2008 BMW M5 SEDAN mirror

Controls
63Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb
needs to be replaced.<
Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold for as
long as you wish to signal.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever to the resistance point; the turn
signal flashes three times.
You can activate or deactivate this function.
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 "Triple turn signal" and press the
controller.
Triple turn signaling is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Wiper system
1Switching on wipers
2Switching off wipers or brief wipe
3Activating/deactivating rain sensor
4Cleaning windshield and headlamps
5Adjusting rain sensor
sensitivity level
Switching on wipers
Pull the lever upward, arrow1.
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
Normal wiper speed
Press once.
The system reverts to operation in the intermit-
tent mode when the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance
point.
The system reverts to normal speed when the
vehicle is stationary.
Rain sensor
The wiper operation is controlled automatically
as a function of the rain intensity. The rain sen-
sor is located on the windshield, directly in front
of the interior rearview mirror.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
88 or a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel and has the required explosives
licenses. Otherwise unprofessional attempts to
service the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or undesired airbag triggering,
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 airbags on the front passenger side are
activated or deactivated accordingly by the sys-
tem.
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 page53.
The front and side airbags on the front passen-
ger side can be deactivated for teenagers and
adults in certain sitting positions; then the indi-
cator lamp for the front passenger airbags lights
up. In these cases, change the sitting position
so that the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired status cannot be produced by changing
the sitting position, transport the correspond-
ing person on the rear seat. Do not fit seat cov-
ers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or other
items onto the front passenger seat unless they
are specifically 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 airbags 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 airbags on the front pas-
senger side are not activated.
Most child's seats are detected by the
system. Especially the child's seats
required by the NHTSA at the time the vehicle is
manufactured. After installing a child's seat,
make sure that the indicator lamp for the front
passenger airbags lights up. This indicates that
the child's seat has been detected and the front
passenger airbags 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 airbags 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 airbags on the
front passenger side are not activated.

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.

Things to remember when driving
116
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page48,
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Ground clearance
Make sure that sufficient ground clear-
ance is available. To drive down curbs,
select the "Sport" program of the EDC Elec-
tronic Damping Control, refer to page82, to
keep the ground clearance as uniform as possi-
ble. Otherwise the vehicle may be damaged.<
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Make sure that no fluids leak in the cargo
bay; otherwise the vehicle could be dam-
aged.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg, as otherwise the vehicle
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.

Replacing components
222
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
ma te. Your BM W center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine switched off. Connections, refer to
Jump starting on page224.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping
over during transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power supply interruption,
some settings are lost. Take the following
steps:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
Store the positions again, refer to page43.
>Time and date
Reset, refer to text starting on page75.
>Radio
Store stations again, refer to page154.
>Navigation system
Wait until the system starts, refer to
page122.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, as
this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
Spare fuses, plastic tweezers and fuse alloca-
tion diagram are located in the compartment for
the onboard tool kit, refer to page214.
In glove compartment
1.Release both quick-release fasteners.
2.Fold the cover forward or remove.
In cargo bay
1.Lift up floor mat.
2.Release the quick-release fastener of the
right side panel and pull out the panel.

Everything from A to Z
244 Event Data Recorders213
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system114
Exterior mirrors48
– adjusting48
– automatic dimming
feature49
– automatic heating48
– folding in and out48
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror48
External audio device107
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting225
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control150
Fader, refer to Tone
control150
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control71
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms36
– refer to Switching off
alarm35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts45
– warning lamp46
Fastest route for
navigation134
"Fast route" for
navigation134
"Favorites", calling up with
radio156
Filler neck for washer fluid64
Filling bottle, refer to
M Mobility System217
Filling sealant into wheel218
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter101
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit224First-aid kit224
Flashing
– during locking/unlocking,
refer to Setting confirmation
signals31
– triple turn signal
activation63
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight106
Flat tire
– changing wheels219
– Flat Tire Monitor83,84
– M Mobility System84,217
– refer to Tire condition202
– spare wheel220
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor84
– warning lamp84,86
Flat Tire Monitor83
– false alarms83
– initializing system83
– snow chains204
– system limits83
– warning lamp84
Floor mat, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Floor mats/carpets, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler
neck for washer fluid64
"FM", reception
range
149,152
FM, waveband152
Folding rear backrest110
Fold-over rear backrest110
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely115
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps96
Forward, fast
– CD changer166
– CD player166
For your own safety5
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria134
Front airbags87Front armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front106
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating88
Front seat adjustment42
"FTM"84
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor83
Fuel199
– average consumption68
– display67
– high-quality brands199
– quality199
– specifications199
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities232
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge67
Fuel consumption display,
refer to Computer, average
fuel consumption68
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge67
Fuel filler door198
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction198
Full mobile phone preparation
package174
Full screen display, refer to
Switching assistance
window off21
Fuses222
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control104
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel199
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge67
Gear changes61
Gear display, refer to Displays
in instrument cluster61
Gearshift lever60
– manual transmission58

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