2006 BMW 325CI tow bar

80Technology for safety and driving convenience
Park Distance Control (PDC)*The conceptPDC assists you when you back into a
parking space. Acoustic signals alert
you to the momentary distance to an
object behind your vehicle. For this pur-
pose, four ultrasonic sensors in the rear
bumper measure the distance to the
next object. The monitoring range for
the rear bumper's two corner sensors
extends outward roughly 2 ft/60 cm,
while the two centrally located sensors
detect objects at distances of up to
approx. 5 ft/1.50 meters.
PDC is a parking aid that can
identify objects if they are
approached slowly, as is generally the
case when parking. Avoid driving
towards objects rapidly; due to underly-
ing physical principles, the system may
otherwise alert you too late for you to
take evasive steps.<
The system starts to operate automati-
cally approx. one second after you shift
into Reverse or move the selector lever
into the R position with the ignition key
in position 2.
Let this short period elapse before
driving backwards.<
PDC is deactivated when you shift back
out of Reverse.
You can have a signal set to con-
firm that the PDC has been acti-
vated. The signal then sounds when
you shift into Reverse or move the
selector lever into the R position. indicated by a tone sounding at various
intervals. As the distance between vehi-
cle and object decreases, the intervals
between the tones become shorter. A
continuous tone indicates the pres-
ence of an object less than 1 ft/30 cm
away.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. three seconds if the distance to
the object remains constant during this
time – if you are moving parallel to
a wall, for instance.
System malfunctions will be indicated
by a continuous high-pitched tone
when the system is activated the first
time. Please have the problem fixed by
your BMW center.
PDC does not replace the driver's
personal responsibility for evaluat-
ing the distance between the vehicle
and any objects. Even when sensors
are involved, there is a blind spot in
which objects cannot be detected. This
applies especially in those cases where
the system approaches the physical
limits of ultrasonic measurement, as
occurs with tow bars and trailer cou-
plings, and in the vicinity of thin or
wedge-shaped objects. Moreover, low
objects that have already been
detected – such as a curb edge – can
disappear out of the detection range of
the sensors before a continuous tone
sounds.
Loud sources of sound from outside or
inside the vehicle could drown out the
PDC signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free
of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effec-
tively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Always maintain a distance of more
than 4 in/10 cm.<

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.
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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 ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 115
indicator lamp 18
Acceleration assistant 66
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 5
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 146
Activated-charcoal filter 98
Adaptive brake lamp, refer
to Brake force display 84
Adaptive headlights 86
Adding brake fluid 129
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning 90
Air conditioning mode 92
automatic climate
control 96
Air distribution
air conditioning 92
automatic climate
control 96
Air distribution, individual 96
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 90, 94
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 116
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode
92, 97Air supply
air conditioning 92
automatic climate
control 96
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 92, 96
Airbags 51
deactivating 54
indicator lamp 18, 53
sitting safely 41
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 90, 94
AKI, refer to Fuel specifica-
tions 24
Alarm system 36
avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 121, 122
Antifreeze 128
coolant 128
washer fluid 126
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 115
indicator lamp 18
Anti-theft system 28
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 36
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 156
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 156Armrest
front 100
rear 101
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 102
rear 102
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 81
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 97
AUTO program 96
Automatic
cruise control 72
headlamp control 85
Automatic air distribution,
refer to AUTO program 96
Automatic air supply, refer
to AUTO program 96
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 94
Automatic curb monitor 48
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 50
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 97Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 67
indicator lamp 19, 69
interlock 59
selector lever lock 67
shiftlock 67
tow-starting 150
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 71
Average fuel
consumption 79
Average speed 79
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 156
B
Backrest
unlocking 45
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 42, 44
Backup lamps 62
bulb replacement 139
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 22
Bar, for towing 149

Everything from A to ZLuggage compartment lid 33
emergency operation 33
emergency release 35
indicator lamp 76
opening from inside the
vehicle 33
opening from outside 33
remote control 30
securing separately 33
unlocking manually 33
Luggage compartment light-
ing 33
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 109
Lumbar support 44
M
Maintenance 76, 130
Maintenance system 130
Making telephone calls,
refer to the telephone
Owner's Manual
Malfunction
door lock 31
fuel filler door 23
Malfunction displays 76Manual operation
door lock 31
driver's door 31
fuel filler door 23
glass sunroof 40
luggage compartment
lid 33
Manual transmission 62
Master keys
with remote control 28
MC operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
MD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mechanical seats 42
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 47
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 58
Microfilter
air conditioning 93
automatic climate
control 98
Microphone 101
Mini disc operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mirror
automatic curb monitor 48Mirrors 49
heated 49
memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 47
Mobile Service 147
Modifications, technical,
refer to For your own
safety 5
Multifunction steering
wheel 21
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 70
washer/wiper system 71
N
Navigation system, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to
Head restraints 45
Nets 100
Nozzles, refer to Ventilation
90, 94
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
and tow-starting the vehi-
cle 149
O
OBD interface socket 132
Odometer 74Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 127
capacity 157
dipstick 126
quality 127
Oil change interval, refer
to Service interval
display 130
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models/Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption 126
Oil dipstick 126
Oil filter change 157
Oil level
checking 126
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 76
Oil types 127
Old batteries, refer to Dis-
posal 145
Onboard computer 78
Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 136

Everything from A to Z
169
Tail lamps
bulb replacement 139
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps 139
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity 157
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel
gauge 75
Technical data 154
Technical modifications 5
Technical modifications,
refer to For your own
safety 5
Telephone hookup 101
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Television, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Temperature
air conditioning 92
automatic climate
control 96
Temperature adjustment
92, 96
Temperature display
engine coolant 75
ice warning 78
outside temperature 78
setting units 78
Temperature layering 93, 97Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 72
Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 43
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center high-mount brake
lamp 140
Threaded socket for towing
eyelet 149
Three-point safety belt 46
Through-loading system 104
Tilt alarm
deactivate 37
Tilt alarm sensor 37
Tilting passenger-side exte-
rior mirror 48
Time 77
Tire change 141
Tire inflation pressure 116
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 82
Tire replacement 141Tires
age 118
breaking in 112
changing 141
condition 119
damage 119
flat 141
inflation pressure 116
storing 122
tread 119, 120
tread wear indicators,
refer to Tire tread 120
winter tires 121, 122
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit 136
Torque
engine 154
lug bolts 142
Tow bar 149
Tow rope 149
Towing 149
Towing eyelet 149
Towing the vehicle 149
Tow-starting 149
Track width, refer to Dimen-
sions 155
Transmission
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 67
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 63Transmission lock, refer to P
Park 67
Transmission malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 69
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 65
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing
cargo 108
Transporting children
safely 54
Trap protection
electric power windows 38
glass sunroof 40
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 120
Tread wear indicators in
the tires, refer to Tire
tread 120
Tread wear, tires 120
Trigger alarm – Panic
mode 30
Trip distance recorder, refer
to Trip odometer 74
Trip meter, refer to Trip
odometer 74
Trip odometer 74
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid 33
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