BMW 750IL SEDAN 1998 Owner's Manual
Page 21 of 211
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.
Page 22 of 211
21n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Indicator and warning lamps
Red: An important reminder
Parking brake
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake.
For additional information: Refer to
page 61.
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts
*
l
An acoustic signal and message
in the Check Control for 4 to
8 seconds. The acoustic signal ends af-
ter the safety belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: Refer to page 54.
Airbags
l
Please have the system
checked by your authorized
BMW center as soon as possible.
For additional information: Refer to
page 55.
Yellow: Check as soon as
possible
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
*
l
Fault in the DBC System. Con-
ventional braking efficiency is
available without limitations.
For additional information: Refer to
page 127.
Warning lamp, Dynamic Brake
Control (DBC)
*
for Canadian
models.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
l
The ABS system has been de-
activated because of a system
fault. Conventional braking efficiency is
available without limitations. Please
have the system inspected by your au-
thorized BMW center.
For additional information: Refer to
page 125.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)
*
l
The ASC+T/DSC has been switched off
or has been deactivated because of a
malfunction. In the event of a malfunc-
tion, have the system checked by your
authorized BMW center. For additional
information: Refer to page 92.
Check Engine lamp
l
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. Al-
though the vehicle remains operational,
you should have the systems checked
by your BMW center at the earliest pos-
sible opportunity.
For additional information: Refer to
OBD connector on page 158.
Page 23 of 211
22n
Indicator and warning lamps
Green: For your information
Turn signal
Flashes when the turn signals
are in operation. Rapid flashing
indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information: Refer to
page 68.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Available for
operation via the multi-function steering
wheel.
For additional information: Refer to
page 70.
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information: Refer to
page 97.
Blue: For your information
High beam
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information: Refer to
pages 68, 97.
Page 24 of 211
23n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)
The controls integrated in the multi-
function steering wheel are provided so
that you can operate a number of ac-
cessories quickly and without being
distracted from traffic conditions. You
may operate:
>
Some of the functions of the radio,
the CD and cassette modes
>
The recirculated-air mode of the air
conditioner or
>The steering wheel heating
>The cruise control and
>Selected cellular phone functions.
In order to operate a system via
the MFL, the corresponding sys-
tem controls must be switched on.<
The illustration shows the maximum
possible number of controls, corre-
sponding to a full range of optional
equipment. Refer to the individual ac-
cessory manuals for more detailed de-
scriptions.
1 Cellular phone: Receive an incoming
call, initiate dialing and end a call.
Pressing and holding the key for a
longer period activates or deactivates
the voice input
*
2 Radio/Telephone: Selection
3 Radio/Telephone: Search backward
or station keys or scroll in the phone
book.
Fast forward and reverse for CD and
cassette modes
4 Radio/Telephone: Volume
5 Radio/Telephone: Search forward or
station keys or scroll in the phone
book.
Fast forward and reverse for CD and
cassette modes390de110
6 Horn: The entire surface
7 Cruise control: Activate stored
setting (resume)
8 Cruise control: Store and acceler-
ate (+); decelerate and store (–)
9 Cruise control: Activate/Interrupt/
Deactivate
10 Recirculated-air mode and AUC or
steering wheel heating: Switch on
and off
Page 25 of 211
24n
Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle
*
First-aid kit
The push-button flashes rhythmically
when the hazard flashers are on.
To help you to locate the switch, the
button is also lighted whenever the car
lamps are on.380de039
The hazard warning triangle is stored
underneath the luggage compartment
lid in the onboard tool holder where it is
quickly available.
Comply with legal requirements
which cover the availability of a
hazard warning triangle in the car.< 394de053
Stored between the rear seats. Pull the
lever (arrow) and fold the cover forward.
Some of the articles in the first-aid
kit may be used within a limited
time only. For this reason, check the ex-
piration dates of each of the items regu-
larly, and replace any whose expiration
dates have passed. You can acquire re-
placements in any drugstore or phar-
macy.
Comply with legal requirements which
cover availability of a first-aid kit in the
car.< 380de086
Page 26 of 211
25n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Refueling Fuel specifications
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
flow into the tank and the "Check En-
gine" warning lamp may come on.<
To open the fuel filler door, press
against its forward edge.
To unlock the fuel filler door if there is a
malfunction of the central locking sys-
tem, refer to page 178.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an ex-
plosion, or lead to fire in the event of a
collision.<
384de011
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.
Do not top off. Topping off may cause
fuel spillage.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket at-
tached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refuel-
ing
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the
recovery vapor system on the pump.
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling. A loose or missing cap
will activate the "Check Engine“ lamp.<
380de633
Use unleaded gasoline only.
Minimum octane requirement: 91 AKI.
BMW engines are equipped with knock
sensors and will adapt automatically
to different octane ratings, provided
that the minimum octane requirement
(87 AKI) is met.
Fuels with higher octane ratings will
provide enhanced performance and
lower fuel consumption, while the use
of fuels with lower octane ratings will
have the opposite effect.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic convertor.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Page 27 of 211
26n
Tire inflation pressureThe inflation pressures are indicated on
a sticker attached to the B-pillar behind
the driver's door (visible with door
open). Check tire pressuresAll pressure specifications are indicated
in psi (kilopascal) with cold tires (cold =
ambient temperature).
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)
*:
After a correction of the tire inflation
pressure, reactivate the system. Refer
to page 94.
460de163
Check tire inflation pressures reg-
ularly - at least every two weeks
and before beginning a longer trip. In-
correct tire pressure can otherwise lead
to tire damage and accidents.
Also check the inflation pressure of the
spare tire. Inflate the spare tire to the
highest inflation of any tire on your vehi-
cle.<
Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table ap-
ply to tires from BMW-approved manu-
facturers. Your BMW center is familiar
with these pressures. Higher pressures
may be specified for tires from other
manufacturers. You will find a list of ap-
proved tires beginning on page 136.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US standards, but also
European standards. We recommend
the exclusive use of BMW-approved
tires.
Page 28 of 211
27n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Tire inflation pressureTires
Tire inflation pressures in
psi (kilopascal)
235/60 R 16 100 H M + S
235/60 R 16 100 W
245/55 R 16 100 W
235/50 ZR 18
Rear: 255/45 ZR 18
215/65 R 16 98 Q M + S
235/60 R 16 100 Q M + S
245/55 R 16 100 Q M + S 33 (230)
29 (200)41 (280)
33 (230) 33 (230)
33 (230)41 (280)
41 (280)
outside of the US/Canada: US/CDN:
Page 29 of 211
28n
Locks and security systems:
Keys30
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Central locking system32
Door locks – outside32
Radio remote control33
Door locks – inside36
Luggage compartment lid37
Luggage compartment39
Alarm system40
Electric power windows42
Security glass43
Sliding/Tilt sunroof44
Adjustments:
Seats46
Steering wheel49
Mirrors50
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory51
Car Memory, Key Memory53
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts54
Airbags55
Child restraints57
Child restraint installation58
Child-safety locks58
Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock59
Starting engine59
Switching off engine60
Page 30 of 211
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
29n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Parking brake61
Automatic transmission62
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
Indicator/Headlamp flasher68
Washer/Wiper system/Rain
sensor68
Rear window defroster70
Cruise control70
Everything under control:
Odometer, outside temperature
display72
Tachometer72
Energy control73
Fuel gauge73
Temperature gauge74
Service Interval Display74
Check Control75
Multi-Information Display
(MID)78
Digital clock79
Onboard computer84
Technology for safety and
convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)90
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC)92
Electronic Damper Control
(EDC)93
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)94Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams96
Instrument panel rheostat96
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
Rear window 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