2008 BMW 550I SEDAN radio

Telephoning
200
Adjusting volume
Turn the knob during a call to select the desired
volume.
This volume for the hands-free system is main-
tained, even if the other audio sources are set to
minimum volume.
You can also adjust the volume with buttons on
the steering wheel, refer to page11.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Operation via iDrive
You can operate the following functions via
iDrive:
>Accepting/refusing a call
>Dialing phone numbers
>Dialing phone numbers from the phone
book
>Dialing stored phone numbers, e.g. from the
list of accepted calls.
>Ending a call
When the ignition and radio readiness are
switched off, e.g. after removing the remote
control from the ignition lock, you can continue
an ongoing call via the hands-free system for no
more than 25 minutes.
Speech quality
If the person you are talking to cannot under-
stand you well, this may be due to excessively
loud background noises. The full mobile phone
preparation package can compensate for these
noises to a certain degree. To optimize the speech quality during a call, we
recommend that you:
>Reduce background noises, e.g. by closing
the windows, reducing the air volume of the
automatic climate control or pointing the
opened front vent outlets downward
>Reduce volume of hands-free system
Requirements
>The logon data of the mobile phone are
stored in the vehicle and the mobile phone
is ready to operate.
>The engine is running or the ignition is
switched on.
>The mobile phone is detected by the vehi-
cle.
Opening Communication
You operate many of the functions described in
the following via the "Communication" menu.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller forward to open "Com-
munication".
Receiving calls
If you have the phone number of the caller
stored in the phone book and the phone num-
ber has been transmitted, the name of the entry
is displayed.

Telephoning
208 2.Insert the snap-in adapter at the front and
press down until it engages.
To remove the snap-in adapter:
Press the area 1 around the button.
Inserting mobile phone
1.Remove the protective cap from the mobile
phone's antenna connector if necessary, so
that the mobile phone can engage in the
snap-in adapter.
2.Push the mobile phone with the buttons
facing upward toward the electrical connec-
tions and press down until it engages.
The mobile phone's battery is charged from
radio readiness or with the steering unlocked.
To protect the vehicle's batteries, avoid
using the phone when the ignition is
switched off.<
Removing mobile phone
Press button.

BMW Assist
214
Blocking services*
If you block the services, the connection to
BMW Assist is deactivated.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Turn the controller until "Settings" is
selected and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller until "BMW Service set-
tings" is selected and press the controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Enabled services" is
selected and press the controller.
6.Select "Options" and press the controller.
7.Select "Terminate services" and press the
controller.
The use of BMW Assist is blocked, and the cur-
rent vehicle position will not be transmitted dur-
ing an emergency request
*. To cancel blocking
and reactivate BMW Assist, see below. This
does not affect the contractual agreements.
Reactivate BMW Assist if necessary to log on
again.
Activating BMW Assist
BMW Assist must be activated to use the ser-
vices.
Requirements
>Make sure that the vehicle can determine its
current position. Reception is best when
you have an unobstructed view to the sky.
>Leave radio readiness switched on during
the activation process.
Activating
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Turn the controller until "Settings" is
selected and press the controller.

Mobility
245Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Protect valve stems with valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page95, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page97.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
The driving characteristics change, for example
reduced track stability on braking, extended
braking distance, and altered self-steering
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction
with winter tires, these characteristics are more
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. Restore the wheels and tires to
their original size as quickly as possible. Failure
to do so is a safety risk.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine switched off. Connections, refer to
Jump starting on page248.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping
over during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power supply interruption,
some settings are lost. Take the following
steps:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
Store the positions again, refer to page48.
>Time and date
Reset, refer to text starting on page86.
>Radio
Store stations again, refer to page174.
>Navigation system
Wait until the system starts, refer to
page142.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, as
this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
Sedan
Spare fuses, plastic tweezers and fuse alloca-
tion diagram are located in the compartment for
the onboard tool kit, refer to page237.
Sports Wagon
Spare fuses and a pair of plastic tweezers are
contained in the onboard tool kit, refer to
page237. A fuse allocation diagram is located
in the cargo bay behind the right-hand side
panel.

Mobility
247Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency request
Conditions for an emergency request:
>Full preparation package mobile phone.
With this equipment, an emergency request
is still possible when no mobile phone is
paired in the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated.
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page214.
>Radio readiness is activated.
>The BMW Assist system is logged on to a
mobile phone network.
>The emergency request system is opera-
ble.
Once your BMW Assist subscription expires,
the BMW Assist system can be deactivated by
a BMW center without you having to visit a
workshop. Once the BMW Assist system has
been deactivated, emergency requests are not
possible. The BMW Assist system can be reac-
tivated by a BMW center after signing a new
contract.
Initiating an emergency request
1.Briefly press protective cover to open.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the
arrangement of the switches and indicator
lamps may differ somewhat.
2.Press the SOS button for at least
2seconds.The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the
voice connection to the BMW Assist Response
Center has been established, the LED flashes.
Even if you are unable to answer, the BMW
Assist Response Center can take further steps
to help you under certain conditions.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until
the connection has been established. You will
then be able to provide a detailed description of
the situation.
If the current position of your vehicle can be
determined, it will be transmitted to the BMW
Assist Response Center.
If the LED is flashing but the BMW Assist
Response Center cannot be heard over the
hands-free system, it is possible that the
hands-free system is malfunctioning. You may
still be heard by the BMW Assist Response
Center, however.
Under certain conditions, an emergency
request is automatically initiated immediately
after a severe accident. The automatic collision
notification is not affected by the button being
pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency request
cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable condi-
tions.
You can also use other services of
BMW Assist with this button, refer to
page209.<
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in the luggage
compartment lid/tailgate.

Reference 261
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Entertainment
FunctionCommand
Tone control169{Audio}
To switch on radio172{Radio on},
{FM} or
{AM}
To open "FM"172{FM menu}
To open "AM"172{AM menu}
To open "All stations"172{FM all stations}
To select radio station172{Station ...}, e.g. {Station WNYC}, or
{Choose station}
To open "Presets"172{FM presets} or
{AM presets}
To select preset radio station172{Preset ...}, e.g. {Preset 1}
To open "Manual"173{FM manual},
{AM manual} or
{Choose frequency},
{Frequency ... Megahertz}
To open strongest radio stations174{AM Autostore}
To open "WB"176{Weatherband menu}
To switch on weatherband 176{Weatherband on}
To select a weatherband station176{Choose weatherband station}
To open "SAT"180{SAT radio menu}
To switch on satellite radio180{SAT radio}
To open "Presets" of satellite radio181{SAT radio presets}
To open "All channels" of satellite radio180{SAT radio all channels}
To open "Categories" of satellite radio180{SAT radio categories}
To open CD player182{CD menu}
To switch on CD player182{CD}
To open CD changer183{CD changer menu}
To switch on CD changer183{CD changer}
To select a CD in the CD changer183{CD 1...6}
To select music track183{CD track ...}
To select a CD and music track in the CD
changer183{CD 1...6 track ...}
To switch on audio playback with external audio
device188{Audio Aux}

Everything from A to Z
264
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
System91
– indicator lamp94
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control70
Accepted calls202
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
request247
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control83
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control118
"Activation time" for parked-
car ventilation119
Active cruise control70
– indicator lamp74
– radar sensors74
– selecting distance72
– warning lamps74
Active front head restraints49
Active seat52
Active seat ventilation52
Active steering99
– warning lamp100
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake assistant92
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display100
Adaptive Head Light110
"Add digits" for mobile
phone202Additives
– coolant233
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils233
"Address book" for navigation
system151
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
temperature115
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control169
Adjusting thigh support46
"After door opened"48
"After unlocking"48
Airbags100
– indicator/warning lamp102
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags101
– sitting safely45
Air distribution
– automatic115
– manual116
Airing, refer to Ventilation118
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control117
– recirculated-air mode117
"Air recirculation on / off"55
Air supply, automatic climate
control114
Air volume116AKI, refer to Fuel quality219
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"180
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires228
"All stations", calling up with
radio172,176
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive93
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road160
"AM", reception
range169,172
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antenna for mobile phone194
Antifreeze
– coolant233
– washer fluid69
Antilock Brake System
ABS91
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system37
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system29
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights257
Approved engine oils233
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights257
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear127

Reference 265
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer80
– refer to Starting destination
guidance156
"Arrow display" for navigation
system157
"Arrow display pop-up
instructions"143
Ashtray
– front125
– rear126
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist209
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems91
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control117
"Audio"169,171,176
Audio168
– controls168
– switching on/off168
– tone control169
– volume169
Audio device, external124
Automatic
– air distribution115
– air volume115
– cruise control70
– garage door opener121
– headlamp control108
– service notification211
– steering wheel
adjustment47
– storing stations174
– tailgate operation36
Automatic car washes137
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochureAutomatic climate control114
– automatic air
distribution115
– parked car ventilation118
– switching on and off118
– ventilation in rear118
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor53
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control108
– refer to Daytime running
lamps109
– refer to High-beam
assistant110
– refer to Interior lamps
112
– refer to Pathway lighting109
– refer to Welcome lamps108
Automatic low beams, refer to
High-beam assistant110
"Automatic programs"115
Automatic roll-up cover,
Sports Wagon128
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic speed reduction for
descents, refer to HDC Hill
Descent Control93
Automatic station search173
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– interlock64
– kick-down64
– manually unlocking and
locking transmission lock65
– shiftlock64
– towing250
– tow-starting251
– with comfort access39
"Automatic ventilation"119
AUTO program for automatic
climate control115
"Auto Request"211
"Autostore" on the
radio172,174
"AUX"169,188,189AUX-In connection188
"AUX IN" in audio mode188
Average fuel consumption80
– setting units88
Average speed, refer to
Computer79
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system154
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system154
Avoiding freeways for
navigation154
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system154
Axle loads, refer to
Weights257
"A - Z"202
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support47
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs240
"Balance", refer to Tone
control170
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit248
Bass, refer to Tone
control169
"Bass", tone control170
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery245
– jump starting248
Battery replacement, remote
control for comfort
access40
BC button, refer to
Computer79
Being towed250
Belts, refer to Safety belts50
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders125