149
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
Always observe all applicable
towing laws and regulations.<
Using the towing eyeletThe screw-in towing eyelet is located in
the luggage compartment under the
floor panel; be sure that it remains with
the vehicle at all times. It can be
attached at the front or rear of your
BMW.
Observe the following instruc-
tions in order to avoid damaging
the towing eyelet or the vehicle: use
only the towing eyelet supplied with the
vehicle, and screw it in firmly until it
stops. Use the towing eyelet for towing
on paved roads only. Avoid subjecting
the towing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g.
do not lift the vehicle using the towing
eyelet.<
Access to the threaded socketPress out the cover in the front or rear
bumper with a screwdriver at the top of
the recess.Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, because the steering
lock could otherwise engage and the
vehicle could no longer be steered.
There is no power assist while the
engine is off. Therefore, you will need to
exert more force to brake and steer the
vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed, e.g. by
placing a sign or a warning triangle in
the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
gearshift lever in idling position.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of
45 mph / 70 km/h, nor a towing
distance of 90 miles/150 km, because
the automatic transmission could other-
wise be damaged.<
Vehicles with sequential manual gear-
box SMG: selector lever in position N.Towing methodsIn some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow
rope on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in
which you are driving.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
150
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being
towed; otherwise, vehicle handling can
no longer be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles
should be on the same side.
If the tow bar can only be used in a
diagonal position, please note the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance is restricted while you are
driving around corners
>The inclination of the tow bar pro-
duces lateral force.
Only attach the tow bar to the
towing eyelets. Other parts of the
vehicles could otherwise be dam-
aged.<
With a tow ropeWhen the towing vehicle is driving off,
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for tow-
ing because they prevent sudden
jerking movements. Attach the tow rope
only to the towing eyelets. Other parts
of the vehicles could otherwise be
damaged.<
With a tow truckHave the BMW transported by a tow
truck with a lift sling, or on a flatbed.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.<
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow-
ing eyelet, nor by parts of the
body or chassis. Otherwise damage
could result.
Do not tow-start vehicles with
automatic transmissions. Jump-
starting, refer to page 147.<
Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic
converters if the engine is cold. It is
better to have the engine jump-started,
refer to page 147.
1. Turn on hazard warning flashers;
comply with national regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Have the vehicle towed with the
clutch pedal completely depressed
and then slowly release the clutch
pedal. After the engine has started,
immediately depress the clutch pedal
again completely
5. Pull over at a suitable location,
remove the tow bar or tow rope, and
turn on the hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with sequential manual gear-
box SMG:
>Have the vehicle towed with the
selector lever in position N
>Select sequential mode. The correct
gear will automatically be selected
and engaged.
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
Everything from A to ZFootbrake, refer to Braking
safely 113
Front airbags 51
Front center armrest 100
Front fog lamps 87
indicator lamp 20
Fuel
display 75
quality 24
volume 157
Fuel consumption
display 79
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 75
Fuel economy, refer to
Energy control 74
Fuel filler door 23
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 23
Fuel level indicator, refer to
Fuel gauge 75
Fuel reserve indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 75
Fuel tank capacity 157
Fuses 145
G
Gasoline consumption, refer
to Average fuel consump-
tion 79
Gasoline, refer to Fuel spec-
ifications 24Gear indicator 65, 69
Gear lever
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 67
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 63
Gearbox
manual transmission 62
Gearshift lever
manual transmission 62
General driving notes 113
Glass sunroof
closing following an elec-
trical malfunction 40
convenience operation
30, 31
remote control 29, 30
Glass sunroof, electric 39
Glove compartment 99
Grills, refer to Ventilation
90, 94
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 156
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 61
Hands-free system 101
Harman Kardon premium
sound system 99
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 22Head airbags 51
Head restraints 45
Headlamp cleaning system
cleaning headlamps 72
washer fluid 126, 157
Headlamp control, auto-
matic 85
Headlamp flasher 87
indicator lamp 20
Headlamps
bulb replacement 137
care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Heated mirrors 49
Heated rear window
air conditioning 92
automatic climate
control 97
Heated seats 48
Heating
exterior mirrors 49
rear window 92, 97
seats 48
Heating and ventilation
90, 94
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo
loading 107
Height adjustment
seats 42, 44
steering wheel 50
Height, refer to
Dimensions 155High beams 70, 87
bulb replacement 138
headlamp flasher 87
indicator lamp 20
Holder for
beverages 100, 101
litter bag 101
Hood release 123
Horn 14
Hub cap 142
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 115
Hydroplaning 113
I
Ice warning 78
Ignition 59
Ignition key 28
positions 59
Ignition lock 59
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18
