2011 BMW 550I GT 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.
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Wheels and tires

When using run-flat tires* or tire sealants, a tire
does
not need to be changed immediately in the
event of pressure loss due to a flat tire.
The tools for changing wheels are available as
accessories from your service center.
Jacking points for the vehicle jack The jacking points for the vehicle jack are lo‐
cated in the positions shown.
Lug bolt lock*
The lug bolt lock is in the tool kit or in a storage
compartment close to the tool kit.
▷
Lug bolt, arrow 1.
▷ Adapter, arrow 2. Removing
1.
Attach the adapter to the wheel lug.
2. Unscrew the lug bolt.
Remove the adapter after screwing the lug bolt
back on.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free, i.e., the elec‐
trolyte will last for the life of the battery.
Your

service center will be glad to advise you on
questions regarding the battery.
Battery replacement
Use approved vehicle batteries only.
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manufacturer;
otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged and
systems or functions may not be fully availa‐
ble.◀
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your service center
to ensure that all comfort functions are fully
available.
Charging the battery
In the vehicle, only charge the battery via the
terminals, refer to page 266, in the engine com‐
partment with the engine off.
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
needs to be reinitialized.
Individual settings need to be reprogrammed:
▷ Seat, mirror, and steering wheel memory:
store the positions again.
▷ Time: update.
▷ Date: update.
▷ Radio station: save again.
▷ Navigation system: wait for the operability of
the navigation. Seite 262
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Replacing components

Care
Car washes
Notes
Steam jets or high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, hold them a sufficient distance away
and use a maximum temperature of 140 ℉/
60 ℃.
Holding them too close or using excessively
high
pressures or temperatures can cause dam‐
age or preliminary damage that may then lead to
long-term damage.
Follow the operating instructions for the high-
pressure washer.◀
Cleaning sensors/cameras with high-
pressure washers
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the exterior sensors and cameras, e.g.,
Park Distance Control*, for extended periods of
time and only from a distance of at least 12 in/
30 cm.◀
Wash your vehicle frequently, particularly in win‐
ter.
Intense soiling and road salt can damage the ve‐
hicle.
Washing in automatic car washes
Your vehicle can be washed in automatic car
washes right from the start.
Give preference to cloth car washes or those
that use soft brushes in order to avoid paint
damage.
Notes
Note the following:
▷ Make sure that the wheels and tires are not
damaged by the transport mechanisms.
▷ Fold in the exterior mirrors; otherwise, they
may

be damaged, depending on the width of
the vehicle. ▷
Deactivate the rain sensor, refer to page 72,
to avoid unintentional wiper activation.
▷ In some cases, an unintentional alarm can be
triggered

by the interior motion sensor of the
alarm system*. Follow the instructions on
avoiding an unintentional alarm, refer to
page 45.
Guide rails in car washes
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher
than 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the vehicle body
could be damaged.

◀
Before driving into a car wash
The vehicle is able to roll when the following
steps are taken:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Engage transmission position N.
3. Release the parking brake, refer to page 67,
or deactivate Automatic Hold, refer to
page 69.
4. Switch the engine off.
Transmission
position P with the igni‐
tion off
When the ignition is switched off, position P
is engaged automatically. When in an auto‐
matic car wash, for example, ensure that the
ignition is not switched off accidentally.◀ The vehicle cannot be locked from the outside
when in transmission position N.
A

signal is sounded when an attempt is made to
lock the vehicle.
Transmission position
Transmission position P is engaged automati‐
cally:
▷ When the ignition is switched off.
▷ After approx. 15 minutes. Seite 269
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐
tem 99
ACC, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go 106
Activated-charcoal filter 130
Active Blind Spot Detec‐ tion 96
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, ACC 106
Active seat, front 52
Active seat ventilation, front 52
Active seat ventilation, rear 55
Active Steering, integral 102
Adaptive brake assistant 99
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 98
Adaptive drive 101
Adaptive light control 86
Adaptive
light control, bulb re‐
placement 259
Additional telephone 210
Additives, oil 254
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 49
Airbags 89
Airbags, indicator/warning light 90
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 128
Air distribution, manual 127
Air drying, refer to Cooling function 129
Air pressure, tires 243
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 130
Air volume, automatic climate control 128
Alarm system 44
Alarm, unintentional 45 All around the center con‐
sole 17
All around the headliner 18
All around the steering wheel 12
ALL program, automatic cli‐ mate control 129
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 249
All-wheel-drive 100
Alternating-code hand-held transmitter 134
Alternative oil types 254
AM/FM station 174
Announcement, navigation, refer to Spoken instruc‐
tions 163
Antifreeze, washer fluid 73
Antilock Brake System, ABS 99
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 99
Appointments 226
Approved engine oils 254
Apps 236
Armrest, refer to Center arm‐ rest 140
Arrival time 80
Ashtray 135
Assist 232
Assistance, Roadside Assis‐ tance 265
Assistance when driving off 99
Audio playback 181
Audio playback, Blue‐ tooth 196
AUTO intensity 128
Automatic car wash 269
Automatic climate con‐ trol 127
Automatic Cruise Control with Stop & Go 106 Automatic Curb Monitor
60
Automatic deactivation, front passenger airbags 90
Automatic headlamp con‐ trol 86
Automatic Hold 69
Automatic locking 39
Automatic recirculated-air control 128
Automatic Soft Closing, doors 39
Automatic Soft Closing, tail‐ gate 40
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 73
Automatic trunk lid 40
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 128
AUTO program, intensity 128
AUX-IN port 192
Average fuel consumption 79
Average speed 79
Axle loads, weights 275
B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 51
Backrest, seats 49
Backrest, width 51
Back seats, adjusting 53
Backup camera 119
Backup lamps, bulb replace‐ ment 261
Balance 172
Band-Aids, refer to First aid kit 265
Bar for tow-starting/tow‐ ing 267
Basic position, rear seats 54
Bass 172
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Everything from A to Z

Battery replacement, remote
control, rear entertain‐
ment 202
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 262
Battery replacement, vehicle remote control 32
Battery, vehicle 262
Before entering the car wash 269
Belts, safety belts 55
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 141
Blinds, sun protection 46
Bluetooth audio 196
BMW Apps 236
BMW Apps, video play‐ back 195
BMW Assist 232
BMW EfficientDynamics, refer to Saving fuel 150
BMW homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW Maintenance Sys‐ tem 256
BMW Online 234
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 141
Brake assistant 99
Brake assistant, adaptive 99
Brake discs, breaking in 146
Brake force display 98
Brake lamps, brake force dis‐ play 98
Brake lamps, bulb replace‐ ment 261
Brake lights, adaptive 98
Brake pads, breaking in 146
Braking, notes 147
Breakdown assis‐ tance 264, 265
Breaking in 146
Brightness of Control Dis‐ play 82
Bulb replacement 258
Bulb replacement, front 259
Bulb replacement, rear 260
Bulbs and lamps 258 Button, RES 108
Button, Start/Stop 66
Bypassing, refer to starting
aid 265
C
Calendar 226
California Proposition 65 Warning 7
Camera, backup camera 121
Camera, care 271
Camera, Side View 122
Camera, Top View 119
Can holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 141
Car battery 262
Car care products 270
Care, displays 271
Care, vehicle 270
Cargo 148
Cargo area 136
Cargo area, enlarging 136
Cargo area lid 39
Cargo area, storage compart‐ ments 142
Cargo partition 138
Cargo straps, securing cargo 149
Car key, refer to Remote con‐ trol 32
Carpet, care 271
Car wash 269
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 146
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 256
CD/DVD 181
CD/DVD player, rear 201
CDs, storing 188
Cell phone 210
Center armrest 140
Center console 17
Central locking system 35
Central
screen, refer to Control
Display 19
Changes, technical, refer to Safety 7 Changing parts
258
Changing wheels/tires 248
Check Control 83
Children, seating position 62
Children, transporting safely 62
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tem 62
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 63
Child restraint fixing systems, mounting 62
Child-safety locks 65
Child seat, mounting 62
Child seats 62
Chrome parts, care 270
Cigarette lighter 135
Cleaning, displays 271
Climate control 127
Climate control wind‐ shield 147
Clock 78
Closing/opening from in‐ side 38
Closing/opening via door lock 38
Closing/opening with remote control 36
Clothes hooks 141
Collision warning 112
Combination instrument 14
Combination
instrument, elec‐
tronic displays 16
Combination switch, refer to Turn signals 71
Combination switch, refer to Wiper system 71
Comfort Access 42
COMFORT program, Dynamic Driving Control 104
Computer 78
Concierge service 233
Condensation on win‐ dows 128
Condensation under the vehi‐ cle 148
Condition Based Service CBS 256
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Confirmation signal
37
Contacts 221, 230
Control Display 19
Control Display, settings 81
Controller 19
Control systems, driving sta‐ bility 99
Convenient opening 36
Coolant 254
Coolant temperature 77
Cooling function 129
Cooling, maximum 128
Cooling system 254
Corrosion on brake discs 148
Cruise control 113
Cruise control, active with Stop & Go 106
Cruising range 76
Cupholder 141
Curb weight 275
Current fuel consumption 77
Current location, storing 156
Customer Relations 235
D
Damage, tires 247
Damping control, dy‐ namic 101
Data, technical 274
Date 78
Daytime running lights 86
Defrosting, refer to Windows, defrosting 128
Destination distance 79
Destination guidance 161
Destination guidance with in‐ termediate destinations 160
Destination input, naviga‐ tion 154
Digital clock 78
Digital radio 175
Dimensions 274
Dimmable interior rearview mirror 61
Direction indicator, refer to Turn signals 71 Display in front wind‐
shield 125
Display,
instrument cluster 76
Display lighting, refer to Instru‐ ment lighting 88
Displays 14
Displays, cleaning 271
Disposal, coolant 255
Disposal, vehicle battery 263
Distance control, refer to PDC 115
Distance, selecting for ACC 107
Distance to destination 79
Divided screen view, split screen 23
Door lock, refer to Remote control 32
Doors, Automatic Soft Clos‐ ing 39
Downhill control 100
Drive-off assistant 99
Drive-off assistant, refer to DSC 99
Driving instructions, breaking in 146
Driving notes, general 146
Driving stability control sys‐ tems 99
Driving tips 146
DSC Dynamic Stability Con‐ trol 99
DTC Dynamic Traction Con‐ trol 100
DVD/CD 181
DVD/CD notes 187
DVD/CD player, rear 201
DVD changer 185
DVD settings 184
DVDs, storing 188
DVD, video 183
Dynamic Damping Con‐ trol 101
Dynamic destination guid‐ ance 167
Dynamic Drive 101
Dynamic Driving Control 103 Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 99
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 100
E
EfficientDynamics, refer to Saving fuel 150
Electronic displays, instru‐ ment cluster 16
Electronic engine oil level check 253
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to DSC 99
Emergency detection, remote control 33
Emergency release, door lock 38
Emergency release, fuel filler flap 240
Emergency release, parking brake 68
Emergency Request 264
Emergency service, refer to Roadside Assistance 265
Emergency start function, en‐ gine start 33
Emergency unlocking, tail‐ gate 42
Energy Control 77
Energy recovery 78
Engine compartment 251
Engine compartment, working in 251
Engine coolant 254
Engine oil 253
Engine oil, adding 253
Engine oil additives 254
Engine oil filler neck 253
Engine oil temperature 77
Engine oil types, alterna‐ tive 254
Engine oil types, ap‐ proved 254
Engine start during malfunc‐ tion 33
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Everything from A to Z

Engine start, refer to Starting
the engine 66
Engine start, Starting aid 265
Engine stop 67
Engine temperature 77
Equalizer 172
Equipment, interior 133
ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐ gram, refer to DSC 99
Exchanging wheels/tires 248
Exhaust system 146
Exterior
mirror, automatic dim‐
ming feature, dimmable exte‐
rior mirrors 60
Exterior mirrors 59
External devices 192
External start 265
External temperature dis‐ play 77
External temperature warn‐ ing 77
Eyes for securing cargo 149
F
Fader 172
Failure message, refer to Check Control 83
False alarm, refer to Uninten‐ tional alarm 45
Fan, refer to Air volume 128
Fault displays, refer to Check Control 83
Filler neck for engine oil 253
Fine wood, care 271
First aid kit 265
Fitting for towing, refer to Tow fitting 267
Flat tire, Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 92
Flat tire, warning lamp 93
Flat tire, wheel change 261
Flooding 147
Floor carpet, care 271
Floor mats, care 271
FM/AM station 174
Fold-out position, windshield wipers 73 Foot brake
147
Front airbags 89
Front fog lamps 88
Front
fog lamps, front, bulb re‐
placement 260
Front lamps 259
Front passenger airbags, au‐ tomatic deactivation 90
Front passenger airbags, indi‐ cator lamp 91
Front seats, adjusting 49
Fuel cap 240
Fuel consumption, current 77
Fuel consumption, refer to Average fuel consump‐
tion 79
Fuel filler flap 240
Fuel gauge 76
Fuel quality 242
Fuel, tank capacity 276
Fuse 263
G
Garage door opener, refer to Integrated universal remote
control 133
Gas station recommenda‐ tion 163
Gear change, automatic trans‐ mission 74
General driving notes 146
Glass sunroof, refer to Panor‐ amic glass sunroof 47
Glove compartment 139
GPS navigation, refer to Navi‐ gation system 154
Gross vehicle weight, ap‐ proved 275
Gross weight, permissible for trailer towing 275
H
Hand brake, refer to Parking brake 67
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐ nating code 134 Hazard warning flashers 264
HDC
Hill Descent Control 100
HD Radio 175
Head airbags 89
Headlamp control, auto‐ matic 86
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture 85
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture via remote control 36
Headlamp flasher 71
Headlamp glass 259
Headlamps 259
Headlamps, care 270
Headlamp washer system 71
Headliner 18
Headphones, rear entertain‐ ment 205
Head restraints 49
Head restraints, front 56
Head restraints, rear 57
Head-up Display 125
Head-up Display, care 271
Heavy cargo, stowing 149
Height, seats 49
Height with roof-mounted aer‐ ial, vehicle 274
High-beam Assistant 87
High beams 71
High beams/low beams, refer to High-beam Assistant 87
Hill Descent Control HDC 100
Hills 148
Hill start assistant, refer to Drive-off assistant 99
Hints 6
Holder for beverages 141
Homepage 6
Hood 251
Horn 12
Hotel function, tailgate 42
Hot exhaust system 146
House number, entering for navigation 155
Hydroplaning 147
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

I
Ice warning, refer to External
temperature warning 77
Icy roads, refer to External temperature warning 77
Identification marks, tires 246
Identification number, refer to Engine compartment 251
iDrive 19
Ignition key, refer to Remote control 32
Ignition off 66
Ignition on 66
Indication of a flat tire 93
Indicator and warning mes‐ sages 14
Indicator lamps 14
Individual air distribution 127
Individual settings, refer to Personal Profile 33
Inflation pressure, tires 243
Info display, refer to Com‐ puter 78
Information on the navigation data 168
Initialization, Integral Active Steering 102
Initializing,
Tire Pressure Mon‐
itor TPM 93
Instrument cluster 14, 76
Instrument cluster, electronic displays 16
Instrument lighting 88
Integral Active Steering 102
Integrated key 32
Integrated universal remote control 133
Intensity, AUTO program 128
Interactive map 158
Interior equipment 133
Interior lamps 88
Interior lamps via remote con‐ trol 36
Interior motion sensor 45
Interior rearview mirror 60
Interior rearview mirror, auto‐ matic dimming feature 61 Intermediate destinations
160
Internet page 6
Intersection, entering for navi‐ gation 155
Interval display, service re‐ quirements 82
iPod/iPhone 193
J
Jacking points for the vehicle jack 262
Jack,
refer to Vehicle jack 262
Joystick, automatic transmis‐ sion 74
K
Key/remote control 32
Keyless Go, refer to Comfort Access 42
Key Memory, refer to Personal Profile 33
Kickdown, automatic trans‐ mission 74
Knee airbag 89
L
Lamp replacement 258
Lamp replacement, front 259
Lamp replacement, rear 260
Lamps 85
Lamps and bulbs 258
Lane departure warning 95
Lane margin, warning 95
Language on Control Dis‐ play 82
Lashing eyes, securing cargo 149
LATCH child restraint fixing system 63
Leather, care 270
LEDs, light-emitting di‐ odes 259
Length, vehicle 275
Letters and numbers, enter‐ ing 24 License plate lamp, bulb re‐
placement 261
Light-alloy wheels, care 270
Light control 86
Light-emitting diodes, LEDs 259
Lighter, front 135
Lighting 85
Lighting
via remote control 36
Light switch 85
Load 149
Loading 148
Loading position 138
Lock, door 38
Locking/unlocking from in‐ side 38
Locking/unlocking via door lock 38
Locking/unlocking with re‐ mote control 36
Locking, automatic 39
Locking, central 35
Locking via tailgate 40
Lock, power window 46
Locks, doors, and win‐ dows 65
Low beams 85
Low beams, automatic, refer to High-beam Assistant 87
Lower back support 51
Lug bolt lock 262
Luggage rack, refer to Roof- mounted luggage rack 149
Lumbar support 51
M
Maintenance 256
Maintenance require‐ ments 256
Maintenance, service require‐ ments 82
Maintenance System, BMW 256
Malfunction displays, refer to Check Control 83
Malfunction, self-leveling sus‐ pension 103
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Everything from A to Z