traction control BMW 740I 1998 Owners Manual

Contents

Overview
Controls and features

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

Locks and security systems:

Keys30
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer31
Central locking system32
Door locks – outside32
Radio remote control33
Door locks – inside36
Luggage compartment lid37
Luggage compartment39
Alarm system40
Electric power windows42
Security glass43
Sliding/Tilt sunroof44

Adjustments:

Seats46
Steering wheel49
Mirrors50
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory51
Car Memory, Key Memory53

Passenger safety systems:

Safety belts54
Airbags55
Child restraints57
Child restraint installation58
Child-safety locks58

Driving:

Steering/Ignition lock59
Starting engine59
Switching off engine60Parking brake61
Automatic transmission62
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
Turn signal/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 Control 75
Multi-Information Display
(MID)78
Digital clock79
Onboard computer84

Technology for safety and
convenience:

Park Distance Control PDC90
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC)92
Electronic Damper Control
(EDC)93
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)94

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

19n

RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data

Instrument cluster

1 Fuel gauge with lamp for fuel
reserve range73
2 Turn signal indicators22
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator lamp for high beam
headlamps22
5 Tachometer and
Energy Control72, 73
6 Coolant temperature gauge74
7 Indicator and warning lamps for

>

Parking brake21

>

Hydraulic brake system/Dynamic
Brake Control (DBC)

*
20, 21

>

ABS21

>

Airbag21

>

Please fasten safety belts21

>

Cruise control22
8 Check button75
9 Program display for automatic
transmission64, 67
10 Outside temperature display7211 Indicator lamp for Automatic
Stability Control plus Traction
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC)

*
21
12 Trip odometer72
13 Check Control display75
14 Odometer72
15 Service Interval Display74, 149
16 Reset button for trip odometer72
17 Indicator and warning lamps for

>

Fog lamps22

>

Battery charge current20

>

Engine oil pressure20

>

Check Engine lamp21
You can display the outside tem-
perature and distance driven in
different units of measurement.

<

21n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Indicator and warning lamps

Red: An important reminder

Parking brake
Comes on when you engage the
parking brake.
For additional information: Refer to
page 61.
Parking brake warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts

*

l

An acoustic signal and message
in the Check Control for 4 to
8 seconds. The acoustic signal ends af-
ter the safety belts are fastened.
For additional information on safety
belts: Refer to page 54.
Airbags

l

Please have the system
checked by your authorized
BMW center as soon as possible.
For additional information: Refer to
page 55.

Yellow: Check as soon as
possible

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

*
l

Fault in the DBC System. Con-
ventional braking efficiency is
available without limitations.
For additional information: Refer to
page 127.
Warning lamp, Dynamic Brake
Control (DBC)

*
for Canadian
models.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)

l

The ABS system has been de-
activated because of a system
fault. Conventional braking efficiency is
available without limitations. Please
have the system inspected by your au-
thorized BMW center.
For additional information: Refer to
page 125.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)

*
l

The ASC+T/DSC has been switched off
or has been deactivated because of a
malfunction. In the event of a malfunc-
tion, have the system checked by your
authorized BMW center. For additional
information: Refer to page 92.

Check Engine lamp

l

If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems. Al-
though the vehicle remains operational,
you should have the systems checked
by your BMW center at the earliest pos-
sible opportunity.
For additional information: Refer to
OBD connector on page 158.

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

61n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Parking brakeDepress the pedal. The "PARK BRAKE"
(in Canada "P") indicator lamp in the in-
strument cluster comes on when the ig-
nition key is in position 2.380de043
To release the brake, pull the handle.
Please remember that the brakes disen-
gage immediately.
The parking brake is primarily designed
to prevent the vehicle from rolling while
parked, and operates against the rear
wheels.380de042
If, in exceptional circumstances, it
should be necessary to engage
the parking brake while the vehicle is in
motion, depress the pedal cautiously
and slowly while continuing to pull on
the release handle.
Excessive pressure on the pedal can
lead to overbraking and loss of traction
at the rear.
The brake lamps do not come on when
the parking brake is applied.<
You can prevent corrosion from forming
on the separate parking brake drums
with an occasional gentle application of
the parking brake when stopping at
traffic lights.

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.

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.

122n
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you comply
with the following:
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4500 rpm and/or 105 mph (170 km/h)
during this initial period. Comply with
the legal speed limit at all times.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
Once 1,200 miles (2,000 km) have
elapsed, engine speeds and road
speeds can gradually be increased.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or dif-
ferential is replaced later in the course
of the vehicle service life.TiresDue to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until an initial
break-in period has elapsed.
Thus drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or com-
plete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your
speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApproximately 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and rotors
achieve the optimal pad-surface and
wear patterns required for trouble-free
operation and long service life later on.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that traf-
fic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
car with the engine shut off – when tow-
ing, for instance – substantially higher
levels of pedal force will be required to
brake the vehicle.<
Break-in procedure

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.<