1998 BMW 740I servo

122n
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you comply
with the following:
Engine and differentialUp to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4500 rpm and/or 105 mph (170 km/h)
during this initial period. Comply with
the legal speed limit at all times.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
Once 1,200 miles (2,000 km) have
elapsed, engine speeds and road
speeds can gradually be increased.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or dif-
ferential is replaced later in the course
of the vehicle service life.TiresDue to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until an initial
break-in period has elapsed.
Thus drive with extra care during the
initial 200 miles (300 km).When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or com-
plete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your
speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApproximately 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and rotors
achieve the optimal pad-surface and
wear patterns required for trouble-free
operation and long service life later on.
To break-in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that traf-
fic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
car with the engine shut off – when tow-
ing, for instance – substantially higher
levels of pedal force will be required to
brake the vehicle.<
Break-in procedure

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.

139n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine compartment – BMW 740i/L1 Brake fluid reservoir147
2 Power steering fluid reservoir/
Level control system148
3 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting179
4 Engine oil dipstick143
5 Engine oil filler neck143
6 Coolant expansion tank146
7 Reservoir for headlamp
and windshield washer system142
8 Fuse box176

141n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Engine compartment – BMW 750iL1 Brake fluid reservoir147
2 Power steering fluid reservoir/
Level control system148
3 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting179
4 Engine oil filler neck143
5 Coolant expansion tank146
6 Engine oil dipstick143
7 Reservoir for headlamp
and windshield washer system142
8 Fuse box176

142n
Washer fluids Washer nozzlesHeadlamp
* and
windshield washer system
The filling capacity is approx. 4.7 US
quarts (4.5 liters) for the windshield
washer system or approx. 6.3 US
quarts (6.0 liters) together with the
headlamp washer system.
Fill with water and - when needed - with
a washer antifreeze (according to man-
ufacturer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.< 380de082
Antifreeze agents or intensive
windshield cleaning agents for the
washer systems are highly flammable.
For this reason, keep them away from
sources of flame and store them only in
their original containers. Store them so
that they are inaccessible to children.
Comply with the instructions on the
containers.<
Windshield washerThe spray from the nozzles should be
directed so as to ensure effective
cleaning, even at high speeds.
Use a needle to adjust the nozzles as
required, or have them adjusted at your
authorized BMW center.Headlamp washer systemHave the nozzles adjusted by your
BMW center as required.

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.<

148n
Oil for power steering/Level control system
*
Vehicle Identification Number
Power steeringWith the engine off, unscrew the reser-
voir cap and remove the cap with dip-
stick. Then push the dipstick into the
reservoir again.
The fluid level should be in between the
marks on the dipstick.
Screw the reservoir cap back on.
Contact your BMW center if the fluid is
low, as only ATF may be used and spe-
cial knowledge is required for topping
up.380de078
Power steering/Level control
system
*
With the engine shut off, loosen the
knurled nut and remove the reservoir
cap.
With the vehicle empty, the fluid level
should be barely 0.2 in (5 mm) above
the screen bottom.
Correct the fluid level if required. Al-
ways use Pentosin CHF 11S.
Position the reservoir cap and tighten
the knurled nut. Make sure the cover is
properly seated.380de079
In the engine compartment, stamped on
the right-hand strut dome (arrow) and
on the upper edge of the instrument
panel on the left side.380de074