2005 BMW 325I SEDAN towing

Opening and closing
34
Closing
The handle recesses on the interior trim of the
luggage compartment lid make it easier to pull
down.
Make sure that the closing path of the
luggage compartment lid is clear, as oth-
erwise injuries may result.<
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the luggage com-
partment lid is opened
>To movements inside the vehicle: Interior
motion sensor, refer to the information fur-
ther below
>When the car's inclination changes, for
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to
towing away
>When there is an interruption in the power
supply from the battery.
The system responds to unauthorized vehicle
entry and attempted theft by simultaneously
activating:
>An acoustic alarm, which lasts for a period
of approx. 30 seconds
>The hazard warning flashers, which operate
for approx. 5 minutes
*
>The high beams, which flash on and off in
the same rhythm.
Arming and disarming
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 system indicates that it has been correctly
armed by switching on the hazard warning
flashers for a single cycle and by emitting an
acoustic signal.
Even when the alarm system is armed, you can
open the luggage compartment lid by means of
the button on the remote control, refer to
page30. When you subsequently close the lug-
gage compartment lid it is again locked and
monitored.
Switching off an alarm
>Unlock the car with the remote control, refer
to page30, or
>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 or luggage compartment lid are
not properly closed. Even if you do not close
the alerted area, the system begins to mon-
itor the remaining areas, and the indicator
lamp flashes continuously after approx. 10
seconds. However, the interior motion sen-
sor is not activated.
>The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
your vehicle has not been disturbed while
you were away.

Things to remember when driving
108 the transmission in neutral and there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering
while the engine is switched off.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct their
movement.<
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 the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
For general information about taking care of
your BMW, refer to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure.
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 kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
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 available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, 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, 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
109Reference
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 the occupants, the less cargo/lug-
gage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
respective seat backs.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Smaller and relatively light items can be
retained with tensioning straps or draw
straps
*.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes are
provided for attaching the cargo straps.
Two lashing eyes are located on the rear
panel of the luggage compartment 1, two
others are on the side panels of the luggage
compartment 2.
Comply with the information supplied with
the cargo straps.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerves are necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page201, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.

Mobility
195Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at an
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start 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 above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have your BMW center check and
recharge the battery.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Always observe all applicable towing laws
and regulations.<
Never allow passengers to ride in a towed
vehicle for any reason.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
on the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
It is stored in the onboard tool kit underneath
the cover on the right-hand side of the luggage
compartment, refer to page187.
In order to avoid damaging the tow fitting and
the vehicle, please follow these instructions:
use only the tow fitting provided with the vehi-
cle 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 vehicle by the
tow fitting.
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press on the upper edges of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page49, as the low beams, tail
lamps, turn signals and windshield wipers
would no longer be available. If the electrical
system fails, do not attempt to tow away or tow-
start the vehicle. The electric steering wheel
lock cannot be disengaged and the car is not
steerable. Jump starting, refer to page194.
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.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.

Giving and receiving assistance
196
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page52.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes is not permitted in public traffic.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With 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.
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only.
Otherwise damage to other vehicle parts
could result.<
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.
Secure the tow rope to the tow fitting only. Oth-
erwise damage to other vehicle parts could
result.<
With tow truck
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, as otherwise
damage may result.<
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-
engaged and the car is not steerable. Jump
starting, refer to page194.<
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
page194.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page49.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
pedal completely depressed and slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch pedal com-
pletely 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.

Reference 207
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Automatic programs" with
automatic climate control91
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC91
Automatic station search139
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic51
– interlock51,52
– overriding selector lever
lock53
– shiftlock52
– sport program52
– towing away195
– tow-starting195
AUTO program for automatic
climate control90
"Autostore"
on the radio140
AUX-IN149
– port97
Average fuel consumption66
– setting the units68
Average speed65
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation124
Avoid freeways for
navigation123
"Avoid highways" in
navigation123
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation124
Axle loads, refer to
Weights201
"A - Z"154
B
Backrests, refer to Seats39
Backrest width adjustment40
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints41
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs190
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps189
Balance, tone control135Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away196
Bass, tone control135
Battery191
– charging191
– disposal191
– jump starting194
– temporary power failure191
Being towed195
Belts, refer to Safety belts43
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts43
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders98
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning64
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate91
BMW Assist160
– enabling160
– services offered161
"BMW Contact"164
"BMW Contact
Numbers"164
BMW Maintenance
System185
"BMW Service"162
"BMW Service settings"161
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders98
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control78
Brake fluid184
– level too low184
– warning lamp184
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements69
Brake Force Display82
Brake hydraulics, refer to
Brakes184
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display82
– replacing bulbs190
Brake pads, breaking in106
Brake rotors108
– brakes106
– breaking in106Brakes
– ABS78
– BMW Maintenance
System185
– brake fluid184
– brake pads184
– breaking in106
– handbrake51
– service requirements69
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely107
Brake system106
– BMW Maintenance
System185
– brake fluid184
– brake pads184
– breaking in106
– disc brakes108
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance193
Breaking in the clutch106
Breaking in the
differential106
Break-in period106
"Brightness"76
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs187
Button for starting engine49
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning5
"Call"154
Call
– accepting153
– displaying accepted155
– ending154
– in absence155
– starting153
Calling
– from phone book154
– from Top 8 list155
– redialing155
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders98
Capacities201

Everything from A - Z
208 Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery191
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"66
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing109
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo109
– vehicle108
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 points191
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
Car phone152
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest96
– refer to Portable phone152
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio138
Car wash108
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system106
"Categories"142CBS Condition Based
Service185
"CD"134,145
CD changer145
– controls134
– fast forward/reverse147
– installation location147
– playing a track146
– random order147
– repeating a track146
– selecting a CD145
– selecting a track146
– switching on/off134
– tone control135
– volume135
CD player145
– controls134
– fast forward/reverse147
– playing a track
146
– random order147
– repeating a track146
– selecting a track146
– switching on/off134
– tone control135
– volume135
Center armrest96
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulbs190
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking
– from inside32
– from outside29
Central locking system29
Changing bulbs187
Changing the language on the
Control Display76
Changing the measurement
units on the Control
Display68
Changing wheels191
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment181
Check Control73
"Check Control
messages"75
Check Gas Cap168Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure170
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH48
Child-restraint systems46
Child-safety lock48
Child seats46
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter99
– socket99
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cleaning headlamps54
– washer fluid55
"Climate"90
Clock64
– 12h/24h mode72
– setting time71
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside30
Clothes hooks97
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine49
Combined instrument, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
"Communication"153
"Communication
settings"160
Compact disc, refer to
– CD changer145
– CD player145
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure
172,173,174,175
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock49
Compass94
Computer65
– displays on Control
Display66
– hour signal72
Computer, refer to iDrive16

Reference 211
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away195
– for tying down loads109
F
Fader, tone control135
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control73
Failure of an electrical
consumer192
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts43
Fastest route for
navigation123
Fast forward
– CD changer147
– CD player147
"Fast route" in navigation123
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control92
First-aid kit193
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock49
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight96
Flash when locking/
unlocking31
Flat
– Run-Flat Tires178
Flat Tire Monitor
– snow chains179
Flat Tire Monitor FTM80
– indicating a flat tire81
– initializing the system80
– malfunction81
– system limits80
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition177
"FM", waveband134,138
FM, waveband138
Fog lamps87
– indicator lamp13,87Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely107
Footwell lamps87
Front airbags82
Front seat adjustment39
"FTM"81
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor80
Fuel168
– display65
– high-quality brands168
– quality168
– specifications168
– tank capacity201
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption66
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Fuel filler door168
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction168
Fuses192
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control93
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel168
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Gasoline engine, checking oil
level181
Gear indicator, for automatic
transmission51
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic52
– manual transmission51
Gearshifts
– with automatic
transmission52
– with manual transmission51
General driving notes106Glass sunroof, electric36
– anti-trapping mechanism37
– closing after electrical
malfunction37
– convenient operation30,31
– opening, closing36
– raising36
– remote control30
Glove compartment96
– rechargeable flashlight96
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system114
Grills89
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights201
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs188
Handbrake51
– indicator lamp51
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight96
Hands-free system14,152
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags82
Headlamp control,
automatic85
Headlamp cover188
Headlamp flasher53
– indicator lamp11,13
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs188
Head restraints40
– sitting safely38
Heated
– mirrors44
– rear window92
– seats41
Heating
– mirrors44
– seats41
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat91