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

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