2012 BMW 5 SERIES towing

Alarm system
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds to:▷Opening of a door, the hood or the trunk lid.▷Movements in the vehicle.▷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, Comfort Access 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.
In order to terminate this alarm, unlock vehicle
with the remote control or switch on the ignition,
if necessary, by emergency detection of the re‐
mote control.
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.
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. Interior motion sensor and tilt
alarm sensor are 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.Seite 42ControlsOpening and closing42
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the device should be switched off immedi‐
ately. In this case, please contact the man‐
ufacturer and only use the product after the
problem has been corrected.3.The "legal communication" specified above
refers to communication in accordance with
telecommunication regulations. Low-power
devices should withstand interference from
legal communication and ISM devices.
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 time of these warnings
may vary depending on the current driving sit‐
uation.
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 a vehicle, 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 107, 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.Seite 120ControlsDriving comfort120
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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.▷Do not stack cargo above the top edge of the
backrests.▷Place protective material around any sharp-
edged or pointed objects that could bump
against the rear window while the vehicle is
in motion.
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.
Attachment
Follow the installation instructions of the roof
rack.
Roof drip rail with flaps
The anchorage points are located in the roof drip
rail above the doors.
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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.◀
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.
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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:
▷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.
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Engine coolant 286
Engine oil 284
Engine oil, adding 285
Engine oil additives 285
Engine oil change 286
Engine oil filler neck 285
Engine oil temperature 80
Engine oil types, alterna‐ tive 286
Engine oil types, ap‐ proved 285
Engine start during malfunc‐ tion 31
Engine start, refer to Starting the engine 63
Engine start, Starting aid 299
Engine stop 63
Engine temperature 80
Entering a car wash 304
Equalizer 190
Equipment, interior 146
ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐ gram, refer to DSC 107
Exchanging wheels/tires 278
Exhaust system 161
Exterior mirror, automatic dim‐ ming feature 56
Exterior mirrors 55
External devices 212
External start 299
External temperature dis‐ play 81
External temperature warn‐ ing 81
Eyes for securing cargo 164
F
Fader 190
Failure message, refer to Check Control 78
False alarm, refer to Uninten‐ tional alarm 43
Fan, refer to Air volume 140
Fault displays, refer to Check Control 78 Filler neck for engine oil 285
Fine wood, care 306
First aid kit 299
Fitting for towing, refer to Tow fitting 302
Flat tire, changing wheels 296
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 100
Flat tire, Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 97
Flat tire, warning lamp 98, 101
Flooding 161
Floor carpet, care 306
Floor mats, care 306
FM/AM station 192
Fold-out position, windshield wipers 71
Foot brake 161
Front airbags 94
Front fog lamps 93
Front fog lamps, front, bulb re‐ placement 294
Front lamps 291
Front passenger airbags, au‐ tomatic deactivation 96
Front passenger airbags, indi‐ cator lamp 96
FTM Flat Tire Monitor 100
Fuel cap 262
Fuel consumption, current 82
Fuel consumption, refer to Average fuel consump‐
tion 84
Fuel filler flap 262
Fuel gauge 80
Fuel quality 264
Fuel, tank capacity 313
Fuse 297
G
Garage door opener, refer to Integrated universal remote
control 146
Gas station recommenda‐ tion 182 Gear change, automatic trans‐
mission 72
Gear shift indicator 83
General driving notes 160
Glass sunroof, powered 45
Glove compartment 153
Gong, volume equaliza‐ tion 191
GPS navigation, refer to Navi‐ gation system 172
Gray display of the map 185
Gross vehicle weight, ap‐ proved 311
Gross weight, permissible for trailer towing 311
H
Hand brake, refer to Parking brake 66
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐ nating code 147
Hazard warning flashers 298
HDC Hill Descent Control 109
HD Radio 193
Head airbags 94
Headlamp control, auto‐ matic 90
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture 90
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture via remote control 35
Headlamp flasher 69
Headlamp glass 291
Headlamps 291
Headlamps, care 305
Headlamp washer system 69
Headliner 15
Headphones, rear entertain‐ ment 225
Head restraints 47
Head restraints, front 52
Head restraints, rear 53
Head-up Display 137
Head-up Display, care 307
Heavy cargo, stowing 164 Seite 327Everything from A to ZReference327
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Locking/unlocking with re‐mote control 34
Locking, automatic 37
Locking, central 33
Locking via trunk lid 38
Lock, power window 44
Locks, doors, and win‐ dows 61
Low beams 89
Low beams, automatic, refer to High-beam Assistant 91
Lower back support 49
Luggage rack, refer to Roof- mounted luggage rack 164
Lumbar support 49
M
Maintenance 288
Maintenance require‐ ments 288
Maintenance, service require‐ ments 82
Maintenance system, BMW 288
Malfunction displays, refer to Check Control 78
Manual air distribution 140
Manual air volume 140
Manual brake, refer to Parking brake 66
Manual mode, transmis‐ sion 73
Manual operation, backup camera 126
Manual operation, door lock 37
Manual operation, exterior mir‐ rors 56
Manual operation, fuel filler flap 262
Manual operation, Park Dis‐ tance Control PDC 124
Manual operation, Side View 130 Manual operation, Top
View 129
Manual transmission 71
Map, destination entry 177
Map in split screen 184
Map view 182
Marking on approved tires 279
Marking, run-flat tires 280
Massage seat, front 49
Master key, refer to Remote control 30
Maximum cooling 141
Maximum speed, winter tires 279
Measure, units of 87
Medical kit 299
Memory for seat, mirrors, steering wheel 54
Menu, EfficientDynamics 168
Menu in instrument cluster 83
Menus, operating, iDrive 16
Menus, refer to iDrive operat‐ ing concept 17
Message list, traffic bulle‐ tins 184
Messages 245
Messages, refer to Check Control 78
Microfilter 142
Minimum tread, tires 277
Mirror 55
Mirror memory 54
Mobile communication devi‐ ces in the vehicle 161
Mobile phone 230
Mode, ECO PRO 167
Modifications, technical, refer to Safety 6
Moisture in headlamp 291
Monitor, refer to Control Dis‐ play 16
Mounting of child restraint fix‐ ing systems 58
MP3 player 212 Multifunction steering wheel,
buttons 12
Multimedia 200
Music collection 207
Music search 209
Music, storing 207
N
Navigation 172
Navigation data 186
Neck restraints, front, refer to Head restraints 52
Neck restraints, rear, refer to Head restraints 53
New wheels and tires 278
Night Vision with pedestrian detection 134
Notes 249
Nylon rope for tow-starting/ towing 302
O
OBD Onboard Diagnos‐ tics 289
Obstacle marking, backup camera 127
Odometer 81
Office 242
Oil 284
Oil, adding 285
Oil additives 285
Oil change 286
Oil change interval, service re‐ quirements 82
Oil filler neck 285
Oil level check 284
Oil types, alternative 286
Oil types, approved 285
Old batteries, disposal 296
Onboard Diagnostics OBD 289
Onboard monitor, refer to Control Display 16
Onboard vehicle tool kit 290 Seite 329Everything from A to ZReference329
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Supplementary text mes‐sage 80
Surround View 126
Switch-on times, parked-car ventilation 145
Switch, refer to Cockpit 12
Symbols 6
T
Tachometer 80
Tail and brake lamps 295
Tailgate 38
Tailgate, automatic 38
Tailgate, opening with no- touch activation 41
Tailgate via remote control 35
Tail lamps 294
Tail lamps, bulb replace‐ ment 295
Tasks 248
Technical changes, refer to Safety 6
Technical data 310
TeleService 254
Temperature, automatic cli‐ mate control 140
Temperature display, external temperature 81
Temperature, engine oil 80
Tempomat, refer to Active Cruise Control 114
Terminal, starting aid 300
Text messages 245
Text message, supplemen‐ tary 80
Theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 42
Theft protection, refer to Cen‐ tral locking system 33
Thermal camera, refer to Night Vision 134
Through-loading system 150
Tilt alarm sensor 43
Time of arrival 85
Tire damage 278 Tire identification marks 276
Tire inflation pressure 265
Tire inflation pressure monitor, refer to FTM 100
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 97
Tires, changing 278
Tires, everything on wheels and tires 265
Tires, run-flat tires 280
Tire tread 277
Toll roads, route 180
Tone 190
Tools 290
Top View 128
Total vehicle weight 311
Tow fitting 302
Towing 301
Town/city, navigation 173
Tow-starting 301
Tow truck 301
TPM Tire Pressure Moni‐ tor 97
Traction control 108
Traffic bulletins, naviga‐ tion 184
Transmission, automatic 72
Transmission, manual 71
Transporting children safely 58
Tread, tires 277
Treble, tone 190
Trip computer 85
Triple turn signal activa‐ tion 69
Trip odometer 81
Truck for tow-starting/tow‐ ing 301
Trunk lid 38
Trunk lid, automatic 38
Trunk lid, emergency unlock‐ ing 40
Trunk lid, hotel function 40
Trunk lid, opening with no- touch activation 41 Trunk lid via remote con‐
trol 35
Turning circle 311
Turning circle lines, backup camera 127
Turn signals, operation 69
Turn signals, rear, bulb re‐ placement 295
U
Unintentional alarm 43
Units of measure 87
Universal remote control 146
Unlock button, automatic transmission 72
Unlocking/locking from in‐ side 37
Unlocking/locking via door lock 36
Unlocking/locking with remote control 34
Updates made after the edito‐ rial deadline 6
Updating software 219
Upholstery care 306
USB audio interface 213
USB interface 153
V
Variable steering, Integral Ac‐ tive Steering 110
Vehicle battery 296
Vehicle battery, replacing 296
Vehicle, breaking in 160
Vehicle care 305
Vehicle equipment 6
Vehicle identification number, refer to Identification number
in the engine compart‐
ment 282
Vehicle jack 296
Vehicle paint 305
Vehicle storage 307
Vehicle wash 304 Seite 332ReferenceEverything from A to Z332
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