BMW M COUPE Manual page 126

Engine oil
126n
The quality of the engine oil which is
selected has critical significance for the
operation and service life of an engine.
Based on extensive testing, BMW has
approved only certain engine oils.
Specified engine oils for the
Z3 roadster and Z3 coupe
Use approved "BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil" only.
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil," you may
use small volumes of the "special oils"
approved by BMW for topping up be-
tween oil changes. You may use syn-
thetic oils with the specification API SH
or higher only if the special oils are also
not available.
Ask your BMW center for details
concerning the specific "BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil" or
"special oils" that have been ap-
proved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this web-
site: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this
information.
Specified engine oils for the
M roadster and M coupe
Always refer to the API specifications
when selecting oil.
Required quality:
API SH
API–SH/CD
API–SH/CE
Viscosity – Definition
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you drive your BMW.
SAE classes for the Z3 roadster
and Z3 coupe
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be utilized in all ambient
temperatures. Refer to right side of the
chart.
SAE classes for the M roadster
and M coupe
Refer to the left half of the chart for the
correct SAE class.
You can continue to operate the vehicle
for short periods of time at tempera-
tures beyond the range for the SAE
rating of the oil being used.
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 155 149 - © 08/99 BMW AG