
528i
535i
550i
528i xDrive
535i xDriveOwner's Manual for Vehicle
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with 
enhanced control and security when you drive it. We therefore 
have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize 
yourself with the information that we have compiled for you 
before starting off in your new vehicle. It contains important data 
and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maximum use 
and satisfaction from your BMW's unique range of technical fea-
tures. The manual also contains information on maintenance 
designed to enhance operating safety and contribute to main-
taining the value of your BMW throughout an extended service 
life.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet for US models or a Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models.
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG  

 7Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Service and warranty
We recommend that you read this publication 
thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warran-
ties:
>New Vehicle Limited Warranty
>Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
>Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
>Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
>California Emission Control System Limited 
Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is 
listed in the Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Your vehicle has been specifically adapted and 
designed to meet the particular operating con-
ditions and homologation requirements in your 
country and continental region in order to 
deliver the full driving pleasure while the vehicle 
is operated under those conditions. If you wish 
to operate your vehicle in another country or 
region, you may be required to adapt your vehi-
cle to meet different prevailing operating condi-
tions and homologation requirements. You 
should also be aware of any applicable warranty 
limitations or exclusions for such country or 
region. In such case, please contact Customer 
Relations for further information.
Reporting safety defects
For US customers
The following applies only to vehicles owned 
and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect 
which could cause a crash or could cause injury 
or death, you should immediately inform the 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
NHTSA, in addition to notifying BMW of North 
America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New 
Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone 1-800-831-
1117.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may 
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety 
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order 
a recall and remedy campaign. However, 
NHTSA cannot become involved in individual 
problems between you, your center, or BMW of 
North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle 
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to 
http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Adminis-
trator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain 
other information about motor vehicle safety 
from http://www.safercar.gov
For Canadian customers
Canadian customers who wish to report a 
safety-related defect to Transport Canada, 
Defect Investigations and Recalls, may call 1-
800-333-0510 toll-free from anywhere in Can-
ada or 1-613-993-9851 from the Ottawa region 
and from other countries, or contact Transport 
Canada by mail at: Transport Canada, ASFAD, 
Place de Ville, Tower C, 330 Sparks Street, 
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0N5.
You can also obtain other information about 
motor vehicle safety from http://www.tc.gc.ca 

Cockpit
12
Instrument cluster
1Indicator lamps for turn signals
2Speedometer
3Indicator and warning lamps13
4Displays for
>Active cruise control
*70
>Lane Departure Warning
*99
5Tachometer74
6Energy Control75
7Display for
>Clock/date74
>Outside temperature74
>Indicator and warning lamps80
>Speed of cruise control
*66
>Desired speed for active cruise 
control
*708Display for
>Odometer and trip odometer74
>Computer75
>Date and remaining travel distance 
for service requirements77
>Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic
*59
>Sport automatic transmission
*62
>Hill Descent Control HDC
*86
>High-beam Assistant
*102
> Check Control message present79
9Fuel gauge75
10Resetting trip odometer74 

Controls
 67Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
follow this action within the given scope and 
can also accelerate from a complete stop if the 
vehicle ahead of you drives off again shortly 
thereafter. During braking, your vehicle brake 
lamps will automatically illuminate to alert a fol-
lowing driver to take action. In addition, it may 
be necessary for your vehicle to downshift the 
automatic transmission to maintain the dis-
tance setting selected. As soon as the road in 
front of you has no moving vehicles, the system 
will accelerate to your desired speed. This set 
speed is also maintained on downhill grades, 
however the vehicle speed can drop below the 
set speed when driving uphill if the engine out-
put is not sufficient.
Active cruise control cannot detect stop 
signs, red lights, or any object that is 
stopped or is blocking the road.
Active cruise control is not and must not be 
used as a collision avoidance/warning system.
Since this active cruise control system is a new 
technology and operates differently from con-
ventional cruise control systems which you may 
be accustomed to, it is necessary that you read 
all of the pages relating to this system before 
use. Carefully read and observe the information 
on the system limitations beginning on page71 
to obtain a good command of the system and its 
range of applications.<
Brake pedal feel
When the system brakes and you also depress 
the brake pedal, a somewhat different braking 
feel results.
Professional* navigation system
If a navigation DVD is in the drive, refer to 
page132, within limits the system adjusts the 
accelerating and braking behavior of the vehicle 
to the road you are driving on.
To ensure that the system is informed of 
the current course of the road, always use 
the latest navigation DVD if possible.<
When the vehicle position is unknown, e. g. 
when you leave the map area, this influence of 
the navigation system is not available.
Applications
Please try the system first during sparse traffic 
and clear road conditions so that you can get 
used to the system. After you have experience 
and understand the system, only then use it 
during normal traffic.
As with conventional cruise control systems, 
active cruise control in no way reduces or sub-
stitutes for the driver's own personal experi-
ence, responsibility, alertness and awareness in 
adjusting speed, braking or otherwise control-
ling the vehicle. The driver should decide when 
to use the system on the basis of road, traffic, 
visibility, and weather conditions. Active cruise 
control is intended for use on highway-type 
roadways where traffic is moving relatively 
smoothly as well as in slow-moving traffic. Do 
not use the system in city driving; in complex 
driving situations; heavy traffic such as during 
rush hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery 
roads or roads with sharp curves such as high-
way off-ramps; during inclement weather such 
as snow, strong rain or fog; or when entering 
interchanges, service/parking areas or toll 
booths. It is also important to regulate your 
vehicle's speed and distance setting within 
applicable legal limits. Always be ready to take 
action or apply the brakes if necessary, espe-
cially when the system is actively following a 
vehicle in front of you. Otherwise, driving condi-
tions can result which lead to a violation of the 
law or elevated risk of an accident.
The minimum initial activation speed is 20 mph/ 
30 km/h, and the maximum speed is 110 mph/
180 km/h. However, you can also activate the 
system while stopped, refer to While stopped, 
page69. 

Controls
 77Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1."Settings"
2."Language/Units"
3.Select the desired menu item.
4.Select the desired unit.
The settings are stored for the remote key cur-
rently in use.
Service requirements
The remaining driving distance and the date for 
the next maintenance are displayed briefly with 
the ignition switched on.
Your BMW Service Advisor can deter-
mine your vehicle's current service 
requirements by reading out the data stored in 
the remote control.<
Additional information
You can view more detailed information by 
using the Control Display, for operating princi-
ple refer to page16.1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Service required"
Required maintenance procedures and legally 
mandated inspections are displayed.
You can request more detailed information on 
every entry:
Select the entry and press the controller.
To exit from the menu:
Move the controller to the left.
Symbols
No service is currently required. 
The deadline for service or a legally man-
dated inspection is approaching. Please 
arrange a service appointment.
The service deadline has already passed. 
Entering deadlines for legally required 
inspections*
Make sure the date on the Control Display is set 
correctly, refer to page79, otherwise the effec-
tiveness of CBS Condition Based Service is not 
ensured.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status" 

Controls Overview
78 3."Service required"
4."§ Vehicle inspection"
5.Open the menu for entering the deadline.
6."Date:"
7.Turn the controller until the desired month 
is displayed, and then press the controller.
8.Set the year in the same manner.
The date is stored.
To exit the menu: 
Move the controller to the left.
More information on the BMW Maintenance 
System can be found on page215.
Automatic Service Request*
Data regarding the maintenance status or 
legally mandated inspections of the vehicle are 
automatically transmitted to your BMW center 
prior to a service due date. You can check when 
your BMW center was notified.iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Options"
4."Last Service Request"
Clock
The settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use, refer also to Personal Profile on 
page26.
Setting the time
To set the 12h/24h mode, refer to Setting the 
time format below.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the MENU button.
The main menu is displayed. 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
94 impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the 
head and side airbags help provide protection in 
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The 
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered in 
every impact situation, e. g. less severe acci-
dents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the 
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or 
modify them in any other way. Do not attempt to 
remove the airbag restraint system from the 
vehicle. Do not modify or tamper with either the 
wiring or the individual components in the air-
bag system. This category includes the uphol-
stery in the center of the steering wheel, on the 
instrument panel, the doors and the roof pillars 
along with the sides of the headliner. Do not 
attempt to remove or dismantle the steering 
wheel. Do not touch the individual components 
immediately after the system has been trig-
gered, because there is a danger of burns. 
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or 
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have 
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center 
or a workshop that works according to BMW 
repair procedures with correspondingly trained 
personnel and has the required explosives 
licenses. Otherwise unprofessional attempts to 
service the system could lead to failure in an 
emergency or undesired airbag triggering, 
either of which could result in personal injury.<
Warnings and information on the airbags is also 
provided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front 
passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected by eval-
uating the impression on the occupied seat sur-
face of the front passenger seat. The front and 
side airbags on the front passenger side are 
activated or deactivated accordingly by the sys-
tem.
The current status of the front passenger 
airbag, i.e., deactivated or activated, is indicated by the indicator lamp over the interior 
rearview mirror, refer to Operating state of front 
passenger airbags in the following.<
Before transporting a child on the front 
passenger seat, observe the safety infor-
mation and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely refer to page53.
The front and side airbags on the front passen-
ger side can be deactivated for teenagers and 
adults in certain sitting positions; then the indi-
cator lamp for the front passenger airbags lights 
up. In these cases, change the sitting position 
so that the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the 
desired status cannot be produced by changing 
the sitting position, transport the correspond-
ing person on the rear seat. Do not fit seat cov-
ers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or other 
items onto the front passenger seat unless they 
are specifically recommended by BMW. Do not 
lay objects under the seat which could press 
against the seat from below. Otherwise a cor-
rect evaluation of the occupied seat surface 
cannot be ensured.<
Operating state of front passenger 
airbags
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the 
arrangement of the switches and indicator 
lamps may differ somewhat.
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags indicates the operating status of the front 
and side airbags on the front passenger side 
depending on the seat occupation. The indica-
tor lamp shows whether the front passenger 
airbags are activated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in 
a child restraint system intended for the  

Things to remember when driving
124
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.