2002 BMW 745LI SEDAN check engine

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
92 Active stabilizers at the front and rear axles
form the basis for Dynamic Drive. Suspen-
sion compliance adapts to suit driving
conditions, varying from performance-
oriented during cornering to smooth and
comfort-oriented when the vehicle is
proceeding in a straight line.
The system assumes operational status
each time you start the engine.
Driving with Dynamic Drive During vehicle operation, the system
continuously runs through closed-loop
control cycles lasting only fractions of a
second. In case of malfunction
The symbol will light up, accompa-
nied by a status message in the
Check Control panel. Please take
note of the additional information in the
Control Display panel.
You can find more detailed information on
the Check Control starting on page 80.
If the Dynamic Drive system switches
off in response to malfunction, please
remember to adapt your speed accord-
ingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer
and the vehicle will display a greater
tendency to tilt during cornering and in
crosswinds.
If a status message appears in the Check
Control panel, accompanied by a red
symbol, the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir
may have fallen to below the minimum
level, possibly owing to leakage in the
hydraulic system. Stop the vehicle and
switch off the engine immediately.
Please observe the additional instructions
provided in the Control Display panel.<
EDC Electronic Damping
Control*

The suspension responds to changes in
factors such as road surface, or operating
conditions such as steering and braking, by
adapting to the new conditions within frac-
tions of a second.Comfort program The system automatically assumes opera-
tion in its Comfort mode each time you start
the engine; this mode is suitable for use
throughout the vehicle's entire speed range
and regardless of load. Sport programActivate in "Settings" menu with the igni-
tion on.
You should select the Sport program for
consistently performance-oriented
response from shock absorbers and
steering. RDC Tire Pressure Monitor*The conceptRDC monitors inflation pressures in all four
tires while you drive. The system provides
an alert whenever the inflation pressure
drops significantly below the specified
pressure in one or more tires.
To initialize RDC, start by checking the
inflation pressures in all four tires and
comparing them with those specified in the
chart on page 171, correcting them as
necessary. Then proceed to initialize the
system.

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119
Brake system Braking with ABS The best way to achieve optimal response
from the ABS is to apply maximum pres-
sure to the brake pedal during emergencyÐ
panic stops. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can never-
theless avoid possible obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-
cate to the driver that ABS is in its active
mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.< Disc brakes
Driving in wet conditions While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to
ensure that full braking efficiency will then
be available when you need it. Hills You can retain full and unimpaired braking
efficiency by downshifting to a gear in
which only minimal brake applications are
needed when descending long or steep
downhill stretches.
You can further enhance the engine's
braking effect by selecting a lower gear in
the automatic transmission's manual
mode, downshifting as far as first gear on
extremely steep stretches, refer to
page 68. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake
system.
Corrosion When the vehicle is driven only occasion-
ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased
tendency for corrosion to form on rotors,
while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the
minimal pressure which must be exerted by
the pads during brake applications to clean
the rotors is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors,
the brakes will tend to respond with a
pulsating effect that even extended appli-
cation will fail to cure.
Never allow the vehicle to coast with
the transmission in neutral Ð or with
the engine switched off; there is no engine
braking when the transmission is in neutral,
and no power-assist for brakes and
steering when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.< Brake pads
If the brake pad wear indicator lamp
appears in the Check Control,
accompanied by a text: please take
careful note of the additional information in
the Control Display panel.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
The brake pads have reached their
minimum pad thickness. Have them
replaced at your BMW center as soon as
possible.
For your own safety: use only brake
pads that BMW has released for your
particular vehicle model. Because BMW
cannot assess the suitability of other brake
pads for use on your vehicle, we are unable
to assume continued responsibility for the
vehicle's operating safety if non-approved
pads are installed.<

Refueling
168
Refueling Fuel filler door
Always switch off the engine before
refueling. If you do not, fuel cannot be
filled into the tank and a message in the
Check Control will appear.<
To open and close: press the rear edge of
the fuel filler door.
Manual release In the event of an electrical defect in the
system, you can release the fuel filler door
manually:
1.Lift the handle to remove the cover
panel on the right side of the luggage
compartment
2.Extract and then pull the handle with the
fuel pump symbol.
Always observe all applicable precau-
tions and regulations when handling
fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these
containers can leak, cause an explosion,
and lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
Simple and environmentally friendly
When handling fuels always observe
any safety guidelines posted at the
filling station.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the
nozzle out of the pipe during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>can lead to reduced efficiency in the
fuel-vapor recovery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle
clicks off the first time.
Close the filler cap carefully after
refueling, continuing until you hear
the detent engage. While closing, be sure
not to pinch the strap between the cap and
the filler pipe. A loose or missing cap will
activate a message in the Check Control.<
Fuel tank capacity, approx. 23.2 US gallons
(88 litres), including the reserve capacity of
approx. 2.6 gallons (10 litres).
Never attempt to continue driving
until the tank is completely empty, as
engine functions could be affected, and the
vehicle could sustain damage as a result.<

Under the hood
176
Engine compartment 1Engine oil dipstick, refer to next column
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath
the microfilter cover178
3Reservoir for windshield and headlamp
washer system73
4Engine oil filler neck177
5Coolant expansion tank178
6Jump-starting terminal187 Engine oilChecking oil level1.Park the vehicle on a level surface
2.Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature 3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick
out and wipe it off with a clean lint-free
cloth, paper towel, or similar material
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out again
5.The oil should extend to between the
two marks on the disptick
As is the case with fuel economy, the rate
at which the engine uses oil is strongly
influenced by driving style and operating
conditions.
The space between the two marks on
the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 litre). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil
can damage the engine.

Under the hood
178
Checking coolant level Correct coolant level with the engine cold Ð
approx. 58 7 (20 6):
1.Turn the cap of the expansion tank
counterclockwise to allow any accumu-
lated pressure to escape, then continue
turning to open
2.The coolant level is correct when the
coolant extends to between the MIN and
MAX marks on the filler neck, refer to the
diagram adjacent to the filler neck
3.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
up to the specified level Ð do not overfill. Brake fluid
The symbol lights up and a
message appears in the Check
Control panel:
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level.
The brake fluid reservoir is located under
the microfilter housing trim panel on the
driver's side of the vehicle. To have brake
fluid added to the system, or to have the
source of any brake fluid loss traced and
rectified, please contact your BMW center,
which can also supply the factory-
approved DOT 4 brake fluids.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over
the course of time.
To ensure that the brake system continues
to provide safe and reliable performance,
remember to have the brake fluid changed
every two years at the latest, refer to
page 79 and to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and also damages
vehicle paintwork. Always store brake fluid
in tightly-closed original containers kept
well away from the reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the
brake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX
mark. Should it come into contact with hot
engine components, the brake fluid could
ignite and cause personal injury in the form
of burns.<
Always observe all applicable envi-
ronmental rules and regulations when
disposing of used brake fluid.<
A low brake-fluid level combined with
longer-than-usual pedal travel could be a
sign that one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits has failed.
Proceed to the nearest BMW center.
Remember that pedal travel may be
increased, and there may also be a
substantial increase in the amount of pedal
pressure required to brake the vehicle.
Please adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.<
Warning lamp for Canadian models

At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
179
Maintenance The BMW Maintenance
System The BMW Maintenance System is
designed to ensure that your vehicle will
continue to furnish consistent reliability
combined with optimal safety. The service
schedule also includes operations related
to the vehicle's comfort and convenience
features, such as replacement of the filters
for the inside air. The ultimate objective is
to furnish economical maintenance by
providing the ideal service for your indi-
vidual vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to
sell your BMW, you will find that a complete
dealer service history is an asset of great
value. CBS Condition Based Service CBS is a more advanced version of the
Service Interval Display. Sensors combine
with highly-specialized algorithms to
supply service information that reflects
your vehicle's actual operating conditions
more precisely than ever before.
The system now furnishes individual
displays of the times remaining until the
deadlines for specific service operations as
well as official state inspections:
>Engine oil
>Brakes Ð separate for front and rear
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
>Brake fluid >Coolant
>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Official state inspections
CBS monitors both current and upcoming
service requirements. After accessing the
data stored in the vehicle's key, your BMW
service advisor is able to suggest precisely
the right array of service procedures for
your own individual vehicle.
By letting you define a service and mainte-
nance regimen that reflects your own indi-
vidual requirements, Condition Based
Service builds the basis for troublefree
driving.
You can find more detailed information on
the Service Interval Display on page 78.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models) Please consult your Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) and
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models)
for additional information on service
requirements.
Have service and repair operations
performed at your BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service
procedures are confirmed by entries in
your vehicle's Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models). These
entries verify that your vehicle has received
the specified regular maintenance, and
may also be required when submitting
warranty claims.< Care You can find everything you need to know
on this topic by consulting the separate
"Car care" manual.

Rules and regulations
180
Rules and regulationsCalifornia Proposition 65
Warning California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhausts, some of its constit-
uents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.< OBD connector The Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) interface
socket is located on the left of the driverÕs
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicleÕs lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related
components and systems for deterioriation
and malfunction.
An illuminated lamp informs you of
the need for service, not of the need
to stop the vehicle. However, the
systems should be checked by your BMW
center at the earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will
blink or flash. This indicates a rather severe
level of engine misfire. When this occurs,
you should reduce speed and consult the nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Severe engine misfire over only a short
period of time can seriously damage emis-
sions control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator will
light up. If the filler cap is subsequently
tightened, the indicator should go out
within a few days.<

OverviewControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
185
additional precautions to secure the
vehicle from rolling.
3.Loosen the lug bolts 1/2 a turn
4.Set up the jack beneath the jacking
point closest to the flat tire. Ensure that the
entire surface of the jack's base is in firm
contact with the ground and that the jack
itself is standing completely vertical (not
tilted), and that the fitting on the top of the
jack will align with the rectangular recess
on the vehicle when you raise it, refer to
illustration
5.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you
are changing is raised from the ground
6.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel
7.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt
from the mounting surfaces of the wheel
and hub. Clean the lug bolts
8.Position the spare wheel. Secure the
wheel by turning at least two lug bolts into
opposite bolt holes
9.Screw in the remaining lug bolts.
Tighten all the bolts securely in a diagonal
pattern
10.Lower the jack and remove it from
beneath the vehicle.
11.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal
pattern
12.Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems and valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.
Vehicles with RDC Tire Pressure Monitor:
After mounting a spare tire or correcting the inflation pressure(s) always remember
to reinitialize the system, refer to page 92.
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not attempt
to raise another vehicle model with it or to
raise any load of any kind. To do so could
cause accidents and personal injury.
To ensure safety, always have the lug bolts
checked with a calibrated torque wrench to
ensure that they are tightened to the spec-
ified torque of 140 Nm as soon as
possible.<
Reverse the removal sequence to store the
wheel and tools in the vehicle.
When you mount wheels other than Orig-
inal BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
bolts may also be required.
Always have damaged tires replaced and
the wheel and tire assembly rebalanced at
the earliest possible opportunity.
Battery Battery care The battery is 100% maintenance-free, i. e.,
the electrolyte will last for the life of the
battery when the vehicle is operated in a
temperate climate.
For all questions that regard the
battery, please consult your BMW
center. Since the battery is maintenance-
free, the following is for your information
only.< Charging the battery Only charge the battery in the vehicle via
the terminals in the engine compartment
with the engine off. Connections, refer to
Jump starting on page 187.
To avoid short circuits, as well as
possible fires and personal injury,
always disconnect the cable from the
battery's negative terminal before working
on the vehicle's electrical system.<