2008 BMW M5 high beam

Lamps
92
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lights off and daytime running lamps*
1Parking lamps and daytime running lamps*
2Low beams and welcome lamps
3Automatic headlamp control, daytime run-
ning lamps
*, welcome lamps, Adaptive
Head Light
* and high-beam assistant*
If you open the driver's door with the ignition
switched off, the exterior lighting is automati-
cally switched off when the light switch is in
position0, 2 or 3.
Parking lamps
In switch position1, the front, rear and side
vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the
parking lamps for parking.
The parking lamps drain the battery. Do
not leave them switched on for long peri-
ods of time, otherwise it may no longer be pos-
sible to start the engine. It is preferable to
switch on the roadside parking lamps on one
side, refer to page94.<
Low beams
The low beams light up when the light switch is
in position 2 and the ignition is on.
Automatic headlamp control
In switch position3, the system activates the
low beams and switches them on or off in
response to changes in ambient light condi-
tions, for instance, in a tunnel, at dawn and dusk
and in case of precipitation. Adaptive Head
Light
* is active. The LED next to the symbol
lights up when the low beams are on. You can
activate the daytime running lamps, refer to
page93. In the situations named above, the
system then automatically switches over to the
low beams.
A blue sky with the sun low on the horizon can
cause the lights to be switched on.
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal
judgment in determining when the lamps
should be switched on in response to ambient
lighting conditions. For example, the sensors
cannot detect fog of hazy weather. To avoid
safety risks, you should always switch on the
low beams manually under these conditions.<
Welcome lamps
If you leave the light switch in position2 or 3
when parking the vehicle, then when you unlock
the vehicle, the parking lamps and interior light-
ing remain illuminated for a brief time.
Activating/deactivating welcome
lamps
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.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.

Lamps
94
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves at speeds up to approx. 45 mph/
70 km/h, e.g. on mountainous roads or when
negotiating curves, turning lamps are switched
on that light up the inside area of the curve.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch into position 3, refer to page92.
The turning lamps are automatically switched
on depending on the steering angle or the use
of turn signals.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive
Head Light directs light towards the front pas-
senger side when the vehicle is at a standstill.
When driving in reverse, only the turning lamps
are active and illuminate the outer area of
curves.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking:
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or
down beyond the resistance point, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Do not leave them switched on for
long periods of time, otherwise it may no longer
be possible to start the engine.<
Switching off
Briefly press the lever in the opposite direction
up to the resistance point, arrow3.
High-beam assistant*
The concept
This system automatically switches the high
beams on and off. A sensor on the front side of
the inside rearview mirror controls the process.
The assistant makes sure that the high beams
are switched on whenever traffic conditions
permit. This relieves you of the burden of con-
stantly switching back and forth and simulta-
neously provides you with the best possible vis-
ibility. Naturally, you can intervene at any time to
switch the high beams on and off as usual.
Activating system
1.Turn the light switch to position3, refer to
page92.
2.With the low beams switched on, briefly
press the turn signal lever in the high-beam
direction.

Controls
95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
assistant is activated. The system
automatically switches between high beams
and low beams, reacting to oncoming traffic,
vehicles ahead of you, and sufficiently lit areas,
e.g. in built-up zones.
Manually switching between high
beams and low beams
If you wish or the situation requires, you can
intervene at any time.
>If the high-beam assistant has switched on
the high beams, but you wish to use the low
beams, just switch on the low beams with
the turn signal lever. This deactivates the
high-beam assistant.
In order to reactivate the system, briefly
press the turn signal lever in the high-beam
direction.
>If the high-beam assistant has switched on
the low beams, but you wish to use the high
beams, simply switch on the high beams as
usual. This deactivates the system and it is
up to you to switch back to low beams.
In order to reactivate the system, briefly
press the turn signal lever in the high-beam
direction.
>When the low beams are on, use the head-
lamp flasher as usual.
System limits
The high-beam assistant is designed to
maximize the amount of time that high
beams can be safely used and to quickly switch
back to low beams when traffic approaches.
The system cannot completely replace driver
intervention when unusual conditions are
encountered. For this reason, switch to low
beams when circumstances so dictate. Failure
to do so can pose a safety risk.<
Below are a few examples of situations in which
the system may not react or may only function
to a limited degree, requiring personal interven-
tion:
>in extremely unfavorable weather condi-
tions such as fog or heavy precipitation>in sensing road users with poor inherent
illumination such as pedestrians, cyclists,
equestrians, horsedrawn vehicles, railroad
or shipping traffic close to the road, and at
deer crossings
>in tight curves, on steep crests or dips, with
cross-traffic, or with partially hidden
oncoming traffic on divided highways
>in poorly illuminated areas and in the pres-
ence of highly reflective signs
>in the low speed range
>when the windshield is fogged up, dirty or
covered with stickers, decals etc. in the area
of the inside rearview mirror
>when the sensor is dirty. Clean the sensor
on the front side of the inside rearview mir-
ror with a cloth slightly moistened with glass
cleaner
Moreover, no system can operate without limi-
tations. High-beam assistant operation is sub-
ject to conditions that may reduce the system's
ability to recognize the difference between
actual vehicle head lamps or tail lamps and, for
example, highly reflective signs, markers, and
streetlights. To be on the safe side, the system
may periodically interpret these situations as
conditions that require low beams. Below are
some of the situations in which premature
switching to low beams can occur:
>approaching large and/or highly reflective
signs
>approaching certain lights, such as drive-
way lighting and porch lights
>approaching certain traffic signals
>approaching large reflective markers
In these situations, the system may interpret
the above conditions as a vehicle ahead requir-
ing a switch to low beams. When the conditions
return to normal, the system will reactivate the
high beams.
The high-beam assistant cannot replace the
driver's responsibility for complying with state
laws on high-beam switching or for adapting to
visibility and traffic conditions.

Lamps
96
Switching off via iDrive
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.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Lighting" is selected and
press the controller.
6.Select "High-beam assistant" and press
the controller.
High-beam assistant is switched off.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Instrument lighting
The lighting intensity can be adjusted with the
knurled wheel with the parking lamps/low
beams switched on.
Interior lamps
The interior lamps, footwell lamps, door entry
lighting and courtesy lamps
* are controlled
automatically.
With the courtesy lamps, LED lights are located
in the door handles to illuminate the exterior
area before the doors.
To protect the battery, all lamps in the
vehicle are switched off approx. 15 min-
utes after radio readiness is switched off, refer
to Start/Stop button on page56.<
Switching interior lamps on and off
manually
Press the button.
If the interior lamps, footwell lamps, door entry
lighting and courtesy lamps are to remain
switched off continually, press the button for
approx. 3 seconds.
Reading lamps
Reading lamps are located in the front and rear
adjacent to the interior lamps. Press the button
to switch the lamps on and off.

Reference 239
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist189
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems79
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control100
"Audio"149,151,156
Audio148
– controls148
– switching on/off148
– tone control149
– volume149
Audio device, external107
Automatic
– air distribution98
– air volume98
– headlamp control92
– service notification191
– steering wheel
adjustment43
– storing stations154
Automatic car washes116
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control97
– automatic air distribution98
– parked car ventilation101
– switching on and off101
– ventilation in rear101
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor48
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control92
– refer to Daytime running
lamps93
– refer to High-beam
assistant94
– refer to Interior lamps96
– refer to Pathway lighting93
– refer to Welcome lamps92
Automatic low beams, refer to
High-beam assistant94"Automatic programs"98
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic station search153
"Automatic ventilation"102
AUTO program for automatic
climate control98
"Auto Request"191
"Autostore" on the
radio152,
154
"AUX"149,168,170
AUX-In connection168
"AUX IN" in audio mode168
Average fuel consumption68
– setting units76
Average speed, refer to
Computer67
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system134
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system134
Avoiding freeways for
navigation134
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system134
Axle loads, refer to
Weights232
"A - Z"182
B
"Backrest"51
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support42
Backrests, refer to Seats42
Backrest width42
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs216
"Balance", refer to Tone
control150
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit224
Bass, refer to Tone
control149
"Bass", tone control150Battery, refer to Vehicle
battery222
– jump starting224
Battery replacement, remote
control for comfort
access37
BC button, refer to
Computer67
Being towed225
Belts, refer to Safety belts45
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders108
Blind, refer to Sun blinds105
Blower, refer to Air volume99
"Bluetooth"175
"BMW Assist"190
BMW Assist189
– activating194
– concierge service192
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations192
– displaying vehicle data195
– offered services189
– roadside assistance190
– TeleService191
– updating193
"BMW Contact"184
"BMW Contact
Numbers"184
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system212
"BMW Service settings"193
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders108
Bracket for telephone or
mobile phone, refer to Snap-
in adapter188
Brake assistant80
Brake force display87
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs216
– two-stage87
Brake rotors
– breaking-in114
– refer to Braking safely
115

Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
General driving notes114
Glass sunroof, electric38
– convenient operation from
outside32
– convenient operation with
comfort access37
– moving manually40
– remote control30
Glove compartment106
– lighting106
– rechargeable flashlight106
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system122
Grills, refer to Ventilation101
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights232
Ground clearance116
H
Handbrake58
– indicator lamp13,58
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight106
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14
Hazard warning flashers15
"HD radio"156
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio156
Head airbags87
Headlamp control,
automatic92
Headlamp flasher62
Headlamps92
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system63
– cleaning tank, refer to
Capacities232
– filler neck for washer
fluid207
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light94Head restraints44
– active front head
restraints44
– removing45
– sitting safely41
"Head-Up Display"51,89
Head-Up Display89
– default view90
– M view89
– shift lights62
Heated
– mirrors48
– rear window99
– seats46
– steering wheel49
Heating97
– exterior mirrors48
– interior97
– rear window99
– residual heat100
– seats46
– steering wheel49
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat100
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo117
Height, refer to
Dimensions231
Height adjustment
– seats42
– steering wheel49
"High-beam assistant"
96
High-beam assistant94
High beams94
– headlamp flasher94
– indicator lamp13
High Definition Radio156
High water, refer to Driving
through water115
Hills115
Holder for cups108
"Home address" for
navigation system133
Homepage of BMW4
Hood206
Horn10
Hot exhaust system114"Hour memo"75
"House number" for
destination entry126
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to Brake assistant80
Hydroplaning115
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio156
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning67
ID3 tag, refer to Information on
track164
Identification mark
– recommended tire
brands204
– tire coding201
Idle60
iDrive16
– assistance window20
– automatic climate control
with expanded scope98
– changing date and time75
– changing language77
– changing menu page19
– changing settings74
– changing units of measure
and display type76
– confirming selection or
entry19
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus17
– operating principle17
– selecting menu item19
– setting brightness76
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols18
Ignition56
– switched off57
– switched on56
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness56

Everything from A to Z
246 Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on56
Ignition lock56
– starting engine with comfort
access37
i menu17
Imprint2
Indicator/warning lamps
– ABS Antilock Brake
System81
– airbags89
– brake system81
– DSC13,80
– Flat Tire Monitor84
– high beams13
– MDrive13,51
– M Dynamic Mode13,80
– parking lamps/low beams13
– safety belt warning46
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor86
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview13
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure200
Inflation pressure monitoring
– refer to Flat Tire Monitor83
– refer to TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor84
Info menu17
Information
– on another location129
– on current position129
– on destination location129
"Information" for navigation
system129
Information menu, refer to
imenu17
"Information on
destination"131
"Info sources"70Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor83
– radio, refer to Storing
stations154
– refer to Power failure222
– refer to Setting time and
date75
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory43
"Input map"129
Installation location
– CD changer166
– drive for navigation DVD122
– mobile phone106
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions139
Instrument cluster
12
Instrument lighting96
Instrument panel
– refer to Cockpit10
– refer to Instrument
cluster12
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control104
Interesting destination for
navigation129
"Interim time"74
Interior lamps96
– switching on with remote
control31
Interior motion sensor35
– switching off36
Interior rearview mirror49
– automatic dimming
feature49
Intermittent mode of the
wipers63
J
Jacking points220
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting224
Jump starting224
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
access36
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort access36
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile28
"Keypad"184
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile28
– spare key28
Knock control199
L
Lamps
– refer to High-beam
assistant94
– refer to Parking lamps/low
beams92
Lamps and bulbs214
"Language / Units"76,77
– for navigation
system123,139
"Languages"77
– for navigation
system123,139
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo117
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list130
"Last seat pos."44
LATCH child restraint fixing
system54
LEDs light-emitting
diodes214
Length, refer to
Dimensions231
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs217
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs214
Lighter108
"Lighting"63

Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Outside air, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control100
Outside temperature
display67
– changing unit of measure76
– in computer76
Overview
– operating principle17
– radio control148
– screen display20
P
"P 400"59
"P 500"59
"P 500 Sport"59
Panic mode31
Park Distance Control PDC78
"Parked car operation"102
"Parked car ventilation"102
Parked car ventilation101
– activating activation
time102
– LED97
– preselecting activation
times102
– switching on and off
directly102
Parking, vehicle57
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control78
Parking assistant, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control78
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake58
Parking lamps92
– indicator lamp13
Parking lamps/low beams,
indicator lamp13
Parts and accessories6
Passenger-side exterior
mirror, tilting down48
"Pathway lighting"93
Pathway lighting93
"PDC"79
"PDC display on"79PDC Park Distance Control78
Personal Profile28
"Perspective"138
"Phone"176,178,181
Phone book180
– changing entry182
– creating and editing voice
phone book186
– deleting all entries183
– deleting entry183
– dialing phone number182
Phone numbers
– deleting from phone
book183
– dialing181
– most recent numbers183
– selecting in phone book183
– Top 8183
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof, electric39
– power windows38
Plasters, refer to First-aid
kit224
"Play" on the radio160
Plug-in unit for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock56
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
activated charcoal filter101
Position
– refer to Displaying current
position143
– refer to Storing current
position132
"POWER"51
POWER, refer to M Engine
Dynamic Control59
Power failure222
Power windows, refer to
Windows37
Preselecting activation times
of the parked car
ventilation102
"Presets" on the
radio152,160
Pressure, tires200
– producing with M Mobility
System217Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor84
"Profile"195
Programmable button on
steering wheel50
Programmable memory
buttons21
Programming button function,
refer to Programmable
button on steering wheel50
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof, electric39
– windows38
R
Radio
– autostore154
– controls148
– High Definition Radio156
– sampling stations153
– satellite radio159
– selecting frequency
manually153
– selecting
waveband148,152
– station search153
– station selection152
– station with the best
reception154
– storing stations154
– switching on/off148
– tone control149
– volume149
– Weather Band, refer to
Weather news flashes156
Radio key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness56
Radio readiness56
– switched off57
– switched on56
– with comfort access37
Radio stations, storing154
Rain sensor63