2011 BMW 550I GT ECU

2.
Press the release handle and open the hood. 3.
Be careful of protruding parts on the hood. Danger of injury when the hood is open
There
is a danger of injury from protruding
parts when the hood is open.◀
Closing the hood Let the hood drop from a height of approx. 16 in/
40 cm and push down on it to lock it fully.
The hood must audibly engage on both sides.
Hood open when driving
If you see any signs that the hood is not
completely

closed while driving, pull over imme‐
diately and close it securely.◀ Danger of pinching
Make sure that the closing path of the
hood is clear; otherwise, injuries may result.◀ Seite 252
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Engine compartment

Disposing of old batteries
Have old batteries disposed of by your
service center or bring them to a recy‐
cling center.
Maintain the battery in an upright position for
transport and storage. Secure the battery so
that it does not tip over during transport.
Fuses
Notes
Replacing fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do
not replace a defective fuse with a substitute
of another color or amperage rating; this could
lead to a circuit overload, ultimately resulting in
a fire in the vehicle.◀
Plastic tweezers and information on the fuse
types and locations are stored in the fuse box in
the cargo area.
In the glove compartment Push the handle up, arrow 1, and open the lid,
arrow 2. In the cargo area
Open the cover on the right side trim.
Information on the fuse types and locations is
found on a separate sheet.
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Tow truck
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body
and chassis parts; otherwise, damage may
result.◀
Tow-starting
Note
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Due to the automatic transmission, the engine
cannot be started by tow-starting.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties rem‐
edied.
Towing other vehicles
General information
Light towing vehicle
Your vehicle must not be lighter than the
vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will not be
possible to control vehicle response.◀
Attaching the tow bar/tow rope correctly
Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting; connecting it to other vehicle parts may
cause damage.◀
▷ Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.
▷ If the electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed by placing
a sign or a warning triangle in the rear win‐
dow. Towing methods when towing other
vehicles
Tow bar
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe
the following:
▷
Maneuvering capability is limited during cor‐
nering.
▷ The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is secured with an offset.
Tow rope
When
starting to tow the vehicle, make sure that
the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on
the vehicle components when towing, always
use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fit‐
ting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is se‐
cured on other parts of the vehicle.◀
Tow fitting The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front

or rear of the BMW. It is located in the tool
kit under the cargo area floor.
Tow fitting, information on use
▷Use only the tow fitting provided with
the vehicle and screw it all the way in. Seite 267
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

When cleaning rubber seals, do not use any sil‐
icon-containing car care products in order to
avoid damage or reduced noise damping.
Fine wood parts*
Clean fine wood facing and fine wood compo‐
nents
only with a moist rag. Then dry with a soft
cloth.
Plastic components
These include:
▷ Imitation leather surfaces.
▷ Headliner.
▷ Lamp lenses.
▷ Instrument cluster cover.
▷ Matte black spray-coated components.
Clean with a microfiber cloth.
Moisten the cloth lightly and use plastic
cleanser, if necessary.
Do not soak the headliner.
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol
or solvents
Do

not use cleansers that contain alcohol or sol‐
vents, such as lacquer thinners, heavy-duty
grease removers, fuel, or such; this could lead to
surface damage.◀
Safety belts
Dirty belt straps impede the reeling action and
thus have a negative impact on safety.
Chemical cleaning
Do not clean chemically; this can destroy
the webbing.◀
Use only a mild soapy solution, with the safety
belts clipped into their buckles.
Do not allow the reels to retract the safety belts
until they are dry. Floor carpets and floor mats*
No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only

use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be properly fixed in place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again after they were removed for cleaning, for
example.◀
Floor mats can be removed from the passenger
compartment for cleaning.
If the floor carpets are very dirty, clean with a
microfiber cloth and water or a textile cleaner. To
prevent matting of the carpet, rub back and forth
in the direction of travel only.
Sensors/cameras
To clean sensors and cameras, use a cloth mois‐
tened with a small amount of glass cleaner.
Displays/screens
Clean the displays with a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning displays
Do not use chemical or household cleans‐
ers.
Keep all fluids and moisture away from the unit.
Otherwise, they could affect or damage surfa‐
ces or electrical components.
Avoid pressing too hard when cleaning and do
not use abrasive materials; otherwise, damage
can result.◀
Long-term vehicle storage
Your service center can advise you on what to
consider when storing the vehicle for longer
than three months. Seite 271
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

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

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

PDC Park Distance Con‐
trol 115
Pedestrian detection, refer to Night Vision 122
People detection, refer to Night Vision 122
Permissible axle load 275
Personal information 221
Personal Profile 33
Phone 210
Pinch
protection system, glass
sunroof 48
Pinch protection system, win‐ dows 45
Plastic, care 271
PlugIn 237
Position, storing 156
Postal code, entering in navi‐ gation 154
Power failure 262
Power windows 45
Pressure, tire air pres‐ sure 243
Profile, refer to Personal Pro‐ file 33
Programmable memory but‐ tons, iDrive 23
Protective function, glass sun‐ roof 48
Protective function, win‐ dows 45
Push-and-turn switch, refer to Controller 19
R
Radiator fluid 254
Radio 174
Radio-operated key, refer to Remote control 32
Radio ready state 66
Rain sensor 72
Random 182
Random playback 182
RDS 175
Reading out loud 228
Rear automatic climate con‐ trol 131 Rear axle steering 102
Rear entertainment 201
Rear lamps 260
Rear seats, adjusting
53
Rear seats, basic position 54
Rear sockets 136
Rear source, selecting for rear entertainment 204
Rearview mirror 59
Rear window defroster 129
Recirculated-air mode 128
Recommended tire brands 248
Refueling 240
Remaining range 76
Reminders 227
Remote control/key 32
Remote control, malfunc‐ tion 37
Remote control, rear enter‐ tainment 202
Remote
control, universal 133
Replacement fuse 263
Replacing parts 258
Replacing wheels/tires 248
Reporting safety defects 8
RES button 108
Reserve warning, refer to Range 76
Resetting, Tire Pressure Mon‐ itor TPM 93
Residual heat, automatic cli‐ mate control 129
Retaining straps, securing cargo 149
Retreaded tires 248
Roadside Assistance 233
Roadside parking lamps 86
Roller sunblinds 46
Roll stabilization, refer to Adaptive Drive 101
Roll stabilization, refer to Dy‐ namic Drive 101
Roof load capacity 275
Roof-mounted luggage rack 149
Rope for tow-starting/tow‐ ing 267 Route 162
Route criteria, route 161
Route, displaying
162
Routes, avoiding 162
Route
section, bypassing 163
RSC Runflat System Compo‐ nent, refer to Run-flat
tires 249
Rubber components, care 270
Run-flat tires 249
S
Safe braking 147
Safety 7
Safety belt reminder 56
Safety belts 55
Safety belts, care 271
Safety switch, windows 46
Safety systems, airbags 89
Satellite radio 176
Saving fuel 150
Scale, changing during navi‐ gation 164
Screen, refer to Control Dis‐ play 19
Screwdriver 258
Screw thread for tow fit‐ ting 268
Seat belts, refer to Safety belts 55
Seat heating, front 52
Seat heating, rear 54
Seating position for chil‐ dren 62
Seat, mirror, and steering wheel memory 58
Seats 49
Seats, rear, adjusting 53
Seat ventilation, front 52
Seat ventilation, rear 55
Selection list in instrument cluster 78
Selector lever, automatic transmission 74
Self-leveling suspension, air suspension 102
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Everything from A to Z