
Controls
 75Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Energy Control
Displays the current fuel consumption. This 
allows you to see whether your current driving 
style is conducive to fuel economy with mini-
mum exhaust emissions.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 18.5 gallons/
70 liters. You will find information on refueling 
on page194.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period, 
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for 
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
After the reserve quantity has been reached, a 
message briefly appears on the Control Display; 
the remaining range is shown in the computer. 
Below a range of approx. 30 miles/50 km, the 
message remains on the Control Display.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur.<
Computer
Displays in instrument cluster
To display the information, press the BC button 
in the turn signal lever from radio readiness.
The following information is displayed in the 
specified order:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available 
with the remaining fuel. The range is projected 
based on the driving style over the last 20 miles/
30 km.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur.<
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine 
switched off are not included in the calculations 
of average speed.
To reset average speed: press BC button on 
turn signal lever for approx. 2 seconds.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated for 
the time during which the engine is running.
You can use the Control Display to view your 
fuel consumption rate over two different dis-
tances, refer to Displays on Control Display or 
Trip computer
*. 

Refueling
194
Refueling
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling, otherwise no fuel can be filled into 
the tank and a message is displayed.<
When handling fuel, always observe all 
applicable precautionary measures and 
regulations. Never transport reserve fuel con-
tainers in the vehicle. These could become 
leaky and cause an explosion or a fire in an acci-
dent.<
Fuel filler door
To open and close: press the rear edge of the 
fuel filler door.
Manual release
If an electrical malfunction should occur, you 
can unlock the fuel filler door manually.
Sedan
1.In the luggage compartment, raise the floor 
mat and the cover located beneath it.
2.Open the snap fasteners of the right side 
panel and take off the side panel.3.Pull the knob with the gas pump symbol.
Sports Wagon
1.Unhook the retaining strap*, refer to 
page119.
2.Open the right-hand side panel in the cargo 
area.
3.Pull the knob with the gas pump symbol.
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels always observe any 
safety guidelines posted at the service 
station.<
Place the fuel filler cap in the bracket attached 
to the fuel filler door. 

Mobility
 195Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid raising the filler 
nozzle during refueling, as otherwise this leads 
to
>premature pump shutoff
>a reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor 
recovery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks 
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 18.5 gallons/70 liters, including the 
reserve capacity of approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur.<
Fuel filler cap
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly 
hear a click.
Do not jam the strap attached to the fuel 
filler cap between the fuel filler cap and 
the vehicle. A message
* is displayed if the cap 
is loose or missing.<
Fuel specifications
Do not use leaded gasoline, otherwise 
permanent damage to the catalytic con-
verter will result.<
Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less 
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is 87.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds 
when starting at high outside temperatures. 
This has no affect on the engine life.
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition, 
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale 
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 % ethanol or other 
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight, 
that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an 
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void 
the applicable warranties with respect to 
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in 
drivability, starting and stalling problems 
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and 
high altitude. 
Should you encounter drivability problems 
which you suspect could be related to the fuel 
you are using, we recommend that you respond 
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand 
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier 
Detergent Gasoline. 
Failure to comply with these recommendations 
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.< 

Maintenance
210
Socket for OBD Onboard 
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the 
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via 
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to the left on the driver's 
side, on the underside of the instrument panel 
under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The 
exhaust-gas values worsen. Have the 
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This 
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In 
this case you should reduce speed and drive to 
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible. 
Heavy engine misfiring led to serious damage 
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can close when 
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display light up. If 
the cap is then tightened, the display will go out 
within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with 
a device for recording or transmitting certain 
vehicle data or information. If you have also 
signed a contract of participation for BMW 
Assist, certain vehicle data can be transmitted 
or recorded to enable corresponding services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure. 

Technical data
230 Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
Sports Wagon530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,858/1,750
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,891/1,765
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 5,049/2,290
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 5,082/2,305
Load lbs./kg 1,190/540
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,381/1,080
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,866/1,300
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 17.7-58.3/500-1,650
Notes
Fuel tank gal/liters approx. 18.5/70 Fuel grade: page195
of that reserve gal/liters approx. 2.1/8
Window cleaning system For more details: page66
>Sedan US quarts/liters approx. 3.2/3
>incl. headlamp washer system US quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5
>Sports Wagon US quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5
Engine with oil filter change BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
Oil grades: page206 >525i/xi, 530i/xi US quarts/liters 6.9/6.5
>550i US quarts/liters 8.5/8.0 

Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Car radio, refer to Radio156
Car wash126
– also refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
– with comfort access40
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system124
"Categories"163
CBC Cornering Brake 
Control86
CBS Condition Based 
Service209
"CD"152,165
CD changer165
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse169
– installation location169
– playing a track167
– random order168
– repeating a track168
– selecting a CD165
– selecting a track166
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
CD player165
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse169
– playing a track167
– random order168
– repeating a track168
– selecting a track166
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
Center armrest
– front113
– rear116
Center brake lamp214
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking system29
– comfort access38
– from inside vehicle32
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own 
safety5
– refer to Parts and 
accessories6Changing language on 
Control Display84
Changing units of measure on 
Control Display84
Changing wheels201,215
CHECK button80
Check Control79
"Check Control 
messages"80
Check Gas Cap195
Checking the air pressure, 
refer to Tire inflation 
pressure196
Child-restraint fixing system 
LATCH56
Child restraints54
Child restraint systems54
Child-safety lock57
Child seats54
Chime, refer to Check 
Control79
Chock215
Chrome parts, care, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cigarette lighter115
Cleaning, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
"Climate"50,106
Clock74
– 12h/24h mode83
– setting time and date82
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside30
Closing fuel filler cap195
Clothes hooks114
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting 
engine59
"Comfort", active backrest 
width adjustment47
Comfort access38
– observe in car wash40
– replacing battery40
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14Comfort operation
– windows with comfort 
access39
– with comfort access39
Comfort seat46
"Communication"178,189
"Communication 
settings"188
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer165
– refer to CD player165
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure197
– wheel change216
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock58
Compartments
– in cargo area118
– refer to Storage area 
package119
– refer to Storage 
compartments114
Compressed audio files165
Computer75
– displays on Control 
Display76
– hour signal83
"Concert hall", refer to Tone 
control154
Condition Based Service 
CBS209
"Confirmation"31
Connecting car vacuum 
cleaner, refer to Connecting 
electrical devices115
Consumption, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption75
Consumption indicator
– Energy Control75
Consumption statistics, refer 
to Average fuel 
consumption75
"Continue guidance to 
destination?"145
"Contrast" with BMW Night 
Vision100 

Everything from A to Z
240 Control Center, refer to 
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to 
iDrive16
– setting brightness83
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– glass sunroof31
– windows31
Convenience start, refer to 
Starting engine59
Coolant207
– checking level207
– temperature74
Cooling, maximum107
Cornering Brake Control 
CBC86
Country of destination for 
navigation134
Courtesy lamps104
Cover, roll-up cover, 
Sports Wagon117
Cradle for telephone or mobile 
phone113
Cruise control66,67
– active cruise control67
Cruising range75
Cup holders114
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights229
Current fuel consumption75
"Current position"148
Current position
– displaying148
– entering140
– storing140
"Curve mode" with 
BMW Night Vision100
"Customer 
Relations"182,190
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data226
D
Dashboard, refer to 
Cockpit10
Data226
– capacities230
– dimensions227
– engine226
– technical data226
– weights229
"Date"83
Date74
– display format83
– retrieval74
– setting83
"Date format"83
Daytime running lamps102
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control86
"Deactivated"48
Deactivating selector lever 
interlock64
Decommissioning the vehicle, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Defect
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– tailgate36
Defrosting windows107
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation107
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows107
"Delete address book" for 
navigation system142
"Delete all numbers" for 
mobile phone181
"Delete data" for navigation 
system142
"Delete" for mobile 
phone181
Destination address
– deleting141
– entering133,136Destination for navigation
– destination list139
– entering via voice136
– entry133
– selecting from address 
book141
– selecting using 
information138
– storing140
Destination guidance144
– bypassing route 
sections148
– canceling voice 
instructions53
– changing specified 
route142
– displaying routes
145
– distance and arrival144
– interrupting144
– starting144
– terminating/continuing144
– voice instructions147
– volume of voice 
instructions147
Destination list for 
navigation139
Destinations recently driven 
to139
"Details" in audio mode167
"Dial" for mobile phone179
"Dial number"179
"Diamond button"53
Diamond button53
Digital clock74
Digital radio, refer to High 
Definition Radio160
Dimensions227
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals64
Direction announcements, 
refer to Voice 
instructions147
Direction instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions147
Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book140
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data226 

Everything from A to Z
242 Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine59
"Enter address"134,140
Entering destination via town/
city name134
Entering the 
address133,136
Entering the intersection135
Entering town/city for 
navigation134
Entering zip code for 
navigation135
"Entertainment"152
"Entertainment 
settings"153,160
Entertainment sound output 
on/off153
Entry map for destination137
"Equalizer", refer to Tone 
control155
Equalizer, refer to Tone 
control155
"ESN"162
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control86
Event Data Recorders210
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system124
Exterior mirrors51
– automatic dimming 
feature125
– automatic heating51
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side 
exterior mirror52
External audio 
device114,171
Eye for tow-starting and 
towing, refer to Tow 
fitting221
F
"Fader", refer to Tone 
control154
Fader, refer to Tone 
control154Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control79
False alarm, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms38
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts49
– warning lamp49
Fastest route for 
navigation142
"Fast route" for 
navigation143
"Favorites" calling up with 
radio159
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit220
First-aid kit220
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting 
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to 
Rechargeable flashlight113
Flat tire
– changing wheels215
– compact wheel216
– Flat Tire Monitor89,90
– run-flat tires90,93,201
– TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor91
Flat Tire Monitor89
– false alarms90
– initializing system90
– show chains203
– system limits90
– warning lamp90
Flat tires, refer to Tire 
condition201
"FM", reception 
range152,156
FM, waveband156
Fog lamps104
– indicator lamp13,104
Folding rear seat 
back116,117
Fold-over rear seat 
back116,117
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely125
Footwell lamps104Forward, fast
– CD changer
169
– CD player169
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to 
xDrive87
Freeway, refer to Route 
criteria142
Front airbags94
Front armrest, refer to Center 
armrest, front113
Front passenger airbags, 
deactivating95
Front seat adjustment46
"FTM"90
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor89
Fuel195
– capacity230
– display75
– high-quality brands195
– quality195
– specifications195
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge75
Fuel consumption display, 
computer, average fuel 
consumption75
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge75
Fuel filler door194
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction194
"Full screen" with BMW Night 
Vision100
Fuses218
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control111
Gasoline, refer to Required 
fuel195
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge75