
Practical interior accessories
122
Compartments in floor
Front compartment:
To open the flap, pull upward on the handle.
To close the flap, press downward until it locks.
Rear compartment:
To open, reach into the recess and swing up the 
handle.
The rear door can be locked.
Dividing up rear compartment
Fold out the partitions and press down.
Use the separation net, refer to page120, 
otherwise objects could be thrown 
around and endanger occupants, e.g. during 
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Ski bag*
Designed for safe, clean transport of up to 
4 pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length 
o f  u p  t o  6 . 9 f t / 2 . 1 0  m .  W h e n  s k i s  o f  6 . 9 f t / 2 . 1 0  m  
in length are loaded, the ski bag will tend to con-
tract, reducing its overall capacity.
Loading
1.Fold down the center armrest, press the 
button and open the cover.
2.Press the button again; the cover in the 
cargo bay opens. If you press the button 
firmly the first time, this also opens the 
cover in the cargo bay.
3.Extend the ski bag between the front seats 
and fill it. The zipper facilitates access to the 
stowed items and drying of the ski bag.
4.Insert the latch plate of the ski bag retaining 
strap into the center safety belt buckle that 
is marked CENTER.
Only stow clean skis in the ski bag. Wrap sharp 
edges to prevent damage. 

Things to remember when driving
128 can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and 
possibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further 
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the 
way down into first gear. This strategy helps 
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake 
system. For information on downshifting in the 
manual mode of the automatic transmission, 
refer to page65.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in 
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise there will be no engine braking action or 
support of the braking force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other 
objects to protrude into the area of movement 
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, 
during extended periods when the vehicle is not 
used at all, and in operating conditions where 
brake applications are less frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the 
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum 
pressure which must be exerted by the pads 
during brake applications to clean the rotors is 
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the 
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating 
effect that even extended application will fail to 
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the 
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the 
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this vehicle 
from being damaged, always fold them in by 
hand before entering an automatic car wash.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring 
for your vehicle brochure.
Rear window wiper*
The rear window wiper can be damaged in car 
washes. Take appropriate protective measures; 
ask the car wash operator if necessary.
With comfort access and automatic 
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off in selector lever 
position N. Also refer to page40.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their 
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage 
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result 
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
YYY lbs. or XXX kg, as otherwise the vehicle 
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver 
and passengers from YYY lbs. or XXX kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals  

Driving tips
 129Reference
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Mobility
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage 
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That 
weight may not safely exceed the available 
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated 
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of 
the load from your trailer will be transferred 
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for 
transporting a trailer to determine how this 
may reduce the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of 
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the 
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage 
can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low 
as possible, placing it directly behind the 
rear backrest.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is 
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the 
opposite buckle.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge 
of the backrest.
>Sports Wagon:
Use the separation net to protect the occu-
pants, refer to page120. Make sure that 
objects cannot penetrate through the sepa-
ration net.
Wrap sharp-edged or pointed objects 
which could strike the rear window while 
driving. 

Things to remember when driving
130
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net*, luggage straps, or 
securing straps to hold down small and 
lightweight luggage and cargo.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing 
larger and heavier objects are available at 
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes 
mounted in the cargo bay are used to 
secure these heavy-duty cargo straps, refer 
to illustration.
>Please observe the special instructions 
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Position and secure the cargo as 
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden 
braking or evasive maneuvers are necessary.
Use only the lashing eyes to secure heavy-duty 
cargo straps, refer to illustration, otherwise the 
cargo straps could become detached or the 
vehicle could be damaged.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle 
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer 
to page241, as excessive loads can pose a 
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
You should never transport unsecured heavy or 
hard objects in the passenger compartment, as 
they could fly around and pose a safety hazard 
to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option 
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the door 
openings or on the roof rails
*.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on 
its handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to 
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the 
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads 
when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under 
Weights on page241.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed 
and must not extend outward beyond the limits 
of the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest 
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate 
clearance is maintained for raising the glass 
sunroof, and that objects do not project into the 
opening path of the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off 
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently. 

Mobility
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550i
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire 
makes it easier to identify and choose the right 
tires.
Tire sizeSpeed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire sizePressure specifications in psi/kPa
Compact wheel
*:
T 135/80 R 17 102 M61/420
Traveling speeds
up to max. of
100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds 
including those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
245/40 R 18 93 Y 32/220 38/260 32/220 35/240 33/230 41/280
245/45 R 17 95 W
245/45 R 17 99 V M+S XL
225/50 R 17 94 H M+S
225/50 R 17 94 W M+S
225/50 R 17 94 W
225/50 R 17 94 H M+S32/220 38/260 32/220 38/260 38/260 45/310
Front: 245/40 R 18 93 Y
Rear: 275/35R1895Y32/220 35/240 32/220 32/220 33/230 38/260
Front: 245/35 R 19 93 Y XL
Rear: 275/30R1996YXL35/240 39/270 33/230 38/260 38/260 45/310
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page241.
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ 
Belted construction – radial
Rim diameter in inches
Carrying capacity ID-code
(not in ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in ZR tires before the R)225/50 R1794 W 

Replacing components
226 3.Press together the two clips at the top and 
bottom on the bulb holder and remove the 
bulb holder.
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 page121.
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.
Lamps in luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
License plate lamp
5-watt bulb, C5W
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. 

Reference 241
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Mobility
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
Sedan525i530i550i
Curb weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 3,395/1,540 3,450/1,565 3,902/1,770
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,439/1,560 3,472/1,575 3,924/1,780
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 4,497/2,040 4,552/2,065 5,004/2,270
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,541/2,060 4,575/2,075 5,026/2,280
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,161/980 2,227/1,010 2,469/1,120
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,601/1,180 2,601/1,180  2,679/1,215
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100 220/100
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520 18.4/520
Sedan525xi530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,593/1,630 3,670/1,660
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,638/1,650 3,704/1,680
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 4,696/2,130 4,762/2,160
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,740/2,150 4,806/2,180
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,315/1,050 2,315/1,050
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520 

Technical data
242 Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
Sports Wagon530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,858/1,750
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,891/1,765
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 5,049/2,290
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 5,082/2,305
Load lbs./kg 1,190/540
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,381/1,080
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,866/1,300
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 17.7-58.3/500-1,650
Notes
Fuel tank gal/liters approx. 18.5/70 Fuel grade: page207
of that reserve gal/liters approx. 2.1/8
550i gal/liters approx. 2.6/10
Window cleaning system For more details: page67
>Sedan US quarts/liters approx. 3.2/3
>with headlamp cleaning system US quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5
>Sports Wagon US quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5