BMW 5 Series 2006 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

Contents

A - Z

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 211 - © 02/06 BMW AG

for Vehicle

The Ultimate

Driving Machine

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 211 - © 02/06 BMW AG

525i

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530i

550i

525xi 530xi

Owner's Manual for Vehicle

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.

Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:

Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new vehicle. It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maximum use and satisfaction from your BMW's unique range of technical features. The manual also contains information on maintenance designed to enhance operating safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your BMW throughout an extended service life.

This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.

We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.

BMW AG

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 211 - © 02/06 BMW AG

Aktiengesellschaft Munich, Germany Reprinting, including excerpts, only with the written consent of BMW AG, Munich. Order No. 01 41 0 012 211 US English II/06, 06 03 500 Printed in Germany Printed on environmentally friendly paper, bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.

Contents

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 211 - © 02/06 BMW AG

The fastest way to find specific topics is to use the index, refer to page 236.

Using this Owner's Manual

4 Notes 7 Reporting safety defects

At a glance

10 Cockpit 16 iDrive 22 Voice command system

Controls

28 Opening and closing 45 Adjustments 54 Transporting children safely 58 Driving 74 Everything under control 85 Technology for comfort, convenience

and safety

101 Lamps 105 Climate 111 Practical interior accessories

Driving tips

124 Things to remember when driving

Mobility

194 Refueling 196 Wheels and tires 204 Under the hood 209 Maintenance 211 Replacing components 219 Giving and receiving assistance

Reference

226 Technical data 231 Short commands of voice command

system

236 Everything from A to Z

Navigation

132 Starting navigation system 133 Destination entry 144 Destination guidance 149 What to do if …

Entertainment

152 On/off and tone 156 Radio 165 CD player and CD changer 171 External audio device

Communications

174 Telephoning 187 TeleService, BMW Assist

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunications NavigationEntertainmentMobility

Notes

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Using this Owner's Manual

Notes

We have made every effort to ensure that you are able to find what you need in this Owner's Manual as quickly as possible. The fastest way to find specific topics is to refer to the detailed index at the back of the manual. If you wish to gain an initial overview of your vehicle, you will find this in the first chapter.

Should you sell your BMW some day, please remember to hand over the Owner's Manual as well; it is an important component of your vehicle.

Additional sources of information

Should you have any other questions, your BMW center will be glad to advise you at any time.

You can find information on BMW, e.g. on technology, on the Internet at www.bmwusa.com.

Symbols used

Indicates precautions that must be fol-

lowed precisely in order to avoid the possibility of personal injury and serious damage to the vehicle.

Indicates information that will assist you

in gaining the optimum benefit from your vehicle and enable you to care more effectively for your vehicle.

Refers to measures that can be taken to

help protect the environment.

< Marks the end of a specific item of informa-

tion.

Indicates special equipment, country-specific equipment and optional extras, as well as equipment and functions not yet available at the time of printing.

"..." Identifies Control Display texts used to select individual functions.

{...} Verbal instructions to use with the voice command system.

{{...}} Identifies the answers generated by the voice command system.

Symbols on vehicle components

Indicates that you should consult the relevant section of this Owner's Manual for

information on a particular part or assembly.

The individual vehicle

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When purchasing your BMW, you have decided in favor of a model with individualized equipment and features. This Owner's Manual describes the entire array of options and equipment available with a specific BMW model.

Please bear in mind that the manual may contain information on accessories and equipment that you have not specified for your own vehicle. Sections describing options and special equip-

ment are marked by asterisks identifying possible differences between the descriptions in this manual and your own vehicle's equipment.

If equipment in your BMW is not described in this Owner's Manual, please refer to the accompanying Supplementary Owner's Manuals.

to assist you in

Editorial notice

BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing development that is conceived to ensure that our vehicles continue to embody the highest quality and safety standards combined with advanced, state-of-the-art technology. For this re as on, i t i s po ss ibl e t hat th e fe at ur es d es cri be d in this Owner's Manual could differ from those on your vehicle.

For your own safety

Maintenance and repairs

Advanced technology, e.g. the use of

modern materials and high-performance electronics, requires specially adapted maintenance and repair methods. Therefore, have corresponding work on your BMW performed only by your BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent damage and related safety hazards.<

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunications NavigationEntertainmentMobility

Parts and accessories

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For your own safety, use genuine parts and accessories approved by BMW.

When you purchase accessories tested and

Notes

approved by BMW and Genuine BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire the assurance that they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to ensure optimum performance when installed on your vehicle. BMW warrants these parts to be free from defects in material and workmanship. BMW will not accept any liability for damage resulting from installation of parts and accessories not approved by BMW. BMW cannot test every product made by other manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a BMW safely and without risk to either the vehicle, its operation or its occupants. Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and other products approved by BMW, together with professional advice on using these items, are available from all BMW centers. Installation and operation of non-BMW approved accessories such as alarms, radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension components, brake dust shields, telephones, including operation of any mobile phone from within the vehicle without using an externally mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment, for instance, CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radios or similar accessories, may cause extensive damage to the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere with the vehicle's electrical system or affect the validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. See your BMW center for additional information.<

Maintenance, replacement, or repair of

the emission control devices and systems may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual using any certified automotive part.<

California Proposition 65 Warning

California law requires us to issue the following warning:

Engine exhaust and a wide variety of

automobile components and parts, including components found in the interior furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling. Used engine oil contains chemicals that have caused cancer in laboratory animals. Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.<

Service and warranty

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We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.

Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:

> New Vehicle Limited Warranty

> Rust Perforation Limited Warranty

> Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty

> Federal Emissions Performance Warranty

> California Emission Control System Limited

Warranty

Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.

Reporting safety defects

For US customers

The following applies only to vehicles owned and operated in the US.

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, in addition to notifying BMW of North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone 1-800-831-

1117.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North America, LLC.

To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov

For Canadian customers

Canadian customers who wish to report a safety-related defect to Transport Canada, Defect Investigations and Recalls, may telephone the toll free hotline 1-800-333-0510, or contact Transport Canada by mail at: Transport Canada, ASFAD, Place de Ville Tower C, 330 Sparks Street, Ottawa ON K1A 0N5.

Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsCommunications NavigationEntertainmentMobility

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 211 - © 02/06 BMW AG

At a glance

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 211 - © 02/06 BMW AG

At a glance

This overview of buttons, switches and displays is intended to familiarize you with your vehicle's

operating environment. The section will also

assist you in becoming acquainted with the

control concepts and options available for

operating the various systems.

Cockpit

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Around the steering wheel: controls and displays

Cockpit

1 Sedan: sun blind* for rear window 112

2 Rear window safety switch 41

3 Opening and closing windows 40

4 Adjusting exterior mirror 51

Automatic parking function

Turn signal 64

High beams, headlamp flasher 102

High-beam assistant

Roadside parking lamps 102

Check Control 79

Computer 75

103

6 Buttons on steering wheel

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Mobile phone

> Press: accepting and ending

call, starting dialing selected phone number and redialing if no phone number is selected

> Press longer: redialing

174:

11 Horn: entire surface

for

Steering wheel heater

Steering wheel adjustment 52

Cruise control

At a glance

Volume

Activating/deactivating voice command system

Changing radio station Selecting music track Scrolling in phone book and in lists with stored phone numbers

Individually programmable

Individually programmable 53

7 Instrument cluster 12

Windshield wipers 65

Rain sensor 65

Sports Wagon: rear window wiper 66

Starting/stopping engine and switching ignition on/off 58

Active cruise control

14 Releasing hood 204

15 Opening luggage compartment lid/

tailgate 35, 33

Head-Up Display

BMW Night Vision

Parking lamps 101

Low beams 101

Automatic headlamp control Adaptive Head Light*102 High-beam assistant

Instrument lighting 104

Fog lamps

104

101

103

10 Ignition lock 58

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Instrument cluster

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Cockpit

1 Indicator lamps for turn signals

2 Speedometer

3 Indicator and warning lamps 13

4 Displays for active cruise control

5 Tachometer 74

6 Energy Control 75

7 Display for

> Clock/date 74

> Outside temperature 74

> Indicator and warning lamps 79

> Speed of cruise control

> Desired speed for active cruise

control

8 Displays for

> Odometer and trip odometer 74

> Computer 75

> Date and remaining travel distance

for service requirements 77

> Automatic transmission with

Steptronic

> SMG Sequential Manual

Transmission

> HDC Hill Descent Control

> High-beam assistant

> Check Control message present 79

9 Fuel gauge 75

10 Resetting trip odometer 74

103

Indicator and warning lamps

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The concept

Indicator and warning lamps can light up both in the display area 1 and in the display 2 in various combinations and colors.

Some lights are tested for proper function by briefly lighting up during starting of the engine or when the ignition is switched on.

In the case of corresponding urgency, this information is displayed immediately when the related lamp lights up.

Indicator lamps without text messages

The following indicator lamps in the display area 1 indicate that the associated functions are activated:

Handbrake engaged 60

Handbrake engaged for Canadian models

Fog lamps

DTC Dynamic Traction Control 87

High beams/headlamp flasher 102

104

At a glance

Explanatory text messages

Text message at the bottom edge of the Control Display explain the meaning of the displayed indicator and warning lamps.

Additional information, e.g. on the cause of a malfunction and on the corresponding need to take action can be displayed via the Check Control, refer to page 79.

Lamp flashes: DSC or DTC controls the drive and braking forces for maintaining vehicle stability 87

Reference ControlsDriving tipsCommunications NavigationEntertainmentMobility

Around the center console: controls and displays

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Cockpit

1 Microphone for handsfree mode for

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telephone and for voice command system*22

2 Reading lamps 104

3 Initiating

4 Interior lamps 104

5 Glass sunroof

Panorama glass sunroof

6 Passenger airbag status lamp 95

7 Control Display 16

Displays for menu navigation

8 Hazard warning flashers

9 Central locking system 32

10 Automatic climate control 105

an emergency call 219

, electric 41

Temperature setting, left/ right 106

Automatic air distribution and volume 106

12 Ejecting

> navigation DVD

> audio CD 152

13 Drive for navigation DVDs

14 Drive for audio CDs 152

15 Switching Entertainment sound output on/

off and adjusting volume 152

Heated seats

Active seat ventilation

Adjusting active backrest width*47

Active seat

PDC Park Distance Control

DTC Dynamic Traction Control 87

132

At a glance

Cooling function 107

AUC Automatic recirculated-air control 108

Recirculated-air mode 108

Maximum cooling 107

Residual heat mode 108

Switching off automatic climate control 108

Air volume 107

Defrosting windows and removing condensation 107

Rear window defroster 105

11 Changing

> radio station 152

> track 152

17 Controller 16

Turn, press or move horizontally in four directions

18 Activating voice command system

19 Opening start menu on Control Display 17

20 Dynamic Driving Control

Reference ControlsDriving tipsCommunications NavigationEntertainmentMobility

iDrive

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iDrive combines the functions of a large number

iDrive

of switches. This allows these functions to be operated from a central position. The following section provides an introduction to basic menu

Controls

navigation. The control of the individual functions is described in connection with the relevant equipment.

1 Control Display

2 button

Opening start menu

3 Controller

With the controller you can select menu items and make settings:

> move in four directions, arrows 4

> turn, arrow 5

> press, arrow 6

To avoid posing an unnecessary hazard

due to inattention, both to your own vehicle's occupants and to other road users: never attempt to use the controls or make entries unless traffic and road conditions allow.<

Menu overview

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Communication

> Telephone

> BMW Assist* or TeleService

Navigation or onboard information

> Navigation system

> Onboard information, e.g. for displaying

the average fuel consumption

Entertainment

> Radio

> CD player and CD changer

> External audio device

Climate

> Air distribution

> Seat air conditioning

> Automatic program

> Parked car ventilation

> Switching off Control Display

> Tone and display settings

> Settings for your vehicle, e.g. for the central

locking system

> Display of service requirements and dates

for statutory emission and vehicle inspections

> Settings for telephone

Operating principle

From radio readiness, refer to page 58, the following message is shown on the Control Display:

To clear the message: Press the controller. This displays the start menu.

On vehicles with a single drive, the message automatically disappears after approx. 10 seconds.

Start menu

You can call up all the functions of iDrive using five menu items.

Opening start menu

Press the button.

To open the start menu from the menu:

Press the button twice.

At a glance

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Opening menu items of start menu

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iDrive

Displays in menu

With the start menu you can open the menu items Communication, Navigation, Entertainment and Climate by moving the controller to the left, right, front or rear.

You can open the menu by pressing the controller.

Comfort opening of menu items

Comfort opening offers you:

> Opening of a menu item of the start menu in

the last display shown

> Direct switching between Communication,

Navigation, Entertainment and Climate without pressing the button

For this purpose, move the controller in the corresponding direction and hold it for longer than approx. 2 seconds.

1 Each menu is divided into fields. The

respective active field is highlighted.

2 A symbol indicates the last selected menu

item of the start menu:

Communication

Navigation or onboard information

Entertainment

Climate

1 Menu items are usually grouped in horizon-

tal or vertical lists.

2 In these lists, arrows indicate the possibility

of accessing other menu items that are not currently visible.

3 Settings are displayed graphically or

numerically.

Operating principle at a glance

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Basic operation via iDrive is described in this view.

You can view the individual steps under Settings on Control Display, Setting time, refer to page 82.

At a glance

1 Selecting menu item:

> Turn the controller; the highlight moves

> Menu items shown in white can be

selected by highlighting

2 Activating menu item:

> Press the controller

> New menu items are displayed or the

function is carried out

3 Selecting menu item: refer to 1

4 Changing between fields:

> Briefly move the controller left, right,

forward or back

> Release controller

> Active field appears lighter

5 Adjusting settings:

> Turn controller

> Graphic display, numerical value or text

displays can be changed

> Acknowledgment by changing field

Reference ControlsDriving tipsCommunications NavigationEntertainmentMobility

Status information

iDrive

Assistance window*

1 Display for:

> Entertainment:

Radio, CD

> Telephone

Name of linked mobile phone, network search or no network

> "BMW Assist"

Existing voice connection with a service from BMW Assist

2 Entertainment sound output off

3 Display for:

> New entries present in "Missed calls"

> Roaming active

4 Telephoning

phone is logged-on in the vehicle

Mobile phone network with strong reception, display dependent on mobile phone

5 Time

Other displays: The status information is temporarily hidden when there are Check Control instructions or inputs via the voice command system*.

in "Communication":

possible if the mobile

Additional information can be displayed in the assistance window:

> The computer or the trip computer

> The arrow or map view with a navigation

system

> The current position

Selecting display

1. Move the controller to the right to change to

the assistance window and press the controller.

2. Select a menu item.

3. Press the controller.

Switching assistance window off/on

1. Move the controller to the right to change to

the assistance window and press the controller.

2. Select "Assist. window off" and press the

controller.

To switch on, change to the assistance window and press the controller.

Switching Control Display off/on

1. Press the button.

This opens the start menu.

2. Press the controller to open the menu.

3. Select "Display off" and press the control-

ler.

At a glance

To switch on, press the controller.

Reference ControlsDriving tipsCommunications NavigationEntertainmentMobility

Voice command system

The concept

The voice command system allows you to control operation of various vehicle systems without ever removing your hands from the steering wheel.

Individual menu items on the Control Display can be spoken as commands. This frees you of having to use the controller.

The voice command system transforms your oral commands into control signals for the selected systems and provides support in the form of instructions or questions.

The voice command system uses a special microphone located in the area of the interior

Voice command system

rearview mirror, refer to page 14.

Precondition

Via iDrive, set the language that applies for the voice command system in order to enable identification of the spoken commands. To set the language of iDrive, refer to page 84.

Symbols in Owner's Manual

{...} Say the specified commands word for word. {{...}} Indicates responses of the voice command system.

Voice commands

Activating voice command system

1. Press the button.

This symbol on the Control Display and an acoustic signal tell you that the voice command system can respond to commands.

2. Say the command.

The command is displayed on the Control Display.

This symbol is shown on the Control Display

when you can input additional commands.

If no other commands are possible, then oper-

ate the equipment using iDrive.

Terminating or canceling voice command system

Press the button on the steering wheel or in the center console or

{Cancel}

Commands

Having possible commands read aloud

You can have the system read aloud the possible commands related to the selected menu item on the Control Display. To have the system list the possible commands:

{Options}

For example, if you have selected "CD", the system will read aloud the possible commands for operating the CD player and the CD

changer

Opening help

{Help}

Example: selecting a track

1. Switch on Entertainment sound output if

necessary.

2. Press the button on the steering wheel

or in the center console.

3. {Entertainment}

The system says: {{Entertainment}}

4. {CD}

The system says: {{CD drive switched on}}

At a glance

Using alternative commands

There are often a number of commands to run a function, e.g.:

{Radio on} or {Turn radio on}

Running functions directly with short commands

With short commands you can carry out certain functions directly, regardless of which menu item is selected, refer to page 231.

Opening start menu

{Main menu}

5. Press the button on the steering wheel

or in the center console.

6. Select track, e.g.:

{Track 1} The system says: {{Track 1}}

Reference ControlsDriving tipsCommunications NavigationEntertainmentMobility

Notes

The mobile phone can also be operated with voice commands, refer to

page 183.<

For voice commands, bear the following in mind:

> Say the commands and numbers smoothly

and at normal volume, avoiding excessive emphasis and pauses. This also applies to spelling when entering the destination.

> Always issue commands in the language of

the voice command system.

> When selecting a radio station, use the

common pronunciation of the station name.

> For entries in the voice-activated phone

book, only use names in the language of the

Voice command system

voice command system and no abbreviations.

> Keep the doors, windows and glass sun-

or panorama glass sunroof* closed to

roof avoid interfering outside noise.

> Avoid making other noise in the vehicle

while speaking.

At a glance

Reference ControlsDriving tipsCommunications NavigationEntertainmentMobility

Controls

This chapter is intended to provide you with

information for complete control of your vehicle.

Its extensive array of features and accessories,

both for driving and for your own safety,

comfort and convenience, are described here.

Opening and closing

Keys/remote control

1 Remote control with integrated key

Opening and closing

2 Spare key

3 Adapter for spare key, in glove compart-

ment

Remote control with integrated key

Each remote control contains a battery which is automatically charged in the ignition lock while driving. Drive a longer distance with each remote control at least twice a year to keep the battery charged. For comfort access remote control contains a replaceable battery, refer to page 40.

Depending on which remote control is detected by the vehicle during unlocking, different settings are called up and carried out in the vehicle, refer to Personal Profile, page 29.

Information on the required maintenance is also stored in the remote control, refer to Service data in remote control, page 209.

, the

Integrated key

Press the button 1 to unlock the key.

The integrated key fits the following locks:

> Glove compartment, refer to page 113

> Sports Wagon: floor panel flap in cargo area,

refer to page 118

> Driver's door, refer to page 32

> Luggage compartment lid, refer to page 33.

New remote controls

To obtain additional or replace lost keys, new remote controls with an integrated key are available at your BMW center.

Spare key

Store the spare key in a safe place such as your wallet. This key is not intended for regular use.

The spare key and integrated key fit the same locks.

Adapter for spare key

The adapter is required so that the vehicle can be started with the spare key or radio readiness can be switched on.

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