towing BMW 530I SEDAN 2007 Owners Manual

Opening and closing
38 Unauthorized operations are briefly signaled by
the alarm system:
>with an acoustic alarm
>by switching on
the hazard warning flashers
>by flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming alarm system
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.
The luggage compartment lid/tailgate can also
be opened with the system armed with the
button on the remote control, refer to page34.
When the luggage compartment lid/tailgate is
closed, it is locked and monitored again.
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote control,
refer to page30.
>Insert the remote control all the way into the
ignition lock.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp under the interior rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after locking:
doors, hood, luggage compartment lid/tail-
gate or rear window
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 con-
tinuously after approx. 10 seconds. How-
ever, the interior motion sensor is not acti-
vated.>The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
your vehicle has not been disturbed while
you were away.
>The indicator lamp flashes after unlocking
until the remote control is inserted into the
ignition lock, however for a maximum of
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. in case of an attempted
wheel theft or towing.
Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and glass sunroof
*
must be completely closed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following
situations:
>In two-level garages
>When transporting on car-carrying trains,
by sea or on a trailer
>When animals are to remain in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor
Press the button on the remote control
again as soon as the vehicle is locked.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and then
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor and
the interior motion sensor are switched off until
the next time the vehicle is unlocked and subse-
quently locked again.

Driving
64 When the selector lever is pressed forward or
back, the manual mode is activated and the
Steptronic shifts the gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are only carried out at a
suitable engine and vehicle speed, e.g. a down-
shift is not carried out at excessively high
engine speeds. The selected gear is briefly dis-
played in the instrument cluster, followed by the
current gear.
To use the automatic function again, move the
selector lever to the right into position D.
Manually unlocking and locking
transmission lock
In case of a power failure, e.g. when the battery
is drained or disconnected, or an electrical fault,
manually release the transmission lock, as oth-
erwise the rear wheels are blocked and the
vehicle cannot be towed.
Only manually release the transmission lock for
towing and firmly apply the handbrake before-
hand so that the vehicle cannot roll. Reengage
the transmission lock after parking the vehicle
at its destination.
Unlocking
1.Reach into the trim-piece opening, arrow1,
and firmly pull the trim piece upward,
arrow2.
2.Remove the cover using the integrated key.3.Inset a screwdriver from the onboard tool
kit, refer to page234, into the opening,
arrow1.
4.Pull the screwdriver toward the rear until it is
heard to engage, arrow2, and leave it
inserted in the opening. The transmission
lock is released.
Releasing on sport automatic
transmission*
1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2.Pull the sleeve over the selector lever.
3.Reach into the trim-piece opening, arrow1,
and firmly pull the trim piece upward,
arrow2.
4.Remove the cover using the integrated key.

Controls
65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
5.Inset a screwdriver from the onboard tool
kit, refer to page234, into the opening,
arrow1.
6.Pull the screwdriver toward the rear until it is
heard to engage, arrow2, and leave it
inserted in the opening. The transmission
lock is released.
Locking
1.Pull out the screwdriver upward.
The transmission lock is locked again.
2.Reinstall the cover and the trim piece.
3.Reinstall the trim piece.
Information on jump starting and towing from
page246.
Sport automatic
transmission*
You can also shift manually with two shift pad-
dles on the steering wheel.
You can also choose between two driving pro-
grams: Normal or Sport, refer to Dynamic Driv-
ing Control.
Shift paddles on steering wheel
The shift paddles allow you to shift gears
quickly, as both hands can remain on the steer-
ing wheel.
>When you use the shift paddles on the
steering wheel to shift gears in automatic
mode, the gearshift system switches into
the manual mode.
>If you do not shift with the shift paddles and
do not accelerate for a certain time, the sys-
tem switches into the automatic mode
again when the selector lever is in D.
>To shift up: pull one of the shift paddles.
>To shift down: press one of the shift pad-
dles.
Dynamic Driving Control
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it possible
for your BMW to react in an even more perfor-
mance-oriented manner at the push of a button:
>The speed range of the engine is optimally
utilized.
>Gearshifts are faster.
>The engine responds more spontaneously
to accelerator pedal movements.
>The steering responds more spontaneously
to steering wheel movements.
>In the automatic mode, the 6th gear is not
engaged.

Things to remember when driving
134
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 vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page53,
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Rear window wiper*
The rear window wiper can be damaged in car
washes. Take appropriate protective measures;
ask the car wash operator if necessary.
Automatic and sport automatic
transmission
Follow the instructions on page61 so that the
vehicle can roll.
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
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.

Driving tips
135Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Load
The permissible 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
rear backrest.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrest.
>Sports Wagon:
Use the separation net to protect the occu-pants, refer to page125. Make sure that
objects cannot penetrate through the sepa-
ration net.
Wrap sharp-edged or pointed objects
which could strike the rear window while
driving.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net*, luggage straps, 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 cargo bay are used to
secure these heavy-duty cargo straps, refer
to illustration.
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or evasive maneuvers are necessary.
Use only the lashing eyes to secure heavy-duty
cargo straps, refer to illustration, otherwise the
cargo straps could become detached or the
vehicle could be damaged.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page255, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
You should never transport unsecured heavy or
hard objects in the passenger compartment, as
they could fly around and pose a safety hazard
to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.<

Mobility
241Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Compact wheel*
1.Unscrew the wing nut 1.
2.Remove the washer 2 laterally.
3.Take out the tool mounts 3.
4.Remove the compact wheel.
Preparing wheel change
1.Observe the safety precautions above.
2.Prevent the vehicle from rolling:
Place the chock behind the front wheel on
the other side of the vehicle, or on inclines,
in front of this wheel. On steeply inclined
roads, always secure the vehicle against
rolling.
3.Loosen the lug bolts a half turn.
Jacking up vehicle
1.Position the vehicle jack at the jacking point
closest to the wheel so that the entire sur-
face of the jack base rests on the ground
perpendicularly beneath the jacking point.
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not attempt
to raise another vehicle model with it or to
raise any load of any kind. To do so could
cause accidents and personal injury.<2.Guide the jack head into the rectangular
recess of the jacking point when cranking
up, refer to illustration detail.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised from the ground.
Mounting a wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Also clean the lug bolts.
3.Position the new wheel or compact wheel.
Secure the wheel by screwing at least two
lug bolts into opposite bolt holes.
When you mount wheels other than Genu-
ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
bolts may also be required.
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
5.Lower the vehicle and remove the jack from
beneath the vehicle.
After mounting
1.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
To ensure safety, always have the
lug bolts checked with a calibrated
torque wrench as soon as possible to
ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
fied torque. The tightening torque is
88.5 lb ft/120 Nm.<
2.When stowing the wheel and tools in the
vehicle, execute these steps in the reverse
order.

Mobility
247Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle
and allow it to run at idle for several minutes
at slightly increased speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first starting 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 connection sequence.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The screw-on tow-fitting must always be car-
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front or rear of the BMW.
Sedan:
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page234.
Sports Wagon:
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side
panel in the cargo bay, refer to page234.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral
loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Press the arrow symbol on the cover in the
bumper.
Front:
Rear:
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page60, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. Do not tow the
vehicle with the rear axle raised, as otherwise
the steering can turn to the left or right. When
the engine is stopped, there is no power assist.
This then requires increased effort for braking
and steering. Active steering is deactivated and
larger steering wheel movements 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.

Giving and receiving assistance
248
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic and sport automatic
transmission
Before towing, manually release the
transmission lock, even if there is no mal-
function in the transmission. Otherwise there is
a risk that the transmission lock will automati-
cally be engaged during towing.<
Manually unlocking and locking transmission
lock, refer to page64.
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 vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it
will not be possible to reliably 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 sharply limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
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.
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With tow truck for 528xi, 535xi
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged.<
Have the vehicle transported on a flatbed sur-
face only.

Reference 263
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Approved engine oils230
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights255
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear123
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer79
– refer to Starting destination
guidance154
"Arrow display" for navigation
system155
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
– front122
– rear122
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist207
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems90
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control114
"Audio"167,169,174
Audio166
– controls166
– switching on/off166
– tone control167
– volume167
Audio device, external121
Automatic
– air distribution112
– air volume112
– cruise control69
– garage door opener118
– headlamp control107
– service notification209
– steering wheel
adjustment47
– storing stations172
– tailgate operation36Automatic car washes134
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control111
– automatic air
distribution112
– parked car ventilation115
– switching on and off115
– ventilation in rear115
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor53
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control107
– refer to Daytime running
lamps108
– refer to Interior lamps110
– refer to Pathway lighting108
– refer to Welcome lamps107
"Automatic programs"112
Automatic roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon124
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic speed reduction for
descents, refer to HDC Hill
Descent Control92
Automatic station search171
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– deactivating transmission
lock64
– kick-down63
– sport program63
– towing248
– tow-starting249
– with comfort access40
"Automatic ventilation"116
AUTO program for automatic
climate control112
"Autostore" on the
radio170,172
"AUX"166,185,186
AUX-In connection121,185
Average fuel consumption79
– setting units87Average speed, refer to
Computer78
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system153
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system152
Avoiding freeways for
navigation152
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system153
Axle loads, refer to
Weights255
"A - Z"200B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support47
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs237
"Balance", refer to Tone
control168
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit245
Bass, refer to Tone
control167
"Bass", tone control168
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery242
– jump starting246
Battery replacement, remote
control for comfort
access40
BC button, refer to
Computer78
Being towed247
Belts, refer to Safety belts50
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders121
Blower, refer to Air
volume113
"Bluetooth"194

Everything from A to Z
268
E
Easy entry/exit54
– backrest width47
Eject button, refer to Buttons
in area of CD player166
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door216
– glass sunroof, electric43
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– tailgate36
Electric steering wheel
adjustment54
Electronic brake-force
distribution90
Electronic oil level check229
Emergency call244
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door216
– luggage compartment lid34
– tailgate36
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission64
Emergency operation, refer to
Moving manually
– glass sunroof43
– panorama glass sunroof44
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
cargo bay35
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance245
"Enable services"213
"End call"200
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control78
Energy Control78Engine
– breaking-in132
– data252
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature77
– speed252
– starting61
– starting, with comfort
access39
– switching off61
Engine compartment229
Engine coolant231
Engine oil
– adding230
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils230
– approved engine oil230
– checking oil level229
– electronic oil level check229
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements80
– oil change230
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils230
"Engine oil level"230
Engine output, refer to Engine
data252
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature77
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data252
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine61
"Enter address"142,150
Entering destination via town/
city name143
Entering intersection,
navigation144
Entering the
address142,145
Entering town/city for
navigation143
Entering zip code for
navigation143
"Entertainment"166
Entertainment sound output
on/off167Entry map for destination146
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control78
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control169
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control169
"ESN"177
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control91
Event Data Recorders233
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system132
Exterior mirrors52
– adjusting52
– automatic dimming
feature53
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out53
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror53
External audio device121
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting247
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control168
Fader, refer to Tone
control168
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control82
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms38
– refer to Switching off
alarm38
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts50
– warning lamp50
Fastest route for
navigation152