2011 BMW 535I GT DRIVE

Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Safety information
The tire characteristics and tire inflation pres‐
sure influence the following:
▷
The service life of the tires.
▷ Road safety.
▷ Driving comfort.
Checking the pressure
Only check the tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after driving no more
than 1.25 miles/2 km or when the vehicle has
been
parked for at least 2 hours. When the tires
are warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
Regularly check the tire inflation pressure
and correct it as needed: at least twice a month
and before a long trip. If you fail to observe this
precaution, you may be driving on tires with in‐
correct tire pressures, a condition that may not
only compromise your vehicle's driving stability,
but also lead to tire damage and the risk of an
accident.◀
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, rein‐
itialize the Tire Pressure Monitor.
Pressure specifications
The tire inflation pressure table, refer to
page 243, contains all pressure specifications
for the specified tire sizes at the ambient tem‐
perature. Pressure specifications apply to ap‐
proved tire sizes and recommended tire brands.
This information can be obtained from your
service center.
To identify the correct tire inflation pressure,
please note the following:
▷ Tire sizes of your vehicle.
▷ Vehicle load.
▷ Maximum allowable driving speed. Tire inflation pressures up to 100 mph/
160 km/h
For speeds of up to 100 mph/160 km/h and for
optimum

driving comfort, note the pressure val‐
ues in the tire inflation pressure table, refer to
page 243, and adjust as necessary. These pressure values can also be found on the
tire inflation pressure label on the driver's door
pillar.
Maximum permissible speed
Do not exceed 100 mph/160 km/h; other‐
wise, tire damage and accidents may result.

◀
Tire inflation pressure values up to
100 mph/160 km/h
535i, 550i Tire size
Pressure specifica‐
tions in bar/PSI
Specifications in bar/
PSI with cold tires 245/50 R 18 100 Y
245/50 R 18 100 V M
+S A/S
245/50 R 18 100 H M
+S
2.2 / 32 2.4 / 35 Seite 243
243Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 606 445 - 03 11 490

Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Tire size
Pressure specifica‐
tions in bar/PSI
245/45 R 19 102 V M
+S XL A/S
245/45 R 19 102 V M
+S XL 2.4 / 35 2.6 / 38
F.: 245/45 R 19 98 Y
R.: 275/40 R 19 101 Y 2.2 / 32
--
2.4 / 35
F.: 245/40 R 20 99 Y
XL
R.:
275/35 R 20 102 Y XL 2.4 / 35
-
-
2.6 / 38
F.:
245/35 R 21 96 Y XL
R.:
275/30 R 21 98 Y XL 2.6 / 38
-
-
3.0 / 44 550i xDrive
Tire size
Pressure specifica‐
tions in bar/PSI
Specifications in bar/
PSI with cold tires 245/50 R 18 100 Y
245/50 R 18 100 V M
+S A/S
245/50 R 18 100 H M
+S
2.2 / 32 2.4 / 35
245/45 R 19 102 V M
+S XL A/S
245/45 R 19 102 V M
+S XL 2.4 / 35 2.6 / 38
F.: 245/45 R 19 98 Y
R.: 275/40 R 19 101 Y 2.4 / 35
--
2.4 / 35 Tire size
Pressure specifica‐
tions in bar/PSI
F.: 245/40 R 20 99 Y
XL
R.:
275/35 R 20 102 Y XL 2.6 / 38
-
-
2.6 / 38
F.:
245/35 R 21 96 Y XL
R.:
275/30 R 21 98 Y XL 2.8 / 41
-
-
3.0 / 44 Tire inflation pressures at max. speeds
above 100 mph/160 km/h
Speeds above 100 mph/160 km/h
In
order to drive at maximum speeds in ex‐
cess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please observe, and,
if necessary, adjust tire pressures for speeds
exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h from the relevant
table on the following pages. Otherwise tire
damage and accidents could occur.◀
Tire inflation pressure values over
100 mph/160 km/h
535i, 550i
Without high-speed tuning feature Tire size
Pressure specifica‐
tions in bar/PSI
Specifications in bar/
PSI with cold tires 245/50 R 18 100 Y
245/50 R 18 100 V M
+S A/S
245/50 R 18 100 H M
+S
2.3 / 33 2.8 / 41
245/45 R 19 102 V M
+S XL A/S
245/45 R 19 102 V M
+S XL 2.7 / 39 3.2 / 46 Seite 244
244 Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 606 445 - 03 11 490Wheels and tires

Tire size
Pressure specifica‐
tions in bar/PSI
F.: 245/45 R 19 98 Y
R.: 275/40 R 19 101 Y 2.3 / 33
--
2.5 / 36
F.: 245/40 R 20 99 Y
XL
R.:
275/35 R 20 102 Y XL 2.5 / 36
-
-
2.8 / 41
F.:
245/35 R 21 96 Y XL
R.:
275/30 R 21 98 Y XL 2.9 /42
-
-
3.2 / 46With high-speed tuning feature
Tire size
Pressure specifica‐
tions in bar/PSI
Specifications in bar/
PSI with cold tires 245/50 R 18 100 Y
245/50 R 18 100 H M
+S
2.3 / 33 2.8 / 41
245/45 R 19 102 V M
+S XL 2.7 / 39 3.2 / 46
F.: 245/45 R 19 98 Y
R.: 275/40 R 19 101 Y 2.4 / 35
--
2.6 / 38
F.: 245/40 R 20 99 Y
XL
R.:
275/35 R 20 102 Y XL 2.6 / 38
-
-
2.8 / 41
F.:
245/35 R 21 96 Y XL
R.:
275/30 R 21 98 Y XL 2.9 /42
-
-
3.3 / 48550i xDrive
Without high-speed tuning feature Tire size
Pressure specifica‐
tions in bar/PSI
Specifications in bar/
PSI with cold tires 245/50 R 18 100 Y
245/50 R 18 100 V M
+S A/S
245/50 R 18 100 H M
+S
2.3 / 36 2.7 / 39
245/45 R 19 102 V M
+S XL A/S
245/45 R 19 102 V M
+S XL 2.5 / 36 2.9 /42
F.: 245/45 R 19 98 Y
R.: 275/40 R 19 101 Y 2.4 / 35
--
2.4 / 35
F.: 245/40 R 20 99 Y
XL
R.:
275/35 R 20 102 Y XL 2.6 / 38
-
-
2.6 / 38
F.:
245/35 R 21 96 Y XL
R.:
275/30 R 21 98 Y XL 2.8 / 41
-
-
3.0 / 44 With high-speed tuning feature
Tire size
Pressure specifica‐
tions in bar/PSI
Specifications in bar/
PSI with cold tires 245/50 R 18 100 Y
245/50 R 18 100 H M
+S
2.5 / 36 2.8 / 41 Seite 245
245Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 606 445 - 03 11 490
Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on
wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfa‐
ces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration, cornering, hydro‐
planing, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus‐
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades Band A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Temperature grade for this tire
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and pos‐
sible tire failure.
If necessary, have the vehicle towed.◀
RSC – Run-flat tires
Run-flat tires, refer to page 249, are labeled with
a circular symbol containing the letters RSC
marked on the sidewall.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires with better cold
weather performance than summer tires. Tire tread
Summer tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.12 in/3 mm.
There is an increased danger of hydroplaning if
the tread depth is less than 0.12 in/3 mm.
Winter tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.16 in/4 mm.
Below a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm, tires are
less suitable for winter operation.
Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators are distributed around the tire's
circumference and have the legally required
minimum height of 0.063 in/1.6 mm.
They

are marked on the side of the tire with TWI,
Tread Wear Indicator.
Tire damage
General information
Inspect your tires often for damage, foreign ob‐
jects lodged in the tread, and tread wear.
Notes
Indications of tire damage or other vehicle de‐
fects:
▷ Unusual vibrations during driving.
▷ Unusual handling such as a strong tendency
to pull to the left or right.
Seite 247
247Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 606 445 - 03 11 490

Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

In case of tire damage
If there are indications of tire damage, re‐
duce your speed immediately and have the
wheels
and tires checked right away; otherwise,
there is the increased risk of an accident.
Drive carefully to the next service center or tire
shop.
If necessary, have the vehicle towed.◀
Repair of tire damage
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your vehicle recommends that you do not have
damaged tires repaired; they should be re‐
placed. Otherwise, damage can occur as a re‐
sult.◀
Changing wheels and tires
Mounting
Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center or tire specialist.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
Wheel and tire combination
Information on the correct wheel-tire combina‐
tion and rim versions for your vehicle can be ob‐
tained from your service center.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair the
function of a variety of systems such as ABS or
DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible. Approved wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recom‐
mends that you use only wheels and tires that
have been approved for your particular vehicle
model.
For example, despite having the same official
size
ratings, variations can lead to body contact
and with it, the risk of severe accidents.
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot evalu‐
ate non-approved wheels and tires to determine
if they are suited for use, and therefore cannot
ensure the operating safety of the vehicle if they
are mounted.◀
Recommended tire brands For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
can be identified by a star on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
New tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture,

tires do not achieve their full trac‐
tion potential until after an initial breaking-in pe‐
riod.
Drive conservatively for the first 200 miles/
300 km.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires. Seite 248
248 Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 606 445 - 03 11 490
Wheels and tires

Make sure that the snow chains are always suf‐
ficiently
tight. Retighten as needed according to
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Do not initialize the Tire Pressure Monitor after
mounting snow chains, as doing so may result
in incorrect readings.
When driving with snow chains, briefly activate
Dynamic Traction Control if necessary.
Maximum speed with snow chains
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/h when
using snow chains.
Snow chain detection*
The concept
When using snow chains, you should set
whether you are driving with or without snow
chains via the iDrive.
The snow chain detection system supports you
by automatically showing the detected state on
the Control Display.
When snow chains are in use, the rear axle steer‐
ing of the Integral Active Steering* is deacti‐
vated automatically.
At speeds above the maximum allowable speed
with snow chains of 30 mph/50 km/h, the rear
axle steering is activated again automatically.
Activating the status
1. "Settings"
2. "Tire chains"
3. "Tire chains installed"
Automatic detection
If functioning properly:
▷ Snow chains are mounted. The setting is not
activated .
After you drive a short distance, a Check
Control message is shown and the state is
activated automatically.
Confirm the automatic activation.
▷ Snow chains are not mounted. The setting
is activated . At speeds above 30 mph/50 km/h, a Check
Control message is displayed. Deactivate
the status manually.
If not functioning properly:
▷ Snow chains are mounted. The setting is not
activated .
A Check Control message is not displayed.
The

automatic detection system is malfunc‐
tioning. Activate the status manually.
Activating/deactivating rear axle
steering
If the status indicating that snow chains are in
use

is activated, the rear axle steering is deacti‐
vated automatically.
At speeds above 30 mph/50 km/h, the rear axle
steering is activated again, even though snow
chains are in use.
Seite 250
250 Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 606 445 - 03 11 490
Wheels and tires

Engine oil
General information
The
engine oil consumption is dependent on the
driving style and driving conditions.
Therefore, check the engine oil level after every
refueling using the electronic engine oil level
check.
Checking the oil level
The concept
The oil level is monitored electronically and dis‐
played on the Control Display.
Requirements
▷ The engine must be running and warm after
the vehicle has been driven for at least
6 miles/10 km.
▷ The vehicle is stopped or being driven on a
level roadway.
Displaying the oil level
1. "Vehicle Info"
2. "Vehicle status"
3. "Engine oil level" Possible messages
▷
"Engine oil level OK"
▷ "Measurement not possible at this time."
▷ "Measuring engine oil level..."
Duration with the engine running: ap‐
prox. 3 minutes. Duration while driving: approx. 5 minutes.
▷ "Engine oil level below minimum. Add 1
quart!"
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km.
▷ "Engine oil level too high! Have this
checked."
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Too much engine oil
Have the vehicle checked immedi‐
ately; otherwise, surplus oil can lead to en‐
gine damage.

◀ ▷
"Measurement inactive. Have this
checked."
Note the newly calculated remaining mile‐
age until the next oil service. Have the sys‐
tem checked as soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Filler neck When the indicator lights up in the instrument
cluster, add 1 US quart/liter of engine oil within
the next 125 miles/200 km.
Recommended oil types, refer to page
254.
Protect children
Keep oil, grease, etc., out of reach of chil‐
dren and heed the warnings on the containers
to prevent health risks.◀ Seite 253
253Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 606 445 - 03 11 490

Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The maintenance system directs you to re‐
quired
maintenance measures and thereby sup‐
ports you in maintaining road safety and the op‐
erational reliability of the vehicle.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take into ac‐
count the driving conditions of your vehicle.
Based on this, Condition Based Service deter‐
mines the maintenance requirements.
The system makes it possible to adapt the
amount of maintenance you need to your user
profile.
Details on the service requirements, refer to
page 82, can be displayed on the Control Dis‐
play.
Service data in the remote control
Information on the required maintenance is con‐
tinuously stored in the remote control. Your
service center will read out this data and suggest
the right array of service procedures for your ve‐
hicle.
Therefore, hand your service specialist the re‐
mote control that you used most recently.
Storage periods
Storage periods during which the vehicle bat‐
tery was disconnected are not taken into ac‐
count.
If this occurs, have a service center update the
time-dependent maintenance procedures,
such as checking brake fluid and, if necessary,
changing the engine oil and the microfilter/acti‐
vated-charcoal filter. Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please
consult your Service and Warranty Infor‐
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for
additional information on service requirements.
Maintenance and repair should be performed by
your service center. Make sure to have regular
maintenance procedures recorded in the vehi‐
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models, and in the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These en‐
tries are proof of regular maintenance.
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnosis There is an OBD socket on the driver's side for
checking

the primary components in the vehicle
emissions.
Emissions
▷The warning lamp lights up:
Emissions are deteriorating. Have
the

vehicle checked as soon as pos‐
sible.
▷ The warning lamp flashes under cer‐
tain circumstances: Seite 256
256 Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 606 445 - 03 11 490
Maintenance