020-7
Body and Interior
Maintenance
Body and hinges, lubricating
The door locks and lock cylinders can
be lubricated with an oil that contains
graphite.
The body and door hinges, the hood
latch, and the door check rods should
be lubricated with SAE 30 or SAE 40
engine oil. Lubricate the seat runners
with multipurpose grease. Do not apply
any oil to rubber parts. If door weather-
strips are sticking, lubricate them with
silicone spray or talcum powder. The
hood release cable should be
lubricated as well.
The use of winter lock de-icer sprays
should be kept to an absolute
minimum, as the alcohol in the de-icer
will wash the grease out of the lock
assemblies, and may cause the locks
to corrode internally, or become difficult
to operate.
Exterior washing
The longer dirt is left on the paint, the
greater the risk of damaging the glossy
finish, either by scratching or by the
chemical effect dirt particles may have
on the painted surface.
Do not wash the car in direct sunlight.
If the engine hood is warm, allow it to
cool. Beads of water not only leave
spots when dried rapidly by the sun or
heat from the engine, but also can act
as small magnifying glasses and burn
spots into the finish. Wash the car with
a mixture of lukewarm water and a car
Maintenance
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Summary of Contents for 1999-2005 M3
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