
Controls
 79Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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 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. 
You will find information on refueling on 
page220.
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
Press the button on the turn signal lever.
The following information is displayed in the 
specified order:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
>No information
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. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
98 Drive reservedly and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the event of 
pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This 
includes reduced tracking stability in braking, 
extended braking distance and altered natural 
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or loud noises occur while 
the vehicle is being driven, this can indicate final 
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and 
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible, 
otherwise pieces of the tire could become 
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact your BMW 
center.<
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and 
then lights up continuously. The tires 
are shown in gray on the Control Dis-
play and a message is displayed. No flat tire can 
be detected.
A message like this is displayed in the following 
situations:
>In case of a malfunction;
have the system checked.
>If a wheel is mounted without TPM elec-
tronics
>If TPM is temporarily interfered with by 
other systems or devices which use the 
same radio frequency.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring 
Systems
Each tire, including the spare, should be 
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the 
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle 
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a 
different size than the size indicated on the 
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, 
you should determine the proper tire inflation 
pressure for those tires. As an added safety fea-
ture, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire 
pressure monitoring system, TPMS, that illumi-
nates a low tire pressure telltale when one or 
more of your tires are significantly underin-flated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure 
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check 
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them 
to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly 
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat 
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also 
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and 
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping 
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a sub-
stitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the 
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire 
pressure, even if underinflation has not reached 
the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low 
tire pressure telltale.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined 
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash 
for approximately one minute and then remain 
continuously illuminated. This sequence will 
continue upon subsequent vehicle startups as 
long as the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator lights up, the system may not 
be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as 
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a 
variety of reasons, including the installation of 
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the 
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning 
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction 
telltale after replacing one or more tires or 
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the 
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow 
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering is a system that actively var-
ies the steering angle of the front wheels in rela-
tion to the steering wheel movements.
When you are driving in the low road speed 
range, e. g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes 
very direct. In the higher speed range, on the 
other hand, the steering angle is reduced more 
and more. This improves the handling capability 
of your BMW over the entire speed range. 

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.< 

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. 

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 

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 

Reference 277
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Flashing
– during locking/unlocking, 
refer to Setting confirmation 
signals31
– triple turn signal 
activation67
Flashlight122
Flat tire
– changing wheels248
– compact wheel250
– Flat Tire Monitor94,95
– refer to Tire condition229
– run-flat tires95,97,229
– TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor96
– warning lamp95,97
Flat Tire Monitor94
– false alarms94
– initializing system94
– snow chains231
– system limits94
– warning lamp95
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler 
neck for washer fluid69
"FM", reception 
range168,172
FM, waveband172
Fog lamps111
– indicator lamp13,111
Folding rear backrest126
– Sports Wagon127
Fold-over rear backrest126
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely136
Footwell lamps, refer to 
Interior lamps111
Forward, fast
– CD changer185
– CD player185
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to 
xDrive92
Freeway, refer to Route 
criteria154
Front airbags99
Front armrest, refer to Center 
armrest, front122Front passenger airbags, 
deactivating100
Front seat adjustment46
"FTM"95
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor94
Fuel221
– average consumption80
– display79
– high-quality brands221
– quality221
– specifications221
– tank contents, refer to 
Capacities264
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge79
Fuel consumption display, 
computer, average fuel 
consumption80
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge79
Fuel-efficient driving
– refer to Energy control79
– refer to Saving fuel134
Fuel filler door220
– releasing in the event of 
electrical malfunction220
Full mobile phone preparation 
package194
Full screen display, refer to 
Switching assistance 
window off21
"Full screen" with BMW Night 
Vision105
Fuses252
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control120
Gasoline, refer to Required 
fuel221
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge79
Gearshift lever, manual 
transmission63General driving 
notes134,135
Glass sunroof, electric41
– convenient operation from 
outside32
– convenient operation with 
comfort access39
– moving manually42
– remote control30
Glove compartment122
– flashlight122
– lighting122
GPS navigation, refer to 
Navigation system142
Grills, refer to Ventilation117
Gross vehicle weight, refer to 
Weights263
H
Halogen lamps245
Handbrake63
– indicator lamp13,63
Hands-free system, refer to 
Microphone14
Hand washing240
Hazard warning flashers15
"HDC"92
HDC Hill Descent Control92
"HDC on"92
"HDC on / off"55
"HD radio"176
HD radio, refer to High 
Definition Radio176
Head airbags99
Headlamp control, 
automatic107
Headlamp flasher67
Headlamps107
– cleaning, refer to Wiper 
system68
– cleaning tank, refer to 
Capacities264
– filler neck for washer 
fluid233
– replacing bulbs245
Head Light, refer to Adaptive 
Head Light109 

Reference 283
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Redial" in mobile phone 
mode202
Reflectors, refer to Tail 
lamps246
Refueling220
Releasing, hood232
Releasing the locks, refer to 
Unlocking39
"Relock door if not 
opened"33
Remaining distance, refer to 
Cruising range79
Remaining distance to 
destination, refer to 
Computer80
Remote control28
– comfort access38
– garage door opener120
– luggage compartment lid31
– malfunction31,40
– replacing battery40
– tailgate31
Removing condensation on 
the windows115
"Repeat directory" in audio 
mode184
"Repeat" in audio mode184
"Repeat track" in audio 
mode184
Replacement fuses252
Replacement of tires, refer to 
Changing wheels248
Replacement remote control, 
refer to New remote 
controls28
Replacing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs244
Replacing tires230
Replacing wheels/tires, refer 
to New wheels and tires229
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel 
gauge79
"Reset"95,97
– stopwatch86
– tone settings171
Reset, refer to Resetting tone 
settings171
"resetting FTM …"95Residual heat116
Restraint systems
– for children56
– refer to Safety belts50
Retaining straps, refer to 
Storage area package, 
Sports Wagon129
Retreaded tires230
Reverse, fast
– CD changer185
– CD player185
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic64
– manual transmission63
Road map158
"Roadside 
Assistance"204,210
Roadside Assistance254
Roadside assistance210
Roadside parking lamps109
– replacing bulbs245
Roller blind, refer to Sun 
blinds121
Roll-up cover, Sports 
Wagon127
Roof load capacity263
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack139
Rope, refer to Tow-starting 
and towing255
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to 
iDrive16
Route154
– bypassing sections160
– changing160
– changing criteria154
– displaying157
– displaying arrow display157
– displaying map view158
– displaying streets or towns/
cities159
– selecting154
Route information, refer to 
Destination guidance with 
voice instructions159
Route map, refer to Displaying 
map view158"Route preference" 
changing154
Route selection154
RSC Runflat System 
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires229
Run-flat tires229
– continuing driving with a 
damaged tire95,97
– flat tire95,97
– Flat Tire Monitor94
– new wheels and tires229
– tire inflation 
pressure95,97,222
– Tire Pressure Monitor96
– tire replacement229,230
– winter tires
230
S
Safety5
Safety belts50
– damage51
– sitting safely45
– warning lamp50
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags99
– refer to Safety belts50
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System90
– airbags99
– driving stability control 
systems90
– safety belts50
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat 
tires229
Satellite radio178
– enabling channel178
– selecting channel179
– storing channel179
"SAT" in radio mode168,178
"Save current 
destination"153
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD183
– stations in radio mode173