2006 BMW 550I snow chains

Controls
85Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
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Mobility
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taking risks.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up, but not longer
than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control and DSC are deactivated together.
Stabilizing and drive output promoting actions
are no longer executed. In addition, the stability
promoting intervention of the active steering
*
is deactivated, refer to page89.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears there.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up:
DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving on snowy inclines, in slush, or
on unplowed, snow-covered road surfaces
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button briefly; the DTC indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up:
DTC is activated.
xDrive on 525xi, 530xi
xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of your
BMW. The combined effects of xDrive and DSC
further optimize the traction and dynamic driv-
ing characteristics. The 4-wheel drive system
xDrive variably distributes the drive torque to
the front and rear axle depending on the driving
situation and prevailing road conditions.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
88
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused by
outside factors and does not detect a natural,
even pressure drop in all four tires.<
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
>Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels,
high lateral acceleration
>Driving with snow chains
*
When you are driving with the compact wheel*
the Flat Tire Monitor is unable to function.
Initializing system
The initialization finishes during driving,
which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. When driving with snow
chains
* or with the compact wheel*, do not
initialize the system.<
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
4.Select "FTM" and press the controller.
5.Start engine, but do not start driving.
6.Select "Set tire pressure" and press the
controller.7.Select "Yes" and press the controller.
8.Start to drive.
The message "Initializing..." is displayed.
The initialization finishes during driving. Then
the message "Status: FTM active" appears on
the Control Display again.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
In addition, an acoustic signal sounds.
There is a flat tire or extensive inflation pressure
loss.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle care-
fully. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2.Identify damaged tire.
If identification is not possible, con-
tact a BMW center.<
3.Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Changing a wheel on page207.
Run-flat tires*
1.Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires, refer to page194, do not
continue driving. Continuing to drive with a
flat tire could cause severe accidents.<
2.At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor

Mobility
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Controls
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Navigation
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For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that you do not have damaged run-flat
tires repaired; they should be replaced.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the side wall
of the tire.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and recommends
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
Use is only permissible in pairs on the rear
wheels.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
After mounting snow chains, do not ini-
tialize the Flat Tire Monitor, otherwise
incorrect displays can occur.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page85.<

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox59
Shift paddles60
Short commands of voice
command system223
"Short route" for
navigation135
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route134
Shoulder support44
"Show current position"130
"Show destination
position"130
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer160
– CD player160
Side airbags90
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs205
Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs205
Side window blind, refer to
Sun blinds105
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely43
– with airbags43
– with head restraint43
– with safety belts43
Ski bag110
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric40
– refer to Panorama glass
sunroof41
Slope assistant, refer to
Starting assistant117SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox59
– acceleration assistant61
– breaking-in116
– Dynamic Driving Control60
– gear display59
– kick-down60
– shiftlock59
– towing214
– tow-starting215
Snow chains195
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics interface202
Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock56
Sockets, refer to Connecting
electrical devices108
Song search with CD, refer to
Playing a track159
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency call211
Spare fuses210
Spare key
28
– adapter28
Spare remote control28
Spare wheel, refer to
Changing wheels207
Spare wheel, refer to Compact
wheel208
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils198
Speed
– with compact wheel209
– with winter tires195
Speed-dependent
volume146
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit79
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone
control146
"Sport", active backrest width
adjustment45
Sport program, refer to
Dynamic Driving Control60Sports Wagon
– automatic tailgate
operation35
– cargo area cover111
– compartments in cargo
area112
– increasing cargo area111
– opening rear window34
– opening tailgate35
– panorama glass sunroof41
– rear window wiper64
– rear window wiper, changing
wiper blade203
– releasing fuel filler door in
event of electrical
malfunction186
– roll-up cover, refer to Cargo
area cover111
– self-leveling suspension87
– separation net111
– socket in cargo area109
– storage area package112
– tail lamps, replacing
bulbs205
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems84
"Star button"51
Star button51
Start/Stop button56
"Start destination
guidance"130
"Start" for stopwatch79
"Start guidance"128,136
Starting, refer to Starting
engine57
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting212
Starting assistant117
Starting difficulties
– jump starting212
– refer to Special starting
conditions57
Starting off on slopes, refer to
Starting assistant117
Start menu, iDrive17
"Start service"181