instrument panel BMW 740I 1998 User Guide

104n
Automatic climate controlResidual heat mode
The heat which is stored in
the engine is utilized for
heating of the interior when the engine
has been switched off (while waiting at
a railroad crossing, for instance).
In ignition key position 1, you can alter
the settings of the automatic climate
control. In ignition key position 0, the
system automatically directs heated air
to the windshield, side windows and
footwells.
This function may be activated
when the outside temperature is
below approx. 597 (156), the engine
is at operating temperature, and the
battery is adequately charged.<
Draft-free ventilationYou can adjust the vent outlets for the
upper body area for individual selection
of air-flow rates and directions:
You can open and close the ventilation
outlets with infinitely-variable adjust-
ments and direct them up or down with
the rotary dials 1. In the closed position,
air exits only at the upper center of the
instrument panel. You can use rotary di-
als 2 to adjust the flow direction from
side to side.
Set the outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.380de051
Rotary dial 3 allows you to temper the
air flow from these outlets by adding
heat or cooling as desired:
>Turn toward blue – colder
>Turn toward red – warmer
To adjust the rear compartment vents:
Use the rotary dial on the left to close or
open the vent for any desired air flow.
You can adjust the temperature with the
right rotary dial in the same manner as
the adjustment for the front ventilation
outlets.
Use the levers at the centers of the vent
outlets to control the direction of the
emerging air.

137n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
HoodTo unlock the hoodPull the lever located at the lower left-
hand side of the instrument panel.
Do not work on your vehicle with-
out appropriate skills. Switch off
the engine and allow it to cool down be-
fore working in the engine compart-
ment.
Always disconnect the battery before
working on any electrical systems or
equipment. Comply with all applicable
instructions and warnings. Failure to
work in an informed, professional man-
ner when servicing components and
materials constitutes a safety hazard for
vehicle occupants and other road
users. If you are not familiar with the
guidelines, please have the operations
performed by your authorized BMW
center.< 380de071
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.380de635
To closePress down lightly on the hood at the
locations shown in the illustration (ar-
rows) or drop it from approx. 4 inches
(10 cm) so that it audibly engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.< 380de634

148n
Oil for power steering/Level control system
*
Vehicle Identification Number
Power steeringWith the engine off, unscrew the reser-
voir cap and remove the cap with dip-
stick. Then push the dipstick into the
reservoir again.
The fluid level should be in between the
marks on the dipstick.
Screw the reservoir cap back on.
Contact your BMW center if the fluid is
low, as only ATF may be used and spe-
cial knowledge is required for topping
up.380de078
Power steering/Level control
system
*
With the engine shut off, loosen the
knurled nut and remove the reservoir
cap.
With the vehicle empty, the fluid level
should be barely 0.2 in (5 mm) above
the screen bottom.
Correct the fluid level if required. Al-
ways use Pentosin CHF 11S.
Position the reservoir cap and tighten
the knurled nut. Make sure the cover is
properly seated.380de079
In the engine compartment, stamped on
the right-hand strut dome (arrow) and
on the upper edge of the instrument
panel on the left side.380de074

154n
Caring for your carCaring for other vehicle
components and materialsLight-alloy wheels should be treated
with alloy wheel cleaner, especially dur-
ing the winter months. However, do not
use aggressive products containing ac-
ids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do not
use steam cleaners operating at tem-
peratures above 1407 (606). Follow
the manufacturer's instructions.
If your vehicle has chromed parts
* such
as window moldings, door handles or
other parts, clean these parts especially
carefully with ample clean water, espe-
cially if they have an accumulation of
road salt. You may wish to add a car
shampoo supplement to the water. Use
a chrome polish for an additional treat-
ment.
Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,
headliners, lamp lenses, the clear cover
of the instrument panel and compo-
nents with a sprayed dull black surface
can be cleaned with water (add plastic
cleaner as required). Do not allow mois-
ture to soak through the seats or head-
liner. Never use solvents such as lac-
quer thinner, heavy-duty grease
remover, fuels, etc.
Rubber components should be cleaned
with water only; a rubber treatment or
silicone spray may also be applied.Clean the wiper blades with soapy wa-
ter. The wiper blades should be re-
placed twice a year, before and after
the cold season.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<
The safety belts should be cleaned with
a mild soap and water solution without
being removed from the car. Never at-
tempt chemical or dry cleaning, as
damage to the belt fabric could result.
After cleaning, never allow the inertia
reel to retract the belts until they are
completely dry. Dirty safety belts pre-
vent the inertia reel mechanism from re-
tracting the strap properly, and thus
constitute a safety hazard.
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats
*
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.
The floor mats can be removed from the
vehicle for cleaning.
Please use only a damp cloth to clean
wooden fascia panels and components.
Follow up by drying with a soft cloth.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.<
Leather careThe leather upholstery used by BMW is
a natural product of the highest quality,
processed using state-of-the-art meth-
ods to ensure that it will maintain its
high quality for years to come, provided
that it is properly cared for.
Because this product is manufactured
using natural materials, you must make
allowance for its special characteristics
as well as for the peculiarities of its use
and care.
Regular periodic cleaning and care are
essential, as dust and road dirt act as
abrasives in the pores and creases of
the material. This leads to wear spots
and premature brittleness on the sur-
face of the leather. We therefore sug-
gest that you clean the leather with a
vacuum cleaner or dust cloth at fre-
quent intervals.
For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning
foam.

156n
Airbags Vehicle storage1 Front airbags for driver and
front passenger
2 Side impact head protection system
(front and rear
*)
3 Side airbags (front and rear
*)
Important safety notices
Do not attempt to remove the gas
generators of the airbag restraint
system from the vehicle. Have testing
and service procedures performed by
specially-qualified technicians only. In
the event of a malfunction, deactivation,
or triggered actuation (as a response to
an accident) of the airbag restraint sys-
tem, consult your authorized BMW cen-
ter for repairs or service operations.
380de643
Modifications may not be made on ei-
ther the wiring or the individual compo-
nents in the airbag system. These in-
clude the padded steering wheel hub,
the instrument panel, the side trim pan-
els of the front or rear doors and the
roof pillars or the sides of the headliner.
Never apply adhesive materials to these
components or cover or modify them in
any way. Do not attempt to remove or
dismantle the steering wheel.
To ensure compliance with official
safety regulations, entrust disposal of
airbag generators to an authorized
BMW center.
Unprofessional attempts to service the
system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation,
either of which could result in personal
injury.< Consult your BMW center regarding the
required special procedures if you in-
tend to store the vehicle for longer than
three months.