2009 BMW 135I tow

Giving and receiving assistance
132 Your BMW has a special nut as body ground or
negative pole.
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start 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 above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
It is stored with the onboard tool kit underneath
the floor mat in the cargo bay, refer to page124.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper:
Press the arrow on the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page47, otherwise the low-beam
headlamps, tail lamps, turn s i g n a l i n d i c a t o r s a n d
windshield wipers may be unavailable. Power
steering assistance is not available when the
engine is not running. Thus, braking and steer-
ing will require increased effort. Active steering

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
133
is not active and it will be necessary to turn the
steering wheel further.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing the selector lever position, refer to
page50.
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 the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
age may result.<
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
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 angle,
please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
With a 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.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
With a tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle
raised as this may cause the steering to turn.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to
page131. Vehicles with a catalytic converter
should only be tow-started when the engine is
cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission
cannot be tow-started at all.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page47.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
depressed all the way and slowly release
the clutch. After the engine starts, immedi-
ately depress the clutch completely again.
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.

Everything from A to Z
152
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System64
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to
Emergency Request130
Activated-charcoal filter84
Active steering70
Adaptive Head Light76
Additives
– coolant117
– engine oil116
Airbags71
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp72
Air conditioner79
Air distribution
– automatic83
– individual80
Air flow rate80,83
Airing, refer to
Ventilation81,84
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents79
Air pressure, checking, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure106
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,83
Air vents79
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications104
Alarm system24
– avoiding unintentional
alarms25
– interior motion sensor25
– switching off an alarm25
– tilt alarm sensor25
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires113Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,83
Antifreeze
– coolant117
– washer fluid53
Antilock Brake System
ABS64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights149
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights149
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest
88
Ashtray90
Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control83
Automatic
– air distribution83
– air flow rate83
– cruise control54
– headlamp control74
Automatic car wash, refer to
Car wash98
Automatic car washes120
Automatic climate control79
– automatic air distribution83
Automatic curb monitor42
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps74
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC83Automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– interlock50
– selector lever lock50
– shiftlock50
– towing132
– tow-starting132
AUTO program for automatic
climate control83
Average fuel consumption58
– setting the units60
Average speed58
Avoiding unintentional
alarms25
Axle loads, refer to
Weights149
B
Backrests, refer to Seats36
Backrest width adjustment37
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints38
Backup lamp, replacing
bulb127
Bag for skis, refer to Ski
bag92
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch130
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away133
Battery128
– charging128
– disposal27,128
– jump starting131
– temporary power failure128
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle27
Being towed132
Belts, refer to Safety belts41
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts41

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
153
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders89
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate80,83
BMW
– car shampoo123
BMW Maintenance
System118
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control65
Brake fluid
– service requirements61
Brake Force Display70
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display70
– replacing bulb127
Brake pads, breaking in96
Brake rotors98
– brakes96
– breaking in96
Brakes
– ABS65
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– braking safely98
– breaking in96
– parking brake49
– service requirements61
Brake system96
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– breaking in96
– disc brakes98
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance130
Breaking in the clutch96
Break-in period96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps
and bulbs124
Bulbs, changing124
Button for starting the
engine47
Buttons on the steering
wheel11C
California Proposition 65
warning6
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Capacities150
Capacity of the cargo bay149
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery128
Car care, refer to Care120
Care120
– automatic car washes120
– care products120
– carpets122
– CD/DVD drives123
– chrome parts122
– convertible top121
– displays123
– exterior120
– fine wood parts123
– headlamps121
– high-pressure washer120
– interior122
– leather122
– light-alloy wheels122
– paintwork121
– plastic parts123
– rubber seals122
– safety belts123
– sensors and cameras123
– upholstery and cloth
trim122
– washing the car
manually121
– windows121
– wiper blades121
Cargo, securing100
Cargo bay
– capacity149
– convenient access27
– enlarging, refer to Through-
loading system91
– lamp, refer to Interior
lamps77
– lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid23
– opening from outside23Cargo bay lid, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid23
Cargo bay net, refer to
Securing cargo100
Cargo loading99
– securing cargo100
– stowing cargo99
– vehicle99
Car jack
– jacking points128
Car key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control
18
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest88
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car shampoo123
Car wash98
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system97
Center armrest88
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulb127
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console14
Central key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Central locking
– from inside22
– from outside19
Central locking system19
– convenient access26
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing wheels127
Chassis number, refer to
Engine compartment115
Check Control62
Checking oil level115
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH45
Child-restraint systems44
Child seats44
Chrome parts123
Chrome polish123
Cigarette lighter90

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
155
Doors, emergency
operation22
DOT Quality Grades110
Draft-free ventilation81,84
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders89
Drive-off assistance, refer to
DSC65
Drive-off assistant66
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams74
Driving notes96
Driving off on hills, refer to
Drive-off assistant66
Driving stability control
systems64
Driving through water98
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes96
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function84
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control65
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control65
– indicator lamps65
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC65
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC
– indicator lamps66
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution65
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door104
– glass roof30
Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV65
Electronic oil level check115
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC65Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door104
– glass roof30
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission51
Emergency release, luggage
compartment lid24
Emergency Request130
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance130
Energy, saving
– saving fuel96
Engine
– breaking in96
– data146
– speed146
– starting48
– starting, convenient
access26
– switching off48
Engine compartment115
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant117
Engine oil
– adding116
– additives116
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– checking level115
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements61
– specified engine oils116
Engine output, refer to Engine
data146
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data146
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine48
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC65
Event data recorders119
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system97Exterior mirrors41
– adjusting41
– automatic dimming
feature43
– automatic heating42
– folding in and out42
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away132
– for tying down loads100
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control62
Failure of an electrical
consumer128
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts41
Filter of automatic climate
control, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter84
Filter of heating or air
conditioner, refer to
Microfilter81
First aid pouch130
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock47
Flash when locking/
unlocking21
Flat tire
– Run-Flat Tires112
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
Flat Tire Monitor FTM66
– indicating a flat tire67
– initializing the system66
– malfunction67
– system limits66
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition111
Fog lamps77
– indicator lamp77,134
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely98
Footwell lamps77
For your own safety5

Everything from A to Z
156 Front airbags71
Front seat setting35
Frost, removing from
windows, refer to Defrosting
windows81,84
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor66
Fuel104
– gauge57
– high-quality brands104
– quality104
– specifications104
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities150
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Fuel consumption display,
refer to Average fuel
consumption58
Fuel consumption statistics,
refer to Average fuel
consumption58
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Fuel filler door104
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction104
Fuses128
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control85
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel104
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Gear change
– with automatic
transmission50
– with manual transmission49
Gear display, with automatic
transmission49
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic50
– manual transmission49
General driving notes97Glass roof, electric29
– closing after electrical
malfunction30
– convenient operation22
– opening, closing29
– operation with convenient
access26
– pinch protection system29
– raising29
– remote control20
Glove compartment88
Grills, refer to Air vents79
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights149
H
Halogen lamps
– replacing bulbs125
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake49
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
Head airbags71
Headlamp control,
automatic74
Headlamp cover125
Headlamp flasher51
Headlamps
– replacing bulbs125
Head restraints37
Heated
– seats39
Heated mirrors42
Heating79
– mirrors42
– seats39
– steering wheel43
Heating, rear window81,84
Heating and ventilation79
Heating during a stop83
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo99
Height, refer to
Dimensions147
Height adjustment
– steering wheel43High beams76
– indicator lamp134
– replacing bulbs125
High-pressure
washer120,121
High water, refer to Driving
through water98
Hills98
Holders for cups89
Hood114
Hot exhaust system97
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control65
Hydroplaning97
I
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature
warning56
Identification marks
– tire coding110
Ignition47
– switched off47
– switched on47
Ignition key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness47
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on47
Ignition lock47
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13,134
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM69
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting77
Individual air distribution80
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile18
Inflation pressure, tires106
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM68

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
159
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access26
– garage door opener85
– luggage compartment lid20
– malfunctions21,27
– removing from the ignition
lock47
– service data118
Remote control key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses128
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs124
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires112
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Reservoir for washer
systems53
Residual heat83
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts41
Restraint systems for
children44
Retreaded tires112
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic50
– manual transmission49
Roadside Assistance130
Roadside parking lamps76
– replacing bulbs125
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements61
Rollover protection system,
convertible72
– resetting73
Roof load capacity149
Roof-mounted luggage
rack100
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away133RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires112
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires112
Run-Flat Tires112
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire67
– flat tire67
– new tires112
– remaining driving distance,
refer to Indication of a flat
tire
67
– tire inflation pressure106
– winter tires113
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-
Flat Tires112
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment41
Safety belts41
– damage41
– indicator lamp41
– reminder41
– sitting safely35
Safety systems
– airbags71
– Antilock Brake System
ABS64
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
– rollover protection system,
convertible72
– safety belts41
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires112
Saving fuel96
Screw thread for tow
fitting132
Seat and mirror memory39
Seat belt reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder41
Seats35
– heating39
– sitting safely35Securing cargo92,93
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic50
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance130
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance130
Service data in remote
control118
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS118
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS118
Service requirements61
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h format60
– date format60
Shifting gears with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic50
Shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever positions50
Side airbags71
Side windows, refer to
Windows27
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely35
– airbags35
– safety belt35
Ski bag92
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Glass roof, electric
29
Slot for remote control47
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray90
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest88
Snow chains113
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances90
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD119
Spare fuses128
Special oils, refer to Specified
engine oils116
Specified engine oils116

Everything from A to Z
160 Speed
– for winter tires113
Speed display, refer to
Speedometer12
Speedometer12
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic50
Spray nozzles, refer to
Windshield washer
nozzles53
Stability control,
refer to Driving stability
control systems64
Start/stop button47
– starting the engine48
– switching off the engine48
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine48
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting131
Starting the engine
– start/stop button47
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steam jet120,121
Steering wheel43
– adjustment43
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– heating43
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering70
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic49
Storage123
Storage compartment
package89
Storage compartments89
Storing
– seat position, refer to Seat
and mirror memory39
– telephone numbers, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Storing tires113
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments89Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires106
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine48
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button47
Switching the cooling function
on and off84
Symbols4
T
Tachometer56
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps126
– replacing bulb127
Tail lamps126
– replacing bulb127
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities150
Technical changes5
Technical data146
Telephone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest88
Telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Temperature, setting for
automatic climate
control81,82
Temperature display
– outside temperature56
– outside temperature
warning56
– setting the units60
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control54
Thigh support36
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp127
Three-point safety belt41
Through-loading system91
Tilt alarm sensor25
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror42
Tire inflation pressure106
– loss67Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor66
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
– resetting the system68
– system limitations68
– warning lamp69
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor67
Tire Quality Grading110
Tires
– age110,112
– air loss69
– breaking in96
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels127
– condition111
– damage111
– inflation pressure106
– labels110
– minimum tread depth111
– new tires112
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor66
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
– puncture67
– retreaded112
– Run-Flat Tires112
– size110
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth111
– winter tires113
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit124
Torque, refer to Engine
data146
Tow bar133
Tow fitting132
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away132
Towing132
– car with automatic
transmission132
– methods133
Towing and tow-starting132
Tow rope133
Tow-starting132