2008 BMW 535XI tow bar

Controls
91Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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
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
250 Sedan:
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page237.
Sports Wagon:
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side
panel in the cargo bay, refer to page237.
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 automati-
cally be engaged during towing.<
Manually unlocking and locking transmission
lock, refer to 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.<
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
251Reference
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 528xi, 535xi
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 vehicle transported on a flatbed sur-
face only.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page248. 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 265
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer80
– refer to Starting destination
guidance156
"Arrow display" for navigation
system157
"Arrow display pop-up
instructions"143
Ashtray
– front125
– rear126
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist209
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems91
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control117
"Audio"169,171,176
Audio168
– controls168
– switching on/off168
– tone control169
– volume169
Audio device, external124
Automatic
– air distribution115
– air volume115
– cruise control70
– garage door opener121
– headlamp control108
– service notification211
– steering wheel
adjustment47
– storing stations174
– tailgate operation36
Automatic car washes137
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochureAutomatic climate control114
– automatic air
distribution115
– parked car ventilation118
– switching on and off118
– ventilation in rear118
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor53
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control108
– refer to Daytime running
lamps109
– refer to High-beam
assistant110
– refer to Interior lamps
112
– refer to Pathway lighting109
– refer to Welcome lamps108
Automatic low beams, refer to
High-beam assistant110
"Automatic programs"115
Automatic roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon128
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic speed reduction for
descents, refer to HDC Hill
Descent Control93
Automatic station search173
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– interlock64
– kick-down64
– manually unlocking and
locking transmission lock65
– shiftlock64
– towing250
– tow-starting251
– with comfort access39
"Automatic ventilation"119
AUTO program for automatic
climate control115
"Auto Request"211
"Autostore" on the
radio172,174
"AUX"169,188,189AUX-In connection188
"AUX IN" in audio mode188
Average fuel consumption80
– setting units88
Average speed, refer to
Computer79
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system154
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system154
Avoiding freeways for
navigation154
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system154
Axle loads, refer to
Weights257
"A - Z"202
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support47
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs240
"Balance", refer to Tone
control170
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit248
Bass, refer to Tone
control169
"Bass", tone control170
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery245
– jump starting248
Battery replacement, remote
control for comfort
access40
BC button, refer to
Computer79
Being towed250
Belts, refer to Safety belts50
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders125

Everything from A to Z
278 Run-flat tires227
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire96,98
– flat tire96,98
– Flat Tire Monitor95
– new wheels and tires227
– tire inflation
pressure96,98,220
– Tire Pressure Monitor97
– tire replacement227,228
– winter tires228
S
Safety5
Safety belts50
– damage51
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– sitting safely45
– warning lamp50
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags100
– refer to Safety belts50
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System91
– airbags100
– driving stability control
systems91
– safety belts50
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires227
Satellite radio179
– enabling channel179
– selecting channel180
– storing channel180
"SAT" with radio169,179
"Save current
destination"153
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD184
– stations with radio173
Scan
– CD changer184
– CD player184
– radio173"Scan all" in audio mode184
"Scan directory" in audio
mode184
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting250
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio179
"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 cargo131
"Select as
destination"150,213
"Select current speed"85
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operation via iDrive168
Selecting distance with active
cruise control72
Selecting frequency
manually173
Selecting menu items19
Selecting route154
Selection options with
navigation system154
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic64Selector lever lock, refer to
Selecting transmission
positions64
Self-leveling suspension95
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance248
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models235
"Service Info"81,211,232
Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service235
– refer to Service
requirements81
"Service Request"204,211
"Service
requirements"82,211,232
Service requirements81
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service235
"Set"
– in audio mode169
– on trip computer81
"Set date"87
"Set service date"82
"Set time"87
Setting button, refer to
Controls, controller16
"Settings"215
– for BMW Assist213
– for unlocking30
Settings
– BMW Night Vision105
– changing on Control
Display86
– clock, 12h/24h mode87
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile29
– date87
– language88
– units of measure88
Settings menu, refer to
imenu17
Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
times119

Reference 281
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror53
"Time"87
"Time format"87
Timer, refer to Preselecting
activation times119
"Timer 1" for parked-car
ventilation119
"Timer 2" for parked-car
ventilation119
Tire inflation pressures220
Tire pressure loss96,97
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM97
Tire Quality Grading226
Tire replacement, new wheels
and tires227
Tires
– age226
– air loss96,98
– breaking-in134
– changing227
– condition227
– damage227
– flat tire, refer to Changing
wheels242
– inflation pressure220
– new wheels and tires227
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor95
– pressure monitoring, refer to
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor97
– replacing242
– retreaded tires228
– run-flat tires227
– size225
– tread227
– wear indicators227
– wheel/tire combination227
– winter tires228
Tire trouble
– changing wheels242
– compact wheel244
TMC station, refer to Traffic
information160"Tone"169
Tone dialing method204
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting169
– middle setting171
Tone on locking/unlocking31
Tools, refer to Onboard
toolkit237
"Top 8" for mobile phone202
Torque
– lug bolts, refer to After
mounting
244
– refer to Engine data254
Touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method204
Tow bar250
Tow fitting249
Towing249
– methods250
– tow fittings249
– with automatic and sport
automatic transmission250
– with manual
transmission250
"Town / City" for destination
entry145
Tow rope251
Tow-starting249
"TPM"97
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor97
– resetting system97
– system limits97
– warning lamp98
Tracks
– random sequence185
– sampling on CD184
– selecting with CD183
Track width, refer to
Dimensions255
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control92
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control92Traffic 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
sections160
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– manually unlocking and
locking transmission lock65
– manual transmission63
– sport automatic
transmission66
– starting assistant94
– towing250
Transporting children
safely56
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo138
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread
227
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
Trunk, refer to Cargo bay
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate35
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions255