2008 BMW 6 SERIES brake sensor

Controls
65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Deactivating rain sensor
Press the button again, arrow3. The LED goes
out.
Deactivate the rain sensor when passing
through an automatic car wash. Failure to
do so could result in damage caused by undes-
ired wiper activation.<
Cleaning windshield, headlamps and
BMW Night Vision camera*
Pull the lever, arrow4:
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief
period.
With the vehicle lighting switched on, the head-
lamps and the BMW Night Vision camera are
also cleaned simultaneously at suitable inter-
vals.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do so, your vision could be
obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid
antifreeze, refer to Washer fluid. Do not use
washers when the washer fluid reservoir is
empty, as this will damage the washer pump.<
Windshield washer nozzles
Both windshield washer nozzles are automati-
cally heated with the engine running or the igni-
tion switched on.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
For this reason, keep it away from ignition
sources and store only in the closed original
container out of reach of children. Otherwise,
there is the danger of bodily injury. Always fol-
low the instructions for use provided on the
containers.<
Filler neck for washer fluid
All washer nozzles are supplied from one reser-
voir.
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
In order to maintain the mixture ratio, mix
the washer fluid before filling.<
Capacity
Capacity approx. 5.3 US quarts/5 liters.
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. To maintain the specified speed, the sys-
tem brakes if the engine braking effect is not
sufficient on a downhill grade. Speed can drop
on uphill grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient.
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 lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident.<

Controls
69Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Selecting distance
>Briefly press rocker switch downward:
Increase distance.
>Briefly press rocker switch upward:
Reduce distance.
The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance, given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and State driving
recommendations for safe following distance.
Otherwise, a violation of the law or risk of an
accident could result.<
Interrupting cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, and with
the vehicle stopped also depress the brake
pedal. The marking in the speedometer
changes color and the distance indicator goes
out.
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted:
>when you apply the vehicle brakes
>when you shift the transmission
>when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>when DSC comes on
>when you apply the handbrake
>when you release the safety belt and open
the driver's door with the vehicle stopped
>when the system does not recognize any
objects for an extended period of time, e. g.
on infrequently traveled roads without a
shoulder or guard rails, or if the radar sensor
is covered with dirt, refer to page71
If the system is interrupted, then it is nec-
essary for the driver to actively intervene
by braking and steering. Otherwise, there is a
risk of an accident.<
Resuming stored desired speed and
distance
While driving
Press button4.
The displays appear in the instrument cluster. Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3
Distance 4
This distance is always set when
you activate the system.

Controls
71Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Radar sensors
1Long-range sensor
2Location of the short-range sensors behind
the bumperHeavy rain and also dirt, snow or ice can limit
the detection of vehicles ahead. If needed,
clean the radar sensor under the front bumper
as well as the bumper area covering the short
range sensors. When doing so, be particularly
careful in removing layers of snow and ice.
Do not apply adhesive labels etc. in the area of
the short-range sensors.
If the sensor is not aligned properly, e. g. due to
damage, the active cruise control cannot be
activated.
System limitations
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise
controlling the vehicle. The driver should
decide when to use the system on the basis of
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions.
Active cruise control is intended for use on free-
way-type roadways where traffic is moving rel-
atively smoothly. Do not use this system in city
driving; in complex driving situations; on curvy,
winding roads, slippery roads or roads with
sharp curves such as highway off-ramps; during
inclement weather such as snow, strong rain or
fog; or when entering interchanges, service/
parking areas or toll booths. It is also important
to regulate your vehicle's speed and distance
setting within applicable legal limits. Always be
ready to take action or apply the brakes if nec-
essary, especially when the system is actively
following a vehicle in front of you. ity of the system do have physical limita-
tions. For example, the system may not detect
vehicles driving ahead if they suddenly brake
heavily in stop-and-go traffic during accelera-
tion. The system will not apply the brakes or
slow your vehicle when a very slow-moving
vehicle, stopped vehicle or stationary object is
in the lane ahead of you, for example when
approaching a traffic light or parked vehicle or
when a vehicle is stalled in your lane. Also, the
system does not react to oncoming traffic,
pedestrians or other types of potential traffic
such as a rider on a horseback. It is also possible
that the system may not detect smaller moving
objects such as motorcycles or bicycles. Be
especially alert when encountering any of these
situations as the system will neither automati-
cally brake, nor provide a warning to you. Also,
be aware that every decrease in the distance
setting allows your vehicle to come closer to a
vehicle in front of you and requires a heightened
amount of alertness.<

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
86
PDC with visual warning*
You can also enjoy the option of having the sys-
tem show the approach to an object on the
Control Display. Objects that are farther away
are already shown there before a signal tone
sounds. The setting is stored for the remote
control currently in use.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Turn the controller until "Settings" is
selected and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller until "Vehicle / Tires" is
selected and press the controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "PDC" is selected and press
the controller.
6.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 obstacles always remains with
the driver. Even when sensors are involved,
there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be
detected. The system is also subject to the
physical limits that apply to all forms of ultra-
sonic measurement, such as those encoun-
tered with tow bars and trailer couplings, or thin
and wedge-shaped objects etc. Low objects
already displayed, e. g. curbs, can also disap-
pear from the detection area of the sensors
again before or after a continuous tone already
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges,
cannot be detected. For this reason, drive with
care; otherwise, there is a danger of personal
injury or property damage.
Loud noises from outside and inside the vehicle
may prevent you from hearing 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 the wheels from locking during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during hard braking. This increases active
driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. For information on safe braking, refer to
page126.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
This system provides further enhancements to
vehicle stability and steering response when
braking while cornering or when braking during
a lane change.

Mobility
221Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW. The service schedule also
includes operations related to the vehicle's
comfort and convenience features, such as
replacement of the filters for the inside air.
The ultimate objective is to ensure economical
maintenance by providing the ideal service for
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell
your BMW, you will find that a complete dealer
service history is an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. Condition Based Service uses this to
determine the current and future service
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirements, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Control Display to show
remaining distances and times of selected
maintenance intervals and legally mandated
deadlines, refer to page77:
>Engine oil
>Brake pads, front and rear separately
>Brake fluid>Vehicle check
>Legally required tests depending on local
regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores the information required for
maintenance continuously in the remote con-
trol during driving. After accessing the data
stored in the remote control, your BMW Service
Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of
service procedures for your own individual vehi-
cle. For this reason, when you take your vehicle
in for service, you should give the BMW Service
Advisor the remote control last used to drive it.
Make sure the date is set correctly, refer
to page83, otherwise the effectiveness
of CBS Condition Based Service is not
ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<

Everything from A to Z
242
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions, and
indicates where to find them
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System86
– indicator lamp88
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control66
Accepted calls192
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
request227
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control112
Activating hour signal83
"Activation time" for parked-
car ventilation113
Active cruise control66
– indicator lamp70
– radar sensor71
– selecting distance69
– warning lamps70
Active front head restraints50
Active steering93
– warning lamp93
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake assistant87
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display93
Adaptive Head Light104
"Add digits" for mobile
phone192
Additives
– coolant219
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils219"Address book" for navigation
system142
Address for navigation
– deleting143
– entering134,137
– selecting142
– storing142
– storing current position142
"Add to address book"141
"Add to destination
list"137,139
Adjusting interior
temperature109
Adjusting thigh support48
Adjusting tone in audio mode,
refer to Tone control159
"After door opened"50
"After unlocking"50
Airbags94
– deactivating, refer to
Exception for front
passenger seat56
– indicator/warning lamp95
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags95
– sitting safely47
Air distribution
– automatic109
– manual110
Airing, refer to Ventilation112
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation112
Air recirculation, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control111
"Air recirculation on / off"55
Air supply, automatic climate
control108
Air volume110
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications209Alarm system35
– avoiding unintentional
alarms36
– interior motion sensor36
– switching off alarm35
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor36
– tilt alarm sensor36
"All channels"170
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires215
"All stations", calling up with
radio162,165
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
"AM", reception
range158,162
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antenna for mobile phone184
Antifreeze
– coolant219
– washer fluid65
Antilock Brake System
ABS86
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system35
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system30
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights237
Approved engine oils219
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights237
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest117
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10

Everything from A to Z
250
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio166
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning74
ID3-Tag, refer to Information
about track174
Identification mark
– recommended tire
brands215
– run-flat tires214
– tire coding212
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness83
– assistance window20
– changing date and time82
– changing language84
– changing menu page19
– changing settings82
– changing units of measure
and display form84
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus17
– operating principle17
– selecting menu item19
– selecting or confirming
entry19
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols18
Ignition58
– switched off59
– switched on58
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness58
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on58
Ignition lock58
– starting engine with comfort
access38
i menu17
Imprint2Indicator/warning lamps
– ABS Antilock Brake
System88
– active steering93
– airbags95
– brake system88
– DSC13,87
– DTC13,88
– Flat Tire Monitor90
– fog lamps13,106
– handbrake13,60
– safety belt warning52
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor92
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview13
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure210
Inflation pressure monitoring
– refer to Flat Tire Monitor89
– refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor90
Info menu17
Information
– on another location140
– on current position140
– on town/city of
destination140
"Information" for navigation
system140
Information menu, refer to
imenu17
"Information on
destination"141
"Info sources"77
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– radio, refer to Storing
stations164
– refer to Power failure226
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory49
– time and date82
"Input map"139
Installation location
– CD changer176
– drive for navigation DVD132Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions149
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer
to Instrument lighting106
Instrument lighting106
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control115
Interesting destination for
navigation140
"Interim time"82
Interior lamps106
– switching on with remote
control31
Interior motion sensor36
– switching off36
Interior rearview mirror,
automatic dimming
feature54
Intermittent wiper mode64
J
Jacking points225
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jump starting228
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
access36
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort access36
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile29
"Keypad"194
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile29
– spare key28
Kick-down, Sport automatic
transmission61