2011 BMW 535I XDRIVE towing

If this occurs, open or close the vehicle using the
buttons
on the remote control or use a key in the
door lock.
To subsequently start the engine, hold the re‐
mote control against the marked area on the
steering column, refer to page 29.
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds to:
▷ Opening of a door, the hood or the trunk lid.
▷ Movements in the vehicle: interior motion
sensor, refer to page 40.
▷ 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.
Trunk lid and armed alarm system
The trunk lid 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 release.
After the trunk lid is closed, it is locked and
monitored again by the alarm system. The haz‐
ard warning system flashes once. In some vehicle equipment variants, the trunk lid
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 trunk lid 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.
▷ The indicator lamp flashes after unlocking
until

the engine is started, but no longer than
approx. 5 minutes:
An alarm has been triggered.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. Seite 39
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

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
95, 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 108
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Driving comfort

hicle and unstable driving situations may
result.
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
1,000 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
area separating wall.
▷ 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 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.
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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
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.◀ Seite 271
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

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
Observe before towing your vehicle
The parking brake is blocked
The parking brake cannot be released
manually.
When the parking brake is blocked, do not tow
with the front axle lifted or the vehicle can be
damaged.
Contact your service center.◀
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.◀
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: Seite 272
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Breakdown assistance

▷
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 con‐
tainer on the inside of the trunk lid.
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.
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 270.
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 58, 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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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

External temperature warn‐
ing 73
Eyes for securing cargo 149
F
Fader 172
Failure message, refer to Check Control 70
False alarm, refer to Uninten‐ tional alarm 40
Fan, refer to Air volume 127
Fault displays, refer to Check Control 70
Filler neck for engine oil 257
Fine wood, care 276
First aid kit 270
Fitting
for towing, refer to Tow
fitting 273
Flat tire, Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 88
Flat tire, warning lamp 89
Flat tire, wheel change 267
Flooding 147
Floor carpet, care 276
Floor mats, care 276
FM/AM station 174
Fold-out position, windshield wipers 64
Foot brake 147
Front airbags 85
Front fog lamps 83
Front fog lamps, front, bulb re‐ placement 265
Front lamps 263
Front passenger airbags, au‐ tomatic deactivation 86
Front passenger airbags, indi‐ cator lamp 87
Front seats, adjusting 44
Fuel cap 240
Fuel consumption, current 74
Fuel consumption, refer to Average fuel consump‐
tion 76
Fuel filler flap 240
Fuel gauge 72
Fuel quality 241 Fuel, tank capacity
284
Fuse 268
G
Garage door opener, refer to Integrated universal remote
control 132
Gas station recommenda‐ tion 163
Gear
change, automatic trans‐
mission 65
Gear shift indicator 75
General driving notes 146
Glass sunroof, powered 41
Glove compartment 138
GPS navigation, refer to Navi‐ gation system 154
Gross vehicle weight, ap‐ proved 283
Gross weight, permissible for trailer towing 283
H
Hand brake, refer to Parking brake 60
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐ nating code 133
Hazard warning flashers 269
HDC Hill Descent Control 96
HD Radio 175
Head airbags 85
Headlamp control, auto‐ matic 81
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture 80
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture via remote control 33
Headlamp flasher 62
Headlamp glass 263
Headlamps 263
Headlamps, care 275
Headlamp washer system 62
Headliner 15
Headphones, rear entertain‐ ment 205
Head restraints 44 Head restraints, front 49
Head restraints, rear 50
Head-up Display
124
Head-up Display, care 276
Heavy cargo, stowing 149
Height, seats 44
Height, vehicle 280
High-beam Assistant 82
High beams 62
High beams/low beams, refer to High-beam Assistant 82
Hill Descent Control HDC 96
Hills 148
Hill start assistant, refer to Drive-off assistant 95
Hints 6
Holder for beverages 140
Homepage 6
Hood 255
Horn 12
Hotel function, trunk lid 37
Hot exhaust system 146
House number, entering for navigation 155
Hydroplaning 147
I
Ice warning, refer to External temperature warning 73
Icy roads, refer to External temperature warning 73
Identification marks, tires 249
Identification number, refer to Engine compartment 255
iDrive 16
Ignition key, refer to Remote control 28
Ignition off 58
Ignition on 58
Indication of a flat tire 89
Individual air distribution 126
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 29
Inflation pressure, tires 242
Info display, refer to Com‐ puter 75
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Manual transmission 64
Map, destination entry
158
Map in split screen 165
Map view 163
Marking on approved tires 252
Marking, run-flat tires 252
Massage seat, front 46
Master key, refer to Remote control 28
Maximum cooling 127
Maximum speed, winter tires 252
Measure, units of 79
Medical kit 270
Memory for seat, mirrors, steering wheel 51
Menu
in instrument cluster 75
Menus, operating, iDrive 16
Menus, refer to iDrive operat‐ ing concept 17
Message list, traffic bulle‐ tins 165
Messages 224
Messages, refer to Check Control 70
Microfilter 129
Minimum tread, tires 251
Mirror 51
Mirror memory 51
Mobile communication devi‐ ces in the vehicle 147
Mobile phone 210
Modifications, technical, refer to Safety 7
Moisture in headlamp 263
Monitor, refer to Control Dis‐ play 16
Mounting of child restraint fix‐ ing systems 54
MP3 player 192
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 49
Neck restraints, rear, refer to Head restraints 50
New wheels and tires 251
Night Vision with pedestrian detection 122
NORMAL program, Dynamic Driving Control 100
Notes 227
Number of cylinders, en‐ gine 281
Nylon rope for tow-starting/ towing 273
O
OBD Onboard Diagnos‐ tics 260
Obstacle marking, backup camera 115
Odometer 73
Office 221
Oil 257
Oil, adding 257
Oil additives 258
Oil
change interval, service re‐
quirements 74
Oil filler neck 257
Oil level check 257
Oil types, alternative 258
Oil types, approved 258
Old batteries, disposal 268
Onboard Diagnostics OBD 260
Onboard monitor, refer to Control Display 16
Online, refer to BMW On‐ line 234
Opening/closing from in‐ side 35
Opening/closing via door lock 34 Opening/closing with remote
control 32
Operating concept, iDrive 16
Outside air, refer to Automatic recirculated-air control 127
Overheating
of engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 72
P
Paint, vehicle 275
Panic mode 32
Parallel parking assistant 118
Park Distance Control PDC 111
Parked-car ventilation 131
Parked vehicle, condensa‐ tion 148
Parking aid, refer to PDC 111
Parking assistant 118
Parking brake 60
Parking lamps 80
Parking with Auto Hold 60
Passenger side mirror, tilting downward 52
Pathway lines, backup cam‐ era 114
PDC Park Distance Con‐ trol 111
Pedestrian detection, refer to Night Vision 122
People detection, refer to Night Vision 122
Permissible axle load 283
Personal information 221
Personal Profile 29
Phone 210
Pinch protection system, glass sunroof 42
Pinch protection system, win‐ dows 40
Plastic, care 276
PlugIn 237
Position, storing 156
Postal code, entering in navi‐ gation 154
Power failure 268
Power output, engine 281
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance