Interpreting the Dipstick

[FunElan]

So tomorrow I'm making a 500 mile drive, and I feel like I should top the oil off. I'm not sure how to read the dipstick however. I've read the bottom notch is min, and the top notch is max, but how many quarts are in between? I think the oil mark was right below the min, so I'm wondering how much to put in.

Also, on the clear plastic part of the radiator, are some words at a certain line. Is this the fill line? My water level was about an inch below this.

Thanks all!
-Matt

[CirrusSR22]

The difference between the MIN and MAX line on the dipstick is 1 liter/quart. If it's right below the MIN line you should be fine dumping in a full quart. Start with a half quart first though and let it sit for 10 minutes or so. Come back and make sure it went half way up. If so, add the rest.

The one line on the coolant reservoir is the FULL line when cold. Before you set-off or start the engine, fill it to that line. One inch down will only be about 1 cup of fluid - not much.

[FunElan]

Perfect! Thank you!! Since I don't have distilled water here I guess I'll just use tap water. I'll buy distilled water for next time.

Hard to tell from your sig picture, what wheels are on your car? They look like steel wheels painted silver, which is what I was gonna do.

-Matt

[zoner]

Those wheels are BMW Style '46'; at roughly 13.5 lbs. each, they're one of the lightest factory wheels you can get.

[CirrusSR22]

Zoner is dead-on correct. http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=26490

They basically are the same design as a steel wheel. 15", forged and very light. Came on the early E46 323i (1999 and 2000).