2009 BMW 6 SERIES warning light

Controls
97Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Operating state of front passenger
airbags
The illustration here shows a possible arrange-
ment in the Coupe. With some vehicle equip-
ment packages or in the Convertible, 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,
knee and side airbags on the front passenger
side depending on whether the seat is occu-
pied. The indicator lamp shows whether the
front passenger airbags are activated or deacti-
vated.
>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, knee and side airbags on the front
passenger side are deactivated.
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 if, for
example, the system detects a person of
sufficient size seated correctly on the seat.
The front, knee and side airbags on the front
passenger side are activated.
>The indicator lamp does not light up when
the seat is empty.
But the front, knee and side airbags on the
front passenger side are still deactivated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
From radio readiness, refer to page60, 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.<
Convertible: rollover
protection system
The rollover protection system is automatically
activated in the event of an accident or a critical
driving situation, extreme inclination on the lon-
gitudinal axis, or loss of ground contact. The
rollover bars located behind the rear head
restraints are deployed within fractions of a sec-
ond.
As a supplement to the rollover bar integrated
into the windshield frame, the rollover protec-
tion system ensures that all vehicle occupants
have the necessary headroom.
Always keep the path of movement of the
rollover protection system clear.
In minor accidents, you are protected by the
fastened safety belt and, depending on acci-
dent severity, by the safety belt tensioner and
multi-phase airbag retention system.<

Controls
99Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Navigation instructions
2Display
>Cruise control
>Active cruise control
>Leaving lane warning
3Speed
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.
7.Select desired information of Head-Up Dis-
play.8.Press the controller.
The information appears in the Head-
Up Display.
The settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Setting brightness
The brightness of the display is adapted to the
ambient lighting conditions. However, you can
change the base 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.
6.Change into the second field from the top.
Turn the controller until "Brightness" is
selected and press the controller.
7.Turn the controller until the desired setting
is selected.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Notes
The visibility of the displays in the Head-Up Dis-
play is influenced by:
>Sunglasses with certain polarization filters

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
102 >Press the button.
>Via iDrive, refer to Selecting settings.
Selecting settings
iDrive, for explanation of principle, refer to
page16.
1.Activate BMW Night Vision.
2.Press the controller to display the menu
items.
3.Select the menu item and press the control-
ler:
>"Night Vision off":
Deactivate BMW Night Vision.
>"Zoom":
At higher speeds, the image is zoomed
in.
>"Curve mode":
Depending on the steering angle and
other parameters, the image section fol-
lows the course of the road to some
degree.
>"Full screen":
The image is shown on the entire Con-
trol Display.
>"Contrast":
The contrast of the screen can be
adjusted.
>"Brightness":
The brightness of the screen can be
adjusted.
"Curve mode" can only be activated with
the "Zoom" function switched on. With
"Full screen" activated, "Curve mode" and
"Zoom" cannot be selected. currently in use.
To exit the menu:
The image automatically disappears after
approx. 5 seconds.
Cleaning camera
The function of the camera may be affected by
heavy rain and fog, dirt, snow or ice on the lens.
When this occurs, the displayed image on the
Control Display may become gray.
To minimize icing, the camera lens is automati-
cally heated. However, it may be necessary to
clean the camera lens manually under severe
weather conditions. When doing so, cautiously
remove any debris, ice or snow. To avoid dam-
age to the lens, do not use sharp or abrasive
instruments to clean ice, snow, or dirt off the
lens.
When the windshield is cleaned with the head-
lamps on, the camera lens area is automatically
sprayed as well. Refer to page66.
Leaving lane warning*
The concept
This system warns you from a speed of approx.
40 mph/70 km/h when the vehicle is leaving the
lane you are currently in on roads with lane limit
lines. You feel this due to a slight vibration of the
steering wheel.
The system does not warn you if you signal
before leaving the lane.
It is best to use the system on well-developed
roads and freeways.

Controls
103Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Switching on/off
Press the button on the steering wheel.
>The two lines1 indicate that the system is
activated.
>The two arrows2 mean that the system has
detected one or two lane limit lines from a
speed of approx. 40 mph/70 km/h and
warns accordingly.
If you activate the system below a speed of
approx. 40 mph/70 km/h, a message will appear
stating that the system is not active until this
speed is reached.
A warning will be canceled:
>after approx. 3 seconds
>if you return to your lane
>if you brake heavily
>if you signal
System limits
The leaving lane warning cannot serve as
a substitute for your personal judgment in
determining the course of the road.
If the system issues a warning, do not move the
steering wheel with unnecessary severity, as
otherwise you could loose control of the vehi-
cle.<
The function of the system may be limited in the
following example situations:
>in heavy fog, rain or snowfall
>with worn-away, poorly visible limit lines, or
lines that run together or apart or are
unclear, e.g. in road construction areas
>when limit lines are covered by snow, ice,
dirt or a great deal of water
>in tight curves or on narrow roads>when limit lines are not white
>when limit lines are covered by objects
>when driving up close behind a vehicle driv-
ing ahead
>with bright counter light
>when the windshield is fogged up, dirty or
covered with stickers, vignettes etc. in the
area of the inside rearview mirror

Maintenance
226
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 under a cover on the left
side of the driver's footwell, directly under the
instrument panel.
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 on Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain condi-
tions. 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 seri-
ous damage to the emission-relevant compo-
nents, especially the catalytic converter, within
a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can detect the
escape of fuel vapor. 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
v e hi c l e d a t a o r i n f o r m a t i o n . I f y o u h a v e a l s o s u b -
scribed to BMW Assist, certain vehicle data can be transmitted or recorded to enable corre-
sponding services.

Giving and receiving assistance
238
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 page60, 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.
This then requires increased effort for braking
and steering. Active steering is deactivated and
larger steering wheel movements are
required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Sport automatic transmission
Before towing, manually release the
transmission lock, even if there is no mal-
function in the transmission. Otherwise there is
a risk that the transmission lock will engage dur-
ing towing.<
Manually unlocking and locking transmission
lock, refer to page64.
Do not exceed a towing speed of
45 mph/70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the sport auto-
matic transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when

Everything from A to Z
250
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions and
refers you to the page where
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System88
– indicator lamp90
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control68
Accepted calls194
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
request235
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control114
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation115
Active cruise control68
– indicator lamp72
– radar sensor72
– selecting distance70
– warning lamps72
Active front head restraints52
Active steering95
– warning lamp95
Adapter for spare key30
Adaptive brake assistant89
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display95
Adaptive Head Light106
"Add digits" in mobile phone
mode194
Additives
– coolant223
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils223
"Address book" in
navigation144Address for navigation
– deleting145
– entering136,139
– selecting145
– storing144
– storing current position144
"Add to address book"144
"Add to destination
list"139,141
Adjusting interior
temperature111
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control161
Adjusting thigh support50
"After door opened"52
"After unlocking"52
Airbags95
– deactivating, refer to
Exception for front
passenger seat58
– indicator/warning lamp97
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags97
– sitting safely49
Air distribution
– automatic111
– manual112
Airing, refer to Ventilation114
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation114
Air recirculation, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control113
"Air recirculation on / off"57
Air supply, automatic climate
control110
Air volume112
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications213Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional
alarms38
– interior motion sensor38
– switching off alarm37
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor38
– tilt alarm sensor38
"All channels"172
"All doors"32
Alloy wheels229
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires219
"All stations", requesting in
radio mode164
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
Altering stretch of road152
"AM" waveband160,164
Antenna for mobile phone186
Antifreeze
– coolant223
– washer fluid67
Antilock Brake System
ABS88
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system37
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system31
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights245
Approved engine oils223
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights245
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest119
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer78
– refer to Starting destination
guidance148

Everything from A to Z
252 BMW TeleServices services
– displaying204
– updating204
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders120
Bracket for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter199
Brake assistant88
– adaptive89
Brake force display95
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps232
– two-stage95
Brake rotors
– breaking-in126
– refer to Braking safely128
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System88
– brake force display95
– breaking-in126
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control88
– handbrake62
– refer to Braking safely128
Brake system126
– brake pads126
– brake rotors128
– breaking-in126
– warning lamp13,90
Braking
– electronic brake-force
distribution88
Braking safely128
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance236
Breaking-in brake pads126
Breaking-in the clutch126
Breaking-in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential126
Break-in period126
"Brightness"86,99
Brightness of Control
Display85"Brightness" with BMW Night
Vision102
Button for starting engine,
refer to Start/Stop button60
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
Call194,205
– accepting192
– displaying accepted195
– ending193
– in absence195
– rejecting193
– starting193
Calling
– by entering phone
number193
– from phone book194
– from Top 8 list195
– redialing195
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders120
Capacities245
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery233
"Car Data"78Care227
– car-care products227
– carpets229
– car washes227
– CD/DVD player230
– chrome components229
– convertible top228
– displays230
– exterior227
– fine wooden
components230
– hand washing228
– headlamps228
– high-pressure cleaning
jets227
– interior229
– leather229
– light-alloy wheels229
– paint228
– plastic components230
– rubber gaskets229
– safety belts230
– sensors and cameras230
– upholstery and cloth-
covered paneling229
– windows228
– wiper blades228
Cargo bay
– capacity245
– emergency release37
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid36
– opening from inside36
– opening from outside
36
– opening with remote
control33
Caring for the vehicle
finish228
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control30
Car phone186
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest119
– refer to Mobile phone186
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio164
Car Shampoo230