cooling BMW 550I 2006 Owners Manual

At a glance
15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Microphone for handsfree mode
for telephone
*
and for voice command system*22
2Reading lamps97
3Initiating
an emergency call211
4Interior lamps97
5Glass sunroof, electric
*40
Panorama glass sunroof
*41
6Passenger airbag status lamp91
7Control Display16
Displays for menu navigation
8Hazard warning flashers
9Central locking system32
10Automatic climate control98
11Changing
>radio station144
>track144
12Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*124
>audio CD14413Drive for navigation DVDs
*124
14Drive for audio CDs144
15Switching Entertainment sound output on/
off and adjusting volume144
17Controller16
Turn, press or move horizontally in four
directions
18Activating voice command system
*22
19Opening start menu on Control Display17
20Dynamic Driving Control
*60 Temperature setting, left/right99
Automatic air distribution and
volume99
Cooling function100
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control101
Maximum cooling100
Residual heat mode101
Switching off automatic climate
control101
Air volume100
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation100
Rear window defroster98
16
Heated seats*48
Active seat ventilation
*49
Active backrest width
adjustment
*45
Active seat
*49
PDC Park Distance Control
*83
DTC Dynamic Traction Control85

Controls
49Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Active seat ventilation*
The system progresses one step through the
control sequence each time you press the but-
ton.
To switch off: press the button longer.
The highest position with three LEDs is
used for rapid cooling, e.g. when the vehi-
cle has gotten heated up. After a short time, the
system is automatically switched down one
position in order to prevent excessive cooling.<
Active seat*
The seat cushion is actively varied by alter-
nately raising and lowering the right and left half
of the seat cushion. This reduces muscular ten-
sion and fatigue to help prevent lower back
pain.
Press the button to switch on; the LED lights
up.
If you switch off the active seat, it can take up to
1 minute before the two halves of the seat
cushion have returned to their initial position.
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The mirror on the passenger's side is
more curved than the driver's mirror.
Objects reflected in the mirror are closer than
they appear. Do not estimate the distance of
following traffic based what you see in the mir-
rors, otherwise there is an increased accident
risk.<
1Adjustments
2Switching to the other mirror or to the auto-
matic parking function, refer to Tilting down
passenger-side exterior mirror on page50
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat, mir-
ror and steering wheel memory on page45.
Manual adjustment
You can also adjust the mirrors manually by
pressing against the outer edges of their mirror
glass.
Folding mirrors in and out
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this
vehicle from being damaged, always fold
them in by hand before entering an automatic
car wash.<
Automatic heating
Both exterior mirrors are automatically heated
with the engine running or the ignition switched
on.

Climate
98
Climate
Automatic climate control
1Airflow directed toward the windshield and
side windows
2Air for the upper body region, refer to
Front ventilation on page101
3Air to footwell
4Temperature, left side of passenger
compartment
5Maximum cooling
6Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
7Air volume, manual
8Switching off automatic climate control9Switching cooling function on and off
manually
10Temperature, right side of passenger
compartment
11Residual heat mode
12AUTO program
13AUC Automatic recirculated-air control/
recirculated-air mode
14LED for parked car ventilation
*
15Rear window defroster
16Air grill for interior temperature sensor –
please keep clear and unobstructed

Controls
99Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The current setting for air distribution is dis-
played on the Control Display.
A congenial climate
The AUTO program offers the optimum air dis-
tribution and air volume for virtually all condi-
tions, refer to AUTO program below. Now you
only need to select an interior temperature
pleasant to you.
The following sections contain more detailed
information on the available setting options.
Most settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use, also refer to Personal Profile
settings on page29.
AUTO program
The AUTO program handles the
adjustment of air distribution to the
windshield and side windows, in
the direction of the upper body, and in the foot-
well, as well as the air volume. It also adapts
your instructions for the temperature to outside
influences throughout the year.
The cooling is switched on automatically with
the AUTO program. At the same time, a con-
densation sensor controls the program in such
a way that window condensation is prevented
as much as possible.
Intensity of the AUTO program
To meet your individual needs, you can weaken
or strengthen the intensity of the automatic cli-
mate control.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the left to open
"Climate".3.Select "Automatic programs" and press the
controller.
4.Select the desired intensity and press the
controller.
The marked intensity of the automatic
program is switched on.
Temperature
Set the desired temperature indi-
vidually on the driver's and front
passenger side.
The automatic climate control
adjusts this temperature as quickly as possible
at any time of year, if necessary with the maxi-
mum cooling or heating capacity, and then
keeps it constant.
When switching between different tem-
perature settings in rapid succession, the
automatic climate control does not have suffi-
cient time to adjust the set temperature.<
Adjusting temperature in upper body
region
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Climate".
3.Select "Vent settings" and press the con-
troller.

Climate
100 4.Select the field by moving the controller and
turning the controller to adjust the temper-
ature.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
Quickly remove ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and front
side windows.
Rear window defroster
The rear window defroster
switches off automatically after a
while.
Air volume, manual
You can adjust the air volume by
turning. You can reactivate the
automatic mode for the air volume
with the AUTO button.
Manual air distribution
You can specify the air distribution.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Climate".
3.Select "Vent settings" and press the con-
troller.
The driver's and front passenger side can
be adjusted separately with the fields on the
right or left side.
4.Select the driver's or front passenger side
if necessary.
Move the controller to the right or left
repeatedly until the driver's or front passen-
ger side is selected.
5.Select the desired field by moving the con-
troller.6.Turn the controller to adjust the air distribu-
tion.
Driver's side:
1Airflow directed toward the windshield and
side windows
2Airflow for the upper body
3Air to footwell
Front passenger side:
4Airflow for the upper body
5Air to footwell
Pressing the AUTO button cancels the air
distribution settings on the Control Dis-
play and vice versa.<
Switching the cooling function on
and off
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before also reheating it as
required, according to the temperature setting.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
The cooling function is switched on automati-
cally with the AUTO program. The passenger
compartment can only be cooled with the
engine running.
Maximum cooling
Maximally cooled air is obtained as
quickly as possible from an outside
temperature above 327/06 and
with the engine running.
The automatic climate control changes over to
the lowest temperature and switches into the
recirculated-air mode. The maximum air quan-
tity only flows out of the vents for the upper

Controls
101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
body. Therefore, open these vents for maxi-
mum cooling.
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control/recirculated-air mode
You can respond to pollutants or
unpleasant odors in the immediate
environment by suspending the
supply of outside air. The system then recircu-
lates the air currently within the vehicle. During
AUC operation, a sensor detects pollutants in
the outside air and controls the shut-off auto-
matically.
By pressing the button repeatedly, you can
request three operating modes:
>LED off: outside air flows in continuously.
>Right LED on, AUC mode: the system
detects pollutants in the outside air and
shuts off the supply as needed.
>Left LED on, recirculated-air mode: the
supply of outside air is permanently shut off.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing the air volume as
required.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
over an extended period of time, as the air qual-
ity inside the vehicle deteriorates continu-
ously.<
Residual heat
The heat stored in the engine is
used to heat the passenger com-
partment, e.g. while stopped at a
school to pick up a child.
The function can be switched on when the fol-
lowing conditions are met:
>up to 15 minutes after switching off the
engine
>with engine at operating temperature
>with sufficient battery voltage
>at an outside temperature below 777/
256The LED lights up when the function is
switched on.
From radio readiness the interior temperature,
the air volume and the air distribution can be
set.
Switching off automatic climate control
The air volume, the heater and the
cooling function are all switched
off.
You can restart the automatic
climate control by pressing any of its buttons
except the REST button.
Front ventilation
1Knurled wheels to smoothly open and close
air vents
2Levers to change the air vent direction
Do not drop any foreign objects into the
vent outlets, otherwise these could be
catapulted outwards and lead to injuries.<
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vent outlets to direct the flow of cool
air in your direction, for instance, if the interior
has become too warm, etc.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.

Mobility
199Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Your BMW center will be happy to answer
detailed questions on BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website at
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is specified in SAE grades.
The choice of the right SAE grade is based on
the climatic conditions in the region in which
you normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the SAE grades
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns.<
Coolant is comprised of water and coolant addi-
tive. Not all commercially available additives are
suitable for your BMW. Ask your BMW center
for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard; observe the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.3.The coolant level is correct when the cool-
ant level is between the MIN and MAX
marks, refer to the diagram adjacent to the
filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunctions
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up in spite of
the handbrake being released; a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display:
stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system thoroughly
checked.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
When you continue driving, an increased
brake pedal path can be necessary, and
significantly longer braking distances might be
required. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<

Everything from A to Z
230 CBS Condition Based
Service201
"CD"144,157
CD changer157
– controls144
– fast forward/reverse161
– installation location161
– playing a track159
– random order160
– repeating a track160
– selecting a CD157
– selecting a track158
– switching on/off144
– tone control145
– volume145
CD player157
– controls144
– fast forward/reverse161
– playing a track159
– random order160
– repeating a track160
– selecting a track158
– switching on/off144
– tone control145
– volume145
Center armrest
– front106
– rear109
Center brake lamp206
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking system29
– comfort access37
– from inside vehicle32
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own
safety5
– refer to Parts and
accessories6
Changing settings on Control
Display80
Changing the language on the
Control Display82
Changing units of measure on
Control Display81
Changing wheels194,207
CHECK button78
Check Control77"Check Control
messages"78
Check Gas Cap187
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure188
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH
54
Child restraints52
Child-restraint systems52
Child-safety lock55
Child seats52
Chime, refer to Check
Control77
Chock207
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter108
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
"Climate"48,99
Clock72
– 12h/24h mode81
– setting time and date80
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside30
Closing fuel filler cap187
Clothes hooks107
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine57
"Comfort", active backrest
width adjustment45
Comfort access37
– observe in car wash39
– replacing battery39
Comfort area, refer to All
about the center console14
Comfort operation
– windows with comfort
access38
– with comfort access38
Comfort seat44
"Communication"170,181
"Communication
settings"180Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer157
– refer to CD player157
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure189
– wheel change208
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock56
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments107
Compressed audio files157
Computer73
– displays on Control
Display74
– hour signal81
"Concert hall", refer to Tone
control146
Condition Based Service
CBS201
"Confirmation"
31
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices108
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption73
Consumption indicator,
Energy Control73
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption73
"Continue guidance to
destination?"137
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– setting brightness81
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– glass sunroof30
– windows30
Convenience start, refer to
Starting engine57
Coolant199
– checking level199
– temperature72
Cooling, maximum100

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
236 Locking
– from inside33
– from outside30
– setting confirmation
signals31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access37
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside32
– from outside30
– setting confirmation
signals31
Locking out, refer to
Unlocking37
Locking without key, refer to
Comfort access37
"LOGIC7", refer to Tone
control146
Low beams94
– automatic94
– replacing bulbs204
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44
Lug bolts208
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting209
– wrench207
Luggage compartment
– capacity221
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening separately34
– opening with remote
control31
Luggage compartment cover,
refer to Cargo area
cover111Luggage compartment lid33
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation34
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– unlocking and locking from
inside32
– unlocking manually34
Luggage net, refer to
Separation net111
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack120
Lumbar support44
LW, waveband148
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires195
Maintenance
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models201
– refer to Service
requirements75
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models201
Maintenance system201
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control77
Manual air distribution100
"Manual" for radio149
Manually controlled recircu-
lated air101
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox60Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door186
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof42
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission62
Manual transmission58
"Map direction of travel"138
Map display138
Map display facing north138
"Map facing north"138
Map for navigation
– changing scale138
– destination entry129
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling100
Maximum speed
– for winter tires195
– with compact wheel209
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory45
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Microfilter102
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature117
Mirrors49
– automatic curb monitor50
– folding in and out49
– heating49
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory45
"Missed calls"
172
Missed calls173
Mobile communications
devices in vehicle117