Under the hood of the 2010-5 Series BMW lies a powerhouse of advanced engineering, offering a range of dynamic engine options. From the smooth and responsive 3.0L turbocharged inline 6-cylinder to the brute force of the 4.8L V8, each engine promises a thrilling driving experience. Whether you opt for the fuel-efficient diesel or the pure muscle of the V8, the 8-speed automatic transmission ensures seamless and precise shifts. Get ready for an unforgettable ride as you explore the full potential of the BMW 2010-5 Series, from under the hood.
⚠ Never attempt to perform any service or repair operations on your vehicle without the required professional technical training. If you do not know what repair procedures to follow, have work on your vehicle done only by your BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent damage and related safety hazards.
Hood
Releasing
Pull lever.
Opening
Press the release handle and open the hood. Do not open the hood until the engine has cooled down.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx. 16 in/40 cm with momentum. It must be clearly heard to engage.
⚠ Make sure that the closing path of the hood is clear, otherwise injuries may result. If you see any signs that the hood is not completely closed while driving your vehicle, you should stop at once and close it securely.
Engine compartment
1 Filler spout for engine oil, refer to Adding engine oil
2 Starting-aid terminal
3 Filler neck for washer fluid of the headlamp and windshield cleaning systems
4 Expansion tank for coolant
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil level check.
The condition for the most accurate indication of the oil level possible is measurement with the engine at operating temperature, i.e., following an uninterrupted drive of at least 6 miles/10 km. You can display the oil level on the Control Display while driving or when stopped on a level surface with the engine running.
- “Vehicle Info”
- “Vehicle status”
- “Engine oil level”
Possible messages
- “Engine oil level OK”
- “Measurement not possible at this time.”
- “Measuring engine oil level…”: This can take about 3 minutes if the car is at a standstill on a level surface and the engine is running, and about 5 minutes while the car is moving. If the engine oil has been topped off, the measurement of the oil level can take up to 30 minutes.
- “Engine oil level below minimum. Add 1 quart!”: Add a maximum of 1 literUS quart/liter of engine oil at the next opportunity, refer also to Adding engine oil below. If the oil level displayed is below minimum, add engine oil immediately. Failure to do so may lead to engine damage.
- “Engine oil level too high! Have this checked.”:
⚠ Too much oil will harm the engine. Have the vehicle checked without delay.
- “Measurement inactive. Have this checked.”: Do not add engine oil. You can continue your journey. Note the newly calculated distance remaining to the next oil service. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
1 US quart/1 liter of engine oil until a corresponding message is shown on the Control Display.
⚠ Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km, otherwise the engine could be damaged.
⚠ Continuous exposure to used oil has caused cancer in laboratory testing. For this reason, thoroughly wash exposed areas of skin with soap and water after such work. Keep oil, grease, etc., out of reach of children and observe the warnings on the containers to prevent health risks.
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or at a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical significance for the operation and service life of an engine. BMW continuously approves specific oils after confirming their suitability for use in its vehicles with extensive testing.
⚠ Do not use oil additives, as these may result in engine damage.
Only use approved BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil. If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is unavailable, you can add small quantities of other synthetic oils between oil changes. Only use oils of the specification API SM or higher.
▶ Your BMW center will be happy to answer detailed questions on BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic oils.
You can also call BMW of North America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit the website at www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil’s flow rating and is specified in SAE grades. The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which you normally drive your BMW.
▶ Approved oils belong to the 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30 SAE classes.
These oils can be used for driving at all outside temperatures.
Coolant
⚠ Do not add coolant to the cooling system when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause burns.
Coolant is composed of equal parts water and a coolant additive. Not all commercially available additives are suitable for your BMW. Ask your BMW center for suitable additives.
⚠ Only use suitable additives, otherwise engine damage may result. The additives present a health hazard; observe the instructions on the containers.
Comply with the appropriate environmental protection regulations when disposing of coolant additives.
Checking coolant level
- Do not open the hood until the engine has cooled down.
- Turn the cap of the expansion tank counterclockwise to allow any accumulated pressure to escape, then continue turning to open.
- The coolant level is correct when the coolant level is between the MIN and MAX marks, refer to the diagram adjacent to the filler neck.
- If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to the specified level – do not overfill.
- Turn the cap until there is an audible click.