steering BMW 745LI SEDAN 2002 User Guide

At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
55
1.Select the driver's door mirror with the
switch
2.When you tap the selector lever to select
reverse, the door mirror on the passenger
side tilts downward. This allows the driver
to see the area immediately adjacent to the
vehicle Ð such as a curb Ð when parking,
etc.
You can deactivate this automatic feature:
Slide the mirror selection switch to the
"passenger's side" position.
Airbags 1Front airbags for driver and front
passenger
2Head airbags in front and rear
*
3Side airbags in front and rear*
4Knee airbags for driver and front
passenger
Airbags are located under the upholstery
covers on the steering wheel, in the instru-
ment panel, in the door trim panels in front
and rear
*, on the roof pillars and the sides
of the headliner.
Protective effect The front airbags protect the front passen-
gers by responding to frontal impacts in
which safety belts alone cannot provide
adequate restraint. When needed, the head
and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The side airbags
help restrain the side of the occupant's
upper torso, and the head airbags help
support the head while also helping
provide protection against any objects
penetrating into the passenger compart-ment. The knee airbags help protect the
legs against impact against the cockpit.
The side airbags in the rear
passenger area of your vehicle may
already have been deactivated either at the
time of manufacture or by a BMW center.
You may have them activated if you desire
to do so. Please contact your BMW center
for additional information.<
For information on the proper sitting posi-
tion, refer to page 45.
The airbags do not deploy in
response to minor collisions or rear
impacts, nor do they respond to certain
kinds of vehicle rollover.<
Even when all safety guidelines are
observed, there is a small residual risk that
passengers will sustain facial, hand or arm
injuries in isolated instances. The ignition
and inflation noise may provoke a mild
temporary hearing loss in extremely sensi-
tive individuals.

Adjustments
56
Important safety notes
Do not apply adhesive materials to
the cover panels of the airbags, cover
them or modify them in any other way.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag
restraint system from the vehicle. If you
note any indication of system malfunction,
if you desire to have an airbag deactivated,
or if the airbags are triggered in response
to an accident, you should always entrust
all inspection, repair and dismantling oper-
ations to your BMW center.
Never modify or tamper with either the
wiring or the individual components in the
airbag system. This category includes the
upholstery in the center of the steering
wheel, on the instrument panel, the side
trim panels on the front and rear doors, and
the roof pillars along with the sides of the
headliner. Do not attempt to remove or
dismantle the steering wheel.
To ensure compliance with official safety
regulations, entrust disposal of airbag
generators to a BMW center.
Unprofessional attempts to service the
system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation, either
of which could result in personal injury. Do
not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been trig-
gered, because there is a danger of
burns.<
At all times, occupants should sit
upright and be properly restrained Ð
infants and small children in appropriate
child-restraint systems; larger children and
adults using the safety belts. Never let an
occupant's head rest near or on a side
airbag because the inflating airbag could
cause a serious or fatal injury. Please note
that the word "Airbag" imprinted on the
door trim panel indicates the airbag's loca-
tion.
Never install a rear-facing child-restraint
device on the front passenger seat. If you
do so, the child could be injured when the
airbag is triggered.
Children should always ride in the rear and
the restraint systems should be secured
with the vehicle's belts.Accident research shows that the safest
place for children in an automobile is in the
rear seat. However, a child sitting in the
rear seat and not properly restrained may
place his or her head on or near the airbag,
if so equipped.
For example, a child Ñ even though belted
Ñ may fall asleep with his or her head
against the side airbag. It may be difficult
for a driver to ensure that children in the
rear seat will remain properly positioned at
all times and do not place their heads on or
near the side airbag. Therefore, we recom-
mend that the rear side airbags, if provided,
be deactivated if you plan to transport chil-
dren in the rear seat.
The rear seat side airbags may already
have been deactivated, either at the time of
manufacture or by a BMW center. Labels in
the rear door opening should indicate the
status of your rear-seat side airbags. If you
are uncertain of their status, or wish to have
the airbags activated or deactivated,
please contact your BMW center.<
Even when all these guidelines are
observed, there is still a small residual risk
of injuries to the face, hands and arms
occurring from airbag deployment in
isolated instances. The ignition and infla-
tion noise may provoke a mild temporary
hearing loss in extremely sensitive individ-
uals.
Airbag warning information is also provided
on the sun blinds.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp shows the
airbag and belt-tensioner system's
operational status as soon as you
insert the remote control unit in the ignition
(radio mode).
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly.
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp fails to come on or
>it remains on continuously.

Driving
64 in stop-and-go traffic, etc. As the vehicle
then no longer tends to "creep" when a
driving position is engaged, it is no longer
necessary to hold the vehicle by
depressing the brake pedal.
It prevents the vehicle from rolling back-
ward during uphill starts.
The parking brake also engages automati-
cally when you switch off the engine after
stopping the vehicle.
You can activate and deactivate the Auto-
matic Hold feature by selecting the
"Settings" menu in the Control Center. A
description of the Control Center is
provided on page 19.
Automatic Hold activation /
deactivation 1.Select the "Settings" menu
2.Confirm your selection
3.Select "Auto P." Press the controller to
activate/deactivate the desired function.
>Automatic Hold is activated.
The green "Auto P" status message in the
Info Display shows you that the system is
ready for operation.
>Automatic Hold is deactivated.
The green "Auto P" message disappears
from the Info Display panel.
You can program the programmable
function button on the steering wheel
to control the Automatic Hold function,
refer to page 53.
This will allow you to activate and deacti-
vate the Automatic Hold function quickly
and without distraction from traffic and
road conditions.< You can also deactivate Auto-
matic Hold by pressing the
button while the vehicle is
stationary. The vehicle remains
stationary, the indicator lamp
changes from green to red. Press the
button again to release the parking brake.
Driving with Automatic Hold The parking brake engages automatically
when the vehicle comes to a stop. The indi-
cator lamp in the Info Display
appears in green.
To start off again, simply depress the
accelerator pedal. The parking brake
disengages automatically, and the indi-
cator lamp goes out.
Do not drive through an automatic car
wash with the Automatic Hold on and
the engine running. The system would
engage the parking brake while the vehicle
is stationary. when you stop the vehicle and switch off
the engine. The indicator lamp
changes from green to red.
Provided that the remote control unit
is engaged in the ignition lock, you
can also release the parking brake manu-
ally after switching off the engine, refer to
page 63. This option is useful in automatic
car washes, etc.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.<
When leaving the vehicle, always
release the remote control unit from
the detent in the ignition lock; this precau-
tion prevents children from disengaging the
parking brake, etc. vated when
>the engine is switched off
>the system determines that the driver's
seat is not occupied while the engine is
running

Driving
66
To release 1.Remove the floor mat and the cover on
the spare tire
2.Guide the emergency-release tool with
the screwdriver handle into the opening,
arrow 1
3.Apply the open-end wrench to the
hexagon on the emergency-release tool.
Press against the resistance from the
spring to guide the emergency-release tool
all the way in, then hold it in place. Turn the
emergency-release tool in the direction
indicated by the arrow 2, continuing until
you hear the mechanism snap into place
and feel resistance; maintain pressure on
the tool after the mechanism engages
4.Use the open-end wrench to turn the
emergency-release tool against the drive
unit's mechanical resistance, continuing to
rotate it in arrow direction 2 until you feel a
substantial increase in turning effort.
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 any defects repaired at the
nearest BMW center. The technicians
can also return the parking brake to normal
operational status after it has been
released manually in response to malfunc-
tion.<
Following manual release, the actual
status of the parking brake may vary
from that displayed by the indicator lamp.<
Operation after interruptions in
power supply
The parking brake may only be used
again, if it is released manually after
an interruption in power supply, i. e. as a
result of a discharged or disconnected
battery. If this is not done, the parking
brake may fail to operate correctly. Even
with the parking brake engaged, there
would be a danger of the vehicle rolling on
steep hills.<
Once the electrical power supply has been
restored you can again use the parking
brake:
With the ignition on and the
vehicle stationary, tap the
button three times at intervals
of approx. 5 seconds. This
initializes the system as follows:
>Initializing the disengaged setting
>Engage Ð the system registers the new
status and the brake setting is initialized.
The indicator lamp in the Info Display
appears in red
>Release Ð the parking brake is ready for
operation. The indicator lamp in the
Info Display goes out.
Automatic transmission
with L mode While you can drive as with a conventional
automatic transmission, you also have the
option of retaining your current gear selec-
tion with the L/D button on the steering
wheel, refer to page 68. Transmission ranges

At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
67
P R N D Program displayL1 Ð L6 Buttons on steering wheel L/D Ð Selecting transmission range
The selector lever is at the center
position. To select transmission
ranges D, R or N, always start by pulling
toward the steering wheel, arrow 1, then
press up or down. Note the range indicated
in the Info Display.<
>Range D or R:
Press the selector lever up or down,
continuing to apply pressure to move it
past the detent
>Neutral N:
Press the selector lever as far as, but not
beyond, the detent (resistance)
>Park P:
Press button P, arrow 2.
The selector lever immediately returns to
the center position when released.
Depress the brake pedal before
shifting out of P or N; the shift command will not be executed unless the
brake is applied Ð Shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after
you select a range, maintain pressure on
the brake pedal until you are ready to start.
You can activate the Automatic Hold
feature to suppress the vehicle's tendency
to creep when a driving position is engaged
at idle, refer to page 63.<
Shift commands are transmitted electroni-
cally. To help avoid malfunctions, each
command undergoes a plausibility check
prior to execution.
Remember to observe the Check Control
for status messages.
You can find additional information on the
Check Control on page 80.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage
the parking brake before leaving the
vehicle with the engine running. Note the
information provided in the Info Display.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
P Ñ Park
Press the button. Select only when the
vehicle is stationary. The transmission
lockout prevents the rear wheels from
turning. The lockout disengages when you
press the selector lever toward D, N or R
while the engine is running.
P is automatically engaged when you
remove the remote control unit from
the ignition lock after parking the vehicle.<
R Ñ Reverse
Press the selector lever upward,
continuing to apply pressure to move it
past the detent. Select R only when the
vehicle is completely stopped.
N Neutral Ð Neutral
Press the selector lever as far as the
detent, but no further. Select N only if your
journey is interrupted for a long period.
>From D press the selector lever up

Driving
68 >From R press the selector lever down.
Note the arrows indicating direction in the
range display.
N is selected automatically whenever
the remote control unit remains
locked in the ignition lock after the ignition
is switched off. This function is useful in
automatic car washes, etc.
After approx. 30 minutes the system auto-
matically engages P. Remember to
observe the Check Control for status
messages.<
D Drive Ð Automatic
Press the selector lever down,
continuing to apply pressure to move it
past the detent. This is the range recom-
mended for normal vehicle operation. All
forward gears are available.
Kickdown The kickdown mode provides maximum
acceleration. Press the accelerator pedal
beyond full-throttle detent point. L mode We recommend the L mode for times when
you wish to suppress certain shifts, for
instance, when ascending or descending
steep grades. When the L mode is activated the transmis-
sion remains in your current gear, which
also appears in the Info Display, refer to
page 67. The transmission continues to
shift through the available ratios, but does
not proceed beyond the gear in the display.
To activate the L mode Press the L/D button on the steering wheel.
The transmission downshifts when you tap
the buttons on the rim of the steering
wheel. The newly selected limit appears in
the Info Display.
The transmission only executes downshifts
that will result in a plausible combination of
vehicle and engine speeds. The transmis-
sion will no longer execute upshifts beyond
the selected range.
Deactivate the L mode to obtain
maximum acceleration for overtaking
maneuvers, etc.<

At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
69
To deactivate the L mode >Press the L/D button or
>press the selector lever into position D
once again. Automatic transmission
with Steptronic Canadian models only While you can drive as with any conven-
tional automatic transmission, you also
enjoy the option of shifting manually at the
steering wheel, refer to the next column. Transmission rangesP R N D Program displayS or M1 Ð M6Buttons on steering wheel S/M/D + Ð To select a transmission range The procedure for selecting transmission
ranges is the same as that employed in the
L mode, refer to page 67.
Sport program and manual operationWhen you press the S/M/D button on the
steering wheel once, the system responds
by activating the transmission's Sport
program, as indicated by the letter S in the
Info Display, refer to previous column. We
recommend this program for performance-
oriented driving.
When you press the S/M/D button a
second 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 tap 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 excecuted
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 Info Display, followed
by the current gear.

At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
73
windshield before switching on either the
radio mode or the ignition.< Washer fluid Windshield and headlamp washers Capacity: approx. 8.2 quarts (7.8 liters)
Fill with water and Ð if required Ð with a
washer antifreeze (according to manufac-
turer's recommendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to the
reservoir.<
Windshield washer antifreeze is flam-
mable. Always keep it well away from
sparks and open flames, and store it in
tightly closed containers well out of the
reach of children. Always observe the
instructions for use provided on the
container.< Programmable cruise
control The concept The programmable cruise control is avail-
able for use at speeds of approx. 18 mph
(30 km/h) and higher. The vehicle maintains
and stores the speed that you set using the
lever mounted on the steering column.
You can also use the multilevel preset
mode to store 6 speeds for later selection
with the lever on the steering column, refer
to page 75. This feature assists you in quickly adapting
vehicle speed to specific road conditions,
for instance, changes in speed limits.
One multilevel lever
Cruise control 1Press the lever as far as the detent:
>To activate cruise control
>Maintain and store speed
>To accelerate
2Pull lever back to detent:
>To activate cruise control
>Maintain and store speed
>To decelerate
3Briefly tap lever up or down:
>To interrupt the cruise control
4Press button briefly:
>To recall a stored speed. Multilevel preset mode 1Press the lever beyond the detent:
>Activating multilevel preset mode, refer
to page 75
>To select the next higher desired speed
2Pull the lever back beyond the detent:
>Activating multilevel preset mode, refer
to page 75
>To select the next lower desired speed

At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunicationsNavigationEntertainmentMobilityReference
91
limited system response up to a speed of
approx. 45 mph (70 km/h). Intervention for
stability-enhancement is reduced. Do not
make any modiÞcations to the DSC system.
Never allow anyone other than authorized
professional technicians to carry out
service or repairs on the DSC system.< Dynamic Brake Control DBC

When you apply the brakes rapidly, this
system automatically produces the
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops." This
system exploits all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. When the brake pedal is released, the
DBC is deactivated.
In the event of a malfunction, the
warning lamp comes on with a
yellow lamp. Have the system
checked and repaired at your BMW center
as soon as possible.
Check Control messages, refer to page 80.
Please note the supplementary information
provided in the Control Display.
Warning lamp on Canadian models.Driving stability control/
ABS Antilock Brake System The concept ABS enhances active safety by preventing
the wheels from locking under braking.
ABS incorporates CBC and EBV. In case of malfunction
If the indicator lamp lights up in
yellow, this indicates that ABS has
been deactivated in response to a
system malfunction. Conventional braking
efficiency remains available without limita-
tions. Please have the system inspected at
your BMW center.
Cornering Brake Control CBC CBC is a technical advance based on ABS.
It provides further enhancements in vehicle
stability and steering response during lane
changes and cornering at high rates of
lateral acceleration. EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV controls the brake system's applica-
tion pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration. In case of malfunction
If the brake system warning lamp
lights up in red, appearing together
with the yellow lamps for ABS and
DSC: the stability control is no
longer operational.
If all three lamps light up in yellow:
malfunction in the stability control
systems.
While you may continue, you should
remember to proceed cautiously and drive
defensively while avoiding full brake appli-
cations.
Please have the system checked at the
nearest BMW center.
Check Control status messages, refer to
page 80. Please note the supplementary
information provided in the Control Display.
Indicator and warning lamps on
Canadian models.
Dynamic Drive The concept Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and
optimizes vehicle stability during cornering
and evasive maneuvers.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
92 Active stabilizers at the front and rear axles
form the basis for Dynamic Drive. Suspen-
sion compliance adapts to suit driving
conditions, varying from performance-
oriented during cornering to smooth and
comfort-oriented when the vehicle is
proceeding in a straight line.
The system assumes operational status
each time you start the engine.
Driving with Dynamic Drive During vehicle operation, the system
continuously runs through closed-loop
control cycles lasting only fractions of a
second. In case of malfunction
The symbol will light up, accompa-
nied by a status message in the
Check Control panel. Please take
note of the additional information in the
Control Display panel.
You can find more detailed information on
the Check Control starting on page 80.
If the Dynamic Drive system switches
off in response to malfunction, please
remember to adapt your speed accord-
ingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer
and the vehicle will display a greater
tendency to tilt during cornering and in
crosswinds.
If a status message appears in the Check
Control panel, accompanied by a red
symbol, the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir
may have fallen to below the minimum
level, possibly owing to leakage in the
hydraulic system. Stop the vehicle and
switch off the engine immediately.
Please observe the additional instructions
provided in the Control Display panel.<
EDC Electronic Damping
Control*

The suspension responds to changes in
factors such as road surface, or operating
conditions such as steering and braking, by
adapting to the new conditions within frac-
tions of a second.Comfort program The system automatically assumes opera-
tion in its Comfort mode each time you start
the engine; this mode is suitable for use
throughout the vehicle's entire speed range
and regardless of load. Sport programActivate in "Settings" menu with the igni-
tion on.
You should select the Sport program for
consistently performance-oriented
response from shock absorbers and
steering. RDC Tire Pressure Monitor*The conceptRDC monitors inflation pressures in all four
tires while you drive. The system provides
an alert whenever the inflation pressure
drops significantly below the specified
pressure in one or more tires.
To initialize RDC, start by checking the
inflation pressures in all four tires and
comparing them with those specified in the
chart on page 171, correcting them as
necessary. Then proceed to initialize the
system.