2006 BMW 650I CONVERTIBLE tow bar

Adjustments
48
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement and the
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
On the front passenger side as well, do not tilt
the backrest too far toward the rear. Failure to
observe this precaution can prevent the belt
from providing effective protection against
injury, as the passenger could slide under the
belt in an accident.<
Also follow the instructions regarding damage
to the safety belt on page52.
Convertible: with the wind deflector fitted,
do not incline the front seat backrests too
far backward if the seat is to be moved back to
the end position; otherwise, the wind deflector
will be damaged.<
Seat adjustment
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,
please follow the adjustment instructions on
page47.<
1Inclination
2Longitudinal direction
3Height
4Backrest
5Convertible: head restraints, refer to
page50With the sports seat
*, you can also adjust the
thigh support manually:
Pull the lever and move the thigh support in the
longitudinal direction.
Lumbar support* adjustment
You can also adjust the contours of the backrest
to obtain additional support in the lumbar
region.
The upper hips and spinal column receive sup-
plementary support to help you maintain a
relaxed, upright sitting position.
>Increase or decrease curvature:
Press front or rear of switch.
>Move curvature up or down:
Press top or bottom of switch.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
86 iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
4.Select "PDC" and press the controller.
5.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
The PDC screen is activated.
The display appears on the Control Display as
soon as PDC is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstacles always remains with
the driver. 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 con-
straints of ultrasonic measurement, as occurs
with tow bars and trailer couplings, and in the
vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped objects. Low
objects already displayed, e.g. a curb, can dis-
appear from the detection area of the sensors
again before a continuous tone sounds. Higher,
protruding objects, e.g. ledges, cannot be
detected. Loud noises from outside and inside
the vehicle may prevent you from hearing the
PDC signal tone.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array
of systems designed to enhance and maintain
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during hard braking. This increases active
driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. For information on safe braking, refer to
page115.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
This system provides further enhancements to
vehicle stability and steering response when
braking while cornering or when braking during
a lane change.
Electronic brake-force distribution
This system controls the brake system's appli-
cation pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal for
the duration of the braking maneuver. DBC is
switched off when the brake pedal is released.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when starting off and accelerating. DSC also
detects unstable driving conditions such as
fishtailing or sliding of the vehicle's front
wheels. In these cases, DSC helps the vehicle
safely stay on course within the physical limits
by reducing the engine output and by applying
the brakes differently in the individual wheels.

Mobility
197Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in the luggage
compartment under the floor mat.
Wiper blade replacement
1.Fold the wiper arm out and grasp it firmly.
2.Press the locking tabs together while slid-
ing the wiper blade toward the front to dis-
engage it.
3.Insert the new wiper blade and slide it in
until it audibly clicks into place.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to driving safety. You must be duly diligent
in replacing them. If you are not familiar with the
specified procedures, have the corresponding
work carried out at your BMW center.Never touch the glass on new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its
metal socket.<
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your BMW center.
Whenever you perform any work on the
electrical system, turn off the electrical
devices involved to prevent short circuits from
occurring.
To avoid possible injury or equipment damage
when replacing bulbs, follow any instructions
provided by the bulb manufacturer.<
When performing maintenance on the head-
lamps, follow the instructions in the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
In the case of bulbs whose replacement
is not described, please consult your
BMW center.<
Xenon lamps
The service life of these lamps is very long and
the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. In the unlikely event that one
of these lamps should fail, you can continue
driving under poor visibility conditions by
switching on your fog lamps and proceeding
carefully, where allowed by law.
Have work on the xenon lighting system,
including bulb changes, carried out only
by a BMW center. Due to the high voltage
involved, there is a danger to life and limb when
work is carried out improperly.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW center.<

Mobility
205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover in bumper:
Press the arrow symbol on the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page58; otherwise, the low-beam
headlights, tail lights, turn signals and wind-
shield wipers would not be available. If the vehi-
cle 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 page203. 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
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing 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 note the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be strictly limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
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.
Attach tow ropes to the tow fittings only, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<

Giving and receiving assistance
206
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.<
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 page203.<
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission. Only tow-start vehi-
cles with a catalytic converter when the engine
is cold. It is better to jump-start the engine, refer
to page203.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on ignition, refer to page58.
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.

Everything from A to Z
218 "Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control103
Audio140
– controls140
– switching on/off140
– tone control141
– volume141
"Audio", refer to Tone
control141
Automatic
– air distribution101
– air volume101
– headlamp control96
– service notification175
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit53
– storing stations145
Automatically switching
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant97
Automatic car washes116
– also refer to Comfort
access37
– also refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control100
– automatic air
distribution101
– convertible program101
– switching off103
Automatic curb monitor53
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control96
– refer to Daytime driving
lamps96
– refer to High-beam
assistant97
– refer to Interior lamps99
– refer to Pathway lighting96
"Automatic programs"101
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC103
Automatic station search145Automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– deactivating selector lever
interlock63
– Dynamic Driving Control64
– interlock62
– kick-down63
– selector lever lock,
Interlock62
– shiftlock62
– towing205
– tow-starting206
– with comfort access37
"Automatic ventilation"104
AUTO program with
automatic climate
control101
"Autostore" on the
radio144,146
Average fuel consumption75
– setting units83
Average speed75
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation131
Avoid freeways for
navigation130
"Avoid highways" for
navigation131
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation131
Axle loads, refer to
Weights210
"A - Z"168
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support48
Backrests, refer to Seats48
Backup lamps
– refer to Reverse gear61
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps199
"Balance", refer to Tone
control142Balance, refer to Tone
control142
Balance adjustment in audio
mode, right/left142
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit203
Bass, refer to Tone
control141
"Bass", tone control142
Bass, tone control141
Battery
– disposal38
– jump starting203
– refer to Vehicle battery200
Battery change38
Being towed205
Belts, refer to Safety belts51
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders109
Blower, refer to Air
volume102
"BMW Assist"176
BMW Assist174
– enabling174
– services offered175
"BMW Contact"178
"BMW Contact
Numbers"178
BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System195
"BMW Service"176
"BMW Service settings"175
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders109
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control86
Brake fluid193
– level193
– warning lamp193
Brake force display90
Brake hydraulic system193
Brake lamps
– brake force display90
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps199

Reference 229
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Rotary fuel controller, refer to
iDrive16
Route130
– bypassing sections136
– changing130,136
– display133
– displaying arrow display133
– displaying map133
– displaying towns/cities and
streets134
– list134
– selecting130
– selecting criteria130
Route map, refer to Map
view133
"Route preference",
changing130
Route selection130
Run-flat tires188
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire89
– flat tire89
– tire inflation pressure184
– tire replacement188
– winter tires188
S
Safety belts51
– damage52
– indicator lamp52
– sitting safely47
Safety belt tensioners, refer to
Safety belts51
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System86
– airbags90
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control86
– rollover protection system,
Convertible92
– safety belts51
Satellite radio149
– enabling channels150
– selecting channel150
– storing channel150
"SAT" on the radio140,150"Save current
destination"130
"Scan"
– playing a music track155
– playing stations145
Scan
– CD changer155
– CD player155
– radio145
"Scan all" in audio mode155
"Scan directory" in audio
mode155
Screw thread for tow
fitting205
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio149
Seats48
– adjusting48
– heating52
– lumbar support48
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory49
– sitting safely47
– sports seat48
– storing the setting49
– thigh support48
Securing cargo117
– ski bag111
Securing load, refer to
Securing cargo117
– ski bag111
"Select as destination"127
"Select current speed"81
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operating via iDrive140
Selecting distance for active
cruise control69
Selecting frequency
manually145
Selecting menu items19
Selecting new scale for
navigation system
display134
Selecting route130
Selection options with
navigation system130Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– manual transmission60
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox61
Selector lever interlock, refer
to Shiftlock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox61
Sequential Manual Gearbox
SMG61
"Service"77,175,191
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance203
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US
models195
Service interval display, refer
to Service requirements77
"Service notification"175
"Service Request"176,178
"Service
requirements"78,175,192
Service requirements77
– also refer to CBS Condition
Based Service195
"Service Status"175
"Set date"83
"Set" in audio mode140
"Set" in trip computer77
"Set service date"78
"Set time"82
Settings
– changing on Control
Display82
– clock, 12h/24h mode83
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile29
Setting speed limit81
Setting time, refer to Prese-
lecting activation time104
"Set tire pressure"89