1998 BMW 740I warning

128n
Brake system Winter operationBrake fluid level
The warning lamp for the brake
hydraulic system comes on or
the message "Check Brake
Fluid" appears in the Check
Control:
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir. Refer to page 147.
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in
one of the brake system's hydraulic cir-
cuits.
The remaining circuit continues to pro-
vide adequate brake-system perfor-
mance.
Proceed to the nearest authorized
BMW center. Higher brake appli-
cation pressure may be necessary un-
der these conditions, and brake pedal
travel may be significantly longer.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<
The warning lamp also comes on with
the "Check Brake Pads" message in the
Check Control.
Brake padsThe message "Check Brake Pads" ap-
pears in the Check Control:
The brake pads have reached their min-
imum pad thickness. Proceed to the
nearest authorized BMW center as
soon as possible to have the pads re-
placed.
We recommend the use of original
BMW brake pads and compo-
nents, otherwise driving safety can be
impaired.<
The onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather. Ad-
aptations in driving style should be ac-
companied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your vehicle
operation through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture is kept
at the year-round ratio of 50:50 (water
and antifreeze/corrosion protection).
This mixture provides protection
against freezing down to approx. –347
(–376). Replace the coolant every four
years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free the locks if they are frozen. This
deicer also contains lubricant.
After using deicer, treatment with BMW
lock barrel grease is recommended.

130n
Winter operation Power steering Level control system
*
Skid controlRelease the accelerator pedal. Coun-
tersteer carefully and attempt to regain
control of the vehicle.ParkingPlace the selector lever in position P
(Park). Engage the parking brake when
parking on hills and inclined surfaces. In
order to prevent the parking brake lin-
ings from locking in the drum due to
frost or corrosion, dry them by gently
applying the parking brake as the vehi-
cle is coming to a stop. Make sure that
following traffic is not endangered.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is ap-
plied.<
High steering effort:
Check the fluid level. Refer to
page 148.
High steering effort during sudden tran-
sitions:
Consult your authorized BMW center
immediately for an inspection.Servotronic special
*
If steering becomes lighter as speed in-
creases:
Malfunction in the electronic control
system. Have your BMW center inspect
this system as soon as possible.
If the power steering fails, in-
creased effort will be required to
steer the vehicle.<
If the message "LEVEL CONTROL IN-
ACTIVE" appears in the Check Control,
there is a malfunction in the level con-
trol system.
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If it is
riding significantly lower in the rear
than in the front, or if it is sitting at an
incline (left rear compared to right rear),
consult the nearest authorized BMW
center. Drive with appropriate caution
in the meantime. The vehicle has re-
duced ground clearance or driving
comfort is noticeably reduced.
Even if the attitude of the vehicle is nor-
mal, you should consult the nearest au-
thorized BMW center if the warning
lamp indicates a system fault.

137n
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

145n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine oil
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.<
Recommendation: Have the oil
changed by your BMW center.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing.
Any skin areas that come into contact
with oil should therefore be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Store oils, greases, and similar materi-
als so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with all warnings on the
containers.<

147n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Brake fluidBrake fluid level
Brake hydraulic system warning
lamp comes on, "Check brake
fluid" appears in the Check Con-
trol display: The brake fluid level
is too low in the reservoir.
Fill up to upper mark ("MAX" level visi-
ble through the transparent reservoir).
Any BMW center can provide you with
information on factory-approved brake
fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss results in extended
pedal travel. Refer to the information on
page 128.
380de080
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the operating safety
of the brake system, have the brake
fluid changed every two years by your
BMW center. Refer also to the Service
Warranty Information Booklet (US mod-
els) or to the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the ve-
hicle's paint. Always store brake fluid in
the original containers. Keep the con-
tainers tightly closed and out of reach
of children. Do not spill brake fluid. Do
not fill beyond the "MAX" level in the
reservoir. The brake fluid could ignite
upon contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of brake fluid.<

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.<

167n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Lamps and bulbsInterior lampsFront:
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
2 Reading lamp: Gently press against
the lamp while turning it to the left to
remove.
Rear:
Interior lamp (10 watt bulb) with reading
lamp (5 watt 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.
Footwell lamps5 watt bulb
1 Use a screwdriver to remove the lens
to the side
2 Replace the bulb.Door warning lamps5 watt bulb
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
3 Replace the bulb.Door handle lampsPlease contact your BMW center in the
case of a malfunction.
Glove compartment lamp5 watt bulb
1 Apply a screwdriver to the recess to
pry the lamp out
2 Remove the reflector
3 Replace the bulb.Luggage compartment lamps10 watt bulbs
Lamps on the underside of the package
tray and in the luggage compartment
lid:
1 Apply a screwdriver to the recess to
pry the lamp out
2 Remove the reflector
3 Replace the bulb.

170n
Changing tires
Safety measures in the event of a
flat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur-
face.
Switch on the hazard flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and en-
gage the steering lock. Make sure that
the selector lever is in Park, and engage
the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
car and well away from your immediate
working area (for instance, behind a
guardrail).
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.
Comply with all safety guidelines and
regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the car on a soft or slippery sup-
port surface (snow, ice, loose gravel,
etc.), since it could slide sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support sur-
face.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height. Do not lie under the vehi-
cle or start the engine when the vehicle
is supported by the jack - risk of fatal
injury.<
What you will needIn 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.
>Car jack
Fold the right-hand trim panel of the
luggage compartment down using
the handle at the top.
Loosen the wing nut (arrow 1).
When you have completed work,
screw the jack all the way back down.
Fold the handle back and insert it in
its holder.
>Wedge (wheel chock)
Next to the battery, under the jack.
Remove the jack and loosen the wing
nut (arrow 2).380de639