towing BMW 745Li 2004 E66 Owner's Manual

Driving
64 Provided that the remote control is
inserted in the ignition lock, you can
also release the parking brake manually
after the engine has been switched off,
refer to page 62. This function is useful in
automatic car washes, etc.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.<
When leaving the vehicle, always
release the remote control from the
detent in the ignition lock; this precaution
prevents children from disengaging the
parking brake, etc.<
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deacti-
vated when
>the engine is switched off
>the system detects that the driver's seat
is not occupied while the engine is run-
ning
>the hood is opened while the engine is
running
>the luggage compartment lid is opened
with the transmission in reverse while
the engine is running, and
>when the parking brake is used to bring
the vehicle to a stop.
The indicator lamp changes from
green to red, and the AUTO P letters in the
Info Display disappear.
Before starting off again, briefly press the
button to disengage the parking brake
manually, refer to page 62, or reactivate
Automatic Hold, refer to page 63.
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 precau-
tions.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Automatic Hold is automatically
deactivated whenever the system
detects any tendency for the wheels to spin
in response to slippery road surfaces. Note the status reports in the Check Control.
You can find additional information on the
Check Control on page 82.<
Malfunctions
If a malfunction occurs, the indicator
lamp lights up yellow in the Info Dis-
play and a status report will appear in the
Check Control. Please note any supple-
mentary information that appears on the
Control Display.
Releasing the parking brake
manually
You can respond to any interruptions in the
supply of electrical power, for instance, if
the battery is discharged or disconnected,
by releasing the parking brake manually.
Before proceeding to release the
parking brake manually, and each
time you park the vehicle without engaging
the parking brake, always ensure that the
automatic transmission's selector lever is
in position P, refer to page 66. Note the
range indicated in the Info Display.
If the wheel must be changed on a surface
with a more severe slope, take additional
precautions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing e.g. with a chock, refer to page 203.
Otherwise there is a danger that the vehicle
could start to roll if parked on a steep
slope.<
Should it also be necessary to release the
automatic transmission's lockout manually,
for instance, if the battery is discharged,
always adhere to the following sequence:
1.If necessary, start by manually releasing
the parking brake
2.Then release the automatic transmis-
sion's lockout manually, refer to
page 68.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages 207 and 208.

Driving
68 page 66. We recommend this program for
performance-oriented driving.
When you press the S/M/D button a sec-
ond time the transmission switches to its
manual mode; press again to return to the
automatic program.
You can also return to the standard auto-
matic program by reselecting D.
In the manual mode the transmission
upshifts when you briefly press the buttons
on the rear of the steering wheel. You
downshift by briefly pressing the buttons
on the front of the steering wheel. The Info
Display shows the manual ranges M1
through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation 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 Info Display, followed by the
current gear.
To obtain maximum acceleration, for
passing maneuvers, etc., during
operation in the manual mode, use the
kickdown or downshift manually.<
Malfunctions
A status report will appear in the Check
Control to alert you to any malfunctions in
the transmission-control system. Please
note any supplementary information that
appears on the Control Display. The direc-
tional arrows also start to flash in the Info
Display.
While it will remain still possible to move
the selector lever to any desired position,
the transmission will revert to operation in
its default mode with only a limited number
of forward gears.
Some types of malfunction will make it
impossible to engage all gears.
The engine may respond with reduced out-
put when accelerating from a standing
start. If this happens, avoid extreme engine loads
and consult the nearest BMW center.
If no status messages appear in the
Info Display you should accelerate
carefully to confirm that you are driving in
the desired direction.
Never work in the engine compartment
with any of the forward or reverse gears
engaged, as the vehicle could start to
move. Engaging the parking brake, refer to
page 62.<
Manual release of transmission
lockout
You can respond to any interruptions in the
supply of electrical power, for instance, if
the battery is discharged or disconnected,
by releasing the transmission lockout man-
ually.
To prevent the drive wheels from
locking up and sliding, the transmis-
sion lockout must always be released man-
ually before the vehicle is towed.<
Press the brake pedal before releas-
ing the transmission lockout manu-
ally. If the brakes are not applied, the vehi-
cle could start to roll if parked on a steep
slope.
The transmission lockout should only be
released for towing. Remember to engage
the transmission lockout when you repark
the vehicle after moving it.
Should it also be necessary to release
the parking brake manually, owing to a dis-
charged battery, etc., always adhere to the
following sequence:
1.Start by manually releasing the parking
brake, refer to page 64
2.Then proceed to manually release the
transmission lockout.<
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages 207 and 208.

Controls
69Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Releasing
1.Use the vehicle key to release the cover
panel beneath the instrument panel by
turning the lock counterclockwise, then
fold down the cover
2.Pull out the release lever with the loop 1
until it locks into place: the transmission
lockout is unlocked.
Re-engage the transmission lockout
after parking the vehicle at its destina-
tion. Otherwise there is a danger that the
vehicle could start to roll if parked on a
steep slope.<
Locking again
1.Disengage the release lever by pressing
it together with the red detent lever,
arrow
2.Guide the release lever all the way back
into its original position Ð the transmis-
sion lockout is again engaged
3.Fold up and lock the cover panel again.
Now Ð and not before Ð the key may be
removed.
Once the transmission lockout has
been re-engaged, the warning in the
Check Control should disappear, and the
symbol in the Info Display should change
from N to P. Should this fail to happen,
there is a danger that the vehicle could
start to roll.<
Information on jump-starting and towing
begins on page 207.
Turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher
1High beams: blue indicator lamp
2Headlamp flasher: blue indicator lamp
3Turn signal indicators: green indicator
lamps, accompanied by a periodic tick-
ing from the turn signal indicator relay
Using turn signal indicators
Move the lever beyond the resistance
point. It then returns to the center position
when released. Press the lever as far as the
resistance point to switch off the turn signal
indicators.

Practical interior accessories
118
Securing the load
Secure the bag's contents by tighten-
ing down the strap at the buckle.<
Stowing the ski bag
1.Close the hatch in the luggage com-
partment:
Press the handle and slide to the left
2.Fold up the ski bag and place it in the
compartment
3.Engage the cover as shown
4.Close the cover.

Things to remember when driving
124 Warning lamp for Canadian models.
The brake pads have reached their mini-
mum pad thickness. Have them replaced
at your BMW center as soon as possible.
For your own safety: use only brake
pads that BMW has released for your
particular vehicle model. As BMW cannot
assess the suitability of other brake pads
for use on your vehicle, we are unable to
assume continued responsibility for the
vehicle's operating safety if non-approved
pads are installed.<
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond
their approved carrying capacity,
never overload the vehicle. Overloading
can lead to overheating and increases the
rate at which damage develops inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume the
form of a sudden air loss.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's door pillar
*:
The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never
exceed XXX lbs. or YYY kg, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged and
unstable driving conditions may
result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passenger that will be riding
in your vehicle3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passenger 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
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-
pound passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.:
1,400 Ibs. minus 750 Ibs. = 650 Ibs.
5.Determine the combined weight of lug-
gage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight should not 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.
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.

Driving tips
125Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat
is not occupied, secure each safety belt
in the opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net* or securing straps
to hold down small and lightweight lug-
gage and cargo, refer to page 39
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available
at your BMW center. Anchorages for
attaching these heavy-duty straps have
been provided in your vehicle's luggage
compartment, refer to the illustration
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the anchorage fittings.
Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can even
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross
vehicle weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer to page 214, as excessive
loads can pose a safety hazard, and may
also place you in violation of freeway safety
laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger com-
partment, as they could fly around and
pose a safety hazard to the vehicle's occu-
pants during abrupt braking or evasive
maneuvers .<
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*
Anchorage points
The anchorage points are located within
the door openings.
A special rack system is available as an
option for your BMW. Please comply with
the precautions included with the installa-
tion instructions.
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's cen-
ter of gravity when loaded, they have a
major effect on its handling and steering
response.
You should therefore always remember not
to exceed the approved roof weight, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle
loads when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights in the
Technical data section on page 214.
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
and that it does not extend outward to
beyond the limits of the loading surface.
Always load the heaviest pieces first Ð on
the bottom. Be sure that adequate clear-
ance is maintained for raising the glass
roof, and that objects do not project into

Giving and receiving assistance
208 1.Remove the cover of the BMW auxiliary
terminal for jump-starting
2.Connect one terminal clamp of the pos-
itive/+ jumper cable to the positive ter-
minal of the battery or an auxiliary ter-
minal for jump-starting of the vehicle
providing starting assistance
3.Connect the second terminal clamp of
the positive/+ jumper cable to the posi-
tive terminal of the battery or to an aux-
iliary terminal for jump-starting of the
vehicle to be started
On your BMW, there is a special nut as
body ground on the suspension strut
dome, refer to arrow 2 in the illustration.
4.Attach one end of the negative/Ð jumper
cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground
of the vehicle providing assistance
5.Connect the second terminal clamp of
the negative/Ð jumper cable to the neg-
ative terminal of the battery or to the
engine or body ground of the vehicle to
be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine on the support vehicle
and allow it to run for several minutes
at a fast idle
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in
the usual way.
If the first start attempt is not success-
ful, wait a few minutes before another
attempt in order to allow the discharged
battery to recharge
3.Allow the engines to run for several
minutes
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by
reversing the connection sequence.
If required, have the battery inspected and
recharged at your BMW center.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Having vehicle towed
Always observe all applicable towing
laws and regulations.
Even if the transmission is in perfect work-
ing order, remember to disengage the
transmission lockout manually before tow-
ing the vehicle. Failure to observe this pre-
caution could result in automatic activation
of the transmission lockout while the vehi-
cle is being towed.<
Manual release of the transmission lockout,
refer to page 68.
Towing with a commercial tow truck
>Use a wheel lift or flatbed carrier
>Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Never allow passengers to ride in a
towed vehicle for any reason.<
Towing with raised front axle
Do not tow the vehicle by the rear
axle; because the steering detent is
not operational, the wheels could turn to an
extreme angle during towing.<
1.Manual release of the transmission
lockout, refer to page 68.
2.Towing speed:
Maximum of 45 mph/70 km/h
3.Towing distance:
Maximum of 90 miles/150 km.

Everything from A to Z
220 Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control 85
Equalizer 149, 150
ESP, refer to DSC 92
Extended vehicle storage,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Exterior mirrors 51
Ð automatic dimming
feature 51
"Extra"
Ð in "Climate" menu 106
Ð rear air conditioning 109
Ð rear cooler 113
F
Factory preparations for
phone installation 177
Fader 149
"Fader" for audio mode 150
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 82
Failure of a current
consumer 206
Fan, refer to Air supply 104
"Fastest route" 137
Fastest route 137
Filling the washer
reservoir 71
Filling the windshield
washer reservoir 71
First-aid kit 207
Fittings, towing 209
Flashlight 114
Flat Tire Monitor 95
Flat tires 188, 191
"FM..." 148, 152, 154
FM waveband 152
Fog lamps 100
"Footwell" 107
Footwell lamps 101
Front armrest, refer to Front
center armrest 114
Front center armrest 114
Front seat adjustment 44
Front-to-rear adjustment in
audio mode 149"FTM" 95
Fuel 187
Fuel capacity 186
Fuel economy 86
Fuel filler door 186
Ð releasing in the event of
electrical defect 186
Fuel gauge 85
Fuel-saving driving, refer to
Energy Control 85
Fuel specifications 187
Fuel tank capacity 186
"FULL MENU" 167, 168
"Full Release" 24
Fuses 206
G
Garage door opener, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control 111
Gasoline 187
Gear changes, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 66
Gearshifts, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 66
General driving notes 122
Glasses compartment 115
Glass roof, electrical 42
Ð closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction 43
Ð convenience operation 36
Ð remote control 34
Glove compartment 114
GPS, refer to Navigation
system 130
H
Hand lamp 114
Hands-free
microphone 177
Hands-free system 177
Having vehicle towed 208
Hazard warning flashers 14
Headlamp control,
automatic 99
Headlamp flasher 69
Headlamp washers 70Headlamp washer
system 71
Head Light, refer to
Adaptive Head Light 99
Head restraints 47
Ð front head restraints,
active 47
Heated seats 49
Heated steering wheel 52
Heating and ventilation 102
Heating while stopped 105
Height 213
Height adjustment
Ð seats 45
Ð steering wheel 52
"Help" 18, 21
Help texts in Control
Display 22
High beams 100
Ð replacing bulbs 201
Home address 142, 143
Horn 11
"Hotline" 182
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 93
Hydroplaning 122, 191
I
Ice warning 80
iDrive, refer to Control
Center 17
Ignition key 32
Ignition lock 60
Ð with Comfort Access 60
Independent
ventilation 109
"Indep. ventil." 109
Indicator lamps 12
"Individual" 107
Individual button
assignment 17
Ð on steering wheel 52
Inflation pressure 188
Info Display 12
"Information" for
navigation 135, 136
Information on the
navigation system, refer
to Voice guidance for
navigation 141

Everything from A to Z
226 Tires
Ð flat tire 203
Ð tire changes 203
Ð tire damage 191
Ð tire inflation pressure 188
Ð tire replacement 192
Ð tire size, refer to Wheel
and tire
combinations 192
Ð tire tread 191
Ð tread wear indicators 191
"TITLE" 167
Tone, adjusting 149
"Tone" for audio
mode 148, 150
Tools 200
"TOP 8" 180
"TOP" for DVD mode 169
Topping up washer fluid 71
Torque 212
Tow fittings 208, 209
Towing
Ð with raised front axle 208
Track 213
Traction Control System,
refer to DSC 92
Traffic congestion, refer to
Selecting a new
route 140
Transmission, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 66
Transmission lockout, refer
to Park detent 67
Transporting children
safely 56
Travel route, refer to
Route 140
Tread depth, tires 191
Treble 149
"Treble" for audio
mode 150
Trip computer 86
Trip odometer 80
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid 37
Turning circle 213
Turn signal indicators 69
Ð replacing bulbs 201, 202"TV" 163, 164
TV 163
Ð adjusting the picture 164
Ð adjusting the tone 149
Ð controls 148
Ð NTSC 164
Ð PAL 164
Ð programs 163
Ð SECAM 164
Ð selecting standard 164
Ð switching on 163
Ð volume 149
"TV format" 164
U
Undercoating, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 190
Universal garage door
opener, refer to
Integrated universal
remote control 111
Unlatching the engine
hood 194
Unlocking without key,
refer to Comfort
Access 34
Upholstery care, refer to
the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Used batteries 206
V
Vacuum cleaner
connection 116
Valve caps 204
Vanity mirror 51
Vehicle battery 205
Vehicle dimensions 213
Vehicle jack 203
Vehicle keys 32
Vehicle Memory 54
Ventilation 105
Ð draft-free 105
Ð while parked 109
Vents, refer to
Ventilation 102"Video" 148
"View" for
navigation 139, 140
Viscosity 196
Voice command
system 16, 25
Voice guidance for
navigation 141
Volume
Ð audio 149
Ð CD changer 149
Ð CD player 149
Ð DVD changer 149
Ð navigation 141
Ð portable phone 177
Ð radio 149
Ð TV 149
Ð voice command
system 26
W
Warm feet, cool headroom,
refer to Front
ventilation 105
Warning lamps 12
Warning messages 82
Warning triangle 207
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for
Canadian models 198
"WB" 148, 155
Wear indicators in the
tires 191
Weather Band 155
Weights 214
Wheel and tire
combinations 192
Wheelbase 213
Wheel bolts
Ð wrench 203
Wheels and tires 192
Width 213
"Window" 107
Windows 41
Ð convenience operation 36
Ð remote control 34
Ð safety switch 42