BMW 2009 X6 xDrive50i Owner's Manual

Under the hood

262

Approved engine oils

The quality of the engine oil has critical signifi-
cance 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.

Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
will be happy to answer detailed ques-

tions on approved 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.

Do not use oil additives, as these may
result in engine damage.

Alternative oil types

If none of the approved oils is available, you can
also use other oils for adding small amounts
between oil changes. One of the following oil
specifications must be indicated on the pack-
aging:

Gasoline engines

preferably: BMW Longlife-01,
BMW Longlife-01 FE, or
BMW Longlife-04

alternatively: BMW Longlife-98, API SM
or higher

Diesel engines

BMW Longlife-04

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 SAE classifi-
cations 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 and

5W-30.

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. Your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center can recommend
suitable additives.

Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives

present a health hazard; observe the instruc-
tions on the containers.

Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-

posing of coolant additives.

Checking coolant level

Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.

Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.

The coolant level is correct when the cool-
ant 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.

Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.