2011 BMW 550I XDRIVE GT ignition

▷
Adjust the volume settings on the device.
Playback is disturbed when buttons are pressed
or by other messages on the device.
▷ Switch off the button tones and other signal
tones on the device.
Playback is interrupted by a telephone call or
traffic bulletin and is not resumed automatically.
▷ Switch the radio off and on again.
Playback is not possible if the mobile phone is
connected
both via Bluetooth Audio and via the
extended connectivity of the music player in the
mobile phone*.
▷ Disconnect one of the two connections; for
example, disconnect the audio connection,
refer to page 198, and restart playback.
If all points in this list have been checked and the
required function is still not available, please
contact the hotline or service center.
Software Update*
The vehicle supports various external devices
depending

on the current software version. With
a software update, the vehicle can support new
cell phones* or new external devices*.
The updating of the software is done via:
▷ USB*.
Updates and related current information is
available at www.bmw.com/update.
▷ TeleService*.
Existing

software can be updated directly via
the vehicle.
Displaying the current version
The currently installed software is displayed.
1. "Settings"
2. "Software update"
3. "Show current version"
SelectDesired version* to displayAdditional in‐
formation*.
Updating software via USB

*
The software may only be updated when the ve‐
hicle is stationary. 1.
Store the file for the software-update in the
main director of a USB flash drive.
2. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB in‐
terface of the USB audio interface in the
center armrest. An update via the USB in‐
terface

in the glove compartment is not pos‐
sible.
3. "Settings"
4. "Software update"
5. "Update software" 6.
If necessary. "USB".
7. "Start update"
8. "OK"
All listed software updates are installed.
Updating software via

TeleService*
The software may only be updated when the ve‐
hicle is stationary.
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. "Settings"
3. "Software update"
4. "Update software"
5. If necessary "TeleService".
6. If necessary, "Start update".
7. "Start update"
8. "OK"
All listed software updates are installed.
To interrupt updating:
"Cancel".
Restoring the previous version
If it should become necessary, the software ver‐
sion prior to the last software update can be re‐
stored.
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Reference Mobility Communication
Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Rear entertainment*
Controls
1
Screen, left
2 Screen, right
3 Center armrest, remote control
4 CD/DVD player
Rear CD/DVD player 1
CD/DVD slot
2 Eject CD/DVD
3 On/off, right
4 Headphone connection, right
5 RCA sockets
6 Headphone connection, left
7 On/off, left
Switching the system on/off Press the left or right side of the button
on the CD/DVD player in the rear for the
respective page. Rear entertainment and screens are switched
on/off.
After

switching off the ignition, the system must
be switched on again.
Screens
Adjusting
Danger of burns when screen is folded out
Do not reach behind the screen; other‐
wise, there is the danger of getting burned. The
back of the screen can become very hot.◀ ▷
To fold out: pull at the bottom edge.
▷ To fold in: press against the bottom edge.
Notes
▷ Do not cover lower screen edge, since this
is where the sensors and the infrared inter‐
face are installed.
▷ When loading the rear seats and adjusting
the backrest of the front seat, fold in the
screens.
▷ When using the through-loading system,
fold the screens down.
▷ When cleaning the screen, follow the care
instructions, refer to page 271. Seite 201
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Reference Mobility Communication
Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Telephone*
At a glance
The concept
Mobile
phones or other external devices such as
audio players can be connected to the vehicle
via Bluetooth.
After these devices are paired once, they are
recognized automatically when the ignition is
switched on as soon as they are inside the ve‐
hicle and can be operated via iDrive, the buttons
on the steering wheel, and via voice activation*.
Depending on their functionality, external devi‐
ces can be used via the vehicle as a telephone
or as an audio source.
The telephone functions are described in the
following. Operating the audio functions, refer to
page 196.
Up to four external devices can be paired.
Certain functions may need to be enabled by the
mobile phone provider or service provider.
Using the mobile phone while driving
Make entries only when traffic and road
conditions allow. Do not hold the mobile phone
in your hand while you are driving; use the
hands-free system instead. If you do not ob‐
serve this precaution, you can endanger the ve‐
hicle occupants and other road users.◀
Snap-in adapter*
The snap-in adapter is used to:
▷ Hold the mobile phone.
▷ Recharge the battery.
▷ Connect the mobile phone to an outside an‐
tenna of the vehicle.
This provides for better network reception
and consistent sound quality.
Approved mobile phones
Details on which mobile phones and external
devices with a Bluetooth interface are sup‐
ported by the mobile phone preparation pack‐ age can be obtained at www.bmwusa.com/blue‐
tooth.
Displaying the vehicle identification
number and software part number
The vehicle identification number and software
part
number are needed to determine which mo‐
bile phones are supported by the mobile phone
preparation package. The software version of
the mobile phone may also be required.
1. "Telephone"
2. Open "Options".
3. "Bluetooth® info"
4. "Display system information"
These approved mobile phones with a certain
software version, support the vehicle functions
described below.
Malfunctions may occur with other mobile
phones or software versions.
Do

not operate a mobile phone that is connected
to the vehicle on the mobile phone keypad, as
this may lead to a malfunction.
A software update can be performed if neces‐
sary.
Pairing/unpairing the mobile
phone
General information
The following functions are available:
▷ Use of a mobile phone as a telephone.
▷ Use of a mobile phone as an additional tele‐
phone.
▷ Use of a mobile phone as an audio source.
▷ Use of an audio device as an audio source,
refer to page 196.
Requirements
▷ The mobile phone is suitable.
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Telephone

▷
The mobile phone is ready for operation.
▷ Bluetooth is activated in the vehicle and on
the mobile phone.
▷ Bluetooth presettings may need to be made
on the mobile phone, e.g., for a connection
without
confirmation or visibility, refer to the
mobile phone operating instructions.
▷ Deactivate Bluetooth audio if necessary.
▷ A number with at least four and a maximum
of 16 digits was defined as the Bluetooth
passkey. It is only required once for pairing.
▷ The ignition is switched on.
Activating/deactivating Bluetooth
Bluetooth
is not permitted everywhere. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regulations.
1. "Telephone"
2. Open "Options".
3. "Bluetooth®"
Additional functions
General information
Activate the functions before pairing to be able
to use them in the vehicle. Information on suit‐
able

mobile phones, refer to page 210, that sup‐
port these functions.
Additional telephone
A mobile phone can be used as an additional
telephone.
The additional telephone can be used to accept
incoming calls, refer to page 214. While a call is
active on the additional telephone, incoming
calls are displayed on the Control Display.
Audio source
A mobile phone can be used as an audio source.
Activating/deactivating the additional
functions
1. "Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)" 3.
Open "Options".
4. Select the desired additional function.
▷"Additional telephone"
▷ "Office"
▷ "Bluetooth® audio"
Pairing and connecting a device Pairing a device
To

avoid becoming distracted and posing
an unnecessary hazard both to your own vehi‐
cle's occupants and to other road users, only
pair the device while the vehicle is stationary.◀
Pair the vehicle entirely on the front or rear Con‐
trol Display.
1. "Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)"
3. "Add new phone"
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle is dis‐
played.
4. To perform additional steps on the mobile
phone, refer to the mobile phone operating
instructions:

for instance, search for or con‐
nect the Bluetooth device or a new device.
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle appears
on the mobile phone display.
5. Select the Bluetooth name of the vehicle on
the mobile phone display.
Prompt

via iDrive or the mobile phone to en‐
ter the same Bluetooth passkey.
6. Enter the passkey and confirm. 7.
Select the functions for which the mobile
phone is to be used.
8. "OK" Seite 211
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Reference Mobility
Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

If the pairing was successful, the mobile phone
appears at the top of the list of mobile phones.
The functions supported by the mobile phone
and
audio device are displayed as symbols when
paired.
White symbol: the function is active.
Gray symbol: the function is inactive. Symbol Function
Telephone.
Additional telephone.

Audio source. Four devices can be paired with the vehicle at
once.

Three devices can be connected with the
vehicle at once.
If pairing was unsuccessful: What to do if..., refer
to page 212.
Following the initial pairing
▷ The mobile phone is detected/connected in
the vehicle within a short period of time
when

the engine is running or the ignition is
switched on.
▷ The phone book entries of the telephone
stored

on the SIM card* or mobile phone are
transmitted to the vehicle after detection,
depending on the mobile phone.
▷ Four devices can be paired.
▷ Specific settings may be necessary in some
mobile phones, e.g., authorization or a se‐
cure connection; refer to the mobile phone
operating instructions.
Connecting a specific device
If
more than one device is detected by the vehi‐
cle, the device at the top of the list is connected.
A different device can be connected by select‐
ing it.
1. "Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)"
3. Select the device that is to be connected. The functions that were assigned to the device
before unpairing are assigned to the device
when it is reconnected. If the device is already
connected, these functions are deactivated.
Configuring the devices
Additional functions can be activated or deacti‐
vated for paired and connected devices.
1.
"Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)"
3. Highlight the device to be configured.
4. Open "Options".
5. "Configure phone"
6. At least one function must be selected.
▷"Telephone"
▷ "Additional telephone"
▷ "Audio"
7. "OK"
If a function is assigned to a device, the function
will be deactivated where appropriate for a de‐
vice

that is already connected and the device will
be unpaired.
Swapping the telephone and additional
telephone
The function of the telephone and additional tel‐
ephone can be swapped automatically.
1. "Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)"
3. "Swap phone/addit. phone"
Unpairing a device
1. "Telephone"
2. "Bluetooth® (phone)"
3. Highlight the device that is to be unpaired.
4. Open "Options".
5. "Remove phone from list"
What to do if...
Information on suitable mobile phones, refer to
page 210.
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Telephone

2.
"Received calls" Calling a number from the list
Selecting an entry.
The connection is established.
Saving an entry in the contacts
1.
Highlight the entry.
2. Open "Options".
3. "Store as new contact" or "Add to existing
contact"
4. Select "New phone number" or contact.
5. Select the type of number: "Home",
"Business", "Mobile" or "Other"
6. Complete the entries if necessary.
7. If necessary, "Store contact in vehicle".
Hands-free system
General information
Calls that are being made on the hands-free
system can be continued on the mobile phone
and vice versa.
From the mobile phone to the hands-
free system
Calls that were begun outside of the Bluetooth
range of the vehicle can be continued on the
hands-free system with the ignition switched
on.
Depending

on the mobile phone, the system au‐
tomatically switches to the hands-free system.
If the system does not switch over automatically,
follow the instructions on the mobile phone dis‐ play; refer also to the mobile phone operating
instructions.
From the hands-free system to the
mobile phone
Calls that are made on the hands-free system
can in some cases be continued on the mobile
phone; this depends on the mobile phone.
Follow

the instructions on the mobile phone dis‐
play; refer also to the mobile phone operating
instructions.
Voice operation*
Vehicles equipped with the voice activation sys‐
tem: operation, refer to page 25.
Vehicles not equipped with the voice activation
system: depending on the equipment, the mo‐
bile phone can be voice operated as described
below.
The list of short commands in the operating
manual does not apply to this type of voice op‐
eration.
The concept
▷ The mobile phone can be operated without
taking your hands from the steering wheel.
▷ In many cases, the entries are accompanied
by announcements or questions.
▷ ›...‹ Verbal instructions for voice operation.
Using voice activation
Activating the voice activation system
1. Briefly press the button on the
steering wheel.
2. Say the command.
Terminating the voice activation
system Briefly

press the button on the steering
wheel or ›Cancel‹. Seite 217
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Reference Mobility
Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

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

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