Transporting children safely
52
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Children always in the rear
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children in a vehicle is in the rear seat.
Older children should be tightly secured with a
safety belt, after they have outgrown a booster
seat that is appropriate for their age, height and
weight.
Child-restraint system in the rear
Children under 13 years of age and chil-
dren less than 5 ft/150 cm tall should
always ride in the rear and the restraint systems
should be secured with the vehicle's safety
belts.<
Younger children should be secured in an
appropriate forward-facing child-restraint sys-
tem that has first been properly secured. We
strongly urge you to carefully read and comply
with the instructions for installation and use
provided by the child-restraint's manufacturer
whenever you use such a device.
All rear sitting positions in your vehicle meet the
recommendations of SAE J1819, an industry-
recommended practice for securing child-
restraint systems in motor vehicles.
Exception for front passenger seat
Should it become necessary to use
a child-restraint system on the front pas-
senger seat, the airbags on the passenger's
side must be deactivated. Deactivating the front
passenger airbag is only possible on the Coupe.
Your BMW center will be glad to advise you.<
Never install a rearward-facing child-
restraint system in the front passenger
seat of this vehicle if the passenger airbag is not
deactivated. If you do so, the child could be
severely injured when the airbag is triggered.
Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag supple-
mental restraint system for the front passenger.
Because the backrest on any rearward-facing child-restraint system – of the kind designed for
infants under 1 year and 20 Ibs./9 kg – would be
within the airbag's deployment range, you
should never mount such a system in the front
passenger seat, since the impact of the airbag
against the child restraint's backrest could lead
to serious or fatal injuries.<
Installing child-restraint
systems
Before installing any child-restraint system or
child seat, read the following:
Observe the child-restraint system man-
ufacturer's instructions for installation
and use. Otherwise the degree of protection
can be reduced.
After an accident, have all parts of the child-
restraint system and of the relevant vehicle
safety belt system checked by a BMW center
and replaced if necessary.<
Commercially-available child-restraint systems
are designed to be secured with a lap belt or
with the lap belt portion of a combination lap/
shoulder belt. Improperly or inadequately
installed restraint systems can increase the risk
of injury to children. Always read and follow the
instructions that come with the system.
Child seat security
All of the rear belt retractors and the front pas-
senger's safety belt can be locked for mounting
and securing child-restraint systems.
Things to remember when driving
110 Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct their
movement.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic air condi-
tioner system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
To prevent the exterior mirrors from being
damaged due to the width of the vehicle,
always fold them in by hand before entering an
automatic car wash.<
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg, as otherwise the vehicle
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
800 lbs. and there will be four 150-lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
200 lbs.:
800 lbs. minus 600 lbs. = 200 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Driving tips
111Reference
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Mobility
Load
The permitted load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage
can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
bulkhead behind the rear seats.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net* or securing straps to
hold down small and lightweight luggage
and cargo.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes
mounted in the luggage compartment are
used to secure these heavy-duty cargo
straps, refer to arrows.
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load as
described above, otherwise it may
present a danger to passengers during braking
or evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page192, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of freeway safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could fly around and pose a safety
hazard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuver.<
Pad on bottom of luggage
compartment
If required, you can use the pad e.g. to transport
dirty or soiled objects. The rubberized side is
washable and has an anti-slip effect.
Mobility
167Reference
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Fuel specifications
The engine uses unleaded gasoline only.
Required fuel
Premium unleaded gasoline
The minimum octane rating is 91.
If you use gasoline with this minimum octane
rating, the engine may produce knocking
sounds when starting at high outside tempera-
tures. This has no effect on the engine life.
Minimum Octane Rating corresponds to the
Anti Knock Index AKI and is determined accord-
ing to the so-called (R+M)/2 method.
Do not use leaded gasoline, as otherwise
the lambda probe and catalytic converter
will be permanently damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 % ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight,
that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an
equivalent 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 stalling problems,
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions 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 recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<
Mobility
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645Ci Coupe
645Ci Convertible
Tire sizePressure specifications in psi/kPa
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires –
cold = ambient temperature
245/50 R 17 99 H M+S
245/45 R 18 96 V M+S
245/45 R 18 96 V M+S all season29/200 32/220 33/230 39/270
Front: 245/45 R 18 96 W
Rear: 275/40 R 18 99 W29/200
––
32/22033/230
––
39/270
Front: 245/40 R 19 94 W
Rear: 275/35 R 19 96 W29/200
––
32/22033/230
––
39/270
Front: 245/35 R 20 91 Y
Rear: 275/30 R 20 93 Y29/200
––
32/22033/230
––
39/270
More details on the permitted load and weights can be found on page192.
Tire sizePressure specifications in psi/kPa
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires –
cold = ambient temperature
245/50 R 17 99 H M+S
245/45 R 18 96 V M+S
245/45 R 18 96 V M+S all season32/220 38/260 39/270 46/320
Front: 245/45 R 18 96 W
Rear: 275/40 R 18 99 W32/220
––
38/26039/270
––
46/320
Front: 245/40 R 19 94 W
Rear: 275/35 R 19 96 W32/220
––
38/26039/270
––
46/320
Front: 245/35 R 20 91 Y
Rear: 275/30 R 20 93 Y32/220
––
38/26039/270
––
46/320
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page192.
Technical data
192
Technical data
Engine specifications
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads
or the gross vehicle weight.
645Ci
Displacement
Number of cylinderscu in/cmµ268.4/4,398
8
Maximum output
at engine speedhp
rpm325
6,100
Maximum torque
at engine speedlb ft/Nm
rpm 330/450
3,600
645Ci Coupe 645Ci Convertible
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission/SMGlbs./kg
3,781/1,715
3,792/1,7204,178/1,895
4,189/1,900
Approved gross weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission/SMGlbs./kg
4,619/2,095
4,630/2,1004,960/2,250
4,971/2,255
Load lbs./kg 838/380 772/350
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,271/1,030 2,381/1,080
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,513/1,140 2,778/1,260
Luggage compartment capacity
Convertible: with convertible top com-
partment floor up, refer to page34cu ft/l 15.9/450
–10.6/300
12.4/350
199Reference
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Mobility
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions,
pointing out where these are
located.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System81
– indicator lamp83
– malfunction83
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control62
Acceleration assistant with
SMG59
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle5
Activated-charcoal filter97
"Activation time" for
independent ventilation98
Active cruise control62
– indicator lamps64
– malfunction68
– selecting distance65
Active roll stabilization83
Active steering85
– initializing system86
– warning lamp85
Adapting temperature in
upper body region97
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake Force Display86
Adaptive Head Light92
"Add digits" for portable
phone153
"Address book" for
navigation120
Address for navigation
– deleting121
– entering115
– selecting120
– storing current position120"Add to destination list"117
Adhesive bandages, refer to
First-aid kit186
Adjusting the temperature
with automatic climate
control95
Adjusting the thigh support45
Adjusting tone during audio
operation, refer to Tone
control133
"After opening door"46
"After unlocking"46
Airbags86
– deactivating, Coupe52
– sitting safely44
– warning lamp87
Air distribution
– automatic95
– manual96
Airing, refer to Ventilation97
Air recirculation, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control95
"Air recirculation on / off"51
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation94
Air volume95
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications167
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off alarm34
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor35
– tilt alarm sensor35
All around the center
console14
All around the steering
wheel10
"All channels"141"All doors"29
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires172
"AM", reception
range133,136
Antenna for portable
phone150
Antifreeze
– coolant176
– washer fluid61
Antilock Brake System
ABS81
– indicator lamp83
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system34
Anti-theft system29
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof38
– power windows37
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights192
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights192
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest102
Arrival time
– refer to Computer75
– refer to Starting destination
guidance124
"Arrow display" during
Navigation127
Ashtray103
Assist, refer to BMW
Assist159
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems81
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control95
"Audio"133
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