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 ALTERNATE UNIVERSAL LUBRICANTS AND WORKSHOP SUPPLIES and 5.0 APPROVED OPERATING FLUIDS SOURCES
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).
Recharge battery according to repair instructions.
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
| Liters | US Gallons | US Pints | Liters | US Gallons | US Pints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.132 | 1.055 | 8.0 | 2.112 | 16.904 |
| 1.0 | 0.264 | 2.113 | 9.0 | 2.376 | 19.017 |
| 2.0 | 0.538 | 4.226 | 10.0 | 2.640 | 21.130 |
| 3.0 | 0.792 | 6.339 | 11.0 | 2.904 | 23.243 |
| 4.0 | 1.056 | 8.452 | 12.0 | 3.168 | 25.356 |
| 5.0 | 1.320 | 10.565 | 13.0 | 3.432 | 27.469 |
| 6.0 | 1.584 | 12.678 | 14.0 | 3.696 | 29.582 |
| 7.0 | 1.848 | 14.791 | 15.0 | 3.960 | 31.695 |
CONVERSION
Conversion Factors
Liters in US Gallons x 0.264
US Gallons in Liters x 3.785
Liters in US Pints x 2.113
US Pints in Liters x 0.473
4.0 Alternate Universal Lubricants And Workshop Supplies
| BMW P/N | Description/Application | 3M P/N | Wurth P/N | Loctite P/N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 22 9 400 208 (1) | Lubricant/Contact Cleaner Spray (2) | 89360/1 | 24379 | |
| 81 22 9 400 229 (1) | Hand Cleaner (3) | 893900 | 25108 | |
| 81 22 9 400 720 (1) | Molybdenum Disulfide (MOS 2 ) Spray (4) | 8876 | 24378 | |
| 81 22 9 407 138 (1) | Stain Remover (5) | 89024 | ||
| 81 22 9 407 174 (1) | Bearing Grease (6) | 893530 | ||
| 81 22 9 407 301 (1) | Loctite 574 (7) | 893574 | 24018 | |
| 81 22 9 407 388 (1) | Adhesive Remover (8) | 8984 | ||
| 81 22 9 407 394 (1) | Loctite 380 (9) | 8155 | 893 4103 | 38050 |
| 81 22 9 407 524 (1) | Contact Cement (10) | 1357HP | ||
| 81 22 9 407 629 (1) | High-Adhesion Lubricant (11) | 8878 | 20029 | |
| 81 22 9 407 711 (1) | Universal Lube Spray (12) | 8878 | 893106 | 20029 |
| (1) These items are no longer available through BMW NA Parts Department. (2) Stops electrical and mechanical faults due to water, moisture, rust, dirt and friction. Colorless, neutral, free of grease and silicone, suitable for all applications. Examples: Stops moisture on distributor, generator, ignition coil, starter, spark plugs, coils, relays, contacts, etc. Prevents metal parts from corroding. Stops rubber and plastic parts from aging prematurely. Applications: from -50°C to +150°C. (3) Removes stubborn stains and grit without attacking skin. Contains special skin protectant. Does not clog pipes. (4) Loosens rust, eliminates squeaking and similar noises, prevent rust seizure. Displaces water on ignition components to allow quick starting. Insulates electrical systems against moisture and stops corrosion. (5) Removes tar, oil and grease stains from seat covers, leather upholstery and painted plastic components. (6) A water repellent high-pressure grease for lubricating flywheel gear rings, starter motor pinions, etc., and also as an acid-proof grease for battery terminal posts. (7) Anaerobic, silicone sealant for aluminum flange surfaces. Provides instant sealing when flanges are assembled. (8) Removes all residual or excess adhesive, sealing and coating compounds, wax, grease or oil films from painted and plastic surfaces, i.e. before installing front or rear spoilers and decor strips. (9) Black cyanacrylate adhesive for joining metals, rubber, PVC. (10) Powerful adhesive for leather and leatherette, rubber moldings, seats, rubber mats, noise-absorbent materials, etc. Has good heat resistance and does not attack paint. See S.I. Bulletins B 54 02 95 and B 54 01 93 (3754). (11) Long-life high-adhesion lubricant for clutch and brake linkages, spring struts, stabilizers, idler levers and pivots. (12) Colorless lubricant with high lubricant content. Eliminates squeaks and grating noises from spring seat bases. Lubricates door stops and locks, seat adjustment mechanism, etc. Resistant to temperatures between -50°C and 120°C. | ||||
| (1) | These items are no longer available through BMW NA Parts Department. |
| (2) | Stops electrical and mechanical faults due to water, moisture, rust, dirt and friction. Colorless, neutral, free of grease and silicone, suitable for all applications. Examples: Stops moisture on distributor, generator, ignition coil, starter, spark plugs, coils, relays, contacts, etc. Prevents metal parts from corroding. Stops rubber and plastic parts from aging prematurely. Applications: from -50°C to +150°C. |
| (3) | Removes stubborn stains and grit without attacking skin. Contains special skin protectant. Does not clog pipes. |
| (4) | Loosens rust, eliminates squeaking and similar noises, prevent rust seizure. Displaces water on ignition components to allow quick starting. Insulates electrical systems against moisture and stops corrosion. |
| (5) | Removes tar, oil and grease stains from seat covers, leather upholstery and painted plastic components. |
| (6) | A water repellent high-pressure grease for lubricating flywheel gear rings, starter motor pinions, etc., and also as an acid-proof grease for battery terminal posts. |
| (7) | Anaerobic, silicone sealant for aluminum flange surfaces. Provides instant sealing when flanges are assembled. |
| (8) | Removes all residual or excess adhesive, sealing and coating compounds, wax, grease or oil films from painted and plastic surfaces, i.e. before installing front or rear spoilers and decor strips. |
| (9) | Black cyanacrylate adhesive for joining metals, rubber, PVC. |
| (10) | Powerful adhesive for leather and leatherette, rubber moldings, seats, rubber mats, noise-absorbent materials, etc. Has good heat resistance and does not attack paint. See S.I. Bulletins B 54 02 95 and B 54 01 93 (3754). |
| (11) | Long-life high-adhesion lubricant for clutch and brake linkages, spring struts, stabilizers, idler levers and pivots. |
| (12) | Colorless lubricant with high lubricant content. Eliminates squeaks and grating noises from spring seat bases. Lubricates door stops and locks, seat adjustment mechanism, etc. Resistant to temperatures between -50°C and 120°C. |
ALTERNATE UNIVERSAL LUBRICANTS AND WORKSHOP SUPPLIES
5.0 Approved Operating Fluids Sources
| Group | Description, S.I. Bulletin | Product Name, Source |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | OPERATING FLUIDS - ENGINE | Castrol Inc., Piscataway, NJ |
| 11 | Oxygen Sensor Lubricant | Bostik "Never-Seez" NSBT-16 Bostik Findley, Middleton, MA |
| 11 | Intake & Vacuum System Leak Detector S.I. Bulletin B 11 03 92 (3500) | "LiquiMoly (Lubro Moly) Motor Lecksucher" 2021 W.A.W.D. |
| 11 | Cold Weld Epoxy | "J-B Weld" J-B Weld Company, Sulphur Springs, TX |
| 13 | Loctite 290 Throttle Housing Fasteners S.I. Bulletin B 13 06 91 (3440) | "Loctite 290" Kem Krest, Inc., Elkhart, IN |
| 18 | Copper Paste Exhaust System Joints S.I. Bulletin B 18 03 89 (1954) | " 8945" 3M Automotive Trades Division, Livonia, MI |
| 23 | Synthetic Transmission Fluid | "Mobil SHC 630" Mobil Oil Corporation |
| 34 | Brake Component Lubricant S.I. Bulletins B 34 02 94 & B 34 05 98 | Bostik "Never-Seez" NSBT-16 Bostik Findley, Middleton, MA |
| 36 | Loctite 638 (green) Affix wheel hub covers | "Loctite 680" Kem Krest, Inc., Elkhart, IN |
| 36 | Loctite Cleaner 755 Loctite 242 M5 Wheel Covers S.I. Bulletin B 36 03 90 (3182) | "Loctite Cleaning Solvent 755" "Loctite 242" Kem Krest, Inc., Elkhart, IN |
| 41 | Structural Adhesive S.I. Bulletin B 41 01 95 (4150) | "DP420 Epoxy Adhesive with 3M EPX Applicator" 3M Industrial Tapes and Specialties Division, Livonia, MI |
| 54 | Renax GL1 | "Poliplex #1" Fuchs Lubricants Corp., Harvey, IL |
| 61 | Rubberized Super Glue | " 893 4103" Wurth USA, Inc., Ramsey, NJ |
| 62 | Contact Cleaner Spray IC Acoustic Transmitter S.I. Bulletin B 62 04 92 (3539) | "CRC QD Contact Cleaner Spray 5101" CRC Industries, Warminster, PA |
| 63 | Silicone Gasket Material Turn Signals S.I. Bulletin B 63 05 91 (3313) | "Permatex Form-A-Gasket 6B-80627" Kem Krest, Inc., Elkhart, IN |
| 64 | AC System Disinfectant S.I. Bulletin B 64 08 91 (3373) | "Airguard" J.J. Products, Inc., East Orange, NJ |
| "Airsept" The Auto Doctor, Tucker, GA | ||
| 64 | AC System Treatment | " 893540-U" Wurth USA, Inc., Ramsey, NJ |
APPROVED OPERATING FLUIDS SOURCES
| Group | Description, S.I. Bulletin | Product Name, Source |
|---|---|---|
| 97 | Brushable Seam Sealer Seals spot-welded, riveted, or bolted seams and joints. Brushable consistency remains flexible. Retains brush marks appearance. | " 8901021" Wurth USA, Inc., Ramsey, NJ |
| 97 | Body Seal, Beige Underbody Seal, Black Permanent, flexible protection against stone chipping damage. Fast drying and paintable. | " 0892091 U" " 0893075 U" Wurth USA, Inc., Ramsey, NJ |
| 97 | Seam Sealer, Grey Fast drying, paintable, silicone-free sealant for special spray gun application. | " 0893228 U" Wurth USA, Inc., Ramsey, NJ |
| 99 | Paint Cleaner | "Machine Cleaner 1" and "Hi-Tech Cleaner 2" Meguiar's Inc., Irvine, CA |
| 99 | Machine Glaze | "Mirror Glaze 3" Meguiar's Inc., Irvine, CA |
| 99 | Paint Sealer | "Sealer and Reseal Glaze 7" Meguiar's Inc., Irvine, CA |
| 99 | Paint Swirl Remover | "Hi-Tech Swirl Remover 9" Meguiar's Inc., Irvine, CA |
| 99 | Paint Carnauba Paste Wax | "Hi-Tech Yellow Wax 26" Meguiar's Inc., Irvine, CA |
APPROVED OPERATING FLUIDS SOURCES