2004 BMW 545I SEDAN water

Driving
58 children. Always observe the instructions
for use provided on the containers.<
Washer fluid reservoir
Capacity: approx. 3.2 US quarts/3 liters for
the windshield washer system or approx.
5.3 US quarts/5 liters in conjunction with
headlamp washer system.
Fill with water and Ð if required Ð with a
washer antifreeze, according to manufac-
turer's recommendations.
In order to keep to the mixture ratio,
mix the washer fluid before filling.<
Cruise control*
The concept
The cruise control is available for use at
speeds of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and
higher. The vehicle maintains and stores
the speed that you set using the lever
mounted on the steering column.
Do not use the cruise control when
driving on winding roads, in heavy
traffic or in poor road conditions Ð e.g.
snow, rain, ice, loose road surface Ð that do
not permit a constant speed.<
One lever for all functions
1 Maintaining and storing speed,
accelerating
Press the lever up to the resistance point:
The current speed is maintained and
stored. The display 1 in the speedometer
indicates this regulated speed, refer to
page 59. Every time you briefly press the
lever, the vehicle's speed increases by
roughly 1 mph/1 km/h.
Press the lever for longer:
The vehicle accelerates without pressure
on the accelerator pedal. The system main-
tains and stores your current speed as
soon as you release the lever.
Press the lever beyond the resistance
point:
Speed is increased by 5 mph/10 km/h.
The vehicle may accelerate beyond the
regulated speed on steep downhill
stretches where the engine's braking effect
alone may not be sufficient to slow the
vehicle. Speed can drop on uphill grades if
the engine output is insufficient.
2 Maintaining and storing speed,
decelerating
Pull the lever up to the resistance point:
Functions same as 1, only the vehicle
speed is reduced.
3 Interrupting cruise control
With the cruise control active, briefly press
the lever up or down.
In addition, cruise control is interrupted
automatically
>when you apply pressure to the brake
pedal

Things to remember when driving
106
Things to remember when driving
Break-in procedures
To ensure that your vehicle continues to
provide optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we
request that you devote careful attention to
the following section.
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
You should attempt to vary both vehicle
and engine speeds. Until the break-in
period has been completed, you should
also refrain from exceeding an engine
speed of 4,500 rpm or a driving speed of
100 mph/160 km/h.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode during
these initial miles.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/
2,000 km, the engine and vehicle speeds
can be gradually increased.
You should also comply with these break-in
procedures should the engine or differen-
tial need to be replaced at a later point.
Sequential manual transmission
SMG
Do not use the acceleration assistant dur-
ing the break-in period.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve their
full traction potential until after an initial
break-in period. Therefore, drive reservedly
during the first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve opti-
mized contact and wear patterns between
brake pads and rotors.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of
approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this
break-in period, engage the clutch gently.
General driving notes
High temperatures
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not remove
the heat shields installed adjacent to vari-
ous sections of the exhaust system, and
never apply undercoating to them. When
driving, standing at idle and while parking
take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any
highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead
to a fire, and with it the risk of serious prop-
erty damage as well as personal injury.<
Parking the vehicle
Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water under the vehicle are thus normal.
Before driving into the car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to
page 42, as otherwise they could be dam-
aged due to the width of the vehicle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface.This phenomenon is referred
to as hydroplaning, and is characterized by
a partial or complete loss of contact
between the tires and the road surface, ulti-
mately undermining your ability to steer
and brake the vehicle.<

Driving tips
107Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
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Mobility
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the
tread depth of the tires decreases, refer
also to Tire tread on page 173.
Water on the road
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm,
and then only at walking speed at the most.
Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the electri-
cal systems and the transmission may be
damaged.<
Brakes
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as stan-
dard. The best way to achieve optimized
response from the ABS is to apply maxi-
mum pressure to the brake pedal during
emergency: panic stops. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you
can nevertheless 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 con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
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 brak-
ing 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
pages 50 and 55. This strategy helps you
avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system.
Never drive with the clutch pressed or
allow the vehicle to coast with the
transmission in Neutral Ð or with the engine
switched off Ð 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.<
Corrosion on the brake rotors
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 ten-
dency for corrosion to form on rotors, while
contaminants accumulate on the brake
pads. This occurs because the minimum
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 pul-
sating effect that even extended applica-
tion will fail to cure.
Brake pads
The brake pad wear warning lamp
lights up and a message appears on
the Check Control. Please note any
supplementary information that appears
there.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
The brake pads have reached their mini-
mum pad thickness. Have them replaced at
your BMW center as soon as possible.

Wheels and tires
174 even when only small amounts of water are
present on the road surface.
As winter tires display a noticeable loss in
their ability to cope with cold-weather driv-
ing conditions 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
circumference and are marked on the side
of the tire with TWI Ð Tread Wear Indicator.
These indicators signal at a tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm that the legal wear limit
has been reached.
Tire damage
Unusual vibrations encountered dur-
ing normal vehicle operation can indi-
cate tire failure or some other vehicle
defect. This can, for example, be caused by
driving over curbs. These kinds of prob-
lems may also be signaled by other
changes in vehicle response, such as a
strong tendency to pull to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by immediately
reducing your speed. Carefully proceed Ð
or have your vehicle towed Ð to the nearest
BMW center or tire dealer to have the
wheels or tires inspected. Tire damage,
extending to sudden and complete loss of
pressure in extreme cases, can pose a
potentially lethal safety hazard for the vehi-
cle's occupants and other road users
alike.<
Replacing wheels/tires
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents. Have this work performed by
skilled professionals only. The technicians
at your BMW center will be glad to assist
you with the required professional knowl-
edge and specialized equipment.<
The correct combination of wheels and
tires is another vital factor in ensuring reli-
able operation of various vehicle systems
such as ABS and DSC.
Have the wheel and tire assemblies bal-
anced every time either a wheel or a tire is
replaced.
BMW does not recommend the use of
retreaded tires, as otherwise driving
safety may be reduced. Possible variations
in the design and the age Ð which could be
substantial Ð of the carcasses can lead to
unusually 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 manufacturing tolerances mean that
even wheels and tires with identical official
size ratings could actually have different
dimensions than the approved units Ð these
differences could lead to body contact, and
with it the risk of severe accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used, BMW
cannot evaluate their suitability, and there-
fore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
After a flat tire, always remember to have
the specified wheel and tire combination
remounted on the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible.
Recommended tire brands
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire
size, classifies them as road-safe and

Mobility
179Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Adding engine oil
Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark or a message
appears on the Control Display before add-
ing oil.
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate without additives, and their use
could even lead to damage in some cases.
This also applies to the automatic transmis-
sion, the differential and the power steering
system.<
Recommendation: have oil changes per-
formed only by your BMW center.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come
into contact with oil should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Store oil, grease, etc., well out of the reach
of children; always observe all warning
labels on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used oil.<
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. BMW approves
only specific oils after confirming their suit-
ability for use in its vehicles with extensive
testing.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil between
oil changes. Use only oils with the API SH
specification or higher. Ask your BMW center for details con-
cerning the specific BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils
which have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this informa-
tion.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in the
area where you typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
flammable. Therefore, do not pour over hot
engine parts, as otherwise they could catch
fire and cause burns.
Always observe the instructions for use
provided on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used anti-
freeze and anticorrosion agents.<

Mobility
183Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Rules and regulations
California Proposition 65
Warning
California laws require us to issue the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior
furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing
thoroughly with soap and water.<
OBD connector
The Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
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 vehicle's lifetime.The system monitors emissions-related
components and systems for deterioration
and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator 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.
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
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
lamp will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator lamp
should go out within a few days.<

Reference 207
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control 78
Exhaust system, refer to
High temperatures 106
Exterior mirrors 42
Ð automatic dimming
feature 43
F
"Fader", audio systems 132
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 68
False alarms, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 33
False alarms with the Flat
Tire Monitor 80
Fastening safety belts, refer
to Safety belt
Ð indicator lamp 40
"Fastest route" for
navigation 121
Fastest route for
navigation 121
First aid, refer to First aid
kit 191
First aid kit 191
Fitting for towing 193
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable
flashlight 98
Flash when locking/
unlocking 28
Flat tire
Ð compact wheel 187
Ð Flat Tire Monitor 81
Ð refer also to Changing a
wheel 187
Ð refer also to Tire
condition 173
Ð run-flat tires 81, 175
Flat Tire Monitor 80
Ð false alarms 80
Ð indicator lamp 81
Ð initializing the system 81
Ð malfunctions 82
Floods, refer to Water on
the road 107"FM", waveband 130, 134
FM, waveband 134
Fog lamps 89
Ð indicator lamp 89
Fold down rear seat 101
Folding rear seat back 101
Footwell lamps 89
Forward, fast
Ð CD changer 146
Ð CD player 142
For your own safety 6
Front airbags 83
Front armrest 98
Front head restraints 40
Front seat adjustment 36
Front-to-rear adjustment in
Audio mode 132
"FTM" 81
Fuel 169
Ð display 66
Ð quality 169
Ð tank volume 66
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge 66
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 66
Fuel filler door 168
Ð releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction 168
Fuel specifications 169
Fuses 189
G
Garage door opener, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control 96
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality 169
Gasoline display, refer to
Fuel gauge 66
Gear changes, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 55
Gear display 54
Gearshift lever
Ð automatic transmission
with Steptronic 55
Ð manual transmission 51
Ð Sequential manual
transmission SMG 51General car care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
General driving notes 106
Glass roof, electrical 34
Ð closing in the event of an
electrical defect 35
Ð convenience operation 29
Ð remote control 28
Glove compartment 98
Ð lighting 98
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system 114
Grilles of the automatic
climate control 90
Gross vehicle weight, refer
to Weights 200
H
Halogen lamps 185
Handbrake 50
Ð indicator lamp 50
Hands-free unit 151
Hazard warning flashers 14
Head airbags 83
Headlamp control,
automatic 87
Headlamp flasher 56
Headlamps 87
Ð care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Ð replacing the bulbs 185
Headlamp washers 57
Head Light, refer to
Adaptive Head Light 88
Head restraints 39
Ð front 39
Ð front, active 40
Ð rear 40
"Head-Up Display" 44
Head-Up Display 85
Heated mirrors 43
Heated rear window 91
Heated seats 41
Heated steering wheel 44
"Heated steering wheel on /
off" 44
Heater, rear window 91

Reference 215
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Voice phone book 158
Volume 130
Ð audio sources 130
Ð portable phone 152
Ð speed-dependent 132
Ð voice instructions 125
Volume of the luggage
compartment 200
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control 68
Warning triangle 191
Washer fluid 57
Ð content of the
reservoir 58
Ð reservoir of the cleaning
systems 58
Water on the road,
floods 107
Waveband 134
"WB" 130, 137
Wear indicators in the
tires 174
Weights 200
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions 199
Wheel changes 187
Wheels and tires 170
"Where to go?" 164
Width, refer to
Dimensions 199
Windows 33
Ð convenience opening 28
Ð convenience operation 29
Ð safety switch 34
Windshield washer
system 57
Ð washer fluid 57
Ð washer nozzles 57
Windshield wipers 57
Ð blade replacement 184
Winter tires 175
Ð speed limit selection 72
Ð storage 175
Wiper blade
replacement 184
Wiper system 57"With freeways" for
navigation 121
Wordmatch principle for
navigation 122
Working in the engine
compartment 177
Wrenches/screwdrivers,
refer to Onboard tool
kit 184X
Xenon lamps 185
Ð replacing the bulbs 185