towing BMW 128I 2010 E81 Owner's Manual

Opening and closing
32
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the trunk lid is
opened
>To movements inside the vehicle: interior
motion sensor, refer to page32
>When the car's inclination changes, for
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to
towing away: tilt alarm sensor, refer to
page32
>When there has been an interruption of
power supply from the battery
Depending on the market-specific version, the
alarm system briefly signals unauthorized entry
attempts by:
>An acoustic alarm
>Switching on
* the hazard warning flashers
Arming and disarming
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
You can open the trunk lid using the button
of the remote control even if the alarm system is
armed, refer to page28. The lid is locked and
monitored again as soon as it is closed.
Panic mode
You can trigger the alarm system if you find
yourself in a dangerous situation.
Press the button for at least three seconds.
To switch off the alarm: press any button.
Switching off an alarm
>Unlock the car with the remote control, refer
to page27, or
>insert the remote control all the way into the
ignition lock.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp under the inside rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after locking:
doors, hood or trunk lid are not properly
closed. Even if you do not close the alerted
area, the system begins to monitor the
remaining areas, and the indicator lamp
flashes continuously after approx.
10 seconds. The interior motion sensor and
the tilt alarm sensor are not activated.
>The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
your vehicle has not been disturbed while
you were away.
>If the indicator lamp flashes after unlocking
until the remote control is inserted in the
ignition, but for no longer than approx.
5 minutes: your vehicle has been disturbed
while you were away.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm
system reacts, e.g. to attempts to steal a wheel
or tow the vehicle.
Interior motion sensor
Coupe
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and glass roof must
be completely closed
*.
Convertible
The interior of the car is monitored up to the
height of the seat cushions. Thus the alarm sys-
tem is activated together with the interior

Driving tips
111Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
area, as this could result in damage to the vehi-
cle.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
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 kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 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.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of the occupants, the less cargo/lug-
gage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
Coupe
Convertible
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
respective seat backrests.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.

Mobility
217Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Your BMW has a special nut as body ground or
negative pole.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
It is stored with the onboard vehicle tool kit
underneath the floor mat in the cargo area, refer
to page209.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the
tow fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press the arrow on the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page55; otherwise, the low-beam
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. Power
steering assistance is not available when the
engine is not running. Thus, braking and steer-

Giving and receiving assistance
218 ing will require increased effort. Active steering
is not active and it will be necessary to turn the
steering wheel further.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing the selector lever position, refer to
page58.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, dam-
age may result.<
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
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 angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
With a 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.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
With a tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar, or on a flatbed.
Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle
raised as this may cause the steering to turn.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to
page216. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-started when the engine is
cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission
cannot be tow-started at all.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page55.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
depressed all the way and slowly release
the clutch. After the engine starts, immedi-
ately depress the clutch completely 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.

Everything from A - Z
232
Everything from A - Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System76
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to
Emergency Request215
Activated-charcoal filter94
Active steering81
Adaptive light control87
Additives
– coolant201
– engine oil201
Address, entering117,123
Address for navigation
– entering117
Airbags83
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp84
Air conditioner91
Air distribution
– automatic92
Airing, refer to Ventilation94
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents91
Air pressure, checking, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure190
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode93
Air vents91
Air volume93
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications188
Alarm system32
– avoiding unintentional
alarms33
– interior motion sensor32
– switching off an alarm32
– tilt alarm sensor32
Albums of music
collection156ALL program93
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires197
AM, waveband139
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode93
Antenna for mobile phone166
Antifreeze
– coolant201
– washer fluid61
Antilock Brake System
ABS76
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system32
Anti-theft system27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights225
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights225
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest
100
Arrival time
– computer65
Ashtray101
Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC76
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control93
Audio136
– controls136
– switching on/off136
– tone control136
– volume136
Automatic
– air distribution92
– air volume92
– cruise control61
– headlamp control86
Automatic car washes205
Automatic climate control91
– automatic air distribution92
Automatic curb monitor50Automatic high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant88
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps86
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC93
Automatic Service
Request184
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– selector lever lock58
– shiftlock58
– towing217
– tow-starting217
AUTO program for automatic
climate control92
AUX-IN port159
Available services184
Average fuel consumption65
– setting the units67
Average speed65
Avoid highways in
navigation126
Avoiding unintentional
alarms33
Axle loads, refer to
Weights225
B
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backrest width adjustment45
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints46
Backup lamp, replacing
bulb212
Bag for skis, refer to Ski
bag103
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch215
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away218

Reference 233
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter176
Bass, tone setting136
Battery213
– charging213
– disposal35,213
– jump-starting216
– temporary power failure213
Battery for mobile phone177
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle34
Being towed217
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts49
Beverage holders, refer to
Cupholders100
Blower, refer to Air volume93
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating168
BMW
– car shampoo208
BMW Assist,
activating182,184
BMW Assist180
BMW Maintenance
System203
BMW Search182
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders100
Brake Assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control76
Brake fluid
– service requirements67
Brake Force Display82
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display82
– replacing bulb212
Brake pads, breaking in108
Brake rotors110
– brakes108
– breaking in108Brakes
– ABS76
– BMW Maintenance
System203
– braking safely110
– breaking in108
– parking brake57
– service requirements67
Brake system108
– BMW Maintenance
System203
– breaking in108
– disc brakes110
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance
215
Breaking in the clutch108
Break-in period108
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs209
Bulbs, changing209
Button for starting the
engine55
Buttons on the steering
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
Call
– accepting169
– ending170
– rejecting170
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing170
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders100
Capacities226
Capacity of the cargo area225
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery213
Car care, refer to Care205Care205
– automatic car washes205
– care products205
– carpets207
– CD/DVD drives208
– chrome parts207
– convertible top206
– displays208
– exterior205
– fine wood parts208
– headlamps206
– high-pressure washer206
– interior207
– leather207
– light-alloy wheels207
– paintwork206
– plastic parts208
– rubber seals207
– safety belts208
– sensors and cameras208
– upholstery and cloth
trim207
– washing the car
manually206
– windows206
Cargo, securing112
Cargo area
– capacity225
– Comfort Access34
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system102
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps90
– lid, refer to Trunk lid30
– opening from outside31
Cargo area lid, refer to Trunk
lid30
Cargo area net, refer to
Securing cargo112
Cargo loading111
– securing cargo112
– stowing cargo
111
– vehicle110
Car jack
– jacking points213
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control26

Everything from A - Z
236 DTC Dynamic Traction
Control76
– indicator lamps76
DVD
– country codes149
– settings150
– video playback149
DVD menu150
DVD player, refer to CD
player147
DVD video149
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC76
Dynamic destination
guidance127
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC76
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps77
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution76
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD / DVD player136
Electrical malfunction
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap188
– glass roof37
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV76
Electronic oil level check199
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC76
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock30
– fuel filler flap188
– glass roof37
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission59
Emergency release, trunk
lid31
Emergency Request215
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance215Energy, saving
– saving fuel108
Engine
– breaking in108
– data222
– speed222
– starting56
– starting, Comfort Access33
– switching off56
Engine compartment199
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant201
Engine oil
– adding201
– additives201
– BMW Maintenance
System203
– checking level199
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements67
– specified engine oils201
Engine output, refer to Engine
data222
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data222
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine56
Entry map for destination122
Equalizer, tone setting137
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC76
Event data recorders204
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system109
Extended connectivity of the
music player in the mobile
phone159
Exterior mirrors49
– adjusting49
– automatic dimming
feature51
– automatic heating50
– folding in and out50
External devices
– random sequence161Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away217
– for tying down loads112
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control71
Failure of an electrical
consumer213
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms33
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts49
Fastest route for
navigation126
Fast forward
– CD changer149
– CD player149
Filter of automatic climate
control, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter94
First aid pouch215
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock55
Flash when locking/
unlocking28
Flat tire
– run-flat tires196
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM79
Flat Tire Monitor FTM77
– indicating a flat tire78
– initializing the system77
– system limits77
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition195
FM, waveband139
Fog lamps89
– indicator lamp13,89
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely110
Footwell lamps90
For your own safety5
Free memory capacity, music
collection157
Front airbags83
Front seat setting43

Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Frost, removing from
windows, refer to Defrosting
windows93
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor77
Fuel188
– gauge64
– high-quality brands188
– quality188
– specifications188
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities226
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge64
Fuel consumption display,
refer to Average fuel
consumption65
Fuel consumption statistics,
refer to Average fuel
consumption65
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge64
Fuel filler flap188
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction188
Fuses213
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control96
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel188
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge64
Gas station
recommendations127
Gear change
– with automatic
transmission58
– with manual transmission57
Gear display, with automatic
transmission57
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
General driving notes109Glass roof, electric36
– closing after electrical
malfunction37
– Convenient operation29
– opening, closing36
– operation with Comfort
Access34
– pinch protection system37
– raising36
– remote control28
Glove compartment99
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system116
Grills, refer to Air vents91
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights225
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs210
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake57
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone for hands-free
mode14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD Radio140
Head airbags83
Headlamp control,
automatic86
Headlamp cover210
Headlamp flasher59
– indicator lamp13
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs210
Head restraints45
Heated
– seats48
– steering wheel51
Heated mirrors50
Heating
– mirrors50
– seats48
– steering wheel51
Heating, rear window93
Heating and ventilation91
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo111Height, refer to
Dimensions223
Height adjustment
– steering wheel51
High-beam assistant88
High beams88
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs210
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant88
High-pressure
washer205,206
High water, refer to Driving
through water110
Highways, refer to Route
criteria126
Hills110
Holders for cups100
Hood198
Hot exhaust system109
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control76
Hydroplaning109
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio140
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning63
Identification marks
– tire coding194
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness74
– changing date and time70
– changing language73
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– setting the date and time70
– status information19
Ignition55
– switched off55
– switched on55
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control26
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness55

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Remote control26
– battery renewal34
– Comfort Access33
– garage door opener96
– malfunctions29,34
– removing from the ignition
lock55
– service data203
– trunk lid28
Remote control key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control26
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses213
Replacement remote
control26
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs209
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires196
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge64
Reservoir for washer
systems61
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings138
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts49
Restraint systems for
children52
Retreaded tires196
Reverse
– CD changer149
– CD player149
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission57
Road map128
Roadside
Assistance181,215
Roadside parking lamps88
– replacing bulbs210
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements67
Rollover protection system,
Convertible84
– resetting85Roof load capacity225
Roof-mounted luggage
rack112
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away218
Rotary/pushbutton control,
refer to Controller16
Route126,127
– bypassing sections127
– changing
126,127
– changing criteria126
– displaying streets or towns/
cities127
– map view128
– selecting126
Route instructions, refer to
Destination guidance
through voice
instructions127
Route map, refer to Map
view128
Route section, changing127
Route selection126
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires196
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires196
Run-flat tires196
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire78
– flat tire78
– new tires196
– remaining driving distance,
refer to Indication of a flat
tire78
– tire inflation pressure190
– winter tires197
Runflat tyres, refer to Run-flat
tires196
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment49Safety belts49
– damage49
– indicator lamp49
– reminder49
– sitting safely43
Safety systems
– airbags83
– Antilock Brake System
ABS76
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC76
– rollover protection system,
Convertible84
– safety belts49
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires196
Satellite radio142
– enabling or unsubscribing
from a channel142
– favorites144
– selecting channel143
– storing channel143
– timeshift144
– Traffic Jump145
Saving fuel108
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting217
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio142
Seat and mirror memory48
Seat belt reminder, refer to
"Fasten safety belts"
reminder49
Seats43
– heating48
– sitting safely43
Securing cargo103,104
Selecting a detour132
Selecting new scale for
navigation129
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic58
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance215
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance215

Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Switching on
– audio136
– CD changer136
– CD player136
– radio136
Switching the cooling function
on and off93
Switch-on times of parked car
ventilation, preselecting95
Symbols4
– status information19
T
Tachometer63
Tailgate, refer to Trunk lid30
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps211
– replacing bulb212
Tail lamps211
– replacing bulb212
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities226
Technical changes5
Technical data222
Telephone166
– voice commands173
Telephone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest100
Telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
TeleService180
TeleService Diagnosis182
TeleService Help182
Temperature, setting for
automatic climate control92
Temperature display
– outside temperature63
– outside temperature
warning63
– setting the units67
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control61
Thigh support44
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp212
Three-point safety belt49
Through-loading system102Tilt alarm sensor32
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror50
Timer, refer to Preselecting
switch-on times95
Tire inflation pressure190
– loss78,79
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor77
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM79
– resetting the system79
– system limitations79
– warning lamp80
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor78
Tire Quality Grading194
Tires
– age194
– air loss80
– breaking in108
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels212
– condition195
– damage
195
– inflation pressure190
– labels194
– minimum tread depth195
– new tires196
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor77
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM79
– puncture78
– retreaded196
– run-flat tires196
– size194
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth195
– winter tires197
TMC station, refer to Traffic
bulletins129
Tone
– control136
– middle setting138
Tools, refer to Onboard
vehicle tool kit209Top 50 of music
collection156
Torque, refer to Engine
data222
Tow bar218
Tow fitting217
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away217
Towing217
– car with automatic
transmission217
– methods218
Towing and tow-starting217
Town/city, for navigation117
Tow rope218
Tow-starting217
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor79
Track
– selecting on CD147
Traction control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC76
Traffic bulletins
– categories131
Traffic bulletins, filtering131
Traffic bulletins for
navigation129
– during destination
guidance131
– in map view131
Traffic jam
– displaying traffic
bulletins129
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– manual transmission57
Transporting children
safely52
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo112
Travel instructions, refer to
Voice instructions127
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread195
Trip, deleting125
Trip, storing124