towing BMW 325CI COUPE 2005 E46 Owner's Manual

Contents

Operation, maintenance

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures124
General driving notes125
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)127
Hardtop*127

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure130
Tire code133
Tire condition134
Run Flat tires*135
New wheels and tires136
Snow chains*137

In the engine compartment:

Hood138
Engine compartment
essentials140
Washer fluid142
Engine oil142
Coolant144
Brake fluid145

Maintenance:

BMW Maintenance System146

Laws and regulations:

California laws148
OBD interface socket148

Owner service procedures

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit152
Windshield wiper blades152
Lamps and bulbs153
Changing a wheel157
Battery161
Fuses161

Giving and receiving
assistance:

Receiving assistance162
Jump-starting163
Towing and tow-starting the
vehicle165

Technical data

Engine data170
Dimensions171
Weights172
Capacities173

75
instance, downshifts that would
result in excessive engine speed can-
not be executed
>When you brake the car to a stop, the
transmission automatically shifts
down to first gear
>As speed diminishes the transmission
will shift down automatically, without
any action on your part, just before
the vehicle slows to below each
gear's minimum speed.
Available displaysR N 1 2 3 4 5 6
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
The currently engaged gear, the
selected mode, and any malfunctions
are displayed in the instrument cluster.Indicator lamp
If the indicator lamp comes on,
there is a malfunction in the
transmission system.
All selector lever positions can still be
engaged, but in the forward driving
positions only certain gears are actually
available when the vehicle is driven.
Avoid extreme loads and proceed to
the nearest BMW center.
For information on jump-starting and
towing the vehicle, refer to page 163.Warning toneAn acoustic signal sounds if the SMG
gearbox overheats; if possible you
should either stop or increase your pull-
away speed so that the system can
cool down.
Sequential manual gearbox SMG*
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79
Available displaysP R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on,
there is a malfunction in the
transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to P. Set the
parking brake and turn the engine off –
ignition key to position 0.
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission per-
formance has been restored. You may
continue to drive as usual.
If the indicator lamp does not go out,
you can place the selector lever in all
positions. However, the vehicle will now
only operate in 3rd and 4th gear.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest autho-
rized BMW center.
Never work in the engine com-
partment when a drive gear – for-
ward or reverse – is engaged. If you do
this, the vehicle could move.<
For towing or jump-starting, refer to the
information beginning on page 163.
Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
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116
5. Use the magnetic holder to fasten
the cover panel to the back wall, then
pull out the ski bag.
Securing cargoAfter loading, secure the ski bag and its
contents. To do so, tighten the retaining
strap at the tensioning buckle.
Be sure to secure the ski bag in
this way, as it could otherwise
injure occupants, for example during
braking or evasive maneuvers.
Be sure that the skis are clean before
loading them into the bag. Be careful to
avoid damage from sharp edges.<
Stowing the ski bagTo store the ski bag, perform the steps
for loading in reverse sequence.
When reattaching the center
piece, guide both bars into the
guide and press the center piece back
into place. Secure the safety belts in
their holders again.<
Ski bag*

117
Cargo loading
Avoid overloading the vehicle so
that the permitted load on the tires
is not exceeded. Overloading can lead
to overheating and internal tire damage.
The ultimate result can assume the
form of a sudden air loss.<
Determining the maximum load1. Locate the following statement on
your vehicle‘s placard*:
The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or YYY lbs., as this
could otherwise result in damage to the
vehicle or 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 avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lbs. passengers in your vehi-
cle, the amount of available 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,
load from your trailer will be trans-
fered 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.
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118
LoadThe permissible load is the sum of the
occupants' weights and the weight of
the cargo. The greater the weight of the
occupants, the less cargo can be trans-
ported.
Stowing cargo>Load heavy cargo as far forward as
possible – directly behind the lug-
gage compartment partition – and as
low as possible
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
With the convertible top closed,
you can increase the space in the
luggage compartment – refer to
page 35 – by folding back the convert-
ible top compartment panel.
We recommend that you always fold
the convertible top compartment panel
down as soon as you have removed
your cargo from the luggage compart-
ment. This way, you can be sure that
you can always operate your convert-
ible top at any time.
At the same time, when the top is
raised you should fold the convertible
top compartment panel back up before
stowing large objects in the luggage
compartment; this precaution will help
reduce the likelihood of damage to
either the convertible top compartment
or your luggage.<
Cargo loading

165
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
Always comply with all applicable
towing laws and regulations.<
Using the towing eyeletThe screw-in towing eyelet is located in
the luggage compartment under the
floor panel; be sure that it remains with
the vehicle at all times. It can be
attached at the front or rear of your
BMW.
Observe the following instruc-
tions in order to avoid damaging
the towing eyelet or the vehicle: use
only the towing eyelet supplied with the
vehicle, and screw it in firmly until it
stops. Use the towing eyelet for towing
on paved roads only. Avoid subjecting
the towing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g.
do not lift the vehicle using the towing
eyelet.<
Access to the threaded socketPress out the cover in the front or rear
bumper with a screwdriver at the top of
the recess.Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, because the steering
lock could otherwise engage and the
vehicle could no longer be steered.
There is no power assist while the
engine is off. Therefore, you will need to
exert more force to brake and steer the
vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed, e.g. by
placing a sign or a warning triangle in
the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
gearshift lever in idling position.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of
45 mph / 70 km/h, nor a towing
distance of 90 miles/150 km, because
the automatic transmission could other-
wise be damaged.<
Vehicles with sequential manual gear-
box SMG: selector lever in position N.Towing methodsIn some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow
rope on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in
which you are driving.
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166
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being
towed; otherwise, vehicle handling can
no longer be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles
should be on the same side.
If the tow bar can only be used in a
diagonal position, please note the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance is restricted while you are
driving around corners
>The inclination of the tow bar pro-
duces lateral force.
Only attach the tow bar to the
towing eyelets. Other parts of the
vehicles could otherwise be dam-
aged.<
With a tow ropeWhen the towing vehicle is driving off,
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for tow-
ing because they prevent sudden
jerking movements. Attach the tow rope
only to the towing eyelets. Other parts
of the vehicles could otherwise be
damaged.<
With a tow truckHave the BMW transported by a tow
truck with a lift sling, or on a flatbed.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.<
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow-
ing eyelet, nor by parts of the
body or chassis. Otherwise damage
could result. Do not tow-start vehicles with
automatic transmissions. Jump-
starting, refer to page 163.<
Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic
converters if the engine is cold. It is
better to have the engine jump-started,
refer to page 163.
1. Turn on hazard warning flashers;
comply with national regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Have the vehicle towed with the
clutch pedal completely depressed
and then slowly release the clutch
pedal. After the engine has started,
immediately depress the clutch pedal
again completely
5. Pull over at a suitable location,
remove the tow bar or tow rope, and
turn on the hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with sequential manual gear-
box SMG:
>Have the vehicle towed with the
selector lever in position N
>Select sequential mode. The correct
gear will automatically be selected
and engaged.
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 127
indicator lamp 18
Acceleration assistant 76
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 5
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 162
Activated-charcoal filter 108
Adaptive brake lamp, refer
to Brake force display 94
Adaptive headlights 96
Adding brake fluid 145
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning 100
Air conditioning mode 102
automatic climate
control 106
Air distribution
air conditioning 102
automatic climate
control 106
individual 106
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 100, 104
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 130
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode
102, 107Air supply
air conditioning 102
automatic climate
control 106
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 102, 106
Airbags 59
deactivating 62
indicator lamp 18, 61
sitting safely 50
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 100, 104
AKI, refer to Fuel specifica-
tions 24
Alarm system 36
avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 136
Antifreeze 144
coolant 144
washer fluid 142
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 127
indicator lamp 18
Anti-theft system 28
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 36
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 172
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 172Armrest 112
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 113
rear 114
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 91
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 107
AUTO program 106
Automatic
cruise control 82
headlamp control 95
Automatic air distribution,
refer to AUTO
program 106
Automatic air supply, refer
to AUTO program 106
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 104
Automatic curb monitor 56
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 58
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 107Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 77
indicator lamp 19, 79
interlock 69
selector lever lock 77
shiftlock 77
tow-starting 166
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 81
Average fuel
consumption 89
Average speed 89
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 172
B
Backrest
unlock 53
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 51
Backup lamps 72
bulb replacement 155
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 22
Bar, for towing 165

Everything from A to Z
179
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 90
Door key 28
Door lock 31
Doors
emergency operation 31
Draft-free ventilation
103, 107
Driving light, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 95
Driving notes 125
Driving through water, deep
water 125
Dry air, refer to Air condi-
tioning mode 102, 106
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 91
indicator lamp 19, 91
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-
trol 91
indicator lamp 19, 91
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 19, 127
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 91
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) 91
indicator lamp 19, 91E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
the rear 53
Electric power windows 38
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 161
Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 79
door lock 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 23
luggage compartment
lid 33
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP), refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 91
Emergency call 162
Emergency operation
closing the convertible
top 46
doors 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 23
Emergency release
luggage compartment lid
33, 34
Emissions, minimum, refer
to Energy control 84
Energy control 84Engine
breaking in 124
data 170
electronics 19
indicator lamp 19
speed 84, 170
starting 69
switching off 71
Engine compartment 140
Engine coolant 144
adding 144
Engine oil
adding 143
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 143
capacity 173
consumption 142
indicator/warning lamp 19
quality 143
specified oils 143
viscosity 143
Engine oil level 19
check 142
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil pressure
indicator/warning lamp 18
Engine oil types 143
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 170
Engine speed 84, 170
Entering the rear 53Environmentally-friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control 84
Equipment range, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability Pro-
gram, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) 91
Exterior mirrors 57
Eyelets, towing 165
F
False alarm, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
Fasten safety belts 54
warning lamp 18
Fault displays 86
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir 173
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 22
First-aid kit 22
Flashlight 109
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable
flashlight 109
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