2006 BMW 550I sensor

Controls
95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The low beams remain switched on inde-
pendent of the ambient lighting condi-
tions when you switch on the fog lamps
*.
With the daytime driving lamps
* activated, the
low beams are always switched on when the
ignition is switched on.<
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determining when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the sensors
cannot detect fog of hazy weather. To avoid
safety risks, you should always switch on the
lamps manually under these conditions.<
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In the switch position1, the Adaptive Head
Light is active and the automatic headlamp con-
trol
* is switched on.
To avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, the Adap-
tive Head Light is not active when driving in
reverse and points toward the passenger side
when the vehicle is stopped.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking. When using
this function, comply with national regulations:
After parking the vehicle, press the lever in the
desired direction3, past the resistance point.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Do not switch them on for long peri-
ods of time, otherwise it may no longer be pos-
sible to start the engine.<
High-beam assistant*
The concept
This system automatically switches the high
beams on and off again. A sensor on the front of
the inside rearview mirror controls the process.
The assistant ensures that the high beams are
switched on whenever the traffic situation
allows. This reduces the strain on you while at
the same time providing you with the best pos-
sible visibility. Of course, you can intervene at
any time and switch the high beams on and off
in the accustomed manner.

Lamps
96
Activating high-beam assistant
1.Turn the light switch to switch position1,
refer to page94.
2.Press the turn signal lever in the high beam
direction with the low beams switched on.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
assistant is activated. The assistant
automatically switches between high and low
beams, whereby the system reacts to oncom-
ing traffic and traffic ahead, as well as to suffi-
cient lighting, e.g. towns/cities.
Manually switching between high and
low beams
You can intervene at any time if you wish or the
situation requires.
>If the high-beam assistant has switched on
the high beams, however you nevertheless
want to use the low beams, simply switch to
the low beams with the turn signal lever.
The high-beam assistant is deactivated in
the process.
To reactivate the system, briefly press the
turn signal lever in the high beam direction
again.
>If the high-beam assistant has switched on
the low beams, however you nevertheless
want to use the high beams, switch to the
high beams in the accustomed manner. The
system is deactivated in the process and
you must switch to the low beams manually.
To reactivate the system, briefly press the
turn signal lever in the high beam direction
again.
>You use the headlamp flasher as usual with
low beams.
System limits
The high-beam assistant cannot replace
personal decisions on the benefits of
using the high beams. In situations which
require this, you should therefore switch to the
low beams manually to avoid a safety risk.<
In the following example situations, the system
does not operate or only with limitations and a
personal reaction may be required:
>Under extremely unfavorable weather con-
ditions, such as heavy fog or precipitation
>For perceiving road user with poor lighting
of their own, e.g. pedestrians, cyclists, peo-
ple on horseback, horse-drawn vehicles,
with train or ship traffic close to the road and
wild animals crossing the road
>In tight curves, on steep crowns or depres-
sions, with cross traffic or partially con-
cealed oncoming traffic on the freeway
>In poorly lit places and with highly reflective
signs
>In the low speed range
>When the windshield is fogged up, dirty or
covered with stickers, vignettes etc. in the
area of the inside rearview mirror
>When the sensor is dirty. Clean the sensor
on the front side of the inside rearview mir-
ror with a cloth moistened with a small
amount of glass cleaner

Climate
98
Climate
Automatic climate control
1Airflow directed toward the windshield and
side windows
2Air for the upper body region, refer to
Front ventilation on page101
3Air to footwell
4Temperature, left side of passenger
compartment
5Maximum cooling
6Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
7Air volume, manual
8Switching off automatic climate control9Switching cooling function on and off
manually
10Temperature, right side of passenger
compartment
11Residual heat mode
12AUTO program
13AUC Automatic recirculated-air control/
recirculated-air mode
14LED for parked car ventilation
*
15Rear window defroster
16Air grill for interior temperature sensor –
please keep clear and unobstructed

Controls
99Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The current setting for air distribution is dis-
played on the Control Display.
A congenial climate
The AUTO program offers the optimum air dis-
tribution and air volume for virtually all condi-
tions, refer to AUTO program below. Now you
only need to select an interior temperature
pleasant to you.
The following sections contain more detailed
information on the available setting options.
Most settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use, also refer to Personal Profile
settings on page29.
AUTO program
The AUTO program handles the
adjustment of air distribution to the
windshield and side windows, in
the direction of the upper body, and in the foot-
well, as well as the air volume. It also adapts
your instructions for the temperature to outside
influences throughout the year.
The cooling is switched on automatically with
the AUTO program. At the same time, a con-
densation sensor controls the program in such
a way that window condensation is prevented
as much as possible.
Intensity of the AUTO program
To meet your individual needs, you can weaken
or strengthen the intensity of the automatic cli-
mate control.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the left to open
"Climate".3.Select "Automatic programs" and press the
controller.
4.Select the desired intensity and press the
controller.
The marked intensity of the automatic
program is switched on.
Temperature
Set the desired temperature indi-
vidually on the driver's and front
passenger side.
The automatic climate control
adjusts this temperature as quickly as possible
at any time of year, if necessary with the maxi-
mum cooling or heating capacity, and then
keeps it constant.
When switching between different tem-
perature settings in rapid succession, the
automatic climate control does not have suffi-
cient time to adjust the set temperature.<
Adjusting temperature in upper body
region
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Climate".
3.Select "Vent settings" and press the con-
troller.

Controls
101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
body. Therefore, open these vents for maxi-
mum cooling.
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control/recirculated-air mode
You can respond to pollutants or
unpleasant odors in the immediate
environment by suspending the
supply of outside air. The system then recircu-
lates the air currently within the vehicle. During
AUC operation, a sensor detects pollutants in
the outside air and controls the shut-off auto-
matically.
By pressing the button repeatedly, you can
request three operating modes:
>LED off: outside air flows in continuously.
>Right LED on, AUC mode: the system
detects pollutants in the outside air and
shuts off the supply as needed.
>Left LED on, recirculated-air mode: the
supply of outside air is permanently shut off.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing the air volume as
required.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
over an extended period of time, as the air qual-
ity inside the vehicle deteriorates continu-
ously.<
Residual heat
The heat stored in the engine is
used to heat the passenger com-
partment, e.g. while stopped at a
school to pick up a child.
The function can be switched on when the fol-
lowing conditions are met:
>up to 15 minutes after switching off the
engine
>with engine at operating temperature
>with sufficient battery voltage
>at an outside temperature below 777/
256The LED lights up when the function is
switched on.
From radio readiness the interior temperature,
the air volume and the air distribution can be
set.
Switching off automatic climate control
The air volume, the heater and the
cooling function are all switched
off.
You can restart the automatic
climate control by pressing any of its buttons
except the REST button.
Front ventilation
1Knurled wheels to smoothly open and close
air vents
2Levers to change the air vent direction
Do not drop any foreign objects into the
vent outlets, otherwise these could be
catapulted outwards and lead to injuries.<
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vent outlets to direct the flow of cool
air in your direction, for instance, if the interior
has become too warm, etc.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.

Mobility
201Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Maintenance
The BMW maintenance
system
The BMW maintenance system supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW. The service schedule also
includes operations related to the vehicle's
comfort and convenience features, such as
replacement of the filters for the inside air.
The ultimate objective is to ensure economical
maintenance by providing the ideal service for
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell
your BMW, a complete dealer service history
will prove to be an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. Condition Based Service uses this to
determine the current and future service
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirements, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Control Display to show
remaining distances and times of selected
maintenance intervals and legally mandated
deadlines, refer to page75:
>Engine oil
>Brakes, front and rear separately
>Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter
>Brake fluid>Spark plugs
>Vehicle check
>Legally mandated inspections depending
on local regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores this information continu-
ously in the remote control while the vehicle is
being driven. After accessing the data stored in
the remote control, your BMW Service Advisor
can suggest precisely the right array of service
procedures for your own individual vehicle. You
should therefore hand over the remote control
you last used to drive to the BMW Service Advi-
sor when you take your vehicle in for service.
Make sure the date in the iDrive is always
set correctly, refer to page81, otherwise
the effectiveness of CBS Condition Based Ser-
vice is not ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<

227Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions, and
indicates where to find them
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System84
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control65
Acceleration assistant for
SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox61
Accessories6
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control77
Activated-charcoal filter102
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation102
Active cruise control65
– indicator lamp68
– radar sensor69
– selecting distance67
– warning lamps69
Active head restraints,
front47
Active seat49
Active seat ventilation49
Active steering89
– warning lamp89
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display89
Adaptive Head Light95
"Add digits" for mobile
phone172
"Address book" for
navigation132Address for navigation
– deleting133
– entering125,128
– selecting133
– storing132
– storing current position133
"Add to address book"132
"Add to destination
list"128,129
Adjusting active backrest
width45
Adjusting confirmation signals
for locking and unlocking31
Adjusting the thigh support44
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control145
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear146
– right/left balance146
"After door opened"46
"After unlocking"46
Airbags90
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp91
Air circulation, refer to Air
recirculation101
Air distribution
– automatic99
– manual100
Airing, refer to Ventilation101
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control101
– recirculated-air mode101
"Air recirculation on / off"51
Air vent outlets of automatic
climate control98
Air vents98
– refer to Ventilation101
Air volume100
AKI, refer to Fuel quality187Alarm system36
– avoiding unintentional
alarms37
– interior motion sensor37
– switching off the alarm37
– switching off the tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor37
– tilt alarm sensor37
All around the center
console14
All around the steering
wheel10
"All channels"154
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires195
"All stations" calling up with
radio148,151
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive85
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road140
"AM", reception
range144,148
Antenna for mobile phone166
Antifreeze
– coolant199
– washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System
ABS84
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system36
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system29
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof, electric41
– panorama glass sunroof42
– power windows39
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights221
Approved engine oils
198

Reference 235
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator/warning lamps
– active steering89
– airbags91
– brake fluid199
– brake pads200
– DSC13,85
– DTC13,85
– Flat Tire Monitor88
– fog lamps13
– safety belt warning47
Indicator and warning
lamps13
Individual air distribution100
Individually programmable
buttons on steering
wheel51
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile29
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure188
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor87
Information
– on another location130
– on country130
– on current position130
– on destination location130
"Information" for
navigation131
"Information on
destination"132
"Initializing..."88
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor88
– radio, refer to Storing
stations150
– refer to Power failure209
– refer to Setting time and
date80
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory45
"Input map"130
Installation location
– CD changer161
– mobile phone106
– navigation drive124
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions139Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer
to Instrument lighting97
Instrument lighting97
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control
104
Interesting destination for
navigation130
"Interim time"80
Interior lamps97
– switching on with remote
control31
Interior motion sensor37
– switching off37
Interior rearview mirror50
– automatic dimming
feature117
Interlock on automatic
transmission61
Intermittent mode of the
wipers63
J
Jacking points208
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting212
Jump starting212
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
access37
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort access37
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile29
"Keypad"174
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile29Kick-down
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox60
Knock control187
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams94
Lamps and bulbs203
"Languages"82
"Languages" for
navigation139
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo120
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list131
"Last seat pos."46
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system54
Length, refer to
Dimensions219
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs206
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs206
Lighter108
Lighter socket108
"Lighting"63,94
Lighting
– instruments97
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps94
– refer to High-beam
assistant95
Light switch94
"Limit"79
Loading
– securing cargo120
– stowing cargo119
– vehicle118
"Lock after driving off"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33