
 
6n
 
For your own safety
 Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels 
containing up to 10% ethanol or 
other oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxy-
gen by weight (i.e., 15% MTBE or 
3% methanol plus an equivalent 
amount of co-solvent) will not void the 
applicable warranties with respect to 
defects in materials or workmanship. 
Field experience has indicated signifi-
cant differences in fuel quality (i.e., vol-
atility, composition, additives, etc.) 
among gasolines offered for sale in the 
United States and Canada. The use of 
poor-quality fuels may result in drive-
ability, starting and stalling problems, 
especially under certain environmental 
conditions, such as high ambient tem-
perature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems that you suspect could be related 
to the fuel you are using, we recom-
mend that you respond by switching to 
a recognized high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled 
maintenance.
Follow the relevant safety rules when 
you are handling gasoline. 
<
 
 
 
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine 
parts and accessories approved by 
BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested 
and approved by BMW and Original 
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire 
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti-
mum performance when installed on 
your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free 
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for 
damage resulting from installation of 
parts and accessories not approved by 
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product from 
other manufacturers to verify if it can be 
used on a BMW safely and without risk 
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its 
occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories 
and other products approved by BMW, 
together with professional advice on 
using these items, are available from all 
BMW centers.
 
Installation and operation of non-BMW 
approved accessories such as alarms, 
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, 
wheels, suspension components, brake 
dust shields, telephones (including op-
eration of any portable cellular phone 
from within the vehicle without using an 
externally-mounted antenna) or trans-
ceiver equipment (C.B., walkie-talkie, 
ham radio, for instance) may cause ex-
tensive damage to the vehicle, compro-
mise its safety, interfere with the vehi-
cle's electrical system, or affect the 
validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. 
See your authorized BMW center for 
additional information.
 
<
 
 
Maintenance, replacement, or re-
pair of the emission control de-
vices and systems may be performed 
by any automotive repair establishment 
or individual using any certified automo-
tive part.
 
< 

 
Contents
 
Owner service procedures
Advanced technology
Technical data
 
Replacement procedures:
 
Onboard tool kit162
Windshield wiper blades162
Lamps and bulbs163
Remote control168
Changing tires170
Battery173
Fuses176
 
In case of electrical
malfunction:
 
Fuel filler door178
Sliding/Tilt sunroof178
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving:
 
Jump-starting179
Towing the vehicle180Airbags184
Adaptive Transmission Control 
(ATC)184
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Sta-
bility Control (DSC)185
Radio reception186
BMW Active Seat186
Safety belt tensioner187
DSP sound system187
Interior rearview mirror with auto-
matic dimming feature188
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)189
Xenon lamps190
Water and dirt repelling 
windshield191Engine specifications194
Dimensions195
Weights196
Capacities197
Electrical system198
Drive belts198 

118n
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. 

186n
Radio reception BMW Active Seat
*
AM provides substantially longer recep-
tion ranges than FM. AM broadcast sig-
nals, propagated at ground level in the 
form of surface waves, are also re-
flected from the ionosphere as atmo-
spheric waves.
Frequency-modulation (FM) provides 
substantially better sound quality than 
AM. However, because FM transmis-
sions rely on line-of-sight broadcast 
waves, their effective reception range is 
limited.360de062
Although numerous factors combine to 
impose inherent limitations on the re-
ception quality available from mobile ra-
dios, specially designed systems can 
be employed to minimize their effects:
With radio stations which broadcast 
over multiple frequencies, the "Radio 
Data System" (RDS) ensures that the 
frequency with the best reception qual-
ity will automatically be selected.
The Diversity Antenna system employs 
several FM antennas integrated within 
the rear window to provide three sepa-
rate sources for receiving broadcast 
waves. An integral processor automati-
cally selects the antenna with the best 
FM reception quality at any given time. 
Because the ongoing antenna selection 
process is completed within millisec-
onds, it remains inaudible to the radio 
listener.The Active Seat is an advanced devel-
opment in BMW seats. These seats are 
engineered with orthopedic consider-
ations so that you will be less fatigued 
during longer trips and sitting for long 
periods without moving. The seat is no 
longer a passive link between the road, 
the running gear, and the driver. In-
stead, by means of an active modifica-
tion to the seat's surface, the seat 
causes weight transfers which are slight 
and imperceptible. The basic seating 
position is not changed by this.
In the seat's upholstery, beneath the 
surface of the seat, there is a cushion of 
fluid on the left and right. The fluid is 
slowly circulated back and forth be-
tween the cushions by means of a 
pump. 
380de676 

Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
193n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Owner service procedures
Engine specifications194
Dimensions195
Weights196
Capacities197
Electrical system198
Drive belts198 

196n
Weights
BMW 740i BMW 740iL BMW 750iL
Curb weight (with driver, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
lbs. (kg) 4255 (1930) 4289 (1945) 4549 (2065)
Approved gross vehicle weight lbs. (kg) 5313 (2410) 5347 (2425) 5606 (2545)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg) 2590 (1175) 2602 (1180) 2690 (1220)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 2910 (1320) 2933 (1330) 3040 (1380)
Maximum load capacity lbs. (kg) 1058 (480) 1058 (480) 1058 (480)
Approved maximum roof load lbs. (kg) 220 (100) 220 (100) 220 (100)
Permitted axle loads and permitted total vehicle weight may not be exceeded.
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft (liters) 17.7 (500) 17.7 (500) 17.7 (500) 

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