2008 BMW M5 low beam

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.

Mobility
225Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/–
to the negative terminal of the battery or to
an engine or body ground of the assisting
vehicle.
Your BMW M5 has a special nut as body
ground or negative terminal.
5.Attach the second end of the cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to the
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be
started.
Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle
and allow it to run at idle for several minutes
at slightly increased speed.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
Always keep the screw-in tow fitting with the
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear
of the BMW.
It is located in the toolkit in the luggage com-
partment lid, refer to page214.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral
loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Press the arrow symbol on the cover in the
bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page56, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. Do not tow the
vehicle with the rear axle raised, as otherwise
the steering can turn to the left or right. When
the engine is stopped, there is no power assist.

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 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30
DOT Quality Grades202
Draft-free ventilation101
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders108
Drivelogic61
Drive mode60
"Driver's door only"30
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams92
Driving programs, refer to
Drivelogic61
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route137
Driving stability control
systems79
Driving through water115
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes114
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function100
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function100
"DSC"51,80
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control80
– indicator lamp13,80
– malfunction81
DVD for navigation122
"Dynamic route" for
navigation134
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC80
– M Dynamic Mode MDM80
E
Easy entry/exit49
– backrest width43
"EDC"51
EDC Electronic Damping
Control82
– "Comfort"82
– "Normal"82
– "Sport"82
Eject button, refer to Buttons
in area of CD player148Electrical malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door198
– glass sunroof, electric40
– luggage compartment lid34
Electric steering wheel
adjustment49
Electronic brake-force
distribution79
Electronic Damping Control
EDC82
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door198
– luggage compartment lid34
Emergency operation, refer to
Moving manually
– glass sunroof40
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
cargo bay34
Emergency request223
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance224
"Enabled services"195
"Enable services"195
"End call"182
Engaging drive position, refer
to Selector lever
positions60
Engine
– breaking-in114
– data230
– M Engine Dynamic
Control59
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature66
– speed230
– starting57
– starting, with comfort
access36
– switching off57
Engine compartment207
Engine coolant211Engine oil
– adding210
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils210
– approved engine oil210
– checking oil level208
– fast measurement209
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements69
– oil change210
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils210
– possible displays208
– temperature67
– temperature gauge67
"Engine oil level"209
Engine output, refer to Engine
data230
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature66
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data230
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine57
"Enter address"124,131
Entering destination via town/
city name125
Entering intersection,
navigation126
Entering the
address124,127
Entering town/city for
navigation125
Entering zip code for
navigation125
"Entertainment"148
Entertainment sound output
on/off149
Entry map for destination128
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control151
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control151
"ESN"159
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control80

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 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Lighting
– instruments96
– lamps and bulbs214
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps92
Light switch92
"Limit"73
Loading
– securing cargo117
– stowing cargo117
– vehicle116
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo117
"Lock after driving"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33
Locking30
– confirmation signals31
– from inside33
– from outside30
– without key, refer to Comfort
access36
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals31
– from inside32
– from outside30
Low beams92
– automatic92
– indicator lamp13
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support42
Lug bolts220
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting221
– wrench220
Luggage compartment lid33
– comfort access37
– emergency release34
– locking with remote
control30
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening with remote
control31
– unlocking and locking from
inside32Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack118
Lumbar support42
LW, waveband152
M
M Dynamic Mode MDM80
– indicator lamp13,80
M Engine Dynamic Control59
– "P 400"59
– "P 500"59
– "P 500 Sport"59
M Mobility System217
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires204
Maintenance212
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models212
– refer to Service
requirements69
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models212
Maintenance system212
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control71
Manual air distribution99
"Manual" on the radio153
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door198
– glass sunroof40
– luggage compartment lid34
Manual transmission58
– tow-starting226
"Map direction of travel"138
Map display138
"Map facing north"138
Map for navigation
– changing scale138
– destination entry128
Map view facing north138
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28Maximum cooling100
Maximum speed with winter
tires204
MDM, refer to M Dynamic
Mode80
MDrive50
"M Dynamic Mode"80
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions231
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory43
MENU, button refer to Start
menu17
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Message list for traffic
information141
Microfilter101
Microphone
– for telephone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature49
Mirrors48
– automatic curb monitor48
– folding in and out48
– heating48
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory43
"Missed calls"182
Missed calls183
Mobile phone
– accepted calls183
– adjusting volume180
– calling181
– ending call181
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest106
– missed calls183
– operation by voice185
– operation via iDrive180
– redialing183
– refer to separate operating
instructions
– Top 8183
– touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method184

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