2006 BMW M5 tow bar

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
74 a signal tone sounds. The setting is stored for
the remote control currently in use.
iDrive, for explanation of principle, 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.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "PDC" is selected 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.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. This applies especially
in those cases where the system approaches
the physical constraints of ultrasonic measure-
ment, as occurs with tow bars and trailer cou-
plings, and in the vicinity of thin or wedge-
shaped objects. Low objects already displayed,
e.g. a curb, can disappear from the detection
area of the sensors again before a continuous
tone sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g.
ledges, cannot be detected. Loud sources of
sound, inside and outside the vehicle, could
drown out 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 locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely refer to page106.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking during curves or when braking
during a lane change, driving stability and steer-
ing response are improved further.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
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 the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC optimizes the vehicle stability and traction.
It also detects unstable driving states such as
understeering and oversteering, and helps
keep the vehicle on course within the physical
limits by reducing the engine output and by
braking at the wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start the
engine.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the

Replacing components
188
Replacing components
Onboard toolkit
The onboard toolkit is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wing nut to open.
Wiper blade replacement
1.Fold the wiper arm out and grasp firmly.
2.Press the safety tabs together while sliding
the wiper blade toward the front to disen-
gage it.
3.Mount the new wiper blade and slide in until
it is heard to engage.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to vehicle safety. You must be duly diligent
in replacing them. BMW recommends having
your BMW center perform any work that you do
not feel competent to perform yourself or that is
not described here.Never touch the glass of 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.<
A selection of replacement bulbs is available at
your BMW center.
Whenever you perform any work on the
electrical system, turn off the consumers
involved to prevent short circuits from occur-
ring. To avoid possible injury or equipment
damage when replacing bulbs, observe any
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
For care and maintenance of the headlamps,
please follow the instructions in the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
For bulbs for which changing is not
described, and for checking and adjusting
headlamp aim, please contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Xenon lamps
The service life of these bulbs 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.
Have work on the Xenon lighting system
performed only by your BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair

Mobility
199Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.
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.
>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.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page197. With a catalytic con-
verter, the vehicle should only be tow-started
with the engine cold.
If the electrical system fails, do not tow-
start or tow the vehicle, as otherwise the
electric steering-wheel lock cannot be
unlocked and the vehicle cannot be steered.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page53.
3.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
4.Move the selector lever into the drive posi-
tion and pull toward + within 2 seconds.
The correct gear will be selected and
engaged automatically.
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.

Reference 211
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Audio132
– controls132
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
"Audio", refer to Tone
control133
"Audio Aux"132,151
– on external audio device151
Audio device, external96
Automatic
– air distribution88
– air volume88
– headlamp control83
– service notification168
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit47
– storing stations137
Automatically switching
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant84
Automatic car washes106
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control87
– automatic air distribution88
– switching off90
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor46
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control83
– refer to Daytime running
lamps84
– refer to High-beam
assistant84
– refer to Interior lamps86
– refer to Pathway lighting83
Automatic low-beam function,
refer to High-beam
assistant84
"Automatic programs"88
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC90
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic station search137"Automatic ventilation"91
AUTO program for automatic
climate control88
"Autostore" on the
radio136,138
AUX-In
– connection96
– refer to External audio
device151
Average fuel consumption64
– setting the units72
Average speed, refer to
Computer63
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system123
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system123
Avoiding freeways for
navigation122
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system123
Axle loads, refer to
Weights204
"A - Z"160
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support41
Backrests, refer to Seats40
Backrest width41
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs189
"Balance", refer to Tone
control134
Balance, refer to Tone
control134
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit196
Bass, refer to Tone
control133
"Bass", tone control134
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery195
– jump starting197Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort
access37
– vehicle battery195
Battery replacement, remote
control with comfort
access37
Being towed198
Belts, refer to Safety belts44
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders96
Blower, refer to Air volume89
"BMW Assist"169
BMW Assist167
– enabling167
– services offered168
"BMW Contact"162
"BMW Contact
Numbers"162
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system186
"BMW Service"169
"BMW Service settings"168
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders96
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control74
Brake fluid185
– warning lamp185
Brake force display78
Brake lamps
– brake force display78
– replacing bulbs189
Brake pads185
– breaking-in104
Brake rotors106
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System74
– brake fluid
185
– brake force display78
– brake pads185
– breaking-in104
– handbrake55
– warning lamps13

Everything from A to Z
218 Last destinations, refer to
Destination list119
"Last seat pos."43
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system51
Length, refer to
Dimensions203
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs190
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs188
Lighter97
Lighter socket97
"Lighting"59,83
Lighting
– instruments86
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps83
– refer to High-beam
assistant84
Light switch83
"Limit"69
Loading
– securing cargo108
– stowing cargo107
– vehicle106
"Lock after driving"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33
Locking
– from inside33
– from outside31
– setting confirmation
signals31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access36
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside32
– from outside30
– setting confirmation
signals31
Locking out, refer to
Unlocking36
Locking without key, refer to
Comfort access36
Low beams83
– automatic83
– indicator lamp13Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support41
Lug bolts193
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting194
– wrench193
Luggage compartment
– capacity204
– emergency release34
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening with remote
control31
– socket98
Luggage compartment lid33
– emergency release34
– locking with remote
control31
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening with remote
control31
– unlocking and locking from
inside32
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack108
Lumbar support41
LW, waveband136
M
M Dynamic Mode MDM75
– indicator lamp13,75
M Engine Dynamic Control58
– "P 400"58
– "P 500"58
– "P 500 Sport"58
M Mobility System190
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires180Maintenance
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models186
– refer to Service
requirements66
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models186
Maintenance system186
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control67
Manual air distribution89
Manually controlled recircu-
lated air90
"Manual" on the radio137
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door174
– glass sunroof39
– luggage compartment lid34
"Map direction of travel"126
Map display126
Map display facing north126
"Map facing north"126
Map for navigation
– changing scale126
– destination entry117
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling89
Maximum speed for winter
tires180
MDM, refer to M Dynamic
Mode75
"MDrive"48,75
MDrive48
"M Dynamic Mode"75
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory42
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Microfilter91
Microphone
– for telephone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature105

Everything from A to Z
222 Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System74
– airbags78
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control74
– safety belts44
Satellite radio141
– enabling channel142
– selecting channel142
– storing channel142
"SAT" with radio132,142
"Save current
destination"122
"Scan"
– sampling stations137
– sampling tracks147
Scan
– CD changer147
– CD player147
– radio137
"Scan all" in audio mode147
"Scan directory" in audio
mode147
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting198
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio141
"Seat heater distribution"45
Seats40
– active backrest width
adjustment41
– adjusting backrest width41
– adjusting height41
– adjusting shoulder
support41
– adjusting the seats40
– adjusting thigh support41
– easy entry/exit42
– heating45
– lumbar support41
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory42
– sitting safely40
– storing the setting42
– ventilation, refer to Active
seat ventilation45Securing load
– refer to Securing cargo108
– with ski bag, refer to
Securing cargo100
"Select as destination"119
"Select current speed"70
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operation via iDrive132
Selecting frequency
manually
137
Selecting menu items19
Selecting new scale for
navigation126
Selecting route122
Selection options with
navigation system122
Selector lever55
Selector lever lock, refer to
Shiftlock55
Selector lever positions55
Sequential Manual Trans-
mission with Drivelogic55
– Drivelogic driving
programs57
– idle56
– initializing system, refer to
After changing wheels/
tires180
– reverse gear56
– Sequential mode56
– shift lights58
– shiftlock55
Sequential mode56
"Service"66,168
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance197
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US
models186
Service interval indicator, refer
to Service requirements66
"Service notification"168
"Service Request"162,169
"Service
requirements"66,168
Service requirements66
– also refer to CBS Condition
Based Service186
"Service Status"168"Set"
– in audio mode132
– on trip computer65
"Set date"72
"Set service date"67
"Set time"71
Settings
– changing on Control
Display70
– clock, 12h/24h mode71
– configuring, refer to
MDrive48
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile29
Setting speed limit69
Setting time, refer to Prese-
lecting activation time91
"Set tire pressure"77
Shifting56
Shift lever55
Shift lights58
Shiftlock55
Shift paddles57
Shock absorber control, refer
to EDC Electronic Damping
Control76
Short commands of voice
command system205
"Short route" for
navigation123
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route122
Shoulder support41
"Show current position"118
"Show destination
position"118
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer148
– CD player148
Side airbags78
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs189
Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs189
Side window blinds, refer to
Sun blinds94
Signal horn, refer to Horn10