Giving and receiving assistance
234 Sedan:
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page222.
Sports Wagon:
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side
panel in the cargo bay, refer to page222.
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
Press the arrow symbol on the cover in the
bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page59, 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 page232. 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.
Changing selector lever position, refer to Deac-
tivating selector lever interlock page65.
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 Transmission
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.
Mobility
235Reference
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 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.<
The BMW may only be transported 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 page232. With a catalytic con-
verter, tow-starting should only be carried out
with the engine cold, and with automatic trans-
missions, the engine cannot be started by tow-
starting.
If the electrical system fails, do not tow-
start or tow the vehicle, 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 page59.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. For information on 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.
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select the Sequential mode. The correct
gear will be selected and engaged automat-
ically.
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent
Control of the 525xi, 530 xi during tow-
starting, refer to page89.<
Short commands of voice command system
244
Navigation
Onboard info
FunctionCommand
To open navigation system134{Navigation}
To open "Enter address"{Enter address}
To open "New destination"{New destination}
To display "Input map"{Input map}
To display destination list{Destination list}
To display address book{Address book}
To display route criteria{Route preference}
To start destination guidance{Start guidance}
To end destination guidance{Stop guidance}
To display arrow display{Arrow display}
To display map display{Map}, {Map facing north},
{Map direction of travel} or
{Perspective}
To change scale{Scale ... miles} or
{Scale ... feet}
To display roads or towns/cities along route{Route list}
To switch on voice instructions{Navigation info on}
To switch off voice instructions{Navigation info off}
To repeat voice instructions{Repeat navigation info}
To open route {Route menu}
To open "New route"{New route}
To display current position{Current position}
FunctionCommand
To open "Car Data"77{Car data}
To display computer77{Onboard info}
To display trip computer77{Trip computer}
To open stopwatch82{Stopwatch}
To open speed limit82{Limit}
To activate speed limit82{Limit on}
To deactivate speed limit82{Limit off}
Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system30
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights241
Approved engine oils218
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights241
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear118
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer77
– refer to Starting destination
guidance147
"Arrow display" for
navigation148
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
– front117
– rear117
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist196
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems87
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control110
"Audio"161,163,168
Audio160
– controls160
– switching on/off160
– tone control161
– volume161
Audio device, external116
Automatic
– air distribution108
– air volume108
– garage door opener113
– headlamp control103
– service notification198
– steering wheel
adjustment47
– storing stations165
– tailgate operation36Automatic car washes128
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control107
– automatic air
distribution108
– parked car ventilation111
– switching on and off110
– ventilation in rear111
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control103
– refer to Daytime running
lamps104
– refer to Interior lamps105
– refer to Pathway lighting103
"Automatic programs"108
Automatic roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon119
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic speed reduction for
descents, refer to HDC Hill
Descent Control89
Automatic station search165
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– deactivating selector lever
interlock65
– interlock64
– kick-down65
– selector lever interlock64
– shiftlock64
– sport program65
– tow-starting234,235
– with comfort access40
"Automatic ventilation"111
AUTO program for automatic
climate control108
"Autostore" on the
radio164,166
"AUX"161
AUX-In
– connection116
– refer to External audio
device179"AUX" with external audio
device179
Average fuel consumption77
– setting units85
Average speed, refer to
Computer76
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation145
"Avoid highways" for
navigation145
Avoiding freeways for
navigation145
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation145
Axle loads, refer to
Weights241
"A - Z"188,189
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support47
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs225
"Balance", refer to Tone
control162
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit232
"Bass", refer to Tone
control162
Bass, refer to Tone
control161,162
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery229
– jump starting232
Battery replacement
– remote control for comfort
access40
BC button, refer to
Computer76
Being towed234
Belts, refer to Safety belts50
Everything from A to Z
254 Driving stability control
systems87
Driving through water127
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes126
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function109
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function109
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control88
– indicator lamp13,88
– malfunction90
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control88
– activating88
– indicator lamp13,88
DVD for navigation134
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC87
Dynamic Drive90
Dynamic Driving Control63
"Dynamic route" for
navigation145
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC88
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC88
E
Easy entry/exit53
– backrest width47
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player160
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door206
– glass sunroof, electric43
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– tailgate36
Electric steering wheel
adjustment53
Electronic brake-force
distribution87
Electronic oil level check217
Emergency call231Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door206
– luggage compartment lid34
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission65
– tailgate36
Emergency operation, refer to
Moving manually
– glass sunroof43
– panorama glass roof44
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
cargo bay35
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance232
"Enable services"202
"End call"188
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control76
Energy Control76
Engine
– breaking-in126
– data238
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature75
– speed238
– starting60
– starting, with comfort
access38
– starting difficulties60
– switching off61
Engine compartment217
Engine coolant219
Engine oil
– adding218
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils218
– approved engine oil218
– checking oil level
217
– electronic oil level check217
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements78
– oil change218
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils218"Engine oil level"218
Engine output, refer to Engine
data238
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature75
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data238
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine60
"Enter address"136,142
Entering destination via town/
city name136
Entering intersection,
navigation137
Entering the
address135,138
Entering town/city for
navigation136
Entering zip code for
navigation137
"Entertainment"160
Entertainment sound output
on/off161
Entry map for destination140
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control76
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control163
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control163
"ESN"170
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control88
Event Data Recorders221
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system126
Exterior mirrors52
– adjusting52
– automatic dimming
feature53
– automatic heating52
– folding in and out52
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror52
Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
External audio
device116,179
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting233
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control162
Fader, refer to Tone
control162
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control80
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms38
– refer to Switching off
alarm38
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts50
– warning lamp50
Fastest route for
navigation145
"Fast route" for
navigation145
"Favorites" calling up with
radio167
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter111
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit232
First-aid kit232
Flashing
– during locking/unlocking,
refer to Setting confirmation
signals31
– Triple turn signal
activation66
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight115Flat tire
– changing wheels226
– compact wheel228
– Flat Tire Monitor91,92
– run-flat tires92,94,213
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor92
– warning lamp92,94
Flat tire, refer to Tire
condition213
Flat Tire Monitor91
– false alarms91
– initializing system91
– show chains215
– system limits91
– warning lamp92
Floor mat, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Floor mats/carpets, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir67
"FM", reception
range161,164
FM, waveband164
Fog lamps105
– indicator lamp13,105
Folding rear backrest119
Folding rear backrest, Sports
Wagon120
Fold-over rear backrest119
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely127
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps105
Forward, fast
– CD changer177
– CD player177
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive89
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria145
Front airbags96
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front115Front passenger airbags,
deactivating97
Front seat adjustment46
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor91
Fuel207
– average consumption77
– display76
– high-quality brands207
– quality207
– specifications207
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities242
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Fuel consumption display,
computer, average fuel
consumption77
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Fuel filler door206
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction206
Fuel-saving driving, refer to
Energy Control76
Full mobile phone preparation
package182
Full screen display, refer to
Switching assistance
window off21
"Full screen" with BMW Night
Vision102
Fuses229
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control113
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel207
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Gear changes
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission63
Everything from A to Z
258
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams103
Lamps and bulbs223
"Language / Units"85
"Language / Units" for
navigation150
"Languages"85
"Languages" for
navigation150
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo130
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list141
"Last seat pos."48
LATCH child restraint fixing
system57
LEDs light-emitting
diodes223
Length, refer to
Dimensions239
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs226
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs223
Lighter117
"Lighting"66,104
Lighting
– instruments105
– lamps and bulbs223
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps103
Light switch103
"Limit"82
Loading
– securing cargo130
– stowing cargo129
– vehicle128
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo130
"Lock after driving"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33Locking31
– confirmation signals31
– from inside33
– from outside31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals31
– from inside33
– from outside30
LOGIC 7162
Low beams103
– automatic103
– replacing bulbs223
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support47
Lug bolts228
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting228
– wrench226
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay
Luggage compartment lid34
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation34
– emergency release35
– locking separately34
– opening from inside34
– opening from outside34
– unlocking and locking from
inside33
– unlocking manually34
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
– comfort access39
Luggage net, refer to
Separation net120
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack130
Lumbar support47
LW, waveband164
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires214
Maintenance220
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models220
– refer to Service
requirements78
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models220
Maintenance system220
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control80
Manual air distribution109
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission63
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door206
– glass sunroof43
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission65
Manual transmission62
"Manual" with radio165
"Map direction of travel"149
Map display148
"Map facing north"149
Map for navigation
– changing scale149
– destination entry140
Map view facing north148
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling109
Maximum speed
– with compact wheel229
Maximum speed with winter
tires215
Everything from A to Z
260 "Next entertainment
source"54
Night Vision, refer to
BMW Night Vision100
Night vision device, refer to
BMW Night Vision100
"Night Vision off"101
"Night Vision on / off"54
"Normal", active backrest
width adjustment47
Nozzles, refer to Windshield
washer nozzles67
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing233
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for Onboard Diagnostics
interface221
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications207
Odometer75
Oil, refer to Engine oil217
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service requirements78
"On a new destination" for
navigation141
Onboard computer, refer to
iDrive16
"Onboard info"77
Onboard toolkit222
"On destination"141
"On location"141
Opening and closing
– comfort access38
– from inside33
– from outside30
– panorama glass sunroof43
– using remote control30
– using the door lock32
Operating principle, iDrive17Operation by voice for mobile
phone191
– adjusting volume192
– canceling192
– commands192
– correcting phone
number193
– dialing phone number193
– placing a call193
– redialing194
– voice phone book193
"Options"200
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17
Output, refer to Engine
data238
Outside air, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control110
Outside temperature
display75
– changing unit of measure85
– in computer85
Overview
– operating principle17
– radio control160
– screen display20
P
Panic mode31
Panorama glass sunroof43
– moving manually44
Park Distance Control PDC86
"Parked car operation"111
"Parked car ventilation"111
Parked car ventilation111
– activating activation
time112
– preselecting activation
times111
– switching on and off
directly111
Parked car ventilation system
– LED107
Parking, vehicle61
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control86Parking assistant, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control86
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake61
Parking lamps103
– replacing bulbs224
Parts and accessories6
Passenger airbags,
deactivating, refer to
Exception for front
passenger seat55
Passenger-side exterior
mirror, tilting down52
"Pathway lighting"104
Pathway lighting103
"PDC"87
"PDC display on"87
PDC Park Distance Control86
Personal Profile29
"Perspective"149
"Phone"184,187
Phone book186
– changing entry188
– creating and editing voice
phone book193
– deleting all entries190
– deleting entry190
– dialing phone number188
Phone numbers
– deleting from phone
book190
– dialing187
– most recent numbers189
– selecting in phone book189
– Top 8189
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof, electric42
– panorama glass sunroof44
– power windows41
Plasters, refer to First-aid
kit
232
Plastic, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
"Play" for radio171
"Play" in audio mode174
Plug-in unit for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock59