2008 BMW 525XI TOURING tow bar

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
90 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. For this reason,
drive with care; otherwise, there is a danger of
personal injury or property damage.
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 page136.
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.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
produces maximum braking force boosting and
thus helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during full braking maneuvers.
This system exploits all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.

Giving and receiving assistance
256 Sedan:
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page243.
Sports Wagon:
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side
panel in the cargo bay, refer to page243.
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 page61, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. Do not tow the
vehicle with the rear axle raised, as otherwise
the steering can turn to the left or right. When
the engine is stopped, there is no power assist. 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 and sport automatic
transmission
Before towing, manually release the
transmission lock, even if there is no mal-
function in the transmission. Otherwise there is
a risk that the transmission lock will engage dur-
ing towing.<
Manually unlocking and locking transmission
lock, refer to page65.
Do not exceed a towing speed of mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km; otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.
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
257Reference
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 a tow truck: xDrive
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.<
Have the BMW transported only on a flatbed
surface.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page254. 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.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page61.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
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.

Reference 271
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer80
– refer to Starting destination
guidance156
"Arrow display" in
navigation157
"Arrow display pop-up
instructions"143
Ashtray
– front124
– rear125
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist209
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems90
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control116
"Audio"169,171,176
Audio168
– controls168
– switching on/off168
– tone control169
– volume169
Audio device, external123
Automatic
– air distribution114
– air volume114
– cruise control71
– garage door opener120
– headlamp control107
– service notification211
– steering wheel
adjustment47
– storing stations174
– tailgate operation36
Automatic car washes136
Automatic climate control113
– automatic air
distribution114
– parked car ventilation117
– switching on and off117
– ventilation in rear117Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor53
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control107
– refer to Daytime running
lamps108
– refer to Interior lamps111
– refer to Pathway lighting108
– refer to Welcome lamps107
Automatic lights
– refer to High-beam
assistant109
Automatic low beams, refer to
High-beam assistant109
"Automatic programs"114
Automatic roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon127
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic speed reduction for
descents, refer to HDC Hill
Descent Control92
Automatic station search173
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– interlock64
– kick-down64
– manually unlocking and
locking transmission lock65
– shiftlock64
– towing256
– tow-starting257
– with comfort access39
"Automatic ventilation"118
AUTO program for automatic
climate control114
"Auto Request"211
"Autostore" on the
radio172,174
"AUX"168,187,188
AUX-In connection187
"AUX IN" in audio mode187
Average fuel consumption80
– setting units88
Average speed, refer to
Computer79"Avoid ferries" in
navigation154
"Avoid highways" in
navigation154
Avoiding freeways for
navigation154
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation154
Axle loads, refer to
Weights263
"A - Z"202B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support47
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs246
"Balance", refer to Tone
control170
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit254
Bass, refer to Tone
control169
"Bass", Tone control170
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery251
– jump starting254
Battery replacement, remote
control for comfort
access40
BC button, refer to
Computer79
Being towed256
Belts, refer to Safety belts50
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders124
Blower, refer to Air
volume115
"Bluetooth"195
"BMW Assist"210,211

Reference 279
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor94
– radio, refer to Storing
stations174
– refer to Power failure251
– refer to Setting time and
date86
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory47
"Input map"149
Installation location
– CD changer185
– drive for navigation DVD142
– mobile phone122
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions159
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer
to Instrument lighting111
Instrument lighting111
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control120
Interesting destination for
navigation149
"Interim time"86
Interior lamps111
– switching on with remote
control31
Interior motion sensor38
– switching off38
Interior rearview mirror53
– automatic dimming
feature54
Intermittent mode of the
wipers68
J
Jacking points250
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting254
Jump starting254
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
access38
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort access38
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile28
"Keypad"204
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile28
– spare key28
Kick-down, Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic64
Knock control221
L
Lamps
– refer to High-beam
assistant109
– refer to Parking lamps/low
beams107
Lamps and bulbs244
Lane limit lines, refer to
Leaving lane warning105
"Language / Units"88
– in navigation143,159
"Languages"88
– in navigation143,159
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo138
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list150
"Last seat pos."48
LATCH child restraint fixing
system57
Leather care241
Leaving lane warning105
LEDs light-emitting
diodes244
Length, refer to
Dimensions261
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs248
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs244Lighter124
"Lighting"67
Lighting
– instruments111
– lamps and bulbs244
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps107
Light switch107
"Limit"85
Loading
– securing cargo138
– stowing cargo138
– vehicle137
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo138
"Lock after driving"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33
Locking31
– confirmation signals31
– from inside33
– from outside31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals31
– from inside32
– from outside30
Low beams
107
– automatic107
– replacing bulbs245
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support47
Lug bolts250
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting250
– wrench249
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay
Luggage compartment lid33
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation34
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside34
– unlocking and locking from
inside32
– unlocking manually34

Everything from A to Z
284 Scan
– CD changer183
– CD player183
– radio173
"Scan all" in audio mode183
"Scan directory" in audio
mode183
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting256
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio178
"Seat heater distribution"51
Seats46
– active backrest width
adjustment47
– adjusting the seats46
– comfort seat46
– easy entry/exit47
– heating51
– 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 ventilation52
Securing load
– refer to Securing cargo138
– with ski bag, refer to
Securing cargo130
"Select as
destination"150,213
"Select current speed"85
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operation via iDrive168
Selecting distance with active
cruise control73
Selecting frequency
manually173
Selecting menu items19
Selecting route154
Selection options with
navigation system154Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic63,64
Selector lever lock, refer to
Selecting transmission
positions64
Self-leveling suspension94
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance254
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models237
"Service Info"81,211
,234
Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service237
– refer to Service
requirements81
"Service Request"204,211
"Service
requirements"82,211,234
Service requirements81
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service237
"Set"
– in audio mode168
– on trip computer81
"Set date"87
"Set service date"82
"Set time"87
Setting button, refer to
Controls, controller16
"Settings"216
– in unlocking30
– with BMW Assist214
Settings
– BMW Night Vision104
– changing on Control
Display86
– clock, 12h/24h mode87
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile28
– date87
– language88
– units of measure88
Settings menu, refer to
imenu17Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
times118
Shifting gears, Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic64
Shift paddles on steering
wheel66
Short commands of voice
command system265
"Short route" in
navigation154
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route154
Shoulder support46
"Show current position"149
"Show destination
position"149
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer184
– CD player184
Side airbags99
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs246
Side-mounted turn signals,
replacing bulbs
246
Side window blinds, refer to
Sun blinds121
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely45
– with airbags45
– with head restraint45
– with safety belts45
Ski bag129
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric41
– refer to Panorama glass
sunroof42
Slope assistant, refer to
Starting assistant93
Snap-in adapter
– mounting/removing207
– using194
Snow chains231
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics interface238

Reference 287
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Torch122
Torque
– lug bolts, refer to After
mounting250
– refer to Engine data260
Touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method204
Tow bar256
Tow fitting255
Towing255
– methods256
– tow fittings255
– with automatic and sport
automatic transmission256
– with manual
transmission256
"Town / City" in destination
entry145
Tow rope257
Tow-starting255
"TPM"96
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor96
– resetting system96
– system limits96
– warning lamp97
Tracks
– random sequence184
– sampling on CD183
– selecting with CD182
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control91
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control91
Traffic information for
navigation160
– depiction in route map162
– displaying161
– during destination
guidance163
– symbols162
"Traffic Info settings"161
Traffic jam
– displaying traffic
information160
– refer to Bypassing route
sections160Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– manually unlocking and
locking transmission lock65
– manual transmission63
– sport automatic
transmission66
– starting assistant93
– towing256
Transporting children
safely56
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo138
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread229
Treble, refer to Tone
control169
"Treble", Tone control170
"Trip computer"81
Trip computer80
Trip-distance counter
– refer to Trip computer80
– refer to Trip meter78
"Triple turn signal"67
Trip meter78
– also refer to Trip
computer80
Trip odometer, refer to Trip
meter78
Trunk, refer to Cargo bay
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate35
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions261
Turning lamps109
– replacing bulbs246
Turn signals67
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs246
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR228
"Units"88
Units
– average fuel
consumption88
– temperature88Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote
control120
Universal remote control120
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside33
– from outside30
– setting unlocking
behavior30
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38
Unlocking without key, refer to
Comfort access38
"Update services"215
USB audio interface188
"USB" in audio mode189
"Use current location as
address"152,153
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal251
– refer to Replacing battery40
Using turn signals67
V
Valve screw caps, refer to
After mounting250
Vehicle
– battery251
– breaking-in134
– loading137
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions261
– parking62
– weights263
"Vehicle / Tires" in
unlocking30
Vehicle care, refer to Care239
Vehicle jack249
– jacking points250
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position163
Ventilation117
– draft-free117
– in rear117
– while stationary117