2004 BMW 645CI COUPE&CONVERTIBLE warning

Driving
58 speed; thus, for example, a downshift
that would cause the engine to overrev
will not be executed by the system
>When the vehicle is stationary, the
transmission automatically downshifts
into first gear
>Shortly before dropping below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the trans-
mission downshifts automatically even
without your intervention.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up and a
message appears on the Control
Display. There is a malfunction in
the transmission system. Avoid high loads.
While it will remain still possible to move
the selector lever to any desired position,
the transmission will revert to operation in
its default mode with only a limited number
of forward gears.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Information on jump-starting and towing
begins on page 185.
Overheating
The warning lamp lights up and a
message appears on the Control
Display. In addition, an acoustic
signal sounds. Overheating in the area of
the transmission. If possible, stop or drive
off quickly so that the system can cool
down.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic*
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you
can also shift manually with Steptronic,
refer to page 59.
Selector-lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Possible displays
P R N D DS M1 to M6
The selector lever position is indicated, and
in the manual mode the gear currently
engaged.
Changing selector-lever positions
An interlock prevents inadvertent gear-
shifts into selector-lever positions R and P.
To cancel the interlock, press the button on
the front of the selector lever knob, refer to
arrow.
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting out
of P or N; the shift command will not be
executed unless the brake is applied.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after
you select a driving position, maintain pres-
sure on the brake pedal until you are ready
to start.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select selector-lever posi-
tion P and engage the handbrake before
leaving the vehicle with the engine running.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<

Controls
59Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
P Parking
Select only when the vehicle is completely
stationary. The rear wheels are blocked.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is completely
stationary.
N Neutral
E.g. engage in car washes. The vehicle can
roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation.
All forward gears are available.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in
position D.
Kickdown
The kickdown mode provides maximum
acceleration:
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the
full-throttle resistance point.
M/S manual operation and
Sport program
Move the selector lever from position D to
the left into gearshift gate M/S:
The sport program is activated and DS
appears in the instrument cluster.
This position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style. It is engaged
automatically when the Dynamic Driving
Control is activated, see below.
When the selector lever is moved slightly
towards + or –, the Steptronic shifts gear
and manual operation is activated. The
instrument cluster shows M1 through M6.Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation of engine and vehicle speed; thus,
for example, a downshift that would cause
the engine to overrev will not be executed
by the system. The selected gear appears
briefly in the instrument cluster, followed by
the current gear.
To use the automatic function again, move
the selector lever to the right into posi-
tion D.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up and a
message appears on the Control
Display. There is a malfunction in
the transmission system. Avoid heavy
loads.
While it will remain still possible to move
the selector lever to any desired position,
the transmission will revert to operation in
its default mode with only a limited number
of forward gears.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Towing, refer to page, 185, jump-starting,
refer to page 185.
Dynamic Driving Control
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it pos-
sible for your BMW to react in an even more
sports-oriented manner at the push of a
button:
>The engine responds more spontane-
ously to accelerator pedal movements
>The steering conveys a feeling of even
better contact with the road surface
>Cruise control:
The stored speed you call up is reached
more quickly.
Additionally with SMG:
>Gearshifts are faster
>The engine speed range is used opti-
mally in the Drive mode.
With automatic transmission:
>The Sport program is activated.

Everything under control
64
Everything under control
Odometer, outside
temperature display, clock
When the ignition is off you can briefly acti-
vate the time, outside temperature and
odometer displays by pressing the knob 3
at the lower left of the instrument cluster.
Outside temperature display, clock,
date 1
The outside temperature and the time are
displayed from ignition key position 1
onwards.
You can set the measurement unit 7 or 6
on the Control Display, refer to Measure-
ment units on page 72.
To call up the date:
Briefly press the CHECK button on the turn
indicator lever, refer to page 69.
Setting the time and date, refer to page 73.
Ice warning
A signal sounds when the outside temper-
ature falls to roughly +37.57/+36; this is
accompanied by a message.
Please bear in mind that the ice warn-
ing does nothing to alter the fact that
black ice may be present on roads at tem-
peratures higher than +37.57/+36, e.g.
on bridges and shaded roads.<
Odometer and trip odometer 2
To reset the trip odometer to zero:
Press button 3 in the instrument cluster.
Tachometer
The white-striped advance warning field,
arrow 1, changes depending on the engine
temperature. The segments disappear in
sequence as the engine warms to its nor-
mal operating temperature.
Avoid allowing the engine speed to rise as
far as the advance warning field whenever
possible.
Engine speeds in the red warning field,
arrow 2, must be avoided.
In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted
to protect the engine.

Controls
67Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Display of a message
means that a Check Control message is
present.
Information and malfunction reports are
indicated by an illuminated indicator or
warning lamp symbol.
At the same time, a gong sounds and a text
message appears on the Control Display.
Supplementary instructions
Messages are assigned one of two priority
ratings:
Priority 1
These messages and malfunction reports
are signaled by a gong. If a number of mal-
functions occur simultaneously, they are
displayed in succession. These messages
cannot be deleted, and they remain on the display until the problem is corrected. Sup-
plementary information can also appear on
the Control Display.
To exit the menu:
Select and press the controller.
Priority 2
These status messages and malfunction
reports are indicated by the gong and dis-
played for approx. 20 seconds.
To hide a displayed message: briefly press
the CHECK button on the turn signal lever.
Check Control symbol and message
on Control Display
Depending on the status of the monitored
systems, various symbols are displayed:
No malfunctions are present in the
monitored systems.
Malfunctions are present in the moni-
tored systems.
Depending upon how serious the
problem is, a supplementary mes-
sage may also appear on the Control Dis-
play.
The symbols also indicate the status of the
service requirement display, refer to
page 66.

Controls
71Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
2.Select a menu item:
>"Onboard info"
>"Trip computer"
3.Press the controller.
Speed limit
You can enter a speed and a Check Control
message indicates when you have reached
this speed. This enables you, for example,
to receive warnings if you exceed a speed
limit in an urban area.
You are only warned of reaching this speed
a second time if you again drive at least
3 mph/5 km/h slower.
Entering, changing
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open "Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation system:
open "Car Data"
2.Select "Car Data" and press the con-
troller
3.Select "Limit" and press the controller
4.Select the speed and press the control-
ler5.Turn the controller to set the limit. When
doing so, maintain a slight resistance if
necessary if a greater difference is to be
entered
6.Press the controller to apply the setting.
Applying your current speed as limit
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open "Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation system:
open "Car Data"
2.Select "Car Data" and press the con-
troller
3.Select "Limit" and press the controller
4.Select "Select current speed" and
press the controller. The system applies
your current speed as the limit.
Activating limit
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Open "Navigation".
On vehicles without navigation system:
open "Car Data"
2.Select "Car Data" and press the con-
troller
3.Select "Limit" and press the controller
4.Select "On" and press the controller.
Limit is activated.

Controls
75Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Technology for comfort, convenience
and safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you are parking.
Signal tones and a visual display
* indicate
the current distance to an object behind or
in front of your vehicle. To measure the dis-
tance, there are four ultrasonic sensors in
each bumper. The sensors at the front and
at the two rear corners have a range of
approx. 20 in/50 cm; the rear middle sen-
sors have approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching an object at high speed,
as otherwise the physical circumstances
would mean that the system warning was
too late.<
Automatic mode
In ignition key position 2, the system auto-
matically assumes operational status after
a few seconds each time you engage
reverse gear or selector-lever position R.
Wait this short period before driving.<
The system is automatically deacti-
vated once the vehicle travels approx.
165 ft/50 m or exceeds a speed of roughly
20 mph/30 km/h; the indicator lamp goes
out. You can reactivate the system manu-
ally as needed.
Manual mode
With the ignition key in position 2, press the
button; the indicator lamp lights up.
Deactivating manual mode
Press the button again; the indicator lamp
goes out.
Signal tones
The signal indicating the distance to the
nearest obstacle is directional. Thus, an
object detected to the left rear of the vehi-
cle will be indicated by a signal tone from
the left rear speaker, etc. As the distance
between vehicle and object decreases, the
intervals between the tones become
shorter. The signal tone becomes continu-
ous once the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. 3 seconds if you are moving paral-
lel to a wall.
Malfunctions
The indicator lamp within the button
flashes and a message appears on the
Control Display. PDC has failed. Switch off
PDC. Have the system checked.
As a preventive measure, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to
ensure that they will continue to operate
effectively.
PDC with visual warning*
You also enjoy the option of having the sys-
tem show distances to objects on the Con-
trol Display. The Control Display will also

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
78 The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore, do
not reduce the additional safety margin
again by taking risks.<
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this
system automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus helps to
achieve the shortest braking distance dur-
ing panic stops. This system exploits all of
the benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. When the brake pedal is released,
DBC is deactivated.
Malfunctions of driving stability
control systems
The brake system warning lamp
lights up in red, appearing together
with the indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC. A message appears on
the Control Display. Driving stability
control and ABS have failed. Con-
ventional braking efficiency remains
available without limitations.
While you may continue, you should
remember to proceed cautiously and drive
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
The DSC warning lamp lights up.
DSC and DTC have failed.
The stability maintenance functions
are no longer available. The vehicle will
remain completely operational, however,
without DSC.Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
The warning lamp for the brake sys-
tem lights up yellow and a message
appears on the Control Display.
DBC has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
Active roll stabilization*
The concept
Active roll stabilization minimizes body roll
and optimizes vehicle stability during cor-
nering and evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic stabilizers at the front and rear
axles form the basis for active roll stabiliza-
tion. Suspension compliance adapts to suit
driving conditions, varying from perfor-
mance-oriented during cornering to
smooth and comfort-oriented when the
vehicle is proceeding in a straight line. Dur-
ing vehicle operation, the system continu-
ously runs through closed-loop control
cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status
each time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up and a
message appears on the Control
Display. There is a malfunction in
the system. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
If there is a malfunction in the system,
please remember to adapt your
speed accordingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer
and the vehicle will display a greater ten-
dency to tilt during cornering and in cross-
winds.
If a message stating that you should stop
appears on the Control Display, stop and
switch off the engine as soon as possible.
In this case the oil level in the reservoir may

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
80
Report of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up in red
and a message appears on the
Control Display. In addition, an
acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat tire
or extensive inflation pressure loss.
1.Cautiously reduce the vehicle speed to
below 50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid sudden
braking and steering maneuvers. Do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph/
80 km/h
Due to the reinforcement on the
side walls of the run-flat tires,
inflation pressure loss can not usually
be recognized from the outside, refer to
Run-flat tires on page 168.<
2.To continue driving, comply with the
instructions for driving with damaged
tires on page 168.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow
and a message appears on the
Control Display. The Flat Tire Moni-
tor has a malfunction or has failed. Have
the system checked as soon as possible.
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering is a system that actively
varies the steering angle of the front wheels
in relation to the steering wheel move-
ments.
When you are driving in the low road speed
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the
steering angle of the wheels is reinforced,
i.e. the steering becomes very direct.
In the higher speed range, on the other
hand, the steering angle of the wheels is
reduced more and more. This improves the
handling capability of your BMW over the
entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make
targeted changes to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the
vehicle before the driver intervenes.
Malfunction
The fixed warning lamp lights up.
The active steering is no longer
operational. In the low speed range,
greater steering wheel movement is neces-
sary. Have the system checked.
If the warning lamp lights up during the first
engine starting following a power supply
interruption, the system must be activated
with initialization.
Initializing system
1.Start the engine
2.With the vehicle stationary, turn the
steering wheel from the straight-ahead
position to the left as far as it will go and
then back to the straight-ahead position
3.Switch off the engine.
When you start the engine again, all the
functions of the active steering are avail-
able once again.
Brake Force Display
The two-stage brake lamps light up in two
stages depending on how strongly you
brake.
>Normal braking:
The brake lamps and the third brake
lamp go on
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
In addition, the light area of the rear
brake lamps is enlarged, refer to illus-
tration.