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EnglishOperation, care and maintenance -> Winter operation for your BMW 7 Series 2001-2007
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
