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.
Things to remember when driving
126 the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page208.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Using parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle in
place for a long time by riding the clutch;
use the parking brake. Otherwise greater clutch
wear will result.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system, drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos-
sibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the
way down into first gear. This strategy helps
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. For information on downshifting in the
manual mode of the automatic transmission,
refer to page61.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise there will be no engine braking action or
support of the braking force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
Giving and receiving assistance
234 Sedan:
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page221.
Sports Wagon:
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side
panel in the cargo bay, refer to page221.
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 page57, 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 page61.
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 241
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
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
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 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
Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Driving through water126
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes124
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function107
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function107
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control85
– indicator lamp13,86
– malfunction87
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control86
– activating86
– indicator lamp13,86
DVD
– country codes162
– settings163
– video playback162
DVD menu163
DVD player, refer to CD
player160
DVD video162
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
– warning lamp87
Dynamic destination
guidance143
Dynamic Drive88
Dynamic Driving Control62
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC85
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC86
E
Easy entry/exit52
– backrest width45
Eject button, refer to Buttons
in area of CD/DVD
player152
Electrical malfunction
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler flap200
– glass sunroof, electric40
– luggage compartment lid32
– panorama glass sunroof41
– tailgate33Electrical steering wheel
adjustment52
Electronic brake-force
distribution85
Electronic oil level check212
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock30
– driver's door30
– fuel filler flap200
– luggage compartment lid32
– tailgate33
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission61
Emergency operation, refer to
Moving manually
– glass sunroof40
– panorama glass sunroof41
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
cargo bay32
Emergency request231
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance232
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control75
Energy Control75
Engine
– breaking-in124
– data238
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature74
– speed238
– starting58
– starting, with Comfort
Access36
– switching off58
Engine compartment212
Engine coolant214Engine oil
– adding213
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils213
– approved engine oil213
– checking oil level212
– electronic oil level check212
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements
77
– oil change213
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils213
Engine output, refer to Engine
data238
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data238
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine58
Entering destination via town/
city name133
Entering intersection,
navigation134
Entering special destinations
by name137
Entering the
address133,139
Entering zip code for
navigation134
Entertainment sound output
on/off152
Entry map for destination138
Environmentally friendly
driving
– refer to Energy control75
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control153
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control85
Event Data Recorders216
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system125
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