2004 BMW 645CI COUPE catalytic converter

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.

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

Mobility
163Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Warning lamp* lights up.
Fuel filler cap is not properly closed
or is missing. Check whether the
fuel filler cap is properly closed.
Fuel specifications
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel
Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
Minimum Octane Rating: 91.
Minimum Octane Rating corresponds to
the Anti Knock Index AKI and is deter-
mined according to the so-called (R+M)/
2 method.
Do not use leaded gasoline, as other-
wise the lambda probe and catalytic
converter will be permanently damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant
differences in fuel quality: volatility, compo-
sition, additives, etc., among gasolines
offered for sale in the United States and
Canada. Fuels containing up to and includ-
ing 10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight, that is,
15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an equiv-
alent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may
result in drivability, starting and stall-
ing problems, especially under certain
environmental conditions such as high
ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the
fuel you are using, we recommend that you
respond by switching to a recognized high-
quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recommenda-
tions may also result in unscheduled main-
tenance.<

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.

Mobility
187Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
>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.

Reference 199
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
C
California laws
– Event Data
Recorders 176
– Proposition 65
Warning 176
"Call" 148
Call
– accepting 147
– display accepted 149
– ending 148
– in absence 149
– starting 147
Calling
– from phone book 148
– from the Top 8 list 149
– redialing 149
– refer to telephone
Owner's Manual 96
"Call sender" 151
Can holder, refer to
Cup holders 97
Capacities 193
Car battery, refer to
Battery 181
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
"Car data" 69
Care 175
Cargo, securing 105
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for light-alloy
wheels, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure'
Caring for plastic, refer to
the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochureCaring for the vehicle finish,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure'
Car jacking points 181
Car keys, refer to
Key set 26
Car phone 145
– location, refer to
Center armrest 96
– refer to
Portable phone 144
– refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car radio, refer to
Radio 130
Car wash 102
– also refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Exhaust system 102
"Categories" 135
CBC Cornering Brake
Control 76
CBS Condition Based
Service 174
"CD" 127, 137
CD changer 137
– adjusting the tone 127
– controls 126
– fast forward/reverse 140
– installation location 140
– playing a track 139
– random play
sequence 140
– repeating a track 139
– selecting a CD 137
– selecting a track 138
– switching on/off 126
– volume 127
CD player 137
– adjusting the tone 127
– controls 126
– fast forward/reverse 140
– playing a track 139
– random play
sequence 140
– repeating a track 139
– selecting a track 138
– switching on/off 126
– volume 127Center armrest
– adjusting the height 96
– front 96
Center console 14
"Central locking" 27
Central locking system 26
– from inside vehicle 29
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety 6
Changing a wheel 181
Changing the language on
Control Display 73
Changing the
measurement units on the
Control Display 72
Changing wheels 181
CHECK button 68
Check Control 66
"Check Control
messages" 68
Check Gas Cap 162
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure 164
Child's seats, refer to
Child-restraint
systems 52
Child-restraint system 51
Chrome parts, care, refer
to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cigarette lighter 97
Cleaning, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning windshield, refer
to Wiper system 61
"Climate" 90
"Climate control" 91
Clock 64
– 12/24 hour mode 73
– setting time and date 73
Closing
– from inside 29
– from outside 27
Clothes hooks, Coupe 96
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to
Starting the engine 54
"Communication" 146