2004 BMW 645CI COUPE&CONVERTIBLE manual transmission

Things to remember when driving
102
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 4500 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.
SMG Sequential manual
transmission
Do not use the acceleration assistant dur-
ing the break-in period, refer to page 60.
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.
After component replacement
You should also comply with these break-in
procedures should the components men-
tioned above need to be replaced at a later
point.
General driving notes
Hot exhaust system
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 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 a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors manually, as
otherwise they could be damaged 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

Driving tips
103Reference
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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.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the
tread depth of the tires decreases, also
refer to Tire tread on page 167.
Driving through water
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.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as stan-
dard. The best way to achieve optimized
braking response from the ABS is to apply
maximum pressure to the brake pedal in
situations where this is required: 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
To prevent overheating and thus
reduced efficiency of the brake sys-
tem, downshift to a gear in which only min-
imal brake applications are needed when
descending long or steep downhill
stretches. Even light but consistent pedal
pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake fail-
ure.<
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
page 59. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake sys-
tem.
Never drive with the clutch pressed
or allow the vehicle to coast with the
transmission in Neutral – 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.<
Corrosion on 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.

Things to remember when driving
104
Mobile communication devices in
vehicle
BMW advises against using mobile
communication devices, e.g. portable
phones, in the inside of the vehicle without
a direct connection to an external antenna.
Otherwise, the vehicle electronics and
mobile communication device can influ-
ence one another. It is not ensured that the
waves emitted during transmission are led
out of the vehicle interior.<
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond
their approved carrying capacity,
never overload the vehicle. Overloading
can lead to overheating and increases the
rate at which damage develops inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume the
form of a sudden air loss.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never
exceed XXX lbs. or YYY kg, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged and
unstable driving conditions may
result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle
3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX lbs. or
YYY kg4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs.:
1400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of lug-
gage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in step 4
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
part of the load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the
manual for transporting a trailer to
determine how this may reduce the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permitted load is the total of the weight
of occupants and cargo/luggage. The
greater the weight of occupants, the less
cargo/luggage can be transported.

Giving and receiving assistance
186
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool
kit mounted on the inside of the luggage
compartment under the floor mat, refer to
page 178, and should always remain in the
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting
and the vehicle, observe the follow-
ing: only use the tow fitting that comes with
the vehicle and screw it in as far as possi-
ble. Only use the tow fitting to tow on the
roadway. Avoid heavy lateral loading of the
tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover in bumper:
Press the arrow symbol of the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Even if there is a failure in the electri-
cal system, make sure that the igni-
tion key is in position 1, as otherwise the
steering wheel could lock and it would be
impossible to steer the vehicle. There is no
power assist with the engine stopped. This then requires increased effort for braking
and steering. The active steering is deacti-
vated; when stopped and in the low speed
range greater steering wheel movements
are required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers
depending on the local regulations. If the
electrical system fails, mark the vehicle to
be towed, e.g. with a sign or warning trian-
gle in the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position
Vehicles with automatic
transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of
45 mph/70 km/h and a towing dis-
tance of 90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the
automatic transmission may be dam-
aged.<
Vehicles with SMG Sequential
manual transmission
With the ignition switched on, engage
selector-lever position N, then switch off
the ignition.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with all regulations on
towing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, as oth-
erwise it will not be possible to control
vehicle response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the
same side on both vehicles. Should it prove
impossible to avoid mounting the tow bar
at an offset angle, please observe the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability
will be strictly limited in corners

Mobility
187Reference
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>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar
will exert lateral forces, tending to push
the vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar on the tow fitting
only. Otherwise damage could result
on other vehicle parts.<
With tow-rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle,
make sure that the tow-rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components
when towing, always use nylon ropes or
nylon straps. Secure the tow rope on the
tow fitting only. Otherwise damage could
result on other vehicle parts.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow
truck with a so-called lift bar or on a load
bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, as otherwise
damage may result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an
automatic transmission.
Jump-starting, refer to page 184.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic
converter with the engine cold. It is better
to jump-start the engine, refer to page 184.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regula-
tions
2.Turn the ignition key to position 23.Engage the 3rd gear, vehicles with
SMG, see below
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the
clutch pedal completely depressed and
slowly release the clutch. After the
engine starts, depress the clutch pedal
completely again
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the
tow bar or rope and switch off the haz-
ard warning flashers
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual
transmission:
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N
2.Select sequential mode. The correct
gear will be selected and engaged
automatically.

Technical data
190
Technical data
Engine specifications
Weights
Never exceed either the approved
axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
645Ci
Displacement
Number of cylinderscu in/cmm268.4/4,398
8
Maximum output
at engine speedhp
rpm325
6,100
Maximum torque
at engine speedlb ft/Nm
rpm 330/450
3,600
645Ci Coupe 645Ci Convertible
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission / SMGlbs./kg
3,781/1,715
3,792/1,7204,178/1,895
4,189/1,900
Approved gross weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission / SMGlbs./kg
4,619/2,095
4,630/2,1004,960/2,250
4,971/2,255
Load lbs./kg 838/380 772/350
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,271/1,030 2,381/1,080
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,513/1,140 2,381/1,080
Luggage compartment capacity
Convertible: with convertible top com-
partment floor up, refer to page 32cu ft/l 15.9/450
–10.6/300
12.4/350

Everything from A to Z
200 "Communication
interface" 155
Compact disc
– refer to CD changer 137
– refer to CD player 137
Computer 69
– clock, 12/24 hour
mode 73
– displays on Control
Display 69
– hour signal 73
"Concert hall" 128
Condition Based Service,
CBS 174
"Confirmation" 28
Confirmation signals for
locking and unlocking 28
"Confirm unlock code" 147
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner
– refer to Lighter socket 97
– refer to Power socket 97
Consumption display, refer
to Average fuel
consumption 69
"Continue guidance to
dest.?" 119
Control Center 16
– adjusting the
brightness 72
– assistance window 19
– automatic climate
control 90
– changing settings 18, 72
– changing the menu
page 18
– confirming selection or
entry 18
– controller 16
– display, menus 16
– language selection 73
– menu guidance 17
– menu item selection 18
– operating elements 16
– selecting units of
measurement and display
format 72
– setting time and date 73
– start menu 17
– status information 19
– symbols 17Control Display 16
Controller, refer to
Control Center 16
Controls, refer to
Cockpit 10
Convenience operation
– convertible top 27, 29
– glass roof 27, 29
– windows 27, 29
Convenience start, refer to
Starting engine 54, 55
Convertible program for
automatic climate
control 91
Convertible top 37
– care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– convenience operation 29
– emergency closing 39
– manual closing in the
event of an electrical
malfunction 39
– opening and closing 38
Coolant 172
– level 172
Cooling, maximum 89
Cornering Brake Control,
CBC 76
Country of destination for
navigation 110
Courtesy lamps 87
Cruise control 62
Cruising range 69
Cup holders 97
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 190
"Current position" 109
Current position
– displaying 109
– entering 114
– storing 114
"Customer Relations" 157
Cylinders, refer to
Engine data 190
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 10
Data 190
– capacities 193
– dimensions 191
– engine 190
– weights 190
"Date" 74
Date 64
– setting 74
"Date format" 74
Daytime driving lamps 85
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 78
Deactivating front
passenger airbag,
Coupe 51
Decommissioning the
vehicle, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Defect
– convertible top 39
– door lock 29
– fuel filler door 162
– glass roof 36
– luggage compartment
lid 30, 31
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission 58
Defrosting windows 89
Defrosting windows and
removing
condensation 89
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting windows 89
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 89
"Delete address book" for
navigation 116
"Delete address" for
navigation 115
"Delete all numbers" for
portable phone 150
"Delete data" for
navigation 116
"Delete" for portable
phone 149

Reference 201
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Destination address
– deleting 115
– entering 110
Destination for navigation
– destination list 113
– entry 110
– selecting from address
book 115
– selecting using
information 113
– storing 114
Destination guidance 118
– bypassing route
sections 120
– canceling voice
instructions 50
– changing specified
route 116
– displaying route 119
– distance and arrival 118
– interrupting 118
– starting 118
– terminating/
continuing 118
– voice instructions 119
– volume of voice
instructions 119
Destination list 113
Destinations recently
driven to 113
"Dial" for portable
phone 147
"Dial number" 147
Digital clock 64
Dimensions
– Convertible 192
– Coupe 191
Dipstick for engine oil 171
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signals 60
Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions 119
Direction instructions, refer
to Voice instructions 119
Directory, refer to
Phone book 148
Directory for navigation,
refer to Address
book 114
Disc brakes 103Displacement, refer to
Engine data 190
Display, refer to
Control Center 16
"Display off" 19
Displays, refer to
Instrument cluster 12
"Display settings" 72
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up
Display 83
Disposal, vehicle
battery 181
Distance, refer to
Computer 70
Distance to destination,
refer to Computer 70
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control 75
"Dist. to destination" 70
Door entry lighting 87
Door keys 26
Door lock 29
"Door locks" 27
Doors
– manual operation 29
– remote control 27
DOT Quality Grades 166
Draft-free ventilation 92
"Driver's door only" 27
Driving lamps, refer to
Parking lamps/
low beams 85
Driving notes 102
Driving route, refer to
Displaying the route 119
Driving stability control
systems 77
Driving through water 103
Driving tips, refer to
Driving notes 102
Drying the air, refer to
Cooling function 89
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 77
– indicator lamp 13, 77
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 77
– activating 77
– indicator lamp 13, 77DVD for navigation 108
Dynamic Brake Control,
DBC 78
Dynamic Driving Control 59
"Dynamic route" for
navigation 116
Dynamic Stability Control,
DSC 77
Dynamic Traction Control,
DTC 77
E
Easy Entry, refer to
Entry to the rear 46, 52
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution 76
"Edit address" for
navigation 115
Eject button, refer to
Buttons on CD player 126
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 59
– convertible top 39
– door lock 29
– driver's door 29
– fuel filler door 162
– glass roof 36
– luggage compartment
lid 31
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission 58
Electric steering wheel
adjustment 48
Electronic brake-force
distribution, EBV 76
Emergency assistance,
refer to Roadside
Assistance 184
Emergency call 183
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation
– convertible top 39
– door lock 29
– driver's door 29
– fuel filler door 162
– glass roof 36
– luggage compartment
lid 30, 31