technical data BMW 740I 1998 Owners Manual

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced co\
ntrol and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yoursel\
f with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your ne\
w car. It
contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaini\
ng maximum
use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your\
BMW. The
manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to enh\
ance
operating safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your BMW thr\
oughout an
extended service life.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicl\
e. It
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with im\
portant
operating, safety and maintenance information.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Bookle\
t
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models)\
. We
recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:

>

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

>

Limited Warranty Rust Perforation

>

Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty

>

Federal Emissions Performance Warranty

>

California Emission Control System Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and\
Warranty In-
formation Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Boo\
klet (Cana-
dian models).
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology

9n

RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data

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

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology

15n

RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data

Cockpit16
Instrument cluster18
Indicator and warning lamps20
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)23
Hazard warning flashers24
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit24
Refueling25
Fuel specifications25
Tire inflation pressure26

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
29n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Parking brake61
Automatic transmission62
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
Indicator/Headlamp flasher68
Washer/Wiper system/Rain
sensor68
Rear window defroster70
Cruise control70
Everything under control:
Odometer, outside temperature
display72
Tachometer72
Energy control73
Fuel gauge73
Temperature gauge74
Service Interval Display74
Check Control75
Multi-Information Display
(MID)78
Digital clock79
Onboard computer84
Technology for safety and
convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)90
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC)92
Electronic Damper Control
(EDC)93
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)94Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams96
Instrument panel rheostat96
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
Rear window 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

118n
Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack
*
Securing the load>Secure smaller, light pieces with the
retaining straps or with a luggage
compartment net or elastic straps (re-
fer to page 39)
>For large, heavy pieces, see your
BMW center for load-securing de-
vices
*. Lashing eyes are provided at
the corners of the luggage compart-
ment for attaching these load-secur-
ing devices (refer to the illustration).
>Comply with the information en-
closed with the load-securing de-
vices.
380de613
Always position and secure the
load correctly, otherwise it can en-
danger the passengers in the event of
braking, swerving or in a crash.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
weight and the permissible axle loads
(refer to page 196). If you do so, the
operating safety of the vehicle is no
longer ensured, and you are in violation
of the law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in
the passenger compartment unless
they are properly secured. Improperly
secured objects would be thrown
around during braking and evasive ma-
neuvers and endanger the occupants.<
A special luggage system is available as
an option for your BMW. Please comply
with the precautions included with the
installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the car when loaded, they ex-
ercise a major effect on its handling and
steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof weight,
the approved gross vehicle weight or
the axle weights when loading the rack.
You will find the specifications under
"Technical Data" on page 196.
Make sure that the load is not too
heavy, and attempt to distribute it
evenly. Always load the heaviest pieces
first (on the bottom). Make sure there is
sufficient space to raise the sliding/tilt
sunroof.

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

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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.

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Technical modifications to the vehicleAny authorized BMW center will be glad
to inform you of the advisability, legal
requirements and factory recommenda-
tions with regard to technical modifica-
tions on the car. For this purpose, the
BMW center requires the Vehicle Identi-
fication Number and, in some cases,
also the engine number.Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and dis-
plays in your vehicle. The concept be-
hind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers, and they are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emit-
ting diodes. Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.<

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