low oil question, winshield washer - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Al-Afghani · 9th June 2006, 03:22

Ok so I got this warning light stating (engine oil low). IT's been about a week and I have driven no more than 200 miles. I drove it hard a few times in the past week (maybe 2) but not much or for long.

I checked the oil and I realized it was low so I added some. Do you guys think this may have done any damage to the engine?

The warning came a week ago and then yesterday and that is when I decided to check it.

Also, Winshield washer low alert comes on. Today I also added winshield washer, but I realized I added it to the wrong tank, after looking @ the manual it seems I added it to the "Reservoir cleaning sysyteM" or something like that. What do you guys add for winshield washer? it says water in the manual, can I just add normal winshield washer for both systems? Should I drain the reservoir cleaning system winshield washer that I poured in there?

Any help is appreciated

E55AMG2 · 9th June 2006, 07:28

If it says low oil, that is the "Idiot Light" to remind you that you have indeed waited too long to check your oil. If/when you see it, stop and get oil immediately. At the very least, you should be carrying 1L of oil at any given time.

jclyman · 9th June 2006, 12:04

I suggest you read the manual before you open the hood the next time ... pouring the wrong fluid in the wrong place could be disasterous ... in this case, I would just use up the fluid you added, it's just not as strong as what is recommended.

If you don't have a manual, you can download one from the BMW NA site.

Al-Afghani · 10th June 2006, 01:12

NO i have a manual, I just saw the "white" tank and said "YAY that must be it"..oh well..**** happens

aaronmiles · 17th June 2006, 05:59

what you have done is fine ... the thank that you filled is for the intense cleaning system.. you press the little S on the stalk (I think its an S) and it just uses a stronger solution. I normally put a full bottle of the BMW windscreen cleaner in it

mottati · 17th June 2006, 06:54

on my car, i seem to get a 'check engine oil' warning consistantly when i'm about half a liter low. Not a big deal for street driving in my book. I generally check it weekly, but it's a nice reminder. You need to get a feel for when your light comes on, as the car will vary a bit.

As for washer fluid, the small tank is for intensive washer fluid, i buy the intensive wash at my dealer (actually get the regular washer fluid there too, cheap enough, and works well). The large tank has it's inlet neck between the intensive tank and the engine. Early cars have a white cap, later cars have a black one, iirc.

DrewKeen · 17th June 2006, 18:24

I believe they changed to black (IF they did) because the early white ones (like mine) get nasty easily.

ard · 17th June 2006, 19:14

I seem to recall that BMW no longer sells the "intensive" fluid due to "shipping restrictions" or "hazardous materials restrictions" or "environmental concerns".. so they just recommend straight windsheild concentrate in the intensive, and the same but diluted in the regular.

ANy truth to this, or is the original intensive fluid still available?

OT: speaking of knowing where to fill... my sisters' ex-husband decided to change the oil in her VW rabbit years ago. Did fine draining the oil, got the plug back in no problem. Skipped the filter part as he forgot to buy one. Filled it back up with oil. (Was wondering why it only took 3 quarts.)

She drove it 2 miles, until it ended it's life.

He added oil to the radiator.

Ex...

A

Gamedemon · 18th June 2006, 01:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by ard

I seem to recall that BMW no longer sells the "intensive" fluid due to "shipping restrictions" or "hazardous materials restrictions" or "environmental concerns".. so they just recommend straight windsheild concentrate in the intensive, and the same but diluted in the regular.

ANy truth to this, or is the original intensive fluid still available?

OT: speaking of knowing where to fill... my sisters' ex-husband decided to change the oil in her VW rabbit years ago. Did fine draining the oil, got the plug back in no problem. Skipped the filter part as he forgot to buy one. Filled it back up with oil. (Was wondering why it only took 3 quarts.)

She drove it 2 miles, until it ended it's life.

He added oil to the radiator.

Ex...

A

Is that the reason an EX was added to husband ? That is just TERRIBLE !

Laidback · 18th June 2006, 02:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al-Afghani

Ok so I got this warning light stating (engine oil low). IT's been about a week and I have driven no more than 200 miles. I drove it hard a few times in the past week (maybe 2) but not much or for long.

I checked the oil and I realized it was low so I added some. Do you guys think this may have done any damage to the engine?

The warning came a week ago and then yesterday and that is when I decided to check it.

Also, Winshield washer low alert comes on. Today I also added winshield washer, but I realized I added it to the wrong tank, after looking @ the manual it seems I added it to the "Reservoir cleaning sysyteM" or something like that. What do you guys add for winshield washer? it says water in the manual, can I just add normal winshield washer for both systems? Should I drain the reservoir cleaning system winshield washer that I poured in there?

Any help is appreciated

now you know

so next time check your fluids regularly ok