steering BMW 550I 2006 Service Manual

Mobility
209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
When you mount wheels other than Genu-
ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
bolts may also be required.
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
5.Lower the vehicle and remove the jack from
beneath the vehicle.
After mounting
1.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
To ensure safety, always have the
lug bolts checked with a calibrated
torque wrench as soon as possible to
ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
fied torque. The tightening torque is
88.5 lb ft/120 Nm.<
2.When stowing the wheel and tools in the
vehicle, execute these steps in the reverse
order.
3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems and valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page88.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
The driving characteristics change, for example
reduced track stability on braking, extended
braking distance, and altered self-steering
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction
with winter tires, these characteristics are more
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. You should re-equip with
wheels and tires of the original size as quickly as
possible.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page212.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping
over during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings are also lost
and must be updated:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page45.
>Time and Date
The values must be updated, refer to
page80.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again if necessary,
refer to page150.
>Navigation system
Wait until the system starts, refer to
page141.

Giving and receiving assistance
214 Sedan:
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page203.
Sports Wagon:
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side
panel in the cargo area, refer to page203.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral
loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper: press on
the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page56, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. If the vehicle
electrical system fails, do not tow-start or tow
the vehicle. The electric steering-wheel lock
cannot be unlocked and the vehicle cannot be
steered. For information on jump starting, refer to page212. There is no power assistance with
the engine stopped. This then requires
increased effort for braking and steering. Active
steering is deactivated and larger steering
wheel movements are required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of
45 mph/70 km/h and a towing distance
of 90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox
Engage selector lever position N with the igni-
tion switched on.
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.

Mobility
215Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With tow truck for 525xi, 530xi
Do not tow the BMW with the front or rear
axle raised individually, otherwise the
wheels may block and the transfer case may be
damaged.<
The BMW may only be transported on a truck
bed.
Tow-starting
If the vehicle electrical system fails, do not
tow-start or tow the vehicle. The electric
steering-wheel lock cannot be unlocked and
the vehicle cannot be steered. Jump starting,
refer to page212.<
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission.Only tow-start vehi-
cles with a catalytic converter with the engine
cold. It is better to jump start the engine, refer to
page212.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on ignition, refer to page56.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. Vehicles with SMG, see
below.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch again completely.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox:
1.Tow-start in selector lever position N.
2.Select Sequential mode. The correct gear
will be selected and engaged automatically.
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent
Control of the 525xi, 530 xi during tow-
starting, refer to page86.<

Short commands of voice command system
226
Climate
menu
FunctionCommand
To adjust temperature distribution for front seat
heating48{Seat heater distribution}
To open "Vent settings"100{Vent settings}
To open "Automatic programs"99{Automatic programs}
To open "Parked car ventilation"102{Parked car operation}
To open "Automatic ventilation"102{Automatic ventilation}
To display activation times102{Activation time}
FunctionCommand
To open "Door locks"30, 32{Door locks}
To open "Steering wheel buttons"51 51{Steering wheel buttons}
To open "Lighting"62{Lighting}
To open "Communication settings"179{Communication settings}
To open "BMW Service settings"179{BMW Service settings}
To open "BMW Service"181{BMW service}
To open "Service requirements"75, 180{Service requirements}
To open "Service"75, 180{Service}
To display "Check Control messages"77{Check Control messages}
To open "Display settings"80{Display settings}
To open "Head-Up Display"92{Head-up display}
To activate speed limit79{Limit on}
To deactivate speed limit79{Limit off}
To set brightness of Control Display81{Brightness}
To open "Units"81{Units}
To open "Languages"82, 139{Language}
To open "Time"80{Time}
To open "Date"81{Date}
To open "PDC"83{
PDC}
To open "FTM"88{FTM}
To open "HDC"86{HDC}
To open "Entertainment settings"145{Entertainment settings}

227Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions, and
indicates where to find them
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System84
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control65
Acceleration assistant for
SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox61
Accessories6
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control77
Activated-charcoal filter102
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation102
Active cruise control65
– indicator lamp68
– radar sensor69
– selecting distance67
– warning lamps69
Active head restraints,
front47
Active seat49
Active seat ventilation49
Active steering89
– warning lamp89
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display89
Adaptive Head Light95
"Add digits" for mobile
phone172
"Address book" for
navigation132Address for navigation
– deleting133
– entering125,128
– selecting133
– storing132
– storing current position133
"Add to address book"132
"Add to destination
list"128,129
Adjusting active backrest
width45
Adjusting confirmation signals
for locking and unlocking31
Adjusting the thigh support44
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control145
Adjustment in audio mode
– front-to-rear146
– right/left balance146
"After door opened"46
"After unlocking"46
Airbags90
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp91
Air circulation, refer to Air
recirculation101
Air distribution
– automatic99
– manual100
Airing, refer to Ventilation101
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control101
– recirculated-air mode101
"Air recirculation on / off"51
Air vent outlets of automatic
climate control98
Air vents98
– refer to Ventilation101
Air volume100
AKI, refer to Fuel quality187Alarm system36
– avoiding unintentional
alarms37
– interior motion sensor37
– switching off the alarm37
– switching off the tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor37
– tilt alarm sensor37
All around the center
console14
All around the steering
wheel10
"All channels"154
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires195
"All stations" calling up with
radio148,151
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive85
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road140
"AM", reception
range144,148
Antenna for mobile phone166
Antifreeze
– coolant199
– washer fluid64
Antilock Brake System
ABS84
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system36
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system29
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof, electric41
– panorama glass sunroof42
– power windows39
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights221
Approved engine oils
198

Everything from A to Z
228 Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights221
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear109
Arrival time
– refer to Computer74
– refer to Starting destination
guidance136
"Arrow display" during
navigation137
Ashtray
– front107
– rear108
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist179
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems84
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control101
Audio144
– controls144
– switching on/off144
– tone control145
– volume145
"Audio", refer to Tone
control145
Automatic
– air distribution99
– air volume99
– garage door opener104
– headlamp control94
– service notification180
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit50
– storing stations149
– tailgate operation35
Automatically switching
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant95
Automatic car washes118
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control98
– automatic air distribution99
– switching off101Automatic curb monitor50
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control94
– refer to Daytime driving
lamps94
– refer to High-beam
assistant95
– refer to Interior lamps97
– refer to Pathway lighting94
Automatic low-beam function,
refer to High-beam
assistant95
"Automatic programs"99
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC101
Automatic station search149
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– deactivating selector lever
interlock62
– interlock61
– kick-down61
– selector lever interlock61
– shiftlock61
– sport program62
– tow starting214
– tow-starting215
– with comfort access38
"Automatic ventilation"102
AUTO program for automatic
climate control99
"Autostore" on the
radio148,150
Average fuel consumption73
– setting the units81
Average speed, refer to
Computer73
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation135
"Avoid highways" for
navigation135
Avoiding freeways for
navigation135
Avoiding unintentional
alarms37
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation135Axle loads, refer to
Weights221
"A - Z"172
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backrest width adjustment44
Backup lamps, refer to
Reverse gear59
– replacing bulbs205
"Balance", refer to Tone
control146
Balance, refer to Tone
control146
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit212
"Bass", refer to Tone
control146
Bass, refer to Tone
control145
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery209
– jump starting212
Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort
access39
– vehicle battery209
Battery replacement, remote
control with comfort
access39
Being towed214
Belts, refer to Safety belts47
Beverage holder, refer to
Cup holders107
Blower, refer to Air
volume100
"BMW Assist"181
BMW Assist179
– enabling179
– services offered180
"BMW Contact"183
"BMW Contact
Numbers"183
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system201

Reference 229
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"BMW Service"181
"BMW Service settings"180
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders107
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control84
Brake fluid199
– warning lamp199
Brake force display89
Brake lamps
– brake force display89
– replacing bulbs205
Brake pads200
– breaking-in116
Brake rotors118
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System84
– brake fluid199
– brake force display89
– brake pads200
– breaking-in116
– handbrake58
– warning lamps13
Brake system116,199
– brake fluid level199
– brake pads116,200
– breaking-in116
– disc brakes118
– warning lamp199
Braking
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control84
– DBC Dynamic Brake
Control84
– electronic brake-force
distribution84
– refer to Braking safely117
Braking safely117
Breakdown assistance181
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance212
Breaking-in the clutch116
Breaking-in the
differential116
Break-in period116
"Brightness"81Brightness of Control
Display81
Button for starting engine56
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California laws
– Event Data Recorders202
California Proposition 65
Warning5
"Call"172
Call
– accepting171
– displaying accepted173
– ending171
– in absence173
– starting171
Calling
– from phone book172
– from Top 8 list173
– redialing173
– refer to telephone owner's
manual
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders107
Capacities222
Capacity
– of cargo area221
– of luggage
compartment221
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery209
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car data"74
Care202
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo
– refer to Loading118
– securing120
– securing with ski bag110Cargo area
– capacity221
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually35
– increasing111
– opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate35
– opening from inside35
– opening from outside35
– opening with remote
control31
Cargo area cover, Sports
Wagon111
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control
28
Car phone166
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest106
– refer to Mobile phone166
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Car radio, refer to Radio148
Car wash118
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– with comfort access39
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system116
"Categories"154
CBC Cornering Brake
Control84

Everything from A to Z
232 Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
Door locking, acknowl-
edgment signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades192
Draft-free ventilation101
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders107
Drive mode60
"Driver's door only"30
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams94
Driving notes116
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route137
Driving stability control
systems84
Driving through water117
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes116
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function100
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function100
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control84
– indicator lamp13,85
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control85
– activating85
– indicator lamp13,85
DVD for navigation124
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC84
Dynamic Drive87
Dynamic Driving Control60
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC84
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC85
E
Easy entry/exit50
– backrest width45
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player144
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof, electric41
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof42
– tailgate35
Electric steering wheel
adjustment50
Electronic brake-force
distribution84
Electronic oil level check197
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control84
Emergency call211
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof42
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission62
– tailgate35
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment34
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance212
"Emission inspect."76
"Enable services"180
"End call"171
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control73
Energy Control73Engine
– breaking-in116
– data218
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature72
– speed218
– starting57
– starting, comfort access37
– starting difficulties57
– switching off57
Engine compartment197
Engine coolant199
Engine oil
– adding198
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils198
– approved engine oil198
– checking oil level197
– electronic oil level check197
"Engine oil level"198
Engine output, refer to Engine
data218
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature72
Engine speed218
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine57
"Enter address"125,132
Entering destination via town/
city name126
Entering the
address125,128
Entering the intersection127
Entering town/city for
navigation126
Entering zip code for
navigation127
"Entertainment"144
"Entertainment
settings"145,152
Entertainment sound output
on/off145
Entry map for destination129
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control147
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control147
"ESN"154

Everything from A to Z
234 Grills, refer to Ventilation101
Grills of the automatic climate
control98
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights221
H
Halogen lamps204
Handbrake58
– indicator lamp13,58
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight106
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14
Hazard warning flashers15
HD, refer to High Definition
Radio152
"HDC"86
HDC Hill Descent Control86
"HDC on"86
"HDC on / off"51
Head airbags90
Headlamp control,
automatic94
Headlamp flasher62
Headlamps94
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system63
– replacing bulbs204
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light95
Head restraints46
– front head restraints,
active47
– sitting safely43
"Head-Up Display"92,93
Head-Up Display92
Heated
– mirrors49
– rear window100
– seats48
– steering wheel50Heating98
– exterior mirrors49
– interior98
– rear window100
– residual heat101
– seats48
– steering wheel50
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat101
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo120
Height, refer to
Dimensions219
Height adjustment
– seats44
– steering wheel50
High-beam assistant95
High beams95
– headlamp flasher
95
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs204
High Definition Radio152
Highs, refer to Tone
control145
High water, refer to Driving
through water117
Hill Descent Control HDC86
Hills118
Holder for cups107
"Home address" in
navigation134
Homepage4
Hood196
Horn10
Hot exhaust system116
"Hour memo"81
"House number" for desti-
nation entry128
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control84
Hydroplaning117
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio152
Ice, refer to Outside temper-
ature warning72
ID3 tag, refer to Information on
track159
iDrive16
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control
with expanded scope99
– changing date and time80
– changing language82
– changing menu page19
– changing settings80
– changing units of measure
and display type81
– confirming selection or
entry19
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus17
– selecting menu item19
– setting brightness81
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols18
Ignition56
– switched off56
– switched on56
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness56
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on56
Ignition lock56
– starting engine with comfort
access38
Independent ventilation, refer
to Parked car ventilation102

Reference 235
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator/warning lamps
– active steering89
– airbags91
– brake fluid199
– brake pads200
– DSC13,85
– DTC13,85
– Flat Tire Monitor88
– fog lamps13
– safety belt warning47
Indicator and warning
lamps13
Individual air distribution100
Individually programmable
buttons on steering
wheel51
Individual settings, refer to
Personal Profile29
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure188
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor87
Information
– on another location130
– on country130
– on current position130
– on destination location130
"Information" for
navigation131
"Information on
destination"132
"Initializing..."88
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor88
– radio, refer to Storing
stations150
– refer to Power failure209
– refer to Setting time and
date80
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory45
"Input map"130
Installation location
– CD changer161
– mobile phone106
– navigation drive124
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions139Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer
to Instrument lighting97
Instrument lighting97
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control
104
Interesting destination for
navigation130
"Interim time"80
Interior lamps97
– switching on with remote
control31
Interior motion sensor37
– switching off37
Interior rearview mirror50
– automatic dimming
feature117
Interlock on automatic
transmission61
Intermittent mode of the
wipers63
J
Jacking points208
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting212
Jump starting212
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
access37
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort access37
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile29
"Keypad"174
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile29Kick-down
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox60
Knock control187
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams94
Lamps and bulbs203
"Languages"82
"Languages" for
navigation139
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo120
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list131
"Last seat pos."46
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system54
Length, refer to
Dimensions219
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs206
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs206
Lighter108
Lighter socket108
"Lighting"63,94
Lighting
– instruments97
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps94
– refer to High-beam
assistant95
Light switch94
"Limit"79
Loading
– securing cargo120
– stowing cargo119
– vehicle118
"Lock after driving off"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33