2015 BMW 7 SERIES Owner's Manual

If the first starting attempt is not success‐
ful, wait a few minutes before making an‐
other attempt in order to allow the dis‐
charged battery to recharge.3.Let both engines run for several minutes.4.Disconnect the jumper cables in the re‐
verse order.
Check the battery and recharge if needed.
Tow-starting and towing Information WARNING
Due to system limits, individual functions
can malfunction during tow-starting/towing
with the Intelligent Safety systems activated,
e.g. approach control warning with light brak‐
ing function. There is risk of an accident.
Switch all Intelligent Safety systems off prior to
tow-starting/towing.◀
Transporting the vehicle
Information CAUTION
The vehicle can be damaged when tow‐
ing the vehicle with a single lifted axle. There is risk of property damage. The vehicle should
only be transported on a loading platform.◀
CAUTION
When lifting the vehicle by the tow fitting
or body and chassis parts; damage can occur
on vehicle parts. There is risk of property dam‐
age. Lift vehicle using suitable means.◀
CAUTION
With transport on a loading platform, do
not fasten vehicle by the chassis.◀
Tow truck
The vehicle should only be transported on a
loading platform.
Towing other vehicles
Information WARNING
If the approved gross vehicle weight of
the towing vehicle is lighter than the vehicle to be towed, the tow fitting can tear off or it will
not be possible to control the vehicle's re‐
sponse. There is risk of an accident! Make sure
that the gross vehicle weight of the towing ve‐
hicle is heavier than the vehicle to be towed.◀
CAUTION
If the tow bar or tow rope is attached in‐
correctly, damage to other vehicle parts can
occur. There is risk of property damage. Cor‐
rectly attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting.◀
▷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.
Seite 289Breakdown assistanceMobility289
Online Edition for Part no. 0140 2 964 330 - VI/15

Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe
the following:▷Maneuvering capability is limited going
around corners.▷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, al‐
ways use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Tow fitting
General information
The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle.
The tow fitting can be screwed in at the front
or rear of the BMW.
The tow fitting is found in the onboard vehicle
tool kit, refer to page 281.
Information CAUTION
If the tow fitting is not used as intended,
there can be damage to the vehicle or to the
tow fitting. There is risk of property damage.
Observe the notes on using the tow fitting.◀
Use of the tow fitting:
▷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.▷Use tow fitting located in the front only for
positioning the vehicle.▷Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g.,
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Screw thread for tow fitting
Push out the cover by pressing on the top
edge.
Tow-starting
Steptronic transmission Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Tow-starting the engine is not possible due to
the transmission.
Have the cause of the starting problems fixed.
Seite 290MobilityBreakdown assistance290
Online Edition for Part no. 0140 2 964 330 - VI/15

CareVehicle features and optionsThis chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features and systems.
Car washes General information
Regularly remove foreign objects such as
leaves in the area below the windshield when
the hood is raised.
Wash your vehicle frequently, particularly in
winter. Intense soiling and road salt can dam‐
age the vehicle.
Steam blaster and high-pressure
washer
Information CAUTION
When cleaning with high-pressure wash‐
ers, components can be damaged due to the
pressure or temperatures being too high.
There is risk of property damage. Maintain suf‐
ficient distance and do not spray too long con‐
tinuously. Follow the user's manual for the
high-pressure washer.◀
Distances and temperature▷Maximum temperature: 140 ℉/60 ℃.▷Minimum distance from sensors, cameras,
seals: 12 in/30 cm.▷Minimum distance from glass sunroof:
31.5 inches/80 cm.
Automatic car washes
Information Note the following:
▷Give preference to cloth car washes or
those that use soft brushes in order to
avoid paint damage.▷Make sure that the wheels and tires are not
damaged by the transport mechanisms.▷Fold in the exterior mirrors; otherwise, they
may be damaged, depending on the width
of the vehicle.▷Deactivate the rain sensor, refer to
page 104, to avoid unintentional wiper acti‐
vation.▷In some cases, an unintentional alarm can
be triggered by the interior motion sensor
of the alarm system. Follow the instruc‐
tions on avoiding an unintentional alarm,
refer to page 70.
CAUTION
Too high guide rails in car washes can
damage body parts. There is risk of property
damage. Avoid car washes with guide rails
higher than 4 in/10 cm.◀
Before driving into a car wash In order to ensure that the vehicle can roll in a
car wash, take the following steps:
1.Drive into the car wash.2.Engage selector lever position N.3.Deactivating Automatic Hold, refer to
page 102.4.Release the parking brake.5.Switch off drive readiness.Seite 291CareMobility291
Online Edition for Part no. 0140 2 964 330 - VI/15

In this way, operating readiness remains
switched on, and a Check-Control mes‐
sage is displayed.
The vehicle cannot be locked from the outside
when in selector lever position N. A signal
sounds when an attempt is made to lock the
vehicle.
For activation of drive readiness:
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
When the Start/Stop button is pressed without
stepping on the brake, a Check Control mes‐
sage is displayed.
Selector lever positionSelector lever position P is automatically en‐
gaged after approx. 25 minutes.
Headlights
▷Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or
acidic cleansers.▷Soak areas that have been dirtied e. g.,
from insects, with shampoo and wash off
with water.▷Thaw ice with de-icing spray; do not use an
ice scraper.
After washing the vehicle
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them; otherwise, braking action
can be reduced and corrosion of the brake
discs can occur.
Completely remove all residues on the win‐
dows, to minimize loss of visibility due to
smearing and to reduce wiper noises and
wiper blade wear.
Vehicle care
Car care productsThe manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
using car care and cleaning products from
BMW.
WARNING
Cleansers can contain substances that
are dangerous and harmful to your health.
There is risk of injuries. When cleaning the in‐
terior, open the doors or windows. Only use
products intended for cleaning vehicles. Fol‐
low the instructions on the container.◀
Vehicle paint Regular care contributes to driving safety and
value retention. Environmental influences in
areas with elevated air pollution or natural con‐
taminants, such as tree resin or pollen can af‐
fect the vehicle's paintwork. Tailor the fre‐
quency and extent of your car care to these
influences.
Aggressive substances such as spilled fuel, oil,
grease or bird droppings, must be removed im‐
mediately to prevent the finish from being al‐
tered or discolored.
Matte finish Only use cleaning and care products suitable
for vehicles with matte finish. These are availa‐
ble from a dealer’s service center or another
qualified service center or repair shop.
Leather care
Remove dust from the leather often, using a
cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Otherwise, particles of dust and road grime
chafe in pores and folds, and lead to increased
wear and premature degradation of the leather
surface.
To guard against discoloration, such as from
clothing, provide leather care roughly every
two months.Seite 292MobilityCare292
Online Edition for Part no. 0140 2 964 330 - VI/15

Clean light-colored leather more frequently be‐
cause soiling on such surfaces is substantially
more visible.
Use leather care products; otherwise, dirt and
grease will gradually break down the protective
layer of the leather surface.
Suitable care products are available from a
dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.
Upholstery material careVacuum regularly with a vacuum cleaner.
If upholstery is very dirty, e.g., with beverage
stains, use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth
with a suitable interior cleaner.
Clean the upholstery down to the seams using
large sweeping motions. Avoid rubbing the
material vigorously.
CAUTION
Open Velcro® fasteners on articles of
clothing can damage the seat covers. There is
risk of property damage. Ensure that any Vel‐
cro® fasteners are closed.◀
Caring for special components
Light-alloy wheels When cleaning the vehicle, use only neutral
wheel cleaners having a pH value from 5 to 9.
Do not use abrasive cleaning agents or steam jets above 140 ℉/60 ℃. Follow the manufac‐
turer's instructions.
Aggressive, acidic or alkaline cleaning agents
can destroy the protective layer of adjacent
components, such as the brake disk.
Chrome surfaces
Carefully clean components such as the radia‐
tor grille or door handles with an ample supply
of water, possibly with shampoo added, partic‐
ularly when they have been exposed to road
salt.Rubber components
Environmental influences can cause surface
soiling of rubber parts and a loss of gloss. For
cleaning, use only water and suitable care
products, the manufacturer of your vehicle rec‐
ommends original BMW care products.
Treat especially worn rubber parts with rubber
care agents at regular intervals. When cleaning
rubber seals, do not use any silicon-containing
car care products in order to avoid damage or
noises.
Fine wood partsClean fine wood facing and fine wood compo‐
nents only with a moist rag. Then dry with a
soft cloth.
Plastic components
These include:▷Imitation leather surfaces.▷Roofliner.▷Lamp lenses.▷Instrument cluster cover.▷Matt black spray-coated components.▷Painted parts in the interior.
Clean with a microfiber cloth.
Dampen cloth lightly with water.
Do not soak the roofliner.
CAUTION
Cleansers that contain alcohol or sol‐
vents, such as lacquer thinners, heavy-duty
grease removers, fuel, or such, can damage
plastic parts. There is risk of property damage.
Clean with a microfiber cloth. Dampen cloth
lightly with water.◀
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
Seite 293CareMobility293
Online Edition for Part no. 0140 2 964 330 - VI/15

WARNING
Chemical cleansers can destroy the
safety belt webbing. Missing protective effect
of the safety belts. There is risk of injuries or
danger to life. Use only a mild soapy solution
for cleaning the safety belts.◀
Use only a mild soapy solution, with the safety
belts clipped into their buckles.
Do not allow the switchs to retract the safety
belts until they are dry.
Carpets and floor mats WARNING
Objects in the driver's floor area can limit
the pedal distance or block a depressed pedal.
There is risk of an accident. Stow objects in
the vehicle such that they are secured and
cannot enter into the driver's floor area. Use
floor mats that are suitable for the vehicle and
can be safely attached to the floor. Do not use
loose floor mats and do not layer several floor
mats. Make sure that there is sufficient clear‐
ance for the pedals. Ensure that the floor mats
are securely fastened again after they were re‐
moved, e.g. for cleaning.◀
Floor mats can be removed from the car's inte‐
rior for cleaning.
If the floor carpets are very dirty, clean with a
microfiber cloth and water or a textile cleaner.
To prevent matting of the carpet, rub back and
forth in the direction of travel only.
Sensor/camera lenses
To clean sensors and camera lenses, use a
cloth moistened with a small amount of glass
detergent.Displays/screens/protective glass of
the Head-up Display
CAUTION
Chemical cleansers, moisture or fluids of
any kind can damage the surface of displays
and screens. There is risk of property damage.
Clean with a clean, antistatic microfiber cloth.◀
CAUTION
The surface of displays can be damaged
with improper cleaning. There is risk of prop‐
erty damage. Avoid pressure that is too high
and do not use any scratching materials.◀
Clean with a clean, antistatic microfiber cloth.
Clean the protective glass of the Head-up Dis‐
play, refer to page 126, using a microfiber cloth
and commercially available dish-washing soap.
Long-term
When the vehicle is shut down for longer than
three months, special measures must be
taken. Further information is available from a
dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.Seite 294MobilityCare294
Online Edition for Part no. 0140 2 964 330 - VI/15

Seite 295CareMobility295
Online Edition for Part no. 0140 2 964 330 - VI/15

Online Edition for Part no. 0140 2 964 330 - VI/15