load capacity BMW 550I 2006 Owners Manual

Practical interior accessories
110 transported cargo could enter the vehicle dur-
ing braking or evasive maneuvers and endanger
the vehicle occupants.<
The lashing eyes in the luggage compartment
provide you with a way to attach luggage com-
partment nets
* or flexible straps for securing
suitcases and luggage, refer to page120.
Ski bag*
Designed for safe, clean transport of up to
4 pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length
o f u p t o 6 . 9 f t / 2 . 1 0 m . W h e n s k i s o f 6 . 9 f t / 2 . 1 0 m
in length are loaded, the ski bag will tend to con-
tract, reducing its overall capacity.
Loading
1.Fold down the center armrest, press the
button and open the cover.
2.Press the button again; the cover in the lug-
gage compartment opens. If you press the
button firmly the first time, this also opens
the cover in the luggage compartment.
3.Extend the ski bag between the front seats
and fill it. The zipper facilitates access to the
stowed items and drying of the ski bag.4.Insert the latch plate of the ski bag retaining
strap into the center safety belt buckle that
is marked CENTER.
Make sure to load only cleans skis into the ski
bag. Wrap sharp edges to prevent damage.
Securing cargo
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If you fail to
do so, it could endanger occupants dur-
ing braking or evasive maneuvers.<
To store the ski bag, perform the above steps in
reverse order.
Removing ski bag
The ski bag can be completely removed, e.g. for
faster drying or to allow you to put it to other
uses.

Things to remember when driving
118 Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting in the manual mode
of the automatic transmission, if necessary into
first gear, refer to page62. This prevents over-
loading of the brakes.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise there will be no engine braking action or
support of the braking force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this vehicle
from being damaged, always fold them in by
hand before entering an automatic car wash.
With comfort access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off in the selector
lever position N. Also refer to page39.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg. Otherwise, this could

Driving tips
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damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions.<
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 lbs. or YYY kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 Ibs. minus 750 Ibs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage
can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
seat back.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrest.
>Sports Wagon:
Pull out the partition net, refer to page111,
and ensure that carried items cannot pass
through the partition net.
Wrap sharp-edged of pointed objects which
could strike the rear window while driving.

Things to remember when driving
120
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net*, luggage straps, or
securing straps to hold down small and
lightweight luggage and cargo.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes
mounted in the luggage compartment or
cargo area are used to secure these heavy-
duty cargo straps, refer to illustration.
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load as
described above. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Use only the lashing eyes to secure heavy-duty
cargo straps, refer to illustration, otherwise the
cargo straps could become detached or the
vehicle could be damaged.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page221, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could fly around and pose a safety
hazard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the door
openings or on the roof rails
*.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under
Weights on page221 ff.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed
and must not extend outward beyond the limits
of the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest
pieces at the bottom. Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the glass
sunroof, and that objects do not project into the
opening path of the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

Mobility
207Reference
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Changing wheels
Safety precautions in the event of a flat
tire or wheel change: park the vehicle as
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-
ting of the wheels. Apply the handbrake and
engage first gear, reverse gear or selector lever
position P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
diate area in a safe place, such as behind a
guardrail.
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard warning
lamp is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is
supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises later on, note the posi-
tions of the tools before removing them, then
return them to their initial positions after com-
pleting work.1Chock
*
2Vehicle jack*
3Lug wrench*
The tools are located in the mount under the
floor mat or floor panel flap.
1.Lift up floor mat or floor panel flap and cover
located beneath it.
2.Take out the required tools.
3.After using the tools, return then to the stor-
age space.
With run-flat tires, no tools are provided
for wheel changes. They can be pur-
chased as accessories at your BMW center.<
Sports Wagon: removing and installing
floor panel flap of storage area package
1.Raise the floor panel flap.
2.Unhook the two catch straps at the top.
3.Unlock the gas spring strut, refer to arrow,
and remove.

Reference 221
At a glance
Controls
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Mobility
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Sedan525i530i550i
Curb weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 3,395/1,540 3,450/1,565 3,902/1,770
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,439/1,560 3,472/1,575 3,924/1,780
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 4,497/2,040 4,552/2,065 5,004/2,270
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,541/2,060 4,575/2,075 5,026/2,280
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,161/980 2,227/1,010 2,469/1,120
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,601/1,180 2,601/1,180 2,679/1,215
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520 18.4/520
Sedan525xi530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,593/1,630 3,670/1,660
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,638/1,650 3,704/1,680
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 4,696/2,130 4,762/2,160
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,740/2,150 4,806/2,180
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,315/1,050 2,315/1,050
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520

Technical data
222 Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
Sports Wagon530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,858/1,750
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,891/1,765
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 5,049/2,290
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 5,082/2,305
Load lbs./kg 1,190/540
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,381/1,080
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,866/1,300
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 17.7-58.3/500-1,650
Notes
Fuel tank gal/liters approx. 18.5/70 Fuel grade: page187
of that reserve gal/liters approx. 2.1/8
Window cleaning system For more details: page64
>Sedan quarts/liters approx. 3.2/3
>incl. headlamp washer system quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5
>Sports Wagon quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5
Engine with oil filter change BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
Oil grades: page198 >525i/xi, 530i/xi quarts/liters 6.9/6.5
>550i quarts/liters 8.5/8.0

Reference 229
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
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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

Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
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Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps205
– replacing bulbs205
Rear seat back,
folding109,111
Rear seats
– folding backrests109,111
– head restraint adjustment47
– heating48
Rear ventilation102
Rearview mirror49
Rear window
– changing wiper blade203
– heating100
– opening and closing on
Sports Wagon34
– roller sun blind, refer to Sun
blinds105
– window wiper on Sports
Wagon64
Rear window safety switch40
"Received calls"172
Reception
– quality151
– radio stations151
– regional station149
Reception level of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information20
Rechargeable flashlight106
Recirculated-air mode
– air recirculation101
– AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control101
Reclining seat, refer to
Backrest44
Recording times, refer to
Stopwatch79
"Redial" for mobile phone172
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps205
Refueling186
Releasing hood196
"Relock door if not
opened"33
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range73Remaining distance to desti-
nation, refer to Computer74
Remote control28
– battery replacement39
– comfort access37
– garage door opener104
– luggage compartment lid31
– malfunction31,39
– tailgate31
Removing condensation on
the windows
100
"Repeat directory" in audio
mode160
"Repeat" in audio mode160
"Repeat track" in audio
mode160
Replacement fuses210
Replacement of tires, refer to
Changing wheels207
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs203
Replacing tires194
Replacing wheels/tires, refer
to New wheels and tires194
Reporting an accident, refer
Initiating an emergency
call211
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Reservoir for washer
systems64
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings147
"Reset" for tone settings147
"Reset" stopwatch79
Residual heat101
Restraint systems
– for children52
– refer to Safety belts47
Retaining straps, refer to
Storage area package112
Retreaded tires194
Reverse, fast
– CD changer161
– CD player161Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– manual transmission59
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox59
Road map138
"Roadside
Assistance"181,183
Roadside Assistance212
Roadside parking lamps95
– replacing bulbs204
Roller sun blinds105
Roll-up cover, refer to Cargo
area cover, Sports
Wagon111
Roof load capacity221
Roof-mounted luggage
rack120
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing213
Rotary pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route134
– bypassing sections140
– changing134,
140
– displaying137
– displaying arrow display137
– displaying map138
– displaying town138
– list138
– selecting134
– selecting criteria134
Route map, refer to Map
display138
"Route preference",
changing135
Route selection134
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires194
Run-flat tires194
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire88
– flat tire88
– new wheels and tires194
– tire inflation
pressure88,188
– tire replacement194