44 Winter precautions
For winter operation of yo.ur car, a few
essential steps must be taken in good
time before the cold season commences.
The cooling water, as delivered, contains
a long-life antifreeze and corrosion
inhibitor. Concentration must be kept at
35°/o al 1 the year rou nd in order to provide
the necessary corrosion resistance.
Total capacity of 21.1 pints (Imp.)
cooling system 25.4 pints (US)
including heater: 12litres
Frost protection -i3° F
downtoapprox.: -25°C
Your BMW service station can recom-
mend factory-approved brands of anti-
freeze. Change the coolant completely
every 2 yeais. (For draining and refill-
ing the cooling system, see "CARE AND
MAINTENANCE".) Check the antifreeze
properties of the coolant before and
during the cold season of the year. At the
same time, examine the cooling system
for leaks and replace any porous or
brittle hoses.
Engine temperature is controlled by
thermostat, taking into account both
engine load and outside temperature. For
this reason the grille must not be
blanked off, nor a radiator blind fitted.
The screenwasher and headllght wash-
er can be protected in cold weather
by adding 40°/o domestic alcohol spirit.
This is effective down to temperatures
in the region of -20° C (-4° F). Piea§e
note the instructions regarding engine
oil to be followed at the beginning of
the cold season (see "CAFÌE AND MAIN-
TENANCE"). lf the weather suddenly
turns colder, do not wait until the next
routine oil change before refilling with
a suitable grade of oil.
lf the engine is to start reliably in win-
ter, the battery must be fully charged.
When cold, a battery's output is reduced,
yet the demands made on it are greater
in winter than in summer.
Waming: To charge the battery without
removal from the car, the engine must
be stopped, then both battery terminals
removed. Never attempt to disconnect
the battery terminals while the engine
ls runnlng.
lf winter tires - (M + S) radial - are
installed, please note that for good
directional stability and light action
steering tires of the same make and
type should be fitted to all four whee[s
(and to the spare as well if possible).
Warning: For reasons of safety the tubes
should also be renewed when new tires
are fitted.
Do not exceed the maximum speeds
laid down by ]aw or recommended by
the tire manufacturer. In Federal Ger-
many, for instance, there is a speed limit
of 160 km/h (100 mile/h) for winter tires,
and a label must be displayed within the
driver's field of view to this effect, e.g. on
the windshield or facia. Your local tire
dealer will advise you and supply a
suitable label if its use is required by law.
Oberserve the prescribed tire pressures
at all times, and have the wheels rebal-
anced whenever a wheel or tire is
changed.
Snow chains may be used on the drive
wheels (with rim size 6X14 H2) only.
Max. speed is then 45 mph (70 kph).
When leaving your car parked in freez-
ing conditions, engage lst or reverse
gear to prevent it from rolling away, or
select automatic transmission position
`P', but do not apply the handbrake.
There is a risk that the handbrake
shoes may freeze solid to their drums.
ln order to improve handling and grip
òn icy or snow-covered roads and in the
mountains we recommend loading an
empty luggage compartment with
approx.110 Ibs (50 kg). Prevent the load
from slipping.
Use only factory-approved products for
the locks (your BMW service station
can advise you), so as to avoid difficul-
ties in functioning. These products will
prevent the locks from freezing. lf a lock
freezes up despite these precautions,
heatthe key blade before insertion.
We recommend applying glycerin to
prevent the sealing i'ubber strips on the
doors and around the engine com.part-
ment and luggage compartment from
freezing.
Your car is treated as standard with a
special coating on all cavities and in-
side surfaces, and the undei.side is
covered with a one-season underseal
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