BMW 5 Series: Engine oil

BMW 5 Series: Engine oil

Vehicle equipment

All standard, country-specific and optional equipment that is offered in the model series is described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment is also described that is not available in a vehicle, e. g., because of the selected optional equipment or country variant. This also applies for safety-related functions and systems.

General information

The engine oil consumption is dependent on the driving style and driving conditions.

Therefore, regularly check the engine oil level after refueling.

• For the 530i, 535i, 550i, 525d, 530d and 535d: check oil level
• For 520i and 528i: Check oil level
• Adding engine oil
• Oil types for refilling
• Oil change
• Coolant

For the 530i, 535i, 550i, 525d, 530d and 535d: check oil level

The concept

The oil level is monitored electronically and displayed on the Control Display.

Requirements

▷ The engine must be running and warm after the vehicle has been driven for at least 6 miles/10 km.

▷ The vehicle is stopped or being driven on a level roadway.

Displaying the oil level

1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Engine oil level"

Possible messages

▷ "Engine oil level OK"
▷ "Measurement not possible at this time."
▷ "Measuring engine oil level..."
Duration with the engine running: approx.

3 minutes.
Duration while driving: approx. 5 minutes.
▷ "Engine oil level below minimum. Add 1 quart!"
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km.
▷ "Engine oil level too high! Have this checked."
Have the vehicle checked immediately.

Too much engine oil
Have the vehicle checked immediately; otherwise, surplus oil can lead to engine damage.◀

▷ "Measurement inactive. Have this checked." Note the newly calculated remaining mileage until the next oil service. Have the system checked as soon as possible.

For 520i and 528i: Check oil level

The concept

The oil level is monitored electronically during driving and shown on the Control Display.

If the oil level reaches the minimum level, a check control message is displayed.

Displaying the oil level

1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Engine oil level"

Possible messages

▷ "Engine oil level OK"
▷ "Engine oil at minimum. Add 1 quart of engine oil!"
Within the next 125 miles/200 km, a maximum of 1 US quart/liter oil.
▷ "Engine oil level below minimum. Add 1 quart!"
Immediately add 1 US quart/liter of oil.

Detailed measurement

Requirements:

▷ Vehicle is on a level road and the engine is running at operating temperature.
▷ Manual transmission: Shift lever in neutral position clutch and gas pedal not depressed.
▷ Automatic transmission: Selector lever in transmission position N or P and gas pedal not depressed.

In order to perform a detailed measurement of the engine oil level:

1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Measure engine oil level"
4. "Start measurement"

The oil level is checked and displayed via a scale.

During the detailed measurement, the idle speed is increased somewhat.

Duration: approx. 1 minute.

Adding engine oil

Filler neck

Only replenish the maximum oil amount of 1 US quart/liter if the message is displayed in the instrument cluster or the oil level has dropped to just at the lower mark of the dipstick.

Protect children
Keep oil, grease, etc., out of reach of children and heed the warnings on the containers to prevent health risks.◀

Do not add too much engine oil
When too much engine oil is added, immediately have the vehicle checked, otherwise, this may cause engine damage.◀

Oil types for refilling

Notes

No oil additives
Oil additives may lead to engine damage.◀

Viscosity grades for engine oils
When selecting an engine oil, ensure that the engine oil belongs to one of the viscosity grades SAE 0W-40, SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-40, and SAE 5W-30 or malfunctions or engine damage may occur.◀

The engine oil quality is critical for the life of the engine.

Some types of oils in some cases are not available in all countries.

Approved oil types

Additional information about the approved types of oils can be requested from the service center.

Alternative oil types

If the approved engine oils are not available, up to 1 US quart/liter of an oil with the following specification can be added:

Oil change

An oil change should be carried out by your service center only.

Coolant

General information

Danger of burns from hot engine
Do not open the cooling system while the engine is hot; otherwise, escaping coolant may cause burns.◀

Suitable additives
Only use suitable additives; otherwise, engine damage may occur. The additives are harmful to your health.◀

Coolant consists of water and additives.

Not all commercially available additives are suitable for your vehicle. Ask your service center for suitable additives.

Coolant level

If there is no Min– and Max– mark in the filler neck of the coolant reservoir, have the coolant level checked if necessary by your service center and add coolant as needed.

Note

Depending on the engine installation, the coolant reservoir may be located on the opposite side of the engine compartment.

Checking

1. Let the engine cool.
2. Turn the cap of the coolant reservoir slightly counterclockwise to allow any excess pressure to dissipate, and then open it.

3. The coolant level is correct if it lies between the minimum and maximum marks in the filler neck.

4. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to the specified level; do not overfill.
5. Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6. Have the cause of the coolant loss eliminated as soon as possible.

Disposal

Comply with the relevant environmental protection regulations when disposing of coolant and coolant additives.

Engine compartmentMaintenance