Lamps
108 5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Lighting" is selected and
press the controller.
6.Select "Welcome light" and press the con-
troller.
The welcome lamps are switched on.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Pathway lighting
When you activate the headlamp flasher after
parking the vehicle and switching off the lamps,
the low beams will come on for a brief period.
You can set the duration or deactivate the func-
tion via iDrive.
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Lighting" is selected and
press the controller.6.Select "Pathway lighting" and press the
controller.
7.Turn the controller to select the desired
duration.
8.Press the controller to apply the setting.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Daytime running lamps*
The daytime running lamps light up in posi-
tion0, 1 and 3. If the light switch remains in
position1, the parking lamps light up after the
ignition is switched off.
Activating/deactivating daytime
running lamps*
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Lighting" is selected and
press the controller.
6.Select "Daytime running lamps" and press
the controller.
The daytime running lamps are
switched on.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Controls
109Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves at speeds up to approx. 45 mph/
70 km/h, e.g. on mountainous roads or when
turning, turning lamps are switched on that light
up the inside area of the curve.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch into the automatic headlamp control
position, refer to page107.
The turning lamps are automatically switched
on depending on the steering angle or the use
of turn signals.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive
Head Light directs light towards the front pas-
senger side when the vehicle is at a standstill.
When driving in reverse, only the turning lamps
are active and illuminate the outer area of
curves.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking:
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or
down beyond the resistance point, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Do not leave them switched on for
long periods of time, otherwise it may no longer
be possible to start the engine.<
Switching off
Briefly press the lever in the opposite direction
up to the resistance point, arrow3.
Lamps
110
Fog lamps*
The parking lamps or low beams must be
switched on for the fog lamps to operate. The
green indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up whenever the fog lamps are on.
The fog lamps are switched off whenever the
high beams are switched on.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Instrument lighting
You can control the lighting intensity by using
the knurled wheel.
Interior lamps
Control of the interior lamps, footwell lamps,
door entry lighting, courtesy lamps
* and the
cargo bay lamps
* is automatic.
With the courtesy lamps, LED lights are located
in the door handles to illuminate the exterior
area before the doors.
To protect the battery, all lamps in the
vehicle are switched off approx. 15 min-
utes after radio readiness is switched off, refer
to Start/Stop button on page60.<
Switching interior lamps on and off
manually
Press the button.
If the interior lamps, footwell lamps, door entry
lighting and courtesy lamps are to remain
switched off continually, press the button for
approx. 3 seconds.
Reading lamps
Reading lamps are located in the front and rear
adjacent to the interior lamps. Press the button
to switch the lamps on and off.
Mobility
229Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Engine compartment
1Filler neck for engine oil, refer to
Adding engine oil
2Starting-aid terminal, refer to page2463Filler neck for washer fluid of the headlamp
and windshield cleaning systems, refer to
page68
4Expansion tank for coolant, refer to
page231
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.Turn the controller until "Info sources" is
selected and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller until "Service" is
selected and press the controller.
Mobility
235Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.
Only replace bulbs when cool, as other-
wise you may be burned.<
Whenever you perform any work on the
electrical system, turn off the systems/
consumers involved to prevent short circuits
from occurring. To avoid possible injury or
equipment damage when replacing bulbs,
observe any instructions provided by the bulb
manufacturer.<
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
To remove the cover caps:
>Low beams: press the detent, arrow, and
remove the cover from the guide.
>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.<
Technical data
256 Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
Sports Wagon535xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 4,100/1,860
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,144/1,880
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 5,291/2,400
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 5,335/2,420
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 US gal/liters approx. 18.5/70 Fuel grade: page217
of that reserve US gal/liters approx. 2.1/8
550i US gal/liters approx. 2.6/10
Window cleaning system For more details: page68
>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
Reference 263
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Approved engine oils230
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights255
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear123
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer79
– refer to Starting destination
guidance154
"Arrow display" for navigation
system155
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
– front122
– rear122
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist207
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems90
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control114
"Audio"167,169,174
Audio166
– controls166
– switching on/off166
– tone control167
– volume167
Audio device, external121
Automatic
– air distribution112
– air volume112
– cruise control69
– garage door opener118
– headlamp control107
– service notification209
– steering wheel
adjustment47
– storing stations172
– tailgate operation36Automatic car washes134
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control111
– automatic air
distribution112
– parked car ventilation115
– switching on and off115
– ventilation in rear115
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor53
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control107
– refer to Daytime running
lamps108
– refer to Interior lamps110
– refer to Pathway lighting108
– refer to Welcome lamps107
"Automatic programs"112
Automatic roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon124
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic speed reduction for
descents, refer to HDC Hill
Descent Control92
Automatic station search171
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– deactivating transmission
lock64
– kick-down63
– sport program63
– towing248
– tow-starting249
– with comfort access40
"Automatic ventilation"116
AUTO program for automatic
climate control112
"Autostore" on the
radio170,172
"AUX"166,185,186
AUX-In connection121,185
Average fuel consumption79
– setting units87Average speed, refer to
Computer78
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system153
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system152
Avoiding freeways for
navigation152
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system153
Axle loads, refer to
Weights255
"A - Z"200B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support47
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs237
"Balance", refer to Tone
control168
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit245
Bass, refer to Tone
control167
"Bass", tone control168
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery242
– jump starting246
Battery replacement, remote
control for comfort
access40
BC button, refer to
Computer78
Being towed247
Belts, refer to Safety belts50
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders121
Blower, refer to Air
volume113
"Bluetooth"194
Everything from A to Z
270 Hazard warning flashers15
"HDC"92
HDC Hill Descent Control92
"HDC on"92
"HDC on / off"55
"HD radio"174
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio174
Head airbags99
Headlamp control,
automatic107
Headlamp flasher66
Headlamps107
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system67
– cleaning tank, refer to
Capacities256
– filler neck for washer
fluid229
– replacing bulbs236
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light109
Head restraints49
– front head restraints,
active49
– installing49
– removing49
– sitting safely45
"Head-Up Display"102
Head-Up Display101
Heated
– mirrors53
– rear window113
– seats51
– steering wheel54
Heating111
– exterior mirrors53
– interior111
– rear window113
– residual heat114
– seats51
– steering wheel54
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat114Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo135
Height, refer to
Dimensions253
Height adjustment
– seats46
– steering wheel54
High beams109
– headlamp flasher109
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs236
High Definition Radio174
High water, refer to Driving
through water133
Hill Descent Control HDC92
Hills133
Holder for cups121
"Home address" for
navigation system151
Homepage of BMW4
Hood228
Hooks for shopping bags,
Sports Wagon126
Horn10
Hotel function, refer to
Locking separately34
Hot exhaust system132
"Hour memo"86
"House number" for
destination entry144
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to Brake assistant90
Hydroplaning133
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio174
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning77
ID3 tag, refer to Information on
track181
Identification mark
– recommended tire
brands227
– run-flat tires226
– tire coding224iDrive16
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control
with expanded scope112
– changing date and time85
– changing language87
– changing menu page19
– changing settings85
– changing units of measure
and display type87
– confirming selection or
entry19
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus17
– operating principle17
– selecting menu item19
– setting brightness87
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols18
Ignition60
– switched off61
– switched on60
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness60
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on60
Ignition lock60
– starting engine with comfort
access40
i menu17
Imprint2
Indicator/warning lamps13
– ABS Antilock Brake
System93
– active steering98
– airbags101
– brake system93
– DSC13,91
– DTC13,92
– Flat Tire Monitor95
– fog lamps13
– safety belt warning50
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor97