steering BMW 5 SERIES 2010 Owner's Manual

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
94 impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered in
every impact situation, e. g. less severe acci-
dents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way. Do not attempt to
remove the airbag restraint system from the
vehicle. Do not modify or tamper with either the
wiring or the individual components in the air-
bag system. This category includes the uphol-
stery in the center of the steering wheel, on the
instrument panel, the doors and the roof pillars
along with the sides of the headliner. Do not
attempt to remove or dismantle the steering
wheel. Do not touch the individual components
immediately after the system has been trig-
gered, because there is a danger of burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW center
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
ProCarManuals.com

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
98
Activating BMW Night Vision
1.Turn the light switch to position2 or3, refer
to page100.
2.With low beams switched on:
>Press the button. Depending on the
vehicle's equipment, the location of the
button may differ somewhat.
>Press one of the programmable buttons
on the steering wheel.
The image will be displayed on the Control Dis-
play after a few seconds. Depending on the last
mode selected, either the normal or full screen
image will be displayed.
Due to the system's need to adjust periodically,
a still image is displayed at certain intervals for
fractions of a second. This is normal and not an
indication of a problem.
To prevent driving without headlamps, at a
speed of more than approx. 3 mph/5 km/h and
when dark, the thermal image on the Control
Display is only shown when the low beams are
on.
Deactivating BMW Night Vision
>Press the button.
>Press the button on the steering wheel.>Press the button.
>Via iDrive, refer to Selecting settings.
Selecting settings
For iDrive details, refer to page16.
1.Activate BMW Night Vision.
2.Press the controller.
3.Open the desired menu item.
>"Brightness"
>"Contrast"
>"Zoom & Curve mode"
The settings are stored for the remote control
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
ProCarManuals.com

Controls
99Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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 page64.
Lane Departure 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.
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 demarcation 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 Lane Departure 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 lose 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 demarcation
lines, or lines that run together or apart or
are unclear, e.g., in road construction areas
>when demarcation lines are covered by
snow, ice, dirt or a great deal of water
>in tight curves or on narrow roads
>when demarcation lines are not white
>when demarcation lines are covered by
objects
>when driving up close behind a vehicle driv-
ing ahead
>with bright oncoming light
>when the windshield is fogged up, dirty or
covered with stickers, vignettes, etc., in the
area of the inside rearview mirror
ProCarManuals.com

Controls
101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
3."Welcome light"
The welcome lamps are switched on.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Pathway lighting
If you activate the headlamp flasher after
switching off the ignition with the lamps
switched off, the low beams come on and
remain on for a certain time. You can set the
duration or deactivate the function via iDrive.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Pathway lighting:"
4.Set or deactivate the duration.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Daytime running lamps*
The daytime running lamps light up in
positions0, 1 and 3. If the light switch remains
in position1, the parking lamps light up after the
ignition is switched off.
Activating/deactivating daytime
running lamps*
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Daytime running lamps"
The daytime running lamps are
switched on.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Adaptive Light Control*
The concept
Adaptive Light Control 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 Light Control
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch into position 3, refer to page100.
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
Light Control directs light towards the front
passenger side when the vehicle is at a stand-
still. When driving in reverse, only the turning
ProCarManuals.com

Things to remember when driving
126 the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page208.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Using parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle in
place for a long time by riding the clutch;
use the parking brake. Otherwise greater clutch
wear will result.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system, drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos-
sibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the
way down into first gear. This strategy helps
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. For information on downshifting in the
manual mode of the automatic transmission,
refer to page61.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise there will be no engine braking action or
support of the braking force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
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.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
ProCarManuals.com

Things to remember when driving
128 >Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrest.
>Sports Wagon:
Use the partition net to protect the occu-
pants, refer to page118. Make sure that
objects cannot penetrate through the parti-
tion net.
Wrap sharp-edged or pointed objects
which could strike the rear window while
driving.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net*, luggage straps, or
securing straps to hold down small and
lightweight luggage and cargo.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at
your BMW center. Four lashing eyes
mounted in the cargo bay are used to
secure these heavy-duty cargo straps, refer
to illustration.
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the vehicle's occupants, for example if sud-
den braking or evasive maneuvers are neces-
sary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page241, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws.
You should never transport unsecured heavy or
hard objects in the passenger compartment, as
they could fly around and pose a safety hazard
to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.Use only the lashing eyes pictured to fasten the
heavy-duty cargo straps. Do not secure cargo
with the upper attachment points for LATCH,
refer to page55; otherwise, you could damage
them.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Mounting points
The mounting points are located in the door
openings or on the roof rails
*.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember not to
exceed the approved roof load capacity, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under
Weights on page241.
Distribute the roof load uniformly. The load
must not be too large in area. Always stow the
heaviest pieces on the bottom. Be sure that
adequate clearance is maintained for raising the
glass sunroof, and that objects do not project
into the opening path of the luggage compart-
ment lid/tailgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Driving tips
139Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
addition, pressing the controller makes further
functions available:
> Select a symbol and "Start guid-
ance", if necessary.
>"Exit interactive map"
>Map view
>"Display destination"
The map section around the destination
is displayed.
>"Display current location"
The map section around your current
location is displayed.
>"Find points of interest", refer to
page136.
Entering a destination by
voice commands*
General information
You can enter a desired destination via the
voice activation system. When entering the
destination, it is possible to change between
voice command and iDrive at any time. Reacti-
vate the voice command function for this pur-
pose if necessary.
You can have the possible commands
read aloud via {Voice commands}.<
Saying the entries
>Countries, towns and cities, streets and
intersections can be said as whole words or
spelled in the system language, refer to
page82.Example: to enter a destination in a US state
as a complete word, the system language
must be English.
>The town/city, street and house number
can be said as a single sentence.
*
>Spell the entry if the language region and
the system language differ.
>Say the letters smoothly, and avoid exag-
gerating the pronunciation and inserting
lengthy pauses between the letters.
Entering an address*
1.Press the button on the steering wheel.
3.Wait for a request from the system.
4.Say the town or city, street and house num-
ber in a single sentence.
5.Continue making the entry as prompted by
the system.
6.If necessary, individually name the separate
components of the address, e.g., the town/
city.
Entering a town/city
The town/city can be spelled or entered as a
complete word
*.
The methods of entry depend on the nav-
igation data in use and the country and
language settings.<
2.Wait for the system to prompt you for the
town/city.
3.Say the name of the town/city, or name at
least the first three letters.
Depending on the entry, up to 20 towns/cit-
ies may be suggested.
2.{Enter address}
1.{City} or {Spell city}.
4.Select town/city:
>Select a recommended town/city:
{Yes}
>Select other town/city: {New entry}
>Select an entry, e.g., {Entry 2}
>Spell an entry: {Spell city}
ProCarManuals.com

On/off and tone
152
On/off and tone
The following audio and video sources share
the same control elements and adjustments:
>Radio
>CD/DVD player
>CD changer
*
>Video*
>External devices, e.g., MP3 player
Controls
The audio and video sources can be controlled
using the:
>Buttons in the area of the CD/DVD player
>iDrive
>Buttons on the steering wheel; refer to
page11
>Programmable memory buttons, refer to
page20
>Voice activation system
Buttons in the area of the CD/DVD
player
1Sound output for entertainment on/off, vol-
ume
>Press: switch on/off
When the system is switched on, the
most recently selected radio station or
track is played.
>Turn: adjusting volume2 Station scan/track search
>Change the radio station
>Select the track for the CD/DVD player,
CD changer and certain multimedia
devices
3 Eject the CD/DVD
4CD/DVD drive
*
5MODE: change the audio and video
sources
6FM/AM: change the radio station wave-
band
Switching on/off
To switch the entertainment sound output on
and off:
Press knob1 next to the CD/DVD player.
This symbol on the Control Display indicates
that sound output is switched off.
Sound output is available for approx.
20 minutes after the ignition is switched off.
Switch on the sound output again for this pur-
pose.
Adjusting volume
Turn knob1 next to the CD/DVD player until the
desired volume is set.
You can also adjust the volume with the buttons
on the steering wheel, refer to page11.
Tone control
You can alter various tone settings, e.g., treble
and bass or the speed-dependent volume
increase.
The tone settings are set for all audio sources at
once.
The settings are stored for the remote key cur-
rently in use.
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
155Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Radio
Your radio is designed for reception of the fol-
lowing stations:
>FM and AM
>HD Radio
*
>Weather Band*
>Satellite radio*
Selecting a station
Press the knob if the sound output is switched
off.
1."Radio"
2."FM" or "AM"3.Select the desired station.
The selected station is stored for the remote
control currently in use.
Changing stations
Turn and press the controller
or
Press the button for the corresponding
direction
or
Press the buttons on the steering wheel, refer
to page11.
Selecting a station manually
Station selection using the frequency.
1."Radio"
2."FM" or "AM"
3."Manual"
4.Select the frequency: turn the controller.
To store the station: press the controller for an
extended period.
ProCarManuals.com

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
169Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
4.Select the desired category.
5.To select the desired entry:
>Open "A-Z search" and enter the
desired entry.
or
>Select the desired entry from the list.
6.Select additional categories if desired.
The tracks found are listed in alphabetical
order.
Not all categories need to be selected. For
example, to search for all tracks by a certain
artist, call up that artist only. All of the tracks
by that artist are then displayed.
7."Start play"
Restarting the music search
"New search"
Music search by voice*
For instructions on the voice activation system,
refer to page22.
1.Press the button on the steering wheel.
To select a track directly:
Say the voice command and the name of the
desired track in one sentence.
Current playback
The list of tracks that was generated last by the
music search or the album selected last.
1."Current playback"
2.Select the desired track, if necessary.
Top 50
List of the 50 most frequently played tracks.
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."Music collection"
3."Top 50"
4.Select the desired track, if necessary.
Albums
All stored albums, listed in order of their storage
dates. Symbols indicate the format.
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."Music collection"
3.Select the desired album. 2.{Music search}
3.Open the desired category, e.g.,
{Select artist}.
4.Say the desired entry in the list.
5.Select additional categories if desired.
{Title …}
SymbolFormat
Audio CD
Compressed audio files
ProCarManuals.com