sensor BMW 6 SERIES 2008 User Guide

Lamps
104
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.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
With the ignition switched on, turn the light
switch into position 3, refer to page102.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive
Head Light is not active when driving in reverse
and points toward the passenger side when the
vehicle is stopped.
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
page102.
2.With the low beams switched on, briefly
press the turn signal lever in the high-beam
direction.
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.

Controls
105Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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.
Switching off via iDrive
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.

Controls
109Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
16Air grill for interior temperature sensor –
please keep clear and unobstructed
The current setting for air distribution is dis-
played on the Control Display.
A congenial climate
The AUTO program offers the optimum air dis-
tribution and air volume for virtually all condi-
tions, refer to AUTO program below. Now you
only need to select an interior temperature that
you find pleasant.
The following sections contain more detailed
information on the available setting options.
Most settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use, also refer to Personal Profile
settings on page29.
AUTO program
The AUTO program handles the
adjustment of air volume and air
distribution to the windshield and
side windows, in the direction of
the upper body and in the footwell.
It also adapts your instructions for the tempera-
ture to outside influences throughout the year.
The cooling is switched on automatically with
the AUTO program. At the same time, a con-
densation sensor controls the program in such
a way that window condensation is prevented
as much as possible.
Intensity of AUTO program
You can adjust the intensity of the AUTO pro-
gram by repeatedly pressing the AUTO button.
The respective current setting is briefly dis-
played on the Control Display when the button
is pressed.
You can also adjust the intensity of the AUTO
program via iDrive.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the left to open "Cli-
mate".3.Select "Automatic programs" and press the
controller.
4.Select the desired intensity and press the
controller.
The marked intensity of the automatic
program is switched on.
Convertible program*
When the convertible top is opened, the con-
vertible program can also be selected. In the
convertible program, the automatic climate
control is optimized for driving with the convert-
ible top open. In addition, the air volume is
increased as the speed increases.
If the convertible program has been selected,
it is automatically active every time the top is
opened.
The effect of the convertible program can
be greatly enhanced if the wind deflector
is installed.<
Temperature
Set the desired temperature indi-
vidually on the driver's and front
passenger side.
The automatic climate control
achieves this temperature as quickly as possi-
ble at any time of year, if necessary with the
maximum cooling or heating capacity, and then
keeps it constant.
When switching between different tem-
perature settings in rapid succession, the
automatic climate control does not have suffi-
cient time to achieve the set temperature.<

Controls
111Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Adjusting air distribution individually –
individual program
Your settings are stored in this program.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Climate".
3.Select "Vent settings" and press the con-
troller.
The driver's and front passenger side can
be adjusted separately with the fields on the
right or left side.
4.Select the driver's or front passenger side if
necessary.
Move the controller to the right or left
repeatedly until the driver's side or front
passenger side is selected.
5.Select the desired field by moving the con-
troller.
6.Turn the controller to adjust the air distribu-
tion.
Driver's side:
1Air directed toward the windshield and side
windows
2Air for the upper body
3Air to footwell
Front passenger side:
4Air for the upper body
5Air to footwell
Pressing the AUTO button cancels the
manual air distribution settings.<
The automatic mode for the air volume remains
effective with manual air distribution.
Switching cooling function on and off
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before reheating it as needed
according to the temperature setting. This
function is only available when the engine is
running.
The cooling function helps to avoid condensa-
tion on the window surfaces or to quickly
remove them.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
The cooling function is switched on automati-
cally with the AUTO program.
Maximum cooling
Maximally cooled air is obtained as
quickly as possible at an outside
temperature above approx. 327/
06 and with the engine running.
At the lowest temperature, the automatic cli-
mate control switches into recirculating air
mode. The maximum air volume flows out of the
vents for the upper body. It is therefore neces-
sary for these vents to be open for maximum
cooling.
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control/recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the immedi-
ate environment by temporarily
suspending the supply of outside air. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently within the
vehicle. In AUC mode, a sensor detects pollut-
ants in the outside air and controls the shut-off
automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run through the
following control sequence:
>LED off: outside air flows into the vehicle
continuously.
>Right LED on, AUC mode: the system
detects pollutants in the outside air and
responds by blocking the supply of outside
air when required.

Mobility
221Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Maintenance
BMW Maintenance System
The BMW Maintenance System supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW. The service schedule also
includes operations related to the vehicle's
comfort and convenience features, such as
replacement of the filters for the inside air.
The ultimate objective is to ensure economical
maintenance by providing the ideal service for
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell
your BMW, you will find that a complete dealer
service history is an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algorithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. Condition Based Service uses this to
determine the current and future service
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirements, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Control Display to show
remaining distances and times of selected
maintenance intervals and legally mandated
deadlines, refer to page77:
>Engine oil
>Brake pads, front and rear separately
>Brake fluid>Vehicle check
>Legally required tests depending on local
regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores the information required for
maintenance continuously in the remote con-
trol during driving. After accessing the data
stored in the remote control, your BMW Service
Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of
service procedures for your own individual vehi-
cle. For this reason, when you take your vehicle
in for service, you should give the BMW Service
Advisor the remote control last used to drive it.
Make sure the date is set correctly, refer
to page83, otherwise the effectiveness
of CBS Condition Based Service is not
ensured.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<

Everything from A to Z
242
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions, and
indicates where to find them
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System86
– indicator lamp88
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control66
Accepted calls192
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
request227
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control112
Activating hour signal83
"Activation time" for parked-
car ventilation113
Active cruise control66
– indicator lamp70
– radar sensor71
– selecting distance69
– warning lamps70
Active front head restraints50
Active steering93
– warning lamp93
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake assistant87
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display93
Adaptive Head Light104
"Add digits" for mobile
phone192
Additives
– coolant219
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils219"Address book" for navigation
system142
Address for navigation
– deleting143
– entering134,137
– selecting142
– storing142
– storing current position142
"Add to address book"141
"Add to destination
list"137,139
Adjusting interior
temperature109
Adjusting thigh support48
Adjusting tone in audio mode,
refer to Tone control159
"After door opened"50
"After unlocking"50
Airbags94
– deactivating, refer to
Exception for front
passenger seat56
– indicator/warning lamp95
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags95
– sitting safely47
Air distribution
– automatic109
– manual110
Airing, refer to Ventilation112
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation112
Air recirculation, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control111
"Air recirculation on / off"55
Air supply, automatic climate
control108
Air volume110
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications209Alarm system35
– avoiding unintentional
alarms36
– interior motion sensor36
– switching off alarm35
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor36
– tilt alarm sensor36
"All channels"170
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires215
"All stations", calling up with
radio162,165
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
"AM", reception
range158,162
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antenna for mobile phone184
Antifreeze
– coolant219
– washer fluid65
Antilock Brake System
ABS86
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system35
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system30
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights237
Approved engine oils219
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights237
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest117
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10

Everything from A to Z
250
I
IBOC, refer to High Definition
Radio166
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning74
ID3-Tag, refer to Information
about track174
Identification mark
– recommended tire
brands215
– run-flat tires214
– tire coding212
iDrive16
– adjusting brightness83
– assistance window20
– changing date and time82
– changing language84
– changing menu page19
– changing settings82
– changing units of measure
and display form84
– controller16
– controls16
– displays, menus17
– operating principle17
– selecting menu item19
– selecting or confirming
entry19
– start menu17
– status information20
– symbols18
Ignition58
– switched off59
– switched on58
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness58
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on58
Ignition lock58
– starting engine with comfort
access38
i menu17
Imprint2Indicator/warning lamps
– ABS Antilock Brake
System88
– active steering93
– airbags95
– brake system88
– DSC13,87
– DTC13,88
– Flat Tire Monitor90
– fog lamps13,106
– handbrake13,60
– safety belt warning52
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor92
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview13
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure210
Inflation pressure monitoring
– refer to Flat Tire Monitor89
– refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor90
Info menu17
Information
– on another location140
– on current position140
– on town/city of
destination140
"Information" for navigation
system140
Information menu, refer to
imenu17
"Information on
destination"141
"Info sources"77
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– radio, refer to Storing
stations164
– refer to Power failure226
– seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory49
– time and date82
"Input map"139
Installation location
– CD changer176
– drive for navigation DVD132Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions149
Instrument cluster12
Instrument illumination, refer
to Instrument lighting106
Instrument lighting106
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Instrument panel, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control115
Interesting destination for
navigation140
"Interim time"82
Interior lamps106
– switching on with remote
control31
Interior motion sensor36
– switching off36
Interior rearview mirror,
automatic dimming
feature54
Intermittent wiper mode64
J
Jacking points225
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jump starting228
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort
access36
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Comfort access36
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile29
"Keypad"194
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to
Personal Profile29
– spare key28
Kick-down, Sport automatic
transmission61

Everything from A to Z
254 Presetting parked car
ventilation activation
times113
Pressure, tires210
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor90
"Profile"205
Programmable buttons on
steering wheel55
Programmable memory
buttons21
Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof41
– windows40
R
Radiator fluid, refer to
Coolant219
Radio
– Autostore164
– controls158
– High Definition Radio166
– sampling stations163
– satellite radio169
– selecting frequency
manually163
– selecting
waveband158,162
– station search163
– station selection162
– station with best
reception164
– storing stations164
– switching on/off158
– tone control159
– volume159
– Weather Band, refer to
Weather news flashes166
Radio key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Radio position, refer to Radio
readiness58Radio readiness58
– switched off59
– switched on58
– with comfort access37
Radio stations, storing164
Rain sensor, windshield wiper
system64
"Random", random play
sequence175
"Random all" in audio
mode176
"Random directory" in audio
mode175
Random play sequence
– CD changer175
– CD player175
"RDS"165
Reading lamps107
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps224
Rearview mirrors, refer to
Mirrors53
Rear window
– heating110
– opening and closing39
"Received calls"192
Reception
– quality165
– radio stations165
– regional station164
Reception quality of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information20
Rechargeable flashlight117
Recirculated-air mode, refer
to AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control111
Recirculation of air, refer to
AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control111
Reclining seat, refer to
Seats48
Recording times, refer to
Stopwatch82
"Redial" for mobile phone192
Redialing with mobile
phone197Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps224
Refueling208
Releasing
– hood216
– locks, refer to Unlocking37
"Relock door if not
opened"33
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range75
Remaining distance to
destination, refer to
Computer76
Remote control28
– battery replacement38
– comfort access36
– garage-door opener115
– luggage compartment lid31
– malfunction31,38
Removing condensation from
windows110
"Repeat directory" in audio
mode175
"Repeat" in audio mode175
"Repeat track" in audio
mode175
Replacement fuses226
Replacement remote control,
refer to New remote
controls28
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs223
Replacing tires, changing a
wheel225
Reporting safety defects7
Required fuel209
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge75
"Reset"90,91
– stopwatch82
– tone settings161
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings161
Residual heat112
Restraint systems
– for children56
– refer to Safety belts52

Reference 257
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Stop" for stopwatch82
"Stopwatch"82
Stopwatch82
Storage compartments117
"Store in address book" for
navigation system142
"Store" on the radio164,171
Storing current position142
Storing sitting position, refer
to Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory49
Storing tires215
"Street" for destination
entry136
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires210
"Surround Settings", refer to
Tone control160
SW, waveband162
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching automatically
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant104
Switching on
– audio158
– CD changer158
– CD player158
– radio158
Swiveling headlamps, refer to
Adaptive Head Light104
Symbols4
– indicator and warning
lamps13
– navigation system152
– status information20
– traffic information with
navigation system150
T
Tachometer74
Tail lamps224
– replacing bulbs224
Tank capacity
– also refer to Capacities237
– fuel tank capacity208
Target cursor for
navigation139Technical alterations, refer to
For your own safety6
Technical data234
Telematics, refer to
BMW Assist199
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest117
– refer to Mobile phone184
– refer to separate operating
instructions
"Telephone list"55
TeleService201
Temperature
– adjusting in upper body
region110
– adjusting with automatic
climate control109
– changing units of
measure84
– refer to Coolant
temperature74
Temperature display
– changing units of
measure84
– outside temperature74
– outside temperature
warning74
Temperature gauge, engine
oil75
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control65
"Terminate services"204
"Text language"84
"Theater", refer to Tone
control161
The individual vehicle5
Tie-down points, refer to
Securing cargo128
Tilt alarm sensor36
– switching off36
Tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror54
"Time"83
"Time / Date"82
"Time format"83
Timer, refer to Preselecting
activation time113"Timer 1" for parked-car
ventilation113
"Timer 2" for parked-car
ventilation113
Tire inflation pressure210
Tire pressure loss90,91
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM90
Tire Quality Grading212
Tire replacement, new wheels
and tires214
Tires
– age212
– air loss90,92
– breaking-in124
– condition213
– damage213
– inflation pressure210
– minimum tread depth213
– monitoring inflation
pressure, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor89
– new wheels and tires214
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor90
– replacing214
– retreaded tires214
– run-flat tires214
– size211
– size, refer to The right
wheels and tires214
– wear indicators213
– wheel/tire combination214
– winter tires215
– with run-flat properties, refer
to Run-flat tires214
TMC station, refer to Traffic
information150
"Tone"159
Tone dialing method194
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting159
– middle setting161
Tone on locking/unlocking31
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit223
Top42
"Top 8" for mobile phone192

Reference 259
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Vent outlets of automatic
climate control108
"Vent settings"111
Viscosity219
Voice, refer to Destination
guidance with voice
instructions149
Voice command system
– overview23
– short commands238
Voice instructions for
navigation system149
– muting55
– repeating55,150
– switching on/off55,149
– volume150
Voice phone book196
Volume158
– audio sources158
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities237
– luggage compartment237
– mobile phone190
– setting speed-
dependent160
– voice instructions150
– windshield cleaning system,
refer to Capacities237
Volume adjustment in audio
mode
– front-to-rear160
– right/left160
W
Warning lamps, refer to
Indicator and warning
lamps13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control79
Warning on leaving lane, refer
to Leaving lane warning101
Warning triangle228
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models221
Washer fluid
– capacity of the reservoir65
– wiper system65Washing the vehicle, also refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water126
Waveband for radio162
"WB"158,166
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth213
Weather news flashes166
Website BMW4
Weights237
Welcome lamps102
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to New wheels and tires214
Wheel/tire damage213
Wheel/tire replacement, refer
to New wheels and tires214
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions235
Wheels and tires210
Width, refer to
Dimensions235
Wind deflector45
Windows38
– comfort closing with comfort
access37
– convenient operation31,32
– opening and closing,
Convertible39
– opening and closing,
Coupe38
– rear window, Convertible39
Windshield
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system64
– defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows110
– displays, refer to Head-Up
Display96
Windshield wash
– automatic, refer to Rain
sensor64
– capacities, reservoir237
– filler neck for washer
fluid217
– nozzles65
– washer fluid65
– wiper system64
Windshield wipers, refer to
Washer system, replacing
wiper blades223
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system64
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Winter tires215
– setting speed limit81
– storage215
Wiper blades
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing223
Wiper system64
– rain sensor64
– washer fluid65
– windshield washer
nozzles65
"With highways" for
navigation system144
Wood decoration, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Word matching principle for
navigation145
Working in the engine
compartment216
Wrenches/screwdrivers, refer
to Onboard tool kit223
X
Xenon lamps224
– replacing bulbs224
Y
Your individual vehicle
– programmable buttons on
steering wheel55
– settings, refer to Personal
Profile29
Z
"Zoom" with BMW Night
Vision100