2006 BMW M5 brakes

Controls
55Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and a sig-
nal also sounds when starting off.
The handbrake is applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the hand-
brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it
too strongly. In doing so, continuously press the
button of the handbrake lever. Otherwise
excessive pressure can lead to the rear wheels
locking up and loss of traction – fishtailing – at
the rear axle.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is applied.<
Sequential Manual
Transmission with Drivelogic
The concept
The SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
with Drivelogic is an automated manual trans-
mission in which an electrohydraulic system
handles the clutching and gear changes.
The Sequential Manual Transmission is oper-
ated with the selector lever and two shift pad-
dles on the steering wheel.
It offers you the following functions:
>Optional manual or automatic operation:
Sequential mode or Drive mode
>Selection option between different driving
programs, Drivelogic, refer to page57
>Upshift display, shift lights, refer to page58
>Automatic downshifting and prevention of
incorrect shifting even in Sequential opera-
tion
>Automatic double clutching
Selector lever positions
>R: Reverse gear
>N: Neutral
>Β: Drive position:
>+: manual upshifting
>–: manual downshifting
>D/S: switch between Drive mode and
Sequential mode
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting out of N;
the shift command will not be executed unless
the brake is applied.

Controls
61Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Cruise control
The concept
The cruise control is available for use at speeds
of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and higher. The
vehicle stores and maintains the speed that you
set using the lever mounted on the steering col-
umn.
Do not use the cruise control under driv-
ing conditions that do not permit a con-
stant speed, e.g. when driving on winding
roads, in heavy traffic or in poor road conditions
such as snow, rain, ice, and loose road surface.
Otherwise you could loose control of the vehi-
cle and cause an accident.<
One lever for all functions
1Maintaining speed, storing speed, and
accelerating
2Maintaining speed, storing speed, and
decelerating
3Interrupting cruise control
4Resuming stored speed
Maintaining speed, storing speed,
and accelerating
Press lever to resistance point, arrow 1:
The speed currently being driven is maintained
and stored. The display1 in the speedometer,
see below, indicates this regulated speed.
Every time you press the lever, the vehicle's
speed increases by roughly 1 mph/1 km/h.
Press lever to resistance point for a longer time:
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system maintains
and stores your current speed as soon as you
release the lever.Press the lever beyond the resistance point:
increase speed by 5 mph/10 km/h.
If, on a downhill grade, the engine's braking
effect is not sufficient, the controlled speed can
be exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill grades if
the engine output is insufficient.
Maintaining speed, storing speed, and
decelerating
Pull the lever, arrow2:
Functions are the same as1, only the vehicle
speed is reduced.
Interrupting cruise control
Press the lever up or down, arrow3.
In addition, cruise control is automatically deac-
tivated:
>When the brakes are applied
>For manual shifting with the shift paddles or
the selector lever
>When the DSC comes on
Resuming stored speed
Press button4:
The stored speed is resumed and maintained.
Deactivating system
When the ignition is switched off, the system is
deactivated and the stored speed is deleted.
Displays in instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed
2Selected desired speed appears briefly

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
74 a signal tone sounds. The setting is stored for
the remote control currently in use.
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
4.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "PDC" is selected and press
the controller.
5.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
The PDC screen is activated.
The display appears on the Control Display as
soon as PDC is activated.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are pro-
vided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. This applies especially
in those cases where the system approaches
the physical constraints of ultrasonic measure-
ment, as occurs with tow bars and trailer cou-
plings, and in the vicinity of thin or wedge-
shaped objects. Low objects already displayed,
e.g. a curb, can disappear from the detection
area of the sensors again before a continuous
tone sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g.
ledges, cannot be detected. Loud sources of
sound, inside and outside the vehicle, could
drown out the PDC signal tone.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array
of systems designed to enhance and maintain
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely refer to page106.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking during curves or when braking
during a lane change, driving stability and steer-
ing response are improved further.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC optimizes the vehicle stability and traction.
It also detects unstable driving states such as
understeering and oversteering, and helps
keep the vehicle on course within the physical
limits by reducing the engine output and by
braking at the wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start the
engine.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the

Things to remember when driving
104
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. To ensure that your vehicle contin-
ues to provide optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Do not use the driving programs 5 and 6, refer
to Drivelogic on page57, during break-in.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and driving speeds,
however do not exceed 5,500 rpm or 105 mph/
170 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode during these
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km to
3,000 miles/5,000 km
The engine and driving speed can gradually be
increased up to a continuous vehicle speed of
135 mph/220 km/h. Only drive at top speed
briefly, e.g. when passing.
Transmission
The function of the transmission is only at its
optimized level after driving a distance of
approx. 300 miles/500 km. Do not exceed
engine speeds of 5,500 rpm during this time.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive in a reserved manner during
this break-in period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced
after subsequent driving operation.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter
the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
luggage compartment lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air volume of the automatic cli-
mate control to a high level, refer to
page89.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to it, and never apply undercoating to
them. When driving, standing at idle and while
parking take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, and with it

Things to remember when driving
106
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
The pulsing of he brake pedal indicates that the
ABS is controlling braking.
In certain braking situations the perforated
brake rotors can cause operating noises which,
however, have not effect on the performance
and operating safety of the brake system.
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.<
Do not drive in idle or with the engine
switched off, otherwise 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
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page46,
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Ground clearance
Ensure that sufficient ground clearance
is available. To drive down curbs, select
the "Sport" program of the EDC Electronic
Damping Control, refer to page76, to keep the
ground clearance as uniform as possible.
Otherwise the vehicle may be damaged.<
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.<

Reference 211
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Audio132
– controls132
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
"Audio", refer to Tone
control133
"Audio Aux"132,151
– on external audio device151
Audio device, external96
Automatic
– air distribution88
– air volume88
– headlamp control83
– service notification168
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit47
– storing stations137
Automatically switching
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant84
Automatic car washes106
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control87
– automatic air distribution88
– switching off90
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor46
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control83
– refer to Daytime running
lamps84
– refer to High-beam
assistant84
– refer to Interior lamps86
– refer to Pathway lighting83
Automatic low-beam function,
refer to High-beam
assistant84
"Automatic programs"88
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC90
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic station search137"Automatic ventilation"91
AUTO program for automatic
climate control88
"Autostore" on the
radio136,138
AUX-In
– connection96
– refer to External audio
device151
Average fuel consumption64
– setting the units72
Average speed, refer to
Computer63
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system123
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system123
Avoiding freeways for
navigation122
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system123
Axle loads, refer to
Weights204
"A - Z"160
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support41
Backrests, refer to Seats40
Backrest width41
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs189
"Balance", refer to Tone
control134
Balance, refer to Tone
control134
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit196
Bass, refer to Tone
control133
"Bass", tone control134
Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery195
– jump starting197Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort
access37
– vehicle battery195
Battery replacement, remote
control with comfort
access37
Being towed198
Belts, refer to Safety belts44
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders96
Blower, refer to Air volume89
"BMW Assist"169
BMW Assist167
– enabling167
– services offered168
"BMW Contact"162
"BMW Contact
Numbers"162
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system186
"BMW Service"169
"BMW Service settings"168
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders96
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control74
Brake fluid185
– warning lamp185
Brake force display78
Brake lamps
– brake force display78
– replacing bulbs189
Brake pads185
– breaking-in104
Brake rotors106
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System74
– brake fluid
185
– brake force display78
– brake pads185
– breaking-in104
– handbrake55
– warning lamps13

Everything from A to Z
212 Brake system104,185
– brake fluid level185
– brake pads104,185
– breaking-in104
– disk brakes106
– warning lamp185
Braking
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control74
– DBC Dynamic Brake
Control74
– electronic brake-force
distribution74
– refer to Braking safely106
Braking safely106
Breakdown, M Mobility
System190
Breakdown assistance169
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance197
Breaking-in the clutch104
Breaking-in the
differential104
Break-in period104
"Brightness"72
Brightness of Control
Display72
Button for starting engine53
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"160
Call
– accepting158
– displaying accepted160
– ending159
– in absence160
– starting159
Calling
– from phone book159
– from Top 8 list160
– redialing160
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders96
Capacities204Capacity of luggage
compartment204
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery195
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"64
Care187
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo
– refer to Loading106
– securing108
– securing with ski bag100
Cargo area
– capacity204
– opening with remote
control31
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 phone154
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest95
– refer to Mobile phone154
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio136
Car wash106
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochureCatalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system104
"Categories"143
CBC Cornering Brake
Control74
CBS Condition Based
Service186
"CD"132,145
CD changer145
– controls132
– fast forward/reverse149
– installation location149
– playing a track147
– random order148
– repeating a track148
– selecting a CD145
– selecting a track146
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
CD player145
– controls132
– fast forward/reverse149
– playing a track147
– random order148
– repeating a track148
– selecting a track146
– switching on/off132
– tone control133
– volume133
Center armrest
– front95
– rear98
Center brake lamp189
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking system29
– comfort access36
– from inside vehicle32
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own
safety5
– refer to Parts and
accessories6
Changing language on
Control Display72
Changing units of measure on
Control Display72
Changing wheels179,192