2008 BMW 550I TOURING roof rack

At a glance
15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Microphone for hands-free mode
for telephone
*
and for voice command system*23
2Reading lamps112
3SOS: initiating
an emergency request253
4Interior lamps111
5Glass sunroof
*, electric41
Panorama glass sunroof42
6Passenger airbag status lamp100
7Control Display16
Displays for menu navigation
8Hazard warning flashers
9Central locking system32
10Automatic climate control113
11Changing
>radio station172
>track168
12Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*142
>audio CD181
13Programmable memory buttons21
14Drive for navigation DVDs
*14215Drive for audio CDs181
16Switching Entertainment sound output
on/off and adjusting volume168
18Controller16
Turn, press or move horizontally in four
directions
19Opening start menu on Control Display17 Temperature setting,
left/right114
Automatic air distribution and
volume114
Cooling function116
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control116
Recirculated-air mode116
Maximum cooling116
Air volume115
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation115
Rear window defroster115
17
Heated seats*51
Active seat ventilation
*52
Adjusting active backrest
width
*47
Active seat
*52
PDC Park Distance Control
*89
DTC Dynamic Traction Control91
Opening luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
*33,35

Things to remember when driving
134
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. To ensure that your vehicle contin-
ues to provide optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and driving speeds,
however do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/
160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode during these
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive in a reserved manner during
this break-in period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced
after subsequent driving operation.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends
on various factors. Through a few simple steps,
your driving style, and regular maintenance, you
can have a positive influence on your fuel con-
sumption and environmental impact.
Removing unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Removing add-on parts after use
Remove unneeded auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear
luggage racks after use. Add-on parts attached
to the vehicle impede the aerodynamics and
increase the fuel consumption.
Closing windows and glass sunroof
An open glass sunroof or open windows like-
wise increase the drag coefficient and therefore
the fuel consumption.
Checking tire inflation pressures
regularly
Check and correct the tire inflation pressure as
needed at least twice a month and before long
trips.
An insufficient tire inflation pressure increases
the rolling resistance and thus increases the
fuel consumption and tire wear.
Driving off immediately
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it
running while the vehicle remains stationary.
Instead, begin to drive at a moderate engine
speed. This is the fastest way for the cold
engine to reach its operating temperature.

Driving tips
139Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the door
openings or on the roof rails
*.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under
Weights on page263.
Distribute the roof load uniformly. The load
must not be too large in area. Always stow the
heaviest pieces on the bottom. Be sure that
adequate clearance is maintained for raising the
glass sunroof, and that objects do not project
into the opening path of the luggage compart-
ment lid/tailgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

Mobility
251Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
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
page94, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page96.
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 page254.
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
Following a temporary power failure, e.g. due to
a discharged battery, the use of some equip-
ment will be restricted, requiring its reinitializa-
tion. In the same way, individual settings are lost
and must be updated again:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page48.
>Time and date
Must be updated again, refer to page86.
>Radio
Radio stations must be stored again, refer
to page174.
>Navigation system
You must wait until the system becomes
functional again, refer to page142.
>Glass roof, electric
It may only be possible to raise the glass
roof. The system must be initialized, refer to
page42.
>Panorama glass roof
It may only be possible to raise the glass
roof. The system must be reinitialized, refer
to page44.
>Active steering
The system is deactivated and must be
reinitialized, refer to page98. Until then,
larger steering wheel movements are
required.
>Power windows
The pinch prevention system for the power
windows must be reinitialized, refer to
page40.
Talk to your BMW center before placing
the stored vehicle back in service.

Everything from A to Z
280 Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate, comfort access39
Luggage net, refer to Partition
net128
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack139
Lumbar support47
LW, waveband172
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires230
Maintenance237
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models237
– refer to Service
requirements81
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models237
Maintenance system237
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control83
Manual air distribution115
"Manual" in radio mode173
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door220
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission65
Manual transmission63
"Map direction of travel"158
Map display158
"Map facing north"158
Map for navigation
– changing scale158
– destination entry148
Map view facing north158
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling116Maximum speed
– with compact wheel251
– with winter tires230
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions261
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
MENU, button refer to Start
menu17
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Message list for traffic
information161
Microfilter117
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature54
Mirrors53
– automatic curb monitor53
– folding in and out53
– heating53
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory
47
"Missed calls"202
Missed calls203
Mobile phone
– accepted calls203
– adjusting volume200
– calling201
– ending call201
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest122
– missed calls203
– operation by voice205
– operation via iDrive200
– redialing203
– refer to separate operating
instructions
– Top 8203
– touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method204
Mobile phone battery208
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring pressure of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor94"Monitor on / off"55
Most recent mobile phone
numbers203
MP3
– compressed audio files181
– USB audio interface188
Multi-function steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher67
– refer to Wiper system68
Music tracks
– finding183
– random play sequence184
– sampling, scan183
"Mute on / off"55
MW, waveband172
"My Info"214
My Info, refer to BMW Assist
My Info213
N
"Navigation"80,144
Navigation destination
– entering manually144
– home address153
– selecting via map148
Navigation drive, installation
location142
Navigation DVD142
Navigation instructions, refer
to Switching voice
instructions on/off159

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

Reference 285
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock61
Sockets, refer to Connecting
electrical devices125
Soft closure aid, refer to
Automatic soft closing33
Song search on CD, refer to
Sampling tracks183
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency request253
Sound distribution in audio
mode
– front/rear fader170
– right/left balance170
Spare
– adapter for spare key28
– fuses252
– key28
– wheel, refer to Compact
wheel250
Spare wheel, refer to
Changing wheels248
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils235
Specified oil grades, refer to
Approved engine oils235
Speed
– limit85
– with compact wheel251
Speed-dependent
volume170
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit85
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", tone
control170
Speed with winter tires230
Sport automatic
transmission66
– Dynamic Driving Control66
– kick-down64
– towing256
– with comfort access39
Sport program, Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic64Sports Wagon
– automatic roll-up cover127
– automatic tailgate
operation36
– compartments in cargo
bay128
– expanding cargo bay127
– opening rear window34
– opening tailgate35
– panorama glass sunroof42
– partition net128
– rear window wiper69
– rear window wiper, changing
wiper blade243
– releasing fuel filler door in
event of electrical
malfunction220
– roll-up cover127
– roll-up cover for cargo
bay127
– self-leveling suspension94
– socket in cargo bay125
– storage area package129
– tail lamps, replacing
bulbs247
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems90
"Star button"55
Star button54
Start/Stop button61
– starting the engine62
– switching off the engine62
"Start" for stopwatch86
"Start guidance"147,156
Starting, refer to Starting
engine62
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting254
Starting assistant93
Starting difficulties, refer to
Jump starting254
Starting off on slopes, refer to
Starting assistant93
Start menu, iDrive17
"Start route guidance"149
"Start service"210
– with BMW Assist213"State / Province" in
destination entry145
"State inspection"82
Station, refer to Radio172
"Status"82
Status information on Control
Display20
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steam cleaners239,240
Steering wheel
– adjustment54
– automatic adjustment, refer
to Steering wheel
memory47
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– easy entry/exit54
– heating54
– lock, refer to Ignition lock61
– memory47
– programmable buttons54
– shift paddles66
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering98
Steptronic
– refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic
63
– refer to Sport automatic
transmission66
– refer to Sport program and
manual mode64
"Stop" in stopwatch mode86
"Stopwatch"86
Stopwatch85
Storage area package, Sports
Wagon129
Storage compartments123
"Store in address book" in
navigation152
"Store" in radio
mode174,180
Storing242
Storing current position152
Storing radio stations174
Storing sitting position, refer
to Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory47