run flat BMW 550I 2006 Owners Manual

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43Reference
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Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital con-
tribution to relaxed, fatigue-free driving. In the
interaction with the safety belts, the head
restraints and the airbags, the seat position
plays an important role in an accident. To
ensure that the safety systems operate with
optimal efficiency, we strongly urge you to
observe the instructions contained in the fol-
lowing section.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page52.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
hold the steering wheel by its rim with hands at
the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, to mini-
mize the risk of injuries to your hands and arms
in the event of airbag deployment.
No one and nothing is to come between the air-
bags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the
front passenger side as a storage area. Make
sure that the front passenger is sitting correctly
and does not rest feet or legs on the instrument
panel, otherwise leg injuries can occur if the
front airbag is triggered.
Make sure that occupants do not rest their head
on the side or head airbag, otherwise injuries
can occur if the airbags are triggered.<
Even if you adhere to all the instructions, inju-
ries resulting from contact with airbags cannot
be fully excluded, depending on the circum-
stances. The ignition and inflation noise may
provoke a mild hearing loss in extremely sensi-
tive individuals. This effect is usually only tem-
porary.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page90.
Head restraints
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of spinal injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint so that its center
is approx. at ear level. Otherwise there is
increased danger of injury in the event of an
accident.<
Safety belts
Before every drive, make sure that safety belts
are being worn at all of the occupied seats. Air-
bags complement the safety belt as an addi-
tional safety device, but they do not represent a
substitute.
Your vehicle is provided with five seats, which
are all equipped with a safety belt.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Never allow
infants or small children to ride in a passenger's
lap. Pregnant women should also always wear a
safety belt and make sure that the belt rests low
on the hips in the lap area, and does not press
against the abdomen. Do not route the belt
across your neck, or run it across sharp edges.
Be sure that the belt does not become caught
or jammed. Make sure that the safety belt is
securely fastened across the lap and shoulders,
as close to the body as possible without it being
twisted or tangled. Be sure not to route it over
solid or breakable objects, otherwise the belt
can slip over the hips in the lap area in a frontal
impact and injure the abdomen. Avoid wearing
clothing that prevents the belt from fitting prop-
erly and pull the belt in the upper body area peri-
odically to readjust the tension, in order to avoid
a reduction in the restraint of the safety belt.
Sports Wagon: if the middle safety belt in the
rear is used, the larger seatback half must be
locked, refer to page111, otherwise the middle
safety belt has no restraining action.<
For instructions on operating safety belts, refer
to page47.

Controls
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Mobility
Dynamic Drive*
The concept
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and opti-
mizes vehicle stability during cornering and
evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic Drive is based on active stabilizers on
the front and rear axles. Suspension compli-
ance adapts to suit driving conditions, varying
from performance-oriented during cornering to
smooth and comfort-oriented when the vehicle
is proceeding in a straight line. During vehicle
operation, the system continuously runs
through closed-loop control cycles lasting only
fractions of a second.
The system assumes operational status each
time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow and
a message is shown on the Control Dis-
play. There is a malfunction in the sys-
tem. Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
If a malfunction occurs, please remember
to adapt your speed accordingly, espe-
cially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer and
the vehicle will display a greater tendency to tilt
during cornering and in crosswinds.
If a message stating that you should stop is
shown on the Control Display, stop at a suitable
location and switch off the engine as soon as
possible. In this case the oil level in the reservoir
may have dropped below the minimum, possi-
bly owing to a leak in the hydraulic system.
Do not continue driving, but instead contact
your BMW center.<
Sports Wagon: self-leveling
suspension
Malfunction
The warning lamp for the self-leveling
suspension lights up in yellow and a
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. A malfunction has occurred in the self-
leveling suspension. Stop and check the vehi-
cle. If it is considerably lower at the rear than at
the front, and possible also on one side – rear
left compared to rear right –, go to the nearest
BMW center or a workshop that works accord-
ing to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel. Drive with appropriate
caution in the meantime. The vehicle has
reduced ground clearance and driving comfort
may be noticeably reduced. Even if the position
of the vehicle is normal, go to the nearest BMW
center or a workshop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the tires as you drive. The sys-
tem provides an alert whenever the inflation
pressure drops significantly in relation to the
pressure in another tire.
In the event of a pressure loss, the rolling radius
and therefore the rotation speed of the wheels
change. This change is detected and is
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.
The initialization must be repeated after
each time the tire inflation pressure is cor-
rected and after every tire or wheel change.<

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
88
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused by
outside factors and does not detect a natural,
even pressure drop in all four tires.<
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
>Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels,
high lateral acceleration
>Driving with snow chains
*
When you are driving with the compact wheel*
the Flat Tire Monitor is unable to function.
Initializing system
The initialization finishes during driving,
which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. When driving with snow
chains
* or with the compact wheel*, do not
initialize the system.<
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
4.Select "FTM" and press the controller.
5.Start engine, but do not start driving.
6.Select "Set tire pressure" and press the
controller.7.Select "Yes" and press the controller.
8.Start to drive.
The message "Initializing..." is displayed.
The initialization finishes during driving. Then
the message "Status: FTM active" appears on
the Control Display again.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
In addition, an acoustic signal sounds.
There is a flat tire or extensive inflation pressure
loss.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle care-
fully. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2.Identify damaged tire.
If identification is not possible, con-
tact a BMW center.<
3.Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Changing a wheel on page207.
Run-flat tires*
1.Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires, refer to page194, do not
continue driving. Continuing to drive with a
flat tire could cause severe accidents.<
2.At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor

Wheels and tires
188
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
The condition of the tires and the maintenance
of the specified tire pressure are crucial not only
to the tire's service life, but also to driving com-
fort and most importantly, driving safety.
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the tires
are cold. This means after a maximum of
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are
warm, the tire inflation pressure increases.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it as needed, even on the
compact tire
*: at least twice a month and before
starting long trips. Otherwise driving instability
or tire damage, and therefore accidents, can
result from incorrect tire inflation pressures.
Do not drive with depressurized, i.e. flat tires,
except run-flat tires. A flat tire will seriously
impair your vehicle's handling and braking
response. Attempts to drive on a flat tire can
lead to loss of control over the vehicle.<
After correcting the inflation pressure(s),
always reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,
refer to page88.<
Pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient
temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to the tire
sizes and tire brands respectively
approved and recommended by BMW; a list of
these is available from your BMW center.<
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressure for your tires, observe the follow-
ing:
>Tire sizes of your vehicle
>Load conditions>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for speeds
up to 100 mph/160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h
adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation
pressures listed on the following pages in the
column Traveling speeds up to max. 100 mph/
160 km/h to achieve optimum driving comfort.
These pressure specifications can be found on
the door post when you open the driver's door.
The permissible top speed for these tire
inflation pressures is 100 mph/160 km/h.
Do not exceed this speed, otherwise tire dam-
age and accidents may result.<
Tire inflation pressures for speeds
above 100 mph/160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in
excess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please
observe, and, if necessary, adjust tire pressures
for speeds exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h from
the relevant table on the following pages.
Otherwise tire damage and accidents could
occur.<
Observe all national and local maximum speed
limits, otherwise violations of the law could
occur.

Mobility
193Reference
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heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page194.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Indicates specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. For the sake of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread
has been driven down to the wear indicators, a
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been
reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazards and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These
kinds of problems may also be signaled by other
changes in vehicle response, such as a strong
tendency to pull to the left or right.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the
nearest BMW center or tire shop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If necessary,
have the vehicle towed there. Tire damage can
be extremely dangerous for vehicle occupants
and other road users.<

Wheels and tires
194
Run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by the circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire.
Run-flat tires consist of partially self-contained
tires and special rims. The sidewall reinforce-
ment ensures that the tire retains some residual
safety in the event of pressure drop and driving
remains possible to a restricted degree.
To continue driving with a damaged tire, refer to
Indication of a flat tire, page88.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
h a z a r d s . M a k e s u re t h a t t h e n e w w h ee l s a r e b a l-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend that you use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may
be impaired. The causes for this include the
possibly different tire casing structures and the
often wide variations in their age, which can
result in a limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct wheel/tire combination also affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC or xDrive.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. Following
tire damage, have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon
as possible.
Recommended tire brands
Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW
depending on the tire size. You can recognize
these from the clearly visible BMW marking on
the tire sidewall.
When used properly, these tires comply with
the most demanding standards for safety and
vehicle response.
Run-flat tires
When mounting new tires, or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-flat
tires for your own safety. In addition, no spare
tire is available in case of a flat tire. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.

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For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that you do not have damaged run-flat
tires repaired; they should be replaced.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum
tire inflation pressure indicated on the side wall
of the tire.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and recommends
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
Use is only permissible in pairs on the rear
wheels.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
After mounting snow chains, do not ini-
tialize the Flat Tire Monitor, otherwise
incorrect displays can occur.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page85.<

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 233
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Controls
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control84
Event Data Recorders202
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system116
Exterior mirrors49
– automatic dimming
feature117
– automatic heating49
– folding in and out49
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror50
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting213
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control146
Fader, refer to Tone
control146
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control77
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms37
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts47
– warning lamp47
Fastest route for
navigation134
"Fast route" for
navigation135
"Favorites" calling up with
radio151
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit212
First-aid kit212
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight106Flat tire
– changing wheels207
– compact wheel208
– Flat Tire Monitor87,88
– run-flat tires88,194
Flat Tire Monitor87
– false alarms88
– initializing system88
– limits of system88
– show chains195
– warning lamp88
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition193
"FM", reception
range144,148
FM, waveband148
Fog lamps97
– indicator lamp13,97
Folding rear seat
back109,111
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely117
Footwell lamps97
For specified oil grades, refer
to Approved engine oils198
Forward, fast
– CD changer161
– CD player161
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive85
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria135
Front airbags90
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front106
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating90
Front seat adjustment44
"FTM"88
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor87
Fuel187
– capacity222
– display73
– high-quality brands187
– quality187
– specifications187Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Fuel consumption display,
computer, average fuel
consumption73
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Fuel filler door186
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction186
Fuses210
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control104
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel187
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge73
Gear changes
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox60
Gear display
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox59
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission58
Gearshift lever positions,
manual transmission58
General driving notes116
Glass sunroof, electric40
– auto-remote operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access38
– moving manually41
– remote control30
Glove compartment105
– lighting105
– rechargeable flashlight106
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system124

Reference 239
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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