2011 BMW 550I GT battery

Driving
Start/Stop button
The concept
Pressing the Start/Stop button
switches
the ignition on or off and
starts the engine.
The engine starts if the brake
pedal is pressed when you press
the Start/Stop button.
Ignition on
Press the Start/Stop button, and do not press on
the brake pedal at the same time.
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
Most of the indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster light up for varying lengths of
time.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
The ignition switches off automatically:
▷ When the vehicle is locked, if the low beams
are switched on.
▷ Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started.
▷ If the engine is switched off and the ignition
is switched on, the system automatically
switches to the radio ready state when the
door is opened if the lights are switched off
or the daytime running lights are switched
on.
Ignition off
Press the Start/Stop button again, and do not
press on the brake pedal at the same time.
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers. Transmission position P with the ignition
off
When the ignition is switched off, position P is
engaged automatically. When in an automatic
car
wash, for example, ensure that the ignition is
not switched off accidentally.◀
When the vehicle is locked using the central
locking system, the ignition switches off auto‐
matically.
Radio ready state
Activate radio ready state:
▷ When the ignition is switched off: press ON/
OFF button on the radio.
▷ When the engine is running: press START/
STOP button.
Some electronic systems/power consumers re‐
main ready for operation.
Radio ready state switches off automatically:
▷ After approx. 8 minutes.
▷ When the vehicle is locked using the central
locking system.
Starting the engine
General information Enclosed areas
Do not let the engine run in enclosed
areas; otherwise, breathing of exhaust fumes
may lead to loss of consciousness and death.
The

exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and colorless but highly toxic gas.◀
Unattended vehicle
Do not leave the car unattended with the
engine running; otherwise, it presents a poten‐
tial source of danger. Seite 66
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Driving

The bar display for the current fuel consumption
is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Energy recovery
The energy of motion of the ve‐
hicle
is converted to electrical en‐
ergy while coasting. The vehicle
battery is partially charged and
fuel consumption can be low‐
ered.
Odometer and trip odometer ▷Odometer, arrow 1.
▷ Trip odometer, arrow 2.
Display/reset miles Press the knob.
▷When the ignition is switched
off,

the time, external temper‐
ature and odometer are dis‐
played.
▷ When the ignition is switched on, the trip
odometer is reset.
Time The time is displayed at the bot‐
tom of the instrument cluster.
Setting

the time and time format,
refer to page 81.
Date The date is displayed in the in‐
strument cluster.
Setting the date and date format,
refer to page 81. Selection lists in the
instrument cluster
The concept
The following can be operated using the buttons
and the thumbwheel on the steering wheel:
▷
Current audio source.
▷ Redial on telephone*.
▷ Activation of the voice activation system*.
Activating a list and creating the
setting Press a button on the right side of the steering
wheel

or turn the thumbwheel to activate the re‐
quired list.
Create the setting using the thumbwheel.
Computer
Indication in the info display
The information from the com‐
puter is shown in the Info display
in the instrument cluster. Seite 78
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Displays

Lamps
At a glance
1
Rear fog lamps*
2 Front fog lamps*
3 Automatic headlamp control / adaptive light
control* / high-beam assistant* / welcome
lamps / daytime running lights
*
4 Lamps off / daytime running lights*
5 Parking lamps / daytime running lights*
6 Low beams / welcome lamps / high-beam
assistant*
7 Instrument lighting
Parking lamps/low beams,
headlamp control
Parking lamps
Switch position : the vehicle lamps light
up on all sides, e.g., for parking.
Do not use the parking lamps for extended pe‐
riods; otherwise, the battery may become dis‐
charged

and it would then be impossible to start
the engine.
When parking, it is preferable to switch on the
one-sided roadside parking lamps, refer to
page 86.
Low beams
Switch position with the ignition switched
on: the low beams light up. Welcome lamps
When parking the vehicle, leave the switch in
position or : the parking and interior
lamps light up briefly when the vehicle is un‐
locked.
Activating/deactivating
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Welcome light" The setting is stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
Headlamp courtesy delay feature
The

low beams stay lit for a short while after the
ignition is switched off, if the lamps are switched
off and the headlamp flasher is switched on.
Setting the duration
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Pathway light.: s" 4.
Set the duration.
Seite 85
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

Temperature
Turn the wheel to set the desired
temperature.
The automatic climate control achieves this
temperature as quickly as possible, if necessary
with the maximum cooling or heating capacity,
and then keeps it constant.
Avoid rapidly switching between different tem‐
perature settings. The automatic climate control
will not have sufficient time to adjust the set
temperature.
AUTO program Press the button.
Air volume, air distribution, and tem‐
perature are controlled automatically.
Depending on the selected temperature, AUTO
intensity, and outside influences, the air is di‐
rected to the windshield, side windows, upper
body, and into the footwell.
The cooling function, refer to page 129, is
switched on automatically with the AUTO pro‐
gram.
At the same time, a condensation sensor con‐
trols the program so as to prevent window con‐
densation as much as possible.
Intensity of the AUTO program
With the AUTO program switched on, automatic
control of the air volume and air distribution can
be adjusted.
Press the left or right side of the button:
decrease or increase the intensity.
The selected intensity is shown on the display
of the automatic climate control.
Air volume, manual
To be able to manually adjust the air volume,
switch off the AUTO program first. Press the left or right side of the button:
decrease or increase air volume. The selected air volume is shown on the display
of the automatic climate control.
The air volume of the automatic climate control
may be reduced automatically to save battery
power.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
Press the button.
Ice and condensation are quickly re‐
moved from the windshield and the front side
windows.
The air volume can be adjusted when the pro‐
gram is active.
If the windows are fogged over, additionally
switch on the cooling function or press the
AUTO
button to utilize the condensation sensor.
Maximum cooling Press the button.
The system is set to the lowest tem‐
perature, maximum air volume and recirculated-
air mode.
Air flows out of the vents for the upper body re‐
gion. Open them for this purpose.
Air is cooled as quickly as possible:
▷ At an external temperature of approx. 32 ℉/
0 ℃.
▷ When the engine is running.
The air volume can be adjusted when the pro‐
gram is active.
Automatic recirculated-air control/
recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant odors or pollu‐
tants in the immediate environment by tempo‐
rarily suspending the supply of outside air. The
system

then recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
Press the button repeatedly to select
an operating mode:
▷ LEDs off: outside air flows in continuously. Seite 128
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Climate control

▷
Left LED on, automatic recirculated-air con‐
trol: a sensor detects pollutants in the out‐
side air and controls the shut-off automati‐
cally.
▷ Right LED on, recirculated-air mode: the
supply of outside air into the vehicle is per‐
manently blocked.
If the windows are fogged over, switch off the
recirculated-air mode and press the AUTO but‐
ton on the driver's side to utilize the condensa‐
tion sensor. Make sure that air can flow onto the
windshield.
Continuous recirculated-air mode
The recirculated-air mode should not be
used for an extended period of time, as the air
quality inside the vehicle deteriorates steadily.◀
Cooling function
The passenger compartment can only be
cooled with the engine running.
Press the button.
The air is cooled and dehumidified and
– depending on the temperature setting –
warmed again.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog up briefly when the engine is started.
The cooling function is switched on automati‐
cally with the AUTO program.
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water, refer to page 148, develops
that exits underneath the vehicle.
Rear window defroster
Press the button.
The rear window defroster switches off
automatically after a certain period of time.
ALL program
Press the button.
The current settings on the driver's side
for temperature, air volume, air distribution, and
AUTO program are transferred to the front pas‐
senger side and to the left and right rear*. The program is switched off if the settings on
the front passenger side or in the rear* are
changed.
Residual heat
The

heat stored in the engine is used to heat the
interior.
Functional requirement
▷ Up to 20 minutes after the engine has been
switched off.
▷ Warm engine.
▷ The battery is sufficiently charged.
▷ External temperature below 77 ℉/25 ℃.
Switching on
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Press the right side of the button on
the driver's side. is shown on the display of the automatic cli‐
mate control.
The

interior temperature, air volume and air dis‐
tribution can be adjusted with the ignition
switched on.
Switching off
At the lowest fan speed, press the left side of the
button on the driver's side. on the display of the automatic climate control
goes out.
Switching the system on/off
Switching off
▷ Complete system:
At the lowest fan speed, press the
left

side of the button on the driver's
side. ▷
On the front passenger side:
At the lowest fan speed, press the
left side of the button on the front
passenger side. Seite 129
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

Rear automatic climate
control*
At a glance
1
Temperature
2 AUTO program
3 Vent settings
4 Air volume, AUTO intensity
5 Display
6 Maximum cooling
7 Seat heating*  54
8 Active seat ventilation*   55
Note
The air volume of the automatic climate control
may be reduced automatically to save battery
power.
Switching the rear automatic climate
control on/off
1. "Settings"
2. "Climate"
3. "Rear climate control"
The rear automatic climate control is not opera‐
tional if the automatic climate control is
switched off or if the function for defrosting or
defogging the windows is active.
AUTO program Press the button.
Air volume, air distribution, and tem‐
perature are controlled automatically: Depending on the selected temperature, AUTO
intensity, and outside influences, the air is di‐
rected to the upper body and into the footwell.
The cooling function is switched on automati‐
cally with the AUTO program.
Intensity of the AUTO program
With
the AUTO program switched on, automatic
control of the air volume and air distribution can
be adjusted.
Press the left or right side of the button:
decrease or increase the intensity.
The selected intensity is shown on the display
of the automatic climate control.
Temperature Turn the wheel to set the desired
temperature.
The automatic climate control achieves this
temperature as quickly as possible, if necessary
with the maximum cooling or heating capacity,
and then keeps it constant.
Avoid rapidly switching between different tem‐
perature settings. The automatic climate control
will not have sufficient time to adjust the set
temperature.
Manual air distribution
The air distribution can be adjusted to individual
needs. Press the button repeatedly to select a
program:
▷ Upper body region.
▷ Upper body region and footwell.
▷ Footwell.
Air volume, manual
To be able to manually adjust the air volume,
switch off the AUTO program first. Press

the left or right side of the button:
decrease or increase air volume. Seite 131
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

The cargo partition and the rear backrest are
subdivided at a ratio of 40–20–40. You can also
fold down the left and right sides separately.
Foldable rear backrests, manual
Pull the lever. The backrest folds forward.
Fold
the backrest back; the backrest engages in
an upright position. Pull the lever again to adjust
the backrest to the desired angle.
Locking the backrests
Before letting passengers ride in the rear,
engage the seat backrests, locking them in
place. Otherwise, there is the danger of an ac‐
cident due to unexpected seat movement.◀
Foldable rear backrests, powered* 1
Fold backrest forward
2 Loading position
3 Basic position
Fold backrest forward Move
the front seats to an upright position
Before folding down the rear backrests,
ensure that the front seats are moved forward
slightly and are in an upright position. Other‐ wise, the head restraint and screen could be
damaged.

◀
Press the button until the backrest is
folded all the way forward.
Folding the backrest back
Before anyone can be transported in the rear:
1. Put the rear seat backrests into their stand‐
ard position.
2. For the best possible individual seat posi‐
tion, adjust the inclination of the rear seat
backrest if necessary.
Adjust the standard position of the rear
seat backrest
Before transporting passengers in the rear and
adjusting

the rear seat backrest, set the rear seat
backrest to its basic position. Otherwise, the
rear seats may not effectively restrain passen‐
gers in an accident if the backrests are not ade‐
quately inclined.◀
Loading position
Press the button. The seat moves for‐
ward and the backrest moves to the ba‐
sic position. Comfortable seating is still possible
although knee clearance is reduced.
Basic position
Press and hold the button until the seat
stops automatically in its basic position.
Operation of the rear backrest was
deactivated
After a brief period, operation of the rear back‐
rest is deactivated to save battery power.
To reactivate operation:
▷ Open or close a door or the tailgate.
▷ Press a button on the remote control.
▷ Press the Start/Stop button. Seite 137
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

Navigation data
Information on the navigation data
1.
"Navigation"
2. Open "Options".
3. "Navigation system version": information on
the data version is displayed.
Updating the navigation data
General information
Navigation data and authorization codes are
available from your service center. Navigation
data are stored in the vehicle and can be up‐
dated.
▷ Depending on the data volume, a data up‐
date may take several hours.
▷ Update during the trip to preserve battery.
▷ During the update, only the basic functions
of the navigation system are available.
▷ The status of the update can be viewed.
▷ The system restarts after the update.
▷ The data carrier with the navigation data can
be removed after the update is complete.
Perform an update
1. Insert the navigation DVD into the DVD
player with the labeled side facing up.
2. Follow the instructions on the Control Dis‐
play.
3. Enter the authorization code of the naviga‐
tion DVD and change the DVD if needed.
After interrupting your trip, follow the instruc‐
tions on the Control Display.
Viewing the status
1. Press the button.
2. "Navigation update" What to do if...
▷
The current transmission position cannot be
displayed?
The vehicle is located in an unrecognized
region, is in a poor reception area, or the
system is currently determining the posi‐
tion. Reception is usually best when you
have an unobstructed view of the sky.
▷ The destination without street information is
not used for route guidance?
When

city has been input, no downtown can
be determined.
Input any street in the selected city and start
destination guidance.
▷ The destination is not used for route guid‐
ance?
The destination data is not contained in the
navigation data. Select a destination that is
as close as possible to the original.
▷ Letters for destination input cannot be se‐
lected?
The stored data do not contain the data of
the destination.
Select a goal that is as close as possible to
the original.
▷ Is the map displayed in shades of gray?
"Traffic conditions/gray map" Active: indi‐
cation on the control display is switched to
shades

of gray. This enables a better view of
the traffic bulletins.
▷ Spoken instructions are no longer output
during route guidance in front of intersec‐
tions?
The

area has not yet been fully recorded, or
you have left the recommended route and
the system requires a few seconds to cal‐
culate a new route suggestion.
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Navigation