2005 BMW 645CI CONVERTIBLE handbrake

At a glance
13Reference
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Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps and their combina-
tions appear in the indicator area1 and in the
display2. For better differentiation of malfunc-
tions, different symbols can appear in the dis-
play 2.
Some lamps in the indicator area1 are checked
for proper operation when the engine is started
or the ignition is switched on and light up briefly
in the process.
Confirmation of active functions
The following indicator lamps in the indicator
area1 indicate that certain functions are active:
Required action in case of a
malfunction
All warning lamps and indicator lamps not pre-
viously listed are also accompanied by text
messages at the bottom of the Control Display.
These may contain detailed information on the
cause of a malfunction and the corresponding
action required.
Sometimes warning lamps are also accompa-
nied by additional text messages on the Control
Display which are displayed immediately. Text
messages which do not appear immediately are
stored and can be displayed at a later time. For
details on displaying these messages later,
refer to Check Control on page71. Turn signals60
Handbrake set55
Handbrake for Canadian models
Front fog lamps92
DTC Dynamic Traction Control83
High beams/headlamp flasher92
DSC Dynamic Stability Control83

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.
Some vehicle systems 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 unconsciousness 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 represents a
potential safety hazard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select neutral 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 immediately at a moder-
ate 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 tempera-
tures, below approx. + 57/– 156, at high
altitudes, above 3,300 ft/1,000 m
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion 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 overheating and damaging the cat-
alytic converter.<
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Gearshift lever in neutral 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, release the
ignition key immediately.

Controls
55Reference
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SMG Sequential manual transmission*
and automatic transmission*
Your BMW is equipped with the convenience
starting feature. It is sufficient to turn the igni-
tion key only briefly to position 3 and then
release it right away. The system responds by
automatically engaging the starter for a certain
period and allowing it to run until the engine
starts, after which it then disengages automati-
cally.
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 instru-
ment cluster display, and then shift into posi-
tion 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 steer-
ing wheel lock will immobilize the steering.
When leaving the vehicle, remove the ignition
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.Shift into first gear or reverse.
SMG Sequential manual transmission*
1.Engage a drive position.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
A signal sounds 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 prevent
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 start-
ing off. The handbrake is engaged.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upward, press the button and lower
the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the hand-
brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it
too strongly. In doing so, continuously press the
button of the handbrake lever.
Strong application of the handbrake can lead to
overbraking of the rear axle and associated
'fishtailing' of the vehicle rear end.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is engaged.

Controls
57Reference
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Mobility
Gear display
R N 1 to 6
The currently engaged gear is displayed pre-
ceded by a D in Drive mode.
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting out of N;
the shift command will not be executed unless
the brake is applied.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Sequential mode
After every engine start, as soon as the selector
lever is pushed to the right and the brake pedal
is pressed, the Sequential mode is activated.
You can shift up and down using the shifting
paddles or the selector lever. You do not need
to remove your foot from the accelerator to do
so.
It is also possible to start off in second gear, e.g.
in slippery conditions.
D Drive mode
In the Drive mode, all forward gears are shifted
automatically.
To switch from Sequential to Drive mode:
Briefly press the selector lever to the right
toward D.
Kick-down:
For rapid acceleration, e.g. passing, press the
accelerator pedal as far down as it will go: you
achieve maximum acceleration.To switch back to the Sequential mode: press
selector lever to the right again toward D or shift
using the shifting paddles or the selector lever.
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold
the vehicle on a hill by applying the throt-
tle, but engage the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission
region.<
Gear changes
Using selector lever
>To upshift, pull the selector lever back.
>To downshift, push the selector lever for-
ward.
Using shift paddles on steering wheel
>To shift up, pull one of the shift paddles.
>To shift down, press.
In the following situations, the SMG in the
Sequential mode assists you:
>Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will res ult in a plausible combina-
tion of engine and vehicle 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 trans-
mission automatically downshifts into first
gear.
>Shortly before dropping below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the transmis-
sion downshifts automatically even without
your intervention.

Driving
58
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can
also shift manually with Steptronic, refer to
page58.
Selector-lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Displays in instrument cluster
P R N D DS M1 to M6
The selector lever position is indicated, and in
the manual mode, the gear currently engaged.
Changing the selector-lever positions
An interlock prevents inadvertent gearshifts
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 pressure on
the brake pedal until you are ready to start.To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select selector-lever position 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 represents a
potential safety hazard.<
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
The rear wheels are locked.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
Engage in car washes, for example. The vehicle
can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation.
All forward gears are available.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con-
sumption is lowest when driving in position D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration:
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
M/S manual operation and
Sport program
Move the selector lever from position D to the
left into shifting slot M/S:
The sport program is activated and DS appears
in the instrument cluster. This position is

Driving tips
109Reference
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Mobility
Mobile communication devices in
vehicle
BMW advises against using mobile com-
munication devices, e.g. portable phones,
inside the vehicle without a direct connection to
an external antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle
electronics and mobile communication device
can influence one another. In addition, there is
no assurance that the radiation emitted during
transmission will be conveyed out of the vehicle
interior.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between the tires and
the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, also refer to Mini-
mum tire tread on page171.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines.
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
greater clutch wear will result.<
SMG Sequential manual transmission
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold
the vehicle on a hill by applying the throt-
tle, but engage the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission
region.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard. In
situations that require it, it is best to brake with
full force. Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can still avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When driving on wet roads or in heavy rain,
briefly brake with light pedal pressure at inter-
vals of a few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and thus reduced
efficiency of the brake system, downshift
to a gear in which only minimal brake applica-
tions are needed when descending long or
steep downhill stretches. Even light but consis-
tent pedal pressure can lead to high tempera-
tures, brake wear and possibly even brake fail-
ure.<
You can further enhance the engine's braking
effect by selecting a lower gear in the automatic
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches,
refer to page58. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
Never drive with the clutch pressed
or allow the vehicle to coast with the
transmission in Neutral – or with the engine
switched off – there is no engine braking when
the transmission is in Neutral, and no power
assist for brakes and steering when the engine
is not running.

Mobility
177Reference
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2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
3.The coolant level is correct when it lies
between the Min and Max mark, also refer to
the drawing next the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until it clicks.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up in red
in spite of the handbrake being
released; a message appears on the
Control Display.
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
significantly longer brake pedal path may be
noticeable. Have the system checked immedi-
ately by a BMW center.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
When you continue driving, an increased
brake pedal path can be necessary, and
significantly longer braking distances might be
required. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up in red
in spite of the handbrake being
released; a message appears on the
Control Display. The brake pads have reached
their minimum pad thickness. Have the brake
pads replaced as soon as possible.Warning lamp for Canadian models.
For your own safety: use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for your particu-
lar vehicle model. As BMW cannot assess the
suitability of other brake pads for use on your
vehicle, BMW is unable to assume continued
responsibility for the vehicle's operating safety
if non-approved pads are installed.<

Everything from A to Z
200 Audio132
– controls132
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
Automatic
– air distribution95
– air volume95
– cruise control61,62
– headlamp control91
– service notification160
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit50
– storing stations138
Automatic car washes110
– also refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control94
– automatic air distribution95
– convertible program97
– settings using Control
Center96
– switching off96
Automatic curb monitor47
"Automatic programs"97
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC95
Automatic station search137
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– convenience start55
– Dynamic Driving Control59
– interlock54
– kick-down58
– selector lever interlock58
– shiftlock58
– starting engine55
– towing188
– tow-starting189
"Automatic ventilation"98
AUTO program with
automatic climate control95
"Autostore" on the
radio136,138
Average fuel consumption74
– setting units77
Average speed74"Avoid ferries" for
navigation123
Avoid freeways for
navigation122
"Avoid highways" for
navigation122
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation123
Axle loads, refer to
Weights192
"A - Z"153
B
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backup lamps, refer to
Reverse gear56
Balance, refer to Tone
control134
Balance adjustment in audio
mode, right/left134
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit186
"Bass", refer to Tone
control134
Bass, refer to Tone
control133
Battery
– jump starting186
– refer to Vehicle battery183
Being towed188
Belts, refer to Safety belts48
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders103
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning69
Blower, refer to Air volume95
BMW Assist159
– enabling159
– services offered160
BMW maintenance
system178
"BMW Service"161
"BMW Service settings"159
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders103Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control81
Brake fluid177
– warning lamp177
Brake Force Display86
Brake hydraulic system177
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display86
– replacing bulbs182
Brake pads177
– breaking-in108
Brake rotors110
Brakes109
– ABS Antilock Brake
System81
– brake fluid177
– Brake Force Display86
– brake pads108,177
– breaking-in108
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control81
– handbrake55
Brake system108
– brake fluid level177
– brake pads108,177
– brake rotors110
– breaking-in108
– warning lamp13,83,177
Brake wear warning
– brake pads177
Braking
– electronic brake-force
distribution81
– refer to Braking safely109
Breakdown assistance161
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance186
Breaking-in108
– clutch108
– differential108
Break wear warning
– warning lamp177
"Brightness"77
Buttons on steering wheel11
Bypassing route sections128