1998 BMW 740I fuel

84n
Onboard computerThe onboard computer operates at igni-
tion key positions 1 and 2.
Information for safe and economical
driving can be called up for display.
You can use the key with the clock
symbol to
>display the time and date
>program an hourly reminder signal
(Memo), to remind you of the next
news broadcast, for instance
>operate the independent ventilation
system.
Refer to page 79 for information and
details on using the digital clock.380us178
1 Sound system display (refer to the
Supplementary Owner's Manual)
2 Sound system function key
3 Function key for digital clock and
onboard computer
4 Entry and data-request keys for
sound system, digital clock and
onboard computer
5 Display for entry and data-request
keys
Standard displays (no previous
data entries required)
With previous data entries:In the interest of driving safety, you
should always enter data with the vehi-
cle parked/stationary. The onboard
computer starts its calculations as soon
as the vehicle starts to move.
You can also use the remote control
unit to select information for display.
Refer to page 89.Page
1 CONSUM 2Two different aver-
age fuel consump-
tion calculations85
RANGE Estimated cruising
range85
SPEED Average speed86
DISTANCE-
ARRThe remaining
distance to the
destination with
the estimated time
of arrival86
LIMIT Speed warning
threshold87
CODE Code88

85n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Onboard computerAverage fuel consumptionThe computer can calculate average
fuel consumption rates for two different
distances at the same time (simulta-
neous data for an entire journey and for
a single segment of it, for instance).
To start calculations for distance 1:
Press the keys in the sequence shown
in the diagram.
To start calculations for distance 2:
The procedure is the same as that for
the first distance, except you will press
CONSUM 2 for your selection.
The computer starts calculating fuel
consumption as soon as you start driv-
ing.
Data request:
Press the BC key and CONSUM 1 or 2.380us189
Estimated cruising rangeDisplays the estimated travel range
available with the remaining fuel. The
system calculates the cruising range
based on operating conditions and the
amount of fuel remaining in the tank.
The computer uses the average rate of
fuel consumption over the preceding
18 miles (30 kilometers) as a reference.
Data request:
Press the keys in the sequence shown
in the illustration.
A range of under 31 miles (50 kilome-
ters) is displayed in the Check Control
in the instrument cluster.380us180
Please respond to this warning by refu-
eling at once to avoid serious damage
to the engine and catalytic converter.
When you refuel, the onboard computer
registers the additional fuel only when
more than 1.5 gallons (5 liters) are
added.

119n
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.

124n
Catalytic converterThe catalytic converter reduces harmful
exhaust emissions, and is designed for
use with unleaded fuel only.
Even minute quantities of lead would be
enough to permanently damage both
the catalytic converter and the system's
oxygen sensor.
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and avoid potential damage:
>Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements
>Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty
>If you have problems starting the en-
gine, use jumper cables (you cannot
tow-start the vehicle with an auto-
matic transmission)>Avoid other situations in which the
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-
pletely, such as engaging the starter
frequently or for extended periods, or
repeated start attempts in which the
engine does not start (stopping and
restarting an engine which is running
properly does not present a problem).
Never let the engine run with any of
the spark plug cables disconnected.Be sure to comply with the in-
structions above to prevent un-
burned fuel from reaching the catalytic
converter. Otherwise there is danger of
overheating and damage to the cata-
lytic converter.
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields
are installed adjacent to some sections
of the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply undercoat-
ing to their surfaces. When driving,
standing at idle, and parking the vehi-
cle, take care to avoid contact between
the exhaust system and flammable ma-
terials (grass, hay, leaves, etc.). Such
contact could lead to a fire, resulting in
personal injury and property damage.<

135n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. While tires known as
all-season tires (M+S designation) pro-
vide better winter traction than summer
tires with load ratings H, V, W and ZR,
they generally do not achieve the per-
formance of winter tires.
In the interests of sure tracking and safe
steering response at all four wheels,
mount winter tires which are made by
the same manufacturer and which have
the same tread configuration.
Mount only winter tires which have
been approved by BMW. Any BMW
center will be glad to provide you with
information on the best winter tires for
your particular driving conditions.
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the tires are
rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to be-
low 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus be
replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures - and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced ev-
ery time you change the tires.StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, away
from light whenever possible. Protect
the tires against contact with oil, grease
and fuel.
Use narrow-link BMW snow chains on
summer or winter tires only in pairs and
only on the rear wheels. Comply with all
manufacturer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.

143n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine oilChecking the engine oil1 Park the vehicle on a level surface
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
4 Push the dipstick all the way into the
guide tube and pull it out again
5 The oil level should be in between the
two graduations on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.380de076
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill to be-
yond the upper mark on the dipstick.
Excess oil will damage the engine.460de189
Adding engine oilWait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, do not wait until the oil drops
below the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to op-
erate without oil additives. The
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
automatic transmission, the differential
and the power steering system.< 380de077

152n
Caring for your carCaring for the vehicle finishRegular washing is a preventive mea-
sure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the vehi-
cle's finish, especially if you drive your
vehicle in areas with high levels of air
pollution or aggressive natural sub-
stances (tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive sub-
stances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled
during refueling, oil, grease and brake
fluid should always be cleaned away
immediately, as should bird droppings.
All of these substances cause damage
to the finish.
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use clean-
ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or
cotton pad to remove. Remove tar
spots with tar remover. After cleaning,
the affected areas should be waxed to
ensure continued protection.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.<
Waxing your carProtect the finish using carnauba or
synthetic-based waxes only.
The best way to determine when the
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the sur-
face.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.<
Paint damageYou can touch up small areas of dam-
age with BMW spray paint or a BMW
touch-up stick.
The color code of your vehicle is lo-
cated on a tag near the vehicle's data
plate and on the first page of the Ser-
vice and Warranty Information Booklet
(US models) or of the Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Damage caused by flying stones,
scratches, etc., must be touched up
without delay to prevent rust from form-
ing.
If corrosion has started to form in an
area with paint damage, remove all rust
and clean the area. Then prime the area
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply
the finish coat. Wait a few days, then
polish the repaired area. Finish by ap-
plying a wax preservative.
More extensive paint damage should be
repaired professionally in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
Your BMW center uses original BMW
finish materials in accordance with ap-
proved repair procedures.

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.