Overview for your BMW 7 Series 2001-2007

15n  
Cockpit 16  
Overview  
Instrument cluster 18  
Indicator and warning lamps 20  
Multifunction steering wheel  
(MFL) 23  
Controls and features  
Hazard warning flashers 25  
Warning triangle 25  
First-aid kit 25  
Refueling 26  
Fuel specifications 27  
Tire inflation pressure 28  
Operation, care  
and maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Advanced technology  
Technical Data  
Index  
Overview  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
16nCockpit  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
Cockpit  
17n  
1 Parking lamps/Low beams 100  
2 > Turn signal 71  
> Parking lamp 101  
> High beams 101  
> Headlamp flasher 71  
> Onboard computer 88  
3 Horn: The entire surface  
4 Fog lamps 101  
5 Wiper/Washer lever 72  
6 Central locking system 34  
7 Hazard warning system 25  
8 Rear window defroster 74  
9 Electric steering wheel  
adjustment 51  
10 Parking brake release handle 65  
11 Parking brake pedal 65  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
18nInstrument cluster  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
Instrument cluster  
19n  
1 Fuel gauge with lamp for fuel  
reserve range 77  
11 Indicator lamp for Automatic  
Stability Control plus Traction  
(ASC+T)/Dynamic Stability  
Control (DSC) 21  
2 Turn signal indicators 22  
3 Speedometer  
12 Trip odometer 76  
4 Indicator lamp for high beams 22  
13 Check Control display 79  
14 Odometer 76  
5 Tachometer and  
Energy Control 76, 77  
15 Service Interval Display 78, 154  
16 Trip odometer reset to zero 76  
6 Engine coolant temperature  
gauge 78  
7 Indicator and warning lamps for  
> Parking brake 21  
17 Indicator and warning lamps (clock-  
wise) for  
> Hydraulic brake system/Dynamic  
Brake Control (DBC)* 20, 21  
> Antilock Brake System (ABS) 21  
> Airbag 21  
> Fog lamps 22  
> Battery charge current 20  
> Engine oil pressure 20  
> Service Engine Soon 21  
> Please fasten safety belts 21  
> Cruise control 22  
You can display the outside tem-  
perature and distance driven in  
different units of measurement.<  
8 CHECK button 79  
9 Selection lever and program display  
for automatic transmission 66  
10 Outside temperature display 76  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
20nIndicator and warning lamps  
Brake hydraulic system G  
The brake fluid level is too low.  
Before driving further, be sure to  
read the notes on pages 132 and 152.  
Also comes on with the message  
"CHECK BRAKE PADS" in the Check  
Control.  
Technology that monitors itself  
Red: Stop immediately  
Many of the systems of your BMW  
monitor themselves automatically, both  
during engine starts and while you are  
driving. Indicator and warning lamps  
Battery charge current G  
The battery is no longer being  
charged. There is a malfunction  
of the alternator V-belt or in the charg-  
that are identified by "G" are tested for ing circuit of the alternator. Please con-  
proper functioning whenever the igni-  
tion key is turned. They each light up  
once for different periods of time.  
tact the nearest BMW center.  
Brake hydraulic system warning  
lamp for Canadian models.  
If the V-belt is defective, do not  
continue driving. If you do so,  
the engine could be damaged due to  
overheating. If the V-belt is defective,  
increased steering effort is also  
required.<  
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.  
Engine oil pressure G  
Comes on while the engine is  
running and the "Stop! ENGINE  
OILPRESS" message appears in the  
Check Control:  
Stop vehicle and switch off the engine.  
Check the engine level; top up as re-  
quired. If oil level is correct: Please  
contact the nearest BMW center.  
Do not continue driving. The en-  
gine could be damaged because  
of inadequate lubrication.<  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
Indicator and warning lamps  
21n  
Service Engine Soon G  
If the indicator lights up, either  
continuously or intermittently,  
this indicates a fault in the emissions-  
related electronic systems. Although  
the vehicle remains operational, you  
should have the systems checked by  
your BMW center at the earliest possi-  
ble opportunity.  
Red: An important reminder  
Yellow: Check as soon as  
possible  
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)* G  
Parking brake  
Comes on when you engage the  
parking brake.  
Fault in the DBC System. Con-  
ventional braking efficiency is  
For additional information: Refer to  
page 65.  
available without limitations.  
For additional information: Refer to  
page 131.  
Parking brake warning lamp for  
Canadian models.  
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)*  
Warning lamp for Canadian  
models.  
For additional information: Refer to  
OBD connector on page 163.  
Please fasten safety belts* G  
An acoustic signal and message  
in the Check Control for 4 to  
"Service Engine Soon" warning  
lamp for Canadian models.  
Antilock Brake System (ABS) G  
The ABS system has been de-  
activated because of a system  
fault. Conventional braking efficiency is  
available without limitations. Please  
have the system inspected by your  
BMW center.  
8 seconds. The acoustic signal ends  
after the safety belts are fastened.  
For additional information on safety  
belts: Refer to page 56.  
Airbags G  
Please have the system  
checked by your authorized  
BMW center as soon as possible.  
For additional information: Refer to  
page 57.  
For additional information: Refer to  
page 129.  
ABS warning lamp for Canadian  
models.  
Automatic Stability Control plus  
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic  
Stability Control (DSC) G  
The ASC+T/DSC has been switched off  
or has been deactivated because of a  
malfunction. In the event of a malfunc-  
tion, have the system checked by your  
BMW center. For additional information:  
Refer to page 96.  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
22nIndicator and warning lamps  
Green: For your information  
Blue: For your information  
Turn signal  
High beams  
Lights up when the high beams  
are on or the headlamp flasher  
Flashes when the turn signal is  
in operation. Rapid flashing indi-  
cates a system malfunction.  
For additional information: Refer to  
page 71.  
is actuated.  
For additional information: Refer to  
page 71.  
Cruise control  
Lights up when the cruise con-  
trol is activated. Available for  
operation via the multi-function steering  
wheel.  
For additional information: Refer to  
page 74.  
Fog lamps  
Lights up whenever you switch  
on the fog lamps.  
For additional information: Refer to  
page 101.  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)  
23n  
There are two design versions, depend-  
ing on the equipment installed in your  
vehicle.  
The controls integrated in the multi-  
function steering wheel are provided so  
that you can operate a number of ac-  
cessories 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  
5 Radio/Telephone: Search forward or  
station keys or scroll in the phone  
book.  
1 Press briefly:  
Receive an incoming phone call,  
conditioner or  
> the steering wheel heating  
> The cruise control  
initiate dialing and end a call.  
Press and hold:  
Fast forward and reverse for CD and  
cassette modes  
> Selected cellular phone functions and  
> the voice control  
Activate and deactivate the voice  
control  
6 Horn: The entire surface  
In order to operate a system via  
the MFL, the corresponding sys-  
tem controls must be switched on.<  
2 Radio/Telephone: Selection  
7 Cruise control: Activate stored  
setting (resume)  
3 Radio/Telephone: Search backward  
or station keys or scroll in the phone  
book.  
8 Cruise control: Store and acceler-  
ate (+); decelerate and store (–)  
The illustration shows the maximum  
possible number of controls, corre-  
sponding to a full range of optional  
equipment. Refer to the individual  
Owner's Manuals for more detailed de-  
scriptions of the equipment.  
Fast forward and reverse for CD and  
cassette modes  
9 Cruise control: Activate/Interrupt/  
Deactivate  
4 Radio/Telephone: Volume  
10 Recirculated-air mode and AUC or  
steering wheel heating: Switch on  
and off  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
24nMultifunction steering wheel (MFL)*  
There are two design versions, depend-  
ing on the equipment installed in your  
vehicle.  
The controls integrated in the multi-  
function steering wheel are provided so  
that you can operate a number of ac-  
cessories quickly and without being  
distracted from traffic conditions. You  
may operate:  
> Some of the functions of the radio,  
the CD and cassette modes  
> The cruise control  
5 Cruise control: Activate stored  
setting (resume)  
1 Press briefly:  
Receive an incoming phone call,  
> Selected cellular phone functions and  
> the voice control  
initiate dialing and end a call.  
Press and hold:  
6 Cruise control: Activate/Interrupt/  
Deactivate.  
In order to operate a system via  
the MFL, the corresponding sys-  
tem controls must be switched on.  
Activate and deactivate the voice  
control  
7 Cruise control: Store and acceler-  
ate (+); decelerate and store (–)  
2 Radio/Telephone: Volume  
8 Radio/Telephone: Selection  
The illustration shows the maximum  
possible number of controls, corre-  
sponding to a full range of optional  
equipment. Refer to the individual oper-  
ating instructions for more detailed de-  
scriptions of the equipment.  
3 Radio/Telephone: Scan forward/  
backward or scan station keys or  
scroll in the phone listings.  
Fast forward and back for CD and  
cassette modes  
4 Horn: The entire surface  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
Hazard warning flashers Warning triangle*  
First-aid kit  
25n  
The push-button flashes rhythmically  
when the hazard flashers are on.  
The hazard warning triangle is stored  
Stored between the rear seats. Pull the  
lever (arrow) and fold the cover forward.  
underneath the luggage compartment  
lid in the onboard tool holder where it is  
quickly available.  
To help you locate the switch in an  
emergency, the button is illuminated  
whenever the vehicle lamps are on.  
Some of the articles in the first-aid  
kit may be used within a limited  
Comply with legal requirements  
which cover the availability of a  
hazard warning triangle in the car.<  
time only. For this reason, check the  
expiration dates of each of the items  
regularly, and replace any whose expi-  
ration dates have passed. You can ac-  
quire replacements in any drugstore or  
pharmacy. Comply with legal require-  
ments which cover availability of a first-  
aid kit in the car.<  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
26nRefueling  
When handling fuels, comply with  
all of the applicable safety precau-  
tions and regulations posted at the fill-  
ing station. Never carry spare fuel con-  
tainers in your vehicle. Whether empty  
or full, these containers can leak, cause  
an explosion, or lead to fire in the event  
of a collision.<  
Simple and environmentally  
friendly  
Fuel filler door  
Before filling the tank, shut off the  
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 spill-  
age.<  
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot  
flow into the tank and the "Service En-  
gine Soon" warning lamp may come on,  
refer to page 21.<  
To open, press against the forward  
edge.  
Keep the filler cap in the bracket at-  
tached to the fuel filler door.  
To unlock the fuel filler door if the cen-  
tral locking system malfunctions, refer  
to page 182.  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
Refueling  
Fuel specifications  
27n  
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle  
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling  
the nozzle out of the pipe during refuel-  
ing  
The engine uses lead-free gasoline  
only.  
Required fuel:  
> Premium Unleaded Gasoline,  
min. 91 AKI.  
AKI = Anti Knock Index  
> results in premature pump shutoff  
> and will reduce the effect of the  
vapor recovery system on the pump.  
If the filler nozzle is used correctly the  
fuel tank is full when it shuts off for the  
first time.  
Do not use leaded fuels. The use  
of leaded fuels will cause perma-  
nent damage to the system's oxygen  
sensor and the catalytic converter.<  
Tank capacity: Refer to page 201.  
Close the filler cap carefully after  
refueling until a "click" is heard.  
While closing, be sure not to squeeze  
the strap which is fastened to the cap.  
A loose or missing cap will activate the  
message "CHECK FILLER CAP" in the  
Check Control* or the Service Engine  
Soon lamp.<  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
28nTire inflation pressure  
Check tire inflation pressures reg-  
ularly – at least every two weeks  
and before beginning a longer trip. In-  
correct tire pressure can otherwise lead  
to tire damage and accidents.  
Comply with tire approval  
specifications  
The inflation pressures in the table ap-  
ply to tires from BMW-approved manu-  
facturers. Your BMW center is familiar  
with these pressures. Higher pressures  
may be specified for tires from other  
manufacturers. You will find a list of ap-  
proved tires beginning on page 142.  
Also check the inflation pressure of the  
spare tire. Inflate the spare tire to the  
highest inflation of any tire on your vehi-  
cle.<  
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.  
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). Refer to the next  
page as well.  
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control  
(RDC)*:  
After a correction of the tire inflation  
pressure, reactivate the system. Refer  
to page 98.  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group  
Tire inflation pressure  
29n  
Tires  
Tire inflation pressures in  
psi (kilopascal)  
235/60 R 16 100 H M + S  
US/Canada:  
235/60 R 16 100 W  
245/55 R 16 100 W  
235/50 ZR 18  
33 (230) 41 (280)  
33 (230) 41 (280)  
33 (230) 41 (280)  
outside of the US/Canada:  
29 (200) 33 (230)  
Rear: 255/45 ZR 18  
215/65 R 16 98 Q M + S  
235/60 R 16 100 Q M + S  
245/55 R 16 100 Q M + S  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group