Page 189 of 217

Giving and receiving assistance
188
Towing and tow-starting
Always observe all applicable towing laws
and regulations.<
Never allow passengers to ride in a towed
vehicle for any reason.<
Use 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 page180, and
should always remain in the vehicle. It can be
screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle, observe the following: only use
the tow fitting that comes with the vehicle and
screw it in as far as possible. Use the tow fitting
for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral strains on
the tow fitting, e.g. do not the lift vehicle by the
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover in bumper:
Press the arrow symbol of the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering wheel
could lock and it would be impossible to steer
the vehicle. There is no power assist with the
engine stopped. This then requires increased
effort for braking and steering. Active steering is
deactivated and larger steering wheel move-
ments 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.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle 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 selector-
lever position N, then switch off the ignition.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing 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 strictly limited during cornering.
Page 190 of 217

Mobility
189Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
>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 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 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 page186.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic con-
verter with the engine cold. It is better to jump
start the engine, refer to page186.
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.
Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual trans-
mission:
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select sequential mode. The correct gear
will be selected and engaged automatically.
Page 206 of 217

Reference 205
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control100
Gasoline
– refer to Fuel
specifications167
– refer to Required fuel167
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gage70
Gear changes
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission57
Gear display
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission57
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– manual transmission56
– SMG Sequential manual
transmission56
General driving notes108
Glass sunroof, electric with
raise function37
– convenience operation31
– moving manually38
– remote control30
Glove compartment101
– rechargeable flashlight101
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system114
Grills, refer to Ventilation94
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights192
H
Handbrake55
– indicator lamp13,55
Hands-free system14,151
Hazard warning flashers15
Head airbags86
Headlamp control,
automatic91Headlamp flasher60
Headlamps
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system61
– replacing bulbs180
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light92
Head-Up Display88
Heated mirrors50
Heated rear window94
Heated seats49
Heated steering wheel51
Heater95
Heating
– exterior mirrors50
– interior94
– rear window94
– residual heat mode96
– seats49
– steering wheel51
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual heat
mode96
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
load111
Height, refer to
Dimensions193
Height adjustment
– seats45
– steering wheel50
High beams92
– headlamp flasher92
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs180
Hills109
Holder for cups103
"Home address"122
Hood174
Horn10
Hotel function32
Hot exhaust system108
"Hour memo"78
"House number" for desti-
nation entry117Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control81
Hydroplaning109
– also refer to Minimum tread
depth171
I
Ice warning69
iDrive, refer to Control
Center16
Ignition key28
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock54
Ignition lock54
Increasing luggage
compartment capacity,
Convertible34
Independent ventilation
– activating an activation
time98
– setting activation time98
– switching on and off
directly98
Indicator/warning lamps
– ABS Antilock Brake
System83
– active steering85
– airbags87
– brake system13,83
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control13,83
– DTC Dynamic Traction
Control13,82
– fastening safety belts49
– Flat Tire Monitor85
– fog lamps13,92
– handbrake55
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview13
Individually assignable
buttons on steering wheel,
refer to Programmable
buttons on steering
wheel51
Individual settings, refer to
Key Memory28