
Controls
 69Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance, given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and state driving 
recommendations for safe following distance. 
Otherwise, a violation of the law or risk of an 
accident could result.<
Interrupting cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, and with 
the vehicle stopped also depress the brake 
pedal. The marking in the speedometer 
changes color and the distance indicator goes 
out.
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted:
>when you apply the vehicle brakes
>when you shift the transmission
>when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>when DSC comes on
>when you apply the parking brake
>when you release the safety belt and open 
the driver's door with the vehicle stopped
>when the system does not recognize any 
objects for an extended period of time, e. g. 
on infrequently traveled roads without a 
shoulder or guard rails, or if the radar sensor 
is covered with dirt, refer to page70
If the system is interrupted, then it is nec-
essary for the driver to actively intervene 
by braking and steering. Otherwise, there is a 
risk of an accident.<
Resuming stored desired speed and 
distance
While driving
Press button4.
The displays appear in the instrument cluster.
While stopped
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine 
running, engage position P of the auto-
matic transmission and apply the parking brake. 
Otherwise the vehicle can roll.<
If a detected vehicle in front of you brakes to a 
complete stop and your vehicle has also been 
braked to a complete stop by the system:
>If the vehicle in front of you drives off while 
the marking1 for the desired speed in the 
speedometer is green, your vehicle will 
accelerate without you having to do any-
thing.
>If the vehicle in front of you drives off while 
the marking1 is orange, you briefly depress 
the accelerator pedal or press button4. 
Rolling bars in the distance indicator3 
mean that the vehicle in front of you has 
driven off.
If you are stopped behind a vehicle with the 
brake pedal depressed and the system is inter-
rupted or deactivated:
1.Press button4 to activate a stored desired 
speed or select a desired speed with the 
lever, arrow1 or arrow2.
2.Release the brake pedal.
3.If the vehicle in front of you drives off, briefly 
depress the accelerator pedal or press 
button4.
Deactivating system
>Press the lever upward or downward twice 
while driving.
>When stopped, do the same with the brake 
pedal depressed.
>Switch off the ignition.
The displays turn off, and the stored desired 
speed and distance are deleted. 

Driving
70
Displays in instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
>Green: the system is active.
>Orange: the system is interrupted.
2Lights up yellow: vehicle detected ahead
Display also used for warnings, please read 
all information on warnings
3Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated
The bars roll: the vehicle in front of you has 
driven off
4Brief display of stored desired speed
If the display --- mph/--- km/h appears 
briefly, the conditions necessary for oper-
ation may currently not be met.<
Warning lamps
The indicator2 continuously 
flashes yellow.
The prerequisites for operating the 
system are no longer met as a 
result of ABS or DSC interven-
tions. The system brakes until you actively take 
over.
The indicator2 flashes red; a sig-
nal sounds.
The system indicates that you 
must brake and/or maneuver the 
vehicle yourself. The system can-
not automatically restore the distance to the 
vehicle driving ahead. 
However, this display cannot relieve the driver of the responsibility for adjusting the desired 
speed and driving style to the traffic conditions.
Radar sensors
1Long-range sensor
2Location of the short-range sensors behind 
the bumper
3Location of the short-range sensors behind 
the bumper with the M Sport Package
*
Heavy rain and also dirt, snow or ice can limit 
the detection of vehicles ahead. If needed, 
clean the radar sensor under the front bumper 
as well as the bumper area covering the short 
range sensors. When doing so, be particularly 
careful in removing layers of snow and ice.
Do not apply adhesive labels, etc., in the area of 
the short-range sensors.
If the sensor is not aligned properly, e. g. due to 
damage, the active cruise control cannot be 
activated.
Malfunction
The system cannot be activated if the sensor is 
incorrectly aligned. 
A message is displayed if the system fails.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with 
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communication 
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
>’’NF3 ACC2SCU 003YK04001 0000
>BV8SRS24
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC  

Controls
 75Reference
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 
page200.
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.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated for 
the time during which the engine is running. 

Controls Overview
80 and warning lamps in the instrument cluster, 
and if necessary an acoustic signal and text 
messages at the bottom of the Control Display.
Indicator and warning lamps
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in 
different combinations and colors.
 means that a Check Control message has 
been generated. The symbol continues to be 
visible even when the Check Control message 
disappears after a short time. The warning 
lamps and text messages are stored and can be 
displayed later, also refer to page81.
Explanatory text messages
For most Check Control messages, you can 
view more information later, e.g., regarding the 
cause of a malfunction and how to respond; 
refer to the information provided below.In urgent cases, this information will be shown 
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
To hide the information temporarily: 
Move the controller to the left.
To hide the information: 
Confirm the information.
Hiding Check Control messages
Press the CHECK button on turn signal lever.
Some Check Control messages are displayed 
until the malfunctions have been rectified. They 
cannot be hidden. If a number of malfunctions 
occur simultaneously, they are displayed in 
succession.
Other messages are hidden after approx. 
20 seconds, but remain stored. 

Controls
 85Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for 
estimating the distance between the 
vehicle and any obstructions always remains 
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can 
no longer be detected. The system is also sub-
ject to the physical limits that apply to all forms 
of ultrasonic measurement, such as those 
encountered with tow bars and trailer cou-
plings, or thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. 
Low objects already displayed, e. g. curbs, can 
also disappear from the detection area of the 
sensors again before or after a continuous tone 
already sounds. Higher, protruding objects, 
e.g., ledges, cannot be detected. For this rea-
son, drive with care; otherwise, there is a danger 
of personal injury or property damage.
Loud sources of sound, inside and outside the 
vehicle, could drown out the PDC signal tone.<
Driving stability control 
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array 
of systems designed to enhance and maintain 
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during 
braking. Safe steering response is maintained 
even during full braking. Active safety is thus 
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the 
engine. Braking safely refer to page126.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking during curves or when braking 
during a lane change, driving stability and steer-
ing response are improved further.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the 
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system 
produces maximum braking force boosting and 
thus helps to achieve the shortest possible 
braking distance during full braking maneuvers. 
This system exploits all of the benefits provided 
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the 
duration of the full brake application.
Adaptive brake assistant*
In conjunction with the active cruise control 
with the stop-and-go function, the adaptive 
brake assistant ensures that the brake 
responds even more quickly during braking 
with the brake assistant.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels 
when starting off and accelerating. The system 
also identifies unstable driving conditions, such 
as a loss of traction at the rear of the vehicle or 
sliding of the vehicle in its front wheels. In these 
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe 
course within physical limits by reducing engine 
output and through braking actions in the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, 
even with DSC. An appropriate driving 
style always remains the responsibility of the 
driver. Therefore, do not restrict the additional 
safety margin with a risky driving style, as other-
wise there is a risk of an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in 
the instrument cluster lights up, but not longer  

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
86 than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control and DSC are deactivated together. 
Stabilizing and drive output promoting actions 
are no longer executed. In addition, the stability 
promoting intervention of the active steering
* 
is deactivated, refer to page92.
A message appears on the Control Display. 
Please note any supplementary information 
that appears there.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again 
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes: 
DSC controls the drive forces and 
brake forces. 
The indicator lamp lights up: 
DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions, 
e.g., unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with 
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC 
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving on snowy inclines, in slush, or 
on unplowed, snow-covered road surfaces
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button briefly; the DTC indicator lamp 
in the instrument cluster lights up.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes: 
DTC controls the drive forces and 
brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: 
DTC is activated. 
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp 
in the instrument cluster goes out.
xDrive*
xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of your 
BMW. The combined effects of xDrive and DSC 
further optimize the traction and dynamic driv-
ing characteristics. The 4-wheel drive system 
xDrive variably distributes the drive torque to 
the front and rear axle depending on the driving 
situation and prevailing road conditions.
HDC Hill Descent Control*
The concept
HDC is a system for driving downhill in steep 
terrain. This system reduces vehicle speed on 
steep downhill gradients, thus allowing you to 
maintain even better control of your BMW 
under these conditions. The vehicle moves at 
approximately twice walking speed without 
active intervention from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds 
below approx. 22 mph/35 km/h. When driving  

Controls
 87Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
down steep hills with a speed below approx. 
22 mph/35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed 
automatically down to approximately twice nor-
mal walking speed, approx. 7 mph/12 km/h, and 
then keeps this speed constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary 
this automatically controlled speed within a 
range extending from approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to 
15 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same 
range by using the lever of the cruise control
*.
Activating HDC
Use the button on the steering wheel.
Deactivating HDC
Use the button on the steering wheel; the HDC 
display goes out.
HDC is automatically deactivated at speeds 
greater than approximately 37 mph/60 km/h.
Using HDC
Manual transmission:
Use HDC in low gears and reverse gear.
Automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in every drive position.
Displays in instrument cluster
1Display for target speed
2HDC display
Malfunction in driving-stability control 
systems
The warning lamp for the brake system 
lights up yellow, together with the indi-
cator lamps for ABS, DSC and Tire 
Pressure Monitor or Flat Tire Monitor. 
A message appears on the Control Dis-
play. The driving-stability control sys-
tems have failed. While you may con-
tinue, you should remember to proceed 
cautiously and drive defensively while 
avoiding full brake applications. The 
Tire Pressure Monitor or the Flat Tire Monitor is 
also malfunctioning. Have the system checked 
as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction in Canadian models.
The DSC indicator lamp lights up. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. A malfunction has occurred in the 
DSC and DTC. The stabilizing actions are no 
longer available. The vehicle remains opera-
tional. Have the system checked as soon as 
possible.
The brake system warning lamp lights 
up yellow. A message appears on the 
Control Display. The brake assistant is 
defective. Have the system checked as soon as 
possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction in Canadian models.
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to start off 
conveniently on slopes. The parking brake is 
not required for this purpose. 

Lamps
102 lamps are active and illuminate the outer area of 
curves.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps*
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one 
side of your vehicle when parking.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or 
down beyond the resistance point, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Do not leave them switched on for 
long periods of time, otherwise it may no longer 
be possible to start the engine.<
Switching off
Briefly press the lever in the opposite direction 
up to the resistance point, arrow3.
High-beam Assistant*
The concept
This system automatically switches the high 
beams on and off. A sensor on the front side of 
the inside rearview mirror controls the process. 
The assistant makes sure that the high beams 
are switched on whenever traffic conditions 
permit. This relieves you of the burden of con-stantly switching back and forth and simulta-
neously provides you with the best possible vis-
ibility. Naturally, you can intervene at any time to 
switch the high beams on and off as usual.
Activating system
1.Turn the light switch to position3, refer to 
page100.
2.With the low beams switched on, briefly 
press the turn signal lever in the high-beam 
direction.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when the High-beam 
Assistant is activated. The system 
automatically switches between high beams 
and low beams, reacting to oncoming traffic, 
vehicles ahead of you, and sufficiently lit areas, 
e.g., in built-up zones.
Manually switching between high 
beams and low beams
If you wish or the situation requires, you can 
intervene at any time.
>If the High-beam Assistant has switched on 
the high beams, but you wish to use the low 
beams, just switch on the low beams with 
the turn signal lever. This deactivates the 
High-beam Assistant. 
In order to reactivate the system, briefly 
press the turn signal lever in the high-beam 
direction.
>If the High-beam Assistant has switched on 
the low beams, but you wish to use the high 
beams, simply switch on the high beams as 
usual. This deactivates the system and it is 
up to you to switch back to low beams.
In order to reactivate the system, briefly