2007 BMW 550I automatic transmission

Telephoning
182
Telephoning
The concept
Your BMW is equipped with a full mobile phone
preparation package. After logging on a suitable
mobile phone on the vehicle once, you can
operate the mobile phone via iDrive, with the
buttons on the steering wheel and by voice.
A mobile phone that has been logged on once is
automatically detected again with the engine
running or the ignition switched on as soon as
it is in the vehicle interior. The logon data of up
to four mobile phones can be stored simulta-
neously. If several mobile phones are detected
simultaneously, the respective last mobile
phone logged on can be operated via the vehi-
cle.
Using a phone in your vehicle
Using snap-in adapter*
The so-called snap-in adapter, a mobile phone
cradle, enables the battery to be charged and
the mobile phone to be connected to the exter-
nal antenna of your vehicle. This ensures
improved network reception and a consistent
voice reproduction quality. Ask your BMW cen-
ter which mobile phones snap-in adapters are
offered for.
BMW discourages the use of mobile
phones or other mobile communications
devices 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.<
Avoid operating a mobile phone detected by
the vehicle with the keypad of the mobile
phone, otherwise malfunctions can occur.
For your safety
A car phone makes life more convenient in
many ways, and can even save lives in an emer-
gency. While you should consult your mobile
phone's separate operating instructions for a
detailed description of safety precautions and
information, we request that you direct your
particular attention to the following:
Only make entries when the traffic situa-
tion allows you to do so. Do not hold the
mobile phone in your hand while you are driving;
use the hands-free system instead. If you do
not observe this precaution, your being dis-
tracted can endanger vehicle occupants and
other road users.<
Suitable mobile phones
Ask your BMW center which mobile phones
with a Bluetooth interface are supported by the
mobile phone preparation package or which
mobile phones snap-in adapters are available
for. These mobile phones support the functions
described in this Owner's Manual with a certain
software version. Malfunctions can occur with
other mobile phones.
Care instructions
You can find what you need to know about car-
ing for your mobile phone in the separate Caring
for your vehicle brochure and in the mobile
phone operating instructions.
Operating options
You can operate the mobile phone* using:
>The steering wheel, refer to page11
>iDrive, refer to page16
>Voice commands, refer to page191
*

Giving and receiving assistance
234 Sedan:
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page222.
Sports Wagon:
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side
panel in the cargo bay, refer to page222.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral
loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Press the arrow symbol on the cover in the
bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page59, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. If the vehicle
electrical system fails, do not tow-start or tow
the vehicle. The electric steering-wheel lock
cannot be unlocked and the vehicle cannot be
steered. For information on jump starting, refer to page232. There is no power assistance with
the engine stopped. This then requires
increased effort for braking and steering. Active
steering is deactivated and larger steering
wheel movements are required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever position, refer to Deac-
tivating selector lever interlock page65.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
Engage selector lever position N with the igni-
tion switched on.
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.

Mobility
235Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With tow truck for 525xi, 530xi
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged.<
The BMW may only be transported on a flat
bed.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page232. With a catalytic con-
verter, tow-starting should only be carried out
with the engine cold, and with automatic trans-
missions, the engine cannot be started by tow-
starting.
If the electrical system fails, do not tow-
start or tow the vehicle, otherwise the
electric steering-wheel lock cannot be
unlocked and the vehicle cannot be steered.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page59.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. For information on SMG,
see below.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch again completely.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select the Sequential mode. The correct
gear will be selected and engaged automat-
ically.
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent
Control of the 525xi, 530 xi during tow-
starting, refer to page89.<

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Sedan525i530i550i
Curb weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 3,395/1,540 3,450/1,565 3,902/1,770
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,439/1,560 3,472/1,575 3,924/1,780
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 4,497/2,040 4,552/2,065 5,004/2,270
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,541/2,060 4,575/2,075 5,026/2,280
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,161/980 2,227/1,010 2,469/1,120
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,601/1,180 2,601/1,180 2,679/1,215
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100 220/100
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520 18.4/520
Sedan525xi530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,593/1,630 3,670/1,660
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,638/1,650 3,704/1,680
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 4,696/2,130 4,762/2,160
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,740/2,150 4,806/2,180
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,315/1,050 2,315/1,050
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520

Technical data
242 Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
Sports Wagon530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,858/1,750
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,891/1,765
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 5,049/2,290
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 5,082/2,305
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 gal/liters approx. 18.5/70 Fuel grade: page207
of that reserve gal/liters approx. 2.1/8
550i gal/liters approx. 2.6/10
Window cleaning system For more details: page67
>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

Everything from A to Z
248
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions, and
indicates where to find them
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System87
– indicator/warning lamp90
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control69
Acceleration assistant for
SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission64
Accepted calls188
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
call231
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control80
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control111
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation111
Active cruise control69
– indicator lamp72
– radar sensor72
– selecting distance71
– warning lamps72
Active head restraints,
front49
Active seat51
Active seat ventilation51
Active steering95
– warning lamp96
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display96
Adaptive Head Light104"Add digits" for mobile
phone189
Additives
– coolant219
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils218
"Address book" for
navigation142
Address for navigation
– deleting144
– entering135,138
– selecting143
– storing142
– storing current position143
"Add to address book"142
"Add to destination
list"138,140
Adjusting active backrest
width47
Adjusting interior
temperature108
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control161
Adjusting thigh support46
Adjustment in audio mode
– front/rear balance162
– right/left balance162
"After door opened"48
"After unlocking"48
Airbags96
– indicator/warning lamp98
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags97
– sitting safely45
Air distribution
– automatic108
– manual109
Airing, refer to Ventilation110
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control110
– recirculated-air mode110Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode110
"Air recirculation on / off"54
Air supply, automatic climate
control107
Air volume109
AKI, refer to Fuel quality207
Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional
alarms38
– interior motion sensor38
– switching off alarm38
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor38
– tilt alarm sensor38
"All channels"170
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires214
"All stations" calling up with
radio164,167
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive89
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road151
Alternate route, refer to
Bypassing traffic
congestion154
"AM", reception
range161,164
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antenna for mobile phone182
Antifreeze
– coolant219
– washer fluid67
Antilock Brake System
ABS87
– indicator/warning lamp90
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system37

Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system30
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights241
Approved engine oils218
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights241
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear118
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer77
– refer to Starting destination
guidance147
"Arrow display" for
navigation148
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
– front117
– rear117
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist196
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems87
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control110
"Audio"161,163,168
Audio160
– controls160
– switching on/off160
– tone control161
– volume161
Audio device, external116
Automatic
– air distribution108
– air volume108
– garage door opener113
– headlamp control103
– service notification198
– steering wheel
adjustment47
– storing stations165
– tailgate operation36Automatic car washes128
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control107
– automatic air
distribution108
– parked car ventilation111
– switching on and off110
– ventilation in rear111
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control103
– refer to Daytime running
lamps104
– refer to Interior lamps105
– refer to Pathway lighting103
"Automatic programs"108
Automatic roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon119
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic speed reduction for
descents, refer to HDC Hill
Descent Control89
Automatic station search165
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– deactivating selector lever
interlock65
– interlock64
– kick-down65
– selector lever interlock64
– shiftlock64
– sport program65
– tow-starting234,235
– with comfort access40
"Automatic ventilation"111
AUTO program for automatic
climate control108
"Autostore" on the
radio164,166
"AUX"161
AUX-In
– connection116
– refer to External audio
device179"AUX" with external audio
device179
Average fuel consumption77
– setting units85
Average speed, refer to
Computer76
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation145
"Avoid highways" for
navigation145
Avoiding freeways for
navigation145
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation145
Axle loads, refer to
Weights241
"A - Z"188,189
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support47
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs225
"Balance", refer to Tone
control162
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit232
"Bass", refer to Tone
control162
Bass, refer to Tone
control161,162
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery229
– jump starting232
Battery replacement
– remote control for comfort
access40
BC button, refer to
Computer76
Being towed234
Belts, refer to Safety belts50

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