2006 BMW 550I SEDAN bulb

Driving
64
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration: press the accelerator pedal beyond the
full-throttle resistance point.
Sport program and
manual operation M/S
Move selector lever from position D toward the
left into the M/S shifting slot:
The sport program is activated and DS is dis-
played in the instrument cluster. This position is
recommended for a performance-oriented driv-
ing style.
When the selector lever is pressed forward or
back, the manual mode is activated and the
Steptronic shifts the gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
a downshift that would cause the engine to
overrev will not be executed by the system. The
selected gear is briefly displayed in the instru-
ment cluster, followed by the current gear.
To use the automatic function again, move the
selector lever to the right into position D.
Deactivating selector lever interlock
If the selector lever is blocked in the position P
even though the button on the selector lever is
pressed, the selector lever interlock can be
deactivated:1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2.Pull the sleeve over the selector lever.
3.Press the lever at the point marked in red
with the screwdriver from the onboard tool-
kit, refer to page211, and move the selector
lever into the desired position.
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the
resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb
needs to be replaced.<
Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold for as
long as you wish to signal.

Replacing components
212
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to vehicle safety. You must be duly diligent
in replacing them. BMW recommends having
your BMW center perform any work that you do
not feel competent to perform yourself or that is
not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its
metal socket.<
A selection of replacement bulbs is available at
your BMW center.
Whenever you perform any work on the
electrical system, turn off the consumers
involved to prevent short circuits from occur-
ring. To avoid possible injury or equipment
damage when replacing bulbs, observe any
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
For care and maintenance of the headlamps,
please follow the instructions in the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
For bulbs for which changing is not
described, and for checking and adjusting
headlamp aim, please contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Halogen headlamps
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the
engine compartment.1Cover cap for low beams
2Cover cap for high beams
Turn the cover cap to the left and remove.
Always wear gloves and eye protection –
the atmosphere within the H7 bulb is
pressurized. Otherwise there is a danger of inju-
ries if the bulb is accidentally damaged during
replacement.<
Low beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Remove and replace the bulb.
High beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.

Mobility
213Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
2.Remove and replace the bulb.
Parking and roadside parking lamps
Bulb 5 watts, W 5 W
One bulb each is located above the low beams
and high beams.
1.Turn the cover cap for low beams or high
beams to the left and remove.
2.Pull out the bulb holder.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. If one of these bulbs should
nevertheless fail, it is possible to continue driv-
ing with great caution using the fog lamps, pro-
vided traffic laws in your area do not prohibit
this.
Have work on the Xenon lighting system
performed only by your BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Due to the high voltage present in the
system, there is a danger of fatal injuries when
work is carried out improperly.<
Parking and roadside parking lamps
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Turn signals, front
Bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Side-mounted turn signals
Bulb 5 watts, W 5 W
1.Press back against the front edge of the
light with the tip of your finger, then pivot it
out.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
3.Remove the bulb for replacement.
Side marker lamps, front and rear
To replace, please go to your BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel.
Tail lamps
Sedan
>Turn signals: bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
>Backup lamps: bulb 16 watts, W 16 W

Replacing components
214 >Other lamps: bulb 21 watts, P 21 W
1Turn signal
2Tail lamp and brake lamp
3Tail lamp and brake lamp
4Backup lamp
5Reflector
6Roadside parking lamp, tail lamp and
brake lamp
Sports Wagon
>Turn signals: bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
>Backup lamp and brake lamp 3:
bulb 16 watts, W 16 W
>Other lamps: bulb 21 watts, P 21 W
1Turn signal
2Tail lamp and brake lamp
3Brake lamp
4Backup lamp
5Reflector
6Roadside parking lamp, tail lamp and
brake lamp
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation.
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Fender-mounted lamps
Sedan
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the
luggage compartment.
All the bulbs are integrated into a central bulb
fitting.
1.Lift up floor mat.
2.Undo the quick-release fasteners of the
side panel and pull out the panel.
3.Press together the two clips at the top and
bottom on the bulb fitting and remove the
bulb fitting.
4.Backup lamps:
Remove and replace the bulb.
Other lamps:
Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Sports Wagon
1.Right side: unhook the retaining strap*,
refer to page119.
2.Open the side panel.
3.Turn the bulb socket to the left and remove.
4.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.

Mobility
215Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Lamps in luggage compartment lid
License plate lamp
Bulb 5 watts, C 5 W
1.Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to
the right, refer to arrows. This releases the
lamp.
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
Sports Wagon:
Backup lamp
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Changing wheels
Safety precautions in the event of a flat
tire or wheel change: park the vehicle as
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-
ting of the wheels. Apply the handbrake and
engage first gear, reverse gear or selector lever
position P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
diate area in a safe place, such as behind a
guardrail.
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard warning
lamp is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations. Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is
supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises later on, note the posi-
tions of the tools before removing them, then
return them to their initial positions after com-
pleting work.
1Chock
*
2Vehicle jack*
3Lug wrench*
The tools are located in the mount under the
floor mat or floor panel flap.
1.Lift up floor mat or floor panel flap and cover
located beneath it.
2.Take out the required tools.
3.After using the tools, return then to the stor-
age space.
With run-flat tires, no tools are provided
for wheel changes. They can be pur-
chased as accessories at your BMW center.<

Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Arrival time
– refer to Computer76
– refer to Starting destination
guidance144
"Arrow display" for navigation
system145
Ashtray
– front115
– rear115
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist187
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems86
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control108
Audio152
– controls152
– switching on/off152
– tone control153
– volume153
"Audio", refer to Tone
control153
"Audio Aux"152,171
– on external audio device171
Audio device, external114
Automatic
– air distribution106
– air volume106
– garage door opener111
– headlamp control101
– service notification188
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit52
– storing stations157
– tailgate operation36
Automatically switching
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant103
Automatic car washes126
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control105
– automatic air
distribution106
– switching off108Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control101
– refer to Daytime running
lamps102
– refer to High-beam
assistant103
– refer to Interior lamps104
– refer to Pathway lighting101
Automatic low-beam function,
refer to High-beam
assistant103
"Automatic programs"106
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC108
Automatic roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon117
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic station search157
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– deactivating selector lever
interlock64
– interlock63
– kick-down64
– selector lever interlock63
– shiftlock63
– sport program64
– tow-starting222,223
– with comfort access40
"Automatic ventilation"109
AUTO program for automatic
climate control106
"Autostore" on the
radio156,158
AUX-In
– connection114
– refer to External audio
device171
Average fuel consumption75
– setting the units84
Average speed, refer to
Computer75
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system143"Avoid highways" for
navigation system143
Avoiding freeways for
navigation142
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system143
Axle loads, refer to
Weights229
"A - Z"180
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support46
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, refer to
Reverse gear61
– replacing bulbs213
"Balance", refer to Tone
control154
Balance, refer to Tone
control154
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit220
Bass, refer to Tone
control153
"Bass", tone control154
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery217
– jump starting220
Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort
access40
– vehicle battery218
Battery replacement, remote
control with comfort
access40
Being towed222
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Blower, refer to Air
volume107
"BMW Assist"189

Everything from A to Z
238 BMW Assist187
– enabling187
– services offered188
"BMW Contact"182
"BMW Contact
Numbers"182
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system209
BMW Night Vision98
– activating99
– cleaning camera100
– cleaning camera, refer to
Wiper system66
– deactivating99
– making settings99
"BMW Service"189
"BMW Service settings"188
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control86
Brake fluid207
– warning lamp207
Brake force display94
Brake lamps
– brake force display94
– replacing bulbs213
Brake pads208
– breaking-in124
Brake rotors126
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System86
– brake fluid207
– brake force display94
– brake pads208
– breaking-in124
– handbrake60
– warning lamps13
Brake system124,207
– brake fluid level207
– brake pads124,208
– breaking-in124
– disk brakes126
– warning lamp207Braking
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control86
– DBC Dynamic Brake
Control86
– electronic brake-force
distribution86
– refer to Braking safely125
Braking safely125
Breakdown assistance189
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance220
Breaking-in the clutch124
Breaking-in the
differential124
Break-in period124
"Brightness"83
– with BMW Night Vision100
Brightness of Control
Display83
Button for starting engine58
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"180
Call
– accepting179
– displaying accepted180
– ending179
– in absence180
– starting179
Calling
– from phone book179
– from Top 8 list180
– redialing180
– refer to telephone operating
instructions
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Capacities230
Capacity
– of cargo area229
– of luggage
compartment229
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery217Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"76
Care210
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo
– refer to Loading126
– securing128
– securing with ski bag120
Cargo area
– capacity229
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually36
– increasing117
– opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate35
– opening from inside35
– opening from outside35
– opening with remote
control31
Cargo area cover, refer to Roll-
up cover
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control28
Car phone174
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest113
– refer to Mobile phone174
– refer to separate operating
instructions

Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Gear changes
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission62
Gear display
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission61
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission60
Gearshift lever positions,
manual transmission60
General driving notes124
Glass sunroof, electric41
– auto-remote operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access39
– moving manually42
– remote control31
Glove compartment113
– lighting113
– rechargeable flashlight113
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system132
Grills, refer to Ventilation108
Grills of the automatic climate
control105
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights229
H
Halogen lamps212
Handbrake60
– indicator lamp13,60
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight113
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14
Hazard warning flashers15
HD, refer to High Definition
Radio160
"HDC"88
HDC Hill Descent Control88
"HDC on"88
"HDC on / off"53Head airbags94
Headlamp control,
automatic101
Headlamp flasher64
Headlamps101
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system66
– replacing bulbs212
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light102
Head restraints48
– front head restraints,
active49
– sitting safely45
"Head-Up Display"97
Head-Up Display96
Heated
– mirrors51
– rear window107
– seats50
– steering wheel52
Heating105
– exterior mirrors51
– interior105
– rear window107
– residual heat108
– seats50
– steering wheel52
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat108
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo128
Height, refer to
Dimensions227
Height adjustment
– seats46
– steering wheel52
High-beam assistant103
High beams102
– headlamp flasher102
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs212
High Definition Radio160
High water, refer to Driving
through water125
Hill Descent Control HDC88Hills126
Holder for cups114
"Home address" for
navigation system142
Homepage4
Hood204
Horn10
Hot exhaust system124
"Hour memo"83
"House number" for desti-
nation entry136
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control86
Hydroplaning125
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio160
Ice, refer to Outside temper-
ature warning74
ID3 tag, refer to Information on
track167
iDrive16
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control
with expanded scope106
– changing date and time82
– changing language84
– changing menu page19
– changing settings82
– changing units of measure
and display type84
– confirming selection or
entry19
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus17
– selecting menu item19
– setting brightness83
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols18
Ignition58
– switched off58
– switched on58
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control28