2005 BMW 325I tow

Giving and receiving assistance
134 gaged and the car is not steerable. Jump start-
ing, refer to page132.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page47.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
With the ignition switched on, engage selector
lever position N, and then switch the ignition
back off.
Towing 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.<
Towing 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.<
Towing with a tow truck
323i*, 325i, 330i
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
325xi, 330xi
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 BMW transported on a flatbed surface
only.
Tow-starting
If the electrical system fails, do not
attempt to tow-start or tow away the car.
The electric steering wheel lock cannot be dis-

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
135
engaged and the car is not steerable. Jump
starting, refer to page132.<
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission. Only tow-start vehi-
cles with a catalytic converter with the engine
cold. It is better to jump start the engine, refer to
page132.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page42.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. Vehicles with SMG, see
below.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed 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.
Vehicles with sequential manual gearbox SMG:
1.Have the vehicle tow-started with the selec-
tor lever in position N.
2.Select sequential mode. The correct gear is
automatically engaged.
325xi, 330xi: do not activate Hill Descent
Control HDC when the vehicle is being
tow-started, page69.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
153
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs128
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps127
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch131
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away134
Battery129
– charging129
– disposal27,129
– jump starting132
– temporary power failure129
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed133
Belts, refer to Safety belts36
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts36
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders90
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning59
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate81,84
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System123
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders90
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control68
Brake fluid121
– level too low121
– warning lamp121,122
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements63
Brake Force Display73
Brake hydraulics, refer to
Brakes121
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display73
– replacing bulbs128
Brake pads, breaking in98Brake rotors100
– brakes98
– breaking in98
Brakes
– ABS68
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– brake fluid121
– brake pads122
– breaking in98
– handbrake44
– service requirements63
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely99
Brake system98
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– brake fluid121
– brake pads122
– breaking in98
– disc brakes100
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance131
Breaking in
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG98
Breaking in the clutch98
Breaking in the differential98
Break-in period98
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs125
Burned fuel
– refer to Average
consumption60
Button for starting engine42
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders90
Capacities151
Capacity of luggage
compartment150
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery129Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing101
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo101
– vehicle100
Caring 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 jack
– jacking points129
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest89
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car wash100
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system98
CBS Condition Based
Service123
Center armrest89
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulbs128

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
155
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals48
Displacement, refer to Engine
data148
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting78
Displays
– instrument cluster12
Displays and controls10
Disposal
– coolant121
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery129
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control53
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements63
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control67
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door locking, confirmation
signals21
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades114
Draft-free ventilation82,85
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders90
Drive mode46
Drive-off assistant71
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams76
Driving notes98
Driving stability control
systems68
Driving through water99
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes98
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function85
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control68
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control68
– indicator lamps68Dynamic Driving Control46
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps69
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution68
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door106
– glass sunroof29
– panorama glass roof29
Electric seat adjustment32
Electronic brake-force
distribution68
Electronic oil level check119
Emergency call131
Emergency operation, refer to
Closing manually
– glass sunroof29
– panorama glass roof29
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door106
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission48
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside24
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance131
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements63
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control60
Energy Control60
Engine
– breaking in98
– data148
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature59
– speed148
– starting43
– starting, convenient
access25
– switching off43Engine compartment119
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant121
Engine oil
– adding120
– BMW Maintenance
System123
– checking level119
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements63
Engine output, refer to Engine
data148
Engine speed148
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine43
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control60
Error messages, refer to
Check Control65
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control68
Event data recorders124
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system98
Exterior mirrors37
– adjusting37
– automatic dimming
feature99
– automatic heating37
External audio device90
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away133
– for tying down loads101
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control65
Failure of an electrical
consumer129
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts36

Everything from A to Z
156 Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control85
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner82
First aid pouch131
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock42
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight89
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat
– Run-Flat Tires116
Flat Tire Monitor FTM71
– indicating a flat tire72
– initializing the system72
– malfunction73
– snow chains72,117
– system limits72
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition115
Fog lamps78
– indicator lamp78,136
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely99
Footwell lamps79
For your own safety5
Front airbags74
Front seat adjustment31
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor71
Fuel106
– display60
– high-quality brands106
– quality106
– specifications106
– tank capacity151
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption60
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Fuel filler door106
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction106Fuses129
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control86
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel106
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Gasoline engine, checking oil
level119
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– manual transmission44
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Gearshifts
– with automatic
transmission47
– with manual transmission44
– with the sequential manual
gearbox SMG45
General driving notes98
Glass sunroof, electric28
– anti-trapping mechanism29
– closing after electrical
malfunction29
– convenient operation20,22
– opening, closing29
– operation with convenient
access26
– raising29
– remote control20
Glove compartment89
– rechargeable flashlight89
Grills, refer to Air vents80
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights150
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs126
Handbrake44
– indicator lamp44
– manual release22
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight89
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags74
Headlamp control,
automatic76
Headlamp cover126
Headlamp flasher48
– indicator lamp11,14,136
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs126
Head restraints33
– sitting safely31
Heated
– mirrors37
– rear window81,85
– seats34
Heating80
– mirrors37
– rear window81,85
– seats34
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat84
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo101
Height, refer to
Dimensions149
Height adjustment
– seats32
– steering wheel38
High beams78
– headlamp flasher78
– indicator lamp136
– replacing bulbs126
High water, refer to Driving
through water99
Hills99
Holders for cups90

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
159
Parts and accessories, refer to
The individual vehicle5
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function37
Pathway lighting76
PDC Park Distance Control67
Personal Profile19
Placing a call, refer to
telephone owner's manual
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control85
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner82
Power failure129
Power windows28
– safety switch28
Power windows, refer to
Windows27
Pressure, tires108
Pressure monitoring, tires71
– Flat Tire Monitor71
Protection function, refer to
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof, electric29
– windows28
Providing medical assistance,
refer to First add pouch131
Puncture
– Flat Tire Monitor71
R
Radio key, refer to Integrated
key/Remote control18
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness42
Radio readiness42
– switched off42
– switched on42
Rain sensor50
Reading lamps79
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps127
– replacing bulbs128Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints34
– folding head restraint down
and up34
Rear turn signals
– replacing bulbs128
Rear ventilation85
Rearview mirror, refer to
Mirrors37
Rear window defroster81,85
Rear window roller blind, refer
to Roller sun blinds89
Rear window safety switch28
Rechargeable flashlight89
Recirculated-air mode81,84
Recirculation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode81,84
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest32
Refueling106
Releasing
– hood118
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range60
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access25
– garage door opener86
– luggage compartment lid21
– malfunctions21,27
– service data123
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs125
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires116
Reporting an accident, refer to
Initiating an emergency
call131
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge60
Reservoir for washer
systems
50
Residual heat mode84Restraint systems
– for children39
– refer to Safety belts36
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– manual transmission45
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Roadside Assistance131
Roadside parking lamps78
– replacing bulbs127
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements63
Roller blind
– sun blinds89
Roof load capacity150
Roof-mounted luggage
rack101
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away134
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires116
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires116
Run-Flat Tires116
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire72
– flat tire72
– new tires116
– replacing tires116
– tire pressures108
– winter tires117
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-
Flat Tires116
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment36
Safety belts36
– damage36
– indicator lamp36
– reminder36
– sitting safely31

Everything from A to Z
160 Safety systems
– airbags74
– Antilock Brake System
ABS68
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC68
– safety belts36
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires116
Screw thread for tow
fitting133
Seat adjustment
– electric32
– mechanical32
Seat and mirror memory35
Seat belt reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder36
Seats31
– adjusting the seats32
– heating34
– sitting safely31
Securing cargo94
Securing the vehicle
– from inside22
– from outside20
Selecting distance for active
cruise control55
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Selector lever lock, refer to
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45Sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
– acceleration assistant47
– breaking in98
– Dynamic Driving Control46
– gear indicator45
– kick-down46
– shiftlock45
– tow-starting134
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance131
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance131
Service data in the remote
control123
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS123
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS123
Service requirements63
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h mode62
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic48
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission,
refer to Changing selector
lever positions47
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Shift paddles46
Side airbags74
Side-mounted turn signals
– replacing bulbs127
Side window blind, refer to
Roller sun blinds89
Side windows, refer to
Windows27
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely31
– airbags31
– safety belt31
– with head restraint31
Ski bag94Ski sack, refer to Ski bag94
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Glass sunroof, electric28
Slot for remote control42
SMG, refer to Sequential
manual gearbox45
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray91
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest storage
compartment89
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances91
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD124
Spare fuses129
Spare fuses, refer to
Fuses129
Spare key18
– adapter18
Spark plugs, refer to Service
requirements63
Speed
– with winter tires117
Speedometer12
Sport program
– refer to Dynamic Driving
Control46
Sports seat33
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems68
Start/stop button42
– starting the engine43
– switching off the engine43
Starting
– difficulties, temperature43
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine43
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting132
Starting the engine
– start/stop button42
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
161
Steering wheel38
– adjustment38
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– lock42
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering73
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic47
Storage compartments90
Storing seat positions, refer to
Seat and mirror memory35
Storing tires117
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments90
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires108
Sun blinds89
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine43
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button42
Switching the cooling function
on and off85
Symbols4
T
Tachometer59
Tailgate
– locking or unlocking
separately24
– opening and closing23
– opening from inside23
– opening from outside23
Tail lamps127
– replacing bulbs128
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities151
Technical data148
Technical modifications5
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest89
– refer to separate Owner's
ManualTemperature adjustments
– air conditioner81
– automatic climate control83
Temperature display
– ice warning59
– outside temperature59
– setting the units62
Temperature of the coolant,
refer to Coolant
temperature59
Tensioning straps, refer to
Securing cargo101
The individual vehicle5
Thigh support33
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp128
Tilt alarm sensor25
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror37
Tire inflation pressures108
Tire pressure
– loss72
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor71
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor72
Tire Quality Grading114
Tires
– age114,116
– breaking in98
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels129
– condition115
– damage115
– inflation pressure108
– minimum tread depth115
– new tires116
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor71
– puncture72
– Run-Flat Tires116
– size114
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth115
– winter tires117
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit125
Torque148
Tow bar134Tow fitting
– screw thread133
Tow fittings133
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away133
Towing133
– methods134
Towing away
– car with automatic
transmission133
Tow rope134
Tow-starting133
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG134
Track width, refer to
Dimensions149
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC68
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control68
Trailer towing
– towing loads and gross
weight150
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic47
– manual transmission44
– overriding selector lever lock
for automatic transmission
with Steptronic48
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG45
Transporting children
safely39
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo101
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread115
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer59
Triple turn signal activation49
Trip odometer59
Trunk
– lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid23
Trunk lamp, refer to Luggage
compartment lamp79