1998 BMW 740I oil

150n
Caring for your carWashing your carYou can have your new BMW washed
in an automatic car wash. Car wash
systems that do not employ brushes are
preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the car.
To prevent spots, avoid washing when
the hood is still warm, or immediately
after and during exposure to strong
sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle
>No damage will occur on vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). If you are
uncertain, consult the manager of the
car wash
>The wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system
>The vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing.Vehicles with rain sensor
*:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
from automatic car washes or insects,
for example, can cause malfunctions in
the function of the rain sensor.
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-
matic car washes. If you do not,
damage may occur if the wipers switch
on unintentionally.<
Parts of the car which are inaccessible
to the automatic washer - such as door
sills, door and hood edges, etc. -
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially im-
portant to ensure that the car is washed
on a regular basis. Large quantities of
dirt and road salt are difficult to remove,
and they also cause damage to the ve-
hicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's sur-
face.
Inadequate distance and excessive
pressure can damage or weaken the
finish, making it more susceptible to
subsequent attack. In addition, mois-
ture could penetrate to vehicle compo-
nents, leading to long-term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not clean by wiping with a dry
cloth (scratches). Never use abra-
sives or strong solvents to clean the
covers
>Remove dirt and contamination
(such as insects) by soaking with
BMW Car Shampoo and then rinsing
with plenty of water
>Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow – never
use a scraper.<
After washing the car, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them. Braking
efficiency might otherwise be reduced
by the moisture, and the brake rotors
could also be corroded.<

151n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Caring for your carExterior finishTo provide effective corrosion protec-
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at
the factory. Cataphoretic immersion
priming techniques are supplemented
using special body-cavity protectants,
with the application of specially-devel-
oped and extensively tested materials.
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied to
the undercarriage. Following this, a
comprehensive undercoating treatment
with a wax-based protectant is applied.
Regular maintenance makes an impor-
tant contribution to maintaining the
safety and value of your vehicle.
Increasing awareness of the effects of
harmful environmental factors on a ve-
hicle's exterior finish have led paint and
vehicle manufacturers to initiate pro-
grams designed to further improve the
durability of their finishes. Despite this,
environmental factors that occur locally
or regionally can have negative effects
on the finish of your vehicle. These
should guide you in determining the fre-
quency and extent of your efforts to
maintain the vehicle finish.Depending upon material and type of
impact (perforation of paint layer), phys-
ical stresses from sand, road salt,
gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to
start extending beneath the finish, start-
ing at the point of impact.
Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects, ani-
mal droppings (strong alkali effect) and
tree excretions (resins and pollen) all
contain substances capable of causing
damage when allowed to remain on the
finish of your car for any period of time
(spots, etching, flaking, separation in
the top coat).
In industrial areas, deposits of flue dust,
lime, oily soot, precipitation containing
sulfur-dioxide (acid rain) and other envi-
ronmental pollutants will damage the
car's finish unless adequate care is pro-
vided – even though this is generally
limited to the outside horizontal sur-
faces.In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-
spheric salt and humidity promote cor-
rosion.
In tropical zones, temperatures of over
1057 (406) in the shade prevail, in
addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation
and high humidity. Under those circum-
stances, light exterior finishes reach
temperatures of up to 1757 (806) and
dark finishes up to 2507 (1206).

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.

155n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Caring for your carSince dirt and grease gradually attack
the protective layer of the leather, the
cleaned surfaces should be treated with
BMW leather care agent. This also acts
as an antistatic agent.
For protection against dampness or
moisture, treat the leather with a BMW
impregnating agent.
We recommend that you perform this
procedure twice a year on leather ex-
posed to normal use.
Spills should be wiped up immediately.
Remove grease and oil stains without
rubbing by carefully dabbing with a
cloth soaked in spot remover.
If the upholstery is to be exposed to in-
tense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be
stored for an extended period, cover all
leather surfaces (or, better yet, the win-
dows) to prevent fading.Cleaning agents can contain sub-
stances that are dangerous or
pose health risks. Therefore, always
comply with the warnings and danger
notices on the package.
Open the doors or windows on your ve-
hicle when cleaning the interior. Never
clean your vehicle with solvents or
other materials not specifically intended
for this application.<

197n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 22.5 (approx. 85) – BMW 740i/L
approx. 25.1 (approx. 95) – BMW 750iL
approx. 2.6 (approx. 10.0) – BMW 740i/L
approx. 3.2 (approx. 12.0) – BMW 750iLFuel specification: Refer to
page 25
Windshield washer
incl. headlamp-washing systemquarts (liters)
quarts (liters)approx. 4.7 (approx. 4.5)
approx. 6.5 (approx. 6.0)For details: Refer to page 128
Cooling system including
heater circuitquarts (liters) 13.2 (12.5) – BMW 740i/L
13.7 (13.0) – BMW 750iLFor details: Refer to page 130
Engine oil and filter change quarts (liters) 7.9 (7.5) – BMW 740i/L
8.5 (8.0) – BMW 750iLApproved HD oil for gasoline
engines. Specifications: Refer
to page 144
Automatic transmission – – Lifetime fluid, no fluid change
required
Differential quarts (liters) 1.7 (1.6) Approved hypoid gear oil
(specifications are available
from any BMW center)

Everything from A to ZAABS125
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal filter105
Active seat48
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)63
Adding engine oil143
Adding washer fluid142
Adjust the backrest46
Adjusting steering wheel49
Air distribution102
Air flow103
Air jets100
Air pressure132
Airbags55
Alarm system40
Deactivating in an
emergency41
Antenna diversity186
Antifreeze146
Antifreeze, radiator128, 146
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)125
Anti-theft alarm system
32,40
Approved gross vehicle
weight196
Aquaplaning123,132
Armrest111
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus Traction)92Ashtray114
AUC (Automatic recirculated-
air control)103
Audio System78
Automatic car washes150
Automatic climate
control100
Automatic climate control,
removing window
condensation102
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)103
Automatic Soft-Close
feature38
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction (ASC+T)92
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment49
Automatic transmission62
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
Automatic windshield
washer69
Average fuel consumption 85
Average speed86
Axle loads196
BBackup lamps, bulb
replacement166
Battery173,198
Battery capacity198Battery change, radio remote
control168
Battery charge current20
Battery, discharged179
Battery, removal and
installation175
Belts54
Beverage holders113
Blower103
Body-cavity protectant151
Brake faults128
Brake fluid147
Brake hydraulic system20
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement166
Brakes126
Break-in procedure122
Break-resistant security
glass, care153
Bulb replacement163
CCar jack170
Car Memory53
Car radio reception131, 186
Car telephone113
Car wash150
Care, exterior152
Care, interior154
Caring for the vehicle
finish152
Caring for your car150Catalytic converter124
Cellular phone131
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp166
Central locking system32
Central locking system,
button36
Changing a wheel170
Charge indicator lamp20
Charging the battery174
Check Control75
CHECK key75
Checking the engine oil143
Checking tire pressure26
Child restraints57
Childproof door locks58
Cigarette lighter115
Clock,
refer to Digital clock79
Code88
Refer to the Radio Owner's
Manuel
Codes, tires134
Coin tray113
Cold start60
Comfort seats47
Connecting a car vacuum
cleaner115
Consumption display73
Contour seat48

RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Everything from A to Z
203n
Convenience operating mode
for windows and sliding/tilt
roof32
Convenience operating mode
for windows and sliding/tilt
sunroof33
Convenience starting59
Coolant146
Coolant temperature
gauge74
Coolant, antifreeze128
Cooling system, capacity 197
Cruise control70
Cruising range85
DDaytime-driving light
switch96
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)127
Defrosting, windows102
Digital clock79
Digital sound processor187
Dimensions195
Dimming feature, interior
rearview mirror50
Dipstick, engine oil143
Disc brakes126
Disconnect the battery175
Displacement194
Displays18
Distance86Distance warning90
Door key30
Door warning lamps, bulb
replacement167
Doors, emergency release 32
Doors, radio remote
control33
Drink holders113
Drive belts198
Driving notes123
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)92
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)127
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)92
EEDC (Electronic Damper
Control)93
Electric power windows42
Electric rear seat
adjustment48
Electric steering wheel
adjustment49
Electrical accessories,
failure176
Electrical system198
Electronic Damper Control
(EDC)93
Electronic immobilizer31Emergency deactivation of
the alarm system41
Emergency release
doors32
fuel filler door178
luggage compartment
lid37
sliding/tilt sunroof178
Energy Control73
Engine coolant146
Engine data194
Engine oil consumption143
Engine oil pressure20
Engine oil specifications144
Estimated time of arrival87
Exterior door handles,
lighted33
Exterior finish, care151, 152
FFailure messages75
First-aid kit24
Fittings for tow-starting
and towing180
Flashlight111
Flat tires132
Fluid, power steering148
Fog lamps97
bulb replacement165
switch97
Footwell lamps98Footwell lamps, bulb
replacement167
For wheelslip control, refer
to ASC+T/DSC92
Front armrest112
Front seat adjustment46
Fuel25
Fuel consumption
indicator73
Fuel filler door25
Fuel filler door,
manual release after
electrical fault178
Fuel gauge73
Fuel specifications25
Fuel tank capacity197
Fuel, average fuel
consumption85
Fuses176
GGasoline25
Glove compartment110
Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement167
Gross vehicle weight196HHand brake, refer to Parking
brake61
Handsfree system113
Hazard warning triangle24