maintenance BMW 750IL SEDAN 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

6n

For your own safety
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to 10% ethanol or
other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxy-
gen by weight (i.e., 15% MTBE or
3% methanol plus an equivalent
amount of co-solvent) will not void the
applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
Field experience has indicated signifi-
cant differences in fuel quality (i.e., vol-
atility, composition, additives, etc.)
among gasolines offered for sale in the
United States and Canada. The use of
poor-quality fuels may result in drive-
ability, starting and stalling problems,
especially under certain environmental
conditions, such as high ambient tem-
perature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems that you suspect could be related
to the fuel you are using, we recom-
mend that you respond by switching to
a recognized high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Follow the relevant safety rules when
you are handling gasoline.
<



Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine
parts and accessories approved by
BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti-
mum performance when installed on
your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damage resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product from
other manufacturers to verify if it can be
used on a BMW safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its
occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW centers.

Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones (including op-
eration of any portable cellular phone
from within the vehicle without using an
externally-mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (C.B., walkie-talkie,
ham radio, for instance) may cause ex-
tensive damage to the vehicle, compro-
mise its safety, interfere with the vehi-
cle's electrical system, or affect the
validity of the BMW Limited Warranty.
See your authorized BMW center for
additional information.

<


Maintenance, replacement, or re-
pair of the emission control de-
vices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified automo-
tive part.

<

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

9n

RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data

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

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

74n
Temperature gauge Service Interval DisplayBlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational.
Lights up while driving, or the message
"COOLANT TEMPERATURE” appears
in the Check Control: the engine is
overheated. Switch the engine off im-
mediately and allow it to cool down.380de007
Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. It is not un-
usual for the needle to rise as far as the
edge of the red zone in response to
high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.
Checking coolant level: Refer to
page 146.
Green lampsThe number of illuminated lamps de-
creases as the time for your next main-
tenance visit approaches.Yellow lampThis field appears together with
OILSERVICE or INSPECTION.
Maintenance is due. Please contact
your BMW center for an appointment.Red lampMaintenance is overdue.380us008

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

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.<

149n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
The BMW Maintenance SystemThe BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and operat-
ing safety – and as cost-effectively as
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.380us008
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance in-
tervals, which are then indicated in the
Service Interval Display. While conven-
tional systems rely on distance traveled
alone to determine when service is due,
the BMW Maintenance System has for
years considered the actual conditions
under which the vehicle operates.
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel. In response to
this fact, the BMW Maintenance System
monitors operating conditions as the
basis for determining the optimum ser-
vice intervals for your individual vehicle.
The BMW Maintenance System in-
cludes the Engine Oil Service and In-
spections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the car
covers every kind of operating situation.
However, even those who drive only
short distances – significantly less than
6,200 miles (10,000 km) annually –
should have the engine oil changed at
least every 2 years since oil deteriorates
over time, regardless of use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)Please refer to the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet (US models)
or to the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian models) for addi-
tional information on maintenance inter-
vals and procedures.
Depending upon operating conditions,
as a precaution against rust it may be a
good idea to have the body checked for
stone damage and chips at the same
time.
Have your BMW center do the
maintenance and repair. Your BMW
center is always informed on the latest
maintenance work and repair tech-
niques and equipped with the required
special tools. In addition, checking
parts known from experience to be sub-
ject to wear is a permanent part of the
maintenance specifications. Be sure
that all maintenance work is confirmed
in the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models). These entries will constitute
your proof that the vehicle has received
regular maintenance. They are also re-
quired in the event of a warranty claim.<