level is also checked visually, according to the marks on the plastic reservoir mounted on the master cylinder. The fluid level must be between the MAX and MIN·marks. If the level is too low, first wipe the top of the reservoir and the lid with a clean rag to prevent dirt from entering the system after removing the lid. Top up to the correct level with the recommended fluid, but do not overfill.
3. While the reservoir cap is off, check the fluid and master cylinder reservoir for contamination. If it contains particles of rust, dirt or drops of water, the fluid from the system should be drained and filled with new.
4. After topping up the reservoir to the correct level, make sure the lid is in place to prevent fluid leaks and/or dirt ingress.
5. The fluid level in the master cylinder will drop slightly as a result of worn brake linings. There is no need to add it as long as the level remains near the MIN·mark; it will rise after replacing the pads. A very low level may indicate worn brake pads. Check them for wear (see Section Checking the brake system).
6. If the brake fluid level keeps dropping, check the entire system for leaks immediately. Inspect brake lines, hoses and fittings, along with calipers, wheel cylinders and master cylinder (see Section Checking the brake system).
7. If one or both reservoirs are empty or nearly empty when checking the fluid level, the brake or clutch system must be checked for leaks and bled (see chapters Clutch and Brake system).
Windshield washer fluid
The windshield washer fluid is located in a plastic reservoir in the right front corner of the engine compartment.
In temperate climates, the system can be filled with plain water, but the reservoir should be no more than two-thirds full to leave room for expansion when the water freezes. In cold climates, use a windshield washer antifreeze that lowers the fluid's freezing point, available from any auto supply store. It is usually sold in concentrated or prepared form. If you purchased concentrated antifreeze, mix it with water according to the manufacturer's instructions on the package.
Do not use antifreeze in the cooling system - it will damage the painted surfaces of the car.