1998 BMW 740I ECU

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Check ControlDisplays after completion of tripAll of the malfunctions registered during
the trip appear consecutively when the
ignition key is turned to position 0.
One of the following displays may ap-
pear:
>LIGHTS ON
>KEY IN IGNITION LOCK
>CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
Add engine oil at the next opportunity
(next stop for fuel). Refer to page 14 3.
This message appears when you open
the driver's door after parking the vehi-
cle. A supplementary gong is also
heard.
Even if the ignition key has been re-
moved and the display has gone off,
you can still retrieve these messages
with CHECK button (1) for approx. three
minutes after completion of your trip. If
there are multiple messages, continue
to press the CHECK button.
To monitor the Check ControlWith the ignition key in position 2, press
CHECK button (1):
CHECK CONTROL OK appears in the
display.
In this case, there are no faults in the
systems which are monitored.

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Onboard computerCodeYou can program a code into the on-
board computer for supplementary pro-
tection against unauthorized attempts
to start the engine or tamper with the
vehicle. This feature provides you with
an extra measure of security extending
beyond that furnished by the vehicle im-
mobilization system (refer to page 31).
The system prevents the engine from
starting.
A code number is used to arm the sys-
tem. The code is then required for sub-
sequent starting attempts. Therefore:
Always remember the code number.
With the ignition key in position 1, press
the keys in the sequence shown in the
illustration.
"CODE – – – –" will appear in the dis-
play.380us687
Turn the ignition key to position 1
to set1 Use the 0 – 9 keys to enter the code
2 Press the SET key
3 Turn the ignition key to position 0 or
remove it.
If you press a different key of the on-
board computer before you turn the ig-
nition key to the 0 position, or if you turn
the key to position 2, the code which
has been entered will be deleted.
Code numbers from "0000" to "9999"
can be entered.
The code must be re-entered each time
the system is armed.
You can make corrections of the en-
tered numbers with the CLR key.380us688
To cancel with the ignition key at
position 1 or 2A gong and the "CODE – – – –" display
prompt the code entry.
1 Use the keys to enter the code
number
2 Press the SET key.
The system responds to attempts to
start the vehicle using an incorrect/no
code by preventing the engine from
starting.
The time automatically appears after
you enter the correct code and then
confirm it by pressing SET.
Three incorrect entries will cause the
alarm to sound for 30 seconds.

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Ski bag
*
From the inside of the luggage com-
partment, use the magnetic retainers to
attach the cover panel to the underside
of the rear parcel tray.
Please ensure that the skis are clean
before loading them into the bag. Take
care to avoid damage from sharp
edges.380de069
Secure the bag's contents by tightening
down the strap at the buckle.
To store the ski bag, perform the above
steps in reverse sequence. The center
armrest automatically returns to its orig-
inal position when you fold it back.
An unsecured ski bag could lead
to loss of vehicle control and in
case of an accident to personal injury.< 380de070

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Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack
*
Securing the load>Secure smaller, light pieces with the
retaining straps or with a luggage
compartment net or elastic straps (re-
fer to page 39)
>For large, heavy pieces, see your
BMW center for load-securing de-
vices
*. Lashing eyes are provided at
the corners of the luggage compart-
ment for attaching these load-secur-
ing devices (refer to the illustration).
>Comply with the information en-
closed with the load-securing de-
vices.
380de613
Always position and secure the
load correctly, otherwise it can en-
danger the passengers in the event of
braking, swerving or in a crash.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
weight and the permissible axle loads
(refer to page 196). If you do so, the
operating safety of the vehicle is no
longer ensured, and you are in violation
of the law.
Do not stow heavy or hard objects in
the passenger compartment unless
they are properly secured. Improperly
secured objects would be thrown
around during braking and evasive ma-
neuvers and endanger the occupants.<
A special luggage system is available as
an option for your BMW. Please comply
with the precautions included with the
installation instructions.
Because roof racks raise the center of
gravity of the car when loaded, they ex-
ercise a major effect on its handling and
steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof weight,
the approved gross vehicle weight or
the axle weights when loading the rack.
You will find the specifications under
"Technical Data" on page 196.
Make sure that the load is not too
heavy, and attempt to distribute it
evenly. Always load the heaviest pieces
first (on the bottom). Make sure there is
sufficient space to raise the sliding/tilt
sunroof.

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Roof-mounted luggage rack
*
Secure the roof luggage correctly and
tightly to prevent it from shifting or be-
ing lost during driving (danger to follow-
ing traffic).
Drive smoothly: Avoid sudden accelera-
tion and braking maneuvers, corner
gently.
The roof load increases aerodynamic
resistance: Increased fuel consumption
and additional stresses on the vehicle's
body result from this.

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RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
HoodTo unlock the hoodPull the lever located at the lower left-
hand side of the instrument panel.
Do not work on your vehicle with-
out appropriate skills. Switch off
the engine and allow it to cool down be-
fore working in the engine compart-
ment.
Always disconnect the battery before
working on any electrical systems or
equipment. Comply with all applicable
instructions and warnings. Failure to
work in an informed, professional man-
ner when servicing components and
materials constitutes a safety hazard for
vehicle occupants and other road
users. If you are not familiar with the
guidelines, please have the operations
performed by your authorized BMW
center.< 380de071
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.380de635
To closePress down lightly on the hood at the
locations shown in the illustration (ar-
rows) or drop it from approx. 4 inches
(10 cm) so that it audibly engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.< 380de634

153n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Caring for your carWindow careWater and dirt-repelling windshield (re-
fer also to page 191).
The effectiveness of the coating is not
impaired by the wax used in car washes
or by windshield-washer additives.
Depending on the frequency of use of
the windshield wipers as well as on en-
vironmental factors, the coating of the
windshield is subject to natural wear.
As a result, the beneficial characteris-
tics of the coating gradually diminish.
After approx. 12,400 to 15,500 miles
(approx. 20,000 to 25,000 km), the
windshield begins to resemble more
and more a standard windshield.
The coating can be renewed by your
BMW center.
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.
Break-resistant security glassThe 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.
Please observe the following pre-
cautions pertaining to this film
when caring for the interior glass sur-
faces:
>The film is not scratch-resistant. For
this reason, do not touch the glass
with sharp objects which could dam-
age the film
>Clean the glass with clean water. If
necessary, you may also use regular
household window cleaners. Wipe
the cleaner off immediately.
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.<

154n
Caring for your carCaring for other vehicle
components and materialsLight-alloy wheels should be treated
with alloy wheel cleaner, especially dur-
ing the winter months. However, do not
use aggressive products containing ac-
ids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do not
use steam cleaners operating at tem-
peratures above 1407 (606). Follow
the manufacturer's instructions.
If your vehicle has chromed parts
* such
as window moldings, door handles or
other parts, clean these parts especially
carefully with ample clean water, espe-
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.
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
remover, fuels, etc.
Rubber components should be cleaned
with water only; a rubber treatment or
silicone spray may also be applied.Clean the wiper blades with soapy wa-
ter. The wiper blades should be re-
placed twice a year, before and after
the cold season.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<
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.
After cleaning, never allow the inertia
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.
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats
*
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.
The floor mats can be removed from the
vehicle for cleaning.
Please use only a damp cloth to clean
wooden fascia panels and components.
Follow up by drying with a soft cloth.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.<
Leather careThe 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.
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.
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
and premature brittleness on the sur-
face of the leather. We therefore sug-
gest that you clean the leather with a
vacuum cleaner or dust cloth at fre-
quent intervals.
For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning
foam.