2009 BMW 3 SERIES towing

Controls
33Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Press the window shut to close it.Make sure that the corners of any pointed
or sharp-edged cargo are padded if they
could bump against the rear window while the
vehicle is in motion, otherwise the heating ele-
ments of the rear window could be damaged. <
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood or the luggage com-
partment lid/tailgate is opened
> To movements inside the vehicle: Interior
motion sensor, refer to page 33
> When the car's inclination changes, for
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to
towing away
> When there is an interruption in the power
supply from the battery
The alarm system signals unauthorized entry
attempts for a short time by means of:
> An acoustic alarm
> Switching on the haza rd warning flashers
> Flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
You can open the luggage compartment lid/tail-
gate even when the alarm system is armed, by
pressing the button on the remote control,
refer to page 28. The lid is locked and moni-
tored again as soon as you close it.
Panic mode*
You can trigger the alarm system if you find
yourself in a dangerous situation:
Press the button for at least three seconds.
To switch off the alarm: press any button.
Switching off an alarm
> Unlock the car with the remote control, refer
to page 27.
> Insert the remote control all the way into the
ignition lock.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp un der the inside rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
> The indicator lamp flashes after locking:
doors, hood, luggage compartment lid/tail-
gate or rear window are not properly closed.
Even if you do not close the alerted area, the
system begins to monitor the remaining
areas, and the indicator lamp flashes con-
tinuously after approx. 10 seconds. The
interior motion sensor and the tilt alarm
sensor are not activated.
> The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
your vehicle has not been disturbed while
you were away.
> If the indicator lamp flashes after unlocking
until the remote control is inserted in the
ignition, but for no longer than approx.
5 minutes: your vehicle has been disturbed
while you were away.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm
system reacts, e.g. to attempts to steal a wheel
or tow the vehicle.
Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and glass roof must
be completely closed
*.
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Driving tips
117Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic cli-
mate control is in operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
General information on caring for your BMW
can be found on page218.
Sports Wagon: re ar window wiper
Driving through an automatic car wash can
result in damage to the rear window wiper. If
necessary, ask the operator of the car wash
about protective measures you should take.
With convenient access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition
switch.
The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page 218.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overlo ading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. This can ultimately
result in a sudden blow-out. <
Make sure that no liquids are spilled or
leak from their containers in the cargo
bay, as this could result in damage to the vehi-
cle. <
Determining loading limit
1. Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or YYY lbs. Otherwise, overloading
can result in damage to the vehicle and
unstable driving conditions.<
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your tra iler will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the availa ble cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
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Things to remember when driving
118
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of the occupants, the less cargo/lug-
gage can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Position heavy objects as low and as far for-
ward as possible, ideally directly behind the
respective seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
Sedan
Sports Wagon
> Use the partition net to protect passengers,
refer to page 107. Make sure that objects
cannot penetrate the partition net.
> Do not stack cargo hi gher than the upper
edge of the backrests.
> Place protective material around any
objects which could bump against the rear
window while the vehicle is in motion.
Securing cargo
>Secure smaller and lighter items using
retaining straps, a cargo bay net
* or draw
straps
*.
> Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes are
provided for attaching the cargo straps.
Two are located on the cargo bay
sidewalls 1, two more are on the rear cargo
bay panel 2.
Please comply with the information sup-
plied with the cargo straps.
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or swerving is necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the a pproved axle loads, refer
to page 241, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may al so place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car, since they could be thrown
around, for example as a result of heavy braking,
sudden swerves, etc., and endanger the occu-
pants.
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Giving and receiving assistance
232
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 consumers 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
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could
cause injury occur. <
Your BMW has a jump-starting connection in
the engine compartment which acts as the bat-
tery's positive terminal, refer also to the Engine
compartment overview on page 212. The cap is
marked with +.
1. Pull the cap of the BMW jump-starting con-
nection up to remove.
2. Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehi-
cle providing assistance.
3. Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
4. Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the nega tive 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 pole.
5. Attach the second te rminal 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 fe w 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 be fore 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 th e 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. <
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Mobility
233Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.
Sedan: it is stored in the onboard tool kit under-
neath the cover on the right-hand side of the
cargo bay, refer to page 222.
Sports Wagon: it is stored in the onboard tool kit
underneath the cover on the left-hand side of
the cargo bay, refer to page 222.
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 fi tting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Release the cover panel in the bumper:
Press on the upper part of the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page53, otherwise the low-beam headlamps, tail lamps, turn
signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased effort. Active
steering is not active an d 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 selector lever positions, refer to
page56.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph
or 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 vehicl e, 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 la teral 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.
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Giving and receiving assistance
234
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 pa rts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
With a tow truck: vehicle without xDrive
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.
With a tow truck: vehicle with xDrive
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up an d the transfer case
could be damaged. <
Have the BMW transported on a flatbed surface
only.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, refer to
page 231. 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 hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2. Switch on the igni tion, refer to page 53.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-st arted with the clutch
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
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.
With xDrive: do not activate Hill Descent
Control HDC when the vehicle is being
tow-started, page 82.<
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Everything from A - Z
250
Everything from A - Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display texts used to select
individual functions and
refers you to the page where
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake System 81
ACC, refer to Active cruise control 61
Accident, refer to Sending an Emergency Request 230
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control 97
Active cruise control 61
– indicator lamps 64
– malfunction 65
– selecting distance 63
– sensor 64
Active steering 87
Adaptive brake light
– brake force display 87
Adaptive Head Light 91
Additives
– coolant 215
Address, entering 123,129
Address for navigation
– entering 123,129
Adjusting temperature inside the car, refer to Automatic
climate control 95
Adjusting the thigh support 42
Adjusting the tone during audio operation, refer to
Tone control 142
Airbags 88
– indicator/warning lamp 89
– sitting safely 41
Air conditioning mode
– automatic climate control 95
– ventilation 97 Air distribution
– automatic
95
Air flow rate 95
Airing, refer to Ventilation 97
Air pressure, refer to Tire inflation pressure 195
Air recirculation, refer to Recirculated-air mode 96
Air supply
– automatic climate control 95
– ventilation 97
Air vents 94
AKI, refer to Fuel specifications 191
Alarm system 33
– avoiding unintentional alarms 34
– interior motion sensor 33
– switching off an alarm 33
– tilt alarm sensor 33
Albums of music
collection 159
All-season tires, refer to Winter tires 210
All-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 82
AM, waveband 145
Ambient

air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 96
Antenna for mobile phone 168
Antifreeze
– coolant 215
– washer fluid 59
Antilock Brake System ABS 81
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 33
Anti-theft system 27
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights 241
Approved gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 241Armrest, refer to Center
armrest 103
Arrival time, refer to
Computer 69
Ashtray
– front 104
– rear 105
Assistance systems, refer to Driving stability control
systems 81
AUC Automatic recirculated- air control 96
Audio 142
– controls 142
– switching on/off 142
– tone control 142
– volume 142
Audio device, external 103
Automatic
– air distribution 95
– air flow rate 95
– cruise control 59,61
– headlamp control 90
Automatic car washes 218
Automatic climate control 94
– automatic air distribution 95
Automatic curb monitor 47
Automatic recirculated-air control AUC 96
Automatic Service
Request 185
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 55
– interlock 55,56
– overriding selector lever lock 57
– shiftlock, refer to Changing selector lever position 56
– sport program 56
– towing 232
– tow-starting 232
AUTO program for automatic
climate control 95
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Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
AUX-IN
– port103
AUX-IN port 161
Average fuel consumption 69
– setting the units 71
Average speed 69
Avoid highways in navigation 133
Avoiding unintentional alarms 34
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 241
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support 43
Backrests, refer to Seat adjustment 42
Backrest width adjustment 43
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats 44
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb 227
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps 226
Band-aids, refer to First-aid pouch 231
Bar, refer to Towing methods 233
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 177
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment 103
Bass, tone setting 142
Battery 228
– charging 229
– disposal 35,229
– jump starting 231
– remote control 26
– temporary power failure 229
Battery for mobile phone 177
Battery renewal
– remote control 35
– remote control for vehicle 35
Being towed 233
Belts, refer to Safety belts 46Belt tensioner,
refer to Safety
belts 46
Beverage holders, refer to Cup holders 104
Blower, refer to Air flow
rate 95
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 170
Bluetooth, refer to separate Owner's Manual
BMW
– car shampoo 220
BMW Assist, activating 182
BMW Advanced Diesel 192
BMW Assist 181
BMW center 186
BMW Homepage 4
BMW Maintenance System 216
BMW Search 182
BMW webpage 4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders 104
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic Brake Control DBC 81
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 71
Brake force display 87
Br

ake lamps
– brake force display 87
– replacing bulb 227
Brake pads 114
– breaking in 114
Brake rotors 116
– brakes 114
– breaking in 114
Brakes
– ABS 81
– BMW Maintenance System 216
– brake force display 87
– breaking in 114
– parking brake 54
– service requirements 71
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 116 Brake system
114
– BMW Maintenance
System 216
– breaking in 114
– disc brakes 116
Breakdown services, refer to Roadside Assistance 230
Breaking in the clutch 114
Breaking in the differential, refer to Engine and
differential 114
Break-in period 114
Brightness of Control
Display 78
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 223
Button for starting the engine, refer to Start/stop button 53
Buttons on the steering
wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 6
Call
– accepting 171
– ending 172
– rejecting 172
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 172
Can holders, refer to Cup holders 104
Capacities 242
Capacity of the cargo bay 241
Car battery, refer to Vehicle battery 228
Car care, refer to Care 218
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