Mobility
221Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Place the fuel filler cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler door.
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 crush the band attached to the
cap; otherwise, the cap may not properly
seal and fuel vapors can escape.<
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.<
Wheels and tires
230
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend that you use
retreaded tires, as driving safety may be
impaired. The causes for this include the possi-
bly different tire casing structures and the often
wide variations in their age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct wheel/tire combination also affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC or xDrive.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. Following
tire damage, have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon
as possible.
Wheels with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When mounting new tires or converting from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics, otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor cannot detect a flat tire,
refer to page96. Your BMW center will be
happy to advise you on this subject.
Recommended tire brands
Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW
depending on the tire size. You can recognize
these from the clearly visible BMW marking on
the tire sidewall.
When used properly, these tires comply with
the most demanding standards for safety and
vehicle response.
Run-flat tires
When mounting new tires, or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-flat
tires for your own safety. In addition, no spare
tire is available in case of a flat tire. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Paying attention to speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
t i re d a m a g e m a y o c cu r , w h ic h c a n re s u l t i n a c c i-
dents.<
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Always
protect tires against all contact with oil, grease
and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum tire
inflation pressure indicated on the side wall of
the tire.
Maintenance
238
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 sub-
scribed to BMW Assist, certain vehicle data can
be transmitted or recorded to enable corre-
sponding services.
Care
240 ating instructions for the high-pressure clean-
ing jets.<
When using high-pressure cleaning jets,
do not remain in one place for a long time
and be sure to maintain a distance of at least
12 in/30 cm from sensors, e.g. Park Distance
Control sensors or radar sensors.<
Hand washing
When washing the vehicle by hand, use plenty
of water and car washing shampoo. Clean the
vehicle with gentle pressure using a sponge or a
washing brush.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unwanted wiper operation.<
Follow local guidelines for washing vehi-
cles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not rub dry and never use abrasives or
strong solvents to clean the covers.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or
insect remover and wash away with plenty of
water.
Use a window de-icer to remove accumulated
ice and snow, not a scraper.
Windows
Use a glass cleaner to clean the inside and out-
side surfaces of the windows and the glass sur-
faces of the mirrors.
Do not use quartz-containing cleansers
to clean glass surfaces of the mirrors.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to
prevent streaking.
The presence of wax and sealant residues
and dirt on the windows leads to streaking
during wiper operation and results in premature
wear on wiper blades as well as interference
with the rain sensor.<
Caring for the vehicle finish
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value
and protects the paint from the long-term
effects of aggressive substances.
Regionally occurring environmental factors can
affect and damage vehicle finish. It is therefore
important to tailor the frequency and extent of
your car care accordingly.
Immediately remove particularly aggressive
substances such as spilled fuel, oil, grease,
brake fluid, tree resin, or bird droppings; other-
wise, they may damage your paint.
Repairing paint damage
Repair stone damage or scratches imme-
diately, depending on the severity of the
damage, to prevent the formation of rust.<
BMW recommends having paint damage pro-
fessionally repaired using Genuine BMW finish
materials in accordance with factory guidelines.
Waxing
Sealant is required when water no longer beads
on the clean surface of the paint. Use only prod-
ucts that contain carnauba wax or synthetic wax
to seal your finish.
Rubber gaskets
Treat only with water or a rubber care product.
To avoid noise or damage, do not use
products that contain silicone to care for
rubber gaskets.<
Chrome components
Particularly after exposure to road salt, thor-
oughly cleanse parts like the radiator grille, door
handles, or window frames with plenty of water
with shampoo added to it. For additional treat-
ment, use chrome polish.
Alloy wheels
Depending on your system, braking can gener-
ate dust, which settles on the light-alloy wheels.
Remove this dust regularly with acid-free wheel
cleaner.
Technical data
264 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: page221
of that reserve US gal/liters approx. 2.1/8
550i US gal/liters approx. 2.6/10
Window cleaning system For more details: page69
>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
270
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
System90
– indicator lamp93
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control71
Accepted calls202
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
request253
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control83
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control117
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation118
Active cruise control71
– indicator lamp74
– radar sensors75
– selecting distance73
– warning lamps74
Active front head restraints49
Active seat52
Active seat ventilation52
Active steering98
– warning lamp99
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake assistant91
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display99
Adaptive Head Light109
"Add digits" in mobile phone
mode202Additives
– coolant235
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils235
"Address book" in
navigation151
Address for navigation
– deleting153
– entering144,147
– selecting152
– storing151
– storing current position152
"Add to address book"151
"Add to destination
list"147,148
Adjusting active backrest
width47
Adjusting interior
temperature114
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control169
Adjusting thigh support46
"After door opened"48
"After unlocking"48
Airbags99
– indicator/warning lamp101
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags100
– sitting safely45
Air distribution
– automatic114
– manual115
Airing, refer to Ventilation117
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control116
– recirculated-air mode116
"Air recirculation on / off"55
Air supply, automatic climate
control113
Air volume115AKI, refer to Fuel quality221
Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional
alarms38
– interior motion sensor38
– switching off alarm37
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor38
– tilt alarm sensor38
"All channels"179
"All doors"30
Alloy wheels240
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires230
"All stations" requesting in
radio mode172
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive92
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road160
"AM", reception
range168,172
Antenna for mobile phone194
Antifreeze
– coolant235
– washer fluid69
Antilock Brake System
ABS90
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system37
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system29
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights263
Approved engine oils235
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights263
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear126
Around the center console14
Reference 271
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer80
– refer to Starting destination
guidance156
"Arrow display" in
navigation157
"Arrow display pop-up
instructions"143
Ashtray
– front124
– rear125
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist209
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems90
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control116
"Audio"169,171,176
Audio168
– controls168
– switching on/off168
– tone control169
– volume169
Audio device, external123
Automatic
– air distribution114
– air volume114
– cruise control71
– garage door opener120
– headlamp control107
– service notification211
– steering wheel
adjustment47
– storing stations174
– tailgate operation36
Automatic car washes136
Automatic climate control113
– automatic air
distribution114
– parked car ventilation117
– switching on and off117
– ventilation in rear117Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor53
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control107
– refer to Daytime running
lamps108
– refer to Interior lamps111
– refer to Pathway lighting108
– refer to Welcome lamps107
Automatic lights
– refer to High-beam
assistant109
Automatic low beams, refer to
High-beam assistant109
"Automatic programs"114
Automatic roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon127
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic speed reduction for
descents, refer to HDC Hill
Descent Control92
Automatic station search173
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– interlock64
– kick-down64
– manually unlocking and
locking transmission lock65
– shiftlock64
– towing256
– tow-starting257
– with comfort access39
"Automatic ventilation"118
AUTO program for automatic
climate control114
"Auto Request"211
"Autostore" on the
radio172,174
"AUX"168,187,188
AUX-In connection187
"AUX IN" in audio mode187
Average fuel consumption80
– setting units88
Average speed, refer to
Computer79"Avoid ferries" in
navigation154
"Avoid highways" in
navigation154
Avoiding freeways for
navigation154
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation154
Axle loads, refer to
Weights263
"A - Z"202B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support47
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs246
"Balance", refer to Tone
control170
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit254
Bass, refer to Tone
control169
"Bass", Tone control170
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery251
– jump starting254
Battery replacement, remote
control for comfort
access40
BC button, refer to
Computer79
Being towed256
Belts, refer to Safety belts50
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders124
Blower, refer to Air
volume115
"Bluetooth"195
"BMW Assist"210,211
Reference 273
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Cargo bay
– capacity263
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually, Sports
Wagon35
– emergency release34
– expanding, Sports
Wagon127
– floor panel flap, refer to
Compartment in floor,
Sports Wagon128
– locking separately34
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate33
– opening from inside33
– opening from inside, Sports
Wagon35
– opening from outside34
– opening from outside,
Sports Wagon35
– opening with remote
control31
Cargo bay cover, refer to Roll-
up cover127
Caring for the vehicle
finish240
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control28
Car phone194
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest122
– refer to Mobile phone194
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio172
Car Shampoo241
Car washes62,136,239
– with comfort access39
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system135
"Categories"179
CBC Cornering Brake
Control90
CBS Condition Based
Service237
"CD"168,181CD changer181
– controls168
– fast forward/reverse185
– installation location185
– random sequence184
– repeating a track184
– sampling tracks183
– selecting a CD181
– selecting a track182
– switching on/off168
– tone control169
– volume169
CD player181
– controls168
– fast forward/reverse185
– random sequence184
– repeating a track184
– sampling a track183
– selecting a track182
– switching on/off168
– tone control169
– volume169
Center armrest
– front122
– rear126
Center brake lamp247
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking
– from inside32
– from outside30
Central locking system29
– comfort access38
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own
safety5
– refer to Parts and
accessories6
Changing language on
Control Display88
Changing scale for
navigation158
Changing units of measure on
Control Display88
Changing wheels229,248
CHECK button84
Check Control83
"Check Control
messages"84Check Gas Cap221
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure222
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH57
Child restraints56
Child restraint systems56
Child-safety lock59
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely56
Chime, refer to Check
Control83
Chock249
Chrome-plated parts241
Chrome polish241
Cigarette lighter124
Cigarette lighter socket, refer
to Connecting electrical
devices125
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care
239
"Climate"51,114
Clock78
– 12h/24h format87
– hour signal87
– setting time and date86
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside30
Closing fuel filler cap221
Clothes hooks123
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine62
Comfort access38
– observe in car wash39
– replacing battery, remote
control40
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Comfort seat46
"Communi-
cation"200,210,211,213
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer181
– refer to CD player181