door controls BMW 550I 2011 F10 User Guide

Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
Transmission positions
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for‐
ward gears are available.
R is Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N is Neutral
Use in automatic car washes, for example. The
vehicle can roll.
When the ignition is switched off, refer to
page
58, position P is engaged automatically.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
drive wheels are blocked.
P is engaged automatically:
▷ After the engine is switched off, if the car is
in
radio ready state, refer to page 58, or if the
ignition is switched off, refer to page 58, and
if position R or D is engaged.
▷ If the ignition is switched off and position N
is engaged.
▷ If the safety belt is unbuckled, the driver's
door is opened, and the brake pedal is not
pressed while the vehicle is stationary and
transmission position R or D is engaged.
Kickdown
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance. Press on the accelerator beyond
the resistance point at the full throttle position.
Engaging the transmission position
▷ Transmission position P can only be disen‐
gaged

if the engine is running and the brake
pedal is pressed.
▷ With the vehicle stationary, press on the
brake pedal before shifting out of P or N; otherwise, the shift command will not be
executed: shift lock.
Depress

the brake until you start driv‐
ing
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after
you select a driving position, maintain pres‐
sure on the brake pedal until you are ready
to start.◀ Engaging D, R and N
Briefly push the selector lever in the desired di‐
rection, beyond a resistance point if necessary.
After

releasing the selector lever, it returns to its
center position. Press the Unlock button to:
▷
Engage R.
▷ Shift out of P.
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The displays go out. The stored desired speed
and distance are deleted.
Interrupting
When active, press the button.
If
interrupting the system while stationary, press
on the brake pedal at the same time.
The system is automatically interrupted if:
▷ The brakes are applied.
▷ The clutch pedal is depressed.
▷ Transmission position D is disengaged.
▷ DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated
or DSC is deactivated.
▷ DSC is actively controlling stability.
▷ The safety belt and the driver's door are
opened when the vehicle is standing.
▷ The system has not detected objects for an
extended

period, e.g., on a road with very lit‐
tle traffic without road edge line markings.
▷ Radar sensor is soiled.
Maintaining/storing the speed Press the button*.
When the system is switched on, the current
speed is maintained and stored as the desired
speed.
It is displayed in the speedometer and briefly
displayed in the instrument cluster, Displays in
the instrument cluster, refer to page 104.
When cruise control is maintained or stored,
DSC

Dynamic Stability Control is switched on, if
necessary.
Changing, maintaining, and storing the
speed
The rocker switch can be pressed while the sys‐
tem is interrupted to maintain and store the cur‐
rent speed. DSC Dynamic Stability Control is
switched on, if necessary. Adapting the desired speed
Adapt the desired speed to the road con‐
ditions

and be ready to brake at all times; other‐
wise, there is the danger of an accident occur‐
ring.◀
Speed differences
Great speed differences with vehicles
driving ahead of you, e.g., when rapidly ap‐
proaching a truck or when another vehicle
swerves into your own lane, cannot be compen‐
sated for by the system.◀ Press the rocker switch up or down repeatedly
until the desired speed is set.
If active, the displayed speed is stored and the
vehicle reaches the stored speed if the road is
clear.
▷
Each time the rocker switch is pressed to the
point of resistance, the desired speed in‐
creases or decreases by approx. 1 mph/
1 km/h.
▷ Each time the rocker switch is pressed past
the point of resistance, the desired speed
increases or decreases by a maximum of
5 mph/10 km/h. max. adjustable speed:
110 mph/180 km/h.
Hold the rocker switch in position to repeat the
action.
Distance
Selecting a distance
Adjust

the distance according to the traffic
and weather conditions; otherwise, there is the
danger of an accident occurring. Maintain the
prescribed safety distance.◀ Seite 103
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Ultrasound sensors measure parking spaces on
both sides of the vehicle.
The parking assistant calculates the best pos‐
sible parking line and takes control of steering
during the parking procedure.
When parking, also take note of the visual and
acoustic
information issued by the PDC and the
parking assistant and accelerate or brake ac‐
cordingly.
A component of the parking assistant is the PDC
Park Distance Control*, refer to page 111.
Personal responsibility
The parking assistant does not relieve the
driver of responsibility for the vehicle during the
parking procedure.
Watch the parking space and parking procedure
closely and intervene if necessary; otherwise,
there is the danger of an accident.◀
Requirements
For measuring parking spaces
▷ Maximum speed while driving forward ap‐
prox. 22 mph/35 km/h.
▷ Maximum distance to row of parked vehi‐
cles: 5 ft/1.5 m.
Suitable parking space
▷ Gap between two objects with a minimum
length of approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.
▷ Minimum length: own vehicle length plus
approx. 4 ft/1.2 m.
▷ Minimum depth: approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.
For parking procedure
Closed doors. Switching on
Using the button
Press the button.
The LED lights up.
The parking assistant is activated automati‐
cally.
The current status of the parking space search
is indicated on the Control Display.
By engaging reverse
Engage reverse gear or transmission position
R*.
The current status of the parking space search
is indicated on the Control Display.
Activate: "Parking Assistant" Select the
symbol in the Control Display.
Display on the Control Display
System status Symbol Meaning
Gray: the system is not available.
White:
the system is available but not
activated. The system is activated. Seite 119
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▷
If the vehicle speed exceeds approx. 6 mph/
10 km/h.
▷ On snow-covered or slippery road surfaces
if necessary.
▷ If doors are open.
A Check Control message is displayed.
Continuing
An interrupted parking procedure can be con‐
tinued if necessary.
Follow
the instructions on the Control Display to
do this.
Switching off
The system can be deactivated as follows:
▷ Press the button. ▷
Switch off the ignition.
Malfunction
A Check Control message is displayed.
The parking assistant failed. Have the system
checked.
System limits Changes to the parking space
Changes to the parking space after it was
measured

are not taken into account by the sys‐
tem.
Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐
vene; otherwise, there is the danger of an acci‐
dent occurring.◀
Transporting loads
Loads that extend beyond the perimeter
of the vehicle are not taken into account by the
system during the parking procedure.
Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐
vene; otherwise, there is the danger of an acci‐
dent occurring.◀
Curbs
The parking assistant may steer the vehi‐
cle over or onto curbs. Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐
vene;

otherwise, the wheels, tires, or the vehicle
may become damaged.◀
No parking assistance
The parking assistant does not provide assis‐
tance in parking.
▷ In tight curves.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:
▷ When sensors are dirty or iced over.
▷ In heavy fog, rain or snowfall.
▷ On bumpy road surfaces such as gravel
roads.
▷ When leaves or snow has collected in the
parking space.
Limits of ultrasonic measurement
The
detection of objects can reach the physical
limits of ultrasonic measurement, for instance:
▷ With tow bars and trailer hitches.
▷ With thin or wedge-shaped objects.
▷ With elevated, protruding objects such as
ledges or cargo.
▷ With objects with corners and sharp edges.
▷ With objects with a fine surface structure,
such as fences.
The parking assistant may identify parking
spaces that are not suitable for parking.
Ultrasound sensors The ultrasounds sensors used to measure park‐
ing spaces are located in the side turn signals.
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The cupholder can be adjusted for three differ‐
ent container sizes.
To open: press the button.
To
reduce in size: fold closed to the desired po‐
sition.
To close: fold all the way closed. The cupholder
must be closed before it can be opened fully.
Remote control storage
compartment*
Opening Press on the cover. Remote control storage compartment Storage is possible in a vertical position in the
center armrest.
Clothes hooks
The clothes hooks are located next to the grab
handles in the rear and on the door pillar in the
rear.
Do not obstruct view
When suspending clothing from the
hooks,

ensure that it will not obstruct the driver's
vision.◀
No heavy objects
Do not hang heavy objects from the hooks;
otherwise, they may present a danger to pas‐
sengers during braking and evasive maneu‐
vers.◀
Storage compartments in the
cargo area
Net*
Smaller objects can be stored in the net on the
side of the cargo area.
To transport larger objects, it can be pushed
down.
Multi-function hook*
A multi-function hook is available on the left
cargo area wall. Seite 141
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Climate control windshield*
The marked area is not covered with heat re‐
flective coating.
Use this area for garage door openers, devices
for electronic toll collection, etc.
Climate
control laminated tinted safety
glass*
The vehicle glass provides full protection
against the harmful effects of UV radiation on the
skin.
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is advised that you do not use mobile commu‐
nication devices, e.g., mobile phones, inside the
vehicle without connecting them directly to the
external antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle elec‐
tronics and mobile communication devices can
interfere with each other. In addition, there is no
assurance that the radiation generated during
transmission will be discharged from the vehicle
interior.◀
Hydroplaning
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It 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. Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.

◀
Driving through water
Drive though calm water only if it is not deeper
than 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to 6 mph/10 km/h. Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐
tions
Do not exceed this water depth and walking
speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the elec‐
trical systems and the transmission may be
damaged.◀
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsiveness.
You can still avoid any obstacles with a minimum
of steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
Objects in the area around the pedals
No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be properly fixed in place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again after they were removed for cleaning, for
example.◀ Seite 147
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Adjusting the volume
Turn the knob during an announcement.
▷
The volume remains constant even if the
volume of other audio sources is changed.
▷ The volume is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Notes
Do not use the voice operation to initiate an
Emergency
Request. In stressful situations, the
voice and vocal pitch can change. This can un‐
necessarily delay the establishment of a tele‐
phone connection.
Instead, use the SOS button*, refer to
page 269, in the vicinity of the interior mirror.
Environmental conditions
▷ Say the commands, numbers, and letters
smoothly and with normal volume, empha‐
sis, and speed.
▷ Always say commands in the language of
the system. The language for the mobile
phone voice operation is preset and cannot
be changed in the Control Display.
▷ Keep the doors, windows, and glass sun‐
roof* closed to prevent noise interference.
▷ Avoid making other noise in the vehicle
while speaking.
Snap-in adapter*
Installation position
In the center armrest. Inserting the snap-in adapter
1.
Press the button and remove the cover. 2.
Insert the snap-in adapter at the front, ar‐
row 1, and press down, arrow 2, until it en‐
gages. Inserting the mobile phone
1.
Depending on the mobile phone, remove
the protective cap from the antenna con‐
nector of the mobile phone.
2. Slide the mobile phone with the buttons fac‐
ing up in the direction of the electrical con‐
nections, arrow 1, and push downward, ar‐
row 2 until it engages. Seite 219
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Transmission position
Transmission position P is engaged automati‐
cally:
▷
When the ignition is switched off.
▷ After approx. 15 minutes.
Headlamps
▷ Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or
caustic cleansers.
▷ Soak areas that have been soiled e.g. due to
insects, with shampoo and wash off with
water.
▷ Thaw ice with de-icing spray; do not use an
ice scraper.
After washing the vehicle
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly
to dry them; otherwise, braking action can
be reduced and corrosion of the brake discs can
occur.
Vehicle care
Car care products
BMW recommends using cleaning and care
products from BMW, since these have been
tested and approved.
Car care and cleaning products
Follow the instructions on the container.
When cleaning the interior, open the doors or
windows.
Only use products intended for cleaning vehi‐
cles.
Cleansers can contain substances that are dan‐
gerous and harmful to your health.◀
Vehicle paint
Regular care contributes to driving safety and
value retention.
Environmental influences can act on the vehicle
paint. Tailor the frequency and extent of your car
care to these influences. Leather care
Remove dust from the leather often, using a
cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Otherwise, particles of dust and road grime
chafe in pores and folds, and lead to increased
wear and premature degradation of the leather
surface.
To guard against discoloration, such as from
clothing,

provide leather care roughly every two
months.
Clean light-colored leather more frequently as
dust and dirt are more noticeable.
Use leather care products; otherwise, dirt and
grease will gradually break down the protective
layer of the leather surface.
Suitable care products are available from the
service center.
Upholstery material care
Vacuum regularly with a vacuum cleaner.
If they are very dirty, e.g., beverage stains, use a
soft sponge or microfiber cloth with a suitable
interior cleaner.
Clean the upholstery down to the seams using
large sweeping motions. Avoid rubbing the ma‐
terial vigorously.
Damage from Velcro® fasteners
Open Velcro® fasteners on pants or other
articles of clothing can damage the seat covers.
Ensure that any Velcro® fasteners are closed.◀
Caring for special components
Light-alloy wheels
Use wheel cleaner, particularly during the winter
months. Do not use aggressive, acidic, strongly
alkaline or abrasive cleaners, or steam jets
above 140 ℉/60 ℃; follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
Chrome surfaces*
Carefully clean components such as the radiator
grille or door handles with an ample supply of Seite 275
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Short commands of the voice activation
system*
General information
Instructions
for voice activation system, refer to
page 22. To have the available spoken instructions read
out loud: ›Voice commands‹
Adjusting
Vehicle
Function
Command
Open the main menu. ›Main menu‹
Open the options. ›Options‹
Open the settings. ›Settings‹
Info display of the instrument cluster. ›Info Display‹
Settings on the Control Display. ›Control display‹
Open the time and date. ›Time and date‹
Open the language and units. ›Language and units‹
Open the speed limit. ›Speed‹
Open the light. ›Lighting‹
Open the door lock. ›Door locks‹
Open the profiles. ›Profiles‹Equipment*

Function
Command
Open the air conditioning settings. ›Climate‹
Open the Head-up Display. ›head up display‹
Enable the rear. ›Allow rear control‹ Seite 285
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Before entering the car
wash 274
Belts, safety belts 48
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 140
Blinds, sun protection 41
Bluetooth audio 196
BMW Apps 236
BMW Apps, video play‐ back 195
BMW Assist 232
BMW EfficientDynamics, refer to Saving fuel 150
BMW homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW Maintenance Sys‐ tem 260
BMW Online 234
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 140
Brake assistant 95
Brake assistant, adaptive 95
Brake discs, breaking in 146
Brake force display 94
Brake lamps, brake force dis‐ play 94
Brake lamps, bulb replace‐ ment 266
Brake lights, adaptive 94
Brake pads, breaking in 146
Braking, notes 147
Breakdown assis‐ tance 269, 270
Breaking in 146
Brightness of Control Dis‐ play 79
Bulb replacement 262
Bulb replacement, front 263
Bulb replacement, rear 265
Bulbs and lamps 262
Button, RES 104
Button, Start/Stop 58
Bypassing, refer to starting aid 270
C
Calendar 226 California Proposition 65
Warning 7
Camera, backup camera 116
Camera, care 276
Camera, Side View 118
Camera, Top View 117
Can holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 140
Car battery 267
Car care products 275
Care, displays 276
Care, vehicle 275
Cargo 148
Cargo area, enlarging 136
Cargo area lid 35
Cargo area, storage compart‐ ments 141
Cargo straps, securing cargo 149
Car key, refer to Remote con‐ trol 28
Carpet, care 276
Car wash 274
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 146
CBS Condition Based Serv‐ ice 260
CD/DVD 181
CD/DVD player, rear 201
CDs, storing 188
Cell phone 210
Center armrest 139
Center console 14
Central locking system 31
Central
screen, refer to Control
Display 16
Changes, technical, refer to Safety 7
Changing parts 262
Changing wheels/tires 251
Check Control 70
Children, seating position 54
Children, transporting safely 54
Child restraint fixing sys‐ tem 54
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 55 Child restraint fixing systems,
mounting 54
Child-safety locks 57
Child seat, mounting 54
Child seats 54
Chrome parts, care 275
Cigarette lighter 134
Cleaning, displays 276
Climate control 126
Climate control wind‐ shield 147
Clock 73
Closing/opening from in‐ side 35
Closing/opening via door lock 34
Closing/opening with remote control 32
Clothes hooks 141
Collision warning 108
Combination switch, refer to Turn signals 62
Combination switch, refer to Wiper system 62
Comfort Access 37
COMFORT
program, Dynamic
Driving Control 100
Computer 75
Concierge service 233
Condensation on win‐ dows 127
Condensation under the vehi‐ cle 148
Condition Based Service CBS 260
Confirmation signal 33
Contacts 221, 230
Control Display 16
Control Display, settings 78
Controller 16
Control systems, driving sta‐ bility 95
Convenient opening 32
Coolant 258
Coolant temperature 72
Cooling function 128
Cooling, maximum 127
Cooling system 258
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