BMW 740i 1998, 750il Sedan 1998, 740il 1998 Owner's Manual

Contents

A-Z

Owner’s Manual for the vehicle. With a quick reference guide for your convenience.

Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 9 791 187 - © 12/98 BMW AG

740i

740iL

750iL

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.

Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:

Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new car. It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining 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 enhance operating safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your BMW throughout an extended service life.

This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important operating, safety and maintenance information.

This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet (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 Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).

We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.

BMW AG

4

Notes on the Owner's Manual

Symbols used

We have made every effort to ensure that you are able to find what you need in this Owner's Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way to find certain topics is by using the detailed index at the end. If you desire an initial overview of your vehicle, this can be found in the first chapter. The detailed list of contents that directly follows the summary of contents is intended to stimulate your curiosity regarding your BMW and to encourage you to read the manual.

Should you wish to sell your BMW at some time in the future, please remember to hand over the Owner's Manual to the new owner; it is part of the vehicle.

If you have any additional questions, an authorized BMW center will be glad to advise you.

© 1998 BMW AG

Munich, Germany

Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Munich. Order no. 01 41 9 791 187

US English VIII/98

Printed in Germany

Printed on environmentally friendly paper (bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).

These sections contain vital information – please read the accom-

panying text passages carefully, both for your own safety and to prevent damage to your BMW.<

These passages contain information on special and unique fea-

tures of your vehicle.<

Indicates special information on recycling.<

<Indicates the end of a note.

* Indicates special equipment, countryspecific equipment and optional extras.

Indicates that you should consult the relevant section of this Owner's

Manual for information on a particular part or assembly.

Alerts you to functions which can be adjusted for individual drivers

by your authorized BMW center ("Car Memory" or "Key Memory"). Refer to page 53.<

The individual vehicle

On buying your BMW, you have decided in favor of a model with individualized equipment and features. This Owner's Manual describes all models and equipment that BMW offers within the same group.

We hope you will understand that equipment and features are included which you might not have chosen for your vehicle. Any differences can easily be identified, since all optional accessories and special equipment are marked with an asterisk *.

If your BMW features equipment which is not described in this Owner's Manual (car radio or telephone, for instance), Supplementary Owner's Manuals are enclosed. We ask you to read these manuals as well.

5n

Status at time of printing

BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing development that is conceived to ensure that our vehicles continue to embody the highest quality and safety standards combined with advanced, state-of-the-art technology. For this reason, it is possible that the features described in this Owner's Manual could differ from those on your vehicle. Nor can errors and omissions be entirely ruled out. You are therefore asked to appreciate that no legal claims can be entertained on the basis of the data, illustrations or descriptions in this manual.

6

For your own safety

Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol or

other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen 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 significant differences in fuel quality (i.e., volatility, composition, additives, etc.) among gasolines offered for sale in the United States and Canada. The use of poor-quality fuels may result in driveability, starting and stalling problems, especially under certain environmental conditions, such as high ambient temperature and high altitude.

Should you encounter driveability problems that you suspect could be related to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching to a recognized high-quality brand. Failure to comply with these recommendations 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 thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure optimum performance when installed on your vehicle.

BMW warrants these parts to be free from defects in material and workmanship.

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 operation of any portable cellular phone from within the vehicle without using an externally-mounted antenna) or transceiver equipment (C.B., walkie-talkie, ham radio, for instance) may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere with the vehicle's electrical system, or affect the validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. See your authorized BMW center for additional information.<

Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control de-

vices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified automotive part.<

7n

The following only applies to vehicles owned and operated in the US.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of North America, Inc., P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone [phone].

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

8

Overview

Controls and features

Operation, care and maintenance

Owner service procedures

Advanced technology

Technical data

Index

9n

Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

Index

Contents

	Overview	Cockpit 16
		Instrument cluster 18
		Indicator and warning lamps 20
		Multifunction steering wheel
		(MFL) 23
		Hazard warning flashers 24
		Warning triangle 24
		First-aid kit 24
		Refueling 25
		Fuel specifications 25
		Tire inflation pressure 26

Controls and features

Locks and security systems:

Keys 30 Electronic vehicle

immobilizer 31

Central locking system 32 Door locks – outside 32 Radio remote control 33 Door locks – inside 36 Luggage compartment lid 37 Luggage compartment 39 Alarm system 40

Electric power windows 42 Security glass 43 Sliding/Tilt sunroof 44

Adjustments:

Seats 46 Steering wheel 49 Mirrors 50

Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory 51

Car Memory, Key Memory 53

Passenger safety systems:

Safety belts 54 Airbags 55

Child restraints 57

Child restraint installation 58 Child-safety locks 58

Driving:

Steering/Ignition lock 59 Starting engine 59 Switching off engine 60

Parking brake 61 Automatic transmission 62 Automatic transmission with

Steptronic 65

Turn signal/Headlamp flasher 68 Washer/Wiper system/Rain

sensor 68

Rear window defroster 70 Cruise control 70

Everything under control:

Odometer, outside temperature display 72

Tachometer 72 Energy control 73 Fuel gauge 73 Temperature gauge 74

Service Interval Display 74 Check Control 75 Multi-Information Display

(MID) 78 Digital clock 79

Onboard computer 84

Technology for safety and convenience:

Park Distance Control PDC 90 Automatic Stability Control plus

Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 92

Electronic Damper Control (EDC) 93

Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 94

Controls and features

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams 96 Instrument panel lighting 96 High beams/Parking lamps 97 Fog lamps 97

Interior lamps 97 Reading lamps 98

Controlling the climate for pleasant driving:

Automatic climate control 100 Rear passenger-area air

conditioning 105 Seat heating 106

Steering wheel heating 106 Roller sun blind 107 Independent ventilation

system 107

Cabin convenience:

Integrated Universal Remote Control 108

Glove compartment 110 Center armrests 111 Additional storage areas 113 Cup holder 113

Cellular phone 113 Ashtray 114 Cigarette lighter 115 Rear footrests 115

Loading and transporting cargo:

Ski bag 116 Cargo loading 118

Roof-mounted luggage rack 118

Operation, care and maintenance

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure 122 Driving notes 123 Catalytic converter 124 Antilock Brake System

(ABS) 125 Disc brakes 126

Brake system 128 Winter operation 128 Power steering 130 Level control system 130 Cellular phone 131 Radio reception 131

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure 132 Tire condition 132

Tire replacement 133 Tire rotation 133 Wheel and tire

combinations 134 Winter tires 135 Snow chains 135

Approved wheel and tire specifications 136

11n

Under the hood:

Hood 137

Engine compartment 138

Washer fluids 142

Washer nozzles 142

Engine oil 143

Coolant 146

Brake fluid 147

Oil for power steering/

Level control system 148

Vehicle Identification

Number 148

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance

System 149

Caring for your car 150

Airbags 156

Vehicle storage 156

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications to the vehicle 157

OBD connector 158

Contents

	procedures	Replacement procedures:
		Onboard tool kit 162
		Windshield wiper blades 162
		Lamps and bulbs 163
		Remote control		168
	service	Changing tires		170
		In case of electrical
		Battery	173
	Owner	Fuses	176
		malfunction:
		Fuel filler door		178
		Sliding/Tilt sunroof 178
		Assistance, giving and
		receiving:
		Jump-starting		179

Towing the vehicle 180

Advanced technology

Airbags 184

Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) 184

Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 185

Radio reception 186 BMW Active Seat 186 Safety belt tensioner 187 DSP sound system 187

Interior rearview mirror with automatic dimming feature 188

Tire Pressure Control (RDC) 189 Xenon lamps 190

Water and dirt repelling windshield 191

Technical data

Engine specifications 194 Dimensions 195

Weights 196 Capacities 197 Electrical system 198 Drive belts 198

Index

13n

Everything from A to Z 202

Owner service procedures from

A to Z 207

14

Cockpit 16 Instrument cluster 18

Indicator and warning lamps 20 Multifunction steering wheel

(MFL) 23

Hazard warning flashers 24 Warning triangle 24 First-aid kit 24

Refueling 25

Fuel specifications 25 Tire inflation pressure 26

15n

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

Index

16 Cockpit

380de675

Cockpit

1 Parking lamps/Low beams 96

2> Turn signal 68

>Parking lamp 97

>High beams 97

>Headlamp flasher 68

>Onboard computer 89

3Horn: The entire surface

4Fog lamps 97

5Wiper/Washer lever 68

6Central locking system 32

7Hazard warning system 24

8Rear window defroster 70

9Electric steering wheel adjustment 49

10Parking brake release handle 61

11Parking brake pedal 61

17n

Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

18 Instrument cluster

380us625

Instrument cluster

1	Fuel gauge with lamp for fuel		11	Indicator lamp for Automatic
	reserve range 73			Stability Control plus Traction
2	Turn signal indicators 22			(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability
				Control (DSC)*	21
3	Speedometer
			12	Trip odometer	72
4	Indicator lamp for high beam
			13	Check Control display		75
	headlamps 22
5	Tachometer and		14	Odometer 72
	Energy Control 72, 73		15	Service Interval Display 74, 149
6	Coolant temperature gauge	74	16	Reset button for trip odometer 72
7	Indicator and warning lamps for		17	Indicator and warning lamps for
	> Parking brake 21			> Fog lamps 22
	> Hydraulic brake system/Dynamic			> Battery charge current 20
	Brake Control (DBC)* 20, 21			> Engine oil pressure		20
	> ABS 21			> Check Engine lamp		21
	> Airbag 21
	> Please fasten safety belts	21		You can display the outside tem-
	> Cruise control 22			perature and distance driven in
8	Check button 75		different units of measurement.<

9Program display for automatic transmission 64, 67

10Outside temperature display 72

19n

Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

20 Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Many of the systems of your BMW monitor themselves automatically, both during engine starts and while you are driving. Indicator and warning lamps that are identified by "●" are tested for proper functioning whenever the ignition key is turned. They each light up once for different periods of time.

If a fault should occur in one of these systems, the corresponding lamp does not go out after the engine is started or it lights up while the vehicle is moving. You will see how to react to this below.

Red: Stop immediately

Battery charge current ●

The battery is no longer being charged. There is a malfunction

of the alternator ribbed V-belt or in the charging circuit of the alternator. Please contact the nearest BMW center.

If the V-belt is defective, do not continue driving. The engine could

be damaged due to overheating. If the ribbed V-belt is defective, increased steering effort is also required.<

Engine oil pressure ● Comes on while the engine is

running and the "Stop! ENGINE OILPRESS" message appears in the Check Control:

Stop vehicle and switch off engine immediately. Check level of oil in engine, top up as required. If oil level is correct: Please contact the nearest BMW center.

Do not continue driving. The engine could be damaged because

of inadequate lubrication.<

Brake hydraulic system ●

The brake fluid level is too low. Before driving further, be sure to read the notes on pages 128 and 147.

Also comes on with the message "Check brake pads" in the Check Control.

Brake hydraulic system warning lamp for Canadian models.

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* ● An acoustic signal and message in the Check Control for 4 to

8 seconds. The acoustic signal ends after the safety belts are fastened.

For additional information on safety belts: Refer to page 54.

Airbags ●

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)* ● Fault in the DBC System. Conventional 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) ● The ABS system has been deactivated because of a system fault. Conventional braking efficiency is

available without limitations. Please have the system inspected by your authorized 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)* ●

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

21n

Check Engine lamp ●

If the indicator lamp comes on either continuously or intermittently, this indicates a fault in the emis-

sions-related electronic systems. Although the vehicle remains operational, you should have the systems checked by your BMW center at the earliest possible opportunity.

For additional information: Refer to OBD connector on page 158.

Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

22 Indicator and warning lamps

Green: For your information

Turn signal

Flashes when the turn signals are in operation. Rapid flashing

indicates a system malfunction. For additional information: Refer to page 68.

Cruise control

Lights up when the cruise control is activated. Available for

operation via the multi-function steering wheel.

For additional information: Refer to page 70.

Fog lamps

Lights up whenever you switch on the fog lamps.

For additional information: Refer to page 97.

Blue: For your information

High beam

Lights up when the high beams are on or the headlamp flasher

is actuated.

For additional information: Refer to pages 68, 97.

Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)

The controls integrated in the multifunction steering wheel are provided so that you can operate a number of accessories quickly and without being distracted from traffic conditions. You may operate:

>Some of the functions of the radio, the CD and cassette modes

>The recirculated-air mode of the air conditioner or

>The steering wheel heating

>The cruise control and

>Selected cellular phone functions.

In order to operate a system via the MFL, the corresponding sys-

tem controls must be switched on.<

The illustration shows the maximum possible number of controls, corresponding to a full range of optional equipment. Refer to the individual accessory manuals for more detailed descriptions.

390de110

1Cellular phone: Receive an incoming call, initiate dialing and end a call. Pressing and holding the key for a longer period activates or deactivates the voice input*

2Radio/Telephone: Selection

3Radio/Telephone: Search backward or station keys or scroll in the phone book.

Fast forward and reverse for CD and cassette modes

4Radio/Telephone: Volume

5Radio/Telephone: Search forward or station keys or scroll in the phone book.

Fast forward and reverse for CD and cassette modes

		23n
			Overview
			Controls
			care
6	Horn: The entire surface
			Car
7	Cruise control: Activate stored
	setting (resume)		Repairs
8	Cruise control: Store and acceler-
	ate (+); decelerate and store (–)
9	Cruise control: Activate/Interrupt/
	Deactivate		Technology
10	Recirculated-air mode and AUC or
	steering wheel heating: Switch on
	and off
			Data
			Index

24 Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle*

First-aid kit

	380de039				394de053				380de086

The push-button flashes rhythmically when the hazard flashers are on.

To help you to locate the switch, the button is also lighted whenever the car lamps are on.

The hazard warning triangle is stored underneath the luggage compartment lid in the onboard tool holder where it is quickly available.

Comply with legal requirements which cover the availability of a

hazard warning triangle in the car.<

Stored between the rear seats. Pull the lever (arrow) and fold the cover forward.

Some of the articles in the first-aid kit may be used within a limited

time only. For this reason, check the expiration dates of each of the items regularly, and replace any whose expiration dates have passed. You can acquire replacements in any drugstore or pharmacy.

Comply with legal requirements which cover availability of a first-aid kit in the car.<

Refueling

	384de011				380de633

Before filling the tank, shut off the engine. If you do not, fuel cannot

flow into the tank and the "Check Engine" warning lamp may come on.<

To open the fuel filler door, press against its forward edge.

To unlock the fuel filler door if there is a malfunction of the central locking system, refer to page 178.

When handling fuels, comply with all of the applicable safety precautions and regulations pertaining to fuels.

Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these containers can leak, cause an explosion, or lead to fire in the event of a collision.<

Open the filler cap carefully to prevent fuel from spraying out.

Fuel spray may cause injury.

Do not top off. Topping off may cause fuel spillage.<

Keep the filler cap in the bracket attached to the fuel filler door.

When refueling, insert the filler nozzle completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the nozzle out of the pipe during refueling

>results in premature pump shutoff

>and will reduce the effect of the recovery vapor system on the pump.

Close the fuel cap carefully after refueling. A loose or missing cap

will activate the "Check Engine“ lamp.<

Fuel specifications	25n
Use unleaded gasoline only.
		Overview
sensors and will adapt automatically
Minimum octane requirement: 91 AKI.
BMW engines are equipped with knock
to different octane ratings, provided
that the minimum octane requirement		Controls
(87 AKI) is met.
Fuels with higher octane ratings will
provide enhanced performance and
lower fuel consumption, while the use		care
of fuels with lower octane ratings will
have the opposite effect.		Car
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-		Repairs
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic convertor.<
AKI = Anti Knock Index
		Technology
		Data
		Index

26 Tire inflation pressure

460de163

The inflation pressures are indicated on a sticker attached to the B-pillar behind the driver's door (visible with door open).

Check tire pressures

All pressure specifications are indicated in psi (kilopascal) with cold tires (cold = ambient temperature).

For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control (RDC)*:

After a correction of the tire inflation pressure, reactivate the system. Refer to page 94.

Check tire inflation pressures regularly - at least every two weeks

and before beginning a longer trip. Incorrect tire pressure can otherwise lead to tire damage and accidents.

Also check the inflation pressure of the spare tire. Inflate the spare tire to the highest inflation of any tire on your vehicle.<

Comply with tire approval specifications

The inflation pressures in the table apply to tires from BMW-approved manufacturers. Your BMW center is familiar with these pressures. Higher pressures may be specified for tires from other manufacturers. You will find a list of approved tires beginning on page 136.

Your vehicle is equipped with tires that not only meet US standards, but also European standards. We recommend the exclusive use of BMW-approved tires.

Tire inflation pressure

Tires

Tire inflation pressures in psi (kilopascal)

235/60 R 16 100 H M + S	US/CDN:
235/60 R 16 100 W
245/55 R 16 100 W	33 (230)	41 (280)	33 (230)	41 (280)
235/50 ZR 18	outside of the US/Canada:
Rear: 255/45 ZR 18
215/65 R 16 98 Q M + S	29 (200)	33 (230)	33 (230)	41 (280)
235/60 R 16 100 Q M + S
245/55 R 16 100 Q M + S

27n

Index Data Technology Repairs Car care Controls Overview

28

Locks and security systems:

Keys 30 Electronic vehicle

immobilizer 31

Central locking system 32 Door locks – outside 32 Radio remote control 33 Door locks – inside 36 Luggage compartment lid 37 Luggage compartment 39 Alarm system 40

Electric power windows 42 Security glass 43 Sliding/Tilt sunroof 44

Adjustments:

Seats 46 Steering wheel 49 Mirrors 50

Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory 51

Car Memory, Key Memory 53

Passenger safety systems:

Safety belts 54

Airbags 55

Child restraints 57

Child restraint installation 58

Child-safety locks 58

Driving:

Steering/Ignition lock 59

Starting engine 59

Switching off engine 60

Parking brake 61 Automatic transmission 62 Automatic transmission with

Steptronic 65 Indicator/Headlamp flasher 68 Washer/Wiper system/Rain

sensor 68

Rear window defroster 70 Cruise control 70

Everything under control:

Odometer, outside temperature display 72

Tachometer 72 Energy control 73 Fuel gauge 73 Temperature gauge 74

Service Interval Display 74 Check Control 75 Multi-Information Display

(MID) 78 Digital clock 79

Onboard computer 84

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) 94

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams 96 Instrument panel rheostat 96 High beams/Parking lamps 97 Fog lamps 97

Interior lamps 97 Reading lamps 98

Controlling the climate for pleasant driving:

Automatic climate control 100 Rear passenger-area air

conditioning 105 Seat heating 106

Steering wheel heating 106 Rear window blind 107 Independent ventilation

system 107

Cabin convenience:

Integrated Universal Remote control 108

Glove compartment 110 Center armrests 111 Additional storage areas 113 Cup holder 113

Cellular phone 113 Ashtray 114 Cigarette lighter 115 Rear footrests 115

Loading and transporting cargo:

Ski bag 116 Cargo loading 118

Roof-mounted luggage rack 118

29n

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