towing BMW 650I CONVERTIBLE 2008 E64 Owner's Manual

Driving
62 This position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style.
When the selector lever is briefly moved for-
ward or back, the manual mode is activated and
the Steptronic shifts 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 resume automatic mode, press the selector
lever to the right.
Shift paddles on steering wheel
You can also shift manually with two shift pad-
dles on the steering wheel. The shift paddles
allow you to shift gears quickly, as both hands
can remain on the steering 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 will operate in an even sportier
mode.
>In the automatic mode, the 6th gear is not
engaged.
Activating system
Press the SPORT button.
The LED in the button lights up and SPORT is
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Deactivating system
>Press the SPORT button again
>Engage reverse gear
>Switch off engine
The LED in the button and SPORT in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
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

Controls
63Reference
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Mobility
the transmission lock after parking the vehicle
at its destination.
Releasing
1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2.Pull the sleeve up over the selector lever.
3.Reach into the trim-piece opening, arrow1,
and firmly pull the trim piece upward,
arrow2.
4.Remove cover over the opening, refer to 5.
5.Insert a screwdriver from the onboard tool
kit, refer to page223, 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.
Information on jump starting and towing from
page228.
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Using turn signals
Move the lever beyond the resistance point.
To switch off manually, only press the lever to
the resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates the failure of a turn signal
lamp.<
Signaling briefly
Press the lever to the resistance point and hold
it there as long as you wish to signal.

Driving tips
127Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
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Mobility
Before driving into a car wash
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this vehicle
from being damaged, always fold them in by
hand before entering an automatic car wash.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Sport automatic transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off with the trans-
mission in neutral. Also refer to page38.
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.<
Make sure that no fluids leak in the cargo
bay; otherwise the vehicle could be dam-
aged.<
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
800 lbs. and there will be four 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
200 lbs.:
800lbs. minus 600lbs. = 200lbs.
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.

Things to remember when driving
128
Stowing cargo
>Place heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
bulkhead behind the rear seats.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net* 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 luggage compartment are
used to secure these heavy-duty cargo
straps, refer to arrows.
>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 vehicle's occupants, for example if sud-
den braking or evasive maneuvers are neces-
sary.
When fastening lashings, use only the lashing
eyes, refer to illustration; otherwise, the lash-
ings could come loose or you could damage the
vehicle.
Never exceed the approved gross vehicle weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page237, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also put you in violation
of freeway 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.<
Pad on base of luggage compartment
You can use the pad as needed, for example to
transport soiled objects. The rubberized side is
washable and has an anti-skid effect.

Mobility
229Reference
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There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles; otherwise,
there is a danger of short circuiting.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks, fol-
low this sequence when connecting
jumper cables.<
In your BMW, the so-called jump-starting termi-
nal for jump starting in the engine compartment
serves as a positive terminal for the battery, also
refer to engine compartment overview on
page217. The cover cap is marked with a +.
1.Fold open the cover of the BMW jump-
starting 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
jump-starting 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 jump-
starting 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 vehicle
providing assistance.
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 threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool kit
mounted on the inside of the luggage compart-
ment under the floor mat, refer to page223, and
should always remain in the vehicle. It can be
screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW.
Only use the tow fitting that comes with
the vehicle and screw it in as far as possi-
ble. Use the tow fitting for towing only on roads.
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do
not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise,
the tow fitting and vehicle can be damaged.<

Giving and receiving assistance
230
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 page58; otherwise, the low-beam
headlamps, tail lights, turn signals and wind-
shield wipers would not be available. Do not tow
the vehicle with the rear axle raised, as other-
wise 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 deacti-
vated 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.
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 page62.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the sport auto-
matic 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 note the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be strictly limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<

Mobility
231Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Navigation
Entertainment
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.
Attach tow ropes to the tow fittings only, 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.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page228. Vehicles equipped with a
catalytic converter should only be tow-started
when the engine is cold. When equipped with a
sport automatic transmission, the engine can-
not be started by tow-starting.
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.
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.

Everything from A to Z
244 BMW Night Vision98
– activating99
– cleaning camera100
– cleaning camera, refer to
Wiper system65
– deactivating100
– making settings100
"BMW Service settings"203
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders118
Bracket for telephone or
mobile phone, refer to Snap-
in adapter197
Brake assistant87
– adaptive87
Brake force display93
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps224
– two-stage93
Brake rotors
– breaking-in124
– refer to Braking safely126
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System86
– brake force display93
– breaking-in124
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control86
– electronic brake-force
distribution87
– handbrake60
– refer to Braking safely126
Brake system124
– brake pads124
– brake rotors126
– breaking-in124
– warning lamp13,88
Braking safely126
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance228
Breaking-in124
Breaking-in brake pads124
Breaking-in the clutch124Breaking-in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential124
"Brightness"84,98
– with BMW Night Vision100
Brightness of Control
Display83
Button for starting engine,
refer to Start/Stop button58
Buttons on steering wheel11
Bypassing route sections
150
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"192,203
Call
– accepting190
– displaying accepted193
– ending191
– in absence193
– rejecting191
– starting191
Calling
– by entering phone
number191
– from phone book192
– from Top 8 list193
– redialing193
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders118
Capacities237
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery225
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"76
Care222
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo loading
– securing cargo128
– stowing cargo128
– vehicle127Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control28
Car phone184
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest117
– refer to Mobile phone184
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio162
Car wash59,127
– refer to Before driving into a
car wash127
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– with comfort access38
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system125
"Categories"170
CBC Cornering Brake
Control86
CBS Condition Based
Service221
"CD"158,172

Everything from A to Z
248 Engine oil
– adding219
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils219
– approved oils219
– electronic oil level check218
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements77
– oil change219
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils219
– recommended oils219
– temperature75
– temperature gauge75
"Engine oil level"218
Engine output, refer to Engine
data234
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data234
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine59
"Enter address"134,142
Entering address134,137
Entering intersection,
navigation136
Entering rear51
Entering town/city for
navigation135
Entering town/city of
destination name135
Entering zip code for
navigation135
"Entertainment"158
Entertainment sound output
on/off159
Entry map for destination139
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control161
"Equalizer", tone control161
"ESN"169
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control87
Event data recorders222Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system125
Exterior mirrors53
– adjusting53
– automatic dimming
feature54
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out53
– tilting down passenger-side
mirror54
External audio device117
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting229
Eyes for lashing, refer to
Securing cargo128
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control160
Fader, refer to Tone
control160
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control79
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms36
– refer to Switching off
alarm35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts52
Fastest route for
navigation144
Fast forward
– CD changer176
– CD player176
"Fast route" for
navigation144
"Favorites", calling up with
radio166
Filler neck for washer fluid65
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter112
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit228First-aid kit228
Flashing when locking and
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight117
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– run-flat tires90,92,214
– Tire Pressure Monitor90
– warning lamp90,92
Flat Tire Monitor89
– false alarms89
– initializing system89
– limits of system89
– snow chains215
– warning lamp90
Floor mats, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Floor mats/carpets, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler
neck for washer fluid65
"FM", reception
range158,162
FM, waveband162
Fog lamps106
– indicator lamp13,106
Folding into raised position
convertible top
compartment floor,
Convertible35
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely126
Footwell lighting, refer to
Interior lamps106
For specified oil grades, refer
to Approved engine oils219
For your own safety6
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria144
Front airbags94
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating94
"FTM"89
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor89

Reference 253
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Night Vision off"100
"Night Vision on / off"55
Nozzles
– refer to Ventilation112
– refer to Windshield washer
nozzles65
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing229
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface222
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications209
Odometer74
Oil, refer to Engine oil218
Oil change interval
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models
– refer to Service
requirements77
"On a new destination" for
navigation system140
"Onboard info"76
Onboard monitor, refer to
iDrive16
Onboard tool kit223
"On destination"140
"On location"140
Opening and closing
– comfort access36
– from inside32
– from outside30
– using door lock32
– using the remote control30
Operating principle, iDrive17Operation by voice for mobile
phone195
– adjusting volume196
– canceling195
– commands195
– correcting phone
number196
– dialing phone number196
– placing a call196
– redialing197
– voice phone book196
"Options"203
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17
Output, refer to Engine
data234
Outside air, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control111
Outside temperature
display74
– changing unit of measure84
Overview
– operating principle17
– radio control158
– screen display20
P
Panic mode31
Park Distance Control PDC85
"Parked car operation"113
"Parked car ventilation"113
Parked car ventilation
– activating activation
times114
– LED108
– setting activation time113
– switching on and off
directly113
Parking, vehicle59
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control85
Parking assistant, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control85
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake60Parking lamps102
– replacing bulbs224
Parts and accessories6
Passenger-side exterior
mirror, tilting down54
"Pathway lighting"103
Pathway lighting103
"PDC"86
"PDC display on"86
PDC Park Distance Control85
Personal Profile29
"Perspective"148
"Phone"186,188,191
Phone book190
– changing entry192
– creating and editing voice
phone book196
– deleting all entries193
– deleting entry193
– dialing phone number192
Phone numbers
– deleting from phone
book193
– dialing191
– most recent numbers193
– selecting in phone book193
– Top 8193
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof41
– power windows40
Plasters, refer to First-aid
kit228
"Play" on the radio170
Plugging unit for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock58
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter112
Position
– refer to Displaying current
position153
– refer to Storing current
position142
Power failure226
Power windows, refer to
Windows38
"Presets" on the
radio162,170