jump start BMW 740I 1998 Owners Manual

Contents

Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit162
Windshield wiper blades162
Lamps and bulbs163
Remote control168
Changing tires170
Battery173
Fuses176

In case of electrical
malfunction:

Fuel filler door178
Sliding/Tilt sunroof178

Assistance, giving and
receiving:

Jump-starting179
Towing the vehicle180Airbags184
Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC)184
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC)185
Radio reception186
BMW Active Seat186
Safety belt tensioner187
DSP sound system187
Interior rearview mirror with auto-
matic dimming feature188
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)189
Xenon lamps190
Water and dirt repelling
windshield191Engine specifications194
Dimensions195
Weights196
Capacities197
Electrical system198
Drive belts198

60n
Starting engine Switching off engineIf the battery's voltage is not adequate,
the automatic starting procedure is not
initiated, or it is interrupted. Should this
condition arise, it remains possible to
jump-start the engine (refer to page 17 9).
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle re-
mains stationary. Instead, begin driving
immediately at a moderate engine
speed.<
Should the engine fail to start on the
first attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for
instance):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
BMW 740i/L:
Cold starts at extremely low tempera-
tures, from approx. +57 (–156)
and at elevations above 3300 feet
(1000 meters):
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at start-up are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharg-
ing, always switch off any electrical de-
vices not in use, as well as the ignition
when the vehicle is not being driven.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
The vehicle must be stationary
and the selector lever in "Park"
before you can remove the ignition key.
Always remove the ignition key and en-
gage the steering lock before leaving
the vehicle.<

64n
Automatic transmissionSpecial functionsIn program A, the Adaptive Transmis-
sion Control influences several special
functions in the selection of the drive
gear.
With the system active, some shifts that
would be made in other modes will be
suppressed. The system also reacts to
special situations by executing shifts
that would not occur with a conven-
tional transmission.Control of the winter programA winter program is automatically se-
lected when the vehicle is operated on
slippery road surfaces (snow and ice).
When this program is active, the trans-
mission starts in 2nd gear and shifts
into the higher gears earlier. This pro-
gram improves response under winter
driving conditions by providing en-
hanced traction and vehicle stability.
ATC leaves the winter program when it
registers a high-traction road surface,
when the Sport program is selected and
when ASC+T/DSC is deactivated.
Electronic transmission control
moduleIf the message "TRANS. FAILSAFE
PROG" appears in the Check Control,
there is a fault in the gearshift electronic
system or in the transmission itself.
You can still place the selector lever in
all positions. However, it is possible
that not all gears are available for the
vehicle's forward drive.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest autho-
rized BMW center.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment when a drive gear (for-
ward or reverse) is engaged. If you do
this, the vehicle could move.<
For towing, tow-starting or jump-start-
ing the vehicle, refer to pages 179, 180.

67n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
The ATC will execute upshifts or down-
shifts only at appropriate engine and
road speeds. For example, the trans-
mission does not shift down when the
engine speed is too high. The selected
gear will appear briefly in the instrument
cluster, followed by the current gear.
In the manual mode for rapid ac-
celeration – when passing, for ex-
ample – manually or a shifting down to
the kickdown point.<
You can only change from M/S to the
selector lever positions "P," "R" and "N"
via the "D" position.
In the following situations, the Step-
tronic "thinks" for you in the manual
mode:
>In order to prevent engine over-
speeding, the transmission shifts au-
tomatically to the next higher gear
shortly before the RPM cutoff point
>At low speeds, the transmission shifts
down automatically - you do not have
to act
>In the kickdown mode, the transmis-
sion shifts down to the lowest gear
which is possible, depending on the
engine speed.
Electronic transmission control
moduleIf the "TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG" mes-
sage appears in the Check Control,
there is a malfunction in the transmis-
sion system.
You can still place the selector lever in
all positions. However, it is possible
that not all gears are available for the
vehicle's forward drive.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest autho-
rized BMW center.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment when a drive gear (for-
ward or reverse) is engaged. If you do
this, the vehicle could move.<
For towing, tow-starting and jump-
starting, refer to pages 179, 180.

124n
Catalytic converterThe catalytic converter reduces harmful
exhaust emissions, and is designed for
use with unleaded fuel only.
Even minute quantities of lead would be
enough to permanently damage both
the catalytic converter and the system's
oxygen sensor.
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and avoid potential damage:
>Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements
>Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty
>If you have problems starting the en-
gine, use jumper cables (you cannot
tow-start the vehicle with an auto-
matic transmission)>Avoid other situations in which the
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-
pletely, such as engaging the starter
frequently or for extended periods, or
repeated start attempts in which the
engine does not start (stopping and
restarting an engine which is running
properly does not present a problem).
Never let the engine run with any of
the spark plug cables disconnected.Be sure to comply with the in-
structions above to prevent un-
burned fuel from reaching the catalytic
converter. Otherwise there is danger of
overheating and damage to the cata-
lytic converter.
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields
are installed adjacent to some sections
of the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply undercoat-
ing to their surfaces. When driving,
standing at idle, and parking the vehi-
cle, take care to avoid contact between
the exhaust system and flammable ma-
terials (grass, hay, leaves, etc.). Such
contact could lead to a fire, resulting in
personal injury and property damage.<

139n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine compartment – BMW 740i/L1 Brake fluid reservoir147
2 Power steering fluid reservoir/
Level control system148
3 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting179
4 Engine oil dipstick143
5 Engine oil filler neck143
6 Coolant expansion tank146
7 Reservoir for headlamp
and windshield washer system142
8 Fuse box176

141n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine compartment – BMW 750iL1 Brake fluid reservoir147
2 Power steering fluid reservoir/
Level control system148
3 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting179
4 Engine oil filler neck143
5 Coolant expansion tank146
6 Engine oil dipstick143
7 Reservoir for headlamp
and windshield washer system142
8 Fuse box176

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
161n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit162
Windshield wiper blades162
Lamps and bulbs163
Remote control168
Changing tires170
Battery173
Fuses176
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door178
Sliding/Tilt sunroof178
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting179
Towing the vehicle180

174n
BatteryDo not short circuit the battery termi-
nals. This creates a risk of personal in-
jury from high-voltage sparks.
A highly-explosive gas is
generated when the battery is
charged.
If you happen to get acid in
your eyes, rinse thoroughly for
15 minutes with clear water.
Consult a physician immediately. If you
get acid spray on your skin or clothing,
rinse with plenty of water. If electrolyte
is accidentally ingested, consult a phy-
sician immediately.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
do not place it in direct sunlight.
A discharged battery can freeze. Store
the battery in areas where temperature
remains above freezing.Car careThe battery is completely maintenance-
free, that is, the original electrolyte will
normally last for the service life of the
battery.
Charge condition – BMW 740i/LYou can read the charge condition of
the battery with the "Magic Eye" (a hy-
drometer) (not released at this time):
>Green: Adequate charge
>Black: Not charged adequately. The
battery must be recharged. Please
contact your BMW center
>Yellow: Replace the battery.380de655
Charging the batteryCharge the battery in the vehicle only
when the engine is off. Charge the bat-
tery using the supplementary positive
terminal and ground (terminal) in the en-
gine compartment (refer to "Jump-start-
ing" on page 179).
On the BMW 750iL, there is an auto-
matic switch between the two batteries
during charging.
Before performing any work on
the electrical system, disconnect
the cable from the negative terminal. If
you do not, short circuits can create the
risk of fire or personal injury.
If a jump start is necessary, connect the
cables only to the auxiliary terminal for
jump starting and a ground in the en-
gine compartment in order to avoid
damage to the batteries (refer to
"Jump-starting" on page 179).<

179n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Jump-startingNever use spray starter fluids to start
the engine.
If the battery is discharged, you can use
two jumper cables to start your car with
power from the battery of a second ve-
hicle. Always use jumper cables with
fully insulated handles on the terminal
clamps.
Do not touch high-voltage wiring
and cables on a running engine.
There is a risk of fatal injury if you do
this.<
Carefully comply with the following in-
structions to avoid personal injury and
damage to one or both vehicles:
1 Ensure that the battery on the sup-
port vehicle is also rated at 12 volts,
and that the capacities of the two
batteries (Ah) are roughly comparable
(printed on casing)
2 Leave your battery connected to the
car electrical system
3 Make sure that there is no contact
between the bodywork of the two ve-
hicles – short circuit risk.
4 Start by connecting the jumper cable
from the positive terminal of the sup-
port vehicle to the positive terminal
connector located in your BMW's en-
gine compartment. The cover of the
auxiliary terminal for jump starting is
marked with "Batt. +" (refer to the il-
lustration). Remove by pulling tab.
The illustration shows the auxiliary
terminal for jump starting the BMW
740i/L as an example. For the BMW
750iL: Refer to "Engine compart-
ment" on page 140380de089
5 Then connect the negative terminals.
Attach the cable to either the support
vehicle's negative battery terminal,
or to a suitable ground on its engine
or bodywork. Then connect the other
end of the cable to ground on the ve-
hicle's engine or bodywork which is
to be started. Then connect the other
end of the cable to a ground on your
vehicle's engine or bodywork (for in-
stance, the nuts on the strut dome.
Refer to the arrows in the illustration
above)
Follow the same sequence for
connecting the jumper cables if
you assist in jump-starting another ve-
hicle. If you do not, there is a risk of in-
jury caused by spark generation at the
battery.< 380de117