2008 BMW M5 SEDAN warning lights

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.

Controls
89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Operational readiness of airbag system
From radio readiness, refer to page56, the
warning lamp lights up briefly, indicating the
operational readiness of the entire airbag sys-
tem and the safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
>Warning lamp does not light up from radio
readiness.
>Warning lamp lights up continuously.
Have the airbag system checked immedi-
ately in case of a malfunction, otherwise
there is a danger that the airbag system may not
respond in the expected manner in an accident
despite an impact of corresponding intensity.<
Head-Up Display*
The concept
With the Head-Up Display important informa-
tion is projected into the driver's field of view,
e.g. navigation instructions. This enables you to
take in this information without looking away
from the road.
Switching on/off
Press the button.
Selecting displays
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 "Display settings" and press the
controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Head-Up Display" is
selected and press the controller.
6.Change into the second field from the top.
Turn the controller until "Head-Up Display"
is selected and press the controller.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
90 7.Select desired information of Head-Up Dis-
play.
8.Press the controller.
The information appears in the Head-
Up Display.
"M View": the M view appears in the
Head-Up Display. Information unavailable in
the M view appears on the Control Display
in gray and cannot be selected.
"M View": the default view is displayed.
The M view for the Head-Up Display can also be
selected with the button on the steering
wheel, refer to MDrive on page50.
The settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Default view
1Navigation instructions
2Stored desired speed of cruise control
3Speed
"M view"
1Current engine speed, highlighted
2Advance warning field of tachometer
3Red warning field of tachometer, also refer
to Tachometer on page66
4Speed
5Gear display
For information on the shift lights in the
tachometer, refer to page62.
Setting brightness
The brightness of the display is automatically
adapted to the ambient lighting conditions.
However, you can change the basic setting.
With the low beams switched on, the brightness
can also be adjusted with the knurled wheel of
the instrument lighting.
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 "Display settings" and press the
controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Head-Up Display" is
selected and press the controller.

Mobility
213Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to the left on the driver's
side, on the underside of the instrument panel
under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The
exhaust-gas values worsen. Have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In
this case you should reduce speed and drive to
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Heavy engine misfiring causes serious damage
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system will assume that
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display lights up. If
the cap is then tightened, the display will go out
within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with
a device for recording or transmitting certain
vehicle data or information. If you have also sub-
scribed to BMW Assist, certain vehicle data can
be transmitted or recorded to enable corre-
sponding services.
Care
Important information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.

Mobility
223Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency request
Conditions for an emergency request:
>Full preparation package mobile phone.
With this equipment, an emergency request
is still possible when no mobile phone is
paired in the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated.
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page194.
>Radio readiness is activated.
>The BMW Assist system is logged on to a
mobile phone network.
>The emergency request system is opera-
ble.
Once your BMW Assist subscription expires,
the BMW Assist system can be deactivated by
a BMW center without you having to visit a
workshop. Once the BMW Assist system has
been deactivated, emergency requests are not
possible. The BMW Assist system can be reac-
tivated by a BMW center after signing a new
contract.
Initiating an emergency request
1.Briefly press protective cover to open.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the
arrangement of the switches and indicator
lamps may differ somewhat.
2.Press the SOS button for at least 2 sec-
onds.
The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the
voice connection to the BMW Assist Response
Center has been established, the LED flashes.Even if you are unable to answer, the BMW
Assist Response Center can take further steps
to help you under certain conditions.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until
the connection has been established. You will
then be able to provide a detailed description of
the situation.
If the current position of your vehicle can be
determined, it will be transmitted to the BMW
Assist Response Center.
If the LED is flashing but the BMW Assist
Response Center cannot be heard over the
hands-free system, it is possible that the
hands-free system is malfunctioning. You may
still be heard by the BMW Assist Response
Center, however.
Under certain conditions, an emergency
request is automatically initiated immediately
after a severe accident. The automatic collision
notification is not affected by the button being
pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency request
cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable condi-
tions.
You can also use other services of
BMW Assist with this button, refer to
page189.<
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wing nut to open.

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

Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
S
Safety5
Safety belts45
– damage46
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– sitting safely41
– warning lamp46
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags87
– refer to Safety belts45
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System79
– airbags87
– driving stability control
systems79
– safety belts45
Satellite radio159
– enabling channel159
– selecting channel160
– storing channel160
"SAT" with radio149,159
"Save current
destination"133
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD164
– stations with radio153
Scan
– CD changer164
– CD player164
– radio153
"Scan all" in audio mode164
"Scan directory" in audio
mode164
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting225
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio159
"Seat heater distribution"47Seats42
– active backrest width
adjustment43
– adjusting backrest width42
– adjusting height42
– adjusting shoulder
support42
– adjusting the seats42
– adjusting thigh support42
– easy entry/exit43
– heating46
– lumbar support42
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory43
– shoulder support42
– sitting safely41
– storing the setting43
– ventilation, refer to Active
seat ventilation47
Securing load
– refer to Securing cargo117
– with ski bag, refer to
Securing cargo111
"Select as
destination"130,193
"Select current speed"74
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operation via iDrive148
Selecting frequency
manually153
Selecting menu items19
Selecting route134
Selection options with
navigation system134Sequential Manual
Transmission with
Drivelogic59
– Drivelogic driving
programs61
– idle60
– initializing system, refer to
After changing wheels/
tires204
– reverse gear60
– Sequential mode60
– shift lights62
– shiftlock60
– towing226
– tow-starting227
Sequential mode60
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance224
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models212
"Service Info"70,191,209
Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service212
– refer to Service
requirements69
"Service Request"184,191
"Service
requirements"70,191,209
Service requirements69
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service212
"Set"
– in audio mode149
– on trip computer69
"Set date"76
"Set service date"71
"Set time"75
Setting button, refer to
Controls, controller
16
"Settings"195
– for BMW Assist193
– for MDrive51
– for unlocking30

Everything from A to Z
252 Settings
– changing on Control
Display74
– clock, 12h/24h mode75
– configuring, refer to
MDrive50
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile28
– date76
– language77
– units of measure76
Settings menu, refer to
imenu17
Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
times102
Shifting61
Shifting into drive position,
refer to Selector lever
positions60
Shift lights62
Shiftlock60
Shift paddles on steering
wheel61
Shock absorber control, refer
to EDC Electronic Damping
Control82
Short commands of voice
command system233
"Short route" for
navigation134
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route134
Shoulder support42
"Show current position"129
"Show destination
position"129
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer165
– CD player165
Side airbags87
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs216
Side-mounted turn signals,
replacing bulbs216
Side window blinds, refer to
Sun blinds105Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely41
– with airbags41
– with head restraint41
– with safety belts41
Ski bag110
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Glass sunroof, electric38
Slope assistant, refer to
Starting assistant82
SMG, refer to Sequential
Manual Transmission with
Drivelogic59
"SMG Drivelogic"51,62
Snap-in adapter
– mounting/removing
188
– using174
Snow chains204
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics interface213
Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock56
Sockets, refer to Connecting
electrical devices109
Soft closure aid, refer to
Automatic soft closing33
Song search on CD, refer to
Sampling tracks164
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency request223
Sound distribution in audio
mode
– front/rear fader150
– right/left balance150
Spare
– adapter for spare key28
– fuses222
– key28
– wheel, driving with spare
wheel221
– wheel, refer to Changing
wheels219
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils210
Specified oil grades, refer to
Approved engine oils210Speed-dependent
volume150
Speed limit73
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit73
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", tone
control150
Speed with winter tires204
"Sport" with EDC82
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems79
Start/Stop button56
– starting the engine57
– switching off the engine57
"Start" for stopwatch74
"Start guidance"127,136
Starting, refer to Starting
engine57
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting224
Starting assistant82
Starting difficulties, refer to
Jump starting224
Starting off
– on a slippery surface82
– on slopes, refer to Starting
assistant82
Start menu, iDrive17
"Start route guidance"129
"Start service"
191
"Start Service" for
BMW Assist192
"State / Province" for
destination entry125
"State inspection"71
Station, refer to Radio152
"Status"70
Status information on Control
Display20
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5