low oil pressure BMW 740I 1998 Owners Manual

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams96
Instrument panel lighting96
High beams/Parking lamps97
Fog lamps97
Interior lamps97
Reading lamps98

Controlling the climate
for pleasant driving:

Automatic climate control100
Rear passenger-area air
conditioning105
Seat heating106
Steering wheel heating106
Roller sun blind107
Independent ventilation
system107

Cabin convenience:

Integrated Universal
Remote Control108
Glove compartment110
Center armrests111
Additional storage areas113
Cup holder113
Cellular phone113
Ashtray114
Cigarette lighter115
Rear footrests115

Loading and transporting cargo:

Ski bag116
Cargo loading118
Roof-mounted luggage rack118

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure122
Driving notes123
Catalytic converter124
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)125
Disc brakes126
Brake system128
Winter operation128
Power steering130
Level control system130
Cellular phone131
Radio reception131

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure132
Tire condition132
Tire replacement133
Tire rotation133
Wheel and tire
combinations134
Winter tires135
Snow chains135
Approved wheel and tire
specifications136

Under the hood:

Hood137
Engine compartment138
Washer fluids142
Washer nozzles142
Engine oil143
Coolant146
Brake fluid147
Oil for power steering/
Level control system148
Vehicle Identification
Number148

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System149
Caring for your car150
Airbags156
Vehicle storage156

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications to the
vehicle157
OBD connector158

20n

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Many of the systems of your BMW mon-
itor themselves automatically, both dur-
ing engine starts and while you are driv-
ing. Indicator and warning lamps that
are identified by "

l

" are tested for
proper functioning whenever the igni-
tion key is turned. They each light up
once for different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: Stop immediately

Battery charge current

l

The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator ribbed V-belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the V-belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. If the
ribbed V-belt is defective, increased
steering effort is also required.

<


Engine oil pressure

l

Comes on while the engine is
running and the "Stop! ENGINE
OILPRESS" message appears in the
Check Control:
Stop vehicle and switch off engine im-
mediately. Check level of oil in engine,
top up as required. If oil level is correct:
Please contact the nearest BMW cen-
ter.
Do not continue driving. The en-
gine could be damaged because
of inadequate lubrication.

<



Brake hydraulic system

l

The brake fluid level is too low.
Before driving further, be sure to
read the notes on pages 128 and 147.
Also comes on with the message
"Check brake pads" in the Check Con-
trol.



Brake hydraulic system warning
lamp for Canadian models.

75n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Check ControlSystem malfunctions are reported in
text form and alerts or warnings are
each reported by a gong when the igni-
tion key is in position 2.
1 CHECK button
2 Status report symbol
3 Display
Messages concerning system faults
are differentiated based on two priori-
ties:380us111
Priority 1
These defects are immediately indi-
cated by a gong and a flashing warning
symbol (2). Several simultaneous de-
fects will be displayed consecutively.
These messages remain active until the
malfunction is corrected. They cannot
be cleared with CHECK button (1).
>RELEASE PARKING BRAKE
This message appears together with
an acoustic signal any time you begin
to drive and the parking brake is ap-
plied.
>COOLANT TEMPERATURE
Coolant overheated. Stop the vehicle
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately.
Refer to pages 74, 146.>STOP! ENGINE OILPRESS
Oil pressure too low. Stop the vehicle
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately. Refer to page 20.
>CHECK BRAKE FLUID
Indicates that brake fluid is down to
roughly minimum level. Top up the
brake fluid as soon as possible. Refer
to page 147. Have the cause of the
brake fluid loss corrected by your
BMW center.
>FLAT TIRE
*
Reduce vehicle speed immediately
and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. Do not oversteer.
Refer to page 95.
>LEVEL CONTROL INACTIVE
*
Please consult the nearest authorized
BMW center. Refer to page 130.
>SPEED LIMIT
*
This is displayed if the programmed
speed limit is exceeded.

76n
Check ControlPriority 2
These alerts for problems are reported
for 20 seconds when the ignition key is
in position 2. The status reports remain
after the message disappears. You can
view the message again by pressing the
CHECK button.
>TRUNK LID OPEN
This message is given only when ini-
tially starting off.
>DOOR OPEN
This is displayed after a minimum
vehicle speed is exceeded.
>FASTEN SEAT BELTS
*
In addition, the indicator lamp with
the safety belt symbol appears and
an acoustic signal is heard.
>WASHER FLUID LOW
The washer fluid is too low. Top up
the fluid at the earliest opportunity.
Refer to page 142.
>CHECK ENGINE OIL
Add engine oil as soon as possible.
Refer to page 143.
>OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE 247
(–5.06)
This display is only an example. The
current reading appears at an outside
temperature of 37.57 (+36) and
below. Refer also to page 72.>TIRE PRESSURE SET
*
The RDC has imported the current in-
flation pressure in the tires as the tar-
get values which the system will
monitor.
Refer to page 94.
>CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
*
Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure to specifications at the earli-
est opportunity (next stop for fuel).
Refer to page 94.
>TIRE CHECK INACTIVE
*
A temporary interference of the RDC
or a system fault. Refer to page 95
>BRAKE LAMP CIRCUIT
A bulb has failed or the circuit has a
malfunction. Refer to pages 163, 176
or consult an authorized BMW center.
>CHECK LOWBEAMS
CHECK SIDE LAMPS
CHECK REAR LAMPS
CHECK FRONT FOGLAMPS
CHECK LICPLATE LAMP
CHECK TRAILER LIGHTS
CHECK HIGHBEAMS
CHECK BACKUP LAMPS
Defective bulb or circuit. Refer to
pages 163, 176 or consult an autho-
rized BMW center.
>TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG
Please consult the nearest authorized
BMW center. Refer to pages 64, 67.>CHECK BRAKE LININGS
Have the brake pads inspected by
your BMW center. Refer to page 126.
>REMOTE KEY BATTERY
Change the battery. Refer to
page 168.
>CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
The coolant is too low. Top up at the
next opportunity. Refer to page 146.
>ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG
Fault in the Electronic Engine Power
Control EML. When braking, higher
brake application pressure may be
necessary and brake pedal travel may
be significantly longer.
Please have the system inspected by
your authorized BMW center.

135n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. While tires known as
all-season tires (M+S designation) pro-
vide better winter traction than summer
tires with load ratings H, V, W and ZR,
they generally do not achieve the per-
formance of winter tires.
In the interests of sure tracking and safe
steering response at all four wheels,
mount winter tires which are made by
the same manufacturer and which have
the same tread configuration.
Mount only winter tires which have
been approved by BMW. Any BMW
center will be glad to provide you with
information on the best winter tires for
your particular driving conditions.
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the tires are
rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to be-
low 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus be
replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures - and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced ev-
ery time you change the tires.StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, away
from light whenever possible. Protect
the tires against contact with oil, grease
and fuel.
Use narrow-link BMW snow chains on
summer or winter tires only in pairs and
only on the rear wheels. Comply with all
manufacturer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.

150n
Caring for your carWashing your carYou can have your new BMW washed
in an automatic car wash. Car wash
systems that do not employ brushes are
preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the car.
To prevent spots, avoid washing when
the hood is still warm, or immediately
after and during exposure to strong
sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle
>No damage will occur on vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). If you are
uncertain, consult the manager of the
car wash
>The wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system
>The vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing.Vehicles with rain sensor
*:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
from automatic car washes or insects,
for example, can cause malfunctions in
the function of the rain sensor.
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-
matic car washes. If you do not,
damage may occur if the wipers switch
on unintentionally.<
Parts of the car which are inaccessible
to the automatic washer - such as door
sills, door and hood edges, etc. -
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially im-
portant to ensure that the car is washed
on a regular basis. Large quantities of
dirt and road salt are difficult to remove,
and they also cause damage to the ve-
hicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's sur-
face.
Inadequate distance and excessive
pressure can damage or weaken the
finish, making it more susceptible to
subsequent attack. In addition, mois-
ture could penetrate to vehicle compo-
nents, leading to long-term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not clean by wiping with a dry
cloth (scratches). Never use abra-
sives or strong solvents to clean the
covers
>Remove dirt and contamination
(such as insects) by soaking with
BMW Car Shampoo and then rinsing
with plenty of water
>Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow – never
use a scraper.<
After washing the car, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them. Braking
efficiency might otherwise be reduced
by the moisture, and the brake rotors
could also be corroded.<

Everything from A to ZAABS125
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal filter105
Active seat48
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)63
Adding engine oil143
Adding washer fluid142
Adjust the backrest46
Adjusting steering wheel49
Air distribution102
Air flow103
Air jets100
Air pressure132
Airbags55
Alarm system40
Deactivating in an
emergency41
Antenna diversity186
Antifreeze146
Antifreeze, radiator128, 146
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)125
Anti-theft alarm system
32,40
Approved gross vehicle
weight196
Aquaplaning123,132
Armrest111
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)92Ashtray114
AUC (Automatic recirculated-
air control)103
Audio System78
Automatic car washes150
Automatic climate
control100
Automatic climate control,
removing window
condensation102
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)103
Automatic Soft-Close
feature38
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)92
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment49
Automatic transmission62
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
Automatic windshield
washer69
Average fuel consumption 85
Average speed86
Axle loads196
BBackup lamps, bulb
replacement166
Battery173,198
Battery capacity198Battery change, radio remote
control168
Battery charge current20
Battery, discharged179
Battery, removal and
installation175
Belts54
Beverage holders113
Blower103
Body-cavity protectant151
Brake faults128
Brake fluid147
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement166
Brakes126
Break-in procedure122
Break-resistant security
glass, care153
Bulb replacement163
CCar jack170
Car Memory53
Car radio reception131, 186
Car telephone113
Car wash150
Care, exterior152
Care, interior154
Caring for the vehicle
finish152
Caring for your car150Catalytic converter124
Cellular phone131
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp166
Central locking system32
Central locking system,
button36
Changing a wheel170
Charge indicator lamp20
Charging the battery174
Check Control75
CHECK key75
Checking the engine oil143
Checking tire pressure26
Child restraints57
Childproof door locks58
Cigarette lighter115
Clock,
refer to Digital clock79
Code88
Refer to the Radio Owner's
Manuel
Codes, tires134
Coin tray113
Cold start60
Comfort seats47
Connecting a car vacuum
cleaner115
Consumption display73
Contour seat48

Everything from A to ZHeadlamp flasher68
Headlamp washer
system142
Headlamp washers69
Heated seats106
Heated steering wheel106
Heating and ventilation100
Heating during a stop104
Height195
HiFi system187
High beam headlamps,
bulb replacement164
High beams68
Hood release137
Horn23IIce warning72
Ignition key30
Ignition switch59
Independent ventilation
system107
Indicator lamps20
Inflation pressures26,132
INSPECTION74
Instrument cluster18
Instrument lighting96
Integrated Universal Remote
Control108
Interior door handles,
lighted36,96
Interior lamps32,97Interior lamps, bulb
replacement167
Interior lamps,
radio remote control34
Interior motion sensor40
Interior rearview mirror,
automatic dimming50
Intermittent wipe switch68
JJump starting179KKey Memory53
Keys30
Kickdown63,66LLashing eyes39,118
Leather care154
Length195
Level control system148
License plate lamps, bulb
replacement166
Light switch96
Lighted exterior door handles
32,33
Lighted interior door handles
36,96
LIGHTS ON warning96
Limit87
Loading118Load-securing devices118
Locking and unlocking the
doors32
Locks, care128
Low beam headlamps, bulb
replacement164
Low beams96
Low-fuel warning lamp73
Lug bolts171
Luggage compartment 37, 39
Nets39
Luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
replacement167
Luggage compartment lid 37
Luggage compartment lid,
Automatic Soft-Close38
Luggage compartment lid,
manual operation37
Luggage compartment
nets39
Luggage compartment,
emergency release37
Luggage compartment,
locking separately37
Luggage compartment, radio
remote control34
Luggage rack118
Luggage straps39
Lumbar support47
MMaintenance74,149
Malfunction displays75
Manually controlled
recirculated-air103
Master key30
Memory51,53
MFL (Multi-function steering
wheel)23
Microfilter105
MID (Multi-Information
Display)78
Mirror defrosting50
Mirror memory51
Mirrors50
Modifications,
technical6,157
Multi-function armrest112
Multi-function steering wheel
(MFL)23
Multi-Information Display
(MID)78NNew transmitter, radio
remote control168
Nozzles100OOBD connector158
Odometer72
Oil additives143

Repairs
Index
Overview
Controls
Car care
Technology
Data
Owner service procedures from A to Z207 n
A
Adding brake fluid 147
Adding engine coolant 146
Adding engine oil 143
Adding fluid, power steering 148
Air pressure 26
B
Backup lamps, bulb
replacement 166
Battery change, radio remote control 168
Battery, checking charge condition 174
Battery, discharged 179
Brake lamps, bulb replacement 166
Brakes, brake faults 128
Bulb replacement 163
C
Changing a wheel 170
Charging the battery 174
Check Control 75
Checking the engine oil 143
Checking tire pressure 26
D
Defrosting, windows102
Difficult steering 130
Doors, manual operation 32
E
Electrical accessories,
failure 176
Electrical fault fuel filler door 178
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 178
Emergency release Doors 32
Fuel filler door 178
Luggage compartment
lid 37
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 178
Engine oil specifications 144
F
Failure messages75
Filling the windshield washer fluid reservoir 142
First-aid kit 24
Fittings, tow-starting and towing 180
Fog lamp,
replace the bulb 165
Footwell lamps, bulb replacement 167 Fuel filler door,
manual release after
electrical fault 178
Fuses, replacing 176
G
Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement 167
H
Hazard warning flashers 24
Hazard warning triangle 24
High beam headlamps, bulb replacement 164,165
Hood release 137
I
Indicator lamps 20
Interior lamps, bulb replacement 167
Interior motion sensor, deactivation 41
J
Jump starting 179
L
License plate lamps, bulb
replacement 166
Low beam headlamps, bulb
replacement 164 Luggage compartment
lamps, bulb
replacement 167
Luggage compartment lid, emergency release 37
M
Maintenance74,149
Malfunction displays 75
N
New transmitter, radio re-
mote control 168
O
Oil level check 143
Oil specifications 144
Onboard tool kit 162
P
Power steering,
adding fluid 148
Pressure, tires 26
R
Radio remote control,
battery change 168
Radio remote control, new transmitter 168
Rear lamp assembly 166
Removing condensation, windows 102