2011 BMW 535I XDRIVE GT towing

Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds to:
▷
Opening of a door, the hood or the tailgate.
▷ Movements in the vehicle: interior motion
sensor, refer to page 45.
▷ Changes in the vehicle tilt, e.g., during at‐
tempts to steal a wheel or when towing the
car.
▷ Interruptions in battery voltage.
The alarm system briefly indicates tampering:
▷ By sounding an acoustic alarm.
▷ By switching on the hazard warning system.
▷ By flashing the high beams.
Arming and disarming the alarm
system
General information
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.
Door lock and armed alarm system
Unlocking via the door lock will trigger the alarm
on some country-specific versions.
Tailgate and armed alarm system
The tailgate can be opened using the remote
control, even if the alarm system is armed.
▷ Press the button on the remote
control

for approx. 1 second and re‐
lease.
The small tailgate opens slightly. ▷
With automatic trunk lid operation*:
Press the button on the remote
control for approx. 1 second and release.
The large tailgate opens automatically. Note the opening height of the large tail‐
gate
The tailgate pivots back and up when it opens.
Ensure that there is sufficient clearance when the large tailgate opens; otherwise, damage may
result.◀
After

the tailgate is closed, it is locked and moni‐
tored again by the alarm system. The hazard
warning system flashes once.
In some vehicle equipment variants, the tailgate
can only be opened using the remote control if
the vehicle was unlocked first.
Panic mode*
Press the button on the remote control
for at least 3 seconds.
Switching off the alarm
▷ Unlock the vehicle using the remote control.
▷ With Comfort Access: If you are carrying the
remote control with you, pull on the door
handle.
Indicator lamp on the interior rearview
mirror ▷
The indicator lamp flashes briefly every
2 seconds:
The system is armed.
▷ The indicator lamp flashes after locking:
The doors, hood or tailgate is not closed
properly, but the rest of the vehicle is se‐
cured.
After

10 seconds, the indicator lamp flashes
continuously. The interior motion sensor is
not active.
▷ The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
The vehicle has not been tampered with. Seite 44
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Opening and closing

Collision warning with
braking function*
The concept
The system issues a two-phase warning of a
danger of collision at speeds above approx.
10 mph/15 km/h.
The collision warning is available even if cruise
control has been deactivated.
It responds to stationary or moving objects that
are within the detection range of the radar sys‐
tem.
When the vehicle is intentionally brought into
contact with an object, the collision warning is
delayed to avoid false warnings.
Warning stages
Prewarning
This
warning is issued, for example, when there
is the impending danger of a collision or the dis‐
tance to the vehicle ahead is too small.
Acute warning with braking function
Warning of the imminent danger of a collision
when the vehicle approaches another object at
a relatively high differential speed.
The acute warning prompts the driver to inter‐
vene and, if there is the danger of a collision, is
accompanied by a braking intervention.
The braking intervention is executed with lim‐
ited braking force and for a brief period only. The
intervention cannot bring the vehicle to a com‐
plete standstill. The braking intervention is executed only if DSC
Dynamic Stability Control, refer to page
99, is
switched on.
Adapting your speed and driving style
The acute warning does not relieve the
driver of the responsibility to adapt his or her
driving speed and style to the traffic condi‐
tions.◀
The braking intervention can be interrupted by
pressing on the accelerator or by actively mov‐
ing the steering wheel.
When

towing or tow-starting the vehicle, switch
off the collision warning with braking function to
prevent undesired interventions.
The braking function is deactivated if the DSC
Dynamic Stability Control or DTC Dynamic
Traction Control is deactivated.
Switching the warning function on/off Press the button
▷ On: the LED lights up.
▷ Off: the LED goes out.
The state is stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
Configuring the prewarning
After the warning function is switched on, the
following can be set via the iDrive:
▷ The prewarning can be switched on/off.
▷ The time of the prewarning can be set.
These settings have no effect on the time of the
warning from the Active Cruise Control* that
prompts the driver to intervene or brake. Seite 112
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Driving comfort

4.
The resulting figure equals the available
amount
of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,000 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs pas‐
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail‐
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
400 lbs: 1,000 lbs minus 600 lbs = 400 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.
Load The maximum load is the sum of the weight of
the occupants and the cargo.
The greater the weight of the occupants, the
less cargo that can be transported.
Stowing cargo
▷
Heavy cargo: stow as far forward and as low
as

possible, ideally directly behind the cargo
partition.
▷ Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not
occupied, secure each of the outer safety
belts in the opposite buckle.
▷ Cover sharp edges and corners. ▷
If necessary, fold down the rear backrests,
including the cargo partition, to stow cargo.
Securing cargo
Lashing eyes in the cargo area To secure the cargo, there are four lashing eyes
in the cargo area
Securing cargo
▷
Smaller and lighter items: secure with re‐
taining straps or with a

cargo net* or draw
straps.
▷ Larger and heavy objects: secure with cargo
straps*.
Cargo straps, cargo netting, retaining straps or
draw straps on the lashing eyes in the cargo
area.
Securing cargo
Always position and secure the cargo as
described

above; otherwise, it can endanger the
car's occupants if sudden braking or swerving
becomes necessary.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car; otherwise, they could be
thrown around as a result of hard braking, sud‐
den swerves, etc., and endanger the occu‐
pants.◀
Roof-mounted luggage rack
Note
Roof racks are available as special accessories. Seite 149
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation
Driving tips Controls At a glance

Starting aid terminals
Connecting order
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order; otherwise, there is the danger of injury
from sparking.◀ The so-called starting aid terminal in the engine
compartment acts as the battery's positive ter‐
minal.
The body ground or a special nut acts as the
negative terminal.
Connecting the cables
1.
Pull off the cap of the BMW starting aid ter‐
minal.
2. Attach one terminal clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery,
or to the corresponding starting aid
terminal of the vehicle providing assistance.
3. Attach the other end of the cable to the pos‐
itive terminal of the battery, or to the corre‐
sponding

starting aid terminal of the vehicle
to be started.
4. Attach one terminal clamp of the negative
jumper

cable to the negative terminal of the
battery, or to the corresponding engine or body ground of the vehicle providing assis‐
tance.
5. Attach the other end of the cable to the neg‐
ative

terminal of the battery, or to the corre‐
sponding engine or body ground of the ve‐
hicle to be started.
Starting the engine
Never use spray fluids to start the engine.
1. Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let

it run for several minutes at an increased
idle speed.
If the vehicle being started has a diesel en‐
gine: let the engine of the assisting vehicle
run for approx. 10 minutes.
2. Start the engine of the vehicle being started
in the usual way.
If

the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before making another
attempt in order to allow the discharged bat‐
tery to recharge.
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
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.◀ Seite 266
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Breakdown assistance

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.◀
Tow-starting
Note
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.
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.◀
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. Towing methods when towing other
vehicles
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 located in the tool
kit under the cargo area floor.
Tow fitting, information on use
▷Use only the tow fitting provided with
the vehicle and screw it all the way in. Seite 267
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

▷
Use the tow fitting for towing on paved roads
only.
▷ Use the tow fitting screwed in at the front for
maneuvering the vehicle 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.
Seite 268
268 Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 606 445 - 03 11 490Breakdown assistance

Engine start, refer to Starting
the engine 66
Engine start, Starting aid 265
Engine stop 67
Engine temperature 77
Equalizer 172
Equipment, interior 133
ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐ gram, refer to DSC 99
Exchanging wheels/tires 248
Exhaust system 146
Exterior
mirror, automatic dim‐
ming feature, dimmable exte‐
rior mirrors 60
Exterior mirrors 59
External devices 192
External start 265
External temperature dis‐ play 77
External temperature warn‐ ing 77
Eyes for securing cargo 149
F
Fader 172
Failure message, refer to Check Control 83
False alarm, refer to Uninten‐ tional alarm 45
Fan, refer to Air volume 128
Fault displays, refer to Check Control 83
Filler neck for engine oil 253
Fine wood, care 271
First aid kit 265
Fitting for towing, refer to Tow fitting 267
Flat tire, Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 92
Flat tire, warning lamp 93
Flat tire, wheel change 261
Flooding 147
Floor carpet, care 271
Floor mats, care 271
FM/AM station 174
Fold-out position, windshield wipers 73 Foot brake
147
Front airbags 89
Front fog lamps 88
Front
fog lamps, front, bulb re‐
placement 260
Front lamps 259
Front passenger airbags, au‐ tomatic deactivation 90
Front passenger airbags, indi‐ cator lamp 91
Front seats, adjusting 49
Fuel cap 240
Fuel consumption, current 77
Fuel consumption, refer to Average fuel consump‐
tion 79
Fuel filler flap 240
Fuel gauge 76
Fuel quality 242
Fuel, tank capacity 276
Fuse 263
G
Garage door opener, refer to Integrated universal remote
control 133
Gas station recommenda‐ tion 163
Gear change, automatic trans‐ mission 74
General driving notes 146
Glass sunroof, refer to Panor‐ amic glass sunroof 47
Glove compartment 139
GPS navigation, refer to Navi‐ gation system 154
Gross vehicle weight, ap‐ proved 275
Gross weight, permissible for trailer towing 275
H
Hand brake, refer to Parking brake 67
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐ nating code 134 Hazard warning flashers 264
HDC
Hill Descent Control 100
HD Radio 175
Head airbags 89
Headlamp control, auto‐ matic 86
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture 85
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture via remote control 36
Headlamp flasher 71
Headlamp glass 259
Headlamps 259
Headlamps, care 270
Headlamp washer system 71
Headliner 18
Headphones, rear entertain‐ ment 205
Head restraints 49
Head restraints, front 56
Head restraints, rear 57
Head-up Display 125
Head-up Display, care 271
Heavy cargo, stowing 149
Height, seats 49
Height with roof-mounted aer‐ ial, vehicle 274
High-beam Assistant 87
High beams 71
High beams/low beams, refer to High-beam Assistant 87
Hill Descent Control HDC 100
Hills 148
Hill start assistant, refer to Drive-off assistant 99
Hints 6
Holder for beverages 141
Homepage 6
Hood 251
Horn 12
Hotel function, tailgate 42
Hot exhaust system 146
House number, entering for navigation 155
Hydroplaning 147
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Manual air distribution
127
Manual air volume 128
Manual brake, refer to Parking brake 67
Manual mode, transmis‐ sion 75
Manual operation, backup camera 119
Manual operation, door lock 38
Manual
operation, exterior mir‐
rors 60
Manual operation, fuel filler flap 240
Manual operation, Park Dis‐ tance Control PDC 116
Manual operation, parking brake 68
Manual operation, Side View 122
Manual operation, Top View 118
Map, destination entry 158
Map in split screen 165
Map view 163
Marking on approved tires 248
Marking, run-flat tires 249
Massage seat, front 52
Master key, refer to Remote control 32
Maximum cooling 128
Maximum speed, winter tires 249
Measure, units of 82
Medical kit 265
Memory for seat, mirrors, steering wheel 58
Menu in instrument cluster 78
Menus, operating, iDrive 19
Menus, refer to iDrive operat‐ ing concept 20
Message list, traffic bulle‐ tins 165
Messages 224
Messages, refer to Check Control 83
Microfilter 130 Minimum tread, tires
247
Mirror 59
Mirror memory 58
Mobile communication devi‐ ces in the vehicle 147
Mobile phone 210
Modifications, technical, refer to Safety 7
Moisture in headlamp 259
Monitor, refer to Control Dis‐ play 19
Mounting of child restraint fix‐ ing systems 62
MP3 player 192
Multi-function hook 142
Multifunction steering wheel, buttons 12
Multimedia 181
Music collection 188
Music search 189
Music, storing 188
N
Navigation 154
Navigation data 168
Neck restraints, front, refer to Head restraints 56
Neck restraints, rear, refer to Head restraints 57
New wheels and tires 248
Night Vision with pedestrian detection 122
NORMAL program, Dynamic Driving Control 104
Notes 227
Nylon rope for tow-starting/ towing 267
O
OBD Onboard Diagnos‐ tics 256
Obstacle marking, backup camera 120
Odometer 78
Office 221
Oil 253 Oil, adding
253
Oil additives 254
Oil
change interval, service re‐
quirements 82
Oil filler neck 253
Oil level check 253
Oil types, alternative 254
Oil types, approved 254
Old batteries, disposal 263
Onboard Diagnostics OBD 256
Onboard monitor, refer to Control Display 19
Online, refer to BMW On‐ line 234
Opening/closing from in‐ side 38
Opening/closing via door lock 38
Opening/closing with remote control 36
Operating concept, iDrive 19
Outside air, refer to Automatic recirculated-air control 128
Overheating of engine, refer to Coolant temperature 77
P
Paint, vehicle 270
Panic mode 36
Panoramic glass sunroof 47
Park Distance Control PDC 115
Parked-car ventilation 132
Parked vehicle, condensa‐ tion 148
Parking aid, refer to PDC 115
Parking brake 67
Parking lamps 85
Parking lamps, bulb replace‐ ment 260
Parking with Auto Hold 69
Passenger side mirror, tilting downward 60
Pathway lines, backup cam‐ era 120
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance