2004 BMW 645CI COUPE&CONVERTIBLE stop start

At a glance
13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
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Mobility
Indicator and warning
lamps
Technology that monitors itself
The indicator and warning lamps identified
by the
+ symbol are subjected to an oper-
ation check each time you switch on the
ignition or start the engine. They each light
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored
system, the corresponding lamp will either
fail to go out when the engine is started, or
it will come on again during normal driving,
usually accompanied by a Check Control
message. You will find more details on the
specified pages.
Fixed indicator and warning lampsColors The indicator and warning lamps can light
up in different colors and combinations.
>Red:
Stop immediately
or
important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue to drive; drive cautiously
>Yellow:
Have the system checked at the earliest
opportunity
or
for your information
>Green or blue:
For your information.
Variable indicator and warning lamps
On the display 5 of the instrument cluster,
other indicator and warning lamps appear
as necessary. Pay attention to the instruc-
tions of the accompanying Check Control
messages, also refer to page 66. Turn signals60
Active steering
+80
Brake system
+
With handbrake engaged55
With handbrake released78, 173
With other warning lamps78
Brake system for Canadian models
Airbags
+81
Service Engine Soon
+176
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a malfunction
the emissions-related electronic
systems.
Although the vehicle remains oper-
ational, you should have the sys-
tems checked by your BMW center
at the earliest possible opportunity
Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp for Canadian models
Front fog lamps86
ABS Antilock Brake System +78
DTC Dynamic Traction Control78
High beams/headlamp flasher86
Please fasten safety belt
+47
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
+78
Check Gas Cap162
Lamp for US models

Controls
55Reference
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Mobility
SMG Sequential manual
transmission and automatic
transmission
Your BMW is equipped with the conve-
nience starting feature. Here, it is sufficient
to turn the ignition key only briefly to posi-
tion 3 'Start engine' and to let go of it right
away. The system responds by automati-
cally engaging the starter for a certain
period and allowing it to run until the engine
starts, after which it then disengages auto-
matically.
SMG Sequential manual
transmission
1.Press the brake pedal
2.Engage selector-lever position N
3.Start the engine.
If the engine does not start, engage
the last gear selected again, refer to
instrument cluster display, and then
engage selector-lever position N.<
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
1.Press the brake pedal
2.Engage selector-lever position P or N
3.Start the engine.
Switching off engine
Do not remove the ignition key while
the vehicle is rolling, as otherwise the
steering wheel lock would engage while
steering.
When leaving the vehicle, remove the igni-
tion key and lock the steering.
When parking on a downhill incline, apply
the handbrake, as otherwise the vehicle
could roll away.<
Manual transmission
1.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0
2.Engage first or reverse gear.
SMG Sequential manual
transmission
1.Engage a drive position
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
A signal sounds if the idle position N is
engaged on stopping the engine.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
1.Engage selector-lever position P
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked;
it brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and an
acoustic signal also sounds when
starting off. The handbrake is
engaged.
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
Engaging
The lever locks into place automatically;
the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up as of ignition key position 1.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the
handbrake while the vehicle is in motion,

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.<

Everything under control
72
Stopwatch
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 "Stopwatch" and press the con-
troller.
Starting and stopping
>Select "Start" and press the controller.
The stopwatch starts at the displayed
time
>Select "Reset" and press the controller.
The stopwatch is reset and it restarts if
it was running beforehand
>Select "Stop" and press the controller.
This stops the timer.
Taking an intermediate time reading
Select "Interim time" and press the control-
ler. This intermediate time appears below
the ongoing primary stopwatch count.
All of the remaining functions remain
available at all times while the stop-
watch is running. The stopwatch continues
operation in the background.<
Settings on Control Display
Brightness of Control Display
The brightness is automatically adapted to
the ambient lighting conditions. However,
you can change the base setting.Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Press button.
The start menu is opened
2.Press the controller to open the menu
3.Select "Display settings" and press the
controller
4.Select "Brightness" and press the con-
troller
5.If necessary, move the controller to the
right to select "Display Offset"
6.Turn the controller until the desired set-
ting is selected.
Depending on which key you have used to
open the vehicle, the last adjustment is
applied.
Measurement units
You can change the measurement units for
consumption, distances, temperature and
pressure.
1.Open the menu
2.Select "Display settings" and press the
controller
3.Select "Units" and press the controller

Controls
77Reference
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Mobility
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC optimizes vehicle stability during
acceleration and when starting from a full
stop, as well as optimizing traction. The
system recognizes any tendency for the
vehicle to assume an unstable attitude
such as oversteer or understeer; it then
counteracts this tendency with a combina-
tion of graduated reductions in engine
torque and selective braking intervention at
individual wheels. DSC provides optimal
stability within the limits defined by the
laws of physics.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. DSC includes the functionality
of the DTC Dynamic Traction Control and
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, see below.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp goes out soon
after you start the engine.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off via the button.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
In special driving states, e.g. in deep snow,
DTC ensures maximum forward momen-
tum. The gain in forward momentum also
involves a reduction in driving stability.
DTC is active up to approx. 45 mph/
70 km/h, whereas DSC is only effective to
a limited degree.
You may find it useful to briefly activate
DTC under the following special circum-
stances:
>When rocking the vehicle and starting
off in deep snow or on loose road sur-
faces
>When ascending snow-covered hills,
and when driving in deep or on hard-
packed snow
>When driving with snow chains.
Activating DTC
>Press the DSC button briefly; the DTC
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up continuously.
Deactivating DTC again
Press the DSC button briefly again; the
DTC indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter goes out.
Switching off DSC
Press the DSC button until the DSC indica-
tor light in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously, however not longer than
approx. 10 seconds. DSC and DTC are
deactivated. In addition, the stability pro-
moting intervention of the active steering is
deactivated, refer to page 80.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears there.
To maintain optimal stability, drive
with the system on whenever possi-
ble.<
Reactivating DSC
Press the DSC button briefly; the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.

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

What to do if …
122
What to do if …
What to do if …
>you request the current position of your
vehicle, but do not receive a precise
display?
The system is unable to receive enough
GPS signals at your current position
owing to obstructions, your current
position is not yet available on your nav-
igation DVD, or the system is in the pro-
cess of calculating your current posi-
tion. As a rule, reception is guaranteed
under a clear sky
>the destination guidance does not
apply a destination?
The data of the destination is not stored
on the navigation DVD that is loaded.
Select a destination that is as close as
possible to the original
>the destination guidance does not
apply an address without the street
name?
On the navigation DVD, no downtown
area can be determined for the city or
town entered. Enter any street, or a
destination such as the railway station
etc., then start the destination guidance>you want to enter a destination for the
destination guidance, but it is not pos-
sible to select the letters for your
desired entry?
The destination data is not recorded on
the navigation DVD that is loaded. In
this case, the system will not offer you
any letters to choose from. Select a
destination that is as close as possible
to the original
>the system stops furnishing directions
on which way to turn as you approach
intersections?
You are driving in an area that has not
yet been completely recorded on the
navigation DVD. Instead of an arrow
indicating a turn, you will see an arrow
which indicates the general direction of
your planned route. Or you have left the
recommended route and the system
requires a few seconds to calculate a
new recommended route
>the battery has been disconnected?
It will take approx. 10 minutes for the
system to resume operation.

Navigation
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131Reference
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Controls
Communications
Mobility
To change between these different selec-
tion criteria of stations:
1.Move the controller forwards to change
fields
2.Select a selection criterion
3.Press the controller.
Buttons on CD player
Briefly press the button for the correspond-
ing direction.
The system switches to the next displayed
station.
Playing stations, scan
The system automatically plays a brief
sample from each of the stations on the
current waveband.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Select "FM" or "AM"
2.Press the controller
3.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed
4.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
Scan starts.To stop the scan:
1.Press the controller once again
2.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
This cancels the scan search, and the radio
remains on the current station.
Buttons on the CD player:
To start the scan, press the button for a
longer period.
To stop the scan, press the button briefly.
Selecting frequency manually
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
1.Select "FM" or "AM"
2.Press the controller
3.Move the controller forwards to change
fields
4.Select "Manual" and press the control-
ler
5.Turn the controller to set a certain fre-
quency.
Buttons on the CD player:
In "Manual", you can set stations that are
received in addition to those displayed.
To start the scan, press the button for a
longer period.
The scan mode begins with the currently
selected frequency.
The system plays a brief sample from each
radio station.