parking brake BMW 550I 2006 Owners Manual

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57Reference
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Mobility
Starting engine
Do not run the engine in closed rooms,
otherwise the inhaling of toxic exhaust
gases can cause unconsciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle represents a
potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine run-
ning, set the selector lever to the idling or the
P position and set the handbrake, otherwise the
vehicle can begin to roll.<
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it
running while the vehicle remains stationary.
Instead, begin to drive immediately at a moder-
ate engine speed.
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Depress the clutch pedal and select the
idling position.
3.Briefly press Start/Stop button.
The system responds by automatically engag-
ing the starter for a certain period and automat-
ically disengaging it as soon as the engine
starts.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
1.Depress brake pedal.
2.Briefly press the Start/Stop button.
The system responds by automatically engag-
ing the starter for a certain period and automat-ically disengaging it as soon as the engine
starts.
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox*
1.Depress brake pedal.
2.Engage the selector lever position N and
make sure that this position is also indi-
cated in the instrument cluster.
3.Briefly press Start/Stop button.
The system responds by automatically engag-
ing the starter for a certain period and automat-
ically disengaging it as soon as the engine
starts.
If the engine fails to start, depress the
brake pedal and press the selector lever
to the right then engage the position N. Watch
the display in the instrument cluster while doing
so.<
Special starting conditions
Depress the accelerator pedal half way when
starting the engine in the following situations:
>The engine fails to start on the first attempt,
e.g. if it is very hot or cold.
>The engine is started at very low tempera-
tures, below approx. + 57/– 156, at high
altitudes, over approx. 3,300 ft/1,000 m.
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is
not burned or inadequately burned and there is
a danger of overheating and damaging the cat-
alytic converter.<
Switching off engine
Do not remove the remote control from
the ignition lock while the vehicle is roll-
ing, otherwise the steering wheel lock would
engage while steering.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
remote control with you. When parking on a
downhill slope, apply the handbrake, otherwise
the vehicle could roll.<

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be that conditions necessary for operation are
not currently being met. To call up Check Con-
trol messages, refer to page77.<
Warning lamps
The display2 flashes red and a sig-
nal sounds.
The system requests that you
intervene by braking or with an
evasive maneuver. The active
cruise control cannot automatically restore the
distance to the vehicle driving ahead.
However, this display cannot relieve the driver
of the responsibility for adjusting the desired
speed and driving style to the traffic conditions.
The display 2 flashes yellow.
Automatic intervention by ABS or
DSC. The active cruise control
intervenes by braking until you
take over actively.
Radar sensor
Heavy rain, dirt, snow or ice can restrict the
detection of vehicles driving ahead. If neces-
sary, clean the front radar sensor under the
bumper. Exercise particular care when remov-
ing snow and ice.
If the sensor is not aligned properly, the active
cruise control cannot be activated.
Things to know about active cruise control
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise
controlling the vehicle. The driver should
decide when to use the system on the basis of
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions.
Active cruise control is intended for use on
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush
hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery roads or
roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow, strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parking areas or toll booths.
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's
speed and distance setting within applicable
legal limits. Always be ready to take action or
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when
the system is actively following a vehicle in front
of you.<
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system does have physical limi-
tations. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate
your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead
of you, as for example, at a traffic light or a
parked vehicle. Also, the system does not react

Controls
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may not have been initialized. The system
must then be initialized.<
3.In the event of complete tire pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible
distance for continued driving on the basis
of the following guide values:
>With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
2 persons, luggage compartment or
cargo area full, or 4 persons without
luggage:
approx. 94 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
from 4 persons, luggage compartment
or cargo area full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the event of
pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This
includes reduced tracking stability in braking,
extended braking distance and altered natural
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or loud noises occur while
the vehicle is being driven, this can indicate final
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible,
otherwise pieces of the tire could become
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact your BMW
center.<
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering is a system that actively var-
ies the steering angle of the front wheels in rela-
tion to the steering wheel movements.
When you are driving in the low road speed
range, e. g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes
very direct. In the higher speed range, on the
other hand, the steering angle is reduced more
and more. This improves the handling capability
of your BMW over the entire speed range.In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to the steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
before the driver intervenes. This stabilizing
intervention is simultaneously deactivated
when DSC is switched off, refer to page85.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up and a mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
The active steering is no longer opera-
tional. At low speeds, greater steering wheel
movements are required, whereas at higher
speeds, the vehicle reacts more sensitively to
steering wheel movements. The stability-
promoting intervention can also be deactivated.
Proceed cautiously and drive defensively. Have
the system checked.
Brake force display
Left-hand picture: normal braking.
Right-hand picture: heavy braking.

Things to remember when driving
116
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. To ensure that your vehicle contin-
ues to provide optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and driving speeds,
however do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/
160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode during these
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox
Do not use the acceleration assistant during the
break-in period, refer to page61.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive in a reserved manner during
this break-in period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced
after subsequent driving operation.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid/tailgate is com-
pletely closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
enter the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
luggage compartment lid/tailgate open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof or
panorama glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air volume of the automatic
climate control to a high level, refer to
page100.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated on exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed adja-
cent to it, and never apply undercoating to
them. When driving, standing at idle and while
parking take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, and with it
the risk of serious property damage as well as
personal injury.<

Driving tips
117Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW discourages the use of mobile
communications devices, e. g. mobile
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
device can influence one another. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation which
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.<
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature*
This feature is controlled by two photocells in
the inside rearview mirror. One is integrated into
the glass of the mirror, while the other is located
at an offset position on the rear of the mirror
housing.
For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells
clean and do not cover the area between the
interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do
not attach stickers of any kind to the windshield
in front of the mirror, either.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and 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.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page193.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
greater clutch wear will result.<
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold
the vehicle on a hill by pressing the accel-
erator, but apply the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission
region.<
Starting assistant
The starting assistant enables you to start off
conveniently on slopes. The parking brake is
not required for this purpose.
1.Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.
2.Release the footbrake and immediately
drive off quickly.
The starting assistant holds the vehicle
for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the
footbrake. Depending on the load, the vehicle
may also roll back slightly during this time.
After releasing the footbrake, immediately start
quickly, otherwise the starting assistant no
longer holds the vehicle after approx. 2 seconds
and it begins to roll back.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.

Mobility
205Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
system, there is a danger of fatal injuries when
work is carried out improperly.<
Parking and roadside parking lamps
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Turn signals, front
Bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
1.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
2.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Side-mounted turn signals
Bulb 5 watts, W 5 W
1.Press back against the front edge of the
light with the tip of your finger, then pivot it
out.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
3.Remove the bulb for replacement.
Side marker lamps, front and rear
To replace, please go to your BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel.
Tail lamps
Sedan
>Turn signals: bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
>Backup lamps: bulb 16 watts, W 16 W
>Other lamps: bulb 21 watts, P 21 W
1Turn signal
2Tail lamp and brake lamp
3Tail lamp and brake lamp
4Backup lamp
5Reflector
6Roadside parking lamp, tail lamp and
brake lamp
Sports Wagon
>Turn signals: bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
>Backup lamp and brake lamp 3: bulb
16 watts, W 16 W
>Other lamps: bulb 21 watts, P 21 W
1Turn signal
2Tail lamp and brake lamp
3Brake lamp

Replacing components
206 4Backup lamp
5Reflector
6Roadside parking lamp, tail lamp and
brake lamp
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation.
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Fender-mounted lamps
Sedan
The illustration shows the left-hand side of the
luggage compartment.
All the bulbs are integrated into a central bulb
fitting.
1.Lift up floor mat.
2.Undo the quick-release fasteners of the
side panel and pull out the panel.
3.Press together at the top and bottom of the
bulb holder and remove.
4.Backup lamps:
Remove and replace the bulb.
Other lamps:
Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Sports Wagon
1.Right side: unhook the retaining strap*,
refer to page112.
2.Open the side panel.3.Turn the bulb socket to the left and remove.
4.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Lamps in luggage compartment lid
License plate lamp
Bulb 5 watts, C 5 W
1.Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to
the right, refer to arrows. This releases the
lamp.
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
Sports Wagon:
Backup lamp
In the event of a malfunction, please go to your
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare directly into the unfiltered light for
several hours, as this could result in irritation of
the retina.<

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

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

Everything from A to Z
238 Operation by voice for mobile
phone174
– adjusting volume176
– canceling175
– commands174
– correcting phone
number176
– dialing phone number176
– placing a call176
– redialing177
– voice phone book176
"Options"182
Orientation menu, refer to
Start menu17
Output, refer to Engine
data218
Outside air, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control101
Outside temperature
display72
– changing unit of measure81
– in computer81
P
Panic mode31
Panorama glass sunroof41
– moving manually42
Park Distance Control PDC83
"Parked car operation"102
"Parked car ventilation"102
Parked car ventilation102
– activating the activation
time103
– preselecting activation
times102
– switching on and off
directly102
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control83
Parking assistant, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control83
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake58
Parking lamps94
– replacing bulbs204Parking vehicle57
Parts and accessories6
Passenger airbags, deacti-
vating, refer to Exception for
front passenger's seat52
Passenger-side exterior
mirror, tilting down50
"Pathway lighting"94
Pathway lighting94
"PDC"84
"PDC display on"84
PDC Park Distance Control83
Personal Profile29
"Perspective"138
"Phone"171
Phone book170
Phone numbers
– deleting from phone
book173
– dialing171
– most recent numbers173
– selecting in phone book173
– Top 8173
Plasters, refer to First-aid
kit212
"Play" for radio155
"Play" in audio mode158
Plug-in unit for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock56
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter102
Position
– displaying140
– storing133
Power failure209
Power windows, refer to
Windows39
Preselecting activation times
of the parked car
ventilation102
"Presets" on the
radio148,154
Pressure, tires188
"Profile"182
Programmable buttons on
steering wheel51Protective function, refer to
Anti-trapping mechanism
– glass sunroof, electric41
– panorama glass sunroof42
– windows39
R
Radio
– Autostore149
– controls144
– High Definition Radio152
– sampling stations149
– satellite radio153
– selecting frequency
manually149
– selecting
waveband144,148
– station search149
– station selection148
– station with the best
reception149
– storing stations150
– switching on/off144
– tone control145
– volume145
– Weather Band, refer to
Weather news flashes151
Radio key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness56
Radio readiness56
– switched off56
– switched on56
– with comfort access38
Rain sensor63
"Random", random play
sequence160
"Random all" in audio
mode160
"Random directory" in audio
mode160
"RDS"151
Reading lamps97
Rear armrest, refer to Rear
center armrest109