2006 BMW M5 SEDAN warning light

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System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused by
outside factors and does not detect a natural,
even pressure drop in all four tires.<
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
>Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels,
high lateral acceleration
>Driving with snow chains
*
Initializing system
The initialization finishes during driving,
which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. Do not initialize the sys-
tem when driving with snow chains.<
With the button in the center console:
1.Start the engine, but do not start driving.
2.Press the button at least 4 seconds, how-
ever not longer than 2 minutes. After
releasing the button, the warning lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up yellow for a
few seconds. Warning lamp, refer to Indica-
tion of a flat tire. The message "Initializing
FTM..." appears on the Control Display for a
few seconds.
3.Start to drive. The initialization finishes dur-
ing driving without feedback.Using iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16:
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller.
4.Select "FTM" and press the controller.
5.Start the engine, but do not start driving.
6.Select "Set tire pressure" and press the
controller.
7.Select "Yes" and press the controller.
The message "Initializing..." is displayed for
a few seconds. The warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up yellow for a few
seconds.
8.Start to drive.
The initialization finishes during driving
without feedback.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
In addition, an acoustic signal sounds.
There is a flat tire or extensive inflation pressure
loss.

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or a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel and has the required explosives
licenses. Unprofessional attempts to service
the system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation, either of
which could result in personal injury.<
Warnings and information on the airbags is also
provided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front
passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected by eval-
uating the impression on the occupied seat sur-
face of the front passenger seat. The front and
side airbag on the front passenger side are acti-
vated or deactivated accordingly by the system.
The current status of the front passenger
airbag, i.e. deactivated or activated, is
indicated by the indicator lamp over the interior
rearview mirror, refer to Operating state of front
passenger airbags in the following.<
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, observe the safety infor-
mation and handling instructions under Trans-
porting children safely refer to page50.
The front and side airbag on the front passen-
ger side can be deactivated for teenagers and
adults in certain seat positions; then the indica-
tor lamp for the front passenger airbags lights
up. In these cases, change the seat position so
that the front passenger airbags are activated
and the indicator lamp goes out. If the desired
status cannot be produced by changing the
seat position, transport the corresponding per-
son on the rear seat. Do not fit seat covers, seat
cushion padding, ball mats or other items onto
the front passenger seat unless they are specif-
ically recommended by BMW. Do not lay
objects under the seat which could press
against the seat from below. Otherwise a cor-
rect evaluation of the occupied seat surface
cannot be ensured.<
Operating state of front passenger
airbags
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the
arrangement of the switches and indicator
lamps may differ somewhat.
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags indicates the operating status of the front
and side airbag on the front passenger side
depending on the seat occupation. The indica-
tor lamp shows whether the front passenger
airbags are activated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a child in
a child restraint system intended for the
purpose is properly detected on the seat.
The front and side airbag on the front pas-
senger side are not activated.
>The indicator lamp does not light up when,
for example, a correctly seated person of
sufficient height is detected on the seat.
The front and side airbag on the front pas-
senger side are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not light up when
the seat is empty.
However, the front and side airbag on the
front passenger side are not activated.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
80
Operational readiness of airbag system
From radio readiness, refer to page53, the
warning lamp lights up briefly, indicating the
operational readiness of the entire airbag sys-
tem and the safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up from radio
readiness.
>Warning lamp lights up continuously.
Have the airbag system checked immedi-
ately in case of a malfunction, otherwise
there is a danger that the airbag system may not
respond in the expected manner in an accident
despite an impact of corresponding intensity.<
Head-Up Display*
The concept
With the Head-Up Display important informa-
tion is projected into the driver's field of view,
e.g. navigation instructions. This enables you to
take in this information without looking away
from the road.
Switching on/off
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on:
Press the button to activate or deactivate the
Head-Up Display.
Selecting displays
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Display settings" and press the
controller.
4.Select "Head-Up Display" and press the
controller.

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5.Select desired information of Head-Up Dis-
play.
6.Press the controller.
The information is shown on the Head-
Up Display.
"M View": the M view is shown in the
Head-Up Display. Information unavailable in
the M view appears on the Control Display
in gray and cannot be selected.
"M View": the default view is displayed.
The M view for the Head-Up Display can also be
selected with the button on the steering
wheel, refer to MDrive on page48.
The settings are stored for the remote key cur-
rently in use.
Default view
1Navigation instructions
2Stored desired speed of cruise control
3Speed
M view
1Current engine speed, highlighted
2Advance warning field of tachometer
3Red warning field of tachometer, also refer
to Tachometer on page62
4Speed
5Gear display
For information on the shift lights in the
tachometer, refer to page58.
Setting brightness
The brightness of the display is automatically
adapted to the ambient lighting conditions.
However, you can change the base setting.
With the low beams switched on, the brightness
can also be adjusted with the knurled wheel of
the instrument lighting.
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Display settings" and press the
controller.
4.Select "Brightness" and press the control-
ler.

Mobility
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3.The coolant level is correct when the upper
end of the float rod is at the same height as
the upper edge of the filler neck, also refer
to the drawing next to the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunctions
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights red up in spite
of the handbrake being released; a
message is shown on the Control Dis-
play: stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system thoroughly
checked.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
When you continue driving, an increased
brake pedal path can be necessary, and
significantly longer braking distances might be
required. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights red up in spite
of the handbrake being released; a
message is shown on the Control Dis-
play. The brake pads have reached their mini-
mum pad thickness. Have brake pads replaced
immediately.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
For your own safety: use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for the corre-
sponding vehicle model. As BMW cannot
assess the suitability of other brake pads for
use on your vehicle, we are unable to assume
continued responsibility for the vehicle's oper-
ating safety if non-approved pads are
installed.<

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Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to the left on the driver's
side, on the underside of the instrument panel
under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The
exhaust-gas values worsen. Have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In
this case you should reduce speed and drive to
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Heavy engine misfiring led to serious damage
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can close when
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display light up. If
the cap is then tightened, the display will go out
within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with
a device for recording or transmitting certain
vehicle data or information. If you have also
signed a contract of participation for
BMW Assist, certain vehicle data can be trans-
mitted or recorded to enable corresponding
services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.

Replacing components
192 4.Screw dust cap off valve of defective wheel
and screw filling hose2 of sealant bottle
onto valve.
5.Insert sealant bottle on compressor hous-
ing so that it is positioned upright.
6.Make sure that device is switched off, posi-
tion 0.
7.Insert connector3 into lighter socket in
vehicle interior, refer to page97.
8.With the ignition switched on:
Switch on the device and allow to run for
approx. 3 minutes to fill wheel with sealant.
It is not important what inflation pressure
the tire has after filling.
9.Switch off device.
10.Remove connecting hose from connection
of sealant bottle and tire valve.
Stow the M Mobility System in the vehicle
again.
Distributing sealant
Immediately drive approx. 2 miles/3 km so that
sealant is evenly distributed in tire.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
35 mph/60 km/h. Do not drop below
12 mph/20 km/h if possible.<
Producing tire inflation pressure
1.After approx. 2 miles/3 km, stop at suitable
location.
2.Screw compressor hose9 directly onto tire
valve.
3.Insert connector 3 in lighter socket in vehi-
cle interior.4.Correct tire inflation pressure to 29 psi/
200 kPa. With the ignition switched on:
>Increase inflation pressure: switch on
compressor, position I. To check cur-
rently set inflation pressure, briefly
switch off device.
Do not allow compressor to run
longer than 10 minutes, otherwise
the device will overheat and may be dam-
aged.<
>Reduce inflation pressure: press
button8 or turn screw8 on pressure
gauge.
If the inflation pressure is not held, drive
the vehicle again, refer to Distributing
sealant. Then repeat steps 1 to 4 once.
Using the M Mobility System can be ineffective
with tire damage from a size of approx. 0.16 in/
4 mm. Please contact the nearest BMW center,
refer to page197, or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel if the tire can-
not be made ready for driving with the
M Mobility System.<
The tire inflation pressure must be at least
29 psi/200 kPa. Otherwise do not con-
tinue driving.<
Continue driving
Do not exceed the permissible maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h, otherwise
accidents can occur.<
Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
For details, refer to page77.
Have the defective tire and the sealant bottle of
the M Mobility System replaced as soon as
possible.<
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. Set the handbrake and

Giving and receiving assistance
196
Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency call
Conditions for an emergency call:
>Full preparation package mobile phone.
With this equipment, an emergency call is
still possible when no mobile phone is
logged on in the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is enabled.
Enabling BMW Assist, refer to page167.
>Radio readiness is activated.
>The car phone is logged on to a mobile
communications network.
>The emergency call system is operable.
When the contract of participation with
BMW Assist expires, the car phone can be
deactivated by a BMW center without having to
visit a workshop. Following deactivation of the
car phone, no emergency calls can be made.
The car phone can be reactivated after signing a
new contract with a BMW center.
Initiating an emergency call
1.Briefly press protective cover to open.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the
arrangement of the switches and indicator
lamps may differ somewhat.
2.Press the button for at least 2 seconds.
The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the
voice connection to the BMW Assist response
center has been established, the LED flashes.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until
the connection has been established. You will then be able to provide a detailed description of
the situation.
If the current position of your vehicle can be
determined, it will be forwarded to the
BMW Assist response center.
If the LED flashes, but you are unable to hear
the BMW Assist response center through the
hands-free system, this could indicate, for
instance, that the hands-free system is no
longer operational. However, you may then still
be audible for the response center.
Under certain conditions, an emergency call is
automatically initiated immediately after a
severe accident. The automatic emergency call
is not affected by the button being pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency call
cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable
conditions.<
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wing nut to open.
First-aid kit*
Some of the articles contained in the first-aid kit
have a limited service life. Therefore, check the
expiration dates of the contents regularly and
replace the contents concerned in good time if
necessary.