Everything under control
78
Energy Control
Displays the current fuel consumption. This
allows you to see whether your current driving
style is conducive to fuel economy with mini-
mum exhaust emissions.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 18.5 US gal/
70 liters, including the reserve capacity of
approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters.
550i: approx. 2.6 US gal/10 liters reserve
capacity.
You will find information on refueling on
page216.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period,
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
After the reserve quantity has been reached, a
message briefly appears on the Control Display;
the remaining range is shown in the computer.
Below a range of approx. 30 miles/50 km, the
message remains on the Control Display.Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<
Computer
Displays in instrument cluster
To display the information, press the BC button
on the turn signal lever.
The following information is displayed in the
specified order:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
>No information
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available
with the remaining fuel. The range is projected
based on the driving style over the last 20 miles/
30 km.
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine
switched off are not included in the calculations
of average speed.
To reset average speed: press BC button on
turn signal lever for approx. 2 seconds.
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
98
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and
then lights up continuously. The tires
are shown in gray on the Control Dis-
play and a message is displayed. No flat tire can
be detected.
A message like this is displayed in the following
situations:
>In case of a malfunction;
have the system checked.
>If a wheel is mounted without TPM elec-
tronics
>If TPM is temporarily interfered with by
other systems or devices which use the
same radio frequency.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires. As an added safety fea-
ture, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system, TPMS, that illumi-
nates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires are significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pres-
sure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signif-
icantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-
inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling
and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS
is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle startups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator lights up, the system may not
be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.Active steering*
The concept
The active steering is a system that actively var-
ies the steering angle of the front wheels in rela-
tion to the steering wheel movements.
When you are driving in the low road speed
range, e. g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes
very direct. In the higher speed range, on the
other hand, the steering angle is reduced more
and more. This improves the handling capability
of your BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing
intervention is simultaneously deactivated
when DSC is switched off, refer to page91.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow and
a message is shown on the Control Dis-
play. The active steering is no longer
operational. At low speeds, greater steering
wheel movements are required, whereas at
higher speeds, the vehicle reacts more sensi-
Refueling
216
Refueling
Switch off the engine before refueling,
otherwise no fuel can be filled into the
tank and a message is displayed.<
When handling fuel, always observe all
applicable precautionary measures and
regulations. Never transport reserve fuel con-
tainers in the vehicle. These could become
leaky and cause an explosion or a fire in an acci-
dent.<
Fuel filler door
To open and close: press the rear edge of the
fuel filler door.
Manual release
If an electrical malfunction should occur, you
can unlock the fuel filler door manually.
Sedan
1.In the cargo bay, raise the floor mat and the
cover located beneath it.
2.Open the snap fasteners of the right side
panel and take off the side panel.3.Pull the knob with the gas pump symbol.
Sports Wagon
1.Unhook the retaining strap*, refer to
page126.
2.Open the right-hand side panel in the cargo
bay.
3.Pull the knob with the gas pump symbol.
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels always observe any
safety guidelines posted at the service
station.<
Place the fuel filler cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler door.
Mobility
217Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid raising the filler
nozzle during refueling, otherwise this leads to
>premature pump shutoff
>a reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor
recovery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 18.5 US gal/70 liters, including the
reserve capacity of approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters.
550i: approx. 2.6 US gal/10 liters reserve
capacity.
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<
Fuel filler cap
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Do not jam the strap attached to the fuel
filler cap between the fuel filler cap and
the vehicle. A message
* is displayed if the cap
is loose or missing.<
Fuel specifications
Do not use leaded gasoline, otherwise
permanent damage to the catalytic con-
verter will result.
Do not use E85, i.e. fuel that consists of 85%
ethanol, or Flex Fuel. Otherwise permanent
damage to the engine and the fuel supply sys-
tem will result.<
Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is 87.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no affect on the engine life.
Do not use gasoline below the specified
minimum quality, otherwise engine dam-
age can result.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 % ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight,
that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<
Mobility
233Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to the left on the driver's
side, on the underside of the instrument panel
under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The
exhaust-gas values worsen. Have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In
this case you should reduce speed and drive to
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Heavy engine misfiring causes serious damage
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system will assume that
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display lights up. If
the cap is then tightened, the display will go out
within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with
a device for recording or transmitting certain
vehicle data or information. If you have also
signed a contract of participation for BMW
Assist, certain vehicle data can be transmitted
or recorded to enable corresponding services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
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 265
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Cargo bay cover, refer to Roll-
up cover124
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control28
Car phone192
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest120
– refer to Mobile phone192
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio170
Car wash61,134
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– with comfort access40
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system132
"Categories"177
CBC Cornering Brake
Control90
CBS Condition Based
Service232
"CD"166,179CD changer179
– controls166
– fast forward/reverse183
– installation location183
– random sequence182
– repeating a track182
– sampling tracks181
– selecting a CD180
– selecting a track180
– switching on/off166
– tone control167
– volume167
CD player179
– controls166
– fast forward/reverse183
– random sequence182
– repeating a track182
– sampling a track181
– selecting a track180
– switching on/off166
– tone control167
– volume
167
Center armrest
– front120
– rear123
Center brake lamp238
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking
– from inside33
– from outside30
Central locking system30
– comfort access39
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own
safety5
– refer to Parts and
accessories6
Changing language on
Control Display87
Changing scale for
navigation156
Changing units of measure on
Control Display87
Changing wheels226,239
CHECK button83
Check Control82
"Check Control
messages"83Check Gas Cap217
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure218
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH58
Child restraints56
Child restraint systems56
Child-safety lock59
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely56
Chime, refer to Check
Control82
Chock240
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Cigarette lighter122
Cigarette lighter socket, refer
to Connecting electrical
devices122
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
"Climate"51,112
Clock77
– 12h/24h mode86
– hour signal86
– setting time and date85
Closing
– from inside33
– from outside30
Closing fuel filler cap217
Clothes hooks121
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine61
Comfort access39
– observe in car wash40
– replacing battery, remote
control40
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Comfort operation
– glass sunroof31
– windows31
– windows with comfort
access39
– with comfort access39
Comfort seat46
Reference 269
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Fast route" for
navigation152
"Favorites", calling up with
radio173
Filler neck for washer fluid68
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter115
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit245
First-aid kit245
Flashing
– during locking/unlocking,
refer to Setting confirmation
signals31
– triple turn signal
activation66
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight120
Flat tire
– changing wheels239
– compact wheel241
– Flat Tire Monitor94,95
– refer to Tire condition225
– run-flat tires95,97,226
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor95
– warning lamp95,97
Flat Tire Monitor94
– false alarms94
– initializing system94
– snow chains227
– system limits94
– warning lamp95
Floor mat, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Floor mats/carpets, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler
neck for washer fluid68
"FM", reception
range166,170
FM, waveband170
Fog lamps110
– indicator lamp13,110Folding rear backrest123
– Sports Wagon125
Fold-over rear backrest123
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely133
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps110
Forward, fast
– CD changer183
– CD player
183
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive92
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria152
Front airbags99
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front120
Front passenger airbags
– deactivating100
– deactivating, refer to
Exception for front
passenger seat56
Front seat adjustment46
"FTM"94
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor94
Fuel217
– average consumption79
– display78
– high-quality brands217
– quality217
– specifications217
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities256
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge78
Fuel consumption display,
computer, average fuel
consumption79
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge78
Fuel filler door216
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction216
Fuel-saving driving, refer to
Energy Control78Full mobile phone preparation
package192
Full screen display, refer to
Switching assistance
window off21
"Full screen" with BMW Night
Vision105
Fuses242G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control118
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel217
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge78
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission62
Gearshift lever positions,
manual transmission62
General driving notes132
Glass sunroof, electric41
– comfort operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access39
– moving manually43
– remote control31
Glove compartment119
– lighting119
– rechargeable flashlight120
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system140
Grills, refer to Ventilation115
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights255
H
Halogen lamps236
Handbrake62
– indicator lamp13,62
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight120
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14