2006 BMW 550I SEDAN remote control

Opening and closing
38 The luggage compartment lid/tailgate can also
be opened with the system armed with the
button on the remote control, refer to page33.
When the luggage compartment lid/tailgate is
closed, it is locked and monitored again.
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote control,
refer to page30.
>Insert the remote control all the way into the
ignition lock.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp under the inside rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after locking:
doors, hood, luggage compartment lid/tail-
gate or rear window
is/are not properly
closed. Even if you do not close the alerted
area, the system begins to monitor the
remaining areas, and the indicator lamp
flashes continuously after approx. 10 sec-
onds. However, the interior motion sensor
is not activated.
>The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
your vehicle has not been disturbed while
you were away.
>The indicator lamp flashes after unlocking
until the remote control is inserted into the
ignition lock, however for a maximum of
approx. 5 minutes: your vehicle has been
disturbed while you were away.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm
system reacts, e.g. in case of an attempted
wheel theft or towing.
Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and glass sunroof
*
must be completely closed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following
situations:
>In stacking garages
>When transporting on car-carrying trains
>When animals are to remain in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor
Press the button on the remote control
again as soon as the vehicle is locked.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and then
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor and
the interior motion sensor are switched off until
the next time the vehicle is unlocked and subse-
quently locked again.
Comfort access*
Comfort access enables you to access your
vehicle without having to hold the remote con-
trol in your hand. It is sufficient to carry the
remote control with you, e.g. in your jacket
pocket. The vehicle automatically detects the
related remote control in the immediate vicinity
or in the interior.
Comfort access supports the following func-
tions:
>Unlocking/locking vehicle
>Comfort locking
>Opening luggage compartment lid/tailgate
separately

Controls
39Reference
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Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
>Sports Wagon: opening rear window sepa-
rately
>Starting engine
Functional requirement
>The vehicle or the luggage compartment
lid/tailgate can only be locked if the vehicle
detects that the remote control you are car-
rying is outside the vehicle.
>The next unlocking and locking cycle is not
possible until after approx. 2 seconds.
>The engine can only be started if the vehicle
detects that the remote control is located in
the vehicle.
Comparison with ordinary remote
control
You can control the functions mentioned previ-
ously with the comfort access or by pressing
the buttons on the remote control. Therefore,
please familiarize yourself with the information
on opening and closing beginning on page28
beforehand.
The special features when using comfort
access are described in the following.
Should a short delay occur when opening
or closing the windows or the glass sun-
roof, the system is checking whether a remote
control is located in the vehicle. Please repeat
opening or closing if necessary.<
Releasing
Completely grasp a door handle, arrow1. This
corresponds to pressing the button.
If a remote control is detected in the interior
after unlocking, the electric steering-wheel lock
unlocks, refer to page58.
Locking
>For the driver's door, touch the area high-
lighted in the picture, arrow2, with your fin-
ger for approx. 1 second.
>For the remaining doors, touch the area
highlighted in the picture, arrow3, with your
finger for approx. 1 second.
This corresponds to pressing the but-
ton.
Please make sure that the ignition and all
current consumers are switched off
before locking to save the battery.<
Comfort locking
Hold a finger or the back of the hand on the sur-
face, arrow2 or 3.
The windows and the glass sunroof
* are
closed.
Watch during the closing process to be
sure that no one is injured. Removing the
hand from the door handle stops the closing
process immediately.<
Opening luggage compartment lid/
tailgate separately
Press the button on the luggage compartment
lid/tailgate. This corresponds to pressing the
button.
If a remote control accidentally left in the
luggage compartment/cargo area is
detected in the locked vehicle after closing the
luggage compartment lid/tailgate or the rear
window, the lid or rear window opens again. The
hazard warning flashers flash and a signal
*
sounds.<
Sports Wagon: opening rear window
separately
Press the button on the rear window, refer to
page34.
Switching on radio readiness
By briefly pressing the Start/Stop button, you
switch on the radio readiness, refer to page58.

Opening and closing
40 When doing so, do not depress the brake
or clutch pedal, as otherwise the engine
will start immediately.<
Starting engine
You can start the engine or switch on the switch
on ignition if a remote control is located in the
interior of the vehicle. It need not be inserted in
the ignition lock, refer to page58.
If you take the remote control with you when
leaving the vehicle with the engine running, a
warning lamp lights up. In addition, a message
appears on the Control Display. As long as no
remote control is detected in the vehicle, it is
only possible to restart the engine within
approx. 10 seconds after it is switched off.
Switching off engine with automatic
transmission
The engine can only be switched off in the
selector lever position P, refer to page60.
To switch off the engine in the selector lever
position N, the remote control must be inserted
in the ignition lock.
Before driving into a car wash with
automatic transmission
1.Insert remote control into ignition lock.
2.Depress brake pedal.
3.Place selector lever in position N.
4.Switch off the engine.
The vehicle can roll.
Malfunction
The comfort access function may malfunction
due to local radio waves. Then open or close the
vehicle with the buttons on the remote control
or with a key. To start the engine following this,
insert the remote control in the ignition lock.
Replacing battery
The remote control for comfort access contains
a battery which must be replaced if necessary.1.Remove integrated key from remote con-
trol, refer to page28.
2.Remove cover.
3.Lay in new battery with positive side facing
upward.
4.Press cover closed.
Return used battery to a recycling collec-
tion point or to your BMW center.<
Windows
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the windows and keep them in
your field of vision until they are shut.
Always take along the remote control when you
leave the vehicle, otherwise children could, for
example, operate the windows and injure them-
selves.<
Opening, closing
>Press switch to resistance point:
The window continues to open as long as
you keep the switch pressed.
>Press switch beyond resistance point:
The window opens automatically. Pressing
the switch again stops the opening move-
ment.

Controls
41Reference
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You can close the windows in the same manner
by pulling the switch.
Separate switches for the rear windows are
located in the rear.
For information on using the convenience oper-
ation at the door lock or with the remote control,
refer to page31 or32.
For information on comfort closing with comfort
access, refer to page39.
After switching off ignition
You can still operate the windows with the
remote control removed or the ignition
switched off for approx. 1 minute, as long as
neither of the front doors has been opened.
Pinch protection system
If the closing force rises beyond a predefined
threshold during closing, the system will imme-
diately stop moving the window prior to lower-
ing it slightly.
Despite the pinch protection system,
inspect the window's travel path prior to
closing it, as the safety system might fail to
detect certain kinds of obstructions, such as
thin objects, and the window would continue
closing.
Pulling the switch beyond the resistance point
and holding it limits the response of the pinch
protection system. In this case, if the closing
force exceeds a defined threshold, the window
will only open a little.
If the switch is pulled past the resistance point
again within approx. 4 seconds, the pinch pro-
tection system will be deactivated.
Do not install any accessories in the range of
movement of the windows, as otherwise the
pinch protection system will be impaired.<
Safety switch
With the safety switch, you can prevent the rear
windows from being opened or closed via the
switches in the rear passenger area, by chil-
dren, for example. The LED lights up when this
safety feature is activated.
Always press the safety switch when chil-
dren ride in the rear, otherwise
unchecked closing of the windows could lead to
injuries.<
Glass sunroof*, electric
The glass sunroof is ready for operation with
the ignition switched on, refer to page58.
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the glass sunroof and keep it in
your field of vision until it is closed.
Always take along the remote control when you
leave the vehicle, otherwise children could, for
example, operate the roof and injure them-
selves.<
Raising
Press switch.
>The closed glass sunroof is raised and the
sliding visor opens slightly.

Opening and closing
42 >The opened glass sunroof automatically
moves into the raised position. The sliding
visor remains completely open.
Do not use force to close the headliner
insert with the glass sunroof in its raised
position, otherwise the mechanism will be dam-
aged.<
Opening, closing
>Press switch back to the resistance point.
The glass sunroof and the sliding visor open
together for as long as you hold the switch
in this position.
>Press switch back past the resistance point.
The glass sunroof and the sliding visor open
automatically. Briefly press the switch again
to stop the opening movement.
In a similar manner, the glass sunroof closes
when you slide the switch forward. The sliding
visor remains open and can be closed by hand.
For information on using the convenience oper-
ation at the door lock or with the remote control,
refer to page31 or32.
For information on comfort closing with comfort
access, refer to page39.
Automatic opening and closing
Press the switch past the resistance point.
The following movements are also automatic:
>When the sunroof is open, press the switch
in the lifting direction: the sunroof is raised
all the way.
>When the sunroof is raised, press the
switch in the opening direction: the sunroof
is opened all the way.
Pressing the switch again stops the motion.
Pinch protection system
If the glass sunroof encounters resistance when
closing from roughly the center of the roof
opening or when closing from the raised posi-
tion, the closing action is interrupted and the
glass sunroof reopens a short way.Despite the pinch protection system,
inspect the sunroof's travel path prior to
closing it, as the safety system might fail to
detect certain kinds of obstructions, such as
very thin objects, and the sunroof would con-
tinue closing.
Pressing the switch beyond the resistance
point and holding it there deactivates the pinch
protection system.<
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After a power loss, the sunroof may only
respond to the lift command. The system must
be initialized. BMW recommends having this
work done by your BMW center.
Moving manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
move the glass sunroof manually:
1.Fold the cover panel down, if necessary
using a screwdriver from the onboard tool
kit, refer to page211.
2.Insert the Allen wrench supplied with the
onboard tool kit, refer to page211, into the
opening provided. Move the glass sunroof
in the desired direction. The arrow below
indicates the rotation direction for closing.

Controls
43Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Sports Wagon:
Panorama glass sunroof
The panorama glass sunroof is ready for opera-
tion with the ignition switched on, refer to
page58.
To prevent injuries, exercise care when
closing the panorama glass sunroof and
keep it in your field of vision until it is closed.
Always take along the remote control when you
leave the vehicle, otherwise children could, for
example, operate the roof and injure them-
selves.<
Raising, opening, closing
Press the switch or slide it in the desired direc-
tion up to the resistance point.
The sliding visor is opened:
>together with the sunroof
>slightly when the sunroof is tilted
With the sunroof closed or tilted, the sliding
visor can be opened and closed independently.
For information on using the convenience oper-
ation at the door lock or with the remote control,
refer to page31 or32.
For information on comfort closing with comfort
access, refer to page39.
Ventilation setting
Press the switch:
The sunroof is raised and the sliding visor is
opened slightly.
Automatic opening and closing
Press the switch past the resistance point.
Pressing the switch again stops the motion.
Opening and closing sunroof and
sliding visor together
Press the switch beyond the resistance point
twice consecutively.
Pressing the switch again stops the motion.
Comfort position
Each time the panorama glass sunroof is com-
pletely opened and then closed, it stops in the
comfort position. If desired, continue the
motion following this with the switch.
In the comfort position the wind noises in the
interior are reduced.
Pinch protection system
If the panorama glass sunroof or sliding visor
encounter resistance when closing from
roughly one third of the sunroof opening or
when closing from the raised position, the clos-
ing action is interrupted and the panorama
glass sunroof and sliding visor reopen a little.
Despite the pinch protection system,
inspect the sunroof's travel path prior to
closing it, as the safety system might fail to
detect certain kinds of obstructions, such as
very thin objects, and the sunroof would con-
tinue closing.
Pressing the switch beyond the resistance
point and holding it there deactivates the pinch
protection system.<
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After a power loss, the sunroof may only
respond to the lift command. The system must
be initialized. BMW recommends having this
work done by your BMW center.

Adjustments
48
Safety feature
1.Close the driver's door and switch the igni-
tion on or off.
2.Press the desired memory button1 or2
and maintain pressure until the adjustment
process has been completed.
If the button was pressed inadvertently:
press the button again; the LED goes out.
Activating with remote control
The last positions of the driver's seat, the exter-
nal rearview mirrors, and steering wheel are
stored for the remote key currently in use.
You can choose when the position is requested:
>Request when unlocking vehicle
>Request when opening driver's door
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
4.Select "Door locks" and press the control-
ler.
5.Select "Central locking" and press the con-
troller.
6.Select "Last seat pos." and press the con-
troller.7.Select "After unlocking" or "After door
opened".
8.Press the controller.
To cancel the request:
Select "Deactivated" and press the controller.
When using this feature, always make
sure that the footwell behind the driver's
seat is empty and unobstructed. Failure to do
so could cause injury to persons or damage to
objects behind the seat as a result of a rearward
movement of the seat.<
Head restraints
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of spinal injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint so that its center
is approx. at ear level. Otherwise there is
increased danger of injury in the event of an
accident.<
Front seats: height adjustment
You can adjust the height of the head restraints
electrically.
Front seats: angle adjustment
Swivel the head restraint.

Adjustments
52
Tilting down passenger-side exterior
mirror – automatic parking function*
Activating
1.Slide switch into the driver's side mirror
position, arrow 1.
2.Engage reverse gear or selector lever posi-
tion R.
The mirror glass tilts downward somewhat
on the passenger's side. This allows the
driver to see the area immediately adjacent
to the vehicle – such as a curb – when park-
ing, etc.
Deactivating
Slide switch into the passenger side mirror
position, arrow 2.
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce the dazzle effect of following vehi-
cles at night, turn the knob.
Automatically dimming
* mirrors, refer to
page125.
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving. There is a risk of acci-
dent as the result of unexpected movement.<
The steering wheel can be adjusted in four
directions.
Storing steering wheel positions, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel memory on page47.
Electric steering wheel lock
The steering wheel locks or unlocks automati-
cally when the remote control is removed or
inserted, refer to page58.
Easy entry/exit*
To facilitate entry and exit, the steering wheel
temporarily moves into the uppermost position.
Steering wheel heater*
Press the button with the ignition switched on.
When the steering wheel heater is operating,
the LED in the button lights up.