2006 BMW 550I SEDAN oil level

Controls
89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Malfunction
If the HDC display goes out in the HDC mode or
is not shown:
HDC is temporarily not available, as the brake
temperature is too high.
Dynamic Drive*
The concept
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and opti-
mizes vehicle stability during cornering and
evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic Drive is based on active stabilizers on
the front and rear axles. Suspension compli-
ance adapts to suit driving conditions, varying
from performance-oriented during cornering to
smooth and comfort-oriented when the vehicle
is proceeding in a straight line. During vehicle
operation, the system continuously runs
through closed-loop control cycles lasting only
fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status each
time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow and
a message is shown on the Control Dis-
play. There is a malfunction in the sys-
tem. Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
If a malfunction occurs, please remember
to adapt your speed accordingly, espe-
cially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer and
the vehicle will display a greater tendency to tilt
during cornering and in crosswinds.
If a message stating that you should stop is
shown on the Control Display, stop at a suitable
location and switch off the engine as soon as
possible. In this case the oil level in the reservoir
may have dropped below the minimum, possi-
bly owing to a leak in the hydraulic system.
Do not continue driving, but instead contact
your BMW center.<
Sports Wagon:
Self-leveling suspension
xDrive: the vehicle is raised somewhat at
the rear after locking. This is normal and is
linked to minor noises.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp for self-leveling sus-
pension lights up yellow and a message
is shown on the Control Display. A mal-
function has occurred in the self-leveling sus-
pension. Stop and check the vehicle. If it is con-
siderably lower at the rear than at the front, and
possibly also on one side – rear left compared to
rear right –, go to the nearest BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Drive with appropriate caution in the
meantime. The vehicle has reduced ground
clearance and driving comfort may be notice-
ably reduced. Even if the position of the vehicle
is normal, go to the nearest BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the tires as you drive. The sys-
tem provides an alert whenever the inflation
pressure drops significantly in relation to the
pressure in another tire.
In the event of a pressure loss, the rolling radius
and therefore the rotation speed of the wheels
change. This change is detected and is
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.

Wheels and tires
202
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend that you use
retreaded tires, as driving safety may be
impaired. The causes for this include the possi-
bly different tire casing structures and the often
wide variations in their age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct wheel/tire combination also affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC or xDrive.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. Following
tire damage, have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon
as possible.
Wheels with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When mounting new tires or converting from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics, as otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor cannot detect a flat tire,
refer to page91. Your BMW center will be
happy to advise you on this subject.
Recommended tire brands
Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW
depending on the tire size. You can recognize
these from the clearly visible BMW marking on
the tire sidewall.
When used properly, these tires comply with
the most demanding standards for safety and
vehicle response.
Run-flat tires
When mounting new tires, or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-flat
tires for your own safety. In addition, no spare
tire is available in case of a flat tire. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.
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
t i re d a m a g e m a y o c cu r , w h ic h c a n re s u l t i n a c c i-
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,

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.

Under the hood
206 4.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Service requirements" is
selected and press the controller.
5.Change to the second field from the top if
necessary. Turn the controller until "Engine
oil level" is selected and press the control-
ler. The oil level is displayed.
Possible messages
>"Engine oil level O.K."
>"No measured value available: Updating
engine oil level measurement...":
Engine oil level is being measured. This
process can take approx. 3 minutes when
stopped on a level surface and approx.
5 minutes while driving.
>"Oil level at the minimum! Refill with 1 quart
of engine oil.":
Add 1 US quart/liter of engine oil at the next
opportunity.
>"Engine oil level too high":
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately, otherwise engine damage may
result if too much oil has been added.<
>"Please observe recalculated service inter-
val for engine oil":
Do not add engine oil. Continued driving is
possible. To do this, observe the recalcu-
lated remaining mileage until the next oil
change service, refer to page209. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Do not add 1 US quart/1 liter of oil until a corre-
sponding message is shown on the Control Dis-
play.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come into
contact with oil should be thoroughly washed
with soap and water.
Keep oil, grease etc. out of reach of children and
observe the warnings on the containers to pre-
vent health risks.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW center or
at a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Do not use oil additives, as these may
result in engine damage.<
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is
unavailable, you can add small quantities of
other synthetic oils between oil changes. Only
use oils of the specification API SH or higher.

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.<

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

Everything from A to Z
246 "Missed calls"180
Missed calls180
Mobile communications
devices in vehicle125
Mobile phone
– accepted calls180
– adjusting volume178
– calling179
– ending call179
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest113
– missed calls180
– operation via iDrive178
– redialing180
– refer to separate operating
instructions
– Top 8180
– touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method182
Mobile phones, use in the
interior, refer to Mobile
communications
devices125
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring pressure of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor89
"Monitor on / off"53
Most recent numbers
for mobile phone180
MP3, refer to Compressed
audio files165
Multi-function steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher64
– refer to Wiper/washer
system65
Music track, finding167
"Mute on / off"53
MW, waveband156
N
"Navigation"76,133
Navigation destination
– home address142
– manual entry133
– selecting via map137
Navigation drive, installation
location132
Navigation DVD132
Navigation instructions, refer
to Switching voice instruc-
tions on/off147
Navigation system132
– address book140
– bypassing route
sections148
– destination entry133
– destination guidance in
assistance window132
– destination list139
– displaying current
position148
– entering a destination
manually133
– entering destination via
voice136
– last destinations139
– opening133
– route display145
– route list146
– searching for a special
destination138
– selecting destination using
information138
– selecting destination via
map137
– selecting route criteria142
– starting destination
guidance144
– switching off, refer to Termi-
nating/continuing desti-
nation guidance144
– terminating/continuing
destination guidance144
– voice instructions147
– volume adjustment147
"Navigation voice
instructions"53"Navigation voice instructions
on"147
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints48
"New address" for navigation
system140
"New destination"133,137
New remote control28
"New route"148
New wheels and tires201
"Next entertainment
source"53
Night Vision, refer to
BMW Night Vision98
Night vision device, refer to
BMW Night Vision98
"Night Vision on / off"53
"Normal", active backrest
width adjustment47
Nozzles, refer to Windshield
washer nozzles66
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing221
O
OBD socket210
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications195
Odometer74
Oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils206
– approved engine oils206
– capacity230
– consumption, refer to
Checking engine oil
level205
– level205
– refilling, refer to Adding
engine oil206
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service requirements77
"On a new destination" for
navigation system139
Onboard computer, refer to
iDrive16
"Onboard info"76
Onboard toolkit211

Everything from A to Z
250 Settings
– BMW Night Vision99
– changing on Control
Display82
– clock, 12h/24h mode83
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile29
Setting speed limit81
Setting time, refer to Prese-
lecting activation time109
"Set tire pressure"90
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission62
Shiftlock
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission61
Shift paddles62
Short commands of voice
command system231
"Short route" for
navigation143
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route142
Shoulder support46
"Show current position"138
"Show destination
position"138
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer168
– CD player168
Side airbags94
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs213
Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs213
Side window blinds, refer to
Sun blinds112
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely45
– with airbags45
– with head restraint45
– with safety belts45
Ski bag120Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric41
– refer to Panorama glass
sunroof43
Slope assistant, refer to
Starting assistant125
SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission61
– acceleration assistant63
– breaking-in124
– Dynamic Driving Control62
– gear display61
– kick-down62
– shiftlock61
– towing222
– tow-starting223
Snow chains203
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics interface210
Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock58
Sockets, refer to Connecting
electrical devices115
Soft closure aid, refer to
Automatic soft closing33
Song search with CD, refer to
Playing a track167
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency call219
Spare fuses218
Spare key28
– adapter28
Spare remote control28
Spare wheel
– refer to Changing
wheels215
– refer to Compact wheel216
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils206
Specified oil grades, refer to
Approved engine oils206
Speed
– with compact wheel217
– with winter tires202
Speed-dependent
volume154
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit81Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone
control154
"Sport", active backrest width
adjustment47
Sport program, refer to
Dynamic Driving Control62
Sports Wagon
– automatic roll-up cover117
– automatic tailgate
operation36
– compartments in cargo
area118
– increasing cargo area117
– opening rear window34
– opening tailgate35
– panorama glass sunroof43
– rear window wiper66
– rear window wiper, changing
wiper blade211
– releasing fuel filler door in
event of electrical
malfunction194
– roll-up cover117
– roll-up cover for cargo
area117
– self-leveling suspension89
– separation net118
– socket in cargo area116
– storage area package119
– tail lamps, replacing
bulbs214
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems86
"Star button"53
Star button53
Start/Stop button58
"Start" for stopwatch82
"Start guidance"136,144
Starting, refer to Starting
engine59
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting220
Starting assistant125
Starting difficulties
– jump starting220
– refer to Special starting
conditions59