2007 BMW 550I tow bar

Controls
87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Turn the controller until "Settings" is
selected and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller until "Vehicle / Tires" is
selected and press the controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "PDC" is selected and press
the controller.
6.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. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those encountered with tow bars and trailer cou-
plings, or thin and wedge-shaped objects etc.
Low objects already displayed, e. g. curbs, can
also disappear from the detection area of the
sensors again before or after a continuous tone
already 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 page127.
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.

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.<

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
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
262 Replacing wheels/tires, refer
to New wheels and tires214
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve
– warning, refer to Fuel
gauge76
"Reset"91,93
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings163
"Reset" of tone settings163
"Reset" stopwatch82
"resetting FTM …"92
Residual heat110
Restraint systems
– for children55
– refer to Safety belts50
Retaining straps, refer to
Storage area package,
Sports Wagon121
Retreaded tires214
Reverse, fast
– CD changer177
– CD player177
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– manual transmission62
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission63
Road map148
"Roadside
Assistance"190,197
Roadside Assistance232
Roadside parking lamps105
– replacing bulbs224
Roller sun blind, refer to Sun
blinds114
Roll-up cover, Sports
Wagon119
Roof load capacity241
Roof-mounted luggage
rack130
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing233
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16Route145
– bypassing sections151
– changing151
– changing criteria145
– displaying148
– displaying arrow display148
– displaying map view148
– displaying streets or towns/
cities149
– selecting145
Route information, refer to
Destination guidance with
voice instructions
150
Route map, refer to Displaying
map view148
Route selection145
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires213
Rubber parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Run-Flat Tires
– Flat Tire Monitor91
Run-flat tires213
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire92,94
– flat tire92,94
– new wheels and tires214
– tire inflation
pressure92,94,208
– Tire Pressure Monitor92
– tire replacement214
– winter tires214
S
Safety5
Safety belts50
– damage50
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– sitting safely45
– warning lamp50
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags96
– refer to Safety belts50Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System87
– airbags96
– driving stability control
systems87
– safety belts50
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires213
Satellite radio169
– enabling channel169
– selecting channel170
– storing channel170
"SAT" for radio161,169
"Save current
destination"144
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD175
– stations with radio165
Scan
– CD changer175
– CD player175
– radio165
"Scan all" in audio mode175
"Scan directory" in audio
mode175
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting234
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio169
"Seat heater distribution"51
Seats46
– active backrest width
adjustment47
– adjusting the seats46
– comfort seat46
– easy entry/exit47
– heating50
– lumbar support47
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
– shoulder support46
– sitting safely45
– storing the setting47
– thigh support46
– ventilation, refer to Active
seat ventilation51

Everything from A to Z
266 Tone on locking/unlocking31
Tools, refer to Onboard
toolkit222
"Top 8" for mobile phone188
Torque
– lug bolts, refer to After
mounting228
– refer to Engine data238
Touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method190
Tow bar234
Tow fitting233
Towing233
– methods234
– tow fittings233
– with automatic
transmission234
– with manual
transmission234
– with SMG Sequential
Manual Transmission234
"Town / City" for destination
entry136
Tow rope235
Tow-starting233
"TPM"93
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor92
– resetting system93
– system limits93
– warning lamp94
Track
– sampling on CD175
– selecting with CD174
Tracks
– random play sequence176
Track width, refer to
Dimensions239
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control88
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control88Traffic congestion
– bypassing154
– displaying traffic
information151
– refer to Bypassing route
sections151
"Traffic Info"151
Traffic information for
navigation
– depiction in route map153
– displaying152
– during destination
guidance154
– symbols153
Traffic information with
navigation151
– selecting stations152
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– deactivating selector lever
interlock on automatic
transmission with
Steptronic65
– manual transmission62
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission62
– starting assistant127
– towing234
Transporting children
safely55
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo130
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread213
"Treble", refer to Tone
control162
Treble, refer to Tone
control162
"Trip computer"78
Trip computer77
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer75
"Triple turn signal"66
Trip odometer75
Trunk, refer to Cargo bay
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate35Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions239
Turn signals65
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs224
U
Underbody protection, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR212
"Units"85
Units
– average fuel
consumption85
– temperature85
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote
control113
Universal remote control113
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside33
– from outside30
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38
Unlocking without key, refer to
Comfort access38
"Update services"200
"Use current location as
address"143,144
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal229
– refer to Replacing battery40
Using turn signals65