Maintenance and General Information -- Operating Fluids BMW X3 F25

1.0 Introduction

These operating fluids specifications describe the standards which are necessary for approval and application for BMW automobiles. Operating fluids are arranged in vehicle group category and are approved for all assemblies. Any reference to a particular fluid contained in an active Service Information Bulletin since January 1987 will be listed next to the fluid's part number. Before applying operating fluids, it is important to make sure that the specifications and manufacturing codes on the container conform with those on the enclosed specification list.

Prior to their approval, all operating fluids are tested in detail on test stands, in laboratories, and in cars during field tests. As new information is received, the Operating Fluids Manual will be updated. Some lubricants or fluids may be listed in more than one specific group. For example, Part No. 81 22 1 468 879 (Pentosin CHF7.1 Fluid) is listed under Group 32 (Steering) as well as in Group 37 (Integrated Suspension Systems). BMW Car Care products are listed in Group 99.

BMW of North America has also approved various fluids for use which are not available through the Parts Department, but may be obtained locally. A list of these approved fluids is found on sections 4.0 and 5.0.

Some fluids have been phased out of PDC inventory. Such fluids will be marked by an asterisk (*) after the part number along with the name(s) of alternate supplier(s) and the product name/part number.

2.0 Corrosion Protection For Vehicle In Long-term Storage

Location - inside of a building whenever possible or covered parking lot (especially convertibles).

Replace engine oil and filter after engine reaches operating temperature. Run engine several minutes after replacing oil. Engine oil must be replaced every 12 months. Factory engine oil (in new cars) can remain in the engine up to 12 months.

Check/correct electrolyte level in battery cells.

Disconnect battery ground lead to avoid discharging battery through current draw of electrical equipment. Or, switch off battery main disconnect switch (if equipped).

Inspect undercoating for damage and repair as necessary.

Inspect wax coating in engine compartment, on engine, underbody and axles. Repair as necessary.

Operate air conditioner monthly for 10 minutes in order to lubricate the seals and the expansion valve.

Note. The air conditioner will only work at temperatures above 37°F/3°C.

Pre-Delivery Cars

Replace brake fluid if car has been parked outdoors longer than six (6) months.

Fill the vehicle fuel tank with fresh fuel in order to prevent condensation inside the tank (applies only to metal fuel tanks).

Check, and if needed, correct the coolant level and concentration of long-term antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor.

Apply brakes to dry the brake discs of any moisture and spray them with a corrosion inhibitor. Spray the complete brake assemblies after parking the car at its final storage location.

Do not apply the parking brake. Brake linings could seize when the parking brake is applied for an extended period of time. Rather, engage first gear (manual transmissions) or "park" position (automatic transmissions) to hold vehicle stationary.

Increase inflation pressure on all road tires to 50 psi.

Thoroughly clean the entire car, including underside, engine and engine compartment.

Exterior Finish

Repair any damage to the paint finish. Wash entire vehicle exterior with BMW Car Wash Shampoo (Part No. 82 14 9 400 129) or equivalent. Polish painted and chrome finishes with Car Polish Cream - 3M Part No. 6055 (former BMW Part No. 82 14 9 400 131) or equivalent.

Polishing the vehicle with abrasive cleaners and/or cleaner waxes may have a detrimental effect on the appearance of the paint. Waxing of Paint Sealer treated vehicles may still be done, but only if non-abrasive cleaners or non-abrasive cleaner-waxes are used.

Wax painted and chrome finishes with BMW Car Wax (Part No. 83 12 9 408 527) or equivalent. Wax painted and chrome plated parts if storage period is 12 months or longer. Dewax and rewax cars every six (6) months if stored outside.

Check convertible top for damage.

3.0 Conversion Table

CONVERSION CHART

4.0 Alternate Universal Lubricants And Workshop Supplies

ALTERNATE UNIVERSAL LUBRICANTS AND WORKSHOP SUPPLIES REFERENCE CHART

5.0 Approved Operating Fluids Sources

APPROVED OPERATING FLUIDS SOURCES REFERENCE CHART

APPROVED OPERATING FLUIDS SOURCES REFERENCE CHART

6.0 Operating Fluids - Additives

Today's modern oils and fluids for engines, transmissions, differentials or other in-car-systems, as well as premium grade fuels, are already formulated by the manufacturer and/or BMW NA with sophisticated additive packages designed to reduce sludge build-up, keep contaminants in suspension and maintain viscosity of the oil. Additional additives can compromise the manufacturer's or BMW NA's developed formulation.

BMW NA does not endorse or recommend the use of engine oil, fuel, differential oil, transmission oil additives or the use of other additives to any operating fluids, beyond the additives already included in the operating fluid manufacturer's additive package.

The use of engine crankcase flushing detergent chemicals and/or automated crankcase flushing machines is not a BMW recommended procedure and is thus prohibited under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty or any other BMW NA administered programs.

Since the inclusion of such additional additives may lead to component damage or compromise the longevity or function of BMW components, warranty coverage may be affected on any component where the failure is likely caused by unapproved oils, operating fluids or add-on additives.