wheel BMW 740I 1998 Owner's Manual

66n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Before exiting the vehicle when
the engine is running, place the
selector lever in the "Park" or "Neutral"
position and apply the parking brake. If
you do not, the vehicle can move.
Do not leave the car unattended with
the engine running. An unattended ve-
hicle with a running engine represents a
potential safety hazard.<
P - ParkSelect "Park" only when the vehicle is
stationary. The transmission locks to
prevent the rear wheels from turning.R - ReverseSelect "Reverse" only when the vehicle
is stationary.N - NeutralSelect "Neutral" only if your journey is
interrupted for a longer period.D - Drive
(automatic shift program)This position is designed for driving un-
der all normal operating conditions. All
forward gears are available; the Adap-
tive Transmission Control (ATC) is fully
operational."Kickdown" (automatic downshift)In the "Kickdown" mode, you achieve
maximum performance.
Press the accelerator pedal past the in-
creased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
M/S - Manual mode and
Sport ProgramWhen you change from "D" to M/S, the
Sport program is activated. This is indi-
cated by "D S" in the gear display. This
position is recommended if your driving
style is performance-oriented.
With the first brief touch, the automatic
transmission shifts from the Sport pro-
gram to manual mode.
When you move the selector lever for-
ward in the "+" direction, the transmis-
sion shifts up. When moved back in the
"–" direction, the transmission shifts
down.
Depending on the version, "1 to 5" or
"M1 to M5" appears in the gear display.380de659

94n
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
The conceptRDC monitors the tire pressures at all
four wheels, even when the vehicle is
moving. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops
significantly below the specified pres-
sure in one or more tires.
In order for the RDC to "learn" the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure, check the in-
flation pressure in all tires. Refer to the
table of "Tire inflation pressures" on
page 26 and make corrections if neces-
sary. Then activate the system.
The Check Control will inform you if the
tire pressure is not correct.
Activate the system1 Turn the ignition key to position 2
(do not start the engine)
2 Press and hold the button (arrow) un-
til the message "SET TIRE PRES-
SURE" appears in the Check Control
3 After you have driven for a few min-
utes, the RDC will import the current
inflation pressure in the tires as the
target values which the system will
monitor.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure if the tire inflation pressure must
be corrected. Otherwise, the RDC func-
tions automatically when the ignition
key is in position 2, and thus operates
whenever the vehicle is driven.380de658
Loss of tire pressureIf, after a certain period of time, the air
pressure has gone down significantly
(which is normal for any tire), the mes-
sage "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE" ap-
pears in the Check Control.
This alerts you that you should have the
tires inflated to the specified pressures
as soon as possible.
If you are prompted to check the
tire pressure shortly after a cor-
rection has been made, this indicates
that the corrected values were not ac-
curate. Please check the inflation pres-
sure again and make corrections ac-
cording to the inflation pressure table.<

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
Flat tireIf there is a tire failure with a loss of air
pressure, the message "TIRE DEFECT"
appears in the Check Control. In addi-
tion, a gong sounds.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed im-
mediately and stop the vehicle. Avoid
hard brake applications. Do not over-
steer. Replace the wheel and flat tire.
The spare tire which is available in
your vehicle as standard equip-
ment is equipped with the electronics
required for RDC and, following activa-
tion of the system, is also monitored af-
ter it is mounted.<
The RDC cannot alert you to se-
vere and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors.<
Have the tires changed by your
authorized BMW center.
Your authorized BMW center has been
trained to work with the RDC system
and is equipped with the necessary
special tools to do so.<
System interferenceUnder certain local conditions, the RDC
may malfunction for brief periods be-
cause of interference from outside sys-
tems or electronic devices which have
the same radio frequency.
During the period of the malfunction,
the message "TIRE CONTROL INAC-
TIVE" appears in the Check Control.
You will also see the same message
>in the event of a system fault
>if a wheel is mounted without the
RDC electronics
>if, in addition to the spare tire, addi-
tional wheels with RDC electronics
are on board.
Please contact your authorized BMW
center for additional information.

103n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Automatic climate controlAutomatic recirculated-air control
(AUC)
You can respond to unpleasant
external odors by temporarily
stopping the flow of outside air. The
system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. Press the but-
ton repeatedly to run through the fol-
lowing control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: Fresh air flows
into the vehicle
>Left-hand indicator lamp on – AUC
mode: The system detects pollutants
in the outside air and responds by
deactivating the outside air flow when
required. The system then recircu-
lates the air currently within the vehi-
cle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: The
flow of external air into the vehicle is
permanently blocked. The system
then recirculates the air currently
within the vehicle.
If you have a multi-function steering
wheel with the AUC button (refer to
page 23), you can also switch between
"OFF" and AUC from there.
If the windows fog over in the re-
circulated-air mode, switch this
mode off and increase the air supply as
required.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster
is activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window defroster
switches off automatically.
Temperature
You can make individual
temperature settings on the
driver's side and the front passenger
side. Your settings will be shown in the
display 7. The displayed temperatures
are reference values for the interior
temperature. We recommend 707
(226) as a comfortable setting,
whether the air conditioner is operating
or not. When you start the vehicle, the
system ensures that the selected tem-
perature is achieved as quickly as pos-
sible. It then maintains this tempera-
ture, regardless of the season.
You can set uncontrolled heater
output at up to 907 (326). Full
cooling output is available from the air
conditioner down to 607 (166).<

Air supply
In the "AUTO" program, the
air flow is controlled auto-
matically. AUTO will appear in the dis-
play, refer to the overview on page 100.
Use "+" and "–" to vary the air flow.
When your setting is displayed by bars,
the automatic air flow is switched off.
Automatic air distribution maintains its
setting. You can reactivate the auto-
matic air flow by pressing the "AUTO"
button.
When you press "– " during operation at
minimum blower speed all displays are
canceled: The fan, heating and air con-
ditioner are switched off. The outside
air supply is closed. By pressing any
button of the automatic climate control
(except the "REST" button 9), you can
switch the system back on.

106n
Seat heating
*
Steering wheel heating
*
The seat cushion and backrest can be
heated with ignition key in position 2.
You can call up different heating modes
by repeatedly pressing the keys.
The highest heating mode is on when
the three indicator lamps are lit; one
lamp is lit for lowest heating. Tempera-
ture regulation in each mode is with a
thermostat.
You can also switch the higher heating
modes off directly:
Press the key and hold it slightly longer.380de618
Rear seat heating
*
The switches are located at the rear of
the center console, beneath the air
vents.
To activate and cancel the steering
wheel heater, press button (arrow) with
the ignition key in position 2.
The lamp within the button lights up
when the steering wheel heater is in op-
eration.
If you have a multi-function steering
wheel without steering wheel heating,
the button for the recirculated-air mode
is in this location (refer to page 23).
380de200

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
121n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
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
specifications136Under 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

125n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Antilock Brake System (ABS)The conceptABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking dur-
ing brake applications. The reason:
Locked wheels are dangerous. When
the front wheels slide, the driver loses
steering control over the vehicle. Trac-
tion loss at the rear wheels can cause
the rear end to break into an uncon-
trolled skid.
The system can achieve the shortest
braking distances possible under most
conditions (on straights and in curves,
on asphalt, ice, wet road surfaces, etc.).
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability
>To help maintain steering control and
maneuverability – on all types of road
surfaces (asphalt, concrete, mud, wet
pavement, snow, ice).
Braking with ABSThe system becomes operative once
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). The ABS is deactivated
whenever the vehicle's speed drops
back below approx. 4 mph (6 km/h). This
means that the wheels can lock in the fi-
nal phase of a panic stop – a factor of no
significance in actual use.
If you are in a situation which requires
full braking, you will exploit the full bene-
fits of the ABS system if you apply maxi-
mum brake pressure ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering re-
sponsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering ef-
fort, despite the full brake application.
The ABS system closed-loop control cir-
cuit cycles in fractions of a second.
A pulsation at the brake pedal indicates
to the driver that ABS is active, that is,
that the vehicle is within its maximum
braking range. In addition, a pulsation – a
result of the control function cycles – in-
dicates to the driver that vehicle speed
should be reduced to adapt to road sur-
face conditions when there is reduced
traction and grip between tires and road
surface (slippery road surface).
Always depress the brake pedal with
constant pressure. Keep the brake pedal
down. Do not pump the brakes.In driving conditions where there is a
loose upper surface together with a
subsurface which provides better trac-
tion (on gravel or snow, for instance), or
with snow chains, the braking distance
may also be longer than when the
wheels are locked. However, ABS con-
tinues to provide enhanced vehicle sta-
bility and steering response under
these conditions.
Information for your safetyNot even ABS can suspend the laws of
physics. ABS alone cannot prevent ac-
cidents when the brakes are applied
without an adequate safety interval be-
tween vehicles, if the car is driven at an
excessive rate of speed in curves, or if
aquaplaning occurs. Responsibility for
these types of situations remains in the
hands (and at the feet) of the driver. You
should never allow the added safety of
ABS to lull you into a false sense of se-
curity, or mislead you into taking in-
creased risks that could affect your own
safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.<

127n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Disc brakesDriving notesWhile driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply
light pressure to the brake pedal every
few miles. Watch traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not en-
danger other road users. The heat gen-
erated in this braking process helps dry
the brake pads and rotors.
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels continue to rotate,
peaking when the wheels remain on the
verge of locking without actually doing
so. ABS maintains this state automati-
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert
to the staggered braking technique de-
scribed below (refer to page 129).
Extended or steep mountain descents
do not necessarily have to lead to re-
duced braking efficiency; downshift to a
gear in which only minimal periodic
brake applications are required - move
the selector lever to the appropriate
lower range.
You can continue to increase the brak-
ing effect of the engine by selecting a
lower gear - you can select transmis-
sion ranges as low as position 2 for ex-
treme conditions.Should engine braking prove inade-
quate, you should still avoid extended,
continuous braking. Instead of main-
taining low to moderate pressure over
an extended period of time, you should
decelerate the vehicle by applying more
substantial force on the pedal (watch
for following traffic!) and then pausing
before repeating the application. This
staggered braking technique allows the
brakes to cool in the intervals between
active braking phases, preventing over-
heating and ensuring that full braking
capacity remains available at all times.
Do not coast with the transmission
selector lever in neutral. Do not
drive with the engine shut off. The en-
gine provides no braking effect when
the transmission is in neutral, and there
is no power-assist for braking or steer-
ing when the engine is shut off.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator and brake ped-
als and obstruct their movement.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
*
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this sys-
tem automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction, the
warning lamp comes on with a
yellow light. Conventional brak-
ing efficiency is available with-
out limitations.
Have the system checked and
repaired at your BMW center as soon
as possible.
For "Information for your safety"
covering the ABS system, refer to
page 125. This information also gener-
ally applies for DBC.<

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Winter operationRubber seals and componentsIn order to prevent the weather-strip-
ping from freezing, apply rubber treat-
ment or a silicone spray to the seals on
the doors, hood and luggage compart-
ment lid.
A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center.< Snow chainsBMW snow chains
* can be fitted on
both summer and winter tires in re-
sponse to severe winter road condi-
tions. Mount them in pairs on the rear
wheels only, and be sure to comply with
the manufacturer's safety instructions.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
30 mph (50 km/h). In this situation
(snow chains mounted), deactivate the
ASC+T or DSC
*. Refer to page 92.
Starting offWhen starting off in deep snow or when
rocking the car to free it, we recom-
mend that you switch the ASC+T or
DSC
* off. Refer to page 92.
Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. Adapt
your speed and driving style when ap-
proaching grades. Maintain an ade-
quate distance between yourself and
the car ahead.BrakesWinter road conditions substantially re-
duce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface;
the resulting increases in braking dis-
tance are considerable and should be
continually borne in mind.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response. If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
Reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal until the wheels just start to roll
again while still maintaining enough
force to continue braking.
Following that, increase pedal pressure
again. Reduce the pressure as the
wheels lock, then reapply pressure, etc.
This type of staggered braking will re-
duce the braking distance, and the ve-
hicle still remains responsive to steer-
ing.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces. Doing so could cause
the rear wheels to lose traction and
skid, which could result in the loss of
vehicle control.<

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Tire replacement Tire rotationTo maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. BMW tests and approves
wheel/tire combinations. Refer to
page 136.
Do not use retreaded tires, since
driving safety may be impaired by
their use. This is due to the possible
variations in casing structures and, in
some cases, to their extreme age,
which can lead to a decrease in their
durability.< Tire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 178 means that the tires were
manufactured in the 17th week of 1998.
BMW recommends the replacement of
all tires when the tires are no more than
6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years
is possible.
Spare tires over 6 years old should be
used only in case of emergency. Such a
tire should be replaced by a new tire
immediately, and should not be
mounted together with new tires.
Between the axlesThe tread wear patterns at the front end
differ from those at the rear - the actual
patterns will vary according to individ-
ual driving conditions. In the interests of
safety and maintaining optimal handling
characteristics, tire rotation is not rec-
ommended.
If a proposed interaxle rotation of tires
is based on economic considerations,
one should consider whether the costs
for the rotation are likely to be recap-
tured by any increase in the service life
of the tires which might be realized. Ro-
tation should always be carried out at
short intervals, with a maximum of
3,000 miles (5,000 km). Consult your
authorized BMW center for more infor-
mation.
Should you decide to rotate the tires, it
is essential to comply with the follow-
ing:
Rotate tires on the same side only,
since braking characteristics and road
grip could otherwise be adversely af-
fected.
Following rotation, correct the tire infla-
tion pressure.If different tire sizes are mounted
on the front and rear axles
(page 136), the tires may not be rotated
from one axle to the other.<