
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