Page 203 of 248

Maintenance
202
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to the left on the driver's
side, on the underside of the instrument panel
under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The
exhaust-gas values worsen. Have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In
this case you should reduce speed and drive to
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Heavy engine misfiring led to serious damage
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can close when
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display light up. If
the cap is then tightened, the display will go out
within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with
a device for recording or transmitting certain
vehicle data or information. If you have also
signed a contract of participation for BMW
Assist, certain vehicle data can be transmitted
or recorded to enable corresponding services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Page 216 of 248

Mobility
215Reference
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.
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.<
Page 230 of 248

Reference 229
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"BMW Service"181
"BMW Service settings"180
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders107
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control84
Brake fluid199
– warning lamp199
Brake force display89
Brake lamps
– brake force display89
– replacing bulbs205
Brake pads200
– breaking-in116
Brake rotors118
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System84
– brake fluid199
– brake force display89
– brake pads200
– breaking-in116
– handbrake58
– warning lamps13
Brake system116,199
– brake fluid level199
– brake pads116,200
– breaking-in116
– disc brakes118
– warning lamp199
Braking
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control84
– DBC Dynamic Brake
Control84
– electronic brake-force
distribution84
– refer to Braking safely117
Braking safely117
Breakdown assistance181
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance212
Breaking-in the clutch116
Breaking-in the
differential116
Break-in period116
"Brightness"81Brightness of Control
Display81
Button for starting engine56
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California laws
– Event Data Recorders202
California Proposition 65
Warning5
"Call"172
Call
– accepting171
– displaying accepted173
– ending171
– in absence173
– starting171
Calling
– from phone book172
– from Top 8 list173
– redialing173
– refer to telephone owner's
manual
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders107
Capacities222
Capacity
– of cargo area221
– of luggage
compartment221
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"74
Care202
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo
– refer to Loading118
– securing120
– securing with ski bag110Cargo area
– capacity221
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually35
– increasing111
– opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate35
– opening from inside35
– opening from outside35
– opening with remote
control31
Cargo area cover, Sports
Wagon111
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring 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 key, refer to Keys/remote
control
28
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
– with comfort access39
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system116
"Categories"154
CBC Cornering Brake
Control84