2008 BMW 750I ESP

Mobility
199Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Fuel specifications
Do not use leaded gasoline; otherwise,
you will damage the catalytic converter.
Do not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel consisting
of 85Ξ ethanol or flex fuel. Otherwise the
engine and fuel supply system will be dam-
aged.<
Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with a
lower AKI rating. The minimum AKI rating is 87.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no effect on the engine life.
Do not use any gasoline below the mini-
mum specified fuel grade. Otherwise the
engine could be damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10Ξ ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8Ξ oxygen by weight,
that is, 15Ξ MTBE or 3Ξ methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems,
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may result in unscheduled maintenance.<

Wheels and tires
200
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
The condition of the tires and the maintenance
of the specified tire pressure are crucial not only
to the tire's service life, but also to driving com-
fort and most importantly, driving safety.
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the tires
are cold. This means after a maximum of
1,25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are
warm, the tire inflation pressure increases.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it as needed, including the
spare wheel: at least twice a month and before
starting long trips. If you fail to take this precau-
tion, you may be driving on tires with incorrect
tire pressures, a condition that can not only
compromise your vehicle's driving stability, but
also lead to tire damage and the risk of an acci-
dent. Do not drive with deflated, i.e. flat tires,
except run-flat tires. A flat tire will seriously
impair your vehicle's handling and braking
response. Attempts to drive on a flat tire can
lead to loss of control over the vehicle.<
After correcting the tire inflation pressure,
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page90, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page92.<
Pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to the tire
sizes and tire brands respectively
approved and recommended by BMW; a list of
these is available from your BMW center.<
For correct identification of the right inflation
pressure for your tires, pay attention to the fol-
lowing:>Tire sizes for your vehicle
>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving
up to 100 mph/160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h
adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation
pressures listed on the following pages in the
column for traveling speeds up to a max. of
100 mph/160 km/h to achieve optimum driving
comfort.
These pressure specifications can be found on
the door post when you open the driver's door.
The permissible top speed for these tire
inflation pressures is 100 mph/160 km/h.
Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, tire dam-
age and accidents may result.<
Tire inflation pressures for driving
above 100 mph/160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in
excess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please
consult the relevant table on the following
pages and adjust tire pressures as necessary to
the specified pressures for speeds exceeding
100 mph/150 km/h. Otherwise, tire damage
and accidents could occur.<
Observe all national and local maximum speed
limits; otherwise, violations of the law could
occur.

Wheels and tires
204
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, B, and C, A
being highest, and represent the tire's resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page205.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Indicates specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread depth,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not fall below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm.
At tread depths below 0.12 in/3 mm, there is an
increased risk of high-speed hydroplaning,
even when only small amounts of water are
present on the road surface.
Winter tires display a noticeable loss in their
ability to cope with cold-weather driving condi-
tions once the tread wears to below 0.16 in/
4 mm. To ensure continued safety, you should
always have such tires replaced.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread
has been driven down to the wear indicators, a
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been
reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low profile tires make wheels,
tires, and suspension parts more susceptible to
road hazards and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These
kinds of problems may also be signaled by other
changes in vehicle response, such as a strong
tendency to pull to the left or right.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. Drive carefully to the nearest
BMW center or tire shop that works according
to BMW repair procedures with correspond-

Mobility
205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
ingly trained personnel. If necessary, have the
vehicle towed there.
Tire damage can be extremely dangerous for
vehicle occupants and other road users.<
Run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire.
The run-flat tires consist of special rims and
tires that are self-supporting to a limited
degree. The tire reinforcement ensures that the
tire retains some residual safety in the event of
pressure drop and driving remains possible to a
restricted degree.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>When equipped with Flat Tire Monitor, refer
to Indication of a flat tire on page91.
>When equipped with Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to Low tire pressure message on
page93.
New wheels and tires
Only have new wheels and tires mounted
by a BMW center or a tire specialist that
works in accordance with BMW guidelines and
uses appropriately trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
hazards.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of
retreaded tires; otherwise, driving safety
may be reduced. Possible variations in the
design and the age – which could be substantial
– of the tire casing structures can lead to unusu-
ally rapid wear.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact, and with it, the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can ask your BMW center for the right
wheel and tire combination.
The correct wheel and tire combination affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, such as ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. After a flat
tire, always remember to have the original
wheel and tire combination remounted on the
vehicle as soon as possible.
Wheels with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor*
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect
a flat tire, refer to page91. Your BMW center
will be glad to advise you.

Maintenance
212
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics
Components which are decisive for the
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to the left on the driver's
side, on the underside of the instrument panel
under a cover.
Emissions values
The warning lamp lights up. The emis-
sions values are deteriorating. Have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
Under certain circumstances, the warning lamp
will flash. This is a sign of excessive misfiring of
the engine. In this case you should reduce
speed and drive to the nearest BMW center as
soon as possible. Serious engine misfiring,
even for only a short period of time, can seri-
ously damage emission control components,
especially the catalytic converter.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can detect the
vapor leak and the indicator lamp will light up. If
the cap is then tightened, the display should go
out within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with a
device for recording or transmitting certain
vehicle data or information. If you have also
signed a contract of participation for BMW
Assist, certain vehicle data can be transmitted
or recorded to enable corresponding services.
Care
You can find useful information on caring for
your BMW in the Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.

Mobility
213Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard toolkit is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wingnut to open.
The adapter for the spare key can be stored
beneath the open-ended wrenches.
Windshield wiper blades
To replace the blades, start by folding the wip-
ers out and away from the windshield, refer to
page66.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and lights contribute significantly to
road safety. Therefore, comply fully with the fol-
lowing instructions during bulb replacement.
BMW recommends that you entrust corre-
sponding procedures to your BMW center if
you are unfamiliar with them or they are not
described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute traces
of contamination will burn into the bulb's sur-
face and reduce its service life. Use a clean
cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its metal
socket.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your BMW center.When working on the lighting system, you
should always switch off the lights
affected to prevent short circuits.
To avoid possible injury or equipment damage
when replacing bulbs, follow any instructions
provided by the bulb manufacturer.<
When maintaining the headlamps, please follow
the instructions in the separate Caring for your
vehicle brochure.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Xenon lamp*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. In the unlikely event that one
of these lamps should fail, you can respond by
switching on your fog lamps and proceeding
carefully, where allowed by law.
Only have work on the xenon lighting sys-
tem including bulb changes carried out by
a BMW center or a repair shop that works in
accordance with BMW guidelines and uses
appropriately trained personnel. Due to the high
voltage involved, there is a danger to life and
limb when work is carried out improperly.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW center.<

Mobility
219Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency call*
Conditions for an emergency call:
>Full preparation package mobile phone.
This equipment package makes it possible
to initiate an emergency call even if no
mobile phone is paired with the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated. BMW Assist acti-
vation, refer to page193.
>Radio ready state or ignition must be
switched on.
>The BMW Assist system is logged on to a
mobile phone network.
>The emergency call system is operable.
Once your service contract for BMW Assist
expires, the BMW Assist system can be deacti-
vated by a BMW center without you having to
visit a workshop. Once the BMW Assist system
has been deactivated, emergency calls are not
possible. The BMW Assist system can be reac-
tivated by a BMW center after a new contract
has been signed.
Initiating an emergency call
1.To open the protective cover:
Briefly press the protective cover.
2.Press the emergency call button for at least
2seconds.
The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the
voice connection to the BMW Assist response
center has been established, the LED flashes.Once the BMW Assist Response Center has
received your emergency call, the BMW Assist
Response Center contacts you and takes fur-
ther steps to help you.
If circumstances permit, remain in the vehicle
until the voice connection has been estab-
lished. You will then be able to provide a
detailed description of the situation.
If the current location of your vehicle can be
determined, it will be transmitted to the
BMW Assist Response Center.
If the LED is flashing but you cannot hear the
BMW Assist Response Center over the hands-
free system, then the hands-free system may
be malfunctioning. You may, however, still be
audible to the BMW Assist Response Center.
Under certain conditions, an emergency call is
initiated automatically immediately after a
severe accident. An automatic emergency call
is not affected by the emergency call button
being pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency call
cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable
conditions.<
In order to transmit the vehicle location, a
navigation CD/DVD must be inserted and
the system must be currently receiving a GPS
signal.
If the navigation system is inoperative, the cur-
rent position of the vehicle is not transmitted.<
Roadside Assistance*
The BMW Group's Roadside Assistance ser-
vice is there to assist you around the clock in
the event of a breakdown, including on week-
ends and public holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance Center in your home country can be
found in the Contact brochure.

Mobility
221Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Your BMW has a special nut that serves as a
body ground or negative terminal, refer to
arrow2.
5.Attach the second negative/– clamp of the
jumper cable to the negative battery termi-
nal or to an engine or body ground on the
vehicle to be started.
Starting engine
1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
allow it to run for several minutes at a fast
idle.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Allow the engines to run for several min-
utes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables again in the
reverse sequence.
If need be, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Towing and tow starting
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow starting and towing.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit and must always remain in the
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear
of the BMW.
Only use the tow fitting that comes with
the vehicle and screw it in as far as it will
go. Use the tow fitting for towing only on roads.
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise,
damage to the tow fitting and the vehicle can
occur.<
Access to screw thread
Press the arrow symbol to push out the cover.
Being towed
Do not tow the vehicle by the rear axle;
because there is no steering lock, the
wheels could turn to an extreme angle during
towing. There is no power assist with the
engine stopped. This then requires increased
effort for braking and steering.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Selector lever in position N. Releasing
shiftlock manually, refer to page64. To
avoid damaging the automatic transmission, do
not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/70 km/h
and a towing distance of 95 miles/150 km.<
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed; otherwise,
it will no longer be possible to control vehicle
response.<