
Giving and receiving assistance
256 Sedan: 
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page243.
Sports Wagon: 
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side 
panel in the cargo bay, refer to page243.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the 
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the 
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral 
loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the 
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Press the arrow symbol on the cover in the 
bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on, 
refer to page62, otherwise the low 
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield 
wipers would not be available. Do not tow the 
vehicle with the rear axle raised, as otherwise 
the steering can turn to the left or right. When 
the engine is stopped, there is no power assist. This then requires increased effort for braking 
and steering. Active steering is deactivated and 
larger steering wheel movements are 
required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with 
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic and sport automatic 
transmission
Before towing, manually release the 
transmission lock, even if there is no mal-
function in the transmission. Otherwise there is 
a risk that the transmission lock will engage dur-
ing towing.<
Manually unlocking and locking transmission 
lock, refer to page66.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of 
90 miles/150 km; otherwise the automatic 
transmission may be damaged.
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body 
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may 
result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or 
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the 
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter 
than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it 
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle 
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same 
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset 
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be sharply limited during cornering. 

Reference 263
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
Sedan528i535i550i
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,505/1,590 3,660/1,660 3,946/1,790
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,571/1,620 3,703/1,680 3,968/1,800
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 4,607/2,090 4,872/2,210 5,048/2,290
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,673/2,120 4,872/2,210 5,070/2,300
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,227/1,010 2,359/1,070 2,469/1,120
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,601/1,180 2,711/1,230  2,733/1,240
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100 220/100
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520 18.4/520
Sedan528i xDrive535i xDrive
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,670/1,710 3,902/1,770
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,704/1,730 3,946/1,790
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 4,839/2,195 5,004/2,270
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,883/2,215 5,048/2,290
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,315/1,050 2,315/1,050
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,689/1,220 2,689/1,220
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520 

Technical data
264 Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
Sports Wagon535i xDrive
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/
70Fuel 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: page70
>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 271
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer81
– refer to Starting destination 
guidance156
"Arrow display" in 
navigation157
"Arrow display pop-up 
instructions"143
Ashtray
– front125
– rear126
Assist, refer to 
BMW Assist209
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems91
Assistance window21
"Assist. window off"22
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control117
Audio168,171,176
– controls168
– switching on/off168
– tone control169
– volume169
Audio device, external124
Automatic
– air distribution115
– air volume115
– cruise control71
– garage door opener121
– headlamp control108
– service notification211
– steering wheel 
adjustment49
– storing stations174
– tailgate operation38
Automatic car washes136
Automatic climate control114
– automatic air 
distribution115
– parked car ventilation118
– switching on and off118
– ventilation in rear118Automatic closing of doors, 
refer to Automatic soft 
closing35
Automatic curb monitor55
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp 
control108
– refer to Daytime running 
lamps109
– refer to Interior lamps112
– refer to Pathway lighting109
– refer to Welcome lamps108
Automatic lights
– refer to High-beam 
assistant110
Automatic low beams, refer to 
High-beam assistant110
"Automatic programs"115
Automatic roll-up cover, 
Sports Wagon128
Automatic soft closing35
Automatic speed reduction for 
descents, refer to HDC Hill 
Descent Control93
Automatic station search173
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic64
– interlock65
– kick-down65
– manually unlocking and 
locking transmission lock66
– shiftlock65
– towing256
– tow-starting257
– with comfort access42
"Automatic ventilation"119
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control115
"Auto Request"211
"Autostore" on the 
radio172,174
"AUX"168,188,190
AUX-IN connection188
"AUX IN" in audio mode188
Average fuel consumption80
– setting units89
Average speed, refer to 
Computer80"Avoid ferries" in 
navigation155
"Avoid highways" in 
navigation155
Avoiding freeways for 
navigation154
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms40
"Avoid tollroads" in 
navigation155
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights263
"A - Z"202
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support49
Backrests, refer to Seats48
Backrest width adjustment48
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing 
bulbs246
"Balance", tone control170
Band-aids, refer to First-aid 
kit254
Bass, refer to Tone 
control169
"Bass", tone control169
Battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery251
– jump starting254
Battery replacement
– remote control for comfort 
access42
BC button, refer to 
Computer80
Being towed256
Belts, refer to Safety belts52
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders125
Blower, refer to Air 
volume116
"Bluetooth"195
BMW
– Car Shampoo241
"BMW Assist"210,211 

Everything from A to Z
276 Electronic brake-force 
distribution91
Electronic oil level check234
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door220
– luggage compartment lid36
– tailgate38
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission66
Emergency operation, refer to 
Moving manually
– glass sunroof44
– panorama glass sunroof46
Emergency release for 
luggage compartment lid in 
cargo bay37
Emergency request253
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance254
"Enabled services"215
"Enabled TeleServices"212
"Enable services"215
"End call"202
Energy-conscious driving, 
refer to Energy Control80
Energy Control80
Engine
– breaking-in134
– data260
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature79
– speed260
– starting63
– starting, with comfort 
access40
– switching off63
Engine compartment233
Engine coolant235Engine oil
– adding235
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils235
– approved engine oil235
– checking oil level234
– electronic oil level check234
– interval between changes, 
refer to Service 
requirements82
– oil change235
– oil grades, refer to Approved 
engine oils235
"Engine oil level"234
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data260
Engine overheating, refer to 
Coolant temperature79
Engine speed, refer to Engine 
data260
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine63
"Enter address"144,152
Entering destination via town/
city name145
Entering intersection, 
navigation146
Entering the 
address144,147
Entering town/city for 
navigation145
Entering zip code for 
navigation146
"Entertainment"168
Entertainment sound output 
on/off169
Entry map for destination149
Environmentally friendly 
driving
– refer to Energy control80
Equalizer, refer to Tone 
control171
"Equalizer", tone control171
"ESN"179
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control92
Event Data Recorders238Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system135
Exterior mirrors54
– adjusting54
– automatic dimming 
feature56
– automatic heating55
– folding in and out55
– tilting down passenger-side 
exterior mirror55
External audio device124
Eye for tow-starting and 
towing, refer to Tow 
fitting255
F
Fader, refer to Tone 
control170
"Fader", tone control170
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control84
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms40
– refer to Switching off 
alarm40
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts52
– warning lamp52
Fastest route for 
navigation154
"Fast route" in navigation155
Filler neck for washer fluid70
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter118
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit254
First-aid kit254
Flashing
– during locking/unlocking, 
refer to Setting confirmation 
signals33
– triple turn signal 
activation68 

Reference 277
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Flat tire
– changing wheels248
– compact wheel250
– Flat Tire Monitor95,96
– refer to Tire condition229
– run-flat tires96,98,229
– TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor97
– warning lamp96,98
Flat Tire Monitor95
– false alarms95
– initializing system95
– snow chains231
– system limits95
– warning lamp96
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler 
neck for washer fluid70
"FM", reception 
range168,172
FM, waveband172
Fog lamps112
– indicator lamp13,112
Folding rear backrest127
– Sports Wagon128
Folding rear backrest, Sports 
Wagon128
Fold-over rear backrest127
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely136
Footwell lamps, refer to 
Interior lamps112
Forward, fast
– CD changer186
– CD player186
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to 
xDrive93
Freeway, refer to Route 
criteria154
Front airbags100
Front armrest, refer to Center 
armrest, front123
Front passenger airbags
– deactivating101
Front seat adjustment48
"FTM"96
FTM, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor95Fuel221
– average consumption80
– display80
– high-quality brands221
– quality221
– specifications221
– tank contents, refer to 
Capacities264
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge80
Fuel consumption display
– computer, average fuel 
consumption80
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge80
Fuel-efficient driving
– refer to Energy control80
– 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 off22
"Full screen" with BMW Night 
Vision106
Fuses251
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control121
Gasoline, refer to Required 
fuel221
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge80
Gearshift lever
– manual transmission64
General driving 
notes134,135Glass sunroof, electric43
– convenient operation from 
outside34
– convenient operation with 
comfort access41
– moving manually44
– remote control33
Glove compartment123
– lighting123
GPS navigation, refer to 
Navigation system142
Grills, refer to Ventilation118
Gross vehicle weight, refer to 
Weights263
H
Halogen lamps245
Handbrake64
– indicator lamp13,64
Hands-free system, refer to 
Microphone14
Hand washing240
Hazard warning flashers15
"HDC"93
HDC Hill Descent Control93
"HDC on"93
"HDC on / off"57
"HD radio"176
HD radio, refer to High 
Definition Radio176
Head airbags100
Headlamp
– cleaning tank, refer to 
Capacities264
Headlamp control, 
automatic108
Headlamp flasher68
Headlamps108
– cleaning, refer to Wiper 
system69
– filler neck for washer 
fluid233
– replacing bulbs245
Head Light, refer to Adaptive 
Head Light110 

Reference 279
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor95
– radio, refer to Storing 
stations174
– refer to Power failure251
– refer to Setting time and 
date87
– seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory49
"Input map"149
Installation location
– CD changer186
– drive for navigation DVD142
– mobile phone123
Instructions for navigation 
system, refer to Voice 
instructions159
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer 
to Instrument lighting112
Instrument lighting112
Instrument panel, refer to 
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to 
Instrument cluster12
Integrated key30
Integrated universal remote 
control121
Interesting destination for 
navigation150
"Interim time"87
Interior lamps112
– switching on with remote 
control33
Interior motion sensor40
– switching off40
Interior rearview mirror55
– automatic dimming 
feature56
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers69
J
Jacking points250
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump 
starting254
Jump starting254
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort 
access40
Keyless opening and closing, 
refer to Comfort access40
Key Memory, refer to Personal 
Profile31
"Keypad"204
Keys30
– key-related settings, refer to 
Personal Profile31
– spare key30
Kick-down, Automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic65
Knock control221
L
Lamps
– refer to High-beam 
assistant110
– refer to Parking lamps/low 
beams108
Lamps and bulbs243
Lane limit lines, refer to 
Leaving lane warning106
"Language / Units"89
"Language / Units" in 
navigation143,159
"Languages"89
"Languages" in 
navigation143,159
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo138
Last destinations, refer to 
Destination list151
"Last seat pos."50
LATCH child restraint fixing 
system59
Leather care241
Leaving lane warning106
LEDs light-emitting 
diodes244
Length, refer to 
Dimensions261
License plate lamp, replacing 
bulbs248Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs244
Lighter125
"Lighting"68
Lighting
– instruments112
– lamps and bulbs243
– of the vehicle, refer to 
Lamps108
Light switch108
"Limit"86
Loading
– securing cargo138
– stowing cargo138
– vehicle137
Load securing equipment, 
refer to Securing cargo138
"Lock after driving"35
Lock buttons in the doors, 
refer to Lokking35
Locking33
– confirmation signals33
– from inside35
– from outside33
– without key, refer to Comfort 
access40
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals33
– from inside35
– from outside32
Low beams108
– automatic108
– replacing bulbs245
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support49
Lug bolts250
– tightening torque, refer to 
After mounting250
– wrench249
Luggage compartment, refer 
to Cargo bay 

Everything from A to Z
280 Luggage compartment lid36
– emergency operation, refer 
to Manual operation36
– emergency release37
– locking separately36
– opening from inside36
– opening from outside36
– unlocking and locking from 
inside35
– unlocking manually36
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
– comfort access41
Luggage net, refer to Partition 
net128
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack139
Lumbar support49
LW, waveband172
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires230
Maintenance237
– refer to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models237
– refer to Service 
requirements82
– refer to Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models237
Maintenance system237
Malfunction warnings, refer to 
Check Control84
Manual air distribution116
"Manual" in radio mode173
Manual operation
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door220
– glass sunroof44
– luggage compartment lid36
– panorama glass sunroof46
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission66
Manual transmission64
"Map direction of travel"158Map display158
"Map facing north"158
Map for navigation
– changing scale158
– destination entry149
Map view facing north158
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control30
Maximum cooling117
Maximum speed
– with compact wheel251
Maximum speed with winter 
tires230
Measurements, refer to 
Dimensions261
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory49
MENU, button refer to Start 
menu18
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Message list for traffic 
information161
Microfilter118
Microphone
– for mobile phone14,16
– for telephone14
– for voice command 
system14
Mirror dimming feature56
Mirrors54
– automatic curb monitor55
– folding in and out55
– heating55
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory49
Missed calls202,203Mobile phone
– accepted calls203
– adjusting volume200
– calling201
– ending call201
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest123
– 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, refer to 
separate operating 
instructions
Mobile phone battery208
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring pressure of tires, 
refer to Flat Tire Monitor95
"Monitor on / off"57
Most recent mobile phone 
numbers203
MP3
– compressed audio files182
– USB-audio interface/mobile 
phone audio interface189
Multi-function steering wheel, 
refer to Buttons on steering 
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher68
– refer to Wiper system69
Music tracks
– finding184
– random play sequence185
– sampling, scan184
"Mute on / off"57
MW, waveband172
"My Info"214
My Info, refer to BMW Assist 
My Info213