2011 BMW 3 SERIES tow bar

If --- appears briefly on the display for Check
Control messages, it is possible that the system
requirements for operation are currently not
met.
PDC Park Distance Control
The concept
In addition to the PDC Park Distance Control, the
backup camera, refer to page 123, can be
switched on.
PDC supports you when parking. Objects that
you are approaching slowly in front of or behind
your vehicle are indicated with:
▷Signal tones.
▷Visual display.
Measurement
Measurements are made by ultrasound sensors
in the bumpers.
The range is approx. 6 ft/2 m.
An acoustic warning is first given:
▷By the front sensors and two rear corner
sensors at approx. 24 in/60 cm.
▷By the rear middle sensors at approx. 5 ft/
1.50 m.
System limits
Check the traffic situation as well
PDC cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver's personal judgment of the traffic situa‐
tion. Check the traffic situation around the vehi‐
cle with your own eyes. Otherwise, an accident
could result from road users or objects located
outside of the PDC detection range.
Loud noises from outside and inside the vehicle
may prevent you from hearing the PDC's signal
tone.◀
Avoid driving quickly with PDC
Avoid approaching an object quickly.
Avoid driving away quickly while PDC is not yet
active.
For technical reasons, the system may other‐
wise be too late in issuing a warning.◀
Limits of ultrasonic measurement
The detection of objects can reach the physical
limits of ultrasonic measurement, e.g.:
▷With tow bars and trailer hitches.
▷With thin or wedge-shaped objects.
▷With low objects.
▷With objects with corners and sharp edges.
Low objects already displayed, e.g., curbs, can
move into the blind area of the sensors before or
after a continuous tone sounds.
High, protruding objects such as ledges may not
be detected.
False warnings
PDC may issue a warning under the following
conditions even though there is no obstacle
within the detection range:
▷In heavy rain.
▷When sensors are very dirty or covered in
ice.
▷When sensors are covered in snow.
▷On rough road surfaces.
▷In large buildings with right angles and
smooth walls, e.g., in underground garages.
▷In heavy exhaust.
▷Due to other ultrasound sources, e.g.,
sweeping machines, high pressure steam
cleaners or neon lights.
The malfunction is signaled by a continuous
tone alternating between the front and rear
speakers. As soon as the malfunction due to
other ultrasound sources is no longer
present, the system is again fully functional.
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▷With tow bars and trailer hitches.
▷With thin or wedge-shaped objects.
▷With elevated, protruding objects such as
ledges or cargo.
▷With objects with corners and sharp edges.
▷With objects with a fine surface structure,
such as fences.
The parking assistant may identify parking
spaces that are not suitable for parking.
Ultrasound sensors
The ultrasound sensors for measuring parking
spaces are located on the wheel arches.
To ensure full operability:
▷Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.
▷When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the sensors for long periods and main‐
tain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.
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3.Let both engines run for several minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse
order.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Tow-starting and towing
Automatic transmission: transporting
your vehicle
Note
Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Therefore, contact a service center in the event
of a breakdown.
Do not have the vehicle towed
Have your vehicle transported on a loading
platform only; otherwise, damage may occur.◀
Tow truck
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage may
result.◀
Use the tow fitting screwed in at the front for
maneuvering the vehicle only.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Towing
Follow the towing instructions
Follow all towing instructions; otherwise,
vehicle damage or accidents may occur.◀
▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lamps, turn
signals, and windshield wipers may be un‐
available.
▷Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle
tilted, as the front wheels could turn.
▷When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. Consequently, more force
needs to be applied when braking and steer‐
ing.
▷Larger steering wheel movements are re‐
quired.
Tow truck
Have your vehicle transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage may
result.◀
Towing other vehicles
General information
Light towing vehicle
Your vehicle must not be lighter than the
vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will not be
possible to control vehicle response.◀
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Attaching the tow bar/tow rope correctly
Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting; connecting it to other vehicle parts may
cause damage.◀
▷Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.
▷If the electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed by placing
a sign or a warning triangle in the rear win‐
dow.
Tow bar
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe
the following:
▷Maneuvering capability is limited during cor‐
nering.
▷The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is secured with an offset.
Tow rope
When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure that
the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on
the vehicle components when towing, always
use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fit‐
ting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is se‐
cured on other parts of the vehicle.◀
Tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front or rear of the BMW. It is in the onboard ve‐
hicle tool kit located in a storage compartment
on the right side in the cargo area. Open the
cover.
Tow fitting, information on use
▷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, damage to the tow fitting and the ve‐
hicle can occur.◀
Screw thread
Push out the cover by pressing on the top edge.
Front
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Rear
Tow-starting
Automatic transmission
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Due to the automatic transmission, the engine
cannot be started by tow-starting.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties rem‐
edied.
Manual transmission
If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but start
the engine by jump-starting, refer to page 291.
If the vehicle is equipped with a catalytic con‐
verter, only tow-start while the engine is cold.
1.Switch on the hazard warning system and
comply with local regulations.
2.Ignition, refer to page 59, on.
3.Engage third gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
pressed and slowly release the clutch. After
the engine starts, immediately press on the
clutch again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope, and switch off the hazard warn‐
ing system.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
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Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐
tem 104
ACC, Active Cruise Control
with Stop & Go 109
Activated-charcoal filter 139
Active Blind Spot Detec‐
tion 101
Active Cruise Control with
Stop & Go, ACC 109
Active Protection 102
Adaptive brake lights, refer to
Brake force display 102
Adaptive light control 88
Additional telephone 228
Additives, oil 275
Adjustments, seats/head re‐
straints 45
After washing vehicle 297
Airbags 91
Airbags, indicator/warning
light 92
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐
culated-air mode 135, 138
Air distribution,
manual 135, 138
Air drying, refer to Cooling
function 135, 137
Air flow, air conditioner 135
Air pressure, tires 263
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐
tion 139
Air volume, automatic climate
control 138
Alarm system 40
Alarm, unintentional 41
All around the center con‐
sole 14
All around the headliner 15
All around the steering
wheel 12
All-season tires, refer to Win‐
ter tires 270
Alternating-code hand-held
transmitter 142
Alternative oil types 275
AM/FM station 190
Announcement, navigation,
refer to Spoken instruc‐
tions 178
Antifreeze, washer fluid 66
Antilock Brake System,
ABS 104
Anti-slip control, refer to
DSC 104
Applications 255
Appointments 243
Approved engine oils 275
Apps 255
Apps, video playback 213
Arrival time 82
Ash tray 145
Assistance, Roadside Assis‐
tance 291
Assistance when driving
off 108
Assist, BMW 250
Assist system information, on
Control Display 85
Audio playback 199
Audio playback, Blue‐
tooth 213
AUTO intensity 137
Automatic car wash 296
Automatic climate con‐
trol 134
Automatic climate control with
enhanced features 136
Automatic Cruise Control with
Stop & Go 109
Automatic Curb Monitor 52
Automatic deactivation, front
passenger airbags 93
Automatic headlamp con‐
trol 87
Automatic locking 37
Automatic recirculated-air
control 138
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 67
AUTO program, automatic cli‐
mate control 137
AUTO program, climate con‐
trol 135
AUTO program, intensity 137
Auto Start/Stop function 61
AUX-IN port 210
Average fuel consumption 82
Average speed 82
Axle loads, weights 304
B
Backrest curvature, refer to
Lumbar support 47
Backrest, width 47
Backup camera 123
Balance 188
Band-Aids, refer to First aid
kit 291
Bar for tow-starting/tow‐
ing 294
Bass 188
Battery replacement, vehicle
battery 287
Battery replacement, vehicle
remote control 30
Battery, vehicle 287
Belts, safety belts 48
Beverage holder, cu‐
pholder 150
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ReferenceEverything from A to Z
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