2007 BMW 550I heating

Driving tips
127Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW discourages the use of mobile
communications devices, e. g. mobile
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
device can influence one another. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation which
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between the tires and
the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page213.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
greater clutch wear will result.<
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold
the vehicle on a hill by pressing the accel-
erator, but apply the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission
region.<
Starting assistant
The starting assistant enables you to start off
conveniently on slopes. The handbrake is not
required for this purpose.
1.Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.
2.Release the footbrake and drive off quickly.
The starting assistant holds the vehicle
for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the
footbrake. Depending on the load, the vehicle
may also roll back slightly during this time.
After releasing the footbrake, drive off quickly,
otherwise the starting assistant no longer holds
the vehicle after approx. 2 seconds and it
begins to roll back.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake pedal

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

Short commands of voice command system
246
Climate
menu
FunctionCommand
To adjust temperature distribution for front seat
heating51{Seat heater distribution}
To open "Vent settings"109{Vent settings}
To open "Automatic programs"108{Automatic programs}
To open "Parked car ventilation"111{Parked car operation}
To open "Automatic ventilation"111{Automatic ventilation}
To display activation times111{Activation time}
FunctionCommand
To open the menu{Settings menu}
"Display off"21{Display off}
To open "Info sources"{Info sources}
To open "Settings"{Settings}
To open "Door locks"30, 33{Door locks}
To open "Steering wheel buttons"53{Steering wheel buttons}
To open "Lighting"66{Lighting}
To open "Service requirements"78, 198{Service requirements}
To open "Service"78, 198{Service}
To open "BMW Services" settings200{BMW service settings}
To display "Check Control messages"81{Check Control messages}
To open "Head-Up Display"98{Head-up display}
To set brightness of Control Display84{Brightness}
To open "Units"85{Units}
To open "Languages"85, 134{Language}
To open "Time"83{Time}
To open "Date"84{Date}
To open "PDC"86{PDC}
To open "FTM"91{FTM}
To open "TPM"
93{TPM}
To display "Bluetooth"185{Bluetooth}
To open "HDC"89{HDC}
Activating BMW Night Vision101{Night Vision on}
Deactivating BMW Night Vision101{Night Vision off}
Displaying settings for BMW Night Vision101{Night Vision settings}

Everything from A to Z
254 Driving stability control
systems87
Driving through water127
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes126
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function109
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function109
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control88
– indicator lamp13,88
– malfunction90
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control88
– activating88
– indicator lamp13,88
DVD for navigation134
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC87
Dynamic Drive90
Dynamic Driving Control63
"Dynamic route" for
navigation145
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC88
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC88
E
Easy entry/exit53
– backrest width47
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player160
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door206
– glass sunroof, electric43
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– tailgate36
Electric steering wheel
adjustment53
Electronic brake-force
distribution87
Electronic oil level check217
Emergency call231Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door206
– luggage compartment lid34
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission65
– tailgate36
Emergency operation, refer to
Moving manually
– glass sunroof43
– panorama glass roof44
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
cargo bay35
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance232
"Enable services"202
"End call"188
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control76
Energy Control76
Engine
– breaking-in126
– data238
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature75
– speed238
– starting60
– starting, with comfort
access38
– starting difficulties60
– switching off61
Engine compartment217
Engine coolant219
Engine oil
– adding218
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils218
– approved engine oil218
– checking oil level
217
– electronic oil level check217
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements78
– oil change218
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils218"Engine oil level"218
Engine output, refer to Engine
data238
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature75
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data238
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine60
"Enter address"136,142
Entering destination via town/
city name136
Entering intersection,
navigation137
Entering the
address135,138
Entering town/city for
navigation136
Entering zip code for
navigation137
"Entertainment"160
Entertainment sound output
on/off161
Entry map for destination140
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control76
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control163
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control163
"ESN"170
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control88
Event Data Recorders221
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system126
Exterior mirrors52
– adjusting52
– automatic dimming
feature53
– automatic heating52
– folding in and out52
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror52

Everything from A to Z
256 Gear display
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission62
Gearshift lever
– manual transmission62
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission62
Gearshift lever positions,
manual transmission62
General driving notes126
Glass sunroof, electric41
– comfort operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access39
– moving manually43
– remote control31
Glove compartment114
– lighting114
– rechargeable flashlight115
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system134
Grills, refer to Ventilation110
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights241
H
Halogen lamps223
Handbrake61
– indicator lamp13,61
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight115
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14
Hazard warning flashers15
"HDC"89
HDC Hill Descent Control89
"HDC on"89
"HDC on / off"54
"HD radio"168
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio168
Head airbags96Headlamp
– cleaning tank, refer to
Capacities242
Headlamp control,
automatic103
Headlamp flasher65
Headlamps103
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system66
– replacing bulbs223
– reservoir for washer
fluid217
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light104
Head restraints48
– front head restraints,
active49
– installing49
– removing49
– sitting safely45
"Head-Up Display"99
Head-Up Display98
Heated
– mirrors52
– rear window109
– seats50
– steering wheel53
Heating107
– exterior mirrors52
– interior107
– rear window109
– residual heat110
– seats50
– steering wheel53
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat110
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo130
Height, refer to
Dimensions
239
Height adjustment
– seats46
– steering wheel53High beams105
– headlamp flasher105
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs224
High Definition Radio168
High water, refer to Driving
through water127
Hill Descent Control HDC89
Hills127
Holder for cups116
"Home address" for
navigation144
Homepage of BMW4
Hood216
Hooks for shopping bags,
Sports Wagon121
Horn10
Hotel function, refer to
Locking separately34
Hot exhaust system126
"Hour memo"84
"House number" for
destination entry138
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control87
Hydroplaning127
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio168
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning75
ID3 tag, refer to Information on
track175
Identification mark
– recommended tire
brands214
Identification marks
– run-flat tires213
– tire coding211

Reference 259
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions239
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
MENU, button refer to Start
menu17
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Message list for traffic
information152
Microfilter111
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature53
Mirrors52
– automatic curb monitor52
– folding in and out52
– heating52
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
"Missed calls"188
Missed calls189
Mobile communications
devices in vehicle127
Mobile phone
– accepted calls189
– adjusting volume186
– calling187
– ending call188
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest115
– missed calls189
– operation by voice191
– operation via iDrive186
– redialing189
– refer to separate operating
instructions
– Top 8189
– touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method190
Mobile phone, refer to
separate operating
instructions
Mobile phone battery195Mobile phones, use in the
interior, refer to Mobile
communications
devices127
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring pressure of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor91
"Monitor on / off"54
Most recent mobile phone
numbers189
MP3, refer to Compressed
audio files173
Multi-function steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher65
– refer to Wiper system
66
Music track
– sampling, scan175
Music track, finding175
Music tracks
– random play sequence176
"Mute on / off"54
"M View"99
MW, waveband164
N
"Navigation"77,135
Navigation destination
– entering manually135
– home address144
– selecting via map140
Navigation drive, installation
location134
Navigation DVD134
Navigation instructions, refer
to Switching voice
instructions on/off150Navigation system134
– address book142
– bypassing route
sections151
– destination entry135
– destination guidance in
assistance window134
– destination list141
– displaying current
position154
– displaying route148
– entering a destination
manually135
– entering destination via
voice138
– last destinations141
– navigation DVD134
– opening135
– route list149
– searching for a special
destination141
– selecting destination using
information141
– selecting destination via
map140
– selecting route criteria145
– starting destination
guidance147
– switching off, refer to
Terminating/continuing
destination guidance147
– terminating/continuing
destination guidance147
– voice instructions150
– volume adjustment150
"Navigation voice
instructions"54,150
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints48
"New address" for
navigation142
"New data request" for BMW
Assist199
"New destination"135,140
New remote control28
"New route"151
New wheels and tires214

Reference 261
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter111
Position
– displaying154
– storing143
Power failure229
Power windows, refer to
Windows40
Preselecting activation times
of the parked car
ventilation111
"Presets" on the
radio164,170
Pressure, tires208
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor92
"Profile"202
Programmable buttons on
steering wheel53
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof, electric42
– panorama glass sunroof44
– windows41
R
Radio
– Autostore165
– controls160
– High Definition Radio168
– sampling stations165
– satellite radio169
– selecting frequency
manually165
– selecting
waveband160,164
– station search165
– station selection164
– station with the best
reception165
– storing stations166
– switching on/off160
– tone control161
– volume161
– Weather Band, refer to
Weather news flashes167Radio key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness59
Radio readiness59
– switched off60
– switched on59
– with comfort access40
Rain sensor66
"Random", random play
sequence176
"Random all" in audio
mode176
"Random directory" in audio
mode176
"RDS"167
Reading lamps106
Rear armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear118
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps225
– replacing bulbs225
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints49
– folding over backrest119
– heating51
– removing head restraints50
Rear socket118
Rear ventilation111
Rearview mirror52
Rear window
– changing wiper blade222
– heating109
– opening and closing on
Sports Wagon35
– roller sun blind, refer to Sun
blinds114
– window wiper on Sports
Wagon
67,128
Rear window safety switch41
"Received calls"188
Reception
– quality167
– radio stations167
– regional station165
Reception level of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information20Rechargeable flashlight115
Recirculated-air mode110
– air recirculation110
– AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control110
Reclining seat, refer to
Seats46
Recording times, refer to
Stopwatch82
"Redial" for mobile phone188
Redialing with mobile
phone194
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps225
Refueling206
Releasing, hood216
Releasing the locks, refer to
Unlocking39
"Relock door if not
opened"33
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range76
Remaining distance to
destination, refer to
Computer77
Remote control28
– comfort access38
– garage door opener113
– luggage compartment lid31
– malfunction32,40
– replacing battery40
– tailgate31
Removing condensation on
the windows109
"Repeat directory" in audio
mode176
"Repeat" in audio mode176
"Repeat track" in audio
mode176
Replacement fuses229
Replacement of tires, refer to
Changing wheels226
Replacement remote control,
refer to New remote
controls28
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs223
Replacing tires214

Everything from A to Z
262 Replacing wheels/tires, refer
to New wheels and tires214
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve
– warning, refer to Fuel
gauge76
"Reset"91,93
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings163
"Reset" of tone settings163
"Reset" stopwatch82
"resetting FTM …"92
Residual heat110
Restraint systems
– for children55
– refer to Safety belts50
Retaining straps, refer to
Storage area package,
Sports Wagon121
Retreaded tires214
Reverse, fast
– CD changer177
– CD player177
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– manual transmission62
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission63
Road map148
"Roadside
Assistance"190,197
Roadside Assistance232
Roadside parking lamps105
– replacing bulbs224
Roller sun blind, refer to Sun
blinds114
Roll-up cover, Sports
Wagon119
Roof load capacity241
Roof-mounted luggage
rack130
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing233
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16Route145
– bypassing sections151
– changing151
– changing criteria145
– displaying148
– displaying arrow display148
– displaying map view148
– displaying streets or towns/
cities149
– selecting145
Route information, refer to
Destination guidance with
voice instructions
150
Route map, refer to Displaying
map view148
Route selection145
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires213
Rubber parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Run-Flat Tires
– Flat Tire Monitor91
Run-flat tires213
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire92,94
– flat tire92,94
– new wheels and tires214
– tire inflation
pressure92,94,208
– Tire Pressure Monitor92
– tire replacement214
– winter tires214
S
Safety5
Safety belts50
– damage50
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– sitting safely45
– warning lamp50
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags96
– refer to Safety belts50Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System87
– airbags96
– driving stability control
systems87
– safety belts50
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires213
Satellite radio169
– enabling channel169
– selecting channel170
– storing channel170
"SAT" for radio161,169
"Save current
destination"144
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD175
– stations with radio165
Scan
– CD changer175
– CD player175
– radio165
"Scan all" in audio mode175
"Scan directory" in audio
mode175
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting234
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio169
"Seat heater distribution"51
Seats46
– active backrest width
adjustment47
– adjusting the seats46
– comfort seat46
– easy entry/exit47
– heating50
– lumbar support47
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
– shoulder support46
– sitting safely45
– storing the setting47
– thigh support46
– ventilation, refer to Active
seat ventilation51