2009 BMW M5 SEDAN warning lights

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1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle care-
fully. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2.If all four wheels are shown in yellow, iden-
tify the damaged tire on the vehicle.
3.Repairing flat tire with M Mobility System,
refer to page225, or replace the damaged
wheel or wheels, refer to Changing wheels*
on page227.
The spare tire
* is equipped with the necessary
TPM electronics and is also monitored after
mounting and after resetting the system.
Have the tire replaced by a BMW center or a
workshop informed on handling TPM which
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and
then lights up continuously. The tires
are shown in gray on the Control Dis-
play and a message is displayed. No flat tire can
be detected.
A message like this is displayed in the following
situations:
>In case of a malfunction;
have the system checked.
>If a wheel is mounted without TPM elec-
tronics.
>If TPM is temporarily interfered with by
other systems or devices which use the
same radio frequency.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
Systems
Each tire, including the spare*, should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires. As an added safety fea-
ture, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, TPMS, that illumi-
nates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires are significantly underin-
flated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a sub-
stitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not reached
the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle startups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator lights up, the system may not
be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.

Controls
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Mobility
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 page54.
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 if, for
example, the system detects a person of
sufficient size seated correctly 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.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
90
Operational readiness of airbag system
From radio readiness, refer to page57, 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.

Controls
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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 page52.
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 page67
4Speed
5Gear display
For information on the shift lights in the
tachometer, refer to page63.
Setting brightness
The brightness of the display is 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
217Reference
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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 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 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.

Mobility
231Reference
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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 with the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated.
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page197.
>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
2seconds.
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. The BMW
Assist Response Center may still be able to
hear you, though.
Under certain conditions, an emergency
request is automatically initiated immediately
after a severe accident. Pressing the button
does not interfere with this.
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
page191.<
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in the luggage
compartment lid.
Loosen the wing nut to open.

Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Glass sunroof, electric40
– convenient operation from
outside34
– convenient operation with
comfort access39
– moving manually41
– remote control33
Glove compartment107
– lighting107
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system124
Grills, refer to Ventilation102
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights239
Ground clearance118
H
Handbrake59
– indicator lamp13,59
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14
Hand washing219
Hazard warning flashers15
"HD radio"158
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio158
Head airbags88
Headlamp
– cleaning tank, refer to
Capacities239
Headlamp control,
automatic93
Headlamp flasher63
Headlamps93
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system64
– filler neck for washer
fluid211
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light95
Head restraints46
– active front head
restraints46
– removing47
– sitting safely43
"Head-Up Display"53,90Head-Up Display90
– default view91
– M view90
– shift lights63
Heated
– mirrors50
– rear window100
– seats48
– steering wheel51
Heating98
– exterior mirrors50
– interior98
– rear window100
– residual heat101
– seats48
– steering wheel51
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat101
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo119
Height, refer to
Dimensions238
Height adjustment
– seats44
– steering wheel51
High-beam assistant95,97
High beams95
– headlamp flasher95
– indicator lamp13
High Definition Radio158
High-pressure cleaning
jets218,219
High water, refer to Driving
through water117
Hills117
Holder for cups109
"Home address" in
navigation136
Homepage of BMW4
Hood210
Horn10
Hot exhaust system116
"Hour memo"76
"House number" in
destination entry129
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to Brake assistant80
Hydroplaning117
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio158
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning68
ID3 tag, refer to Information on
track166
Identification mark
– recommended tire
brands208
– tire coding205
Idle61
iDrive16
– assistance window21
– automatic climate control
with expanded scope99
– changing date and time76
– changing language78
– changing menu page20
– changing settings75
– changing units of measure
and display type77
– confirming selection or
entry20
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus18
– operating principle18
– selecting menu item20
– setting brightness77
– start menu18
– status information21
– symbols19
Ignition57
– switched off58
– switched on57
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control30
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness57
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on57
Ignition lock57
– starting engine with comfort
access39
i menu18
Imprint2

Reference 257
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Safety belts47
– damage48
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp48
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags88
– refer to Safety belts47
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System80
– airbags88
– driving stability control
systems80
– safety belts47
Satellite radio
– enabling channel161
– selecting channel162
– storing channel162
satellite radio161
"SAT" in radio mode150,161
"Save current
destination"136
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD166
– stations in radio mode155
Scan
– CD changer166
– CD player166
– radio155
"Scan all" in audio mode166
"Scan directory" in audio
mode166
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow
fitting233
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio161
"Seat heater distribution"49Seats43
– active backrest width
adjustment44
– adjusting backrest width44
– adjusting height44
– adjusting shoulder
support44
– adjusting the seats43
– adjusting thigh support44
– easy entry/exit45
– heating48
– lumbar support44
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory45
– shoulder support44
– sitting safely43
– storing the setting45
– ventilation, refer to Active
seat ventilation49
Securing load
– refer to Securing cargo119
– with ski bag, refer to
Securing cargo112
"Select as
destination"132,195
"Select current speed"75
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operation via iDrive150
Selecting frequency
manually155
Selecting menu items20
Selecting route136
Selection options with
navigation system136Sequential Manual
Transmission with
Drivelogic60
– Drivelogic driving
programs62
– idle61
– initializing system, refer to
After changing wheels/
tires208
– reverse gear61
– Sequential mode61
– shift lights63
– shiftlock61
– towing234
– tow-starting235
Sequential mode61
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance232
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models216
"Service Info"71,193,213
Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service216
– refer to Service
requirements70
"Service Request"186,193
"Service
requirements"71,193,213
Service requirements70
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service216
"Set date"77
"Set" in audio mode150
"Set" on trip computer70
"Set service date"72
"Set time"76
Setting button, refer to
Controls, controller
16
"Settings"198