2006 BMW 745i Driver

Adjusting
46 It will be necessary to return the rear seats
to their standard position before using a
child restraint system, for instance, refer to
page54.<
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory
You can store and select two different adjust-
ment settings for the driver's seat, exterior mir-
rors and steering wheel.
With comfort seats, you can also use the mem-
ory to store and recall two seat positions for
each additional seat.
The adjustment of the lumbar support is not
stored in the memory.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Storing
1.Switch on radio ready state or ignition, refer
to page57.
2.Set desired seat position; for driver's seat
also set the exterior mirror and steering
wheel position.
3.Press
MEMORY button:
The LED in the button lights up.
4.Press the desired memory button1 or2:
The LED goes out.
Requesting manually
Do not request a position from the mem-
ory while the vehicle is moving. There is a
risk of accident from unexpected movement of
the seat or steering wheel.<
Comfort mode
1.With driver's door open after unlocking or
with radio ready state switched on.
2.Briefly press the desired memory button 1
or2.
The system immediately cancels the adjust-
ment procedure when you briefly press one of
the seat adjustment buttons or one of the mem-
ory buttons.
Safety mode
1.With driver's door closed and ignition
switched either on or off.
2.Press the desired memory button 1or2
and maintain pressure until the adjustment
process has been completed.
If you press the
MEMORY button accidentally:
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
Head restraints
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of injury to cervical vertebrae in the event of
an accident.
Adjust the head restraint so that its center
is approx. at ear level. Otherwise, there is
increased danger of injury in the event of an
accident.<
Height adjustment
1.Select head restraint, button1.
2.Adjust height, arrow2.

Adjusting
50
Rear
Operates the same as front seat heating, but
without temperature distribution.
Active seat ventilation*
Front
The system progresses one step through the
control sequence each time you press the but-
ton.
To switch off:
Press and hold the button.
The maximum setting with three lights is
used for rapid cooling, e.g. if the vehicle
has been parked in the sun. After a short time,
the system automatically shifts down one step
in order to prevent excessive cooling.<
Rear
The operating concept is the same as for the
front seat ventilation.
Active seat for driver*
Active adjustment of the seat cushion's con-
tours reduces muscular tension and fatigue to
help prevent lower back pain.
Press the button to switch on; the LED lights
up.
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The mirror on the passenger's side is more
curved than the driver's mirror.
Objects reflected in the mirror are closer
than they appear. Do not estimate the dis-
tance of following traffic based what you see in
the mirror; otherwise, there is an increased
accident risk.<

Controls
51Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Adjusting
2Switching to the other mirror or automatic
parking function, refer to Tilting down pas-
senger-side exterior mirror on page51
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat, mir-
ror and steering wheel memory on page46.
Adjusting manually
You can also adjust the mirrors manually by
pressing against the outer edges of their mirror
glass.
Folding mirrors in and out
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this
vehicle from being damaged, always fold
them in by hand before entering an automatic
car wash.<
Automatic heating
Both exterior mirrors are automatically heated
whenever the ignition is switched on.
Tilting down passenger-side exterior
mirror – automatic parking function
Activating
1.Push the mirror selector switch into the
driver's mirror position, arrow1.
2.Engage transmission position R.
The mirror glass tilts downward somewhat
on the passenger's side. This allows the
driver to see the area immediately adjacent
to the vehicle – such as a curb – when park-
ing, etc.
Deactivating
Push the mirror selector switch into the passen-
ger's mirror position, arrow2.
Illuminated vanity mirror in rear
1.Press button1. The vanity mirror folds
down.
2.Pull the mirror downwards slightly before
pivoting it.
3.Before folding mirror in, straighten it out and
then press upward.

Adjusting
52
Steering wheel adjustment
In order to prevent the risk of accident
due to an unexpected movement, do not
adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is
moving.<
The steering wheel can be adjusted in four
directions.
To save steering wheel positions, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel memory on page46.
Assistance getting in and out
To make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle,
the steering wheel temporarily moves into the
top and front position.
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.
When the steering wheel heater is operating,
the LED in the button lights up.
Programmable buttons
You can individually program the button on the
steering wheel and the button next to the con-
troller.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "Settings".
3.Select "Vehicle" and press the controller.
4.Select " button" or " button". Con-
tinue to press the controller until the
desired function appears.
>"Recirc. air"
The supply of outside air is shut off contin-
uously, refer to Automatic recirculated air
control/recirculated air mode on page105.
>"Navi info"
To repeat the most recent navigation sys-
tem instruction, refer to Route guidance by
voice instructions on page145.
>"Short info"
Display of the help and supplementary texts
of the active menu for approx. 10 seconds,
refer to page20.
" button" can additionally be programmed
with the following function.
>"AUTO P"
Activation/deactivation, refer to page59.
Rear seat screen
*:
>"Mode"
You can choose between the output
sources radio, CD player, and CD changer.
It is necessary for one of these sources to
have been activated.

Transporting children safely
54
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger
themselves and other persons, e.g. by opening
the doors.<
Children always in the rear
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children is on the back seat.
Children younger than 13 years of age or
with a height under 5 ft/150 cm may only
be transported in the rear in child restraint sys-
tems which correspond to the age, weight and
height of the child. Otherwise, there is an
increased danger of injury in an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must wear a
safety belt as soon as a suitable child restraint
system can no longer be used due to their age,
weight and size.
With the exception of the driver's seat, all seats
in your BMW comply with the recommenda-
tions of the standard SAE J1819 for the safe
securing of child restraint systems in motor
vehicles.
Exception for front passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front, knee and side airbag on the front
passenger side must be deactivated. Other-
wise, there is an increased risk of injury for the
child if the airbags are triggered, even with a
child restraint system. Your BMW center will be
glad to advise you.<
More information on Automatic deactivation of
front passenger airbags, refer to page95.
Installing child restraint
systems
In order to avoid reducing their protective
action, follow all instructions of the child
restraint system manufacturer for the selection,
installation, and use of child restraint sys-
tems.<
Backrest width* on front passenger's
seat
Before mounting a child restraint system
on the front passengers seat, the back-
rest width adjustment must be open com-
pletely. After installing the child's seat, no
memory position may be called up; otherwise,
the stability of the child's seat on the front pas-
senger seat is reduced.<
1.Open backrest width completely, refer to
Front comfort seat adjustment on page44.
2.Mount child's seat.
Child seat security
All rear safety belts and the safety belt for the
front passenger can be locked against pulling
out to secure child restraint systems.
Locking safety belt
1.Secure the child restraint system with the
belt.
2.Pull out the belt webbing completely.
3.Allow the belt webbing to be pulled in and
pull taut against the child restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.

Driving
60 You can program the programmable but-
ton on the steering wheel with the Auto-
matic Hold function, refer to page52. This gives
you the option of being able to quickly activate
or deactivate Automatic Hold without distract-
ing your attention from the road.<
Driving
The parking brake engages automatically when
the vehicle comes to a stop.
The indicator lamp on Info Display lights up
green.
To start off again, simply press the accelerator
pedal. The parking brake is released automati-
cally; the indicator lamp goes out.
Do not drive through an automatic car
wash with the Automatic Hold on and the
engine running. Otherwise, the system will
engage the parking brake the moment the vehi-
cle comes to a stop.<
Parking
The parking brake engages automatically when
you stop the vehicle and switch off the engine.
The indicator lamp changes from green to
red.
You can also release the parking brake
manually after the engine is switched off,
as long as the remote control is in the ignition
lock, refer to page59. You can use this function,
for example, in a car wash.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.<
When leaving the vehicle, release the
remote control from the detent in the igni-
tion lock; this precaution prevents children from
disengaging the parking brake etc.<
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deactivated
when:
>the engine is switched off
>the system detects that the driver's seat is
not occupied while the engine is running
>the hood is opened while the engine is run-
ning>the luggage compartment is opened with
the transmission in position R while the
engine is running
>and when the parking brake is used to brake
the vehicle to a stop during driving
The indicator lamp changes from green to
red, and the indication AUTO P on the Info Dis-
play disappears.
Before starting off again, briefly press the but-
ton to disengage the parking brake manually,
refer to page59, or reactivate Automatic Hold,
refer to page59.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, always move the automatic
transmission's selector lever to position P and
ensure that the parking brake is engaged. The
vehicle could start to roll if you fail to observe
these precautions.<
Automatic Hold is automatically deacti-
vated whenever the system detects any
tendency for the wheels to spin in response to
slippery road surfaces.
Observe the messages on the Info Display. For
additional information, refer to Check Control
on page80.<
Releasing parking brake manually
In the event of an electrical power loss or elec-
trical malfunction, you can release the parking
brake manually.
Before manually releasing the parking
brake and each time you park the vehicle
without engaging the parking brake, make sure
that the automatic transmission is in position P,
refer to page62. Be sure to pay attention to the
information on the Info Display.
If circumstances should force you to park on a
steeply inclined road surface, it is essential to
take additional precautions against inadvertent
rolling, e.g. by using the chock, refer to
page209. Otherwise, there is the danger of the
vehicle rolling, depending on the incline.<
If it becomes necessary to also unlock the
transmission lock of the automatic transmis-
sion, follow this sequence:

Controls
61Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1.If necessary, start by releasing the parking
brake manually.
2.Then release the automatic transmission's
transmission lock manually, refer to
page64.
Jump starting and tow starting, refer to
pages213 and214.
What you will need
1Screwdriver handle
2Unlocking tool
310 mm open-end wrench
You will find the required tools in the onboard
tool kit mounted on the inside of the luggage
compartment lid, refer to page207.
Insert the release tool into the screwdriver han-
dle as shown in the illustration.
Releasing
1.Remove the floor mat and the cover above
the spare tire.
2.With the attached screwdriver handle,
insert the release tool into the opening,
arrow1.
3.Fit the open-end wrench onto the hexago-
nal section of the release tool.
Insert the release tool counter to the spring force until the stop is reached, press and
rotate in the arrow direction2 until it notice-
ably engages and meets a perceptible
resistance.
4.Without releasing, continue to turn counter
to the mechanical resistance of the drive
unit in the arrow direction 2 until you can
feel a significant increase in the force of the
resistance.
To prevent possible damage to the
rear brakes, always make sure that
the parking brake is completely released
before driving the vehicle.<
5.Return the tools to their places.
6.Return the spare tire cover and the floor mat
to their original locations.
Have a malfunction corrected only by a
BMW center or a repair shop that works in
accordance with BMW guidelines and uses
appropriately trained personnel. Only techni-
cians can return the parking brake to normal
operational status after it has been released
manually in response to a malfunction.<
Following manual release, the actual sta-
tus of the parking brake may deviate from
that displayed by the indicator lamp.<
Operation after interruptions in power
supply
The parking brake can only be used again
if it was manually released due to an inter-
ruption in the supply of electrical power. Other-
wise, the function of the parking brake is not
guaranteed and there is a danger of the vehicle
rolling despite the parking brake being
engaged.<
Once the electrical power supply has been
restored, you can again use the parking brake:
With the ignition on and the vehicle
stationary, briefly press the button
three times at intervals of approx.
5 seconds. This executes the fol-
lowing initialization sequence:
>Initializing the disengaged setting.
>Engaging: the system registers the new
status and the brake setting is initialized.

Controls
69Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Deactivating system
>Press the lever up or down, arrow3 for
approx. 3 seconds
>or switch off the ignition.
The stored speed5 is deleted, however the
stored marks6 are retained.
Active cruise control*
The concept
With active cruise control you can select a
desired speed which is not only automatically
maintained when driving on open roadways, but
also varied to maintain a selected distance set-
ting as slower traffic is encountered.
Active cruise control represents a technological
advance over the familiar cruise control and is a
welcome relief from the constant adjustment of
speed that can accompany driving in traffic on
highways or other high-speed thoroughfares.
Especially on longer trips, the system can
reduce fatigue and tension, while increasing
your enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely
and responsibly.
In addition to holding a steady cruising speed,
if you encounter slower vehicles ahead, active
cruise control will, within the scope of given
possibilities, adjust your vehicle's speed auto-
matically so that you can flow with the traffic
without having to make constant adjustments.
If, for example, while cruising at the selected
speed, you begin to approach a slower vehicle
ahead of you in the same lane, the system will
reduce your vehicle's speed to the same as that
of the vehicle ahead to maintain your selected
distance setting between your vehicle and the
vehicle ahead. You can vary the distance, which
is additionally speed-dependent. Based on
your selected distance setting, the system
automatically decreases the throttle setting and
lightly applies the brakes if necessary. The vehi-
cle brake lamps will automatically illuminate to
signal a following driver to take action. In addi-
tion, it may be necessary for the vehicle to
downshift to maintain the distance setting
selected. If the vehicle ahead speeds up or when the lane ahead becomes clear, your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have
selected by increasing the throttle setting and
shifting gears as needed. Your selected speed
will be maintained when driving downhill, too.
Active cruise control is not and must not
be used as a collision avoidance/warning
system.<
Since this active cruise control system is
a new technology and operates differ-
ently from conventional cruise control systems
to which you may be accustomed, you are
strongly urged to read all of the pages relating
to this system before use. Pay special attention
to the information contained in the Things to
know about active cruise control section begin-
ning on page73.<
Brake pedal feel
>When the system brakes and you also
depress the brake pedal, a somewhat differ-
ent braking feeling results.
>Any noises produced during automatic
braking are normal.
Applications
As with conventional cruise control systems,
active cruise control in no way diminishes or
substitutes for the driver's own personal
responsibility, alertness and awareness in
adjusting speed, braking or otherwise control-
ling the vehicle. The driver should decide when
to use the system on the basis of road, traffic,
visibility, and weather conditions. Active cruise
control is intended for use on highway-type
roadways where traffic is moving relatively
smoothly. Do not use this system in city driving;
heavy traffic such as during rush hour; on curvy,
winding roads, slippery roads or roads with
sharp curves such as highway off-ramps; during
inclement weather such as snow, strong rain or
fog; or when entering interchanges, service/
parking areas or toll booths. It is also important
to regulate your vehicle's speed and distance
setting within applicable legal limits. Always be
ready to take action or apply the brakes if nec-
essary, especially when the system is actively