2004 BMW 645CI COUPE&CONVERTIBLE clutch

Driving
54
Driving
Ignition lock
0 Steering locked
The key can only be inserted or removed in
this position.
After removing the key, turn the steering
wheel slightly until it locks.
Interlock on automatic transmission
>Only move the selector lever from
position P with the engine running
>To turn the key back to position 0 or to
remove it, first select the selector lever
position P.
1 Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often
makes it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Individual current consumers are ready for
operation.
2 Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Start engine
Starting engine
Do not run the engine in closed
rooms, as otherwise the inhaling of
toxic exhaust gases can cause uncon-
sciousness and death. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas.Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select idle position or position N and apply
the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
with the engine running.<
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle remains
stationary. Instead, begin to drive immedi-
ately at a moderate engine speed.
Special starting conditions
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down
when starting if
>the engine fails to start on the first
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or
cold
>the engine is started at very low tem-
peratures, below approx. + 57/–156,
at high altitudes, over 3,300 ft/1,000 m.
Avoid frequent starting in quick suc-
cession or repeated start attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise,
the fuel is not burned or inadequately
burned and there is a danger of overheat-
ing and damaging the catalytic converter.<
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake
2.Gearshift lever in idle position
3.Press the clutch pedal
If the clutch pedal is not
depressed, the engine will not
start.<
4.Start the engine.
Do not terminate the starting operation
too early, but after approx. 20 seconds
at the latest. When the engine starts, let
go of the ignition key immediately.

Driving
56 do not pull it too strongly. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the handbrake
lever.
Strong application of the handbrake can
lead to overbraking of the rear axle and
associated 'fishtailing' of the vehicle rear
end.
The brake lamps do not light up when the
handbrake is engaged.
Vehicles with manual or SMG transmission:
When parking on inclines, engage the
handbrake, as even engaging the first or
reverse gear might not under certain cir-
cumstances secure the vehicle against
moving.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Engage selector-lever position P.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided
braking action, occasionally engage
the handbrake lightly when the vehicle is
slowly coming to a standstill if the traffic
conditions are suitable.<
Manual transmission
While shifting gear in the 5th/6th gear
level, press the gearshift lever to the
right, as otherwise engine damage could
occur from inadvertently engaging a gear in
the 3rd/4th gear level.
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with the
clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise there
is high clutch wear.<
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is completely
stationary. When pressing the gearshift
lever to the left, overcome some resis-
tance.The backup lamps automatically switch on
in ignition key position 2.
SMG Sequential manual
transmission*
The concept
The SMG Sequential manual transmission
is an automated manual transmission in
which an electro-hydraulic system handles
the clutching and gear changes.
You operate the SMG using the selector
lever in the center console and two shift
paddles on the steering wheel.
It offers the following functions:
>Choice of manual or automatic mode:
Sequential mode or Drive mode
>Options of two drive programs:
Normal or Sport, refer to page 59
>Protection against incorrect gearshifts
and automatic shift down at minimum
engine speed, also in the Sequential
mode
>Kickdown function in the Drive mode
>Acceleration assistant, refer to
page 60.
The SMG is operational in ignition key posi-
tion 2.
Selector-lever positions
The current selector-lever position is dis-
played on the center console.
>R: Reverse gear
>N: Neutral, idle

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In addition, cruise control is interrupted
automatically
>when you apply pressure to the brake
pedal
>when you press down the clutch pedal
or engage position N of the automatic
transmission/SMG
>when DSC comes on.
4Recalling stored speed
Briefly press button 4: the vehicle acceler-
ates to and maintains the stored speed.
Deactivating system
When the ignition is switched off, the sys-
tem is deactivated and the stored speed is
deleted.
Displays in instrument cluster
1Display for stored speed with cruise
control activated
2Digital speedometer.
Briefly displays the selected speed

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

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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.

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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.

Everything from A to Z
198 Automatic
– air distribution 89
– air volume 89
– cruise control 62
– curb monitor 45
– headlamp control 85
– service notification 156
– station search 131
– steering wheel
adjustment 49
– storing stations 132
Automatic car wash 102
– also refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Automatic climate
control 88
– automatic air
distribution 89
– convertible program 91
– settings using Control
Center 90
– switching off 90
"Automatic programs" 91
Automatic recirculated-air
control, AUC 89
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 58
– convenience start 55
– Dynamic Driving
Control 59
– interlock 54
– kickdown 59
– selector lever interlock 58
– shiftlock 58
– starting engine 55
– towing 186
– tow-starting 187
– warning lamp 59
"Automatic ventilation" 92
AUTO program with
automatic climate
control 89
"Autostore" on the
radio 130, 132
"AUTO" with automatic
climate control 91
Average fuel
consumption 69
– setting units 72
Average speed 69"Avoid ferries" for
navigation 116
Avoid freeways for
navigation 116
"Avoid highways" for
navigation 116
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 33
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation 116
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 190
"A - Z" 148
B
Backrests, refer to
Seats 43
Backup lamps, refer to
Reverse gear 56
– replacing the bulbs 180
Balance, refer to
Adjusting the tone 128
Balance adjustment in
audio mode
– right/left 128
Bass, refer to
Adjusting the tone 127
"Bass", refer to
Adjusting the tone 128
Battery 181
– in the remote control 26
– jump-starting 184
Being towed 186
Belts, refer to
Safety belts 47
Beverage holder, refer to
Cup holders 97
Black ice, refer to
Ice warning 64
Blower, refer to
Air volume 89
BMW Assist 155
– enabling 155
– services offered 156
BMW maintenance
system 174
"BMW Service" 157
"BMW Service
settings" 155Bore, refer to
Engine data 190
Bottle holder, refer to
Cup holders 97
Brake Assistant, refer to
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 78
Brake fluid 173
– warning lamp 173
Brake Force Display 80
Brake hydraulic
system 173
Brake lamps
– replacing the bulbs 180
– two-stage brake lamps 80
Brake pads 173
– break-in procedure 102
Brake pedal, refer to
Brakes 103
Brake rotors 103
Brakes 103
– ABS Antilock Brake
System 76
– brake fluid 173
– Brake Force Display 80
– brake pads 102, 173
– break-in procedure 102
– handbrake 55
Brake system 102
– brake fluid level 173
– brake pads 173
– brake rotors 103
– break-in procedure 102
– warning lamp 13, 78, 173
Brake wear warning
– brake pads 173
– warning lamp 173
Breakdown assistance 156
Breakdown services, refer
to Roadside
Assistance 184
Breaking-in the clutch 102
Breaking-in the
differential 102
Break-in procedures 102
"Brightness" 72
Buttons on the steering
wheel 11