2009 BMW 535I tow

Giving and receiving assistance
254
Sedan
Loosen the wing nut to open.
Sports Wagon
Release the two quick-release fasteners and
fold down the trim piece.
First-aid kit*
Some of the articles contained in the first-aid kit
have a limited service life. Therefore, check the
expiration dates of the contents regularly and
replace the contents concerned in good time if
necessary.
Sedan
The first-aid kit is located in the luggage com-
partment lid.Loosen the wing nut to open.
Sports Wagon
The first-aid kit is located in the right side panel
of the cargo bay. Before opening the side panel,
pull the retaining strap
* toward the rear by its
rear end and unhook it.
Roadside Assistance*
The Roadside Assistance of the BMW Group
offers you assistance in the event of a break-
down around the clock, including on weekends
and public holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance in your home country can be found in the
Contact brochure.
With BMW Assist you can contact the Roadside
Assistance of the BMW Group for assistance in
the event of a breakdown directly via iDrive,
refer to page210.
Jump starting
When your battery is discharged, you can use
two jumper cables to start your BMW with
power from the battery in a second vehicle. You
can also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Use only jumper cables with
fully-insulated clamp handles.
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury,
always avoid all contact with electrical
components while the engine is running. Care-
fully adhere to the following sequence, both to
prevent damage to one or both vehicles, and to
guard against possible personal injuries.<

Mobility
255Reference
At a glance
Controls
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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, fol-
low 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 page233. 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
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
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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.

Short commands of voice command system
266
Onboard info
Entertainment
To display destination list151{Destination list}
To display address book152{Address book}
To display route criteria154{Route preference}
To start destination guidance156{Start guidance}
To end destination guidance156{Stop guidance}
To display arrow display142{Arrow display}
To display map display158{Map}, {Map facing north},
{Map direction of travel} or
{Perspective}
To change scale158{Scale ... miles} or
{Scale ... feet}
To display roads or towns/cities along route159{Route list}
To switch on voice instructions159{Navigation info on}
To switch off voice instructions159{Navigation info off}
To repeat voice instructions160{Repeat navigation info}
To open route157{Route menu}
To open "New route"160{New route}
To display current position163{Current position}
FunctionCommand
FunctionCommand
To open "Car Data"81{Car data}
To display computer81{Onboard info}
To display trip computer81{Trip computer}
To open stopwatch86{Stopwatch}
To open speed limit86{Limit}
To activate speed limit86{Limit on}
To deactivate speed limit86{Limit off}
FunctionCommand
Tone control169{Audio}
To switch on radio172{Radio on},
{FM} or
{AM}
To open "FM"172{FM menu}
To open "AM"172{AM menu}

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

Everything from A to Z
276 Electronic brake-force
distribution91
Electronic oil level check234
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door220
– luggage compartment lid36
– tailgate38
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission66
Emergency operation, refer to
Moving manually
– glass sunroof44
– panorama glass sunroof46
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
cargo bay37
Emergency request253
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance254
"Enabled services"215
"Enabled TeleServices"212
"Enable services"215
"End call"202
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control80
Energy Control80
Engine
– breaking-in134
– data260
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature79
– speed260
– starting63
– starting, with comfort
access40
– switching off63
Engine compartment233
Engine coolant235Engine oil
– adding235
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils235
– approved engine oil235
– checking oil level234
– electronic oil level check234
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements82
– oil change235
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils235
"Engine oil level"234
Engine output, refer to Engine
data260
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature79
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data260
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine63
"Enter address"144,152
Entering destination via town/
city name145
Entering intersection,
navigation146
Entering the
address144,147
Entering town/city for
navigation145
Entering zip code for
navigation146
"Entertainment"168
Entertainment sound output
on/off169
Entry map for destination149
Environmentally friendly
driving
– refer to Energy control80
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control171
"Equalizer", tone control171
"ESN"179
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control92
Event Data Recorders238Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system135
Exterior mirrors54
– adjusting54
– automatic dimming
feature56
– automatic heating55
– folding in and out55
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror55
External audio device124
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting255
F
Fader, refer to Tone
control170
"Fader", tone control170
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control84
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms40
– refer to Switching off
alarm40
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts52
– warning lamp52
Fastest route for
navigation154
"Fast route" in navigation155
Filler neck for washer fluid70
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter118
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit254
First-aid kit254
Flashing
– during locking/unlocking,
refer to Setting confirmation
signals33
– triple turn signal
activation68

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