BMW 550I XDRIVE 2013 Repair Manual

4Mounting point/eye5Rear window shelf6Seat backrest7Upper retaining strap
Attaching the upper retaining strap to
the mounting point
1.Remove the mounting point cover.2.Raise the head restraint. Do not change the
middle head restraint.3.Guide the upper retaining strap between the
supports of the head restraint.
Guide it over the head restraint of the middle
seat.4.Attach the hook of the retaining strap to the
mounting eye.5.Tighten the retaining strap by pulling it
down.6.Lower and lock head restraints as needed.
Locking the doors and
windows
Rear doors
Push the locking lever on the rear doors down.
The door can now be opened from the outside
only.
Safety switch for the rear
Press the button on the driver's door if
children are being transported in the
rear.
This locks various functions so that they cannot
be operated from the rear: safety switch, refer to
page 44.Seite 61Transporting children safelyControls61
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DrivingVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
Start/Stop button
The concept Pressing the Start/Stop button
switches the ignition on or off and
starts the engine.
Automatic transmission: The en‐
gine starts if the brake is de‐
pressed while pressing the Start/Stop button.
Manual transmission: the engine starts if the
clutch pedal is depressed when the Start/Stop
button is pressed.
Ignition on
Automatic transmission: Press the Start/Stop
button but do not depress the brake.
Manual-shift transmission: press the Start/Stop
button, and do not press on the clutch pedal at
the same time.
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
Most of the indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster light up for varying lengths of
time.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
The ignition switches off automatically:▷When the vehicle is locked, if the low beams
are switched on.▷Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started.
Note
If the engine is switched off and the ignition is
switched on, the system automatically switches
to the radio ready state when the door is opened
if the lights are switched off or the daytime run‐
ning lights are switched on.
Ignition off
Automatic transmission: Press the Start/Stop
button again, but do not depress the brake.
Manual-shift transmission: press the Start/Stop
button again, and do not press on the clutch
pedal at the same time.
All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
Transmission position P with the ignition
off
When the ignition is switched off, position P is
engaged automatically. When in an automatic
car wash, for example, ensure that the ignition is
not switched off accidentally.◀
Ignition automatically cuts off while the vehicle
is stationary and the engine is stopped:
▷During locking, also with the low beams ac‐
tivated.▷Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started. This function is only available when
the low beams are switched off.▷When opening and closing the driver door, if
the driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the
low beams are switched off.Seite 62ControlsDriving62
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▷While the driver's seat belt is unbuckled, if
the driver's door is open and the low beams
are switched off.
When the ignition is switched off, by opening or
closing the driver's door or unbuckling the driv‐
er's seat belt, the radio ready state remains ac‐
tive.
Radio ready state
Activate radio ready state:
▷When the ignition is switched off: press ON/
OFF button on the radio.▷When the engine is running: press the Start/
Stop button.
Some electronic systems/power consumers re‐
main ready for operation.
Radio ready state switches off automatically:
▷After approx. 8 minutes.▷When the vehicle is locked using the central
locking system.▷Shortly before the battery is discharged
completely, so that the engine can still be
started.
Starting the engine
General information Enclosed areas
Do not let the engine run in enclosed
areas; otherwise, breathing of exhaust fumes
may lead to loss of consciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and colorless but highly toxic gas.◀
Unattended vehicle
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running; doing so poses a risk of dan‐
ger.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine run‐
ning, set the parking brake and place the trans‐
mission in position P or neutral to prevent the
vehicle from moving.◀
Repeated starting in quick succession
Avoid repeated unsuccessful attempts to
start the vehicle or starting the vehicle several
times in quick succession. Otherwise, the fuel is
not burned or is inadequately burned, posing a
risk of overheating and damage to the catalytic
converter.◀
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving at mod‐
erate engine speeds.
Manual transmission
Starting the engine1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press on the clutch pedal and shift to neu‐
tral.3.Press the Start/Stop button.
The ignition is activated automatically for a cer‐
tain time and is stopped as soon as the engine
starts.
Automatic transmission
Starting the engine
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
The ignition is activated automatically for a cer‐
tain time and is stopped as soon as the engine
starts.
Engine stop
General information Take the remote control with you
Take the remote control with you when
leaving the vehicle so that children, for example,
cannot start the engine.◀
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Set the parking brake and further secure
the vehicle as required
Set the parking brake firmly when parking; oth‐
erwise, the vehicle could roll. On steep upward
and downward inclines, further secure the vehi‐
cle, for example, by turning the steering wheel in
the direction of the curb. ◀
Before driving into a car wash
In order for the vehicle to be able to roll into a car
wash, heed the information regarding Washing
in automatic car washes, refer to page 226.
Manual transmission
Switching off the engine1.With the vehicle at a standstill, press the
Start/Stop button.2.Shift into first gear or reverse.3.Set the parking brake.
Automatic transmission
Switching off the engine
1.Engage transmission position P with the ve‐
hicle stopped.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
The engine is switched off.
The radio ready state is switched on.3.Set the parking brake.
Auto Start/Stop function
The concept
The Auto Start/Stop function helps save fuel.
The system switches off the engine during a
stop, e.g., in a traffic congestion or at traffic
lights. The ignition remains switched on. The
engine starts again automatically for driving off.
Certain vehicle components may experience
additional wear as a result of this system.
Automatic mode
The Auto Start/Stop function is operational after
each engine start.
This function is activated at speeds faster than
about 3 mph, approx. 5 km/h.
Engine stop
The engine is switched off automatically during
a stop under the following conditions:
Manual transmission:▷Neutral is engaged and the clutch pedal is
not pressed.▷The driver's safety belt is buckled or the
driver's door is closed.
Automatic transmission:
▷The selector lever is in transmission position
D.▷The brake pedal remains pressed while the
vehicle is stationary or the vehicle is held by
Automatic Hold.▷The driver's safety belt is buckled or the
driver's door is closed.
The air flow of the air conditioner is reduced
when the engine is switched off.
Displays in the instrument cluster The display indicates that the
Auto Start/Stop function is ready
for an automatic engine start.
The display indicates that the
conditions for an automatic en‐
gine stop have not been satisfied.
Note
The engine is not switched off automatically in
the following situations:
▷External temperature too low.Seite 64ControlsDriving64
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▷The external temperature is high and auto‐
matic climate control is running.▷The passenger compartment has not yet
been heated or cooled to the required level.▷The engine is not yet at operating tempera‐
ture.▷The wheels are at a sharp angle or the steer‐
ing wheel is being turned.▷After driving in reverse.▷Fogging of the windows when the automatic
climate control is switched on.▷The vehicle battery charge is very low.▷The engine compartment lid is unlocked.▷HDC is activated.▷The parking assistant is activated.▷Stop-and-go traffic.▷The transmission selector lever is in position
N or M/S.
Starting the engine
The engine starts automatically under the fol‐
lowing conditions:
▷Manual transmission:
The clutch pedal is pressed.▷Automatic transmission:
By releasing the brake pedal.
When Automatic Hold is activated: press the
accelerator.
After the engine starts, accelerate as usual.
Safety mode
After the engine switches off automatically, it
will not start again automatically if any one of the
following conditions are met.
▷The driver's safety belt is unbuckled and the
driver's door is open.▷The hood was unlocked.
Some indicator lamps light up for varying
lengths of time.
The engine can only be started via the Start/
Stop button.
Note
Even if driving away was not intended, the de‐
activated engine starts up automatically in the
following situations:▷Excessive warming of the passenger com‐
partment when the cooling function is
switched on.▷The steering wheel is turned.▷Automatic transmission: the transmission
position is changed from D to N, R, or M/S.▷Automatic transmission: the transmission
position is changed from P to N, D, R, or M/
S.▷The vehicle begins rolling.▷Fogging of the windows when the automatic
climate control is switched on.▷The vehicle battery charge is very low.▷Excessive cooling of the passenger com‐
partment when the heating is switched on.▷Low brake vacuum pressure; this can occur,
for example, if the brake pedal is depressed
a number of times in succession.
Preventing an automatic engine stop
with automatic transmission
The concept
To make it possible to drive away very quickly,
such as at an intersection, the automatic engine
stop can be actively prevented.
Preventing an engine stop using the
brake pedal
The engine stop can be actively prevented
within one second after the vehicle comes to a
standstill.
▷Immediately after the vehicle comes to a
standstill, briefly press the brake pedal
forcefully.Seite 65DrivingControls65
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▷Then press the brake pedal with normal
braking force.
Activating/deactivating the system
manually
Using the button
Press the button.
▷LED comes on: Auto Start Stop function is
deactivated.
The engine is started during an automatic
engine stop.
The engine can only be stopped or started
via the Start/Stop button.▷LED goes out: Auto Start Stop function is
activated.
Switching off the vehicle during an
automatic engine stop
During an automatic engine stop, the vehicle
can be switched off permanently, e.g., when
leaving it.
1.Press the Start/Stop button. The ignition is
switched off. The Auto Start/Stop function
is deactivated.
Transmission position P is engaged auto‐
matically.2.Set the parking brake.
Engine start as usual via Start/Stop button.
Automatic deactivation
In certain situations, the Auto Start/Stop func‐
tion is deactivated automatically for safety rea‐
sons, such as when the driver is detected to be
absent.
Malfunction
The Auto Start/Stop function no longer
switches of the engine automatically. A Check
Control message is displayed. It is possible to
continue driving. Have the system checked.
Parking brake
The concept
The parking brake is used to prevent the vehicle
from rolling when it is parked.
Setting
Pull the switch.
The LED lights up.
The indicator lamp lights up red. The
parking brake is set.
Lower lamp: indicator lamp in Canadian
models
Set the parking brake and further secure
the vehicle as required
Set the parking brake firmly when parking; oth‐
erwise, the vehicle could roll. On steep upward
and downward inclines, further secure the vehi‐
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cle, for example, by turning the steering wheel in
the direction of the curb. ◀
While driving
Use while driving serves as an emergency brak‐
ing function:
Pull the switch and hold it. The vehicle brakes
hard while the button is being pulled.
The indicator lamp lights up red, a signal
sounds and the brake lamps light up.
Lower lamp: indicator lamp in Canadian
models.
If the vehicle is braked to a speed of approx.
2 mph/3 km/h, the parking brake remains set.
Releasing
With the ignition switched on:
Manual transmission: Press the switch
while the brake or clutch is pressed.
Automatic transmission: Press the switch while
the brake is pressed or transmission position P
is engaged.
The LED and indicator lamp go out.
The parking brake is released.
Automatic Release in cars with
automatic transmission
For automatic release, operate the accelerator
pedal.
The LED and indicator lamp go out.
Subject to the following requirements, the park‐
ing brake is automatically released by operation
of the accelerator pedal:▷Engine on.▷Drive position engaged.▷Driver buckled in and doors closed.Inadvertent operation of the accelerator
pedal
Make sure that the accelerator pedal is not op‐
erated unintentionally; otherwise, the vehicle is
set in motion and there is a risk of an accident. ◀
Automatic Hold
The concept
This system assists the driver by automatically
setting and releasing the brake, such as when
moving in stop-and-go traffic.
The vehicle is automatically held in place when
it is stationary.
On inclines, the system prevents the vehicle
from rolling backward when driving away.
For your safety
Under the following conditions, Automatic Hold
is automatically deactivated and the parking
brake is set:
▷The engine is switched off.▷A door is opened and driver's safety belt is
unbuckled while the vehicle is stationary.▷The moving vehicle is brought to a standstill
using the parking brake.
The indicator lamp switches from green
to red and the letters AUTO H go out.
Lower lamp: indicator lamp in Canadian
models.
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Leaving the vehicle with the engine run‐
ning
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine run‐
ning, engage position P of the automatic trans‐
mission and ensure that the parking brake is set.
Otherwise, the vehicle may begin to roll.◀
Activating
This function can be activated when the driver's
door is closed and the safety belt is fastened,
and while driving.
Press the button.
The LED and the letters AUTO H light
up.
The indicator lamp lights up.
Automatic Hold is activated.
Deactivating Press the button again.
The LED and the letters AUTO H go
out.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.
If the vehicle is being held by Automatic Hold,
press on the brake pedal to deactivate it.
When the parking brake is set manually, Auto‐
matic Hold is deactivated automatically.
Driving
Automatic Hold is activated: the vehicle is auto‐
matically secured against rolling after braking to
a standstill.
The indicator lamp lights up green.
Step on the accelerator pedal to drive
off.
The brake is released automatically.
The indicator lamp goes out.
Lower lamp: indicator lamp in Canadian modelsBefore driving into a car wash
Deactivate Automatic Hold; otherwise, the
parking brake will be set when the vehicle is sta‐
tionary and the vehicle will no longer be able to
roll.◀
Parking
The parking brake is automatically set if the en‐
gine is switched off while the vehicle is being
held by Automatic Hold.
The indicator lamp changes from green
to red.
The parking brake is not set if the engine
is switched off while the vehicle is coast‐
ing to a halt. Automatic Hold is deacti‐
vated.
Lower lamp: indicator lamp in Canadian models
Automatic Hold remains activated during an en‐
gine stop brought about by the Auto Start/Stop
function.
Take the remote control with you
Take the remote control with you when
leaving the vehicle so that children, for example,
cannot release the parking brake.◀
Malfunction
In the event of a failure or malfunction of the
parking brake, secure the vehicle against rolling
using a wheel chock, for example, when leaving
it.Seite 68ControlsDriving68
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Turn signal, high beams,
headlamp flasher
Turn signal
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To switch off manually, press the lever to the re‐
sistance point.
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator lamp in‐
dicates that a turn signal bulb has failed.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever to the resistance point.
The turn signal flashes three times.
The function can be activated or deactivated:
1."Settings"2."Lighting"3."Triple turn signal"Signaling briefly
Press the lever to the resistance point and hold
it there for as long as you want the turn signal to
flash.
High beams, headlamp flasher▷High beams, arrow 1.▷Headlamp flasher, arrow 2.
Washer/wiper system
Switching the wipers on/off and brief
wipe
Do not switch on the wipers if frozen
Do not switch on the wipers if they are fro‐
zen onto the windshield; otherwise, the wiper
blades and the windshield wiper motor may be
damaged.◀
No wiper operation on dry windshield
Do not use the windshield wipers if the
windshield is dry, as this may damage the wiper
blades or cause them to become worn more
quickly.◀
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Switching on
Press the wiper levers up.
The lever automatically returns to its initial po‐
sition when released.
▷Normal wiping speed: press up once.
The wipers switch to intermittent operation
when the vehicle is stationary.▷Fast wiping speed: press up twice or press
once beyond the resistance point.
The wipers switch to normal speed when the
vehicle is stationary.
Switching off and brief wipe
Press the wiper levers down.
The lever automatically returns to its initial po‐
sition when released.
▷Brief wipe: press down once.▷To switch off normal wipe: press down once.▷To switch off fast wipe: press down twice.Rain sensor
The concept
The rain sensor automatically controls the time
between wipes depending on the intensity of
the rainfall. The sensor is located on the wind‐
shield, directly behind the interior rearview mir‐
ror.
Activating/deactivating
Press the button on the wiper lever.
The LED in the wiper lever lights up and a wiping
operation is started. At temperatures below
32 ℉/0 ℃, a wiping operation is not started.
Deactivate the rain sensor in car washes
Deactivate the rain sensor when passing
through an automatic car wash; otherwise, dam‐
age could be caused by undesired wiper activa‐
tion.◀
Rain sensor, sensitivity
Turn the thumbwheel.
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