towing BMW 645I CONVERTIBLE 2005 E63 Owner's Manual

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
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.

Giving and receiving assistance
188
Towing and tow-starting
Always observe all applicable towing laws
and regulations.<
Never allow passengers to ride in a towed
vehicle for any reason.<
Use tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool kit
mounted on the inside of the luggage compart-
ment under the floor mat, refer to page180, and
should always remain in the vehicle. It can be
screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle, observe the following: only use
the tow fitting that comes with the vehicle and
screw it in as far as possible. Use the tow fitting
for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral strains on
the tow fitting, e.g. do not the lift vehicle by the
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover in bumper:
Press the arrow symbol of the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering wheel
could lock and it would be impossible to steer
the vehicle. There is no power assist with the
engine stopped. This then requires increased
effort for braking and steering. Active steering is
deactivated and larger steering wheel move-
ments are required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual
transmission
With the ignition switched on, engage selector-
lever position N, then switch off the ignition.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise
it will not be possible to control vehicle
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be strictly limited during cornering.

Mobility
189Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only.
Otherwise to other vehicle parts could
result.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Secure the tow rope to the tow fitting only. Oth-
erwise damage to other vehicle parts could
result.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a load bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, as otherwise damage
may result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission.
Jump starting, refer to page186.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic con-
verter with the engine cold. It is better to jump
start the engine, refer to page186.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3.Shift into 3rd gear, vehicles with SMG, see
below.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
pedal completely depressed and slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch pedal com-
pletely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual trans-
mission:
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select sequential mode. The correct gear
will be selected and engaged automatically.

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

Reference 201
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
C
California law
– Event Data Recorders179
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"153
Call
– accepting152
– display accepted153
– ending152
– in absence153
– starting152
Calling
– from phone book153
– from the Top 8 list153
– redialing153
"Call sender"156
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders103
Capacities195
Capacity of the luggage
compartment192
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery183
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car data"74
Care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cargo loading
– securing cargo111
– stowing cargo111
– vehicle110
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochureCaring for the carpet, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Key set28
Car phone151
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest102
– refer to Portable phone150
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio136
Car wash110
– also refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– refer to Before driving into a
car wash110
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system108
"Categories"141
CBC Cornering Brake
Control81
CBS Condition Based
Service178
"CD"133,143
CD changer143
– controls132
– fast forward/reverse145
– installation location145
– playing a track145
– random play sequence145
– repeating a track144
– selecting a CD144
– selecting a track144
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
CD player143
– controls132
– fast forward/reverse145
– playing a track145
– random play sequence145
– repeating a track144
– selecting a track144
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133Center armrest
– adjusting the height102
– front102
Center console14
"Central locking"29
Central locking system29
– from inside vehicle31
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel183
Changing gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
Changing language on
Control Display78
Changing measurement units
on Control Display77
Changing wheels183
CHECK button73
Check Control71
"Check Control
messages"73
Check Gas Cap166
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure168
Child's seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems52
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH53
Child restraints52
Child-restraint systems52
Chrome parts, care, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter103
Cleaning, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Cleaning the windshield, refer
to Wiper system61
"Climate"96
Clock69
– 12h/24h mode78
– setting time and date78
Closing
– from inside31
– from outside29
Clothes hooks, Coupe102
Cockpit10

Everything from A to Z
204 Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top41
– door lock31
– driver's door31
– fuel filler door166
– glass sunroof38
– luggage compartment
lid32,33
Emergency release33
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance186
"Emission inspect."71
"Enable services"160
"End call"153
Engine
– breaking-in108
– data192
– speed192
– starting54
– starting difficulties54
– switching off55
Engine compartment175
Engine coolant176
Engine oil
– checking the oil level175
– dipstick175
– specified engine oils176
– temperature70
– temperature gage70
– topping off176
Engine output, refer to Engine
data192
Engine speed, refer to Engine
specifications192
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine54
"Enter address" for
navigation116
Entering destination116
Entering the address115
Entering the intersection117
Entering the town/city for
navigation116
Entering zip code for
navigation116
"Entertainment"133"Entertainment settings"133
Entry map for destination117
Entry to the rear48
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control135
"ESN"140
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control82
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system108
Exterior mirrors49
– automatic dimming
feature50
– automatic heating50
Eye for towing, refer to Tow
fitting188
Eyes for lashing, refer to
Securing load111
F
Fader, refer to Tone
control134
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control71
False alarms, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts48
Fastest route for
navigation122
Fast forward
– CD changer145
– CD player145
"Fast route" for
navigation122
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit186
First-aid kit186
First-aid pouch, refer to First-
aid kit186
Flashing when locking and
unlocking, refer to Setting
acknowledgement
signals30Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight101
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor84
– run-flat tires85,172
Flat Tire Monitor84
– false alarms84
– initializing system84
– malfunction85
– snow chains173
– system limits84
– warning lamp85
"FM", reception
range133,136
FM, waveband136
Fog lamps92
– indicator lamp13,92
Folding up convertible top
compartment floor,
Convertible34
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely109
Footwell lamps93
For your own safety6
Front airbags86
Front head restraints47
"FTM"84
Fuel
– average consumption74
– display70
– fuel specifications167
– high-quality brands167
– quality167
– tank capacity166
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gage70
Fuel filler door166
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction166
Fuel gage70
Fuel specifications167
Fuses184

Everything from A to Z
208 New keys28
"New route"128
New wheels and tires172
"Next entertainment
source"51
Nozzles
– refer to Ventilation94
– refer to Windshield washer
nozzles61
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
and tow-starting188
O
OBD Socket179
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications167
Odometer69
Oil
– additives176
– capacity195
– dipstick175
– specified engine oils176
Oil change intervals
– refer to Service
requirements70
– refer to the Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or to
the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian
models178
Oil consumption175
Oil level175
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal183
"On a new destination" for
navigation119
Onboard computer, refer to
Control Center16
"Onboard information"75
Onboard tool kit180
"On destination"119
"On location"119
Opening and closing
– from inside31
– from outside29
– using door lock31
– using the remote control29Opening and closing rear
window37
Operation by voice
commands for portable
phone156
– adjusting volume157
– canceling156
– correcting phone
number157
– dialing a phone number157
– making a call157
– redialing158
– voice commands156
– voice phone book157
"Options"162
"Options" for portable
phone156
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17
Output, refer to Engine
data192
Outside air, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control95
Outside mirror
– tilting the passenger-side
mirror47
Outside temperature
display69
– changing unit of
measurement77
P
Panic mode30
Park Distance Control PDC80
"Parked car operation"98
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control80
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake55
Parking lamps/low beams91
– replacing bulbs180
Parking vehicle55
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle5
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function47"Pathway lighting"91
Pathway lighting91
"PDC"81
PDC Park Distance Control80
Phone book151
Phone numbers
– deleting in the phone
book154
– dialing152
– most recent numbers153
– selecting in the phone
book153
– Top 8153
"Play" on the radio141
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter97
Portable phone
– accepted calls153
– adjusting volume151
– calling152
– call termination152
– hands-free system151,157
– missed calls153
– operation using Control
Center151
– phone book153
– redialing153
– refer also to separate
Owner's Manual
– SMS155
– Top 8153
– touch tone dialing155
Portable phone battery150
Portable phones, use in
vehicle, refer to Mobile
communication devices in
vehicle109
Position
– displaying125
– storing120
Power failure184
Power windows, refer to
Windows36
"Presets" on the
radio136,141
Presetting independent venti-
lation activation times98
Pressure, tires168

Reference 209
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor84
Programmable buttons on
steering wheel51
Protective function, refer to
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof38
– windows37
R
Radio
– Autostore138
– controls132
– playing stations137
– satellite radio140
– selecting frequency
manually137
– selecting
waveband132,136
– station search137
– station selection136
– station with best
reception138
– storing stations138
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
– Weather Band139
Radio-control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control28
Rain sensor of the windshield
washer system61
"Random", random play
sequence145
Random play sequence
– CD changer145
– CD player145
Reading lamps93
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps182
Rearview mirror49
Rear window defroster94
"Received calls"154
Receiving level of portable
phone, refer to Status
information20Reception
– quality139
– radio stations139
– regional station138
Rechargeable flashlight101
Recirculated-air mode, refer
to AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control95
Recirculation of air, refer to
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control95
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest45
Recording times, refer to
Stopwatch77
"Redial" for portable
phone154
Redialing with portable
phone153
Refueling166
Releasing hood174
"Relock door if not
opened"32
Remaining distance
– refer to Computer75
– refer to Cruising range74
Remote control28
– garage-door opener100
– luggage compartment lid30
– malfunction30
Removing condensation from
windows95
"Repeat" in audio mode145
Replacement fuses184
Replacement key, refer to
New keys28
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs180
Replacing tires
– changing a wheel183
– new wheels and tires172
Reporting an accident, refer to
Initiating emergency
call185
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gage70
"Reset" for stopwatch77
"Reset" in audio mode135Residual heat mode96
Restraint systems
– for children52
– refer to Safety belts48
Retreaded tires172
Reverse, fast
– CD changer145
– CD player145
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission56
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission57
Road map127
"Roadside Assistance"161
Roadside Assistance186
Roadside parking lamps92
– replacing bulbs182
Rollover protection system on
convertible87
– lowering87
Rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting188
Rotary pushbutton, refer to
Control Center16
Route122
– bypassing sections128
– changing122,128
– display127
– displaying arrow view127
– displaying map127
– displaying towns/cities and
streets127
– list127
– selecting122
– selecting criteria122
"Route list" for navigation127
Route map127
"Route preference",
changing122
Route selection122
Run-flat tires172
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire85
– flat tire85
– tire inflation pressure168
– tire replacement172
– winter tires173

Reference 211
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
SMG Sequential manual
transmission56
– acceleration assistant59
– breaking-in108
– convenience start55
– Dynamic Driving Control59
– gear display57
– kick-down57
– shiftlock57
– towing188
– tow-starting189
"SMS"155
Snow chains173
Socket103
– for Onboard Diagnostics
interface179
– in front passenger
footwell104
SOS, refer to Initiating
emergency call185
Sound output for Enter-
tainment on/off133
Spare fuses184
Spare key28
Special oils, refer to Specified
engine oils176
Specified engine oils176
Speed-dependent
volume134
Speed limit76
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit76
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone
control134
Speed with winter tires173
Sport program
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– refer to Dynamic Driving
Control59
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems81
"Star button"51
"Start" for stopwatch77
"Start guidance"117,124Starting difficulties, refer to
Special starting
conditions54
Starting engine54
Starting problems
– jump starting186
Start menu on Control
Display17
"Start route guidance"118
"Start service"161
"State / Province" for desti-
nation entry116
"State inspection"71
Station, refer to Radio136
"Status"70
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steering wheel11
– adjustment50
– automatic adjustment, refer
to Easy entry/exit50
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– heating51
– memory46
– programmable buttons51
"Steering wheel buttons"51
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering85
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58
"Stop" for stopwatch77
"Stopwatch"77
Stopwatch77
Storage compartments102
"Store current
destination"122
"Store current position"122
"Store in address book" for
navigation120
"Store" on the radio138,142
Storing current position120
Storing sitting position, refer
to Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory46
Storing tires173Straps, refer to Loading111
"Street" for destination
entry117
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires168
SW, waveband136
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching navigation voice
instructions on/off126
Switching off engine55
Switching off the interior
motion sensor35
Switching off the tilt alarm
sensor35
Switching on
– audio132
– CD changer132
– CD player132
– radio132
Switching on hour signal78
Switching the cooling function
on and off95
Swiveling headlamps, refer to
Adaptive Head Light92
Symbols4
– indicator and warning
lamps13
T
Tachometer69
Tail lamps182
– replacing bulbs182
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity166
Target cursor for
navigation118
Technical changes, refer to
For your own safety6
Technical data192
Telematik, refer to
TeleService, BMW
Assist159
Telephone
– refer to Portable phone150
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
"Telephone list"51