2004 BMW 745i steering

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51Reference
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Active seat*
Active adjustment of the seat cushion's
contours reduces muscular tension and
fatigue to help prevent lower back pain.
To activate: press the button, the indicator
lamp comes on.
Mirrors
Adjusting exterior mirrors
14-way adjustment
2To select mirror for adjustment
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this
vehicle from being damaged, always
fold them in by hand before entering an
automatic car wash.<
You can also adjust the mirrors manually by
pressing against the outer edges of their
lenses.
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel memory on
page 53. The mirror on the passenger's side
features a lens with a more convex
surface than the mirror installed on the
driver's side. When estimating the distance
between yourself and other traffic, bear in
mind that the objects reflected in the mirror
are closer than they appear. This means
that estimations of the distance to following
traffic should not be regarded as precise.<
Self-defrosting mirrors
The mirrors are automatically heated
whenever the ignition is switched on.
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature*
These mirrors automatically respond to
ambient light and headlamp glare from fol-
lowing vehicles by automatically dimming
through an infinitely-variable range. There
are two photocells located in the interior
rearview mirror for this purpose. One is
integrated within the mirror's lens, arrow,
while the other is located at an offset posi-
tion on the rear of the mirror housing.
The mirrors automatically revert to their
clear, undimmed mode whenever you
place the selector lever into reverse.
For trouble-free operation, keep the
photocells clean and do not cover the
area between the interior rearview mirror
and the windshield. Do not attach any kind
of stickers on the windshield in front of the
mirror, either.<

Adjustments
52
Illuminated vanity mirror in the rear
1.Press button 1. The vanity mirror folds
down
2.Pull the mirror slightly downwards
before you swivel it
3.Press the vanity mirror back up before
folding it back in.
Steering wheel adjustment
The steering wheel can be adjusted in any
of four directions by pressing the appropri-
ate end of the button.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving. There is a risk
of accident from unexpected movement.<
Storing steering wheel positions, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory on
page 53.
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment
The steering wheel automatically moves as
high up and far forward as possible to ease
driver entry and exit before then returning
to the standard position or stored memory
setting. This automatic feature is governed by the
driver's door and the ignition switch.
Steering wheel heater*
The steering wheel heater operates when
the ignition is on.
Press the button to activate or deactivate
this system.
The indicator lamp within the button lights
up when the steering wheel heater is in
operation.
Programming button function
You can assign specific individual
functions to the programmable but-
ton. This feature then provides you
with quick access to this function, allowing
you to control it without undue distraction
from road and traffic conditions.
1.Select "Settings"
2.Confirm
3.Select " button". Continue to press
the controller until the desired function
appears:
>"Recirc. air"
In this mode the supply of outside air
remains blocked, refer to AUC Auto-

Controls
53Reference
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matic recirculated-air control on
page 104
>"Navi info"
To repeat the most recent message
from the navigation system, refer to
page 141
>"AUTO P"
To activate/deactivate Automatic Hold
refer to Automatic Hold on page 63.
You can select the displayed function using
the button on the steering wheel.
If you have activated Automatic Hold,
refer to page 63, you can use the but-
ton on the steering wheel to deactivate the
system for parking maneuvers etc.<
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory
You can store and select two different
adjustment settings for the driver's seat,
exterior mirrors and steering wheel.
If your vehicle is equipped with comfort
seats, you can also store and set two sitting
positions for each additional seat with the
memory.
The adjustment of the lumbar support is not
stored in the memory.
Storing
1.Radio mode, or switch on ignition
2.Set desired sitting position; for driver's
seat as well as the exterior mirror and
steering wheel position 3.Press
MEMORY button:
The indicator lamp within the button
comes on
4.Press the desired memory button 1 or 2:
The indicator lamp goes out.
Selecting a stored setting
Convenience mode
1.Driver's door open after unlocking or
ignition lock in radio position
2.Briefly press the desired memory but-
ton 1 or 2.
The system immediately cancels the
adjustment procedure when you press one
of the seat adjustment buttons or use one
of the memory buttons.
Safety feature
1.Driver's door closed and ignition
switched either on or off
2.Press memory button 1 or 2 and main-
tain pressure until the adjustment pro-
cess has been completed.
If you press the
MEMORY button acciden-
tally:
Press the button again; the indicator lamp
goes out.
Do not call up a position from the
memory while the vehicle is moving.
There is a risk of accident from unexpected
movement of the seat or steering wheel.<
You can have your vehicle pro-
grammed to automatically dial in your
own individual adjustment settings for the
seat, mirrors and steering wheel whenever
you use your personal remote control unit
to unlock the vehicle.<
When using the Key Memory feature
always make sure that the footwell
behind the driver's seat is empty and unob-
structed. If you fail to do so, any persons or
objects behind the seat could be injured or
damaged by a rearward movement of the
seat.<

Controls
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time.
The brake lamps come on.
The vehicle continues to brake automati-
cally for as long as you maintain pressure
on the button.<
When you brake the vehicle to a vir-
tual stop, i.e., down to a speed of
approx. 2 mph/3 km/h or below, the park-
ing brake remains engaged.
The indicator lamp in the Info Display
lights up red. Briefly press the button to
disengage the parking brake manually.<
Automatic Hold
You can activate this feature after starting
the engine; it then remains operational until
the next time the engine is switched off.
This feature provides supplementary sup-
port during vehicle operation by automati-
cally engaging and releasing the parking
brake during stops at traffic lights, in stop-
and-go traffic, etc. As the vehicle then no
longer tends to creep when the transmis-
sion is engaged, it is no longer necessary
to hold the vehicle by pressing the brake
pedal.
It prevents the vehicle from rolling back-
ward during uphill starts.
The parking brake engages automatically
when you stop the vehicle and switch off
the engine.
You can activate or cancel the Automatic
Hold feature by selecting the "Settings"
menu in the Control Center. A description
of the Control Center is provided on
page 17.
Automatic Hold activation/
deactivation
1.Select "Settings"
2.Select and confirm
3.Select "AUTO P". Press the controller
to activate/deactivate the desired func-
tion
>Automatic Hold is activated.
The green AUTO P status message in
the Info Display shows you that the sys-
tem is ready for operation
>Automatic Hold is deactivated.
The green AUTO P status message dis-
appears from the Info Display.
You can assign the Automatic Hold
function to the programmable button
in the steering wheel, refer to page 52.
This feature then provides you with quick
access to the Automatic Hold function,
allowing you to control it without undue
distraction from road and traffic condi-
tions.<
You can also deactivate Auto-
matic Hold by pressing the but-
ton while the vehicle is station-
ary. The vehicle remains
stationary, the indicator lamp
changes from green to red. Press the but-
ton again to release the parking brake.
Driving with Automatic Hold
The parking brake engages automatically
when the vehicle comes to a stop. The indi-
cator lamp in the Info Display lights
up green.
To start off again, simply press the acceler-
ator pedal. The parking brake is released
automatically; the indicator lamp
goes out.
Do not drive through an automatic car
wash with the Automatic Hold on and
the engine running. The system would
engage the parking brake while the vehicle
is stationary.<
Parking with Automatic Hold
The parking brake engages automatically
when you stop the vehicle and switch off
the engine. The indicator lamp
changes from green to red.

Driving
66 ized. The indicator lamp in the
Info Display lights up red
>Releasing: the parking brake is ready
for operation. The indicator
lamp in the Info Display goes out.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic
While you can drive as with any conven-
tional automatic transmission, you also
enjoy the option of shifting manually at the
steering wheel, refer to page 67.
Transmission range selection
P R N D
Program display
S or M1 Ð M6
Buttons on the steering wheel
Press briefly to proceed through a selec-
tion sequence consisting of the automatic
program, the sport program, and the man-
ual mode.Steptronic:
Upshifting and downshifting, refer to Sport
program and manual operation.
Selecting transmission range
The selector lever is at the center
position. To select transmission
ranges D, R or N, always start by pulling
toward the steering wheel, arrow 1, then
press up or down. Note the information
provided in the Info Display.<
>Range D or R:
Press the selector lever up or down,
continuing to apply pressure to move it
past the resistance point
>Neutral N:
Press the selector lever as far as the
resistance point
>Park P:
Press button P, arrow 2.
The selector lever immediately returns to
the center position when released.
With the vehicle stationary, press the
brake pedal before shifting out of P
or N; the shift command will not be exe-
cuted unless the brake is applied: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after
you select a range, maintain pressure on

Controls
67Reference
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the brake pedal until you are ready to start.
You can activate the Automatic Hold fea-
ture to suppress the vehicle's tendency to
creep, refer to page 63.<
Shift commands are transmitted electroni-
cally. To help avoid malfunctions, each
command undergoes a plausibility check
prior to execution.
Remember to observe the Check Control
for status messages.
You can find additional information on the
Check Control on page 82.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage
the parking brake before leaving the vehi-
cle with the engine running. Note the infor-
mation provided in the Info Display.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
P Park
Select P only when the vehicle is station-
ary. The transmission lockout prevents the
rear wheels from turning. The lockout dis-
engages when you press the selector lever
toward D, N or R while the engine is run-
ning.
P is engaged automatically as soon as
you switch off the engine unless N is
engaged and the remote control is inserted
in the ignition lock, refer to page 61.<
R Reverse
Select R only when the vehicle is station-
ary.
N Neutral
Select N only if your journey is interrupted
for a long period.
>From D press the selector lever up
>From R press the selector lever down.
Note the arrows indicating direction in the
range display.
N remains engaged whenever the
remote control unit remains in the
ignition lock after the ignition is switched
off. This function is useful in automatic car washes, etc.
After approx. 30 minutes the system auto-
matically engages P. Remember to
observe the Check Control for status mes-
sages.
Switching off the engine, refer to
page 61.<
D Drive, automatic driving position
This is the range recommended 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.
Sport program and manual operation
When you press the S/M/D button on the
steering wheel once, the system responds
by activating the transmission's Sport pro-
gram, as indicated by the letter S in the
program display of the Info Display, refer to

Driving
68 page 66. We recommend this program for
performance-oriented driving.
When you press the S/M/D button a sec-
ond time the transmission switches to its
manual mode; press again to return to the
automatic program.
You can also return to the standard auto-
matic program by reselecting D.
In the manual mode the transmission
upshifts when you briefly press the buttons
on the rear of the steering wheel. You
downshift by briefly pressing the buttons
on the front of the steering wheel. The Info
Display shows the manual ranges 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 Info Display, followed by the
current gear.
To obtain maximum acceleration, for
passing maneuvers, etc., during
operation in the manual mode, use the
kickdown or downshift manually.<
Malfunctions
A status report will appear in the Check
Control to alert you to any malfunctions in
the transmission-control system. Please
note any supplementary information that
appears on the Control Display. The direc-
tional arrows also start to flash in the Info
Display.
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.
Some types of malfunction will make it
impossible to engage all gears.
The engine may respond with reduced out-
put when accelerating from a standing
start. If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads
and consult the nearest BMW center.
If no status messages appear in the
Info Display you should accelerate
carefully to confirm that you are driving in
the desired direction.
Never work in the engine compartment
with any of the forward or reverse gears
engaged, as the vehicle could start to
move. Engaging the parking brake, refer to
page 62.<
Manual release of transmission
lockout
You can respond to any interruptions in the
supply of electrical power, for instance, if
the battery is discharged or disconnected,
by releasing the transmission lockout man-
ually.
To prevent the drive wheels from
locking up and sliding, the transmis-
sion lockout must always be released man-
ually before the vehicle is towed.<
Press the brake pedal before releas-
ing the transmission lockout manu-
ally. If the brakes are not applied, the vehi-
cle could start to roll if parked on a steep
slope.
The transmission lockout should only be
released for towing. Remember to engage
the transmission lockout when you repark
the vehicle after moving it.
Should it also be necessary to release
the parking brake manually, owing to a dis-
charged battery, etc., always adhere to the
following sequence:
1.Start by manually releasing the parking
brake, refer to page 64
2.Then proceed to manually release the
transmission lockout.<
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages 207 and 208.

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Mobility
Deactivating the rain sensor
Briefly press the button again. The indica-
tor lamp goes out.
The rain sensor is automatically deac-
tivated when you switch off the igni-
tion.<
Deactivate the rain sensor when
passing through an automatic car
wash. Failure to do so could result in dam-
age caused by undesired wiper activa-
tion.<
Selecting wiper fold-out position
Important for changing wiper blades, when
folding away from windshield to prevent
blades from sticking when ice forms, etc.
1.Switch off the engine and remove the
remote control from the ignition lock
2.Press the wiper lever up and maintain
pressure for about 3 seconds until the
wipers are roughly vertical: fold-out
position.
After folding the wipers back against the
windshield you will need to reactivate the
wiper system:
1.Switch on the radio mode
2.Apply brief upward pressure to the
wiper lever. The wipers return to their
retracted position and are ready for nor-
mal operation.
To prevent damage to the wipers,
always fold them back against the
windshield before switching on either the
radio mode or the ignition.<
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Always keep it well away from sparks
and open flames, and store it in tightly
closed containers well out of the reach of
children. Always observe the instructions
for use provided on the containers.< We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to the
reservoir.<
Windshield and headlamp washer
system
Capacity: 6.3 US quarts/6 liters.
Fill with water and Ð if required Ð with a
washer antifreeze, according to manufac-
turer's recommendations.
Programmable cruise
control
The concept
The programmable cruise control is avail-
able for use at speeds of approx. 20 mph/
30 km/h and higher. The vehicle maintains
and stores the speed that you set using the
lever mounted on the steering column.
You can also use the multilevel preset
mode to store 6 desired speeds for later
selection with the same lever, refer to
page 73.
This feature assists you in quickly adapting
the vehicle speed to specific road condi-
tions, e.g. changes in speeds limits.
Do not use the programmable cruise
control when driving on winding
roads, in heavy traffic or in poor road con-
ditions, e.g. snow, rain, ice, loose road sur-
face, that do not permit a constant speed.<