towing BMW 550I TOURING 2006 E61 Owner's Manual

Opening and closing
38 The luggage compartment lid/tailgate can also
be opened with the system armed with the
button on the remote control, refer to page33.
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 inside 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
is/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 sec-
onds. However, the interior motion sensor
is not activated.
>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 stacking garages
>When transporting on car-carrying trains
>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.
Comfort access*
Comfort access enables you to access your
vehicle without having to hold the remote con-
trol in your hand. It is sufficient to carry the
remote control with you, e.g. in your jacket
pocket. The vehicle automatically detects the
related remote control in the immediate vicinity
or in the interior.
Comfort access supports the following func-
tions:
>Unlocking/locking vehicle
>Comfort locking
>Opening luggage compartment lid/tailgate
separately

Driving tips
127Reference
At a glance
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Mobility
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. Otherwise, this could
damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating 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 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.
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
seat back.
>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.

Mobility
217Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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 specified 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.
3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems and valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page90, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page92.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
The driving characteristics change, for example
reduced track stability on braking, extended
braking distance, and altered self-steering
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction
with winter tires, these characteristics are more
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. You should re-equip with
wheels and tires of the original size as quickly as
possible.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page220.

Mobility
221Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any electrical systems and com-
ponents in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks, fol-
low this sequence when connecting
jumper cables.<
In your BMW, the so-called auxiliary terminal
for jump starting in the engine compartment
serves as a positive terminal for the battery, also
refer to engine compartment overview on
page205. The cover cap is marked with a +.
1.Fold open the cover of the BMW starting-
aid terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
2.Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+
to the positive terminal of the battery or a
starting-aid terminal of the vehicle provid-
ing assistance.
3.Attach the second end of the cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or to a start-
ing-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/–
to the negative terminal of the battery or to
an engine or body ground of the assisting
vehicle.Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative terminal.
5.Attach the second end of the cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to the
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be
started.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.

Giving and receiving assistance
222 Sedan:
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page211.
Sports Wagon:
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side
panel in the cargo area, refer to page211.
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
Rectangular cover panel in bumper: press on
the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page58, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. If the vehicle
electrical system fails, do not tow-start or tow
the vehicle. The electric steering-wheel lock
cannot be unlocked and the vehicle cannot be
steered. For information on jump starting, refer to page220. There is no power assistance with
the engine stopped. 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.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever position, refer to
Deactivating selector lever interlock 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.<
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
Engage selector lever position N with the igni-
tion switched on.
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.

Mobility
223Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Navigation
Entertainment
>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 525xi, 530xi
Do not tow the BMW with xDrive with the
front or rear axle raised individually, other-
wise the wheels may block and the transfer
case may be damaged.<
The BMW may only be transported on a flat
bed.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page220. With a catalytic con-
verter, tow-starting should only be carried out
with the engine cold, and with automatic trans-
missions, the engine cannot be started by tow-
starting.
If the electrical system fails, do not tow-
start or tow the vehicle, as otherwise the
electric steering-wheel lock cannot be
unlocked and the vehicle cannot be steered.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page58.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. For information on SMG,
see below.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch again completely.
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.
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select the Sequential mode. The correct
gear will be selected and engaged automat-
ically.
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent
Control of the 525xi, 530 xi during tow-
starting, refer to page88.<

Everything from A to Z
242 Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine59
"Enter address"134,140
Entering destination via town/
city name134
Entering the
address133,136
Entering the intersection135
Entering town/city for
navigation134
Entering zip code for
navigation135
"Entertainment"152
"Entertainment
settings"153,160
Entertainment sound output
on/off153
Entry map for destination137
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control155
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control155
"ESN"162
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control86
Event Data Recorders210
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system124
Exterior mirrors51
– automatic dimming
feature125
– automatic heating51
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror52
External audio
device114,171
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting221
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control154
Fader, refer to Tone
control154Failure messages, refer to
Check Control79
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms38
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts49
– warning lamp49
Fastest route for
navigation142
"Fast route" for
navigation143
"Favorites" calling up with
radio159
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit220
First-aid kit220
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight113
Flat tire
– changing wheels215
– compact wheel216
– Flat Tire Monitor89,90
– run-flat tires90,93,201
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor91
Flat Tire Monitor89
– false alarms90
– initializing system90
– show chains203
– system limits90
– warning lamp90
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition201
"FM", reception
range152,156
FM, waveband156
Fog lamps104
– indicator lamp13,104
Folding rear seat
back116,117
Fold-over rear seat
back116,117
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely125
Footwell lamps104Forward, fast
– CD changer
169
– CD player169
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive87
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria142
Front airbags94
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front113
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating95
Front seat adjustment46
"FTM"90
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor89
Fuel195
– capacity230
– display75
– high-quality brands195
– quality195
– specifications195
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Fuel consumption display,
computer, average fuel
consumption75
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Fuel filler door194
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction194
"Full screen" with BMW Night
Vision100
Fuses218
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control111
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel195
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge75

Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Lighter115
Lighter socket115
"Lighting"65,102
Lighting
– instruments104
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps101
– refer to High-beam
assistant103
Light switch101
"Limit"81
Loading
– securing cargo128
– stowing cargo127
– vehicle126
"Lock after driving"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33
Locking
– from inside33
– from outside31
– setting confirmation
signals31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside32
– from outside30
– setting confirmation
signals31
Locking out, refer to
Unlocking39
Locking without key, refer to
Comfort access38
Low beams101
– automatic101
– replacing bulbs212
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support46
Lug bolts216
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting217
– wrench215Luggage compartment
– capacity229
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside34
– opening with remote
control31
Luggage compartment cover,
refer to Roll-up cover117
Luggage compartment lid33
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation34
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside34
– unlocking and locking from
inside32
– unlocking manually34
Luggage net, refer to
Separation net118
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack128
Lumbar support46
LW, waveband156
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires202
Maintenance
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models209
– refer to Service
requirements77
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models209
Maintenance system209
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control79
Manual air distribution107Manually controlled recircu-
lated air108
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission62
"Manual" on the radio157
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission64
Manual transmission60
"Map direction of travel"146
Map display146
Map display facing north146
"Map facing north"146
Map for navigation
– changing scale146
– destination entry137
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling107
Maximum speed
– for winter tires202
– with compact wheel217
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Microfilter109
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature125
Mirrors51
– automatic curb monitor52
– folding in and out51
– heating51
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47

Everything from A to Z
246 "Missed calls"180
Missed calls180
Mobile communications
devices in vehicle125
Mobile phone
– accepted calls180
– adjusting volume178
– calling179
– ending call179
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest113
– missed calls180
– operation via iDrive178
– redialing180
– refer to separate operating
instructions
– Top 8180
– touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method182
Mobile phones, use in the
interior, refer to Mobile
communications
devices125
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring pressure of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor89
"Monitor on / off"53
Most recent numbers
for mobile phone180
MP3, refer to Compressed
audio files165
Multi-function steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher64
– refer to Wiper/washer
system65
Music track, finding167
"Mute on / off"53
MW, waveband156
N
"Navigation"76,133
Navigation destination
– home address142
– manual entry133
– selecting via map137
Navigation drive, installation
location132
Navigation DVD132
Navigation instructions, refer
to Switching voice instruc-
tions on/off147
Navigation system132
– address book140
– bypassing route
sections148
– destination entry133
– destination guidance in
assistance window132
– destination list139
– displaying current
position148
– entering a destination
manually133
– entering destination via
voice136
– last destinations139
– opening133
– route display145
– route list146
– searching for a special
destination138
– selecting destination using
information138
– selecting destination via
map137
– selecting route criteria142
– starting destination
guidance144
– switching off, refer to Termi-
nating/continuing desti-
nation guidance144
– terminating/continuing
destination guidance144
– voice instructions147
– volume adjustment147
"Navigation voice
instructions"53"Navigation voice instructions
on"147
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints48
"New address" for navigation
system140
"New destination"133,137
New remote control28
"New route"148
New wheels and tires201
"Next entertainment
source"53
Night Vision, refer to
BMW Night Vision98
Night vision device, refer to
BMW Night Vision98
"Night Vision on / off"53
"Normal", active backrest
width adjustment47
Nozzles, refer to Windshield
washer nozzles66
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing221
O
OBD socket210
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications195
Odometer74
Oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils206
– approved engine oils206
– capacity230
– consumption, refer to
Checking engine oil
level205
– level205
– refilling, refer to Adding
engine oil206
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service requirements77
"On a new destination" for
navigation system139
Onboard computer, refer to
iDrive16
"Onboard info"76
Onboard toolkit211

Everything from A to Z
248 Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness58
Radio readiness58
– switched off58
– switched on58
– with comfort access39
Rain sensor65
"Random", random play
sequence168
"Random all" in audio
mode169
"Random directory" in audio
mode169
"RDS"159
Reading lamps104
Rear armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear116
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps213
– replacing bulbs213
Rear seat back,
folding116,117
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints49
– folding over
backrest116,117
– heating50
Rear ventilation109
Rearview mirror51
Rear window
– changing wiper blade211
– heating107
– opening and closing on
Sports Wagon34
– roller sun blind, refer to Sun
blinds112
– window wiper on Sports
Wagon66,126
Rear window safety switch41
"Received calls"180
Reception
– quality159
– radio stations159
– regional station157
Reception level of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information20Rechargeable flashlight113
Recirculated-air mode
– air recirculation108
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control108
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest46
Recording times, refer to
Stopwatch81
"Redial" for mobile phone180
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps213
Refueling194
Releasing, hood204
"Relock door if not
opened"33
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range75
Remaining distance to desti-
nation, refer to Computer76
Remote control28
– battery replacement40
– comfort access38
– garage door opener111
– luggage compartment lid31
– malfunction31,40
– tailgate31
Removing condensation on
the windows107
"Repeat directory" in audio
mode168
"Repeat" in audio mode168
"Repeat track" in audio
mode168
Replacement fuses218
Replacement of tires, refer to
Changing wheels215
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs212
Replacing tires202
Replacing wheels/tires, refer
to New wheels and tires201
Reporting an accident, refer
Initiating an emergency
call219
Reporting safety defects7Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Reservoir for washer
systems66
"Reset"92
– stopwatch82
– tone settings155
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings155
Residual heat108
Restraint systems
– for children54
– refer to Safety belts49
Retaining straps, refer to
Storage area package119
Retreaded tires202
Reverse, fast
– CD changer169
– CD player169
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– manual transmission61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission61
Road map146
"Roadside
Assistance"182
,189
Roadside Assistance220
Roadside parking lamps102
– replacing bulbs213
Roller sun blind, refer to Sun
blinds112
Roll-up cover, Sports
Wagon117
Roof load capacity229
Roof-mounted luggage
rack128
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing221
Rotary pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16