2008 BMW 550I tow

Mobility
249Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any electrical systems and com-
ponents in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks,
follow this sequence when connecting
jumper cables.<
In your BMW, the so-called jump-starting termi-
nal in the engine compartment serves as a pos-
itive terminal for the battery, also refer to engine
compartment overview on page231. The cover
cap is marked with a +.
1.Fold open the cover of the BMW jump-
starting terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
2.Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+
to the positive terminal of the battery or a
jump-starting terminal of the vehicle provid-
ing assistance.
3.Attach the second end of the cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or to a start-
ing-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/–
to the negative terminal of the battery or to
an engine or body ground of the assisting
vehicle.Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative terminal.
5.Attach the second end of the cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to the
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be
started.Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle
and allow it to run at idle for several minutes
at slightly increased speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
Always keep the screw-in tow fitting with the
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear
of the BMW.

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.

Short commands of voice command system
260
Navigation
Onboard info
FunctionCommand
To open navigation system142{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"80{Car data}
To display computer80{Onboard info}
To display trip computer80{Trip computer}
To open stopwatch86{Stopwatch}
To open speed limit85{Limit}
To activate speed limit85{Limit on}
To deactivate speed limit85{Limit off}

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
270 Electric steering wheel
adjustment54
Electronic brake-force
distribution91
Electronic oil level check232
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door218
– luggage compartment lid34
– tailgate35
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission65
Emergency operation, refer to
Moving manually
– glass sunroof42
– panorama glass sunroof44
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
cargo bay34
Emergency request247
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance248
"Enabled services"215
"Enable services"215
"End call"202
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control79
Energy Control79
Engine
– breaking-in134
– data254
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature78
– speed254
– starting62
– starting, with comfort
access38
– switching off62
Engine compartment231
Engine coolant233Engine oil
– adding233
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils233
– approved engine oil233
– checking oil level232
– electronic oil level check232
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements81
– oil change233
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils233
"Engine oil level"232
Engine output, refer to Engine
data254
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature78
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data
254
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine62
"Enter address"144,151
Entering destination via town/
city name145
Entering intersection,
navigation146
Entering the
address144,147
Entering town/city for
navigation145
Entering zip code for
navigation145
"Entertainment"168
Entertainment sound output
on/off169
Entry map for destination148
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control79
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control171
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control171
"ESN"179ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control92
Event Data Recorders236
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system135
Exterior mirrors53
– adjusting53
– automatic dimming
feature54
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out53
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror53
External audio device124
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting249
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control170
Fader, refer to Tone
control170
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control83
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms38
– refer to Switching off
alarm37
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts50
– warning lamp50
Fastest route for
navigation154
"Fast route" for
navigation154
"Favorites", calling up with
radio176
Filler neck for washer fluid69
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter118
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure

Reference 273
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview13
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure220
Inflation pressure monitoring
– refer to Flat Tire Monitor95
– refer to TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor97
Info menu17
Information
– on another location149
– on current position149
– on destination location149
"Information" for navigation
system149
Information menu, refer to
imenu17
"Information on
destination"151
"Info sources"81
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor95
– radio, refer to Storing
stations174
– refer to Power failure245
– refer to Setting time and
date86
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory47
"Input map"149
Installation location
– CD changer186
– drive for navigation DVD142
– mobile phone123
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions159
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer
to Instrument lighting112
Instrument lighting112
Instrument panel
– refer to Cockpit10
– refer to Instrument
cluster12
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control121Interesting destination for
navigation149
"Interim time"86
Interior lamps112
– switching on with remote
control31
Interior motion sensor38
– switching off38
Interior rearview mirror53
– automatic dimming
feature54
Intermittent mode of the
wipers68
J
Jacking points244
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting248
Jump starting248
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
access38
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort access38
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile29
"Keypad"204
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile29
– spare key28
Kick-down, Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic64
Knock control219
L
Lamps
– refer to High-beam
assistant110
– refer to Parking lamps/low
beams108
Lamps and bulbs238Lane limit lines, refer to
Leaving lane warning106
"Language / Units"88
– for navigation
system143,159
"Languages"88
– for navigation
system143,159
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo138
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list150
"Last seat pos."48
LATCH child restraint fixing
system57
Leaving lane warning106
LEDs light-emitting
diodes238
Length, refer to
Dimensions255
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs242
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs238
Lighter125
"Lighting"67
Lighting
– instruments112
– lamps and bulbs238
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps108
Light switch108
"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
Locking30
– confirmation signals31
– from inside33
– from outside30
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38

Reference 275
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
N
"Navigation"80,144
Navigation destination
– entering manually144
– home address153
– selecting via map148
Navigation drive, installation
location142
Navigation DVD142
Navigation instructions, refer
to Switching voice
instructions on/off159
Navigation system142
– address book151
– bypassing route
sections160
– destination entry144
– destination guidance in
assistance window142
– destination list150
– displaying current
position163
– displaying route157
– entering a destination
manually144
– entering destination via
voice147
– last destinations150
– navigation DVD142
– route list159
– searching for a special
destination149
– selecting destination using
information149
– selecting destination via
map148
– selecting route criteria154
– starting destination
guidance156
– switching off, refer to
Terminating/continuing
destination guidance156
– terminating/continuing
destination guidance156
– voice instructions159
– volume adjustment160"Navigation voice
instructions"55,159
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints49
"New address" for navigation
system151
"New destination"144,148
New remote control28
"New route"160
New wheels and tires227
"Next entertainment
source"55
Night Vision, refer to
BMW Night Vision104
Night vision device, refer to
BMW Night Vision104
"Night Vision off"106
"Night Vision on / off"55
Nozzles, refer to Windshield
washer nozzles69
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing249
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for Onboard Diagnostics
interface236
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications219
Odometer78
Oil, refer to Engine oil232
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service requirements81
"On a new destination" for
navigation system149
Onboard computer, refer to
iDrive16
"Onboard info"80
Onboard toolkit237
"On destination"149
"On location"149Opening and closing
– comfort access38
– from inside32
– from outside30
– panorama glass sunroof43
– using remote control30
– using the door lock32
Operating principle, iDrive17
Operation by voice for mobile
phone205
– adjusting volume206
– canceling205
– commands205
– correcting phone
number206
– dialing phone number206
– placing a call206
– redialing207
– voice phone book206
"Options"213
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17
Output, refer to Engine
data254
Outside air, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control117
Outside temperature
display78
– changing unit of measure88
– in computer88
Overview
– operating principle17
– radio control168
– screen display20