At a glance
17Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Menu overview
Communication
>Telephone*
>BMW Assist* or TeleService*
Navigation or onboard information
>Navigation system*
>Onboard information, e.g. for displaying
the average fuel consumption
Entertainment
>Radio
>CD player and CD changer
*
>External audio device
Climate
>Vent settings
>Automatic programs
>Seat heater distribution
*
>Parked car operation*
menu
>Switching off Control Display
>Tone and display settings
>Settings for your vehicle, e.g. for the central
locking system
>Display of maintenance intervals and dead-
lines for legally mandated inspections
>Settings for telephone
Operating principle
From radio readiness, refer to page59, the fol-
lowing message is shown on the Control Dis-
play:
To hide the message:
Press the controller.
This displays the start menu.
The message is automatically hidden after
approx. 10 seconds.
Start menu
You can call up all the functions of iDrive using
five menu items.
Opening start menu
Press the button.
To open the start menu from the menu:
Press the button twice.
Controls
65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
N Neutral
Can, for example, be engaged in automatic car
washes. The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward gears are available.
Under normal operating conditions, the fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in posi-
tion D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration: press the accelerator pedal beyond the
full-throttle resistance point.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Move selector lever from position D toward the
left into the M/S shifting slot:
The sport program is activated and DS is dis-
played in the instrument cluster. This position is
recommended for a performance-oriented driv-
ing style.
When the selector lever is pressed forward or
back, the manual mode is activated and the
Steptronic shifts the gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
a downshift that would cause the engine to
overrev will not be executed by the system. The
selected gear is briefly displayed in the instru-
ment cluster, followed by the current gear.
To use the automatic function again, move the
selector lever to the right into position D.
Deactivating selector lever interlock
If the selector lever is blocked in position P even
though the button on the selector lever is
pressed, the selector lever interlock can be
deactivated:
1.Unclip the sleeve of the selector lever.
2.Pull the sleeve over the selector lever.
3.Press the lever at the point marked in red
with the screwdriver from the onboard tool-
kit, refer to page222, and move the selector
lever into the desired position.
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To turn off manually, press the lever to the
resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb
needs to be replaced.<
Everything under control
76
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 gallons/
70 liters, including the reserve capacity of
approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters.
550i: approx. 2.6 gallons/10 liters reserve
capacity.
You will find information on refueling on
page206.
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
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.
Controls
77Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated for
the time during which the engine is running.
To reset average fuel consumption: press BC
button on turn signal lever for approx. 2 sec-
onds.
For different routes
You can display the average speed and average
consumption for two different routes on the
Control Display, refer to the following and to
Trip computer
*.
Displays on Control Display
You can also call up the computer via iDrive.
For explanation of principle, refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the right to open
"Navigation".
Without navigation system
*:
Open "Car Data".
3.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
4.Select "Onboard info" and press the con-
troller.>Estimated time of arrival at destination and
remaining distance:
>Entering a distance manually in the com-
puter, see below.
>Entering a destination in the navigation
system
*, refer to page134.
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Resetting values
You can reset the values for the average speed
and average fuel consumption:
1.Select the respective menu item and press
the controller.
2.To confirm your selection, press the con-
troller again.
Entering a distance manually
1.Select "Distance to dest." and press the
controller.
2.Turn the controller to select the distance to
your destination. If needed, hold it against a
slight resistance to enter a larger differ-
ence.
3.Press the controller to apply the setting.
The distance is automatically preset during the
destination guidance of the navigation sys-
tem
*.
Trip computer*
The trip computer is suitable, for example, for a
vacation trip.
Everything under control
78 1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Navigation".
Without navigation system
*:
Open "Car Data".
3.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
4.Select "Trip computer" and press the con-
troller.
>Departure time
>Driving time
>Distance traveled
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Starting or stopping the trip computer, or reset-
ting all values:
1.Select "Set" and press the controller.
2.Select the desired menu item.
3.Press the controller.
Display options
You can display the computer or the trip com-
puter in the assistance window.
1.Move the controller to the right to change to
the assistance window and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Onboard info" or "Trip computer".3.Press the controller.
Service requirements
The remaining driving distance and the date for
the next maintenance are displayed briefly with
the ignition switched on.
Your BMW Service Advisor can deter-
mine your vehicle's current service
requirements by reading out the data stored in
the remote control.<
Additional information
You can select a display of more detailed infor-
mation on the maintenance scope on the Con-
trol Display. For explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Info sources" and press the control-
ler.
4.Select "Service" and press the controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Service requirements" is
selected and press the controller.
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
252 Clock75
– 12h/24h mode84
– hour signal84
– setting time and date83
Closing
– from inside33
– from outside30
Closing fuel filler cap207
Clothes hooks116
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine60
"Comfort", active backrest
width adjustment47
Comfort access38
– 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
"Communication"187,197
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer173
– refer to CD player173
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure209
– wheel change228
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock59
Compartments
– in cargo bay, Sports
Wagon121
– refer to Storage area
package, Sports Wagon122
– refer to Storage
compartments116
Compressed audio files173
Computer76
– displays on Control
Display77
– hour signal84"Concert hall", refer to Tone
control163
"Concierge"199
Condensation, refer to When
vehicle is parked128
Condition Based Service
CBS220
"Confirmation"31
Confirmation signals for
locking and unlocking31
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices117
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption77
Consumption indicator
– Energy Control76
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption77
"Continue guidance to
destination?"148
"Contrast" with BMW Night
Vision102
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– setting brightness84
– switching off/on21
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Coolant219
– checking level219
– temperature75
Cooling, maximum109
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant219
Cooling function, automatic
climate control109
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant219
Copyright2
Cornering Brake Control
CBC87
Country of destination for
navigation136Courtesy lamps105
Cover, roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon119
Cradle for telephone or mobile
phone115
Cruise control68,69
– active cruise control69
Cruising range76
Cup holders116
Curb weight, refer to
Weights241
Current consumption, refer to
Energy Control76
"Current position"154
Current position
– displaying154
– entering143
– storing143
"Curve mode" with BMW
Night Vision102
"Customer
Relations"190,199
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data238
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Data, technical238
– dimensions239
– engine238
– weights241
"Date"84
Date75
– display format84
– retrieval75
– setting84
"Date format"84
"Daytime running lamps"104
Daytime running lamps104
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control87
– warning lamp90
"Deactivated"48
Deactivating selector lever
interlock65
Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
External audio
device116,179
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting233
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control162
Fader, refer to Tone
control162
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control80
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms38
– refer to Switching off
alarm38
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts50
– warning lamp50
Fastest route for
navigation145
"Fast route" for
navigation145
"Favorites" calling up with
radio167
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter111
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit232
First-aid kit232
Flashing
– during locking/unlocking,
refer to Setting confirmation
signals31
– Triple turn signal
activation66
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight115Flat tire
– changing wheels226
– compact wheel228
– Flat Tire Monitor91,92
– run-flat tires92,94,213
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor92
– warning lamp92,94
Flat tire, refer to Tire
condition213
Flat Tire Monitor91
– false alarms91
– initializing system91
– show chains215
– system limits91
– warning lamp92
Floor mat, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Floor mats/carpets, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir67
"FM", reception
range161,164
FM, waveband164
Fog lamps105
– indicator lamp13,105
Folding rear backrest119
Folding rear backrest, Sports
Wagon120
Fold-over rear backrest119
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely127
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps105
Forward, fast
– CD changer177
– CD player177
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive89
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria145
Front airbags96
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front115Front passenger airbags,
deactivating97
Front seat adjustment46
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor91
Fuel207
– average consumption77
– display76
– high-quality brands207
– quality207
– specifications207
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities242
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Fuel consumption display,
computer, average fuel
consumption77
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Fuel filler door206
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction206
Fuel-saving driving, refer to
Energy Control76
Full mobile phone preparation
package182
Full screen display, refer to
Switching assistance
window off21
"Full screen" with BMW Night
Vision102
Fuses229
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control113
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel207
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge76
Gear changes
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission63