snow chains BMW 740I 1998 Owners Manual

11n

Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams96
Instrument panel lighting96
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
Roller sun 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

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
specifications136

Under 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

92n
ASC+T/DSC
*
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)
*
These systems help provide additional
dynamic stability, particularly when ac-
celerating and cornering.
The DSC system enhances the benefits
of the ASC+T. In addition to optimizing
vehicle stability and traction when ac-
celerating or starting from a standstill,
another benefit is realized in cornering
stability. Of course, this is subject to the
limits imposed by the laws of physics.
The system activates automatically
each time you start the engine.380de621
Indicator lamp
The indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly af-
ter you switch on the ignition.
Refer to page 21.
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is actively regulating drive
torque in response to monitored vehicle
operating conditions.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving:
If the system has not been deactivated,
there is a system malfunction. The vehi-
cle remains operational, but without
ASC+T/DSC. Consult your authorized
BMW center for repair.
To deactivate the systemPress the button. The indicator lamp
will come on.
Depending on equipment options, the
button is marked with ASC or DSC.
With deactivated ASC+T/DSC you are
driving with conventional, unregulated
torque transfer.
We recommend that you deactivate the
system for increased traction:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>or when driving with snow chains.
Refer also to page 129.To reactivate the systemPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be re-
pealed, even with ASC+T/DSC.
Any consequences arising from traction
loss due to excessive vehicle speed re-
main the responsibility of the driver. For
this reason, do not take risks, using the
additional safety margin provided by the
system as an excuse.<
For additional details concerning
ASC+T/DSC, please refer to the chap-
ter describing "Advanced technology"
on page 185.

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.<

129n
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.<

135n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. While tires known as
all-season tires (M+S designation) pro-
vide better winter traction than summer
tires with load ratings H, V, W and ZR,
they generally do not achieve the per-
formance of winter tires.
In the interests of sure tracking and safe
steering response at all four wheels,
mount winter tires which are made by
the same manufacturer and which have
the same tread configuration.
Mount only winter tires which have
been approved by BMW. Any BMW
center will be glad to provide you with
information on the best winter tires for
your particular driving conditions.
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the tires are
rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to be-
low 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus be
replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures - and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced ev-
ery time you change the tires.StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, away
from light whenever possible. Protect
the tires against contact with oil, grease
and fuel.
Use narrow-link BMW snow chains on
summer or winter tires only in pairs and
only on the rear wheels. Comply with all
manufacturer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.

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

Owner service procedures from A to ZSSecurity glass, care153
Sliding/tilt sunroof, closing
after electrical fault178
Sliding/tilt sunroof, power
supply interruption45
Snow chains135
Spare tire171
Starting assistance179
Starting problems
59,124,179,180TTail lamps, bulb
replacement166
Tilt sensor alarm system,
deactivation41
Tire damage132
Tire failure170
Tire inflation pressure26
Tools162
Towing180
Towing eyes180
Tow-starting180
Turn signal,
replace the bulb165UUse of antifreeze,
radiator146
WWarning lamps20
Warnings75
Washer fluid reservoir,
filling142
Wheel change170
Windows, demisting102
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment142
Wiper blades, replacing162
Work in the engine
compartment137