BMW 7 Series 2001-2007 - Owner service procedures

165n

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit 166

Windshield wiper blades 166

Lamps and bulbs 167

Changing tires 173

Battery 176

Overview

Controls and features

Fuses 180

In case of electrical

malfunction:

Fuel filler door 182

Sliding/Tilt sunroof 182

Operation, care

and maintenance

Assistance, giving and

receiving:

Jump-starting 183

Towing the vehicle 184

Owner service procedures

Advanced technology

Technical Data

Index

Repairs

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

¹⁶⁶ⁿOnboard tool kit

Windshield wiper blades

Use only wiper blades approved

by BMW.<

Fold the wipers back onto the

windshield before turning the igni-

tion key to position 1 or 2. If you do not,

they could be damaged.<

The onboard tool kit is located in the

luggage compartment lid.

1 Move the wiper to the fold-out posi-

tion (refer to page 72)

2 Fold the wiper arm completely out

3 Position the wiper blade at an angle

and pull the release spring (arrow)

4 Fold the wiper blade down and un-

hook it toward the windshield

Loosen the wingnut to open.

5 Pull the wiper blade past the wiper

arm toward the top

6 Insert a new wiper blade and apply

pressure until you hear it engage.

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

Lamps and bulbs

167n

The lamps and bulbs make essential

contributions to the safety of your vehi-

cle. Observe the following instructions

during bulb replacement carefully. If

Whenever working on the electri-

cal system, switch off the electri-

cal accessory you are working on or

disconnect the cable from the negative

you are not familiar with any of the pro- terminal of the battery. Failure to do this

cedures, consult your BMW center.

could result in short circuits.

To prevent injuries and damage, com-

Do not touch the glass portion of a ply with any instructions provided by

new bulb with your bare hands

since even small amounts of impurities

burn in to the surface, thus reducing the

service life of the bulb. Use a clean

cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-

rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic

base.<

the bulb manufacturer.<

The illustration shows the left-hand side

of the engine compartment.

Release the lamp cover

1 Low beams

A replacement bulb set is available from

your BMW center.

Press the tabs together (arrows).

2 High beams

Insert the screwdriver (from the on-

board tool kit) and press in the direction

of the arrow.

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

¹⁶⁸ⁿLamps and bulbs

1 Remove the cover

Xenon lamps*

2 Pull off the connector at the bulb

3 Detach the wire clamp

4 Replace the bulb

The service life of these bulbs is very

long and the probability of a failure is

very low, provided that they are not

switched on and off an unusual number

of times. If one of these bulbs should

nevertheless fail, it is possible to con-

tinue driving with great caution using

the fog lamps, provided traffic laws in

your area do not prohibit this.

5 Reassemble in reverse order.

Parking lamp

5 watt bulb

1 Pull out the bulb holder

2 Pull off the bulb and replace it.

Because of the extremely high

voltages involved, any work on the

lighting system should be carried out by

technically-qualified personnel only.

Otherwise, there is a risk of fatal in-

jury.<

When cleaning the headlamps,

please observe the following:

For checking and adjusting head-

lamp aim, please contact your

BMW center.<

> Do not clean by wiping with a dry

cloth (scratches). Never use abra-

sives or strong solvents to clean the

covers

1 Low beam headlamps

H1 bulb, 55 watt

> Remove dirt and contamination (such

as insects) by soaking with BMW Car

Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty

of water

2 High beams

H7 bulb, 55 watt

> Always use a deicer spray to remove

accumulated ice and snow – never

use a scraper.<

The H7 bulb is pressurized. There-

fore, wear safety glasses and pro-

tective gloves. Failure to observe this

precaution could lead to injury if the

bulb is accidentally damaged during re-

placement.<

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

Lamps and bulbs

169n

6 When you have replaced the bulb,

plug the light into the reliefs on the

headlamp with the tabs. Push the as-

sembly into place and tighten the

screw

Side turn signals

5 watt bulb

1 Use a screwdriver to pry out the lamp

at the rear edge

2 Apply gentle pressure to the bulb

while turning it to the left to remove.

7 Secure the assembly cover.

Turn signals/Parking lamps

(side marker lamps), front

Dual-filament bulb, 21 watt

1 Remove the assembly cover

2 Insert a Philips-head screwdriver

(arrow) all the way in and loosen the

screw (about four turns)

3 Remove the light assembly toward

the front

4 Release and remove the bulb holder

5 Press gently on the bulb, turn it to the

left and remove

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

¹⁷⁰ⁿLamps and bulbs

Front fog lamps

Tail lamps

1 Use the upper handle to fold down

the side panel in the luggage com-

partment

H3 bulb, 55 watt

Tail lamp: 5 watt bulbs

Remaining bulbs: 21 watt

1 Use a screwdriver to release the fog

lamp retainer (arrow)

2 Once you have found the lamp holder

for the defective bulb, push it gently

to the rear while turning to the left to

remove

1 Turn signal

yellow

white

2 Pull the fog lamp out toward the front

3 Release and remove the cover on the

rear of the lamp assembly

2 Backup lamp

3 Rear lamp assembly/

Side marker lamps

3 Use the same procedure to remove

the bulb.

red

4 Remove the plug

5 Detach the wire clamp

6 Replace the bulb

4 Reflector

5 Brake lamp

7 After replacing the bulb, guide the

lamp assembly back into position.

Continue pressing until you hear the

detent snap into place.

In the event of a failure of both

lamps of a rear lamp assembly,

the brake lamp assumes the function of

the tail lamps.<

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

Lamps and bulbs

171n

Center (high-mount) brake lamp

Interior lamps

21 watt bulb

Front:

1 Open the luggage compartment lid

2 Remove the grommet from the lamp

holder below the rear parcel tray

3 Press the lamp holder gently while

turning to the left to remove

Interior lamp (10 watt bulb) with reading

lamps (10 watt bulbs)

1 Interior lamp: Use a screwdriver to

press out the lamp sideways and re-

move the lens. Pull the bulb out of the

contact studs

4 Use the same procedure to remove

the bulb.

2 Reading lamp: Gently press against

the lamp while turning it to the left to

remove.

Rear:

License plate lamps

Interior lamp (10 watt bulb) with reading

lamp (5 watt bulb)

5 watt bulb

1 Apply a screwdriver to the narrow

side of the lamp to pry it out

2 Replace the bulb.

1 Use a screwdriver at the top of the

recesses to press out the light

2 Interior lamp: Push the tab back on

the reflector and change the bulb

3 Reading lamp: Gently press against

the lamp while turning it to the left to

remove.

Indirect lighting (1 watt bulb)

1 Unclip the lamp holder

2 Replace the bulb.

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

¹⁷²ⁿLamps and bulbs

Footwell lamps

Glove compartment lamp

5 watt bulb

1 Use a screwdriver to remove the lens 1 Apply a screwdriver to the recess to

pry the lamp out

to the side

2 Replace the bulb.

2 Remove the reflector

3 Replace the bulb.

Door warning lamps

Luggage compartment lamps

5 watt bulb

10 watt bulbs

1 Apply a screwdriver to the narrow

side of the lamp to pry it out

2 Turn the bulb holder to the left to

remove

Lamps on the underside of the package

tray and in the luggage compartment

lid:

3 Replace the bulb.

1 Apply a screwdriver to the recess to

pry the lamp out

2 Remove the reflector

Door handle lamps

Please contact your BMW center in the 3 Replace the bulb.

event of a malfunction.

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

Changing tires

173n

Safety measures in the event of a Position the jack on a firm support sur-

flat tire or wheel change:

face.

Stop the vehicle as far as possible from Do not place wooden blocks or similar

passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur- objects under the jack. If this is done,

face.

Switch on the hazard flashers.

the jack might not be able to reach its

full support capacity because of the

Turn the steering wheel to the straight- limited height. Do not lie under the vehi-

ahead position, remove the key and en- cle or start the engine when the vehicle

gage the steering lock. Make sure that

is supported by the jack – risk of fatal

the selector lever is in Park, and engage injury.<

the parking brake.

All passengers should be outside the

car and well away from your immediate

working area (for instance, behind a

guardrail).

What you will need

In order to avoid rattling noises later,

note the position of the tools when you

remove them and return them to their

original position when you are through

using them.

If a warning triangle or portable hazard

warning lamp is available, set it up on

the roadside at an appropriate distance

from the rear of the vehicle.

> Car jack

Comply with all safety guidelines and

regulations.

Fold the right-hand trim panel of the

luggage compartment down using

the handle at the top.

Change the wheel only on a level, firm

surface which is not slippery. Avoid

jacking the car on a soft or slippery

support surface (snow, ice, loose

gravel, etc.), since it could slide side-

ways.

Loosen the wing nut (arrow 1).

When you have completed work,

screw the jack all the way back

down. Fold the handle back and in-

sert it in its holder

> Wedge (wheel chock)

Next to the battery, under the jack.

Remove the jack and loosen the wing

nut (arrow 2)

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

¹⁷⁴ⁿChanging tires

Procedure

1 Read and comply with the safety pre-

cautions stated on the previous page

2 Secure the vehicle to prevent it from

rolling:

Place the wedge against the rear sur-

face of the front tire on the side op-

posite the side being raised. If the ve-

hicle is parked on a downward slope,

place the wedge securely in front of

the tire. If the wheel must be changed

on a surface with a more severe

slope, take additional precautions to

secure the vehicle from rolling

> Spare tire and adapter* for removal

of the lug bolt cover*

3 If equipped with adapters*: Place

the adapter on the lug bolt cover,

position the lug wrench and press

to the left (refer to the illustration)

4 Wheels with hub cover*: Pry the

hub cover off with the screwdriver

in the slot

Both are stored in the luggage com-

partment below the floor mat. Fold

back the mat for access.

Remove the adapter (arrow), unscrew

the wing nut by hand and remove the

wheel

5 Loosen the lug bolts 1/2-turn

> Wheel lug wrench, alignment tool and

screwdriver

Are in the onboard tool kit on the un-

derside of the luggage compartment

lid (refer to page 166).

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

Changing tires

175n

15 Wheels with hub covers: Position

the hub cover and press on tightly

16 If equipped with lug bolt covers:

Align the arrow on the cover with

the line in the wheel and press the

cover into place

17 Check and correct the air pressure

as soon as possible.

For vehicles with Tire Pressure

Control (RDC)*:

Reactivate the system after mount-

ing either the spare tire or after in-

flating tire(s) to proper pressure.

Refer to page 98.

6 Position the jack at the jacking point 10 Take the alignment tool from the

closest to the flat tire (refer to the

arrow on the sill trim) so that the

jack base is vertically below the

onboard tool kit and insert it to-

gether with the plastic insert into

one of the bolt sockets (arrow)

jacking point and the entire surface 11 Position the spare wheel on the

of the head of the jack will move

into the square recess of the jacking

point (refer to the illustration detail)

when the jack is cranked

hub. Screw at least two lug bolts

finger-tight into opposite bolt holes.

Remove the alignment tool

12 Screw in the remaining lug bolts.

Tighten all the bolts securely

13 Lower the jack and remove it from

beneath the car

7 Jack the car up until the wheel you

are changing is raised from the

ground

8 Unscrew the lug bolts and remove

the wheel

14 Tighten the lug bolts, alternating

between bolts positioned opposite

one another

9 Remove accumulations of mud or

dirt from the mounting surfaces of

the wheel and hub; clean the lug

bolts

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

¹⁷⁶ⁿChanging tires

Battery

The vehicle jack is designed for

changing tires only. Do not at-

tempt to raise another vehicle model

with it or to raise any load of any kind.

To do so could cause accidents and

personal injury.

Have the lug bolts checked for proper

tightness with a calibrated torque

wrench at the earliest possibility (torque

specification: 72 lb-ft/100 Nm).<

When storing the wheel, take care to

ensure that you do not damage the re-

taining pin in the spare tire recess.

Installation location, BMW 740i/L Installation location, BMW 750iL

The battery is located behind the right- Two batteries are installed in the

side trim panel in the luggage compart- BMW 750iL. They are located in the

When light-alloy wheels other than

Original BMW light-alloy wheels are fit-

ted to the car, it may be necessary to

use different lug bolts.

ment.

luggage compartment behind the right

side trim panel.

Grasp the handle in the upper panel

and fold it down.

To check the charge condition or

for removal or installation, please

consult your BMW center.<

Replace the defective tire as soon as

possible and have the new wheel/tire

balanced.

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

Battery

177n

Battery posts, terminals, and re-

Be sure that children keep well

away from batteries and battery

acid.

In order to protect the battery

lated accessories contain lead

and lead compounds. Wash hands after

handling.<

case from ultraviolet radiation,

do not place it in direct sunlight.

A discharged battery can freeze. Store

the battery in areas where temperature

remains above freezing.

Never allow sparks or open

flame, and do not smoke in the

vicinity of the battery.

Maintenance

The battery is absolutely maintenance- Avoid sparks from electrical cables or

free. This means that the original elec-

trolyte will normally last for the service

life of the battery under moderate cli-

matic conditions.

electrical equipment. Turn the key to

position 0 in the steering lock when the

battery is disconnected or connected.

Do not short circuit the battery termi-

nals. This creates a risk of personal in-

jury from high-voltage sparks.

Symbols

You will find the following symbols on

your car battery. To avoid injury, please

observe the corresponding precautions

whenever you work with or near the

battery.

A highly-explosive gas is

generated when the battery is

charged.

If you happen to get acid in

your eyes, rinse thoroughly for

15 minutes with clear water.

Please read the following infor-

mation before working with the

battery.

Consult a physician immediately. If you

get acid spray on your skin or clothing,

rinse with plenty of water. If electrolyte

is accidentally ingested, consult a phy-

sician immediately.

Wear eye protection. Do not al-

low particles containing battery

acid or lead to come into con-

tact with your eyes, your skin, or your

clothing.

Battery acid is extremely corro-

sive. Wear eye protection and

protective gloves. Do not tip the

battery. Battery acid can leak from the

ventilation openings.

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

¹⁷⁸ⁿBattery

If you plan to park the vehicle longer

than 4 weeks, disconnect the battery

from the vehicle's electrical system by

disconnecting the cable from the nega-

tive terminal. Then have the battery

charged with an appropriate battery

charger.

Charging the battery

Charge the battery in the vehicle only

when the engine is off. Charge the bat-

tery using the supplementary positive

terminal and ground (terminal) in the

engine compartment (refer to "Jump-

starting" on page 183).

If the vehicle will not be driven for a

period longer than 12 weeks, have the

battery removed, charged and store it

in a clean and cool (frost-free) area.

Recharge the battery at least every

three months during storage. Also,

recharge the battery before it is in-

stalled. If you fail to do so, it will not be

serviceable. Every time the battery is

discharged, especially over extended

periods, its service life is reduced.

On the BMW 750iL, there is an auto-

matic switch between the two batteries

during charging.

Before performing any work on

the electrical system, disconnect

the cable from the negative terminal. If

you do not, short circuits can create the

risk of fire or personal injury.

Charge condition – BMW 740i/L

You can read the charge condition

of the battery with the "Magic Eye*"

(a hydrometer):

If a jump start is necessary, connect the

cables only to the auxiliary terminal for

jump starting and a ground in the en-

gine compartment in order to avoid

damage to the batteries (refer to

"Jump-starting" on page 183).<

> Green: Adequate charge

> Black: Not charged adequately. The

battery must be recharged. Please

contact your BMW center

Avoid environmental pollution

when disposing of old batteries.<

> Yellow: Replace the battery.

Return used batteries to a recy-

cling point or to your BMW center.

Maintain the battery in an upright posi-

tion for transport and storage. Secure

the battery against tilting in transit.<

The service life specified for the

battery can be achieved only if it is

always kept adequately charged.

Check the charge condition of the bat-

tery frequently if the vehicle is used pri-

marily for driving short distances.<

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

Battery

179n

Removal and installation

Do not disconnect the battery

when the engine is running. Dis-

connecting the battery cable when the

engine is running will cause a voltage

surge that will damage the vehicle's on-

board electronics.

Do not make any modifications in the

wires to the positive terminal. If you do

so, the protective function of the safety

battery terminal is no longer ensured.

Repairs and disposal may only be per-

formed by specially-trained person-

nel.<

BMW 740i/L: When removing the bat-

tery, disconnect the negative terminal

first, then the positive terminal.

BMW 750iL: Please contact your autho-

rized BMW center for additional infor-

mation.

Unscrew the battery retaining clamp

(arrow).

When installing the battery, connect the

positive terminal first, then connect the

negative terminal.

Battery posts, terminals, and re-

lated accessories contain lead

and lead compounds. Wash hands after

handling.<

When installing a battery, be sure

that it is mounted properly. If the

battery is not mounted properly, it will

not be adequately secured in case of an

accident.<

¹⁸⁰ⁿFuses

A list of the fuses, their respective am- Do not attempt to repair a burned

pere ratings and the equipment in their fuse or replace it with a fuse hav-

circuits is provided next to the fuse box. ing a different color or amperage rating.

To do this could cause a fire in the vehi-

When you close the fuse box, be sure

cle resulting from a circuit overload.<

that the cover is seated securely.

Additional fuses are provided in the

If the fuse fails repeatedly, refer the

luggage compartment (refer to the next

problem to your BMW center for repair.

page).

The fuse for continuous positive current

is located in a separate fuse box above

the battery. If this fuse is defective, re-

fer the problem to your BMW center for

repair.

If an electrical accessory should fail,

switch it off and check the fuse.

In the engine compartment

1 Open the hood. Press the cover fas-

teners (arrows) forward and open the

cover

2 Use the plastic tweezers (located on

the inside of the cover) to remove the

fuse for the accessory or equipment

that has stopped working from its

socket

3 If the fuse is burned through (the

metal strip is melted and separated),

replace it with a new fuse of the same

ampere rating (color code).

Fuses

181n

In the luggage compartment

3 Move the sound insulation material

slightly to the side.

1 Fold down the right-hand trim panel

with the upper handle

A list of the fuses, their respective am-

pere ratings and the equipment in their

circuits is provided on the rear of the

side trim.

2 BMW 750iL: Unscrew the hexagon

nut (arrow), lift the battery support up

slightly and swing it inward together

with the battery

¹⁸²ⁿFuel filler door

Sliding/Tilt sunroof

Manual release

Manual operation

3 Pull the knob with the fuel pump

symbol.

1 Remove the interior lamp (refer to

page 171). Reach into the opening

and push out the panel

1 Use the handle to lower the trim

panel on the right side of the luggage

compartment

2 Using the Allen wrench from the on-

board tool kit (refer to page 166), turn

the sliding/tilt sunroof in the desired

direction.

2 BMW 750iL: Unscrew the hexagon

nut (arrow), lift the battery support up

slightly and swing it inward together

with the battery

Jump-starting

183n

Never use spray starter fluids to start

the engine.

If the battery is discharged, you can use

two jumper cables to start your car with

power from the battery of a second ve-

hicle. Always use jumper cables with

fully insulated handles on the terminal

clamps.

Do not touch high-voltage wiring

and cables on a running engine.

There is a risk of fatal injury if you do

this.<

4 Start by connecting the jumper cable 5 Then connect the negative terminals.

from the positive terminal of the sup-

port vehicle to the positive terminal

connector located in your BMW's en-

gine compartment. The cover of the

auxiliary terminal for jump starting is

marked with "Batt. +" (refer to the il-

lustration). Open the cover by pulling

the tab. The illustration shows the

auxiliary terminal for jump starting the

BMW 740i/L as an example. For the

BMW 750iL: Refer to "Engine com-

partment" on page 146

Attach the cable to either the support

Carefully comply with the following in-

structions to avoid personal injury and

damage to one or both vehicles:

vehicle's negative battery terminal, or

to a suitable ground on its engine or

bodywork. Then connect the other

end of the cable to ground on the ve-

hicle's engine or bodywork which is

to be started. Then connect the other

end of the cable to a ground on your

vehicle's engine or bodywork (for in-

stance, the nuts on the strut dome.

Refer to the arrows in the illustration

above)

1 Ensure that the battery on the sup-

port vehicle is also rated at 12 volts,

and that the capacities of the two

batteries (Ah) are roughly comparable

(printed on casing)

2 Leave your battery connected to the

car electrical system

3 Make sure that there is no contact

between the bodywork of the two ve-

hicles – short circuit risk

Follow the same sequence for

connecting the jumper cables if

you assist in jump-starting another ve-

hicle. If you do not, there is a risk of in-

jury caused by spark generation at the

battery.<

¹⁸⁴ⁿJump-starting

Towing the vehicle

6 Start the engine of the support

vehicle and let it run

7 Start the engine on the vehicle need-

ing the jump-start, and allow it to run

as usual. If the first start attempt is

not successful, wait a few minutes

before another attempt in order to

allow the discharged battery to re-

charge

8 Before disconnecting the jumper ca-

bles from your BMW, turn on the rear

window defroster and set the blower

to the highest speed; allow the en-

gine to run approx. 10 seconds. This

will prevent a voltage surge from the

voltage regulator to the electrical ac-

cessories

Tow fitting

Rear:

Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on

the cover panel to remove.

The screw-in tow fitting is stored in the

onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains

in the vehicle at all times. This fitting is

designed for installation in the tow

sockets located at the front and rear of

the vehicle, and is intended for towing

on paved road surfaces only.

Screw the tow fitting in until it

bottoms firmly. If this is not done,

the threads could be damaged.

Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,

straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control

arms, or any other part of the vehicle

suspension as severe damage to these

components will occur, leading to pos-

sible accidents.<

9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in

reverse sequence.

Have the battery recharged if neces-

sary.

It should not be used to pull a vehicle

out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.

Always observe all applicable towing

laws and regulations.

Access to tow sockets

Use only a nylon towing strap to tow

the vehicle, since the inherent resil-

ience of this material helps protect both

vehicles from sudden jerking move-

ments.

Front:

Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on

the cover panel to remove.

Towing

185n

The towed vehicle should always

Towing a vehicle

be the lighter of the two vehicles.

If this is not the case, it is no longer

possible to control vehicle response.<

1 Place the selector lever in position N

2 Towing speed:

Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)

3 Towing distance:

Max. 95 miles (150 km)

Tow-starting

It is not possible to start the engine of

vehicles equipped with automatic

transmission by towing or pushing.

4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to

ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-

nals, horn and windshield wipers re-

main operative, and to prevent the

steering lock detent from engaging

5 Switch on the hazard-warning system

(observe country-specific regula-

tions).

For instructions on jump starting, refer

to page 183.

Never attempt to use your vehicle to

push another car, as damage to the

energy-absorbing bumpers could

result.

Towing with a commercial tow

truck

> Do not tow with sling-type equipment

> Use a wheel lift or flat bed equipment

> Please comply with applicable towing

laws.

Find some means of identifying the ve-

hicle in tow, for instance, place a sign

or warning triangle in the rear window.

To prevent the steering lock from

engaging, make sure that the igni-

tion key remains in position 1, even if

the electrical system has failed.

Never allow passengers to ride in

a towed vehicle for any reason.<

The steering and brakes are without

power assist when the engine is off.

This means that increased effort is re-

quired for steering and braking.<

Owner service procedures for your BMW 7 Series 2001-2007

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