2005 BMW 545I SEDAN towing

Opening and closing
34 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.
You can also open the luggage compartment lid
with the system armed using the button on
the remote control, refer to page30. When the
luggage compartment lid is closed, it is locked
again and monitored.
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote control,
refer to page29
>or turn the ignition key to position 1, refer to
page51.
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: the
doors or luggage compartment lid 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 key is inserted into the lock, but can
blink for up to approx. 5 minutes: your vehi-
cle has been disturbed while you were
away.
Tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor
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
once again directly after locking.
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.
Windows
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the windows and keep them in
your field of vision until they are shut.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key and close the doors to prevent chil-
dren from operating the windows and injuring
themselves etc.<

Driving tips
109Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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 permitted 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
bulkhead behind the rear seats.
>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
>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 luggage compartment are
used to secure this lashing equipment, refer
to illustration.
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load as
described above. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page198, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could fly around and pose a safety
hazard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.<

Replacing components
186 With run-flat tires, no tools are provided
for wheel changes. They can be pur-
chased as accessories at your BMW center.<
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 a steep grade, take
other steps to prevent the vehicle from roll-
ing.
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 turning 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
191Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communication
Navigation
Entertainment
an engine or body ground of the assisting
vehicle.
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 for several minutes at
increased 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 dis-
charged 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.<
Towing and tow-starting
Always observe all applicable towing laws
and regulations.<
Never allow passengers to ride in a towed
vehicle for any reason.<
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit and must always remain in the
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear
of the BMW.In order to avoid damaging the tow fitting
and the vehicle, please follow these
instructions: 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 vehicle by the tow fitting.<
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 key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine
stopped. 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.

Giving and receiving assistance
192
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual
transmission
With the ignition switched on, engage the
selector lever position N, then switch off the
ignition again.
Towing methods
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, as otherwise
it will not be possible to 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.
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.
Otherwise 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 load bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, as otherwise damage
may result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission.
Jump starting, refer to page190.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic con-
verter with the engine cold. It is better to jump
start the engine, refer to page190.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. Vehicles with SMG, see
below.
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 209
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communica-
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator/warning lamps13
– ABS Antilock Brake
System79
– active steering81
– airbags84
– brake fluid179
– brake pads179
– brake system13,79
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control13,78
– DTC Dynamic Traction
Control13,78
– Flat Tire Monitor80
– front fog lamps13
– overview13
– safety belt warning42
Individual air distribution92
Individually assignable
buttons on the steering
wheel46
Individual settings, refer to
Key Memory28
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure170
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor79
Information
– on another location118
– on current position118
– on destination location118
"Information" for
navigation119
"Information on
destination"119
Initializing, refer to Power
loss187
"Input map"118
Installation location
– CD changer147
– portable phone98
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions125
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer
to Instrument lighting89
Instrument lighting89Instrument panel
– refer to Cockpit10
– refer to Instrument
cluster12
Integrated universal remote
control96
"Interim time"73
Interior lamps89
– remote control30
Interior motion sensor34
– switching off34
Interior rearview mirror45
– automatic dimming
feature107
Interlock on automatic
transmission51
Intermittent mode of the
wipers57
J
Jacking points186
Joystick, refer to Control
Center16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting190
Jump starting190
K
Key Memory28
"Keypad"157
Keys28
Kick-down
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission54
Knock control169
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams87
Lamps and bulbs182
"Languages"74
– for navigation126
Lashing down cargo, refer to
Securing cargo109
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo109
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list119
"Last seat pos."41
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system49
LEDs light-emitting
diodes185
Length, refer to
Dimensions197
Letter symbol with portable
phone157
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs184
"Light"56,87
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs185
Lighter99
Lighter socket100
Lighting
– instruments89
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps87
Lights on warning87
Light switch87
"Limit"72
Loading
– securing cargo109
– stowing cargo109
– vehicle108
Location, navigation drive114
"Lock after driving off"32
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking32
Locking
– from inside32
– from outside30
– setting confirmation
signals30

Reference 211
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communica-
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Navigation system114
– address book120
– bypassing route
sections127
– destination entry115
– destination guidance in
assistance window114
– destination list119
– displaying current
position125
– entering a destination
manually115
– opening115
– route display126
– route list127
– selecting destination using
information118
– selecting destination via
map117
– selecting route criteria122
– starting destination
guidance124
– switching off, refer to Termi-
nating/continuing desti-
nation guidance125
– terminating/continuing
destination guidance125
– voice instructions125
– volume adjustment126
"Navigation voice instructions
on"126
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints41
"New address" for
navigation120
"New destination"115,117
New key28
"New route"127
New wheels and tires174
"Next entertainment
source"46
"Normal", active backrest
width adjustment40
Nozzles, refer to Windshield
washer nozzles58
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
and Tow-starting191O
OBD Socket181
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications169
Odometer65
Oil
– capacity198
– consumption, refer to
Engine oil, checking177
– dipstick177
– level177
– refilling, refer to Engine oil,
adding178
– specified engine oils178
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service requirements66
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal187
"On a new destination" for
navigation119
Onboard computer, refer to
Control Center16
"Onboard information"70,71
Onboard tool kit182
"On destination"119
"On location"119
Opening and closing
– from inside31
– from outside29
– using remote control29
– using the door lock31
Operation by voice for
portable phone158
– adjusting volume159
– canceling158
– correcting phone
number159
– dialing phone number159
– placing a call159
– redialing160
– voice commands158
– voice phone book159
"Options" for portable
phone158
Orientation menu, refer to
Control Center, start
menu17Output, refer to Engine
data196
Outside air, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control91
Outside temperature
display65
– changing unit of
measurement73
– in computer73
P
Panic mode30
Park Distance Control PDC76
"Parked car operation"94
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control76
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake52
Parking lamps87
– replacing bulbs183
Parking lamps/low beams87
– replacing bulbs183
Parking vehicle52
Parts and accessories6
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function41
"Pathway lighting"87
Pathway lighting87
"PDC"77
PDC Park Distance Control76
Phone book153
Phone numbers
– deleting from phone
book156
– dialing154
– most recent numbers156
– selecting in phone book156
– Top 8156
"Play" on the radio143
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter94

Reference 213
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communica-
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Reset" stopwatch73
Residual heat mode92
Restraint system for
children47
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts42
Retreaded tires174
Reverse, fast
– CD changer147
– CD player147
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic56
– manual transmission53
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission54
Road map126
"Roadside Assistance"163
Roadside Assistance190
Roadside parking lamps88
– replacing bulbs183
Roller sun blind, refer to Sun
blinds97
Roof-mounted luggage
rack110
Rope, refer to Towing and
tow-starting191
Rotary pushbutton, refer to
Control Center16
Route122
– bypassing sections127
– changing122
– displaying126
– displaying arrow view126
– displaying map126
– displaying town127
– list127
– selecting122
– selecting criteria122
"Route list" for navigation127
Route map126
"Route preference"122
Route selection122
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires174
Run-flat System Components
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires174Run-flat tires174
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire80
– flat tire80
– new wheels and tires174
– tire inflation
pressure80,170
– tire replacement174,175
S
Safety6
Safety belts42
– damage43
– sitting safely38
– warning lamp43
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags83
– refer to Safety belts42
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System77
– airbags83
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control78
– safety belts42
Satellite radio141
– enabling142
– selecting channel142
– storing channel142
"SAT" for radio133,142
"Save current
destination"122
Scan
– CD changer147
– CD player147
– radio139
"Scan", playing stations139
"Scan", playing tracks147
Screen, refer to Control
Center16
Screw thread for tow
fitting191
"Seat heater distribution"44Seats38
– active backrest width
adjustment40
– adjusting the seats38
– comfort seat39
– easy entry/exit40
– heating43
– lumbar support39
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory40
– sitting safely38
– Sports seat39
– storing the setting40
– thigh support39
– ventilation, refer to Active
seat ventilation44
"Select as destination"119
"Select current speed"72
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operation using Control
Center133
Selecting distance for active
cruise control62
Selecting new scale for
navigation127
Selecting route122
Selecting the frequency
manually139
Selection options with
navigation system122
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission53
Selector lever interlock, refer
to Shiftlock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission54
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic55
– manual transmission53
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission53