2006 BMW 525I towing

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>To changes in the vehicle's tilt if someone
attempts to steal the wheels or tow the
vehicle
>To interruptions in battery voltage
Unauthorized operations are briefly signaled by
the alarm system:
>with an acoustic alarm
>by switching on
the hazard warning flashers
>by flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming alarm system
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.
The luggage compartment lid/tailgate can also
be opened with the system armed with the
button on the remote control, refer to page33.
When the luggage compartment lid/tailgate is
closed, it is locked and monitored again.
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote control,
refer to page30, or
>insert the remote control as far as possible
into the ignition lock, refer to page56.
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:
doors, luggage compartment lid/tailgate or
rear window
* is/are not 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 seconds. 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 remote control is inserted into the
ignition lock, however for a maximum of
approx. 5 minutes: your vehicle has been
disturbed while you were away.
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.
Comfort access*
Comfort access enables you to access your
vehicle without having to hold the remote con-
trol in your hand. It is sufficient to carry the

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damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 Ibs. minus 750 Ibs. = 650 lbs.
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 permissible 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
seat back.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrest.
>Sports Wagon:
Pull out the partition net, refer to page111,
and ensure that carried items cannot pass
through the partition net.
Wrap sharp-edged of pointed objects which
could strike the rear window while driving.

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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.
3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems and valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page88.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
The driving characteristics change, for example
reduced track stability on braking, extended
braking distance, and altered self-steering
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction
with winter tires, these characteristics are more
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. You should re-equip with
wheels and tires of the original size as quickly as
possible.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page212.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping
over during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings are also lost
and must be updated:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page45.
>Time and Date
The values must be updated, refer to
page80.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again if necessary,
refer to page150.
>Navigation system
Wait until the system starts, refer to
page141.

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Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any electrical accessories in both
vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks,
always observe this sequence when con-
necting jumper cables.<
On your BMW the so-called starting-aid termi-
nal in the engine compartment acts as the bat-
tery positive terminal, also refer to the engine
compartment overview on page197. The cover
cap is marked with +.
1.Fold open the cover of the BMW starting-
aid terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
2.Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+ to
the positive terminal of the battery or a
starting-aid terminal of the vehicle provid-
ing assistance.
3.Attach the second end of the cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or to a start-
ing-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/–
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 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 at idle for several minutes
at slightly 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 discharged 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.<
Tow-starting and towing
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The screw-on tow-fitting must always be car-
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front or rear of the BMW.

Giving and receiving assistance
214 Sedan:
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page203.
Sports Wagon:
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side
panel in the cargo area, refer to page203.
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 vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
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 is switched on,
refer to page56, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. If the vehicle
electrical system fails, do not tow-start or tow
the vehicle. The electric steering-wheel lock
cannot be unlocked and the vehicle cannot be
steered. For information on jump starting, refer to page212. There is no power assistance with
the engine stopped. This then requires
increased effort for braking and steering. Active
steering is deactivated 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.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
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, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox
Engage selector lever position N with the igni-
tion switched on.
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result.<
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, otherwise it
will not be possible to reliably 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.

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>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
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.
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With tow truck for 525xi, 530xi
Do not tow the BMW with the front or rear
axle raised individually, otherwise the
wheels may block and the transfer case may be
damaged.<
The BMW may only be transported on a truck
bed.
Tow-starting
If the vehicle electrical system fails, do not
tow-start or tow the vehicle. The electric
steering-wheel lock cannot be unlocked and
the vehicle cannot be steered. Jump starting,
refer to page212.<
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission.Only tow-start vehi-
cles with a catalytic converter with the engine
cold. It is better to jump start the engine, refer to
page212.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on ignition, refer to page56.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. Vehicles with SMG, see
below.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch again completely.
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 Gearbox:
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select Sequential mode. The correct gear
will be selected and engaged automatically.
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent
Control of the 525xi, 530 xi during tow-
starting, refer to page86.<

Reference 233
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Mobility
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control84
Event Data Recorders202
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system116
Exterior mirrors49
– automatic dimming
feature117
– automatic heating49
– folding in and out49
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror50
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting213
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control146
Fader, refer to Tone
control146
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control77
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms37
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts47
– warning lamp47
Fastest route for
navigation134
"Fast route" for
navigation135
"Favorites" calling up with
radio151
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit212
First-aid kit212
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight106Flat tire
– changing wheels207
– compact wheel208
– Flat Tire Monitor87,88
– run-flat tires88,194
Flat Tire Monitor87
– false alarms88
– initializing system88
– limits of system88
– show chains195
– warning lamp88
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition193
"FM", reception
range144,148
FM, waveband148
Fog lamps97
– indicator lamp13,97
Folding rear seat
back109,111
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely117
Footwell lamps97
For specified oil grades, refer
to Approved engine oils198
Forward, fast
– CD changer161
– CD player161
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive85
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria135
Front airbags90
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front106
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating90
Front seat adjustment44
"FTM"88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor87
Fuel187
– capacity222
– display73
– high-quality brands187
– quality187
– specifications187Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Fuel consumption display,
computer, average fuel
consumption73
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Fuel filler door186
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction186
Fuses210
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control104
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel187
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Gear changes
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox60
Gear display
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox59
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission58
Gearshift lever positions,
manual transmission58
General driving notes116
Glass sunroof, electric40
– auto-remote operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access38
– moving manually41
– remote control30
Glove compartment105
– lighting105
– rechargeable flashlight106
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system124

Reference 235
At a glance
Controls
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Mobility
Indicator/warning lamps
– active steering89
– airbags91
– brake fluid199
– brake pads200
– DSC13,85
– DTC13,85
– Flat Tire Monitor88
– fog lamps13
– safety belt warning47
Indicator and warning
lamps13
Individual air distribution100
Individually programmable
buttons on steering
wheel51
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile29
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure188
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor87
Information
– on another location130
– on country130
– on current position130
– on destination location130
"Information" for
navigation131
"Information on
destination"132
"Initializing..."88
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor88
– radio, refer to Storing
stations150
– refer to Power failure209
– refer to Setting time and
date80
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory45
"Input map"130
Installation location
– CD changer161
– mobile phone106
– navigation drive124
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions139Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer
to Instrument lighting97
Instrument lighting97
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control
104
Interesting destination for
navigation130
"Interim time"80
Interior lamps97
– switching on with remote
control31
Interior motion sensor37
– switching off37
Interior rearview mirror50
– automatic dimming
feature117
Interlock on automatic
transmission61
Intermittent mode of the
wipers63
J
Jacking points208
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting212
Jump starting212
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
access37
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort access37
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile29
"Keypad"174
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile29Kick-down
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox60
Knock control187
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams94
Lamps and bulbs203
"Languages"82
"Languages" for
navigation139
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo120
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list131
"Last seat pos."46
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system54
Length, refer to
Dimensions219
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs206
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs206
Lighter108
Lighter socket108
"Lighting"63,94
Lighting
– instruments97
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps94
– refer to High-beam
assistant95
Light switch94
"Limit"79
Loading
– securing cargo120
– stowing cargo119
– vehicle118
"Lock after driving off"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33