2006 BMW 325XI SEDAN towing

Opening and closing
34 compartment is locked, the luggage compart-
ment lid cannot be opened. This is an advan-
tage when valet parking, for example.
Unlocking separately
Push the switch in the direction of arrow 2.
Emergency release
Pull the lever in the luggage compartment. The
luggage compartment lid is unlocked.
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, other-
wise 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 alarm system signals unauthorized entry
attempts for a short time by means of:
>An acoustic alarm
>Switching on the hazard warning flashers
>Flashing the high beams
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.
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
page31. 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.

Driving tips
119Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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 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 are located on the inside rear wall of
the luggage compartment 1, and two others
are on the side walls of the luggage com-
partment 2.
Comply with the information provided 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 page220, 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. Comply with the precautions
included with the installation instructions.

Mobility
213Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle.
Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative pole.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
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 slightly
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 the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles. than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in 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 page205.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
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 page52, otherwise the low-beam

Giving and receiving assistance
214 headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. If the
electrical system fails, do not attempt to tow-
start or tow away the car. The electric steering
wheel lock cannot be disengaged and the car is
not steerable. Jump starting, refer to page212.
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.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page57.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Sequential manual gearbox SMG
With the ignition switched on, engage selector
lever position N, and then switch the ignition
back off.
Towing with a 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.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a 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.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
323i*, 325i, 330i
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, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
325xi, 330xi
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported on a flatbed surface
only.

Reference 227
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Audio device,
external107,162
"Audio" tone settings145
"Auto. headlamps"94
Automatic
– air distribution98
– air flow rate98
– cruise control60,62
– headlamp control93
– service notification179
– storing of stations149
Automatic climate control97
– automatic air distribution98
– settings via iDrive98
Automatic curb monitor46
"Automatic programs" with
automatic climate control99
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC99
Automatic station search149
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– interlock57
– overriding selector lever
lock58
– shiftlock57
– sport program58
"Automatic ventilation"101
AUTO program for automatic
climate control98
"Autostore"
– on the radio150
AUX-IN162
– port107
Average fuel consumption71
– setting the units73
Average speed70
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation135
"Avoid highways" in
navigation135
Avoid highways in
navigation135
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation135
Axle loads, refer to
Weights220"A - Z"172
B
Backrests, refer to Seats40
Backrest width adjustment42
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps
– replacing bulbs208
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps207
Balance, tone control145
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch212
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away214
Bass, tone control145
Bass sounds, refer to Tone
control145
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass145
Battery209
– charging209
– disposal37,209
– jump starting212
– temporary power failure209
Battery renewal
– remote control37
Being towed213
Belts, refer to Safety belts45
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts45
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders107
Black ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning69
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate99
BMW Assist178
– enabling178
– services offered179
"BMW Contact"182
"BMW Contact
Numbers"182
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System203
"BMW Service"180"BMW Service settings"179
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control84
Brake fluid202
– level too low202
– warning lamp202
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements74
Brake Force Display90
Brake hydraulics, refer to
Brakes202
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display90
– replacing bulbs208
Brake pads, breaking in116
Brake rotors118
– brakes116
– breaking in116
Brakes
– ABS84
– BMW Maintenance
System203
– brake fluid202
– brake pads202
– breaking in116
– handbrake54
– service requirements74
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely117
Brake system116
– BMW Maintenance
System203
– brake fluid202
– brake pads202
– breaking in116
– disc brakes118
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance211
Breaking in
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG116
Breaking in the clutch116
Breaking in the
differential116
Break-in period116

Everything from A - Z
228 "Brightness"on the control
display82
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs205
Burned fuel
– refer to Average
consumption71
Button for starting engine52
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
warning6
"Call"172
Call
– accepting170
– displaying accepted172
– ending171
– in absence172
– starting171
Calling
– from phone book171
– from Top 8 list172
– redialing172
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders107
Capacities221
Capacity of luggage
compartment220
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery209
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"71
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing119
Cargo loading
– stowing cargo119
– vehicle118
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochureCaring 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 points209
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control28
Car phone166
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest106
– refer to Mobile phone166
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio148
Car wash118
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system116
"Categories"154
CBS Condition Based
Service203
"CD"144,156
CD changer156
– controls144
– fast forward/reverse160
– installation location160
– playing a track158
– random order159
– repeating a track159
– selecting a CD156
– selecting a track157
– switching on/off144
– tone control145
– volume145CD player156
– controls144
– fast forward/reverse160
– playing a track158
– random order159
– repeating a track159
– selecting a track157
– switching on/off144
– tone control145
– volume145
Center armrest106
Center brake lamp
– replacing bulbs208
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking
– from inside32
– from outside29
Central locking system29
– convenient access35
Changing bulbs205
Changing the language on the
Control Display82
Changing the measurement
units on the Control
Display73
Changing wheels209
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment199
Check Control79
"Check Control
messages"80
Check Gas Cap186
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure188
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH50
Child-restraint systems49
Child-safety lock51
Child seats49
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter108
– socket108

Reference 231
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Emergency release
– luggage compartment lid
from inside34
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance211
Emissions test, refer to
Service requirements74
"Enable services"179
"End call"171
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control70
Energy Control70
Engine
– breaking in116
– data218
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature69
– speed218
– starting53
– starting, convenient
access35
– switching off53
Engine compartment199
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant201
Engine oil
– adding201
– BMW Maintenance
System203
– checking level199
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements74
"Engine oil level"200
Engine output, refer to Engine
data218
Engine speed218
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine53
"Enter address"126
Entering destination126
Entering the address128
Entering the intersection127
"Entertainment"144
"Entertainment
settings"145,152
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control70"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control146
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control146
Error messages, refer to
Check Control79
"ESN"154
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control84
Event data recorders204
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system
116
Exterior mirrors45
– adjusting45
– automatic dimming
feature117
– automatic heating46
External audio
device107,162
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away213
– for tying down loads119
F
Fader, tone control145
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control79
Failure of an electrical
consumer209
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts45
Fastest route for
navigation134
Fast forward
– CD changer160
– CD player160
"Fast route" in navigation135
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control101
First aid pouch212Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock52
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight106
Flash when locking/
unlocking31
Flat
– Run-Flat Tires196
Flat Tire Monitor FTM88
– indicating a flat tire89
– initializing the system88
– malfunction89
– snow chains88,197
– system limits88
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition195
"FM", waveband144,148
FM, waveband148
Fog lamps95
– indicator lamp13,95
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely117
Footwell lamps96
For your own safety5
Front airbags90
Front seat adjustment40
"FTM"88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor88
Fuel186
– display70
– high-quality brands186
– quality186
– specifications186
– tank capacity221
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge
70
Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption71
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Fuel filler door186
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction186
Fuses209

Everything from A - Z
232
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control103
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel186
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Gasoline engine, checking oil
level199
Gear indicator
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG55
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic57
– manual transmission54
– sequential manual gearbox
SMG55
Gearshifts
– with automatic
transmission57
– with manual transmission54
– with the sequential manual
gearbox SMG55
General driving notes116
Glass sunroof, electric38
– anti-trapping mechanism39
– closing after electrical
malfunction39
– convenient operation30,32
– opening, closing38
– operation with convenient
access36
– raising38
– remote control30
Glove compartment106
– rechargeable flashlight106
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system124
Grills97
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights220
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs206
Handbrake54
– indicator lamp54
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight106
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD, refer to High Definition
Radio151
Head airbags90
Headlamp control,
automatic93
Headlamp cover206
Headlamp flasher58
– indicator lamp11,13
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs206
Head restraints42
– sitting safely40
Heated
– mirrors46
– rear window100
– seats43
Heating
– mirrors46
– rear window100
– seats43
Heating while at a standstill,
refer to Using residual
heat99
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo119
Height, refer to
Dimensions219
Height adjustment
– seats41
– steering wheel47
High beams95
– headlamp flasher95
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs206
High Definition Radio151
High water, refer to Driving
through water117Highways, refer to Route
criteria135
Hills117
Holders for cups107
"Home address" in
navigation134
Homepage4
Hood198
Horn10
Hot exhaust system116
"Hour memo"78
"House number" in
destination entry128
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control84
Hydroplaning117
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio151
Ice warning69
ID3 tag, refer to Information
about the track158
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness82
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control98
– changing language82
– date and time, setting77
– displays, menus17
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– selecting a menu item19
– status information20
– switching menu pages19
– symbols18
Ignition52
– switched off52
– switched on52
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness52
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on52
Ignition lock52