2006 BMW 550I SEDAN engine coolant

Everything under control
74
Everything under control
Odometer, outside
temperature display, clock
1Time, outside temperature and data
2Odometer and trip odometer
3Press button:
>with ignition switched on, trip odometer
is reset
>briefly display the time, outside temper-
ature and odometer with the ignition
switched off
From radio readiness the outside temperature
and the time are displayed.
Date retrieval:
Press CHECK button on turn signal lever, refer
to page80.
Time and date setting, refer to page82.
You can set the unit of measure 7 or 6 on the
Control Display, refer to Units of measure on
page84.
Outside temperature warning
If the display drops to +377/+36, a signal
sounds and a warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display. There is
an increased danger of ice.
Even at temperatures above +377/
+36 ice can form. Therefore, drive care-
fully, e.g. on bridges and sections of road in the
shade, otherwise there is an increased accident
risk.<
Tachometer
The white-striped advance warning field,
arrow1, changes depending on the engine
temperature. With increasing engine tempera-
ture the advance warning field becomes corre-
spondingly smaller. Avoid allowing the engine
speed to rise as far as the orange warning sec-
tor whenever possible.
Be sure to avoid engine speeds in the red warn-
ing field, arrow2. In this range, the fuel supply is
interrupted to protect the engine.
Coolant temperature
Should the coolant, and with it the engine
become too hot, a warning lamp lights up. In
addition, a message appears on the Control
Display.
Checking coolant level, refer to page207.

Mobility
205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Engine compartment
1Filler neck for engine oil, refer to
Adding engine oil
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath the
microfilter cover
3Starting-aid terminal, refer to page2204Washer fluid reservoir of the headlamp
and windshield cleaning systems, refer to
page66
5Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page207
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil
level check.
The condition for the most accurate indication
of the oil level possible is measurement with the
engine at operating temperature, i.e. following
an uninterrupted drive of at least 6 miles/10 km.
You can display the oil level on the Control Dis-
play while driving or when stopped on a level
surface with the engine running.
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Service" and press the controller.

Mobility
207Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Your BMW center will be happy to answer
detailed questions on BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website at
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is specified in SAE grades.
The choice of the right SAE grade is based on
the climatic conditions in the region in which
you normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the SAE grades
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant is comprised of water and coolant addi-
tive. Not all commercially available additives are
suitable for your BMW. Ask your BMW center
for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard; observe the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.3.The coolant level is correct when the cool-
ant level is between the MIN and MAX
marks, refer to the diagram adjacent to the
filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunctions
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights red up in spite
of the handbrake being released; a
message is shown on the Control Dis-
play: stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system thoroughly
checked.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
When you continue driving, an increased
brake pedal path can be necessary, and
significantly longer braking distances might be
required. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<

Everything from A to Z
236
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
System86
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control67
Acceleration assistant for
SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission63
Accessories6
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control79
Activated-charcoal filter109
"Activation time" for parked-
car ventilation109
Active cruise control67
– indicator lamp70
– radar sensor71
– selecting distance69
– warning lamps71
Active head restraints,
front49
Active seat51
Active seat ventilation51
Active steering93
– warning lamp94
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display94
Adaptive Head Light102
"Add digits" for mobile
phone180
"Address book" for navigation
system140Address for navigation
– deleting141
– entering133,136
– selecting141
– storing140
– storing current position140
"Add to address book"140
"Add to destination list"136
Adjusting active backrest
width47
Adjusting confirmation signals
for locking and unlocking31
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control153
Adjusting thigh support46
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear154
– right/left balance154
"After door opened"48
"After unlocking"48
Airbags94
– sitting safely45
– warning lamp96
Air circulation, refer to Air
recirculation108
Air distribution
– automatic106
– manual107
Airing, refer to Ventilation108
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control108
– recirculated-air mode108
"Air recirculation on / off"53
Air vent outlets of automatic
climate control105
Air vents105
– refer to Ventilation108
Air volume107
AKI, refer to Fuel quality195Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional
alarms38
– interior motion sensor38
– switching off alarm38
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor38
– tilt alarm sensor38
"All channels"163
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires202
"All stations", calling up with
radio156,159
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive87
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road148
"AM", reception
range152,156
Antenna for mobile phone174
Antifreeze
– coolant207
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System
ABS86
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system37
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system29
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights229
Approved engine oils206
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights229
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear116
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10

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

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Display"84
Display, refer to iDrive16
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting104
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster12
"Display settings"82
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up Display96
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with comfort access40
– vehicle battery218
Distance, refer to
Computer76
Distance cruise control, refer
to Active cruise control67
"Distance to dest."76
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer76
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control85
Divided rear seat back, refer to
Through-loading
system116
Door entry lighting104
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
Door locking, acknowl-
edgment signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades200
Draft-free ventilation108
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Drive mode62
"Driver's door only"30
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams101
Driving notes124
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route145Driving stability control
systems86
Driving through water125
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes124
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function107
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function107
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control86
– indicator lamp13,87
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control87
– activating87
– indicator lamp
13,87
DVD for navigation132
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC86
Dynamic Drive89
Dynamic Driving Control62
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC86
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC87
E
Easy entry/exit52
– backrest width47
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player152
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof, electric42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– tailgate36
Electric steering wheel
adjustment52
Electronic brake-force
distribution86
Electronic oil level check205
Emergency call219Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission64
– tailgate36
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment34
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance220
"Emission inspect."78
"Enable services"188
"End call"179
"End Night Vision"100
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control75
Energy Control75
Engine
– breaking-in124
– data226
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature74
– speed226
– starting59
– starting, comfort access38
– starting difficulties59
– switching off60
Engine compartment205
Engine coolant207
Engine oil
– adding206
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils206
– approved engine oil206
– checking oil level205
– electronic oil level check205
"Engine oil level"206
Engine output, refer to Engine
data226
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed226

Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Starting off on slopes, refer to
Starting assistant125
Start menu, iDrive17
"Start route guidance"138
"Start service"189
"State / Province" for desti-
nation entry134
"State inspection"78
Station, refer to Radio156
"Stations", presets163
"Status"78
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steering wheel
– adjustment52
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– easy entry/exit52
– heating52
– lock58
– locking58
– memory47
– programmable buttons53
"Steering wheel buttons"53
Steering-wheel shift buttons,
refer to Shift paddles62
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering93
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic63
"Stop" for stopwatch82
"Stopwatch"82
Stopwatch81
Storage area package119
Storage compartments114
"Store in address book" for
navigation system140
"Store" on the radio158,163
Storing current position140
Storing radio stations158
Storing sitting position, refer
to Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory47
Storing tires202
Straps, refer to Loading128
"Street" for destination
entry135Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires196
Sun blinds112
"Surround Settings", refer to
Tone control154
SW, waveband156
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching between high
beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant103
Switching cooling function on
and off107
Switching off engine60
Switching off tilt alarm
sensor38
Switching on
– audio152
– CD changer152
– CD player152
– radio152
Switching on hour signal83
Swiveling headlamps, refer to
Adaptive Head Light102
Symbols4
– indicator/warning lamps13
T
Tachometer74
"Tailgate"36
Tailgate33,35
– automatic operation36
– locking and unlocking from
inside32
– opening from inside, Sports
Wagon35
Tail lamps213
– replacing bulbs213
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities230
Target cursor for
navigation138
Technical alterations, refer to
For your own safety5
Technical data226
Telematic, refer to
TeleService,
BMW Assist187Telephone, refer to Mobile
phone174
"Telephone list"53
TeleService187
– enabling187
– services offered188
Temperature
– adjusting in upper body
region106
– adjusting with automatic
climate control106
– of coolant, refer to Coolant
temperature74
Temperature display
– outside temperature74
– setting units84
– temperature warning74
Temperature warning74
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control66
"Terminate services"190
"Text language"84
"Theater", refer to Tone
control154
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp214
Through-loading system116
Tightening torque of the lug
bolts, refer to After
mounting217
Tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror52
"Time"83
"Time format"83
Timer, refer to Preselecting
activation time109
"Timer 1" for parked car
ventilation110
"Timer 2" for parked car
ventilation110
Tire inflation pressures196
Tire pressure loss90,91
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor89
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM91
Tire Quality Grading200