engine BMW 545I SEDAN 2005 E60 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 2005, Model line: 545I SEDAN, Model: BMW 545I SEDAN 2005 E60Pages: 221, PDF Size: 8.19 MB
Page 7 of 221

Notes
6
For your own safety 
Maintenance and repair
Advanced technology, e. g. the use of 
modern materials and high-performance 
electronics, requires specially adapted mainte-
nance and repair methods. Therefore, have cor-
responding work on your BMW carried out only 
by a BMW center or a workshop that works 
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If work is car-
ried out improperly there is a danger of conse-
quential damage and the related safety risks.<
California Proposition 65 Warning 
California law requires us to issue the following 
warning: 
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of 
automobile components and parts, 
including components found in the interior fur-
nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals 
known to the State of California to cause cancer 
and birth defects and reproductive harm. In 
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and 
certain products of component wear contain or 
emit chemicals known to the State of California 
to cause cancer and birth defects or other 
reproductive harm. 
Battery posts, terminals and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Batter-
ies also contain other chemicals known to the 
State of California to cause cancer. Wash your 
hands after handling. Used engine oil contains 
chemicals that have caused cancer in labora-
tory animals. Always protect your skin by wash-
ing thoroughly with soap and water.<
Parts and accessories 
For your own safety, use genuine parts 
and accessories approved by BMW. 
When you purchase accessories tested and 
approved by BMW and Genuine BMW Parts, 
you simultaneously acquire the assurance that 
they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to 
ensure optimum performance when installed 
on your vehicle. 
BMW warrants these parts to be free from 
defects in material and workmanship. 
BMW will not accept any liability for damage 
resulting from installation of parts and accesso-
ries not approved by BMW. 
BMW cannot test every product made by other 
manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a 
BMW safely and without risk to either the vehi-
cle, its operation, or its occupants. 
Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and 
other products approved by BMW, together 
with professional advice on using these items, 
are available from all BMW centers. 
Installation and operation of non-BMW 
approved accessories such as alarms, radios, 
amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension 
components, brake dust shields, telephones, 
including operation of any portable phone from 
within the vehicle without using an externally 
mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment, for 
instance, CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radios or 
similar accessories, may cause extensive dam-
age to the vehicle, compromise its safety, inter-
fere with the vehicle's electrical system or affect 
the validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. Refer 
to your BMW center for additional informa-
tion.<
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of 
the emission control devices and sys-
tems may be performed by any automotive 
repair establishment or individual using any cer-
tified automotive part.< 
Page 14 of 221

At a glance
 13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps and their combina-
tions are displayed in the display region1 and in 
the display2. To better differentiate between 
malfunctions, different symbols can be shown 
on the display2.
Some lights in the display region1 are tested 
for proper function by briefly lighting up during 
starting of the engine or when the ignition is 
switched on.
Acknowledging active functions
The following indicator lamps in the display 
region1 indicate that the associated functions 
are activated:
What to do in case of a malfunction
All warning lamps and indicator lamps not yet 
listed are also accompanied by text messages 
on the Control Display. These may contain 
more information as to the cause of a malfunc-
tion and instructions on what to do.
Sometimes, warning lamps are also accompa-
nied by supplemental text messages on the 
Control Display that are shown immediately. 
Text messages that do not appear immediately 
are stored and can be displayed subsequently. 
For further information on displaying these 
messages later, refer to Check Control on 
page 67. Turn signals56
Handbrake engaged52
Handbrake engaged for Canadian 
models
Front fog lamps88
DTC Dynamic Traction Control78
High beams/headlamp flasher88
DSC Dynamic Stability Control78 
Page 52 of 221

Controls
 51Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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 posi-
tion P when the engine is running.
>To turn the key back to position 0 or to 
remove it, first place the selector lever in 
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, over approx. 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 end the starting procedure too early, 
however after approx. 20 seconds at the lat-
est. Release the ignition key immediately as 
soon as the engine starts. 
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Driving
52
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 into position 3 for only a short time and 
then release it again. 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.Place selector lever in position N.
3.Start the engine.
If the engine does not start, shift back to 
the last gear selected, refer to Instrument 
cluster display, and then shift into position N.<
Automatic transmission 
1.Press the brake pedal.
2.Place selector lever in 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 other-
wise 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 driving position.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0. 
A signal sounds if the transmission is in 
Neutral when the engine is switched off.
Automatic transmission 
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 applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and 
lower the lever.
If it becomes necessary under special cir-
cumstances to use the handbrake while 
driving, it must not be pulled too sharply. 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 applied.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the hand- 
Page 54 of 221

Controls
 53Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming 
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.<
Manual transmission 
When shifting into 5th/6th gear, press the 
selector lever toward the right, otherwise 
an inadvertent shift into 3rd or 4th gear could 
damage the engine.<
Reverse gear 
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. 
When pressing the gearshift lever to the left, 
overcome some resistance.
The backup lamps switch on automatically 
when the ignition key is in position 2.
SMG Sequential manual 
transmission* 
The concept
The SMG Sequential manual transmission is an 
automated manual transmission in which an 
electrohydraulic system handles the clutching 
and gear changes.
You operate the SMG using the selector lever in 
the center console and two shift paddles on the 
steering wheel.
It offers you the following functions:
>Optional manual or automatic operation: 
Sequential mode or Drive mode 
>You have a choice of two driving programs: 
Normal or Sport, refer to Dynamic Driving 
Control page54 >Automatic downshifting and prevention of 
incorrect shifting even in sequential opera-
tion
>Acceleration assistant, refer to page55.
The SMG is operational when the ignition key is 
in position 2.
Selector lever positions
The current selector lever position is displayed 
on the center console.
>R: Reverse 
>N: Neutral 
>One-touch functions for Sequential mode:
+: manual upshifting 
–: manual downshifting
>D: Drive mode
The transmission automatically shifts into 
N if the driver's door is opened with the 
engine running and neither the pedals, the shift 
paddles nor the selector lever are operated. 
This is indicated by an acoustic signal and the 
flashing display N in the instrument cluster.<
Gear display 
R N 1 to 6
The currently engaged gear is displayed, pre-
ceded by a D in Drive mode. 
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Driving
54
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.
Shifting from Sequential mode to Drive mode: 
press selector lever to the right toward D.
Kick-down: 
For rapid acceleration, e. g. when passing, press 
the accelerator pedal as far down as it will go. 
You achieve maximum acceleration.
To switch back into 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 pressing the accel-
erator, but apply 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 upshift, pull one of the shift paddles.
>To downshift, press.
In the following situations, the SMG in Sequen-
tial mode assists you:
>Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result 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.
Dynamic Driving Control
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it possible 
for your BMW to react in an even more perfor-
mance-oriented manner at the push of a button:
>The engine responds more spontaneously 
to accelerator pedal movements.
>Gearshifts are faster.
>The engine speed range is used optimally in 
the Drive mode.
>Cruise control
*: 
The stored speed is reached more quickly 
when it is requested. 
Page 56 of 221

Controls
 55Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Activating system 
Press the SPORT button with the ignition key in 
position 2. 
The LED in the button lights up and SPORT is 
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Deactivating system
Press the SPORT button again.
The LED in the button and SPORT in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
Acceleration assistant
The acceleration assistant enables optimized 
vehicle acceleration at racing car level on road 
surfaces with good adhesion when starting off.
Do not use the acceleration assistant too 
often, as otherwise components will wear 
prematurely.<
1.Activate the Dynamic Traction Control.
2.Press the DTC button, refer to page78, for 
longer than 3 seconds.
3.Quickly press accelerator pedal all the way 
down: kick-down. The ideal starting-off 
engine speed is set.
To maintain driving stability, do not deac-
tivate DSC if at all possible.<
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can 
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to 
page56.
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 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.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. 
The rear wheels are locked.  
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Driving
56
R Reverse 
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
For example, engage in automatic car washes. 
The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position 
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward 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.
Manual operation and Sport program 
M/S 
Move selector lever from position D toward the 
left into the M/S shifting slot: 
The sport program is activated and DS appears 
in the instrument cluster. This position is 
recommended for a performance-oriented 
driving style.
When the selector lever is pressed forward or 
back, the manual mode is activated and the 
Steptronic shifts the gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result in a plausible combination 
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 instrument 
cluster, followed by the current gear.To use the automatic function again, move the 
selector lever to the right into position D.
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher 
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the 
resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator 
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb 
needs to be replaced. 
After switching off the ignition, make sure that 
the roadside parking lamps are not switched 
on.<
Signaling for a short time
Press lever to resistance point and hold for as 
long as you wish to signal.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever to the resistance point; the turn 
signal flashes three times. 
You can activate or deactivate this function.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to 
page16.
1.Open the   menu.
2.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.
3.Select "Light" and press the controller. 
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Driving
58
Windshield washer nozzles 
The windshield washer nozzles are automati-
cally heated in ignition key position 2.
Washer fluid 
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable. 
Always keep it well away from sparks and 
open flames, and store it in tightly closed con-
tainers well out of the reach of children. Always 
observe the instructions for use provided on the 
containers.<
Washer fluid reservoir 
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer 
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
In order to maintain the mixture ratio, mix 
the washer fluid before filling.<
Capacity 
3.2USquarts/3liters, in conjunction with head-
lamp washer system
* approx. 5.3 US quarts/
5liters.
Cruise control* 
The concept 
The cruise control is available 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 col-
umn.Do not use the cruise control under driv-
ing conditions that do not permit a con-
stant speed, e.g.when driving on winding roads, 
in heavy traffic or in poor road conditions such 
as snow, rain, ice, and loose road surface.<
One lever for all functions
1Maintaining speed, storing speed, and 
accelerating
2Maintaining speed, storing speed, and 
decelerating
3Interrupting cruise control
4Resuming stored speed
Maintaining speed, storing speed, and 
accelerating
Press lever to resistance point 1: 
The speed currently being driven is maintained 
and stored. The display1 in the speedometer, 
refer to page59, indicates this regulated speed. 
Every time you press the lever, the vehicle's 
speed increases by roughly 1 mph/1 km/h. 
Press lever to resistance point for a longer time: 
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on 
the accelerator pedal. The system maintains 
and stores your current speed as soon as you 
release the lever.
Press the lever beyond the resistance point: 
increase speed by 5 mph/10 km/h.
The vehicle may accelerate beyond the regu-
lated speed on steep downhill stretches where 
the engine's braking effect alone may not be 
sufficient to slow the vehicle. Speed can drop 
on uphill grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient. 
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Driving
60 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 
which you may be accustomed to, 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 in this 
manual beginning on page62.<
Vehicles with manual transmission
You can use the system in the 2nd to 6th gear 
within a normal engine speed range and also 
change gears. Continuous operation at very 
high or very low engine speeds is not possible. 
In this case the driver is asked to shift or the 
system deactivates itself.
Vehicles with SMG
Continuous operation at very high engine 
speeds is not possible in the Sequential mode. 
In this case the driver is asked to shift or the 
system deactivates itself.
In the Drive mode, the SMG acts similarly to the 
automatic transmission in the D position.
Operating active cruise control 
1Activate system, store and increase desired 
speed 
2Activate system, store and decrease 
desired speed 
3Deactivate system4Recall the stored speed and distance or 
increase desired speed by 1 mph/1 km/h 
with each press of the button
5Select distance to vehicle driving ahead. 
You can choose from four available distance 
settings. You will find more detailed infor-
mation on page62.
Adjust your desired speed to the traffic 
conditions and remain ready to brake at 
all times. Great differences in speed to the vehi-
cles driving ahead, e. g. when quickly approach-
ing a truck or when another vehicle swerves into 
your lane, cannot be compensated for by the 
system.<
Displays in instrument cluster 
1Stored desired speed display 
2Detected vehicle display. Lights up when 
vehicle driving ahead is detected 
3Selected distance to vehicle driving ahead 
4Digital speed display. 
Appears briefly when you select your 
desired speed
The system is activated. 
The display 3 appears as soon as 
you activate the system and no 
vehicle is detected driving ahead. 
Vehicle detected. 
The display 2 lights up yellow 
when a vehicle is detected driving 
ahead.