2004 BMW 745Li wheel

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

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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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PDC with visual warning
You also enjoy the option of having the sys-
tem show distances to objects on the Con-
trol Display. The Control Display will also
indicate the presence of objects in green
before they are close enough to generate a
signal tone.
Select "PDC pic." from the "Settings" menu
and confirm. This activates the PDC dis-
play.
The display then appears on the Control
Display whenever the PDC is automatically
or manually activated.
The previous display automatically
reappears after the system is deactivated.
Confirming the menu item takes
you back to the previous display.<
Limits of the system
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always
remains with the driver. Even when sensors
are involved, there is a blind spot in which
objects cannot be detected. The system is
also subject to the physical limits that apply
to all forms of ultrasonic measurement,
such as those encountered with tow bars and trailer couplings, as well as thin and
wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
already displayed, e.g. a curb, can also dis-
appear from the detection area of the sen-
sors again before a continuous tone
sounds.
Loud noises from outside and inside the
vehicle may prevent you from hearing
PDC's signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice
or snow in order to ensure that they
will continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Keep the spray at least 4 in/10 cm away
from the sensors.<
Driving stability control/
ABS Antilock Brake System
The concept
ABS enhances active safety by preventing
the wheels from locking under braking.
ABS incorporates CBC and EBV.
In case of malfunction
If the indicator lamp lights up in
yellow, this indicates that ABS has
been deactivated in response to a
system malfunction. Conventional braking
efficiency remains available without limita-
tions. Please have the system inspected at
your BMW center.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
CBC is a supplement to ABS. It provides
further enhancements in vehicle stability
and steering response during lane changes
and cornering at high rates of lateral accel-
eration.
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution
EBV controls the brake system's applica-
tion pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
92
In case of malfunction
If the brake system warning lamp
lights up in red, together with the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS and
DSC: the stability control is no
longer operational.
If all three lamps light up in yellow:
malfunction in the stability control
systems. The electronic brake-
force distribution is active.
While you may continue, you should
remember to proceed cautiously and drive
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations.
Please have the system checked at the
nearest BMW center.
Check Control messages, refer to page 82.
Please take note of the additional informa-
tion on the Control Display.
Indicator and warning lamps on
Canadian models.
Driving stability control/
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept
DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability dur-
ing 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 optimized 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.
Indicator lamps
The indicator lamp in the Info Dis-
play goes out soon after you start
the engine.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off using the Con-
trol Center.
The indicator lamp and the brake
warning lamp remain on continu-
ously:
DSC, DTC and DBC have been
deactivated or a system malfunc-
tion is present.
When the system is off, the stability main-
tenance functions described above are no
longer available. The vehicle will remain
completely operational, however, without
DSC.
Please respond to any malfunctions by
referring the problem to your BMW center.
Indicator and warning lamps on
Canadian models.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
In particular driving situations, in deep
snow, for example, DTC ensures the maxi-
mum forward momentum. The gain in for-
ward momentum in these situations
involves a reduction in vehicle stability.
DTC is active up to 45 mph/70 km/h.

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Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in the four fitted tires as
you drive. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure of one tire
drops significantly in relation to the pres-
sure of another tire.
The check of the tire inflation pressure is
based on monitoring the relative speeds of
the wheels. A flat tire is detected and
reported on the basis of a deviation in cer-
tain speed ratios.
Functional requirements
So that the Flat Tire Monitor can learn the
correct inflation pressure, please perform
the following:
1.Check the inflation pressures in all tires
2.Compare with the inflation pressure
table on page 189 and correct if neces-
sary
3.Initialize the system.
Limits of the system
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused
by outside factors and does not detect a
natural, even pressure drop in all four
tires.<
In the following situations, on the other
hand, there can be delays in detecting tire
pressure losses, and even system failure:
>When you are driving on snow-covered
or slippery road surfaces
>In the case of performance-oriented
driving: slip on the drive wheels, high
lateral acceleration
>False alarms and undetected loss of
pressure may occur when you are driv-
ing with snow chains fitted.
Initializing the system
Perform the initialization immediately
after correcting the inflation pressure,
changing a tire or changing a wheel or all
wheels. A drive is necessary for this pur-
pose.<
1.Start the engine, but do not drive off
2.Select "FTM" from the "Settings" menu
and confirm. The initialization menu
appears
3.Select "SET" and confirm
4.Drive off.
Status: "FTM is being initialized" is dis-
played.
It takes at least 10 minutes before the Flat
Tire Monitor can detect and report a flat
tire.
When driving with snow chains, do
not initialize the system.<
Select and confirm to exit from the
menu.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96
Flat tire
Indicator lamp
The symbol in the Info Display lights
up red and a message appears
simultaneously. In addition, an
acoustic signal sounds.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears on the Control Display. You
can find more information on the Check
Control starting at page 82.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2.Identify damaged tire
If identification is not possible,
contact your BMW center.<
3.Replace the damaged tire, refer to
Changing wheels on page 202.
Vehicles with run-flat tires:
1.Cautiously reduce the vehicle speed to
below 50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid sudden
braking and steering maneuvers. Do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph/
80 km/h
Due to the reinforcement on the
side walls of the run-flat tires,
inflation pressure loss can not usually
be recognized from the outside, refer to
Run-flat tires on page 205.<
2.To continue driving, comply with the
instructions for driving with damaged
tires on page 205.
System malfunctions
Indicator lamp
The symbol in the Info Display lights
up yellow and a message appears
simultaneously. Please contact
your BMW center for assistance.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears on the Control Display.
Self-leveling suspension*
In the event of malfunction
A Check Control message appear-
ing together with this symbol indi-
cates a malfunction in the self-lev-
eling suspension. Please take note of the
additional information on the Control Dis-
play.
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If the rear of
the vehicle is visibly lower than the front,
possibly accompanied by a tilt noticeable
when you compare the left rear with the
right rear, please respond by immediately
proceeding to the nearest BMW center.
Drive with appropriate caution in the mean-
time. The vehicle has reduced ground
clearance and driving comfort may be
noticeably reduced. Even if the attitude of
the vehicle is normal, you should consult
the nearest BMW center if the warning
lamp indicates a system fault.
Brake force display
The Brake force display indicates the inten-
sity with which you are applying your
brakes to drivers of following vehicles.
The display consists of two stages:
>Normal braking:
The brake lamps in the tail lamp assem-
blies and the high-mount brake lamp on
the rear tray light up during braking
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
The tail lamps also light up with the
same intensity as the standard brake
lamp units to enhance the warning
effect of the brake lamps.

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Airbags
The following airbags are located under
the marked covers:
1Front airbags for driver and front
passenger
2Head airbags in front and rear
3Side airbags in front and rear
*
4Knee airbags for driver and front
passenger
Protective effect
The front airbags help protect the driver
and front passenger by responding to fron-
tal impacts in which safety belts alone
cannot provide adequate restraint. When
needed, the head and side airbags help
provide protection in the event of side
impact. The side airbags help restrain the
side of the occupant's upper torso, and the
head airbags help support the head while
also helping provide protection against any
objects penetrating into the passenger
compartment. The knee airbags help pro-
tect the legs against impact against the
cockpit.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered
in every impact situation, e.g. less severe
accidents, certain roll-over conditions, or
rear-end collisions.
The rear seat side airbags may
already have been deactivated by a
BMW center. Labels in the rear door open-
ing should indicate the status of your rear
seat side airbags. If you are uncertain of
their status, or wish to have the airbags
activated or deactivated, please contact
your BMW center. tion, refer to page 44.
Do not apply adhesive materials to
the cover panels of the airbags, cover
them or modify them in any other way.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag reten-
tion system from the vehicle. Never modify
or tamper with either the wiring or the indi-
vidual components in the airbag system.
This category includes the upholstery in the
center of the steering wheel, on the instru-
ment panel, the side trim panels on the
front or rear doors, and the roof pillars
along with the sides of the headliner.
Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the
steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been trig-
gered, because there is a danger of burns.
If you note any indication of system mal-
function, if you desire to have an airbag
deactivated, or if the airbag retention sys-
tem is triggered in response to an accident,
you should always entrust all inspection,
repair and dismantling operations to your
BMW center.
Unprofessional attempts to service the sys-
tem could lead to failure in an emergency
or undesired airbag activation, either of
which could result in personal injury.
To ensure compliance with official safety
regulations, entrust disposal of airbag gen-
erators to a BMW center.<
Airbag warning information is also provided
on the sun visors.