Wheels and tires
206
550i
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire sizeSpeed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire sizePressure specifications in psi/kPa
Compact wheel
*:
T 135/80 R 17 102 M61/420
Traveling speeds up
to max. of 100 mph/
160 km/hTraveling speeds including those exceed-
ing 100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications
in the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
245/40 R 18 93 Y 32/220 38/260 32/220 35/240 33/230 41/280
245/45 R 17 95 W
245/45 R 17 99 V M+S XL
225/50 R 17 94 H M+S
225/50 R 17 94 W32/220 38/260 32/220 38/260 38/260 45/310
245/40 R 18 97 V M+S XL 33/230 39/270 33/230 39/270 39/270 46/320
Front: 245/40 R 18 93 Y
Rear: 275/35 R 18 95 Y32/220 35/240 32/220 32/220 33/230 38/260
Front: 245/35 R 19 93 Y XL
Rear: 275/30 R 19 96 Y XL35/240 39/270 33/230 38/260 38/260 45/310
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page241.
For instance
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
(not on ZR tires)
Speed code letter (in
front of the R on ZR tires)225/50 R1794 W
Mobility
219Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Interior care
Upholstery/fabrics
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in order
to remove surface dirt.
In the event of more serious soiling such as bev-
erage stains, use a soft sponge or a lint-free
microfiber cloth in combination with suitable
interior cleaners. Follow the instructions on the
packaging.
Clean upholstery material over a large
area extending out to the seams. Avoid
intense friction.<
Open Velcro fasteners on pants or other
items of clothing can cause damage to
the seat covering. Make sure that the Velcro
fasteners are closed.<
Leather/leather coverings
The leather used by BMW is a high quality
natural product. Slight patterns in the
grain are part of the typical properties of a natu-
ral leather.
Dust and dirt from the road chafe in pores and
folds and result in considerable wear and cause
the leather surface to become prematurely brit-
tle. We therefore suggest that you clean the
leather with a dust cloth or vacuum cleaner at
regular intervals.<
Particularly with light-colored leather, make
sure to clean it regularly since it has a greater
tendency to become soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year with a leather
lotion since dirt and grease harm the protective
layer of the leather.
Carpets/cargo bay
Carpeting, floor mats, and luggage compart-
ment rugs and paneling can be cleaned with a
vacuum or in the event of more serious soiling,
cleansed with an interior cleaner.
Floor mats and luggage compartment rugs can
be removed for cleaning. When inserting into
place, make sure that the seat rails do not pro-
trude over the floor mats; otherwise floor mats
can be damaged.Fluff on new floor mats is a result of the produc-
tion process and can be removed by repeated
vacuuming.
Plastic components inside
Clean the glass cover of the instrument panel,
imitation leather surfaces, lamp lenses, and
matte components with water and, if necessary,
a solvent-free plastic cleaner.
Fine wooden components
Use a damp cloth to clean fine wooden trim
panels and components. Follow up by drying
with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
Chemical cleaning
Do not clean chemically, as this may
destroy the webbing.<
Inside sensors
Clean inside sensors such as those of the high-
beam assistant using a lint-free cloth moist-
ened with glass cleaner.
Displays
Clean displays like the radio or the Control Dis-
play using a display-cleaning cloth or a soft,
nonabrasive lint-free cloth.
Avoid using excessive pressure when
cleaning displays; otherwise, you could
damage them.<
Never use chemical-based cleansers or
household scouring products. Keep all
liquids away from the equipment. Otherwise
corrosion or damage to surfaces or electrical
components can occur.<
CD/DVD drives
Do not use cleaning CDs; they can dam-
age parts of the player.<
Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic
– air distribution106
– air volume106
– cruise control66
– garage door opener110
– headlamp control100
– recirculated-air control
AUC107
– steering wheel
adjustment45
– tailgate operation34
Automatic climate control105
– automatic air
distribution106
– parked car ventilation109
– settings via iDrive108
– switching on and off108
– ventilation in rear108
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing31
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control100
– refer to Daytime running
lamps101
– refer to Interior lamps104
– refer to Pathway lighting101
– refer to Welcome lamps100
Automatic lights
– refer to High-beam
Assistant102
Automatic low beams, refer to
High-beam Assistant102
Automatic luggage
compartment roller cover,
Sports Wagon117
Automatic Service
Request196
Automatic soft closing31
Automatic speed reduction for
descents, refer to HDC Hill
Descent Control86Automatic transmission with
Steptronic59
– interlock60
– kick down60
– manually unlocking and
locking transmission lock61
– shiftlock60
– towing234
– tow-starting235
– with Comfort Access37
AUTO program for automatic
climate control106
AUX-IN port172
Available services196
Average fuel consumption75
– setting units76
Average speed, refer to
Computer75
Avoiding freeways for
navigation142
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
Axle loads, refer to
Weights241
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support45
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backrest width adjustment44
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs224
Band-aids, refer to First aid
kit232
Bass, refer to Tone
control152
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery229
– jump starting232
Battery replacement
– remote control for Comfort
Access38
BC button, refer to
Computer75
Being towed234
Belts, refer to Safety belts48Beverage holder, refer to
Cupholders114
Blower, refer to Air
volume107
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating180
BMW
– Car Shampoo219
BMW Assist,
activating194,196
BMW Assist192
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system215
BMW Night Vision96
– activating98
– cleaning camera98
– cleaning camera, refer to
Wiper system64
– deactivating98
– making settings98
BMW Search194
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to
Cupholders114
Bracket for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter188
Brake assistant85
– adaptive85
Brake force display93
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs224
– two-stage93
Brake rotors
– breaking-in124
– refer to Braking safely126
Everything from A to Z
252 Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System85
– brake assistant85
– brake force display93
– breaking-in124
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control85
– electronic brake-force
distribution85
– parking brake59
– refer to Braking safely126
– warning lamps13
Brake system124
– brake pads124
– breaking-in124
– disk brakes126
– warning lamp87
Braking safely126
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance232
Breaking-in brake pads124
Breaking-in the clutch124
Breaking-in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential124
Break-in period124
Brightness of Control
Display83
Button for starting engine,
refer to Start/Stop button57
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
Call
– accepting181
– ending182
– rejecting182
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing182
Can holder, refer to
Cupholders114
Capacities242
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery229Care217
– car-care products217
– carpets219
– car washes217
– CD/DVD player219
– chrome components218
– displays219
– exterior217
– fine wooden
components219
– hand washing218
– headlamps218
– high-pressure cleaning
jets217
– interior219
– leather219
– light-alloy wheels218
– paint218
– plastic components219
– rubber gaskets218
– safety belts219
– sensors and cameras219
– upholstery and cloth-
covered paneling219
– windows218
Cargo
– refer to Cargo loading126
– securing128
– securing with ski bag120Cargo bay
– capacity241
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually, Sports
Wagon33
– emergency release32
– expanding, Sports
Wagon117
– floor panel flap, refer to
Compartment in floor,
Sports Wagon118
– locking separately31
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate31
– opening from inside31
– opening from inside, Sports
Wagon33
– opening from outside
31
– opening from outside,
Sports Wagon33
– opening with remote
control29
Cargo bay cover, refer to
Luggage compartment
roller cover117
Caring for the vehicle
finish218
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest112
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car phone, refer to
Telephone178
Car radio, refer to Radio155
Car Shampoo219
Car wash58
– with Comfort Access37
Car washes217
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system125
CBC Cornering Brake
Control85
CBS Condition Based
Service215
CD, audio playback160
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 257
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Glove compartment112
– lighting112
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system132
Grills, refer to Ventilation108
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights241
H
Halogen lamps222
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14
Hand washing218
Hazard warning flashers15
HDC Hill Descent Control86
HD Radio156
Head airbags93
Headlamp
– cleaning tank, refer to
Capacities242
Headlamp control,
automatic100
Headlamp flasher63
Headlamps100
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system63
– filler neck for washer
fluid212
– replacing bulbs222
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Light Control101
Head restraints46
– active front head
restraints47
– removing47
– sitting safely43
Head-up Display95
Heated
– mirrors51
– rear window106
– seats49
– steering wheel52Heating105
– exterior mirrors51
– interior105
– rear window106
– residual heat107
– seats49
– steering wheel52
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat107
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo128
Height, refer to
Dimensions239
Height adjustment
– seats44
– steering wheel52
High-beam Assistant102
High beams102
– headlamp flasher102
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs223
High-pressure cleaning
jets217,218
High water, refer to Driving
through water126
Hill Descent Control HDC86
Hills126
Holder for cups114
Homepage of BMW4
Hood211
Hooks for shopping bags,
Sports Wagon119
Horn10
Hotel function, refer to
Locking separately31
Hot exhaust system125
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to Brake assistant85
Hydroplaning125
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio156
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning74Identification mark
– recommended tire
brands209
– tire coding206
iDrive16
– automatic climate
control108
– automatic climate control
with expanded scope106
– changing language82
– changing settings82
– changing units of measure
and display type76
– controller16
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– setting brightness83
– setting the date and time79
– start menu17
– status information19
Ignition57
– switched off58
– switched on57
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness57
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on57
Ignition lock57
– starting engine with Comfort
Access37
Impressum2
Imprint2
Indicator/warning lamps
– ABS Antilock Brake
System87
– active steering93
– airbags95
– brake system87
– DSC13,86
– DTC13,86
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– safety belt warning48
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor91
Indicator and warning
lamps13
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
262 Route information, refer to
Destination guidance with
voice instructions143
Route map, refer to Displaying
map view144
Route selection142
Run-flat tires
– continuing driving with
damaged tire89,91
– flat tire89,91
– Flat Tire Monitor88
– inflation pressure89
– tire inflation pressure202
– Tire Pressure Monitor90
S
Safety5
Safety belts48
– damage48
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp48
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags93
– refer to Safety belts48
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System85
– airbags93
– driving stability control
systems85
– safety belts48
Satellite radio158
– enabling or disabling
channel158
– selecting channel159
– storing channel159
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting234
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio158Seats44
– active backrest width
adjustment45
– adjusting the seats44
– comfort seat44
– easy entry/exit45
– heating49
– lumbar support45
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory45
– shoulder support44
– sitting safely43
– storing the setting45
– thigh support44
– ventilation, refer to Active
seat ventilation50
Securing load
– refer to Securing cargo128
– with ski bag, refer to
Securing cargo120
Selecting a detour147
Selecting distance with active
cruise control68
Selecting route142
Selection options with
navigation system142
Selector lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic59,60
Selector lever lock, refer to
Selecting transmission
positions60
Self-leveling suspension88
Sequential Manual
Transmission with
Drivelogic
– towing234
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance232
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models215
Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service215
– refer to Service
requirements77
Service Request195Service requirements77
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service215
Services status196
Setting button, refer to
Controls, controller16
Settings
– BMW Night Vision98
– changing on Control
Display82
– clock, 12h/24h mode79
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile26
– DVD163
– language82
Settings for the map view145
Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
times109
Shifting gears, Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic61
Shift paddles on steering
wheel62
Short commands for the voice
activation system243
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route142
Shoulder support44
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer161
– CD player161
Side airbags93
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs224
Side-mounted turn signals,
replacing bulbs224
Side window blinds, refer to
Sun blinds111
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely43
– with airbags43
– with head restraint43
– with safety belts43
Ski bag119