2009 BMW 525I TOURING 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
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 page62, 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 page66.
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
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 page62.
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 center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer81
– refer to Starting destination
guidance156
"Arrow display" in
navigation157
"Arrow display pop-up
instructions"143
Ashtray
– front125
– rear126
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist209
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems91
Assistance window21
"Assist. window off"22
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control117
Audio168,171,176
– controls168
– switching on/off168
– tone control169
– volume169
Audio device, external124
Automatic
– air distribution115
– air volume115
– cruise control71
– garage door opener121
– headlamp control108
– service notification211
– steering wheel
adjustment49
– storing stations174
– tailgate operation38
Automatic car washes136
Automatic climate control114
– automatic air
distribution115
– parked car ventilation118
– switching on and off118
– ventilation in rear118Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing35
Automatic curb monitor55
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control108
– refer to Daytime running
lamps109
– refer to Interior lamps112
– refer to Pathway lighting109
– refer to Welcome lamps108
Automatic lights
– refer to High-beam
assistant110
Automatic low beams, refer to
High-beam assistant110
"Automatic programs"115
Automatic roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon128
Automatic soft closing35
Automatic speed reduction for
descents, refer to HDC Hill
Descent Control93
Automatic station search173
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– interlock65
– kick-down65
– manually unlocking and
locking transmission lock66
– shiftlock65
– towing256
– tow-starting257
– with comfort access42
"Automatic ventilation"119
AUTO program for automatic
climate control115
"Auto Request"211
"Autostore" on the
radio172,174
"AUX"168,188,190
AUX-IN connection188
"AUX IN" in audio mode188
Average fuel consumption80
– setting units89
Average speed, refer to
Computer80"Avoid ferries" in
navigation155
"Avoid highways" in
navigation155
Avoiding freeways for
navigation154
Avoiding unintentional
alarms40
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation155
Axle loads, refer to
Weights263
"A - Z"202
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support49
Backrests, refer to Seats48
Backrest width adjustment48
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs246
"Balance", tone control170
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit254
Bass, refer to Tone
control169
"Bass", tone control169
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery251
– jump starting254
Battery replacement
– remote control for comfort
access42
BC button, refer to
Computer80
Being towed256
Belts, refer to Safety belts52
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders125
Blower, refer to Air
volume116
"Bluetooth"195
BMW
– Car Shampoo241
"BMW Assist"210,211

Reference 279
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor95
– radio, refer to Storing
stations174
– refer to Power failure251
– refer to Setting time and
date87
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory49
"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
Instrument panel, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Integrated key30
Integrated universal remote
control121
Interesting destination for
navigation150
"Interim time"87
Interior lamps112
– switching on with remote
control33
Interior motion sensor40
– switching off40
Interior rearview mirror55
– automatic dimming
feature56
Intermittent mode of the
wipers69
J
Jacking points250
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting254
Jump starting254
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
access40
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort access40
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile31
"Keypad"204
Keys30
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile31
– spare key30
Kick-down, Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic65
Knock control221
L
Lamps
– refer to High-beam
assistant110
– refer to Parking lamps/low
beams108
Lamps and bulbs243
Lane limit lines, refer to
Leaving lane warning106
"Language / Units"89
"Language / Units" in
navigation143,159
"Languages"89
"Languages" in
navigation143,159
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo138
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list151
"Last seat pos."50
LATCH child restraint fixing
system59
Leather care241
Leaving lane warning106
LEDs light-emitting
diodes244
Length, refer to
Dimensions261
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs248Light-emitting diodes
LEDs244
Lighter125
"Lighting"68
Lighting
– instruments112
– lamps and bulbs243
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps108
Light switch108
"Limit"86
Loading
– securing cargo138
– stowing cargo138
– vehicle137
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo138
"Lock after driving"35
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Lokking35
Locking33
– confirmation signals33
– from inside35
– from outside33
– without key, refer to Comfort
access40
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals33
– from inside35
– from outside32
Low beams108
– automatic108
– replacing bulbs245
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support49
Lug bolts250
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting250
– wrench249
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bay

Everything from A to Z
284 Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System91
– airbags100
– driving stability control
systems91
– safety belts52
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires229
Satellite radio
– enabling channel179
– selecting channel180
– storing channel180
satellite radio179
"SAT" in radio mode168,179
"Save current
destination"154
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD184
– stations in radio mode173
Scan
– CD changer184
– CD player184
– radio173
"Scan all" in audio mode184
"Scan directory" in audio
mode184
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting256
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio179
"Seat heater distribution"53Seats48
– active backrest width
adjustment49
– adjusting the seats48
– comfort seat48
– easy entry/exit49
– heating53
– lumbar support49
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory49
– shoulder support48
– sitting safely47
– storing the setting49
– thigh support48
– ventilation, refer to Active
seat ventilation54
Securing load
– refer to Securing cargo138
– with ski bag, refer to
Securing cargo131
Select109
"Select as
destination"150,213
"Select current speed"86
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operation via iDrive168
Selecting distance with active
cruise control73
Selecting frequency
manually173
Selecting menu items20
Selecting route154
Selection options with
navigation system154
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64,65
Selector lever lock, refer to
Selecting transmission
positions65
self-leveling suspension95
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance254
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models237
"Service Info"82,211,234Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service237
– refer to Service
requirements82
"Service Request"204,211
"Service require-
ments"82,83,211,234
Service requirements
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service237
"Set date"88
"Set" in audio mode168
"Set" on trip computer82
"Set service date"83
"Set time"88
Setting button, refer to
Controls, controller16
"Settings"216
Settings
– BMW Night Vision105
– changing on Control
Display87
– clock, 12h/24h mode88
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile31
– date88
– language89
– units of measure89
"Settings" in unlocking32
Settings menu, refer to
imenu18
"Settings" with BMW
Assist214
Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
times119
Shifting gears, Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic65
Shift paddles on steering
wheel67
Short commands of voice
command system265
"Short route" in
navigation155
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route154

Reference 287
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Timer 1" for parked-car
ventilation119
Tire inflation pressures222
Tire pressure
– loss96,97
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM97
Tire Quality Grading228
Tire replacement
– new wheels and tires229
Tires
– age228
– air loss96,98
– breaking-in134
– changing229
– condition229
– damage229
– flat tire, refer to Changing
wheels248
– inflation pressure222
– new wheels and tires229
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor95
– pressure monitoring, refer to
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor97
– replacing248
– retreaded tires230
– run-flat tires229
– size227
– tread229
– wear indicators229
– wheel/tire combination229
– winter tires230
Tire trouble
– changing wheels248
– compact wheel250
TMC station, refer to Traffic
information160
"Tone"169
Tone dialing method204
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting169
– middle setting171
Tone on locking/unlocking33
Tools, refer to Onboard
toolkit243
"Top 8" in mobile phone
mode202Torque
– refer to Engine data260
Torque, lug bolts, refer to
After mounting250
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"98
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor97
– resetting system97
– system limits97
– warning lamp98
Tracks
– random sequence185
– sampling on CD184
– selecting with CD183
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control92
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control92
Traffic information for
navigation
– depiction in route map162
– displaying161
– during destination
guidance163
– symbols162
Traffic information with
navigation160
"Traffic Info settings"161Traffic jam
– displaying traffic
information160
– refer to Bypassing route
sections160
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– manually unlocking and
locking transmission lock66
– manual transmission64
– sport automatic
transmission67
– starting assistant94
– towing256
Transporting children
safely58
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo138
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread229
Treble, refer to Tone
control169
"Treble", tone control169
Trip computer81,82
Trip-distance counter
– refer to Trip computer81
– refer to Trip meter79
"Triple turn signal"68
Trip meter79
– also refer to Trip
computer81
Trip odometer, refer to Trip
meter79
Trunk, refer to Cargo bay
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate37
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions261
Turning lamps110
– replacing bulbs246
Turn signals68
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs246
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR228
"Units"89