BMW X3 (F25) Owners Manual: Engine oil

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes all standard, country-specific and optional features offered with the series. It also describes features that are not necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to the selected options or country versions. This also applies to safety-related functions and systems. The respectively applicable country provisions must be observed when using the respective features and systems.

• General information
• Electronic oil measurement
• Adding engine oil
• Engine oil types to add

General information

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

The engine oil consumption can increase in case of, for example:

• Sporty driving.
• Break-in the engine.
• Idling of the engine.
• Usage of non-approved engine oil grades.

Therefore, regularly check the engine oil level after refueling.

The vehicle is equipped with electronic oil measurement.

The electronic oil measurement has two measuring principles:

• Status display
• Detailed measurement

Electronic oil measurement

Status display

The concept The engine oil level is monitored electronically while driving and shown on the Control Display.

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

Requirements A current measured value is available after approx.

30 minutes of driving. During a shorter trip, the status of the last, sufficiently long trip is displayed.

With frequent short-distance trips, regularly perform a detailed measurement.

Displaying the engine oil level

1. "Vehicle info"

2. "Vehicle status"

3. "Engine oil level"

Engine oil level display messages Different messages appear on the display depending on the engine oil level. Pay attention to these messages.

If the engine oil level is too low, within the next 125 miles/200 km Add engine oil.

Engine oil level too low

Add engine oil immediately; otherwise, an insufficient amount of engine oil could result in engine damage.

Take care not to add too much engine oil.

Too much engine oil

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

Detailed measurement

The concept In the detailed measurement the engine oil level is checked and displayed via a scale.

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

Diesel engine: If the engine oil level reaches the minimum level or an overfilling is detected, a check control message is displayed.

During the measurement, the idle speed is increased somewhat.

General information A detailed measurement is only possible with certain engines.

Requirements

• Vehicle is on level road.
• Steptronic transmission: selector lever in selector lever position N or P and accelerator pedal not depressed.
• Engine is running and is at operating temperature.

Performing a detailed measurement 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 engine oil level is checked and displayed via a scale.

Time: approx. 1 minute.

Adding engine oil

General information

Switch off the ignition and safely park the vehicle before engine oil is added.

Oil filler neck

Only add engine oil when the message is displayed in the instrument cluster. The quantity to be added is indicated in the message displayed in the instrument cluster.

Adding engine oil

Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km; otherwise, this may cause engine damage.

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.

Protect children

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

Engine oil types to add

Hints

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.

Suitable engine oil types

You can add engine oils that meet the following oil rating standards:

Gasoline engine

BMW Longlife-01.
BMW Longlife-01 FE.

Diesel engine

BMW Longlife-04.

Further information regarding the oil specifications and viscosities of engine oils can be inquired with the service center.

Alternative engine oil types

If an engine oil suitable for continuous use is not available, up to 1 US quart/liter of an engine oil with the following oil rating can be added:

Gasoline engine

API SM or superior oil rating.

Diesel engine

API CJ-4.

Engine oil change: The vehicle manufacturer recommends that you let the service center change the motor oil.