load capacity BMW 550I TOURING 2006 E61 Owner's Manual

Practical interior accessories
120 around and endanger occupants, e.g. during
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Ski bag*
Designed for safe, clean transport of up to
4 pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snowboards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length
o f u p t o 6 . 9 f t / 2 . 1 0 m . W h e n s k i s o f 6 . 9 f t / 2 . 1 0 m
in length are loaded, the ski bag will tend to con-
tract, reducing its overall capacity.
Loading
1.Fold down the center armrest, press the
button and open the cover.
2.Press the button again; the cover in the lug-
gage compartment opens. If you press the
button firmly the first time, this also opens
the cover in the luggage compartment.
3.Extend the ski bag between the front seats
and fill it. The zipper facilitates access to the
stowed items and drying of the ski bag.
4.Insert the latch plate of the ski bag retaining
strap into the center safety belt buckle that
is marked CENTER.
Only stow clean skis in the ski bag. Wrap sharp
edges to prevent damage.
Securing cargo
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If you fail to
do so, it could endanger occupants dur-
ing braking or evasive maneuvers.<
To store the ski bag, perform the above steps in
reverse order.
Removing ski bag
The ski bag can be completely removed, e.g. for
faster drying or to allow you to put it to other
uses.
1.Pull the handle forward and pull the ski bag
up and out.
2.Close the cover in the luggage compart-
ment.
Your BMW center will be glad to provide
you with more detailed information on the
various items of equipment.<

Things to remember when driving
126 Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake pedal
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the
way down into first gear. This strategy helps
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. For information on downshifting in the
manual mode of the automatic transmission,
refer to page64.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise there will be no engine braking action or
support of the braking force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this vehicle
from being damaged, always fold them in by
hand before entering an automatic car wash.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Rear window wiper*
The rear window wiper can be damaged in car
washes. Take appropriate protective measures;
ask the car wash operator if necessary.
With comfort access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off in the selector
lever position N. Also refer to page40.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<

Driving tips
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Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg. Otherwise, this could
damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage
can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
seat back.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrest.

Things to remember when driving
128 >Sports Wagon:
Use the separation net to protect the occu-
pants, refer to page118. Make sure that
objects cannot penetrate through the sepa-
ration net.
Wrap sharp-edged or pointed objects
which could strike the rear window while
driving.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net*, luggage straps, or
securing straps to hold down small and
lightweight luggage and cargo.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes
mounted in the luggage compartment or
cargo area are used to secure these heavy-
duty cargo straps, refer to illustration.
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load as
described above. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Use only the lashing eyes to secure heavy-duty
cargo straps, refer to illustration, otherwise the
cargo straps could become detached or the
vehicle could be damaged.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page229 ff., as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could fly around and pose a safety hazard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the door
openings or on the roof rails
*.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under
Weights on page229 ff.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed
and must not extend outward beyond the limits
of the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest
pieces at the bottom. Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the glass
sunroof, and that objects do not project into the
opening path of the luggage compartment lid/
tailgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

Mobility
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550i
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire sizeSpeed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire sizePressure specifications in psi/kPa
Compact wheel
*:
T 135/80 R 17 102 M61/420
Traveling speeds
up to max. of
100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds
including those exceeding
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
245/40 R 18 93 Y 30/210 38/260 29/200 35/240 33/230 41/280
245/45 R 17 95 W
245/45 R 17 99 V M+S XL29/200 35/240 32/220 38/260 36/250 44/300
225/50 R 17 94 V M+S
225/50 R 17 94 W
225/50 R 17 94 H M+S29/200 36/250 33/230 39/270 38/260 45/310
Front: 245/40 R 18 93 Y
Rear: 275/35R1895Y30/210 35/240 29/200 32/220 33/230 38/260
Front: 245/35 R 19 93 Y XL
Rear: 275/30R1996YXL35/240 39/270 33/230 38/260 38/260 44/300
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page229.
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Belted construction – radial
Rim diameter in inches
Carrying capacity ID-code
(not in ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in ZR tires before the R)225/50 R1794 W
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0806

Mobility
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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.
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.<

Reference 229
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Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Sedan525i530i550i
Curb weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 3,395/1,540 3,450/1,565 3,902/1,770
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,439/1,560 3,472/1,575 3,924/1,780
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission, SMG lbs./kg 4,497/2,040 4,552/2,065 5,004/2,270
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,541/2,060 4,575/2,075 5,026/2,280
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,161/980 2,227/1,010 2,469/1,120
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,601/1,180 2,601/1,180 2,679/1,215
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520 18.4/520
Sedan525xi530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,593/1,630 3,670/1,660
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,638/1,650 3,704/1,680
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 4,696/2,130 4,762/2,160
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 4,740/2,150 4,806/2,180
Load lbs./kg 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,315/1,050 2,315/1,050
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,646/1,200 2,646/1,200
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 18.4/520 18.4/520

Technical data
230 Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
Sports Wagon530xi
Curb weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 3,858/1,750
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 3,891/1,765
Approved gross vehicle weight
>Manual transmission lbs./kg 5,049/2,290
>Automatic transmission lbs./kg 5,082/2,305
Load lbs./kg 1,190/540
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,381/1,080
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,866/1,300
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100
Luggage compartment capacity cu ft/l 17.7-58.3/500-1,650
Notes
Fuel tank gal/liters approx. 18.5/70 Fuel grade: page195
of that reserve gal/liters approx. 2.1/8
Window cleaning system For more details: page66
>Sedan US quarts/liters approx. 3.2/3
>incl. headlamp washer system US quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5
>Sports Wagon US quarts/liters approx. 5.3/5
Engine with oil filter change BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
Oil grades: page206 >525i/xi, 530i/xi US quarts/liters 6.9/6.5
>550i US quarts/liters 8.5/8.0

Everything from A to Z
238 BMW Assist187
– enabling187
– services offered188
"BMW Contact"182
"BMW Contact
Numbers"182
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system209
BMW Night Vision98
– activating99
– cleaning camera100
– cleaning camera, refer to
Wiper system66
– deactivating99
– making settings99
"BMW Service"189
"BMW Service settings"188
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control86
Brake fluid207
– warning lamp207
Brake force display94
Brake lamps
– brake force display94
– replacing bulbs213
Brake pads208
– breaking-in124
Brake rotors126
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System86
– brake fluid207
– brake force display94
– brake pads208
– breaking-in124
– handbrake60
– warning lamps13
Brake system124,207
– brake fluid level207
– brake pads124,208
– breaking-in124
– disk brakes126
– warning lamp207Braking
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control86
– DBC Dynamic Brake
Control86
– electronic brake-force
distribution86
– refer to Braking safely125
Braking safely125
Breakdown assistance189
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance220
Breaking-in the clutch124
Breaking-in the
differential124
Break-in period124
"Brightness"83
– with BMW Night Vision100
Brightness of Control
Display83
Button for starting engine58
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"180
Call
– accepting179
– displaying accepted180
– ending179
– in absence180
– starting179
Calling
– from phone book179
– from Top 8 list180
– redialing180
– refer to telephone operating
instructions
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Capacities230
Capacity
– of cargo area229
– of luggage
compartment229
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery217Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"76
Care210
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo
– refer to Loading126
– securing128
– securing with ski bag120
Cargo area
– capacity229
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually36
– increasing117
– opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate35
– opening from inside35
– opening from outside35
– opening with remote
control31
Cargo area cover, refer to Roll-
up cover
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 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 phone174
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest113
– refer to Mobile phone174
– refer to separate operating
instructions

Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
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Entertainment
Mobility
Lighter115
Lighter socket115
"Lighting"65,102
Lighting
– instruments104
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps101
– refer to High-beam
assistant103
Light switch101
"Limit"81
Loading
– securing cargo128
– stowing cargo127
– vehicle126
"Lock after driving"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33
Locking
– from inside33
– from outside31
– setting confirmation
signals31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside32
– from outside30
– setting confirmation
signals31
Locking out, refer to
Unlocking39
Locking without key, refer to
Comfort access38
Low beams101
– automatic101
– replacing bulbs212
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support46
Lug bolts216
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting217
– wrench215Luggage compartment
– capacity229
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside34
– opening with remote
control31
Luggage compartment cover,
refer to Roll-up cover117
Luggage compartment lid33
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation34
– emergency release34
– locking separately34
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside34
– unlocking and locking from
inside32
– unlocking manually34
Luggage net, refer to
Separation net118
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack128
Lumbar support46
LW, waveband156
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires202
Maintenance
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models209
– refer to Service
requirements77
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models209
Maintenance system209
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control79
Manual air distribution107Manually controlled recircu-
lated air108
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– SMG Sequential Manual
Transmission62
"Manual" on the radio157
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door194
– glass sunroof42
– luggage compartment lid34
– panorama glass sunroof44
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission64
Manual transmission60
"Map direction of travel"146
Map display146
Map display facing north146
"Map facing north"146
Map for navigation
– changing scale146
– destination entry137
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling107
Maximum speed
– for winter tires202
– with compact wheel217
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Microfilter109
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature125
Mirrors51
– automatic curb monitor52
– folding in and out51
– heating51
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47