transmission BMW 740I 1998 Owner's Manual

143n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine oilChecking the engine oil1 Park the vehicle on a level surface
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
4 Push the dipstick all the way into the
guide tube and pull it out again
5 The oil level should be in between the
two graduations on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.380de076
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill to be-
yond the upper mark on the dipstick.
Excess oil will damage the engine.460de189
Adding engine oilWait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, do not wait until the oil drops
below the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to op-
erate without oil additives. The
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
automatic transmission, the differential
and the power steering system.< 380de077

181n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response.<
Tow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of
vehicles equipped with automatic trans-
mission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting, refer
to page 179.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another car, as damage to the
energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission1 Place selector lever in position N
2 Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3 Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers re-
main operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging
5 Switch on the hazard-warning system
(observe country-specific regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the ve-
hicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key re-
mains in position 1 even when the
electrical system has failed to prevent
the steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is re-
quired for steering and braking.<
Towing with a commercial tow
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel lift or flat bed equipment
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.< 380us124

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
183n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Airbags184
Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC ) 184
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC) 185
Radio reception186
BMW Active Seat 186
Safety belt tensioner187
DSP sound system 187
Rearview mirror with automatic
dimmer188
Tire Pressure Control (RDC ) 189
Xenon lamps 190
Water and dirt repelling
windshield 191

184n
Deceleration sensors continuously
monitor the physical forces acting upon
the vehicle. In a severe frontal collision,
the gas generators of the driver's airbag
and the front passenger airbag are ig-
nited. However, the passenger-side air-
bag is only triggered if an additional
sensor has recognized that the passen-
ger seat is occupied.
In the event of a severe side impact, the
head protection and side airbags in the
front and/or rear
* are triggered.
390de319
The airbags located under the marked
covers inflate and unfold in a matter of a
few milliseconds. In this process they
tear through the rated breaking points
of the upholstered covers or press them
out.
Because the inflation process must be
virtually instantaneous, it is necessarily
accompanied by a certain amount of ig-
nition and inflation noise. The gas which
the system employs to inflate the airbag
is not dangerous, and the associated
smoke is quickly dissipated.
The entire process is completed within
fractions of a second.On vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC) uses a number of factors to cal-
culate the maximally efficient gear. In
this process it monitors your personal
driving style, the situation in which you
are driving, the condition of the road
and the traffic conditions.
ATC recognizes your personal driving
style from the positions and movements
of the gas pedal, declaration when
braking and lateral acceleration through
curves. Four shift characteristics – from
comfort-oriented to performance-ori-
ented – are available for selection by
ATC.
390de048
ATC
Airbags ATC

185n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
In order to take driving conditions into
account, ATC registers corners and
both uphill and downhill gradients. For
example, if you maintain speed through
a curve, the transmission does not up-
shift.
On uphill gradients, it shifts only when
the engine speed increases in order to
make more efficient use of power re-
serves. On downhill gradients ATC
downshifts when the speed of the vehi-
cles increases causing the driver to
step on the brakes.
With respect to road conditions, ATC
monitors the friction between the tires
and the road. The system responds to
slippery road surfaces (snow and ice)
by activating the winter program.
Second gear is used when moving
away from a standstill, upshifts occur
sooner, and on descents downshifting
does not occur in spite of the applica-
tion of brakes. This enables you to
"feel" the road as you drive and pro-
duces greater dynamic stability. If the
friction between the tires and the road
is adequate, the normal system is again
activated. The system also leaves the
winter program when you shift from
drive position "D" to "S," "3" or "2," or if
the ASC+T/DSC
* is deactivated.By recognizing traffic conditions, ATC
can retain maximum driving comfort.
For instance, the system recognizes
stop-and-go traffic and then proceeds
only in second gear until it encounters
higher starting loads.
Of course the selector lever can still be
used to select specific gear ratios. Per-
formance-oriented driving is enabled by
shifting from drive position "D" to "S,"
"3" or "2." Positions "3" and "2" each
limit upshifts to the next gear. Position
"2" is best for driving on steep mountain
slopes with a heavy load.Precision sensors monitor the number
of revolutions of the wheels. When
equipped with DSC, they also monitor
steering angle, lateral acceleration,
brake pressure and the movement of
the vehicle around its vertical axis.
If differences in the wheel speeds oc-
cur, the system counteracts the danger
of wheelspin by reducing torque. If nec-
essary, the system also responds with
additional applications of the brakes at
the rear wheels.
If the system detects an instability in the
vehicle's condition, the braking action
can also be directed to the front wheels
by the DSC in order to stabilize the ve-
hicle.
You may need some time to become
accustomed to this system intervention.
However, it helps provide optimum pro-
pulsive force and driving stability.
The braking intervention may be ac-
companied by a certain degree of
noise.
ATC ASC+T/DSC
*

189n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
The Tire Pressure Control system as-
sumes the task of regular tire pressure
checks for you. Tire pressures are mon-
itored at all four wheels, even when the
vehicle is moving.
Behind the valve stem in every wheel,
there is an electronic chip which is de-
signed for severe-duty applications and
long service life. It contains a pressure
sensor, a transmitter and a battery. The
pressure is measured in extremely short
time intervals and then transmitted by a
radio signal. If an irregularity is de-
tected, the transmission rate is in-
creased.380de673
Near every wheel, there are antennas in
the body which receive the signals from
all four wheels. A central electronics
system evaluates the quadruple signals
which it receives and forwards any
changes.
The RDC provides an important contri-
bution to driving safety.

197n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 22.5 (approx. 85) – BMW 740i/L
approx. 25.1 (approx. 95) – BMW 750iL
approx. 2.6 (approx. 10.0) – BMW 740i/L
approx. 3.2 (approx. 12.0) – BMW 750iLFuel specification: Refer to
page 25
Windshield washer
incl. headlamp-washing systemquarts (liters)
quarts (liters)approx. 4.7 (approx. 4.5)
approx. 6.5 (approx. 6.0)For details: Refer to page 128
Cooling system including
heater circuitquarts (liters) 13.2 (12.5) – BMW 740i/L
13.7 (13.0) – BMW 750iLFor details: Refer to page 130
Engine oil and filter change quarts (liters) 7.9 (7.5) – BMW 740i/L
8.5 (8.0) – BMW 750iLApproved HD oil for gasoline
engines. Specifications: Refer
to page 144
Automatic transmission – – Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required
Differential quarts (liters) 1.7 (1.6) Approved hypoid gear oil
(specifications are available
from any BMW center)

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

RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Everything from A to Z
205n
Oil consumption143
Oil level check143
Oil pressure,
indicator lamp20
Oil specifications144
Oil, Engine oil
Capacities197
OILSERVICE74
Onboard computer84
Onboard tool kit162
Opening the luggage
compartment from the
inside38
Outside mirrors50
Outside temperature
display72
PPaint blemishes,
exterior dirt152
Park Distance Control
(PDC)90
Parking aid90
Parking brake61
Parking in winter130
PDC (Park Distance
Control)90
Playing cassettes
Refer to the
Radio Owner's ManuelPlaying CDs
Refer to the
Radio Owner's Manuel
Pocket light111
Power seat adjustment46
Power steering130
Power steering fluid148
Power windows42
Pressure, tires26,132
Pushbutton for central
locking system36
RRadio
Car radio
Refer to the separate
Owner's Manuel
Radio reception131,186
Radio remote control33
Radio remote control,
battery change168
Radio remote control,
new transmitter168
Rain sensor68,150
RDC (Tire Pressure
Control)94
Reading lamps98
Rear passenger-area air
conditioning105
Rear seat adjustment,
electric48
Rear seat heating106Rear window blind107
Rear window defroster70
Rear-seat control
Front passenger's seat 112
Onboard computer112
Radio112
Rear window blind112
Telephone112
Rearview mirrors50
Refueling25
Remote control for onboard
computer89
Removing condensation,
windows102
Replacement keys30
Replacing tires133
Residual heat104
Roof luggage rack118
Roof weight rating196
Rubber seals and
components154
SSafety belt tensioner187
Safety belts54
Safety lock buttons36
Screw-on valve stem
caps134
Seat adjustment46
Seat heating106
Seat memory51
Seat, power46Securing cargo118
Selector lever, automatic
transmission62,65
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet149
Service Interval Display
74,149
Servotronic130
Shoulder support47
Shutting off the engine60
Ski bag116
Skid control130
Sliding/Tilt sunroof44
Sliding/Tilt sunroof with glass
moonroof45
Sliding/Tilt sunroof, closing
after electrical fault178
Sliding/Tilt sunroof,
convenience operating
mode32
Sliding/Tilt sunroof, radio
remote control33
Slippery roads129
Snow chains129,135
Socket115
Spare key30
Spare tire171
Spark plugs198
Speaker113
Special oils144
Speed limit warning87
Speedometer19

Everything from A to ZStarting assistance179
Starting the engine59
Steering130
Steering lock59
Steering wheel adjustment,
automatic49
Steering wheel lock59
Steering wheel memory51
Steering wheel, heated106
Steptronic65
Stopping the vehicle60
Storage facilities113
Sun visors51
Symbols4,173TTachometer72
Tail lamps166
Tail lamps,
bulb replacement166
Tank capacity197
Technical modifications
6,157
Telephone
Refer to Car telephone 131
Telephone hookup113
Temperature adjustment 103
Temperature display, engine
coolant74
Temperature display,
outside temperature72
Third brake lamp166Tilt alarm41
Tire code134
Tire damage132
Tire failure170
Tire inflation pressure 26, 132
Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)94
Tire replacement133
Tire tread132
Tires, specifications136
Tools162
Topping up the windshield/
washer fluid reservoir142
Torque194
Towing eyes180
Towing the vehicle180
Tow-starting180
Track circle195
Transmission62,65
Tread depth, tires132
Trip odometer72
Trunk lid, refer to luggage
compartment lid37
Turn signal22,68
Turn signals, bulb
replacement165,166
Turning circle195
UUniversal Remote
Control108
Used batteries175
VVanity mirrors51
Vehicle battery173
Vehicle identification148
Vehicle Identification
Number148
Vehicle storage156
Ventilation outlet,
ventilation100
Ventilation, draft-free104
Voice input23WWarning lamp "Please fasten
safety belts"21
Warning lamps20
Warnings75
Washer system68
Washing your car150
Water on the roads
Flooding123
Waxing, finish152
Weights196
Wheel lug wrench171
Wheel rims134
Wheelbase195
Wheels and tires134,136
Width195
Windows, convenience
operating mode32
Windows, radio remote
control33
Windows,demisting102Windshield washer
Reservoir capacity197
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment142
Windshield wiper blades,
replacing162
Windshield wipers68
Windshield, defrosting69
Winter operation128
Winter tires135
Wiper blades, replacing162
Wipers68
Work in the engine
compartment137
XXenon lamps96,164,190