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.
Mobility
201Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Place the fuel filler cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler flap.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid raising the filler
nozzle during refueling; otherwise this leads to
>premature pump shutoff
>a reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor
recovery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
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.
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.<
Fuel filler cap
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Do not crush the band attached to the
cap; otherwise, the cap may not properly
seal and fuel vapors can escape.<
A message
* is displayed if the cap is loose or
missing.
Fuel specifications
Do not use leaded gasoline, otherwise
permanent damage to the catalytic con-verter will result.
Do not use E85, i.e., fuel that consists of 85%
ethanol, or Flex Fuel. Otherwise permanent
damage to the engine and the fuel supply sys-
tem will result.<
Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is 87.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no affect on the engine life.
Do not use gasoline below the specified
minimum quality, otherwise engine dam-
age can result.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 % ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight,
that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<
Maintenance
216
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via
the OBD socket with a device.
T h i s s o c k e t i s l o c a t e d o n t h e d r i v e r ' s s i d e o n t h e
left under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up:
The vehicle emissions are raised. The
trip can be continued. Have the vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain condi-
tions. This is a sign of excessive misfiring of the
engine. In this case you should reduce speed
and drive to the nearest BMW center as soon as
possible. Heavy engine misfiring causes seri-
ous damage to the emission-relevant compo-
nents, especially the catalytic converter, within
a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system will assume that
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display lights up. If
the cap is then tightened, the display will go out
within a few days.<
Data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with
a device for recording or transmitting certain
vehicle data or information. If you have also sub-
scribed to BMW Assist, certain vehicle data can be transmitted or recorded to enable corre-
sponding services.
Technical data
242 Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
>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
Sports Wagon535i xDrive
Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters approx. 18.5/70 Fuel grade: page201
of that reserve US gal/liters approx. 2.1/8
550i US gal/liters approx. 2.6/10
Window cleaning system For more details: page65
>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 253
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
CD changer160,164
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse162
– filling or emptying the
magazine164
– random sequence161
– selecting a track160
– switching on/off152
– tone control152
– volume152
CD player160
– controls152
– fast forward/reverse162
– random sequence161
– selecting a track160
– switching on/off152
– tone control152
– volume152
Center armrest
– front112
– rear116
Center brake lamp225
Center console14
Central locking
– from inside30
– from outside28
Central locking system27
– Comfort Access36
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changes, technical, refer to
Parts and accessories6
Changing language on
Control Display82
Changing scale for
navigation145
Changing trips141
Changing units of measure on
Control Display76
Changing wheels208,226
CHECK button80
Check Control79
Check Gas Cap201
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure202
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH54
Child restraints53Child restraint systems53
Child-safety lock56
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely53
Chime, refer to Check
Control
79
Chock227
Chrome-plated parts219
Chrome polish219
Cigarette lighter114
Cigarette lighter socket, refer
to Connecting electrical
devices115
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care217
Clock74
– 12h/24h format79
– setting time78
– setting time and date79
Closing
– from inside30
– from outside28
Closing fuel filler cap201
Clothes hooks113
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Engine,
starting58
Combination instrument, refer
to Instrument cluster12
Comfort Access36
Comfort access
– observe in car wash37
– replacing battery, remote
control38
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Comfort seat44
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure203
– wheel change228
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock57Compartments
– in cargo bay, Sports
Wagon118
– refer to Storage area loading
options, Sports Wagon119
– refer to Storage
compartments113
Computer75
– displays on Control
Display76
Concierge service193
Condensation, refer to When
vehicle is parked126
Condition Based Service
CBS215
Confirmation signals for
locking and unlocking29
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices115
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption75
Consumption indicator
– Energy Control75
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption75
Contacts
– creating190
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– setting brightness83
– switching off/on19
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenient opening and
closing
– glass sunroof28
– windows28
– windows and glass sunroof
with Comfort Access37
Coolant214
– checking level214
– temperature74
Cooling, maximum107
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant214
Everything from A to Z
256 Exterior mirrors50
– adjusting50
– automatic dimming
feature52
– automatic heating51
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror51
External audio device113
External devices
– random sequence174
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting233
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control79
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms36
– refer to Switching off
alarm35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts48
– warning lamp48
Fastest route for
navigation142
Fast forward
– CD changer162
– CD player162
Filler neck for washer fluid65
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter108
First aid, refer to First aid
kit232
First-aid kit232
Flashing
– during locking/unlocking,
refer to Setting confirmation
signals29
– triple turn signal
activation63Flat tire
– changing wheels226
– compact wheel228
– Flat Tire Monitor88,89
– refer to Tire condition208
– run-flat tires89,91
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor90
– warning lamp89,91
Flat Tire Monitor88
– false alarms88
– initializing system89
– snow chains210
– system limits88
– warning lamp89
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler
neck for washer fluid65
FM, waveband155
Fog lamps104
– indicator lamp104
Folding rear backrest116
– Sports Wagon117
Folding rear backrest, Sports
Wagon117
Folding rear seat backrest116
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely126
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps104
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive
86
Free memory capacity, music
collection170
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria142
Front airbags93
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front112
Front passenger airbags
– deactivating94
Front seat adjustment44
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor88Fuel201
– average consumption75
– display75
– high-quality brands201
– quality201
– refer to Average fuel
consumption75
– specifications201
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities242
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Fuel consumption display
– computer, average fuel
consumption75
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Fuel-efficient driving
– refer to Energy control75
– refer to Saving fuel124
Fuel filler flap200
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction200
Fuses230
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control110
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel201
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Gas station
recommendations143
Gearshift lever
– manual transmission59
General driving
notes124,125
Glass sunroof, electric39
– Convenient opening and
closing from outside30
– Convenient opening and
closing with Comfort
Access37
– moving manually40
– remote control28
Reference 261
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof, electric39
– panorama glass sunroof41
– windows38
R
Radio
– controls152
– HD Radio156
– satellite radio158
– selecting waveband155
– storing stations156
– switching on/off152
– tone control152
– volume152
– Weather Band, refer to
Weather news flashes157
Radio key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness57
Radio readiness57
– switched off58
– switched on57
– with Comfort Access37
Rain sensor64
Random sequence
– external devices174
– music collection170
Reading lamps104
Rear armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear116
Rear fog lamps
– indicator lamp13
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps224
– replacing bulbs224
Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints47
– folding over backrest116
– heating50
– removing head restraints47
Rear socket116
Rear ventilation108
Rearview mirror50Rear window
– changing wiper blade221
– heating106
– opening and closing on
Sports Wagon32
– roller sun blinds, refer to Sun
blinds111
– wiper on Sports Wagon64
Rear window safety switch39
Reception
– quality156
– radio stations156
Recirculated-air mode107
– air recirculation107
– AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control107
Reclining seat, refer to
Seats44
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps224
Refueling
200
Releasing
– hood211
Releasing the locks, refer to
Unlocking36
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range75
Remaining distance to
destination, refer to
Computer76
Remote control26
– Comfort Access36
– garage door opener110
– luggage compartment lid29
– malfunction29,37
– replacing battery38
– tailgate29
Removing condensation on
the windows106
Replacement fuses230
Replacement of tires
– refer to Changing
wheels226
Replacement remote control,
refer to New remote
controls26
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs221
Replacing tires209Replacing wheels/tires, refer
to New wheels and tires208
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve
– warning, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings154
Residual heat107
Restraint systems
– for children53
– refer to Safety belts48
Retaining straps, refer to
Storage area loading
options, Sports Wagon119
Retreaded tires209
Reverse
– CD changer162
– CD player162
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic60
– manual transmission59
Road map144
Roadside
Assistance193,232
Roadside parking lamps102
– replacing bulbs223
Roller blind
– refer to Sun blinds111
Roller cover
– refer to Luggage
compartment roller cover,
Sports Wagon117
Roof load capacity241
Roof-mounted luggage
rack
128
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing233
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route142,143
– bypassing sections143
– changing142,143
– changing criteria142
– displaying map view144
– displaying streets or towns/
cities143
– selecting142
Everything from A to Z
266 Voice, refer to Destination
guidance with voice
instructions143
Voice activation system
– overview22
– short commands243
Voice commands
– telephone185
Voice instructions for
navigation system143
– repeating144
– switching on/off143
– volume144
Voice phone book187
Volume152
– audio sources152
– cargo bay241
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities242
– mobile phone181
– voice instructions144
– windshield cleaning system,
refer to Capacities242
Volume balance, tone
setting153
W
Warning lamps, refer to
Indicator and warning
lamps13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control79
Warning on leaving lane, refer
to Lane Departure
Warning99
Warning triangle231
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models215
Washer fluid65
– capacity of the reservoir65
Waste container, refer to
Ashtray114
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water126
Water penetration217,218
Waveband for radio155Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth208
Weather news flashes157
Website BMW4
Weights241
Welcome lamps100
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to New wheels and tires208
Wheel/tire damage208
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions239
Wheels and tires202
Width, refer to
Dimensions239
Windows38
– Convenient opening and
closing28
– Convenient opening and
closing from outside30
– Convenient opening and
closingwith Comfort
Access37
– rear window, Sports
Wagon32
– safety switch39
Windshield
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system63
– defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows106
– displays, refer to Head-up
Display95
Windshield wash
– automatic, refer to Rain
sensor64
– capacities, reservoir242
– filler neck for washer
fluid212
– rear window64
– washer fluid65
– windshield washer
nozzles64
– wiper system63
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system63
– wiper blade
replacement221Winter tires209
– setting speed limit81
– storage209
Wiper blades
– replacement221
Wiper system63
– rain sensor64
– washer fluid65
– windshield washer
nozzles64
Word matching principle for
navigation141
Working in the engine
compartment211
Wrenches/screwdrivers, refer
to Onboard vehicle tool
kit221
X
xDrive86
Xenon lamps223
– replacing bulbs223
Y
Your individual vehicle
– settings, refer to Personal
Profile26