2011 BMW 550I XDRIVE GT engine

▷
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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Controls At a glance

The selected air volume is shown on the display
of the automatic climate control.
Switching the system on/off
Switching off
At the lowest fan speed, press the left
side of the button on the driver's side.
Switching on
Press any button.
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.
Parked-car ventilation
The concept
The

parked-car ventilation ventilates the vehicle
interior and lowers its temperature, if necessary.
The system can be switched on and off directly
or by using two preset switch-on times. It re‐
mains switched on for 30 minutes.
They can be operated via iDrive.
Parked-car ventilation
Using the preset switch-on time or when oper‐
ated directly: any external temperature.
Open the vents to allow air to flow out.
Switching on/off directly
1. "Settings"
2. "Climate" 3.
"Activate parked-car vent." The symbol on the automatic climate control
flashes if the system is switched on.
The

system continues to run for some time after
being switched off.
Preselecting the switch-on time
1. "Settings"
2. "Climate"
3. "Timer 1:" or "Timer 2:"
4. Set the desired time.
Activating the switch-on time
1. "Settings"
2. "Climate"
3. "Activate Timer 1" or "Activate Timer 2" The symbol on the automatic climate control
lights up when the switch-on time is activated. The symbol on the automatic climate control
flashes
when the system has been switched on.
The system will only be switched on within the
next 24 hours. After that, it needs to reactivated.
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Climate control

Interior equipment
Integrated universal remote
control*
The concept
This system can replace up to three different
hand-held transmitters for various types of re‐
mote-controlled equipment, such as garage
doors or lighting systems.
The hand-held transmitter signal can be pro‐
grammed on one of the three memory buttons.
The
corresponding device can then be operated
using the programmed memory button.
The LED indicates that a signal is being trans‐
mitted.
When selling the vehicle, delete the stored pro‐
grams for security reasons.
During programming
During programming and before activat‐
ing a device using the universal remote control,
ensure that there are no people, animals, or ob‐
jects in the range of movement of the remote-
controlled device; otherwise, there is a risk of
injury or damage.
Also follow the safety instructions of the hand-
held transmitter.◀
Compatibility
If this symbol is printed on the packaging
or in the instructions of the hand-held
transmitter, the remote-controlled de‐
vice is generally compatible with the universal
remote control.
If you have any questions, please contact:
▷ Your service center.
▷ www.homelink.com on the Internet. Programming
▷
LED, arrow 1.
▷ Memory buttons, arrow 2.
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. Initial setup:
Press

both outer buttons 1 and 3 for approx.
20 seconds until the LED flashes.
All programs of the three memory buttons,
arrow 2, are cleared.
3. Hold the hand-held transmitter a distance of
approx.

2 to 8 in/5 to 20 cm from the memory
buttons.
4. Simultaneously press the transmit button of
the hand-held transmitter and the memory
button of the universal remote control.
The LED flashes slowly.
5. Release both buttons when the LED flashes
rapidly.
If

the LED does not flash rapidly after approx.
15 seconds, change the distance and repeat
the step.
The device can be operated using the memory
button with the engine running or the ignition
switched on.
Malfunction
If the device cannot be used after repeated at‐
tempts at programming, please check whether
the hand-held transmitter is equipped with an
alternating code system.
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Controls At a glance

To do so:
▷
Read the instructions of the hand-held
transmitter.
▷ Press the memory button of the universal
remote control for an extended period.
If the LED flashes rapidly for a brief period and
then lights up continuously for approx. 2 sec‐
onds, the hand-held transmitter is equipped
with an alternating code system.
In this case, program the memory buttons as
described under Alternating-code hand-held
transmitters.
Alternating-code hand-held
transmitters
Please obtain information on synchronizing the
device
in the operating manual of the device be‐
ing set up.
Programming will be easier with the aid of a sec‐
ond person.
1. Park the vehicle within range of the remote-
controlled device.
2. Program the universal remote control as de‐
scribed above under Fixed-code hand-held
transmitters.
3. Press and hold the programmed button on
the

interior rearview mirror for approx. 5 sec‐
onds until the device to be adjusted is acti‐
vated.
If the device does not become activated,
press and hold the button and watch the
LED:
▷ If the LED lights up continuously, the
programming is completed. The device
should

become activated when the but‐
ton is pressed briefly.
▷ If the LED flashes for approx. 2 seconds
and then lights up continuously, con‐
tinue the programming procedure be‐
ginning with step 4.
4. Locate the button on the receiver of the de‐
vice to be set, e.g., on the drive. 5.
Press the button on the receiver of the de‐
vice

to be set. You have approx. 30 seconds
for the next step.
6. Press the programmed memory button of
the universal remote control three times.
The device can be operated when the engine is
running or the ignition is switched on.
Reassigning individual programs
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. Hold the hand-held transmitter a distance of
approx.

2 to 8 in/5 to 20 cm from the memory
buttons.
3. Press the memory button of the universal
remote control.
4. If the LED flashes slowly after approx.
20 seconds, press the transmit button on
the hand-held transmitter.
5. Release both buttons when the LED flashes
rapidly.
If

the LED does not flash rapidly after approx.
15 seconds, change the distance and repeat
the step.
Deleting all stored programs
Press the left and right memory buttons for ap‐
prox. 20 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly.
All stored programs are deleted.
The programs cannot be deleted individually.
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Interior equipment

Ashtray/cigarette lighter*
Front
Opening
Press on the cover.
Emptying
Take out the insert.
Lighter
Push in the lighter.
The lighter can be removed as
soon as it pops back out.
Danger of burns
Only hold the hot lighter by its knob; oth‐
erwise, there is the danger of getting burned.
Switch
off the ignition and take the remote con‐
trol with you when leaving the vehicle so that
children cannot use the lighter and burn them‐
selves.◀ Rear
Opening
Press on the cover.
Emptying
Take out the insert.
Connecting

electrical devices
Sockets
The lighter socket can be used as a socket for
electrical equipment while the engine is running
or when the ignition is switched on. The total
load of all sockets must not exceed 140 Watt at
12 V.
Do not damage the socket by using unsuitable
connectors.
Front center console Press on the cover.
Remove the cover or cigarette lighter*.
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Controls At a glance

Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in period
General information
Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to
each other.
The following instructions will help achieve a
long vehicle life and good economy.
Engine and differential
Always obey the official speed limit.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:
▷
For gasoline engine, 4500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode for the initial
miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
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.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and discs. Drive moderately during this break-in
period.
Following part replacement
The same breaking in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components mentioned above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Closing the tailgate
Drive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, in the event of an accident or braking or
evasive maneuvers, passengers or other road
users

may be injured or the vehicle may be dam‐
aged. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter the
passenger compartment.◀
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:
▷ Close all windows and the glass sunroof*.
▷ Greatly increase the blower speed.
▷ Drive moderately.
Hot exhaust system Hot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. When driv‐
ing,

standing at idle and while parking, take care
to avoid possible contact between the hot ex‐
haust system and any highly flammable materi‐
als such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact
could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of serious
personal injury as well as property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise, there
is the danger of getting burned.◀ Seite 146
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Climate control windshield*
The marked area is not covered with heat re‐
flective coating.
Use this area for garage door openers, devices
for electronic toll collection, etc.
Climate
control laminated tinted safety
glass*
The vehicle glass provides full protection
against the harmful effects of UV radiation on the
skin.
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is advised that you do not use mobile commu‐
nication devices, e.g., mobile phones, inside the
vehicle without connecting them directly to the
external antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle elec‐
tronics and mobile communication devices can
interfere with each other. In addition, there is no
assurance that the radiation generated during
transmission will be discharged from the vehicle
interior.◀
Hydroplaning
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle. Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.

◀
Driving through water
Drive though calm water only if it is not deeper
than 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to 6 mph/10 km/h. Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐
tions
Do not exceed this water depth and walking
speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the elec‐
trical systems and the transmission may be
damaged.◀
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsiveness.
You can still avoid any obstacles with a minimum
of steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
Objects in the area around the pedals
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.◀ Seite 147
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Driving tips Controls At a glance

Driving in wet conditions
When
roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
road users.
The heat generated in this process helps dry the
brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear
in which the least braking is required. Otherwise,
the brake system may overheat, resulting in a
reduction in the brake system efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down in the manual mode of the auto‐
matic transmission, refer to page 73.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos‐
sibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking. In
addition, steering and brake assist is unavailable
with the engine stopped.◀
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination
on the brake pads are furthered by:
▷ Low mileage.
▷ Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.
▷ Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected. Condensation under the parked vehicle
When
using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops that exits underneath
the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are normal.
Loading
Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved carrying
capacity of the tires, never overload the vehicle.
Overloading can lead to overheating and in‐
creases the rate at which damage develops in‐
side the tires. This could result in a sudden loss
of tire inflation pressure.◀
No fluids in the trunk
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
trunk; otherwise, the vehicle may be damaged.◀
Determining the load limit 1.
Locate the following statement on your ve‐
hicle’s placard*:
▷The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to the ve‐
hicle

and unstable driving situations may
result.
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and

passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds. Seite 148
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Things to remember when driving