BMW 7 Series 2001-2007 - Operation, care and maintenance

125n

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedure 126

Driving notes 127

Under the hood:

Hood 143

Overview

Engine compartment 144

Washer fluids 148

Washer nozzles 148

Engine oil 149

Catalytic converter 128

Antilock Brake System

(ABS) 129

Controls and features

Disc brakes 130

Brake system 132

Coolant 151

Brake fluid 152

Vehicle Identification

Number 153

Winter operation 132

Power steering 134

Level control system 134

Cellular phone 135

Radio reception 135

Operation, care

and maintenance

Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance

System 154

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure 136

Tire condition 136

Tire replacement 137

Tire rotation 137

Caring for your car 155

Airbags 161

Vehicle storage 161

Owner service procedures

Advanced technology

Technical Data

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications 162

California Proposition

65 Warning 162

Wheel and tire

combinations 139

Winter tires 140

OBD connector 163

Snow chains 141

Approved wheel and tire

specifications 142

Index

Car care

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹²⁶ⁿBreak-in procedure

To ensure that your vehicle provides

maximum economy throughout a long

service life, we request that you comply

with the following:

Tires

Brake system

Due to technical factors associated

with their manufacture, tires do not

achieve their full traction potential until tors achieve the optimal pad-surface

Approximately 300 miles (500 km) must

elapse before the brake pads and ro-

an initial break-in period has elapsed.

For this reason, drive with extra care

during the initial 200 miles (300 km).

and wear patterns required for trouble-

free operation and long service life later

on.

Engine and differential

Up 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 all local, state and federal To break-in the separate parking brake

maximum speed laws.

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.

When the vehicle is operated on

wet or slushy roads, a wedge of

Comply with all local, state and federal

maximum speed laws.

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

Refrain from using full throttle and avoid

pressing the accelerator beyond the

kickdown point.

The brake lamps do not come on

when the parking brake is applied.

Once 1,200 miles (2,000 km) have

elapsed, engine speeds and road

speeds can gradually be increased.

and braking effectiveness. Reduce your Vacuum for the brake system servo unit

speed on wet roads.<

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.<

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.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Driving notes

127n

Brakes:

Rear package tray:

Do not drive with your foot resting Never use the rear package tray to

on the brake pedal. Even light but con- store heavy or bulky objects. If you do

sistent pedal pressure can lead to high so, such objects could pose the risk of

temperatures, brake wear and possibly injury to vehicle occupants during brak-

even brake failure.

Aquaplaning:

ing or evasive maneuvers, or in a crash.

Clothes hooks:

When driving on wet or slushy roads, When hanging articles of clothing from

reduce road speed. If you do not, a the hooks, be sure that they will not ob-

wedge of water can form between tires struct the driver's vision. Do not hang

and road surface. This phenomenon is

referred to as aquaplaning or hydro-

planing. It is characterized by a partial

or complete loss of contact between

the tires and the road surface. The ulti-

mate results are loss of steering and

braking control.

heavy objects on the hooks. If you do

so, such objects could pose the risk of

personal injury during braking or eva-

sive maneuvers, for example.<

Driving through water:

Do not drive through water more than

1 foot (30 cm) deep. If you must drive

through water accumulations up to that

depth, drive only at walking speed, oth-

erwise damage to the engine, the elec-

trical system and the transmission can

occur.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹²⁸ⁿCatalytic converter

The catalytic converter reduces harmful > Avoid other situations in which the

exhaust emissions, and is designed for

use with unleaded fuel only.

Be sure to comply with the in-

structions above to prevent un-

burned fuel from reaching the catalytic

fuel is not burned, or burns incom-

pletely, such as engaging the starter

frequently or for extended periods, or converter. Otherwise there is danger of

overheating and damage to the cata-

lytic converter.

Even minute quantities of lead would be

enough to permanently damage both

the catalytic converter and the system's

oxygen sensor.

repeated start attempts in which the

engine does not start (stopping and

restarting an engine which is running Extreme temperatures occur at the

properly does not present a problem). catalytic converter on this and every

To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine

operation and avoid potential damage:

Never let the engine run with any of

the spark plug cables disconnected.

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.<

> Be sure to comply with the scheduled

maintenance requirements

> Fill the fuel tank well before it is

empty

> If you have problems starting the

engine, use jumper cables (you can-

not tow-start the vehicle with an

automatic transmission)

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

129n

On road surfaces that have a loose

The concept

Braking with ABS

surface layer on a firm base with good

traction (on gravel or snow, for in-

stance), braking distances may be

longer than with locked wheels. This is

also true if snow chains are mounted.

However, ABS continues to provide

enhanced vehicle stability and steering

response under these conditions.

ABS enhances active safety by helping The system becomes operative once

to prevent the wheels from locking dur- the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.

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.

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 that requires full

braking, you will exploit the full beneﬁts

of the ABS system if you apply maximum

brake pressure ("panic stop"). Since the

vehicle maintains steering responsive-

ness, you can avoid possible obstacles

with a minimum of steering effort, de-

spite the full brake application.

With ABS, you will achieve the shortest-

possible braking distances under all

given conditions (braking while driving

straight ahead or in curves, different

road surfaces).

ABS is designed to meet two essential

requirements during every brake appli-

cation:

The ABS system's closed-loop control

circuit cycles in fractions of a second.

A pulsation at the brake pedal, together

with the sounds associated with the

hydraulic controls, tells you that the

brake system is within its maximum

limit range and reminds you that you

should adapt road speed to the road

conditions.

> 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).

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹³⁰ⁿAntilock Brake System (ABS)

Disc brakes

Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-

tion and braking control and greater

fade resistance under heavy use.

Information for your safety

In the event of a fault

Not even ABS can suspend the laws of

physics. ABS alone cannot prevent

accidents when the brakes are applied

without an adequate safety distance

between vehicles, if the vehicle is

If the ABS warning lamp in the

instrument cluster comes on, re-

fer to page 21. The brake sys-

When the vehicle is driven only occa-

tem then reverts to conventional sionally, during extended periods when

operation as on vehicles without the vehicle is not used at all, and in op-

driven with excessive speed, or if aqua-

ABS. However, have the brake

erating conditions where brake applica-

tions are less frequent, there is an in-

creased tendency for corrosion of the

rotors and accumulation of contamina-

planing occurs. Responsibility for these system checked by your BMW center

types of situations remains in the hands as soon as possible. To prevent unde-

(and at the feet) of the driver. You

tected defects and cumulative faults

should never allow the added safety of from adversely affecting the brake sys- tion on the brake pads. This occurs be-

ABS to lull you into a false sense of

security, or mislead you into taking

increased risks that could affect your

own safety and that of others.

tem, refer any problems to your autho-

rized BMW center at the earliest oppor- be exerted by the pads to clean the ro-

cause the minimal pressure which must

tunity.

tors by brake applications is not

reached.

If the brake rotors are corroded, they

will tend to respond to braking with a

pulsating effect which even extended

application will fail to cure.

Do not make any modifications to

the ABS system.

Service procedures on ABS are to be

performed by authorized technicians

only.<

For your own safety: Use only

brake pads that BMW has ap-

proved for your particular vehicle

model. BMW cannot evaluate non-ap-

proved brake pads to determine if they

are suited for use, and therefore cannot

ensure the operating safety of the vehi-

cle if they are installed.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Disc brakes

131n

Should engine braking prove inade-

quate, you should still avoid extended,

continuous braking. Instead of main-

taining low to moderate pressure over

an extended period of time, you should

decelerate the vehicle by applying more

substantial force on the pedal (watch

for following traffic!) and then pausing

before repeating the application. This

staggered braking technique allows the

brakes to cool in the intervals between

active braking phases, preventing over-

heating and ensuring that full braking

capacity remains available at all times.

Driving notes

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*

While driving in wet conditions and in

heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply

light pressure to the brake pedal every

few miles. Watch traffic conditions to

ensure that this maneuver does not en-

danger other road users. The heat gen-

erated in this braking process helps dry

the brake pads and rotors.

If you apply the brakes rapidly, this sys-

tem automatically produces the maxi-

mum braking force boost and thus

helps to achieve the shortest possible

braking distance during "panic stops."

All of the benefits of the ABS system

are exploited under these circum-

stances.

Maximum braking force is obtained

while the wheels continue to rotate,

peaking when the wheels remain on the

verge of locking without actually doing

so. ABS maintains this state automati-

cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert

to the staggered braking technique

(refer to page 133).

Do not reduce the pressure on the

brake pedal for the duration of the

brake application. When the brake

pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-

vated.

In the event of a malfunction,

the warning lamp comes on with

a yellow light. Conventional

braking efficiency is available

without limitations.

Do not coast with the transmission

selector lever in neutral. Do not

drive with the engine shut off. The en-

gine provides no braking effect when

the transmission is in neutral, and there

is no power-assist for braking or steer-

ing when the engine is shut off.

Extended or steep mountain descents

do not necessarily have to lead to re-

duced braking efficiency; downshift to a

gear in which only minimal periodic

brake applications are required – move

the selector lever to the appropriate

lower range.

Have the system checked and

repaired at your BMW center as soon

as possible.

Never allow floor mats, carpets or any

other objects to protrude into the area

around the accelerator and brake ped-

als and obstruct their movement.<

For "Information for your safety"

covering the ABS system, refer to

page 129. This information also gener-

ally applies for DBC.<

You can continue to increase the brak-

ing effect of the engine by selecting a

lower gear – you can select transmis-

sion ranges as low as position 2 for ex-

treme conditions.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹³²ⁿBrake system

Winter operation

The onset of winter is often accompa-

nied by rapid changes in weather. Ad-

aptations in driving style should be ac-

companied by preparations on the

vehicle itself to ensure that your vehicle

operation through the winter remains

safe and trouble-free.

Brake fluid level

Brake pads

The warning lamp for the brake

The message "CHECK BRAKE PADS"

appears in the Check Control:

hydraulic system comes on or

the message "CHECK BRAKE

FLUID" appears in the Check

Control:

The brake pads have reached their min-

imum pad thickness. Proceed to the

nearest BMW center as soon as possi-

ble to have the pads replaced.

The brake fluid level is too low in

the reservoir. Refer to page 152.

Coolant

If the brake fluid level is too low and

brake pedal travel has become notice-

ably longer, there may be a defect in

For your own safety: Use only

brake pads that BMW has ap-

proved for your particular vehicle

Be sure that the coolant mixture is kept

at the year-round ratio of 50:50 (water

and antifreeze/corrosion protection).

This mixture provides protection

against freezing down to approx. -34 7

(-376). Replace the coolant every four

years.

one of the brake system's hydraulic cir- model. BMW cannot evaluate non-

cuits.

approved brake pads to determine if

they are suited for use, and therefore

Proceed to the nearest BMW cen- cannot ensure the operating safety of

ter. Higher brake application pres- the vehicle if they are installed.<

sure may be necessary under these

conditions, and brake pedal travel may

be significantly longer. Please remem-

ber to adapt your driving style accord-

ingly.<

Locks

BMW door lock deicer can be used to

free the locks if they are frozen. This

deicer also contains lubricant.

After using deicer, treatment with BMW

lock cylinder grease is recommended.

The warning lamp also comes on when

the "CHECK BRAKE PADS" message

appears in the Check Control.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Winter operation

133n

If the ABS does not respond in a critical

Rubber seals and components

Driving on low-traction road

surfaces

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.

In order to prevent the weather-strip-

ping from freezing, apply rubber treat-

Use smooth, gentle pressure to control

ment or a silicone spray to the seals on the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive

the doors, hood and luggage compart- engine speeds and shift to the next

ment lid.

higher gear at an early point. Adapt

your speed and driving style when ap-

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.

A full range of car care products is proaching grades. Maintain an ade-

available from your BMW center.< quate distance between yourself and

the car ahead.

Snow chains

Brakes

BMW 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 instruc-

tions.

Winter 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.

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.<

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 96.

ABS is intended to prevent the wheels

from locking during brake applications,

thus helping to maintain vehicle stability

and steering response.

Starting off

When 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 96.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹³⁴ⁿWinter operation

Power steering

Level control system*

If there is a change in steering response If the message "LEVEL CONTROL IN-

(difficult steering, for example) or, espe- ACTIVE" appears in the Check Control,

Skid control

Release the accelerator pedal. Coun-

tersteer carefully and attempt to regain

control of the vehicle.

cially on vehicles with Servotronic*, if

the steering "drifts" or "floats" at in-

creasing speeds:

there is a malfunction in the level con-

trol system.

Stop and inspect the vehicle. If it is

riding significantly lower in the rear

than in the front, or if it is sitting at an

incline (left rear compared to right rear),

consult the nearest BMW center. Drive

with appropriate caution in the mean-

time. The vehicle has reduced ground

clearance or driving comfort is notice-

Have your BMW center inspect this

system as soon as possible.

Parking

Place the selector lever in position P

(Park). Engage the parking brake when

parking on hills and inclined surfaces.

In order to prevent the parking brake

linings from locking in the drum due to

frost or corrosion, dry them by gently

applying the parking brake as the vehi-

cle is coming to a stop. Make sure that

following traffic is not endangered.

Servotronic

If steering becomes lighter as speed

increases:

Malfunction in the electronic control

system. Have your BMW center inspect ably reduced.

this system as soon as possible.

Even if the attitude of the vehicle is nor-

mal, you should consult the nearest

BMW center if the warning lamp indi-

cates a system fault.

If the power steering fails, in-

creased effort will be required to

The brake lamps do not come

on when the parking brake is

applied.<

steer the vehicle.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Cellular phone

Radio reception

135n

Mobile communications systems (cellu- The reception and sound quality ob-

lar phone, radio, etc.) are permitted

with an output up to 10 watts only.

Even these systems may trigger mal-

functions in the operation of your vehi-

tained from mobile radios varies ac-

cording to a variety of factors, including

the broadcast range of the transmitter

and the directional orientation of the

cle if they are not specifically designed antenna. Interference factors such as

for use with the vehicle. BMW can nei-

ther test nor assume responsibility for

every individual product being offered

high-tension power lines, buildings and

natural obstructions can all lead to un-

avoidable reception interference, re-

on the market. We recommend that you gardless of how well the vehicle sound

consult your BMW center before pur-

chasing any device of this kind.

system is operating.

Climatic factors such as intense solar

radiation, fog, rain and snow can also

interfere with reception.

To ensure that your BMW continues to

provide reliable and trouble-free opera-

tion, refrain from using a cellular phone Cellular phones without official BMW

or other radio device with an antenna

located inside the passenger compart-

ment. The antenna should always be

mounted on the outside of the vehicle.

approval can also generate interfer-

ence. This phenomenon assumes the

form of a low-pitched hum emanating

from the speaker system.

Please refer to the Owner's Manual

provided with your sound system for

detailed information on its use.

Before loading the vehicle on a

car-carrier train or driving it

through a car-wash, remove the an-

tenna.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹³⁶ⁿTire inflation pressure

Tire condition

Do not drive on a deflated (flat)

tire. A flat tire greatly impairs

Information for your safety

The factory-approved radial tires are

matched to the car and have been se-

lected to provide optimum safety and

driving comfort on your car.

steering and braking response, and can

lead to complete loss of control over

the vehicle.

Avoid overloading the vehicle so that

the permitted load on the tires is not ex-

ceeded. Overloading can lead to over-

heating and increases the rate at which

damage develops inside the tires.

The ultimate result can assume the

form of a sudden air loss.

It is not merely the tire's service life, but

also driving comfort and – above all else

– driving safety which depend on the

condition of the tires and the mainte-

nance of the specified tire pressure.

Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent

cause of tire damage. It also influences

the roadholding ability of your BMW.

Unusual vibrations encountered during

normal vehicle operation can indicate

tire failure or some other vehicle defect,

as can variations in normal vehicle re-

sponse, such as a pronounced ten-

dency to pull to the left or right. Should

this occur, respond by immediately re-

ducing your speed and carefully pro-

ceeding to the nearest BMW center or

professional tire center, or having the

vehicle towed in to have it and its tires

inspected.

Tire tread – tire damage

Inspect your tires frequently for tread

wear, signs of damage and for foreign

objects lodged in the tread. Check the

tread depth.

Check tire inflation pressures – in-

cluding the spare tire – regularly,

at least every two weeks and before be-

ginning a longer trip. If this is not done,

incorrect tire pressures can cause driv-

ing instability and tire damage, ulti-

mately resulting in accidents.<

Tread depth should not be allowed to

go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though

the legally specified minimum tread

depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Wear

indicators appear in the tread at 0.063 in

(1.6 mm) to indicate that the legally per-

missible wear limit has been reached.

Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread depth, there

is an increased risk of aquaplaning,

even at relatively moderate speeds and

with only small amounts of water on the

road.

Tire damage (up to and including blow-

outs) can endanger the lives of both the

vehicle occupants and other road

users.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Tire replacement

137n

To maintain good handling and vehicle

response, use only tires of a single

tread configuration from a single manu-

facturer. BMW tests and approves

wheel/tire combinations. Refer to

page 142.

Traction

Temperature

The traction grades, from highest to

lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.

Those grades represent the tire's ability tire's resistance to the generation of

The temperature grades are A (the

highest), B and C, representing the

to stop on wet pavement as measured

under controlled conditions on speci-

fied government test surfaces of as-

phalt and concrete. A tire marked C

may have poor traction performance.

heat and its ability to dissipate heat

when tested under controlled condi-

tions on a specified indoor laboratory

test wheel.

DOT Quality Grades

Treadwear

Traction AA A B C

Temperature A B C

Sustained high temperature can cause

the material of the tire to degenerate

and reduce tire life, and excessive tem-

perature can lead to sudden tire failure.

The grade C corresponds to a level of

The traction grade assigned to

this tire is based on straight-

ahead braking traction tests, and does

All passenger car tires must con-

form to Federal Safety Require-

ments in addition to these grades.<

not include acceleration, cornering, hy- performance which all passenger car

droplaning, or peak traction character-

istics.<

tires must meet under the Federal Mo-

tor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.

Grades B and A represent higher levels

of performance on the laboratory test

wheel than the minimum required by

law.

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative

rating based on the wear rate of the tire

when tested under controlled condi-

tions on a specified government test

course.

The temperature grade for this tire

is established for a tire that is

For example, a tire graded 150 would

wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as

well on the government course as a tire

graded 100. The relative performance

of tires depends upon the actual condi-

tions of their use, however, and may

depart significantly from the norm due

to variations in driving habits, service

practices and differences in road char-

acteristics and climate.

properly inflated and not overloaded.

Excessive speed, underinflation, or ex-

cessive loading, either separately or in

combination, can cause heat buildup

and possible tire failure.<

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¹³⁸ⁿTire replacement

Tire rotation

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Tire age

Between the axles

Quality grades can be found where ap- The date on which the tire was manu-

The tread wear patterns at the front end

factured is indicated by the code on the differ from those at the rear – the actual

plicable on the tire sidewall between

tread shoulder and maximum section

width. For example:

sidewall: patterns will vary according to individ-

DOT ... 179 means that the tires were ual driving conditions. In the interests of

manufactured in the 17th week of 1999. safety and maintaining optimal handling

Treadwear 200 Traction AA

Temperature A

characteristics, tire rotation is not

recommended.

BMW recommends the replacement of

all tires when the tires are no more than

6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years If a proposed interaxle rotation of tires

Do not use retreaded tires, since

driving safety may be impaired by is possible.

their use. This is due to the possible

is based on economic considerations,

one should consider whether the costs

for the rotation are likely to be recap-

tured by any increase in the service life

of the tires which might be realized. Ro-

tation should always be carried out at

short intervals, with a maximum of

3,000 miles (5,000 km). Consult your

BMW center for more information.

Spare tires over 6 years old should be

variations in casing structures and, in

some cases, to their extreme age, fac-

tors that can lead to a decrease in their

durability.<

used only in case of emergency. Such a

tire should be replaced by a new tire

immediately, and should not be

mounted together with new tires.

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Tire rotation

Wheel and tire combinations

139n

Should you decide to rotate the tires,

it is essential to comply with the follow-

ing:

The right choice

Codes on tires and wheels

Use only tires approved by BMW. Refer The tire codes will aid you in selecting

to page 142.

the correct tire.

Rotate tires on the same side only,

since braking characteristics and road

grip could otherwise be adversely af-

fected.

Because of the high speeds this vehicle

can reach, the use of specific tire

brands, specifications and dimensions

is mandatory. Consult any BMW center

Codes on radial tires:

For example

235/60 R 16 100W

Nominal width

in mm

Following rotation, correct the tire infla- for details.

tion pressure. Comply with national, state, or provin-

cial regulations.

Aspect ratio in %

Radial tire code

Rim diameter in inches

Load rating

If different tire sizes are mounted

on the front and rear axles

(page 142), the tires may not be rotated

from one axle to the other.<

The correct wheel-tire combina-

(not on ZR tires)

Speed rating

(before R on ZR tires)

tion affects different systems such

as ABS, ATC, ASC+T/DSC. The func-

tion of these systems is impaired if im-

proper wheel-tire combinations are

used.

The speed rating indicates the ap-

proved maximum speed for the tire.

For this reason, use only tires of the

same brand and tread pattern. In the

event of a flat tire, for example, remount

the approved wheel-tire combination as

soon as possible.<

Summer tires:

S

T

= up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

= up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

= up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

= up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

= up to 167 mph (270 km/h)

= up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

H

V

W

Y

ZR = over 149 mph (240 km/h)

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹⁴⁰ⁿWheel and tire combinations

Winter tires

All-season an winter tires:

Choosing the right tire

Q

T

M+S

=

up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

BMW 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.

H

Codes stamped on light-alloy wheels:

71/2 J x 16

H

2

For example

Rim width

in inches

Code letter for

flange type

In the interests of sure tracking and

safe steering response, mount winter

tires which are made by the same man-

ufacturer and which have the same

tread configuration at all four wheels.

Symbol for full-drop

center rim

Rim diameter in inches

Hump on the 2 rim shoulders

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.

Protect valve inserts against dirt using

screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the

valves frequently leads to slow leaks.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Winter tires

Snow chains*

141n

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.

Do not exceed specified

maximum speeds

Storage

Store tires in a cool, dry place, away

from light whenever possible. Protect

the tires against contact with oil, grease

and fuel.

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 pressure

Winter 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.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹⁴²ⁿApproved wheel and tire specifications

The use of rims and wheel bolts

that do not meet the specifica-

tions of the original factory-installed

equipment will affect the safe operation

of your vehicle and may cause an acci-

dent and personal injury.

Tire specifications

All-season tires

Light-alloy wheel

235/60 R 16 100 H M+S

7.5Jx16

8Jx16

Summer tires

Never mix tires of different design, such

as steel-belted radials with radial bias-

belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire

types will adversely affect roadholding

and can lead to loss of vehicle con-

trol.<

235/60 R 16 100 W

7.5Jx16

8Jx16

245/55 R 16 100 W

235/50 ZR 18

8Jx16

8Jx18

Rear: 255/45 ZR 18

9Jx18

9.5Jx18

Winter tires (M+S)

215/65 R 16 98 Q

235/60 R 16 100 Q

7.5Jx16

8Jx16

245/55 R 16 100 Q

8Jx16

Note the tire and wheel data in the offi-

cial documents of the car. If sizes not

approved by the manufacturer are

mounted, an entry in the vehicle's doc-

uments may be necessary. Comply with

local legislation.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Hood

143n

To release the hood

To open

To close

Pull the lever located at the lower left-

hand side of the instrument panel.

Pull the release handle and open the

hood.

Allow the hood to drop from a height of

about 12 inches (30 cm) so that it audi-

bly engages.

Do not work on your vehicle with-

out appropriate skills. Switch off

To avoid injuries, be sure that the

travel path of the hood is clear

when it is closed, as with all closing

procedures.

the engine and allow it to cool down

before working in the engine compart-

ment. Always disconnect the battery

before working on any electrical sys-

tems or equipment. Comply with all ap-

plicable instructions and warnings. Fail-

ure to work in an informed, professional

manner when servicing components

and materials constitutes a safety haz-

ard for vehicle occupants and other

road users. If you are not familiar with

the guidelines, please have the opera-

tions performed by your BMW center.<

If it is determined that the hood is not

completely closed while driving, stop

immediately and close it securely.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹⁴⁴ⁿEngine compartment – BMW 740i/L

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Engine compartment – BMW 740i/L

145n

1 Brake fluid reservoir 152

2 Auxiliary terminal for jump

starting 183

3 Engine oil dipstick 149

4 Engine oil filler neck 149

5 Coolant expansion tank 151

6 Reservoir for headlamp

and windshield washer system 148

7 Fuse box 180

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹⁴⁶ⁿEngine compartment – BMW 750iL

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Engine compartment – BMW 750iL

147n

1 Brake fluid reservoir 152

2 Auxiliary terminal for jump

starting 183

3 Engine oil filler neck 149

4 Coolant expansion tank 151

5 Engine oil dipstick 149

6 Reservoir for headlamp

and windshield washer system 148

7 Fuse box 180

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹⁴⁸ⁿWasher fluids

Washer nozzles

Antifreeze agents or intensive

windshield cleaning agents for the

washer systems are highly flammable.

For this reason, keep them away from

sources of flame and store them only in

their original containers. Store them so

that they are inaccessible to children.

Comply with the instructions on the

containers.<

Windshield washer

The spray from the nozzles should be

directed so as to ensure effective

cleaning, even at high speeds.

Use a needle to adjust the nozzles as

required, or have them adjusted at your

BMW center.

Headlamp washer

Have the nozzles adjusted by your

BMW center as required.

Headlamp* and

windshield washer system

The filling capacity is approx. 4.7 US

quarts (4.5 liters) for the windshield

washer system or approx. 6.3 US

quarts (6.0 liters) together with the

headlamp washer system.

Fill with water and – when needed –

with a washer antifreeze (according to

manufacturer's recommendations).

We recommend that you mix the

washer fluid before adding it to

the reservoir.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Engine oil

149n

Checking the oil level

Adding engine oil

The oil volume between the two marks

on the dipstick corresponds to approx.

1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond

the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess

oil will damage the engine.

1 Park the vehicle on a level surface

2 Shut the engine off after it has

reached normal operating tempera-

ture

Wait until the level has dropped to just

above the lower mark before adding oil.

However, do not wait until the oil drops

below the lower mark.

3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-

stick out and wipe it off with a clean

lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar

material

BMW engines are designed to op-

erate without oil additives. The

use of additives could lead to damage

in some cases. This is also true for the

automatic transmission, the differential

and the power steering system.<

4 Push the dipstick carefully all the way

into the guide tube and pull it out

again

5 The oil level should be in between the

two graduations on the dipstick.

As with fuel economy, oil consumption

is directly influenced by your driving

style and vehicle operating conditions.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹⁵⁰ⁿEngine oil

Engine oil specifications

Viscosity ratings

The quality of the engine oil selected

has critical significance for the opera-

tion and service life of an engine. Based

on extensive testing, BMW has ap-

proved only certain engine oils.

Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-

lished in SAE classes.

The selection of the correct SAE class

depends on the climatic conditions in

the area where you drive your BMW.

Use only approved "BMW High-Perfor-

mance Synthetic Oil."

Approved oils are in SAE classes

5W-40 and 5W-30.<

If you are unable to obtain "BMW High-

Performance Synthetic Oil," you can

add small amounts of synthetic oil in

between oil changes. Only use oils with

the API SH specification or higher.

These oils may be used for driving in all

ambient temperatures.

Ask your authorized BMW center

for details concerning the specific

"BMW High-Performance Synthetic Oil"

or other synthetic oils that have been

approved.

You can also call BMW of North

America at 1-800-831-1117, or visit this

webside: to obtain

this information.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Engine oil

Coolant

151n

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the dis-

posal of used oil.<

Do not add coolant to the cooling

system when the engine is hot.

Escaping coolant can cause burns.

To avoid the possibility of damage later

on, never use anything other than fac-

tory-approved, nitrite and amino-free

extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion

protectant. Your authorized BMW cen-

ter is familiar with the official specifica-

tions.

Recommendation: Have the oil

changed by your BMW center.

Continuous exposure to used oil

has caused cancer in laboratory

testing.

Any skin areas that come into contact

with oil should therefore be thoroughly

washed with soap and water.

Store oils, greases, and similar materi-

Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents

are hazardous to health. Store anti-

freeze and anti-corrosion agents in their

original containers where they are inac-

Checking coolant level

Correct coolant level when the engine

is cold (approx. 68 7/206):

als so that they are inaccessible to chil- cessible to children.

dren. Comply with all warnings on the

containers.<

Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-

sion inhibitor contains ethylene glycol - Unscrew the cap from the expansion

a flammable substance. For this reason, tank.

do not spill antifreeze with corrosion in-

The coolant level is correct when the

hibitor on hot engine components. It

end of the red float is aligned with the

could catch fire and cause serious

burns.<

upper edge of the filler opening (refer to

the arrow in the illustration), or max.

0.8 in (2 cm) higher, for instance up to

the second mark on the float (see also

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the dis-

the schematic diagramm next to the

posal of extended-duty antifreeze with

cap).

corrosion inhibitor.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

¹⁵²ⁿCoolant

Brake fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,

it absorbs moisture from the air

To add coolant

Wait until the engine cools before re-

moving the cap from the expansion

tank. The needle of the coolant temper-

ature gauge in the instrument cluster

must be located in the blue zone; other-

wise, there is a danger of scalding.

over time.

In order to ensure the operating safety

of the brake system, have the brake

fluid changed every two years by your

BMW center. Refer also to the Service

and Warranty Information Booklet (US

models) or to the Warranty and Service

Guide Booklet (Canadian models).

Brake fluid is toxic and damages the

vehicle's paint. Always store brake fluid

in the original containers. Keep the con-

tainers tightly closed and out of reach

of children.

1 Start by turning the cap counter-

clockwise. Pause to allow any accu-

mulated pressure to escape, then re-

move the cap

2 If the coolant is low, slowly add cool-

ant until the correct level is reached –

do not overfill.

Brake fluid level

If the brake hydraulic system

warning lamp comes on, or if

the message "CHECK BRAKE

FLUID" appears in the Check

Control display: The brake fluid

level is too low in the reservoir.

The coolant is a mixture of water and

extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion

inhibitor. Always maintain the pre-

scribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio

for year-round protection against inter-

nal corrosion. No other additives are re-

quired.

Do not spill brake fluid. Do not fill be-

yond the "MAX" level in the reservoir.

The brake fluid could ignite upon con-

tact with hot engine parts and cause

serious burns.<

Fill up to upper mark ("MAX" level visi-

ble through the transparent reservoir).

Comply with the applicable envi-

ronmental laws regulating the dis-

posal of brake fluid.<

Any BMW center can provide you with

information on factory-approved brake

fluids (DOT 4).

Replace the coolant every four years.

Brake fluid loss results in extended

pedal travel. Refer to the information on

page 132.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Vehicle Identification Number

153n

In the engine compartment, stamped

on the right-hand strut dome (arrow)

and on the upper edge of the instru-

ment panel on the left side.

¹⁵⁴ⁿThe BMW Maintenance System

years considered the actual conditions

under which the vehicle operates.

Service and Warranty Information

Booklet (US models)/Warranty

and Service Guide Booklet

(Canadian models)

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-

Please refer to the Service and War-

ranty Information Booklet (US models)

or to the Warranty and Service Guide

distance highway travel. In response to Booklet (Canadian models) for addi-

this fact, the BMW Maintenance Sys-

tem monitors operating conditions as

the basis for determining the optimum

service intervals for your individual ve-

hicle.

tional information on maintenance inter-

vals and procedures. Depending upon

operating conditions, it may be a good

idea to have the body checked for

stone damage and chips at the same

time as a precaution against rust.

The 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.

The BMW Maintenance System in-

cludes the Engine Oil Service and In-

spections I and II.

Have your BMW center do the

maintenance and repair. Your

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 deterio-

rates over time, regardless of use.

BMW center is always informed on the

latest maintenance work and repair

techniques and equipped with the re-

quired special tools. In addition, check-

ing parts known from experience to be

subject to wear is a permanent part of

the maintenance specifications. Be

sure that all maintenance work is con-

firmed in the Service and Warranty In-

formation 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 required in the event of a war-

ranty claim.<

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.

Service Interval Display

Advanced 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

Caring for your car

155n

Vehicles with rain sensor*:

When cleaning the headlamps,

please observe the following:

Washing your car

Clean the windshield regularly. Wax

from automatic car washes or insects,

for example, can cause malfunctions in

the function of the rain sensor.

You can have your new BMW washed

in an automatic car wash. Car wash

systems that do not employ brushes

are preferable.

> Do not clean by wiping with a dry

cloth (this causes scratches). Never

use abrasives or strong solvents to

clean the covers

Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and

remove dead insects before washing

the car.

Turn the rain sensor off in auto-

matic car washes. If you do not,

damage may occur if the wipers switch

on unintentionally.<

> Remove dirt and contamination (such

as insects) by soaking with BMW Car

Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty

of water

To prevent spots, avoid washing when

the hood is still warm, or immediately

after and during exposure to strong

sunlight.

> Always use a deicer spray to remove

accumulated ice and snow – never

use a scraper.<

Parts of the car that are inaccessible to

the automatic washer – such as door

sills, door and hood edges, etc. –

should be cleaned by hand.

When using an automatic car wash, be

sure that:

After washing the car, apply the

brakes briefly to dry them. Braking

In the winter months, it is especially im-

> The car wash system is suited for the

dimensions of your vehicle

portant to ensure that the car is washed efficiency might otherwise be reduced

on a regular basis. Large quantities of by the moisture, and the brake rotors

dirt and road salt are difficult to remove, could also be corroded.<

> No damage will occur on vehicles

with attached body accessories (such

as spoilers or antennas). If you are

uncertain, consult the manager of the

car wash

and they also cause damage to the ve-

hicle.

If spray wands or high-pressure

washers are used, be sure to

> The wheels and tires of your vehicle

cannot be damaged by the convey-

ance devices of the car wash system

> The vehicle is cleaned with minimum

brush pressure, and that ample water

is available for washing and rinsing.

maintain an adequate distance between

the spray source and the vehicle's sur-

face.

Inadequate distance and excessive

pressure can damage or weaken the

finish, making it more susceptible to

subsequent attack. In addition, mois-

ture could penetrate to vehicle compo-

nents, leading to long-term damage.<

¹⁵⁶ⁿCaring for your car

Depending upon material and type of In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-

impact (perforation of paint layer), phys- spheric salt and humidity promote cor-

Exterior finish

To provide effective corrosion protec-

tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at

the factory. Cataphoretic immersion

priming techniques are supplemented

using special body-cavity protectants,

with the application of specially-devel-

oped and extensively tested materials.

ical stresses from sand, road salt,

gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to

start extending beneath the finish, start-

ing at the point of impact.

rosion.

In tropical zones, temperatures of over

1057 (406) in the shade prevail, in

addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation

and high humidity. Under those circum-

Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects, ani-

mal droppings (strong alkali effect) and stances, light exterior finishes reach

temperatures of up to 175 7 (806)

A layer of flexible PVC is first applied to tree excretions (resins and pollen) all

the undercarriage. Following this, a

comprehensive undercoating treat-

ment with a wax-based protectant is

applied.

contain substances capable of causing and dark finishes up to 250 7 (1206).

damage when allowed to remain on the

finish of your car for any period of time

(spots, etching, flaking, separation in

Regular maintenance makes an impor-

tant contribution to maintaining the

safety and value of your vehicle.

the top coat).

In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust,

lime, oily soot, precipitation containing

sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-

ronmental pollutants will damage the

Increasing awareness of the effects of

harmful environmental factors on a ve-

hicle's exterior finish have led paint and car's finish unless adequate care is pro-

vehicle manufacturers to initiate pro-

grams designed to further improve the

vided – even though this is generally

limited to the outside horizontal sur-

durability of their finishes. Despite this, faces.

environmental factors that occur locally

or regionally can have negative effects

on the finish of your vehicle. These

should guide you in determining the fre-

quency and extent of your efforts to

maintain the vehicle finish.

Caring for your car

157n

Caring for the vehicle finish

Waxing your car

Paint damage

Regular washing is a preventive mea-

sure against long-term effects from

substances that are harmful to the vehi-

cle's finish, especially if you drive your

vehicle in areas with high levels of air

pollution or aggressive natural sub-

stances (tree resins, pollen).

Protect the finish using carnauba or

synthetic-based waxes only.

You can touch up small areas of dam-

age with BMW spray paint or a BMW

touch-up stick.

The best way to determine when the

finish needs to be waxed is by noting

when water stops beading on the sur-

face.

The color code of your vehicle is lo-

cated on a tag near the vehicle's data

plate and on the first page of the Ser-

vice and Warranty Information Booklet

(US models) or of the Warranty and

Service Guide Booklet (Canadian mod-

els).

You can use a glass cleaner to remove

any wax or silicone that may have been

left on the windows during waxing.

Nevertheless, you should immediately

remove especially aggressive sub-

stances. Failure to do so can lead to

changes in the paint's chemical struc-

ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled

during refueling, oil, grease and brake

fluid should always be cleaned away

immediately, as should bird droppings.

All of these substances cause damage

to the finish.

Use cleaning and car-care prod-

ucts that you can obtain at your

BMW center.<

Damage caused by flying stones,

scratches, etc., must be touched up

without delay to prevent rust from form-

ing.

If corrosion has started to form in an

area with paint damage, remove all rust

and clean the area. Then prime the area

with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply

the finish coat. Wait a few days, then

polish the repaired area. Finish by ap-

plying a wax preservative.

Any contamination remaining on the

surface of the vehicle will be especially

conspicuous after washing. Use clean-

ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or

cotton pad to remove. Remove tar

spots with tar remover. After cleaning,

the affected areas should be waxed to

ensure continued protection.

More extensive paint damage should

be repaired professionally in accor-

dance with the manufacturer's instruc-

tions. Your BMW center uses original

BMW finish materials in accordance

with approved repair procedures.

Use cleaning and car-care prod-

ucts that you can obtain at your

BMW center.<

¹⁵⁸ⁿCaring for your car

Please observe the following pre- Clean the wiper blades with soapy

Window care

cautions pertaining to this film

when caring for the interior glass sur-

faces:

water. The wiper blades should be

replaced twice a year, before and after

the cold season. This is especially im-

portant for vehicles with a rain sensor.

You can use window and glass cleaner

to clean interior window surfaces and

mirrors without streaking. Never use

polishing pastes or abrasive (quartz)

cleansers on mirror lenses.

> The film is not scratch-resistant. For

this reason, do not touch the glass

with sharp objects which could dam-

age the film

Use only wiper blades approved

by BMW.<

Break-resistant security glass

> Clean the glass with clean water. If

necessary, you may also use regular

household window cleaners. Wipe

the cleaner off immediately.

The glass used for the side windows is

designed to provide resistance to

breakage and protection against van-

dalism. These break-resistant windows

contain several layers of a transparent

plastic film which is sandwiched be-

tween the inner and outer glass panes.

There is also one additional plastic film

on the inside of the glass pane (facing

the passenger compartment). This film

prevents shards of glass from spread-

ing into the passenger compartment if

the window is shattered.

Do not use window cleaners contain-

ing solvents or abrasives. These

cleaners can mar the film

> Do not apply any self-adhering de-

cals, adhesive labels or other stickers

with tape to the inner window surface

> Do not apply colored films to the in-

side surfaces of the side windows

> If the windows are fogged or iced

over in cold or humid climates, do not

use an ice scraper or ice-removing

sprays to clean them. Start the en-

gine and refer to the instructions for

defrosting the door windows.<

Caring for your car

159n

The safety belts should be cleaned with

a mild soap and water solution without

being removed from the car. Never at-

tempt chemical or dry cleaning, as

damage to the belt fabric could result.

Caring for other vehicle

components and materials

Leather care

The leather upholstery used by BMW is

a natural product of the highest quality,

processed using state-of-the-art meth-

ods to ensure that it will maintain its

high quality for years to come, provided

that it is properly cared for.

Light-alloy wheels should be treated

with alloy wheel cleaner, especially dur-

ing the winter months. However, do not

use aggressive products containing ac- After cleaning, never allow the inertia

ids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do not

use steam cleaners operating at tem-

peratures above 140 7 (60 6). Follow

the manufacturer's instructions.

reel to retract the belts until they are

completely dry. Dirty safety belts pre-

vent the inertia reel mechanism from re-

tracting the strap properly, and thus

constitute a safety hazard.

Because this product is manufactured

using natural materials, you must make

allowance for its special characteristics

as well as for the peculiarities of its use

and care.

If your vehicle has chromed parts* such

as window moldings, door handles or

Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats*

other parts, clean these parts especially can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.

carefully with ample clean water, espe- The floor mats can be removed from

Regular periodic cleaning and care are

essential, as dust and road dirt act as

abrasives in the pores and creases of

the material. This leads to wear spots

cially if they have an accumulation of

road salt. You may wish to add a car

shampoo supplement to the water. Use

a chrome polish for an additional treat-

ment.

the vehicle for cleaning.

Please use only a damp cloth to clean

wooden fascia panels and components. and premature brittleness on the sur-

Follow up by drying with a soft cloth.

face of the leather. We therefore sug-

gest that you clean the leather with a

vacuum cleaner or dust cloth at fre-

quent intervals.

Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,

headliners, lamp lenses, the clear cover

of the instrument panel and compo-

nents with a sprayed dull black surface

can be cleaned with water (add plastic

cleaner as required). Do not allow mois-

ture to soak through the seats or head-

liner. Never use solvents such as lac-

quer thinner, heavy-duty grease

Use cleaning and car-care prod-

ucts that you can obtain at your

BMW center. <

For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning

foam.

remover, fuels, etc.

Rubber components should be cleaned

with water only; a rubber treatment or

silicone spray may also be applied.

¹⁶⁰ⁿCaring for your car

Since dirt and grease gradually attack

the protective layer of the leather, the

cleaned surfaces should be treated

Cleaning agents can contain sub-

stances that are dangerous or

pose health risks. Therefore, always

with BMW leather care agent. This also comply with the warnings and danger

acts as an antistatic agent.

notices on the package.

Open the doors or windows on your ve-

hicle when cleaning the interior. Never

clean your vehicle with solvents or

other materials not specifically intended

for this application.<

For protection against dampness or

moisture, treat the leather with a BMW

impregnating agent.

We recommend that you perform this

procedure twice a year on leather ex-

posed to normal use.

Spills should be wiped up immediately.

Remove grease and oil stains without

rubbing by carefully dabbing with a

cloth soaked in spot remover.

If the upholstery is to be exposed to in-

tense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be

stored for an extended period, cover all

leather surfaces (or, better yet, the win-

dows) to prevent fading.

Airbags

Vehicle storage

161n

Modifications may not be made on ei- Consult your BMW center regarding the

ther the wiring or the individual compo- required special procedures if you in-

nents in the airbag system. These in-

clude the padded steering wheel hub,

the instrument panel, the side trim pan-

els of the front or rear doors and the

roof pillars or the sides of the headliner.

Never apply adhesive materials to these

components or cover or modify them in

any way. Do not attempt to remove or

dismantle the steering wheel.

tend to store the vehicle for longer than

three months.

To ensure compliance with official

safety regulations, entrust disposal of

airbag generators to a BMW center.

Unprofessional attempts to service the

system could lead to failure in an emer-

gency or undesired airbag activation,

either of which could result in personal

injury.<

1 Front airbags for driver and

front passenger

2 Side impact head protection system

(front and rear*)

3 Side airbags (front and rear*)

Important safety notices

The side airbags in the rear* of

your vehicle are deactived. If you

wish, you can have them acticated.

Please consult your BMW center.<

Do not attempt to remove the gas

generators of the airbag restraint

system from the vehicle. Have testing

and service procedures performed by

specially-qualified technicians only. In

the event of a malfunction, deactivation,

or triggered actuation (as a response to

an accident) of the airbag restraint sys-

tem, consult a BMW center for repairs

or service operations.

¹⁶²ⁿTechnical modifications

California Proposition 65 Warning

Any BMW center will be glad to inform

you of the advisability, legal require-

ments and factory recommendations

with regard to technical modifications

on the car. For this purpose, the BMW

center requires the Vehicle Identifica-

tion Number and, in some cases, also

the engine number.

California laws require us to state the

following warning:

Engine exhaust, some of its con-

stituents, and certain vehicle com-

ponents contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to

cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.<

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Light-emitting diodes installed behind

translucent lenses serve as the light

source for many of the controls and

displays in your vehicle. The concept

behind 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.<

OBD connector

163n

An illuminated "Service Engine

Soon" lamp informs you of the

When the filler cap is not properly

tightened, the OBD system can

need for service, not of the need detect the vapor leak and the indicator

to stop the vehicle. However, the sys- will light up. If the filler cap is subse-

tems should be checked by your BMW quently tightened, the indicator should

center at the earliest possible opportu- extinguish within a few days.<

nity.

Under certain conditions, the indicator

will blink or flash. This indicates a rather

severe level of engine misfire. When

this occurs, you should reduce speed

and consult the nearest BMW center as

soon as possible. Severe engine misfire

over only a short period of time can se-

riously damage emission control com-

ponents, especially the catalytic con-

verter.

The interface socket for the onboard di-

agnosis system is located beneath a

cover on the center console front panel

(arrow).

A sticker with the letters "OBD" is at-

tached to the cover.

"Service Engine Soon" warning

lamp for Canadian models.

The purpose of the OBD (Onboard

Diagnostic) system is to assure proper

emission control system operation for

the vehicle's lifetime by monitoring

emission-related components and

systems for deterioration and malfunc-

tion.

Operation, care and maintenance for your BMW 7 Series 2001-2007

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