At a glance
13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
different combinations and colors.
Some lamps are tested for proper function by
briefly lighting up during starting of the engine
or when the ignition is switched on.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the bottom edge of the Con-
trol Display explain the meaning of the dis-
played 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 Con-
trol, refer to page71.In urgent cases, this information will be shown
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps indicate that
certain functions are activated or deactivated:
MDrive51
Handbrake applied57
Handbrake applied for Canadian
models
Parking lamps/low beams92
M Dynamic Mode80
High beams/headlamp flasher94
Lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking
forces for maintaining vehicle
stability80
Driving
56
Radio readiness and ignition switched
off
All indicator and warning lamps in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
Starting engine
Do not run the engine in closed rooms,
otherwise the inhalation of toxic exhaust
gases can cause unconsciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle represents a
potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine run-
ning, shift into neutral
* or move the selector
lever into the N position and set the handbrake,
otherwise the vehicle can begin to roll.<
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it
running while the vehicle remains stationary.
Instead, begin to drive at a moderate engine
speed.
Do not press either the brake or the
clutch
* pedal as long as you do not want
to start the engine. The engine starts when you
briefly press the Start/Stop button while
depressing the clutch pedal on vehicles with a
manual transmission
*.<
Manual transmission*
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Depress the clutch pedal and select the
idling position.
3.Briefly press the Start/Stop button.
The system responds by automatically engag-
ing the starter for a certain period and automat-
ically disengaging it as soon as the engine
starts.
Sequential Manual Transmission with
Drivelogic
1.Depress brake pedal.
2.Place selector lever in position N.
3.Briefly press the Start/Stop button.
The system responds by automatically engag-
ing the starter for a certain period and automat-
ically disengaging it as soon as the engine
starts.
If the engine does not start, shift back to
the last selector lever position selected,
refer to the instrument cluster display or the
selector lever. Then select position N.
You cannot start off with the hood open.
When the engine is cold, the exhaust system
has a slightly metallic undertone due to the sys-
tem design.<
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated starting attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the
fuel is not burned or inadequately burned and
there is a danger of overheating and damaging
the catalytic converter.<
Special starting conditions
Depress the accelerator pedal half way when
starting the engine in the following situations:
>The engine fails to start on the first attempt,
e.g. if it is very hot or cold.
>The engine is started at very low tempera-
tures, below approx. + 57/– 156, at high
altitudes, over approx. 3,300 ft/1,000 m.
Controls
57Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Switching off engine
Do not remove the remote control from
the ignition lock while the vehicle is roll-
ing, otherwise the steering-wheel lock would
engage while steering.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
remote control with you.
When parking on a downhill incline, apply the
handbrake, otherwise the vehicle could roll
away.<
Manual transmission*
1.Briefly press the Start/Stop button with the
vehicle stopped.
2.Shift into first gear or reverse.
3.Apply the handbrake.
Sequential Manual Transmission with
Drivelogic
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Engage a driving position.
3.Briefly press the Start/Stop button.
If N is engaged when switching off the
engine, this will be pointed out to you opti-
cally and acoustically.
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.
Engaging
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 apply the handbrake
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.<
Manual transmission*
While shifting in the 5th/6th gear lane,
press the gearshift lever toward the right,
otherwise accidental shifting into the 3rd or 4th
gear could result in engine damage.<
When engaging the 1st gear, a slight jolt may
occur. This is operation-related and no reason
for concern.
Driving tips
113Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, and with it
the risk of serious property damage as well as
personal injury. Do not touch hot exhaust tail
pipes. Otherwise there is a risk of burns.<
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW discourages the use of mobile
communications devices, e. g. mobile
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
device can influence one another. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation which
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between the tires and
the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page196.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Starting off
On slopes
The starting assistant enables starting off on
slopes virtually without rolling back.
1.Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.
2.Make sure that the handbrake is released.
3.Release the footbrake and drive off quickly.The starting assistant holds the vehicle
for approx. 1 second after releasing the
footbrake. Depending on the load, the vehicle
may also roll back slightly during this time.
After releasing the footbrake, drive off quickly,
otherwise the starting assistant no longer holds
the vehicle after approx. 1 second and it begins
to roll back.<
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold
the vehicle on a hill by pressing the accel-
erator, but apply the footbrake or handbrake
instead. Otherwise overheating and heavy wear
can result in the area of the Sequential Manual
Transmission.<
To protect the clutch of the Sequential Manual
Transmission from overheating, the starting-off
behavior is changed under heavy loading, e.g. a
rapid succession of starts on slopes. This can
be noticed from shaking during starting off.
On a slippery surface
1.Select "P 400" program of M Engine
Dynamic Control, refer to page61.
2.Gently press accelerator pedal to prevent
wheels from spinning when starting off.
Clutch protection with manual
transmission
Be sure to avoid riding the clutch for longer peri-
ods.
Your BMW M5 is equipped with an overload
protection for the clutch. Riding the clutch for
longer periods is detected and the engine man-
agement system limits the engine speed to pro-
tect the clutch. This can result in the vehicle fail-
ing to accelerate when the clutch pedal is
partially depressed.
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.
Replacing components
208 3.Press together the two clips at the top and
bottom on the bulb holder and remove the
bulb holder.
4.Backup lamps:
Remove and replace the bulb.
Other lamps:
Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Lamps in luggage compartment lid
License plate lamp
5-watt bulb, C5W
1.Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to
the right, refer to arrows. This releases the
lamp.
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
Repairing flat tire with
M Mobility System
To repair a flat tire, an M Mobility System is pro-
vided in the BMW M5. Using this system you
can apply a sealant in the inside of the tire, seal
off the damaged area, restore the tire inflation
pressure and then continue driving.
Safety measures in case of a breakdown:
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. Apply the handbrake and
engage the first or reverse gear. Have all vehicle
occupants get out of the vehicle and ensure
that they remain outside the immediate area in a
safe place, such as behind a guardrail.
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard warning
lamp
* is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.<
Preparation
The M Mobility System is located in the cargo
bay under the floor panel flap.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have pen-
etrated the tire if possible.
Corresponding information on using the
M Mobility System are also provided on
the device.<
Before using the M Mobility System,
observe the information on the sealant
bottle.<
Pull the sticker for the speed limit off the sealant
bottle and apply it to the steering wheel.
Replacing components
210 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 the device is switched off,
position 0.
7.Insert connector3 into lighter socket in
vehicle interior, refer to page106.
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 but-
ton8 or turn s crew8 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 page215, 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 page83.
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. Apply the handbrake and
engage first gear or reverse gear with a manual
Everything from A to Z
232 Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control80
Brake force display86
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs207
– two-stage86
Brake rotors
– breaking-in112
– refer to Braking safely113
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System79
– brake force display86
– breaking-in112
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control79
– electronic brake-force
distribution79
– handbrake57
– refer to Braking safely113
– warning lamps13
Brake system112
– brake pads112
– breaking-in112
– disk brakes114
– warning lamp81
Braking
– DBC Dynamic Brake
Control80
Braking safely113
Breakdown, M Mobility
System208
Breakdown assistance183
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance215
Breaking-in brake pads112
Breaking-in the clutch112
Breaking-in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential112
Break-in period112
"Brightness"76,90
Brightness of Control
Display76
Button for starting engine,
refer to Start/Stop button55
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"175,186
Call
– accepting173
– displaying accepted175
– ending174
– in absence175
– rejecting173
– starting173
Calling
– by entering phone
number173
– from phone book174
– from Top 8 list175
– redialing175
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders105
Capacities224
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery213
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car data"68
Care205
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo
– refer to Cargo loading114
– securing116
– securing with ski bag109
Cargo bay
– capacity224
– emergency release34
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid33
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening with remote
control31
– socket107Caring 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 plastic, refer to the
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 phone168
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest104
– refer to Mobile phone168
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio150
Car wash114
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system112
"Categories"156
CBC Cornering Brake
Control79
CBS Condition Based
Service204
"CD"147,159
Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Forward, fast
– CD changer163
– CD player163
For your own safety5
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria131
Front airbags87
Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front104
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating87
Front seat adjustment42
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor82
Fuel193
– average consumption68
– display67
– high-quality brands193
– quality193
– specifications193
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities224
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge67
Fuel consumption display,
refer to Computer, average
fuel consumption68
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge67
Fuel filler door192
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction192
Full mobile phone preparation
package168
Full screen display, refer to
Switching assistance
window off21
Fuses213
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control102
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel193
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge67Gear changes59
Gear display, refer to Displays
in instrument cluster59
Gearshift lever58
– manual transmission57
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission57
Gearshift lever positions,
manual transmission57
General driving notes112
Glass sunroof, electric38
– comfort operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access37
– moving manually40
– remote control31
Glove compartment103
– lighting103
– rechargeable flashlight104
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system120
Grills, refer to Ventilation99
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights224
Ground clearance114
H
Handbrake57
– indicator lamp13,57
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight104
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14
Hazard warning flashers15
"HD radio"154
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio154
Head airbags87
Headlamp control,
automatic92
Headlamp flasher62Headlamps92
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system62
– cleaning tank, refer to
Capacities224
– reservoir for washer
fluid200
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light93
Head restraints44
– front head restraints,
active45
– installing45
– removing45
– sitting safely41
"Head-Up Display"50,89
Head-Up Display88
– default view89
– M view88
– shift lights60
Heated
– mirrors48
– rear window98
– seats46
Heating96
– exterior mirrors48
– interior96
– rear window98
– residual heat99
– seats46
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual heat99
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo116
Height, refer to
Dimensions223