2004 BMW 645CI COUPE service

Mobility
This section helps you maintain
your mobility by supplying important
information on vital topics including fuels
and lubricants, wheels and tires, service,
maintenance and how to deal with any
problems that may occur.

Wheels and tires
164
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and – to a great extent
– driving safety that depend on the condi-
tion of the tires and the maintenance of the
specified tire pressure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regu-
larly and correct it if necessary: at
least every two weeks and before begin-
ning a longer trip. If you fail to observe this
precaution, you may be driving on tires with
incorrect tire pressures, a condition that
can not only compromise your vehicle's
stability, but also lead to tire damage and
the risk of an accident.<
Checking tire inflation pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum
of 1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the
vehicle has been parked for at least
2 hours. When tires are warm, the tire infla-
tion pressure increases.
After correcting the inflation pres-
sure(s), always reinitialize the Flat Tire
Monitor, refer to page 79.<
Inflation pressures for original tires
The tires must be at ambient temperature.
The inflation pressures, provided on a label
affixed to the B-pillar, are visible when the
driver's door is open.
Inflation pressure for other tire sizes
The tables below provide all the correct
inflation pressures for the specified tire
sizes at ambient temperature.
For correct identification of the right
tire inflation pressure for your tires,
observe the specifications for the corre-
sponding tire size.<
Observe tire size
The specified pressures apply to tire sizes
approved by BMW and recommended tire
makes; your BMW center will be glad to
provide information.

Wheels and tires
166
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of
the tire makes it easier to identify and
choose the right tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines
of the U.S. Department of Transport.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated
on the sidewall:
DOT ... 1204 indicates that a tire was man-
ufactured in week 12 of the year 2004.
BMW recommends for various reasons,
including beginning brittleness, replacing
all tires after 6 years at the latest, even if a
tire age of 10 years is possible.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.<
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half, 1g, times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead brak-
ing traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.< e.g.
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Radial type
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
not on ZR tires
Speed rating
before R on ZR tires
205/60 R1591W
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 1204

Under the hood
170
Under the hood
Never attempt to perform any service
or repair operations on your vehicle
without the required, professional technical
training. If you are unfamiliar with the ser-
vice procedures and precautions, always
have any required work on your vehicle
carried out at your BMW center. If this work
is performed inexpertly, there is a danger of
damage and associated safety risks.<
Hood
Releasing
Pull the lever located under the left side of
the instrument panel.
Opening
Press the release handle and open the
engine hood.
Closing
Close the hood from a height of approx.
16 in/40 cm with momentum. It must be
clearly heard to engage.
Make sure that the closing path of the
engine hood is clear, as otherwise
injuries may result.
If you see any signs that the hood is not
completely closed while you are driving
your vehicle, you should stop at once and
close it securely.<

Under the hood
172
Topping up engine oil
Wait until the level has dropped to just on
the lower dipstick mark before adding oil.
In this area a message also appears on the
Control Display.
Store oil, grease etc., well out of the
reach of children; always observe all
warning labels on the containers.<
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. BMW continu-
ously approves specific oils after confirm-
ing their suitability 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.
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate without additives, and their use
could even lead to damage in some
cases.<
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.<
Coolant consists of water and the addition
of antifreeze and anticorrosion agent. Not
all commercially available additives are
suitable for your BMW. Ask your BMW cen-
ter for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, as other-
wise engine damage may result. The
additives present a health hazard; observe
the instructions on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable envi-
ronmental rules and regulations when
disposing of used coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient temper-
ature
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank
counterclockwise to allow any accumu-
lated pressure to escape, then continue
turning to open

Maintenance
174
Maintenance
The BMW maintenance
system
The BMW maintenance system supports
the preservation of the traffic and operating
safety of your BMW. The service schedule
also includes operations related to the
vehicle's comfort and convenience fea-
tures, such as replacement of the filters for
the inside air. The ultimate objective is to
ensure economical maintenance by provid-
ing the ideal service for your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to
sell your BMW, you will find that a complete
dealer service history is an asset of inesti-
mable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the
different driving conditions of your BMW
into account. Condition Based Service
uses this to determine the current and
future maintenance requirement. By letting
you define a service and maintenance reg-
imen that reflects your own individual
requirements, the system builds the basis
for trouble-free driving.
The service requirement display, refer to
page 65, individually displays the time or
distance remaining for selected mainte-
nance work and any legally required inter-
vals:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, front and rear separately
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter>Brake fluid
>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Legally required tests depending on
local regulations.
Your vehicle stores this information contin-
uously in the master key while the vehicle is
being driven. After accessing the data
stored in the master key, your BMW Ser-
vice Advisor can suggest precisely the right
array of service procedures for your own
individual vehicle. You should therefore
hand over to the BMW Service Advisor the
key you last used to drive when you take
your vehicle for service.
Make sure the date in the Control
Center is always set correctly, refer to
page 74, as otherwise the effectiveness of
CBS Condition Based Service is not
ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models for additional information
on service requirements.
Have service and repair operations
performed at your BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service
procedures are confirmed by entries in
your vehicle's Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and War-
ranty and Service Guide Booklet for Cana-
dian models. These entries verify that your
vehicle has received the specified regular
maintenance, and may also be required
when submitting warranty claims.<

Rules and regulations
176
Rules and regulations
California laws
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 thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or
more sensing and diagnostic modules or a
recording device capable of recording or
transmitting certain vehicle data or infor-
mation. In addition, if you have a Subscrip-
tion Service Agreement for the BMW Assist
system, certain vehicle information may be
transmitted or recorded in order to provide
such services.
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 emission-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.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
lamp 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
emissions control components, especially
the catalytic converter.

Replacing components
178
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit 1, the screw-in tow
fitting 2 and spare fuses and a pair of plas-
tic tweezers 3 are stored in the luggage
compartment. Fold up the cover located
under the floor mat.
Windshield wiper blades
To replace, fold the wiper arm up and hold.
Press the locking lugs together while push-
ing the wiper blade out of the detent toward
the front.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contri-
bution to vehicle safety. Therefore, comply
fully with the following instructions during
bulb replacement. If you are not familiar
with the specified procedures, have the
replacements carried out at your BMW
center.Never touch the glass on new bulbs
with your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life.
Use a clean cloth, napkin etc., or hold the
bulb by its metal socket.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement
bulbs at your BMW center.
When working on the lighting system
you should always switch off the
lights affected to prevent short circuits.
To avoid possible injury or equipment dam-
age when changing bulbs, observe any
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
When performing maintenance on the
headlamps, comply with the instructions in
the separate Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.
In the case of bulbs where the
replacement is not described, please
consult your BMW center.<
Xenon lamps
The service life of these lamps is very long
and the probability of a failure is very low,
provided that they are not switched on and
off an unusual number of times. In the
unlikely event that one of these lamps
should fail, you can continue driving under
poor visibility conditions by switching on
your fog lamps and proceeding carefully,
where allowed by law.
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal
injuries: owing to the extremely high
voltages at which these units operate, ser-
vice work on the xenon lighting system
should only be carried out by a BMW cen-
ter.<