engine BMW 550I 2008 Workshop Manual

Giving and receiving assistance
248
Sedan
Loosen the wing nut to open.
Sports Wagon
Release the two quick-release fasteners and
fold down the trim piece.
First-aid kit*
Some of the articles contained in the first-aid kit
have a limited service life. Therefore, check the
expiration dates of the contents regularly and
replace the contents concerned in good time if
necessary.
Sedan
The first-aid kit is located in the luggage com-
partment lid.Loosen the wing nut to open.
Sports Wagon
The first-aid kit is located in the right side panel
of the cargo bay. Before opening the side panel,
pull the retaining strap
* toward the rear by its
rear end and unhook it.
Roadside Assistance*
The Roadside Assistance of the BMW Group
offers you assistance in the event of a break-
down around the clock, including on weekends
and public holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance in your home country can be found in the
Contact brochure.
With BMW Assist you can contact the Roadside
Assistance of the BMW Group for assistance in
the event of a breakdown directly via iDrive,
refer to page210.
Jump starting
When your battery is discharged, you can use
two jumper cables to start your BMW with
power from the battery in a second vehicle. You
can also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Use only jumper cables with
fully-insulated clamp handles.
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury,
always avoid all contact with electrical
components while the engine is running. Care-
fully adhere to the following sequence, both to
prevent damage to one or both vehicles, and to
guard against possible personal injuries.<

Mobility
249Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any electrical systems and com-
ponents in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks,
follow this sequence when connecting
jumper cables.<
In your BMW, the so-called jump-starting termi-
nal in the engine compartment serves as a pos-
itive terminal for the battery, also refer to engine
compartment overview on page231. The cover
cap is marked with a +.
1.Fold open the cover of the BMW jump-
starting terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
2.Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+
to the positive terminal of the battery or a
jump-starting terminal of the vehicle provid-
ing assistance.
3.Attach the second end of the cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or to a start-
ing-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/–
to the negative terminal of the battery or to
an engine or body ground of the assisting
vehicle.Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative terminal.
5.Attach the second end of the cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to the
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be
started.Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle
and allow it to run at idle for several minutes
at slightly increased speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
Always keep the screw-in tow fitting with the
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear
of the BMW.

Giving and receiving assistance
250 Sedan:
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page237.
Sports Wagon:
It is located in the toolkit behind the left side
panel in the cargo bay, refer to page237.
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
Press the arrow symbol on the cover in the
bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page61, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. Do not tow the
vehicle with the rear axle raised, as otherwise
the steering can turn to the left or right. When
the engine is stopped, there is no power assist. 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 and sport automatic
transmission
Before towing, manually release the
transmission lock, even if there is no mal-
function in the transmission. Otherwise there is
a risk that the transmission lock will automati-
cally be engaged during towing.<
Manually unlocking and locking transmission
lock, refer to page65.
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.<
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
251Reference
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 528xi, 535xi
Do not tow a BMW with xDrive with just
the front or rear axle raised, otherwise the
wheels could lock up and the transfer case
could be damaged.<
Have the vehicle transported on a flatbed sur-
face only.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page248. With a catalytic con-
verter, tow-starting should only be carried out
with the engine cold, and with automatic trans-
missions, the engine cannot be started by tow-
starting.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page61.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
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.

Technical data
254
Technical data
Engine data
528i/xi535i/xi550i
Displacement cu in/cmμ182.8/2,996 181.8/2,979 292.8/4,799
No. of cylinders 668
Maximum output hp 230 300 360
at engine speed rpm 6,500 5,800 6,300
Maximum torque lb ft/Nm 200/270 300/407 360/488
at engine speed rpm 2,750 1,400-5,000 3,400

Everything from A to Z
264
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
System91
– indicator lamp94
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control70
Accepted calls202
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
request247
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control83
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control118
"Activation time" for parked-
car ventilation119
Active cruise control70
– indicator lamp74
– radar sensors74
– selecting distance72
– warning lamps74
Active front head restraints49
Active seat52
Active seat ventilation52
Active steering99
– warning lamp100
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake assistant92
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display100
Adaptive Head Light110
"Add digits" for mobile
phone202Additives
– coolant233
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils233
"Address book" for navigation
system151
Address for navigation
– deleting153
– entering144,147
– selecting152
– storing151
– storing current position152
"Add to address book"151
"Add to destination
list"147,148
Adjusting active backrest
width47
Adjusting interior
temperature115
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control169
Adjusting thigh support46
"After door opened"48
"After unlocking"48
Airbags100
– indicator/warning lamp102
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags101
– sitting safely45
Air distribution
– automatic115
– manual116
Airing, refer to Ventilation118
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control117
– recirculated-air mode117
"Air recirculation on / off"55
Air supply, automatic climate
control114
Air volume116AKI, refer to Fuel quality219
Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional
alarms38
– interior motion sensor38
– switching off alarm37
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor38
– tilt alarm sensor38
"All channels"180
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires228
"All stations", calling up with
radio172,176
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive93
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road160
"AM", reception
range169,172
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antenna for mobile phone194
Antifreeze
– coolant233
– washer fluid69
Antilock Brake System
ABS91
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system37
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system29
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights257
Approved engine oils233
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights257
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear127

Everything from A to Z
266 Blower, refer to Air
volume116
"Bluetooth"195
"BMW Assist"210
BMW Assist209
– activating214
– concierge service212
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations212
– displaying vehicle data215
– offered services209
– roadside assistance210
– TeleService211
– updating213
"BMW Contact"204
"BMW Contact
Numbers"204
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system235
BMW Night Vision104
– activating105
– cleaning camera106
– cleaning camera, refer to
Wiper system68
– deactivating105
– making settings105
"BMW Service settings"213
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders125
Bracket for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter207
Brake assistant91
– adaptive92
Brake force display100
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs240
– two-stage100
Brake rotors
– breaking-in134
– refer to Braking safely136Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System91
– brake assistant91
– brake force display100
– breaking-in134
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control91
– electronic brake-force
distribution91
– handbrake63
– refer to Braking safely136
– warning lamps13
Brake system134
– brake pads134
– breaking-in134
– disk brakes136
– warning lamp94
Braking safely136
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance248
Breaking-in brake pads134
Breaking-in the clutch134
Breaking-in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential134
Break-in period134
"Brightness"88,103
– with BMW Night Vision106
Brightness of Control
Display88
Button for starting engine,
refer to Start/Stop button61
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"202,213
Call
– accepting200
– displaying accepted203
– ending201
– in absence203
– rejecting201
– starting201Calling
– by entering phone
number201
– from phone book202
– from Top 8 list203
– redialing203
– refer to telephone operating
instructions
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders125
Capacities258
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery245
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"80
Care236
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo
– refer to Cargo loading137
– securing138
– securing with ski bag131
Cargo bay
– capacity257
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually, Sports
Wagon35
– emergency release34
– expanding, Sports
Wagon128
– floor panel flap, refer to
Compartment in floor,
Sports Wagon129
– locking separately34
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate33
– opening from inside33
– opening from inside, Sports
Wagon35
– opening from outside33
– opening from outside,
Sports Wagon35
– opening with remote
control31

Reference 267
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Cargo bay cover, refer to Roll-
up cover128
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 the
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
control28
Car phone194
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest123
– refer to Mobile phone194
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio172
Car wash62,137
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– with comfort access39
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system135
"Categories"180
CBC Cornering Brake
Control91
CBS Condition Based
Service235
"CD"169,182CD changer182
– controls168
– fast forward/reverse186
– installation location186
– random sequence185
– repeating a track185
– sampling tracks184
– selecting a CD183
– selecting a track183
– switching on/off168
– tone control169
– volume169
CD player182
– controls168
– fast forward/reverse186
– random sequence185
– repeating a track185
– sampling a track184
– selecting a track183
– switching on/off168
– tone control169
– volume
169
Center armrest
– front123
– rear127
Center brake lamp241
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking
– from inside32
– from outside30
Central locking system29
– comfort access38
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own
safety5
– refer to Parts and
accessories6
Changing language on
Control Display88
Changing scale for
navigation158
Changing units of measure on
Control Display88
Changing wheels227,242
CHECK button84
Check Control83
"Check Control
messages"84Check Gas Cap219
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure220
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH57
Child restraints56
Child restraint systems56
Child-safety lock59
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely56
Chime, refer to Check
Control83
Chock243
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Cigarette lighter125
Cigarette lighter socket, refer
to Connecting electrical
devices126
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
"Climate"51,115
Clock78
– 12h/24h format87
– hour signal87
– setting time and date86
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside30
Closing fuel filler cap219
Clothes hooks124
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine62
Comfort access38
– observe in car wash39
– replacing battery, remote
control40
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Comfort seat46
"Communication"200,210
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer182
– refer to CD player182

Everything from A to Z
268 Compact wheel
– inflation pressure221,222
– wheel change244
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock61
Compartments
– in cargo bay, Sports
Wagon129
– refer to Storage area
package, Sports Wagon130
– refer to Storage
compartments124
Compressed audio files182
Computer79
– displays on Control
Display80
– hour signal87
"Concert hall", refer to Tone
control171
"Concierge"212
Concierge service212
Condensation, refer to When
vehicle is parked136
Condition Based Service
CBS235
"Confirmation"31
Confirmation signals for
locking and unlocking31
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices126
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption80
Consumption indicator,
Energy Control79
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption80
"Continue guidance to
destination?"157
"Contrast" with BMW Night
Vision106
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– setting brightness88
– switching off/on21
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenient operation
– glass sunroof30
– windows30
– windows and glass sunroof
with comfort access39
Coolant233
– checking level233
– temperature78
Cooling, maximum117
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant
233
Cooling function, automatic
climate control117
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant233
Copyright2
Cornering Brake Control
CBC91
Country of destination for
navigation145
Courtesy lamps112
Cradle for telephone or mobile
phone123
Cruise control69
– active cruise control70
Cruising range79
Cup holders125
Curb weight, refer to
Weights257
Current consumption, refer to
Energy Control79
"Current position"163
Current position
– displaying163
– entering152
– storing152
"Curve mode" with
BMW Night Vision106
"Customer
Relations"204,212
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data254
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Data, technical254
– dimensions255
– engine254
– weights257
"Date"87
Date78
– date format87
– retrieval78
– setting87
"Date format"87
"Daytime running lamps"109
Daytime running lamps109
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
warning lamp94
"Deactivated"49
Decommissioning the vehicle,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Defect
– door lock32
– fuel filler door218
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– tailgate35
Defrosting windows116
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation116
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows116
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows116
"Delete address book" for
navigation system153
"Delete all numbers" for
mobile phone203
"Delete data" for navigation
system153
"Delete" for mobile
phone203
Destination address
– deleting153
– entering144,147

Reference 269
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Destination for navigation
– destination list150
– entering via voice147
– entry144
– selecting from address
book152
– selecting using
information149
– storing151
Destination guidance156
– bypassing route
sections160
– canceling voice
instructions55
– changing specified
route154
– displaying route157
– distance and arrival156
– interrupting156
– starting156
– terminating/continuing156
– voice instructions159
– volume of voice
instructions160
Destination list for
navigation150
Destinations recently driven
to150
"Details" in audio
mode184,190
"Dial" for mobile phone201
"Dial number"201
"Diamond button"55
Diamond button54
Digital clock78
Digital radio, refer to High
Definition Radio176
Dimensions255
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals67
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions159
Directory, refer to Phone
book202
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book151
Direct selection buttons21
Displacement, refer to Engine
data254"Display"88
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display elements, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Displaying vehicle data215
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting112
"Display off"21
Displays
– on Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– refer to Instrument
cluster12
"Display settings"88,103
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up
Display102
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with comfort access40
– coolant233
– vehicle battery245
Distance, refer to
Computer80
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control70
"Distance to dest."80
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer80
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control90
Divided rear backrest, refer to
Through-loading
system127
Door entry lighting112
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
Door locking, confirmation
signals31
"Door locks"30
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades226
Draft-free ventilation118Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders125
"Driver's door only"30
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams108
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route157
Driving stability control
systems91
Driving through water136
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes134
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function117
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function117
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control92
– indicator lamp13,92
– malfunction94
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control92
– activating92
– indicator lamp13,93
DVD for navigation
142
Dynamic Drive94
Dynamic Driving Control66
"Dynamic route" for
navigation154
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC92
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC92
E
Easy entry/exit54
– backrest width47
Eject button, refer to Buttons
in area of CD player168
Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door218
– glass sunroof, electric42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– tailgate35