Get Operation, care and maintenance -> Winter operation Guide for BMW 7 Series 4 Door Fourth Generation (2001-2007)

¹³²ⁿBrake system

Winter operation

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.

Brake fluid level

Brake pads

The warning lamp for the brake

The message "CHECK BRAKE PADS"

appears in the Check Control:

hydraulic system comes on or

the message "CHECK BRAKE

FLUID" appears in the Check

Control:

The brake pads have reached their min-

imum pad thickness. Proceed to the

nearest BMW center as soon as possi-

ble to have the pads replaced.

The brake fluid level is too low in

the reservoir. Refer to page 152.

Coolant

If the brake fluid level is too low and

brake pedal travel has become notice-

ably longer, there may be a defect in

For your own safety: Use only

brake pads that BMW has ap-

proved for your particular vehicle

Be 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. -34 7

(-376). Replace the coolant every four

years.

one of the brake system's hydraulic cir- model. BMW cannot evaluate non-

cuits.

approved brake pads to determine if

they are suited for use, and therefore

Proceed to the nearest BMW cen- cannot ensure the operating safety of

ter. Higher brake application pres- the vehicle if they are installed.<

sure may be necessary under these

conditions, and brake pedal travel may

be significantly longer. Please remem-

ber to adapt your driving style accord-

ingly.<

Locks

BMW 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 cylinder grease is recommended.

The warning lamp also comes on when

the "CHECK BRAKE PADS" message

appears in the Check Control.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 004 597 - © 08/99 BMW Group

Winter operation

133n

If the ABS does not respond in a critical

Rubber seals and components

Driving on low-traction road

surfaces

braking situation and the wheels lock:

Reduce the pressure on the brake

pedal until the wheels just start to roll

again while still maintaining enough

force to continue braking.

In order to prevent the weather-strip-

ping from freezing, apply rubber treat-

Use smooth, gentle pressure to control

ment or a silicone spray to the seals on the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive

the doors, hood and luggage compart- engine speeds and shift to the next

ment lid.

higher gear at an early point. Adapt

your speed and driving style when ap-

Following that, increase pedal pressure

again. Reduce the pressure as the

wheels lock, then reapply pressure, etc.

This type of staggered braking will re-

duce the braking distance, and the ve-

hicle still remains responsive to steer-

ing.

A full range of car care products is proaching grades. Maintain an ade-

available from your BMW center.< quate distance between yourself and

the car ahead.

Snow chains

Brakes

BMW snow chains* can be fitted on

both summer and winter tires in re-

sponse to severe winter road condi-

tions. Mount them in pairs on the rear

wheels only, and be sure to comply

with the manufacturer's safety instruc-

tions.

Winter road conditions substantially re-

duce the amount of traction available

between the tires and the road surface;

the resulting increases in braking dis-

tance are considerable and should be

continually borne in mind.

You can then attempt to steer around

hazards after you have reduced pres-

sure on the brake pedal.

Do not shift down on slick road

surfaces. Doing so could cause

the rear wheels to lose traction and

skid, which could result in the loss of

vehicle control.<

Do not exceed a maximum speed of

30 mph (50 km/h). In this situation

(snow chains mounted), deactivate the

ASC+T or DSC. Refer to page 96.

ABS is intended to prevent the wheels

from locking during brake applications,

thus helping to maintain vehicle stability

and steering response.

Starting off

When starting off in deep snow or when

rocking the car to free it, we recom-

mend that you switch the ASC+T or

DSC off. Refer to page 96.

¹³⁴ⁿWinter operation

Power steering

Level control system*

If there is a change in steering response If the message "LEVEL CONTROL IN-

(difficult steering, for example) or, espe- ACTIVE" appears in the Check Control,

Skid control

Release the accelerator pedal. Coun-

tersteer carefully and attempt to regain

control of the vehicle.

cially on vehicles with Servotronic*, if

the steering "drifts" or "floats" at in-

creasing speeds:

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 BMW center. Drive

with appropriate caution in the mean-

time. The vehicle has reduced ground

clearance or driving comfort is notice-

Have your BMW center inspect this

system as soon as possible.

Parking

Place 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

linings 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.

Servotronic

If steering becomes lighter as speed

increases:

Malfunction in the electronic control

system. Have your BMW center inspect ably reduced.

this system as soon as possible.

Even if the attitude of the vehicle is nor-

mal, you should consult the nearest

BMW center if the warning lamp indi-

cates a system fault.

If the power steering fails, in-

creased effort will be required to

The brake lamps do not come

on when the parking brake is

applied.<

steer the vehicle.<

Operation, care and maintenance -> Winter operation for Your BMW 7 Series 4 Door Fourth Generation (2001-2007)

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