
 207
Entertainment
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips Communications
Navigation
Mobility
BMW Assist
BMW Assist provides you with various services. 
For example, the position data of your vehicle 
can be transmitted to the BMW Assist 
Response Center if an emergency call
* has 
been initiated.
Many BMW Assist services depend on the indi-
vidually agreed contract.
After your contract has expired, the BMW 
Assist system will be deactivated by the BMW 
Assist Response Center without you having to 
visit a BMW center. After the BMW Assist sys-
tem has been deactivated, no BMW Assist ser-
vice will be available. The BMW Assist system 
can be reactivated by a BMW center after sign-
ing a new contract.
Requirements
You can use BMW Assist when the following 
requirements are met:
>The installed BMW Assist system is logged 
on to a mobile phone network. This network 
must be capable of transmitting the ser-
vices.
>To transmit position data, the vehicle must 
be able to determine the current position.
>A GPS signal must be available in order for 
BMW Assist to be activated and updated.
>You have placed an order for the BMW 
Assist service contract at a BMW center or 
BMW Assist Response Center and signed 
the service contract. Activation must be 
completed.
>BMW Assist is activated, refer to page212.
Services offered
The following services are available via 
BMW Assist:
>Emergency call, refer to page244: 
When you press the SOS button, a connec-
tion is established to the BMW Assist 
Response Center. The BMW Assist 
Response Center contacts you and 
arranges for further steps to help you.
>Automatic emergency call:
Under certain conditions, a connection is 
established to the BMW Assist Response 
Center immediately after a serious acci-
dent. If possible, the BMW Assist Response 
Center contacts you and takes further steps 
to help you.
>Roadside Assistance: 
You can call Roadside Assistance
* of the 
BMW Group should you require help in the 
event of a breakdown. If possible, the vehi-
cle data and position data are transmitted 
during this time.
>BMW Customer Relations: 
For information related to your vehicle, call 
BMW Customer Relations.
>TeleService: 
Data on your vehicle's service status or nec-
essary inspections are transmitted to your 
BMW center either automatically before a 
service due date or when you request a 
BMW service appointment.
>Unlocking vehicle: 
Inform the BMW Assist Response Center, 
e.g. if your remote control is not available 
and you want to have the vehicle unlocked.
>Vehicle search: 
After your vehicle has been reported to the 
police as stolen, the BMW Assist Response 
Center can locate its position. To do this, 
the vehicle electronics must be ready for 
operation.
* 

 211
Entertainment
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips Communications
Navigation
Mobility
Displaying transmitted data
Select the received message if necessary and 
press the controller.
Dialing phone number or adopting 
address in destination guidance
1.Select "Options" and press the controller.
2.Select a menu item:
>With "Call" you can establish a telephone 
connection. This requires your Bluetooth 
mobile phone to be paired in the vehicle.
>With "Select as destination" you can adopt 
the address in the destination guidance of 
the navigation system.
Updating BMW Assist
Displaying and updating services
You will be notified of any changes in the ser-
vices offered by BMW Assist. In this case you 
should update the services.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.3.Turn the controller until "Settings" is 
selected and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller until "BMW Service set-
tings" is selected and press the controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "Service Status" is selected 
and press the controller.
The current services of BMW Assist are dis-
played.
6.Select "Options" and press the controller.
7.Select "Update services" and press the 
controller. 

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
 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
 231Reference
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.Allow the engine to cool.
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. 

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. 

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.< 

Replacing components
242 3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure 
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems with valve stem 
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source 
of gradual air loss.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to 
page94, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, 
refer to page96.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h.
The driving characteristics change, for example 
reduced track stability on braking, extended 
braking distance, and altered self-steering 
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction 
with winter tires, these characteristics are more 
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be 
mounted. You should re-equip with 
wheels and tires of the original size as quickly as 
possible.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the 
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery 
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
ma te. Your BM W center will be glad to advise in 
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the 
terminals in the engine compartment with the 
engine switched off. Connections, refer to 
Jump starting on page246.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your 
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright 
position for transport and storage. Always 
restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping 
over during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of 
some equipment may be limited and require 
reinitialization. Individual settings are also lost 
and must be updated:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to 
page48.
>Time and Date 
The values must be updated, refer to 
page85.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again if necessary, 
refer to page172.
>Navigation system 
Wait until the system starts, refer to 
page140.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and 
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, as 
this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately 
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
Sedan
Spare fuses, plastic tweezers and fuse alloca-
tion diagram are located in the compartment for 
the onboard tool kit, refer to page234.
Sports Wagon
Spare fuses and a pair of plastic tweezers are 
contained in the onboard tool kit, refer to 
page234. A fuse allocation diagram is located 
in the cargo bay behind the right-hand side 
panel.