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BMW 2011 550i xDrive User Manual

BMW 2011 550i xDrive
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Owner's Manual for
Vehicle
THE BMW 5 SERIES GRAN
TURISMO.
The Ultimate Driving
Machine
THE BMW 5 SERIES GRAN
TURISMO.
Contents
A-Z
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 607 855 - 09 11 490

Table of Contents

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BMW 2011 550i xDrive Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandBMW
Model2011 550i xDrive
CategoryAutomobile
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Notes

Symbols

Explains various symbols used throughout the manual for warnings and indicators.

Vehicle equipment

States that the manual covers all standard, country-specific, and optional equipment.

For your own safety

General safety advice regarding maintenance and repairs.

At a glance

Cockpit

Overview of buttons, switches, and displays around the steering wheel.

All around the center console

Details components of the center console with numbered labels.

All around the headliner

Details components around the headliner with numbered labels.

iDrive

The concept

Explains iDrive combines multiple switch functions for central operation.

Using the iDrive during a trip

Advises against distraction while driving.

Controls at a glance

Identifies Control Display and Controller with buttons.

Controller

How to select menu items and create settings by turning.

Operating concept

Explains opening the main menu and selecting menu items.

Voice activation system

The concept

Explains voice commands for operating Control Display functions.

Using voice activation

General guidance on using voice activation.

Activating the voice activation system

Steps to activate the system via steering wheel button.

Possible commands

Menu items can be used as commands.

Notes on Emergency Requests

Advises against using voice activation for emergency requests.

Integrated Owner's Manual in the vehicle

Integrated Owner's Manual in the vehicle

Explains the manual can be displayed on the Control Display.

Components of the integrated Owner's Manual

Outlines the three parts: Quick Reference Guide, Search by pictures, Owner's Manual.

Quick Reference Guide

Information for vehicle operation and emergencies.

Controls

Opening and closing

Details on remote control/key functions and integrated key.

Personal Profile

Concept and transmission of personal settings.

Central locking system

Concept and operation from outside and inside.

Locking

Instructions for locking via remote control and confirmation signals.

Opening the tailgate

Instructions for opening large and small tailgates.

Adjusting

Sitting safely

Importance of ideal seating position for driving and safety.

Front seats

General information and warnings about adjusting seats while driving.

Semi-electrically adjustable seats

Overview of adjustment controls for semi-electric seats.

Electrically adjustable seats

Overview of adjustment controls for electric seats.

Safety belts

Notes on safety belt usage, buckling and unbuckling.

Front head restraints

Correct adjustment for injury risk reduction.

Transporting children safely

The right place for children

Safest place for children is the rear seat.

Children should always be in the rear

Accident research shows rear seat is safest for children.

Children on the front passenger seat

Front airbags must be deactivated if child seat is used.

Installing child restraint fixing systems

Preparing rear seat backrests for child restraint system installation.

LATCH child restraint fixing system

Explains LATCH system and manufacturer's info.

Mounts for the lower LATCH anchors

How to correctly engage lower LATCH anchors.

Driving

Start/Stop button

Concept of the start/stop button for ignition and engine.

Starting the engine

General information and procedure for starting the engine.

Enclosed areas

Warning about running engine in enclosed areas.

Parking brake

Concept, setting, releasing, and manual release of parking brake.

Automatic Hold

Concept and activation/deactivation of Automatic Hold.

Turn signal, high beams, headlamp flasher

Controls for turn signals, high beams, and flashers.

Washer/wiper system

Switching wipers on/off and brief wipe.

Automatic transmission with Steptronic

Information on transmission positions and kickdown.

Displays

Instrument cluster

Overview of the instrument cluster gauges and indicators.

Electronic displays

Information shown on electronic displays (messages, time, range, computer).

Check Control

Concept of the Check Control system for monitoring malfunctions.

Indicator/warning lamps

Explanation of various indicator and warning lamps.

Service requirements

Displaying service intervals and detailed information.

Settings on the Control Display

Setting time, date, and language.

Lamps

At a glance

Overview of exterior lighting controls.

Parking lamps/low beams, headlamp control

General information on exterior lighting operation.

Automatic headlamp control

How automatic headlamp control functions.

Adaptive light control

Concept and activation of adaptive light control.

High-beam Assistant

Concept and activation of high-beam assistant.

Switching the high beams on and off manually

Manual operation of high beams.

Safety

Airbags

Overview of different airbag types (front, side, head, knee).

Protective action

Information on ensuring optimal airbag protective effect.

Airbag system malfunctioning

Troubleshooting airbag warning lamp issues.

Automatic deactivation of the front passenger airbags

System determines front passenger airbag status based on occupancy.

Tire Pressure Monitor TPM

Concept of the Tire Pressure Monitor system.

Low tire pressure message

Meaning of yellow warning lamp and Check Control message.

Actions in the event of a flat tire

What to do in case of a flat tire.

Lane departure warning

Concept and operation of lane departure warning system.

Active Blind Spot Detection

Concept and operation of blind spot detection.

System limits

Warnings about checking traffic situation and avoiding quick approaches.

Driving stability control systems

Antilock Brake System ABS

How ABS prevents wheel lock during braking.

Brake assistant

How brake assistant maximizes braking force.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control

Concept of DSC for preventing traction loss and stabilizing vehicle.

Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF

How deactivating DSC affects stability.

DTC Dynamic Traction Control

Concept of DTC for optimizing forward momentum.

xDrive

Explanation of the all-wheel-drive system.

HDC Hill Descent Control

Concept and activation of HDC.

Adaptive Drive

Concept of Adaptive Drive systems.

Dynamic Drive

How Dynamic Drive reduces lateral inclination.

Dynamic Damping Control

How Dynamic Damping Control reduces undesirable vehicle motion.

Integral Active Steering

Concept of Integral Active Steering.

Driving comfort

Buttons at a glance

Overview of ACC control buttons on steering wheel.

Switching on/off and interrupting cruise control

How to switch ACC on/off and interrupt it.

Distance

Selecting and displaying the distance to vehicle ahead.

PDC Park Distance Control

Concept and operation of PDC.

Surround View

Concept and systems included in Surround View.

Top View

How Top View assists parking and maneuvering.

Side View

Concept of side view cameras for cross traffic.

Night Vision with pedestrian detection

Concept of night vision system.

Head-up Display

Concept and display visibility of HUD.

Climate control

Automatic climate control

Overview of automatic climate control buttons.

Climate control functions in detail

Detailed explanation of climate control functions.

Manual air distribution

How to manually distribute air.

AUTO program

How AUTO program controls air volume, distribution, and temperature.

Defrosting windows and removing condensation

How to defrost windows and remove condensation.

Rear automatic climate control

Overview of rear automatic climate control.

Parked-car ventilation

Concept and operation of parked-car ventilation.

Interior equipment

Integrated universal remote control

Concept and operation of the universal remote control.

Fixed-code hand-held transmitters

Steps for programming fixed-code transmitters.

Alternating-code hand-held transmitters

Information on synchronizing alternating-code devices.

Ashtray/cigarette lighter

Opening and emptying ashtrays/lighters.

Connecting electrical devices

Information about sockets and their use.

Cargo area

Trunk cover information.

Through-loading system

General information about expanding cargo area.

Foldable rear backrests, manual

How to fold manual rear backrests.

Locking the backrests

Warning about locking backrests before passengers ride.

Foldable rear backrests, powered

Overview of powered rear backrest controls.

Storage compartments

Glove compartment

Opening and closing front passenger glove compartment.

USB interface for data transfer

Connection for importing/exporting data via USB.

Center armrest

Storage compartment in the front center armrest.

Locking the storage compartment

How to lock the storage compartment.

Connection for an external audio device

Connecting external audio devices like MP3 players.

Storage compartment in the center console

How to open center console compartment.

Cupholders

Notes on using cupholders safely.

Storage compartments in the cargo area

Retaining straps and multi-function hooks.

Retaining straps

How to use retaining straps.

Multi-function hook

How to use multi-function hooks.

Rear compartment

Trunk cover stowing and opening/closing.

Lashing eyes

Securing cargo using lashing eyes.

Driving tips

Things to remember when driving

General information on breaking-in period and engine/differential.

Breaking-in period

Instructions for engine and differential break-in.

General driving notes

Closing the tailgate and hot exhaust system.

Hydroplaning

Phenomenon of hydroplaning and how to prevent it.

Driving through water

Rules for driving through water.

Braking safely

How ABS assists in braking.

Objects in the area around the pedals

Warning about objects impeding pedals.

Do not drive in neutral

Warning against driving in neutral or with engine stopped.

Loading

Overloading the vehicle

Consequences of overloading the vehicle.

Determining the load limit

Steps to determine the load limit based on vehicle placard.

Stowing cargo

Guidelines for stowing cargo safely.

Securing cargo

How to secure smaller/lighter and larger/heavier items.

Lashing eyes in the cargo area

Location of lashing eyes for securing cargo.

Roof-mounted luggage rack

Information about available roof racks.

Securing cargo

Warnings about positioning and securing cargo.

Saving fuel

Remove unnecessary cargo

Effect of additional weight on fuel consumption.

Remove attached parts following use

Removing auxiliary mirrors, roof racks when not needed.

Close the windows and glass sunroof

Effect of open windows/sunroof on air resistance and fuel consumption.

Check the tire inflation pressure regularly

Importance of checking tire pressure for fuel efficiency.

Drive away without delay

Advice on starting driving immediately for engine warm-up.

Look well ahead when driving

How smooth driving and looking ahead reduces fuel consumption.

Use coasting conditions

Using coasting for fuel saving.

Switch off the engine during longer stops

Advice on switching off engine during longer stops.

Have maintenance carried out

Importance of regular maintenance for fuel economy.

Navigation

Navigation system

How the system determines position and guides to destinations.

Entries in stationary vehicle

Warning about entering data only when stationary.

Starting navigation system

Steps to start the navigation system.

Destination input

Manual destination entry process.

Entering a state/province

Steps to enter state/province.

Entering a town/city

Steps to enter town/city name.

Street does not exist in the destination city/town

What to do if the street is not found.

Starting destination guidance after entering the destination

Accepting destination and starting guidance.

Address book

Selecting and storing destinations in the address book.

Destination entry by map

Selecting destinations directly from the map.

Destination entry by voice

General information on voice destination entry.

Planning a trip with intermediate destinations

How to plan trips with multiple destinations.

Route criteria

General information on route calculation criteria.

Changing the route criteria

How to change route criteria.

Traffic obstructions

How traffic obstructions are indicated on the map.

Traffic bulletins

Displaying traffic bulletins from radio stations.

Filtering traffic bulletins

How to set which traffic bulletins appear on map.

Dynamic destination guidance

How route changes automatically with traffic obstructions.

Entertainment

Tone

General information on sound settings and treble/bass/balance/fader.

Radio

Controls for radio operation.

Sound output

Switching radio on/off and muting.

AM/FM station

Selecting AM/FM stations.

HD Radio™ reception

Explains analog and digital signals.

CD/Multimedia

Controls for entertainment source selection.

Playback

Loading and starting CD/DVD playback.

Random playback

How to play tracks in random order.

Video playback

At a glance overview of video playback.

Music collection

Storing music from CDs/DVDs/USB.

Backing up music data

Importance of backing up music data.

External devices

Connecting external audio and video devices.

Bluetooth audio

How to play music files via Bluetooth.

Pairing and connecting cell phone

Steps for pairing a device via Bluetooth.

What to do if...

Troubleshooting common Bluetooth issues.

Software Update

Vehicle supports external devices depending on software version.

Rear entertainment

Overview of rear entertainment controls.

Screens

Adjusting rear screens and warnings.

Remote control

Information about the rear remote control.

Menu navigation

How to navigate menus using the remote control.

Headphones, vehicle loudspeakers

Connecting headphones and sound output.

Communication

Telephone

General information on connecting mobile phones and phone functions.

Pairing/unpairing the mobile phone

General information on pairing and available functions.

What to do if...

Troubleshooting common phone pairing/connection issues.

Office

General information on displaying contacts, appointments, tasks, etc.

Do not use Office while driving

Warning about using Office functions while driving.

Contacts

Creating and editing contacts, adopting addresses for navigation.

Selecting the contact as a navigation destination

Using contacts as navigation destinations.

Messages

General information on displaying messages.

What to do if...

Troubleshooting common Office function issues.

ConnectedDrive

General information about BMW Assist services.

BMW Assist

How BMW Assist provides services and contract dependency.

Services offered

List of available BMW Assist services.

Emergency Request

How to establish a connection to BMW Assist Response Center.

TeleService

Data transmission for service status and inspections.

Concierge service

General information about Concierge service.

Roadside Assistance

Service availability and contacting Roadside Assistance.

BMW Search

Concept and license conditions for BMW Search.

Apps

Integrating cell phone software applications into the vehicle.

Use apps

Steps to connect cell phone and use applications.

Mobility

Refueling

General information on refueling and fuel cap operation.

Fuel

General information on fuel quality and required fuel.

Minimum fuel grade

Warning against using gasoline below minimum specified grade.

Wheels and tires

General information on tire inflation pressure and safety.

Tire inflation pressure

Safety information on tire pressure.

Checking the pressure

How to check tire pressure when tires are cold.

Maximum permissible speed

Warning against exceeding maximum speed.

RSC – Run-flat tires

Information about run-flat tires.

Changing wheels and tires

General information on changing wheels and tires.

Approved wheels and tires

Recommendation to use manufacturer-approved wheels and tires.

Run-flat tires

Safety advice regarding run-flat tires.

Snow chains

Information on fine-link snow chains.

Snow chain detection

Concept of snow chain detection system.

Engine compartment

General information about the engine compartment.

Important features in the engine compartment

Diagram of key engine compartment features.

Hood

Opening and closing the hood.

Engine oil

General information on engine oil consumption and checking oil level.

Check oil level

Concept and requirements for checking oil level.

Adding engine oil

How to add engine oil.

Oil types for refilling

Notes on oil additives and viscosity grades.

Coolant

General information on coolant, additives, and level.

Coolant level

How to check coolant level.

Maintenance

General information on maintenance.

BMW Maintenance System

How the system directs required maintenance measures.

Condition Based Service CBS

How CBS determines maintenance based on driving conditions.

Service data in the remote control

Information on required maintenance stored in remote control.

Socket for OBD Onboard Diagnosis

Location of OBD socket for emissions checks.

Emissions

Meaning of emission warning lamps.

Replacing components

General information and steps for replacing components.

Wiper blade replacement

General information and steps for replacing wiper blades.

Lamp and bulb replacement

General information on lamp replacement and recommendations.

Do not perform work/bulb replacement on xenon headlamps

Warning against DIY xenon headlamp replacement due to high voltage.

Tail lamps, bulb replacement

General instructions for tail lamp replacement.

Vehicle battery

Maintenance and replacement of the vehicle battery.

Charging the battery

How to charge the battery via terminals.

Fuses

Notes on replacing fuses and their locations.

Breakdown assistance

General information on breakdown assistance services.

Emergency Request

Requirements for initiating an Emergency Request.

Initiating an Emergency Request

Steps to initiate an Emergency Request.

First aid kit

Location of the first aid kit and checking contents.

Roadside Assistance

Service availability and contacting Roadside Assistance.

Jump starting

Notes on jump starting a discharged battery.

Starting aid terminals

Connecting jumper cables in correct order.

Tow-starting and towing

Notes on transporting vehicle and towing methods.

Attaching the tow rope correctly

Securing tow rope on tow fitting.

Care

Car washes

Notes on using steam jets or high-pressure washers.

Washing in automatic car washes

Preference for cloth washes to avoid paint damage.

Before driving into a car wash

Steps to ensure vehicle can roll in car wash.

Vehicle care

General information on car care products and interior cleaning.

Car care products

BMW recommendations for cleaning products.

Vehicle paint

Importance of regular care for paint and value retention.

Leather care

How to clean and care for leather surfaces.

Upholstery material care

How to vacuum and clean upholstery.

Caring for special components

How to clean light-alloy wheels, chrome, rubber, wood, and plastic parts.

Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol or solvents

Warnings about using alcohol/solvent-based cleansers.

Safety belts

Importance of clean belts for reeling and safety.

Floor carpets and floor mats

Keeping area around pedals clear and floor mat care.

Reference

Technical data

General information on dimensions, weights, and capacities.

Dimensions

Width, height, length, and wheelbase dimensions.

Width with mirrors, height with roof-mounted aerial

Diagram showing width and height dimensions.

Width without mirrors

Diagram showing width without mirrors.

Length, wheel base

Diagram showing length and wheelbase.

Smallest turning circle

Turning circle specifications for different models.

Weights

Approved weights and load capacities for different models.

Capacities

Vehicle fluid capacities.

Short commands of the voice activation system

List of voice commands for various functions.

Navigation

Voice commands for navigation functions.

Map

Voice commands for map display and orientation.

Split screen settings

Voice commands for split screen settings.

Destination guidance with intermediate destinations

Voice commands for destination entry and trip list.

Radio

Voice commands for radio functions (FM/AM).

FM

Voice commands for FM radio operation.

AM

Voice commands for AM radio operation.

CD/Multimedia

Voice commands for CD/DVD drive.

Music collection

Voice commands for music collection.

External devices

Voice commands for external devices and Bluetooth.

Telephone

Voice commands for telephone functions.

Office

Voice commands for Office functions.

Contacts

Voice commands for contacts.

BMW Assist or ConnectedDrive

Voice commands for BMW Assist and ConnectedDrive.

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