The 2006-6 Series BMW models were equipped with a range of technology features that aimed to provide comfort, convenience, and safety to drivers and passengers.
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you are parking. Acoustic signals and an optical display* alert you to the approach of an object from behind your vehicle. To measure the distance, there are four ultrasonic sensors in each bumper. The range of these sensors is approx. 7 ft/2 m. But an acoustic warning first sounds at approx. 24 in/60 cm for the sensors at the front and two rear corners and at approx. 5 ft/1,50 m for the center rear sensors.
⚠ PDC is a parking aid that can indicate the presence of objects when they are being approached slowly, as is usually the case when parking. Avoid approaching an object at high speed; otherwise, the physical circumstances could cause the system warning to be activated too late.
Automatically activating
With the engine running or the ignition switched on, the system starts to operate automatically approx. 1 second after you shift into reverse. Wait this short period before driving.
Switching on manually
Press the button; the LED lights up.
Switching off manually
Press the button again; the LED goes out. After driving approx. 165 ft/50 m or at over approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the system is switched off and the LED goes out. You can reactivate the system manually as needed.
Signal tones
An intermittent signal indicates the distance of the vehicle from an object being approached. Thus, an object detected to the left rear of the vehicle will be indicated by a signal tone from the left rear speaker, etc. As the distance between vehicle and object decreases, the intervals between the tones become shorter. The signal tone becomes continuous once the distance to the nearest object falls to below
roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
An intermittent tone is interrupted after approx. 3 seconds:
- if you remain in front of an object that was only detected by one of the corner sensors
- if you drive parallel to a wall
Malfunction
The LED in the button flashes and a message appears on the Control Display. PDC is malfunctioning. Have the system checked. As a preventive measure, keep the sensors clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively. Do not spray the sensors with high-pressure washers for prolonged intervals and always keep the nozzle at least 4 in/10 cm from the sensors.
PDC with visual warning*
You can also enjoy the option of having the system show the approach to an object on the Control Display. Objects that are farther away are already shown there before a signal tone sounds.
- Open the start menu.
- Press the controller to open the I menu.
- Select “Vehicle settings” and press the controller.
- Select “PDC” and press the controller.
- Select “PDC display on” and press the controller.
✓ The PDC screen is activated.
The display appears on the Control Display as soon as PDC is activated. The setting is stored for the remote control currently in use.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for estimating the distance between the vehicle and any obstacles always remains with the driver. Even when sensors are involved, there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be detected. This applies especially in those cases where the system approaches the physical constraints of ultrasonic measurement, as occurs with tow bars and trailer couplings, and in the vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped objects.
Low objects already displayed, e.g. a curb, can disappear from the detection area of the sensors again before a continuous tone sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges, cannot be detected. Loud noises from outside and inside the vehicle may prevent you from hearing the PDC signal tone.
Driving stability control systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array of systems designed to enhance and maintain vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during braking. Safe steering response is maintained even during hard braking. This increases active driving safety. ABS is operational every time you start the engine.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
This system provides further enhancements to vehicle stability and steering response when braking while cornering or when braking during a lane change.
Electronic brake-force distribution
This system controls the brake system’s application pressure at the rear wheels to ensure stable deceleration.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system automatically produces the maximum braking force boost and thus helps to achieve the shortest possible braking distance during full braking. This system exploits all of the benefits provided by ABS. Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal for the duration of the braking maneuver. DBC is switched off when the brake pedal is released.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels when starting off and accelerating. DSC also detects unstable driving conditions such as fishtailing or sliding of the vehicle’s front wheels. In these cases, DSC helps the vehicle safely stay on course within the physical limits by reducing the engine output and by applying the brakes differently in the individual wheels. The DSC is operational every time you start the
engine.
⚠ The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even with DSC. An appropriate driving style always remains the responsibility of the driver. Do not reduce the additional safety margin of the system by taking risks.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up, but not for longer than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic Traction Control and DSC are deactivated together. Interventions promoting stability and forward momentum will no longer be carried out. The stability-promoting intervention of the
active steering* is also deactivated.
A message appears on the Control Display. Please note any supplementary information that appears there. To support enhanced operating stability, reactivate DSC again as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes: DSC is controlling the drive forces and brake forces. The indicator lamp comes on: DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a variant of DSC for special road conditions, e.g. uncleared snow-covered roads, that is optimized for forward momentum. The system ensures maximum forward momentum, but with limited driving stability. Therefore, drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC under the following special circumstances:
- When driving on snowy inclines, in slush, or on unplowed, snow-covered road surfaces
- When rocking a stuck vehicle free or when starting off in deep snow or on loose ground
- When driving with snow chains*
Activating DTC
Press the button; the DTC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes: DSC is controlling the drive forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp comes on: DTC is activated.
Dynamic Drive*
The concept
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and optimizes vehicle stability during cornering and evasive maneuvers.
Dynamic Drive is based on active stabilizers on the front and rear axles. Suspension compliance adapts to suit driving conditions, varying from performance-oriented during cornering to smooth and comfort-oriented when the vehicle is proceeding in a straight line. During vehicle operation, the system continuously runs
through closed-loop control cycles lasting only fractions of a second. The system assumes operational status each time you start the engine.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow and a message is shown on the Control Display. There is a malfunction in the system. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
⚠ If a malfunction occurs, please remember to adapt your speed accordingly, especially in curves. The suspension will be noticeably softer and the vehicle will display a greater tendency to tilt during cornering and in crosswinds.
If a message stating that you should stop is shown on the Control Display, stop at a suitable location and switch off the engine as soon as possible. In this case the oil level in the reservoir may have dropped below the minimum, possibly owing to a leak in the hydraulic system. Do not continue driving, but instead contact your BMW center.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the inflation pressures in the tires as you drive. The system provides an alert whenever the inflation pressure drops significantly in relation to the pressure in another tire.
In the event of a pressure loss, the rolling radius and therefore the rotation speed of the wheels change. This change is detected and signaled as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
To ensure the reliable signaling of a flat tire, the system must be initialized at the correct tire inflation pressure.
▶ The initialization must be repeated after every correction of the tire inflation pressure and after every tire or wheel change.
System limits
⚠ The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate sudden severe tire damage caused by outside factors and does not detect a natural, even pressure drop in all four tires.
In the following situations, the system could be delayed or malfunction:
- System has not been initialized
- Driving on snow-covered or slippery roads
- Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
- Driving with snow chains*
Initializing system
▶ The initialization finishes during driving, which can be interrupted at any time. When driving resumes, the initialization is automatically continued. Do not initialize the system when driving with snow chains*.
- Press the MENU button. This opens the start menu.
- Press the controller to open the I menu.
- Select “Vehicle settings” and press the controller.
- Select “FTM” and press the controller.
- Start engine, but do not start driving.
- Select “Set tire pressure” and press the controller.
- Select “Yes” and press the controller.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up in red. A message appears on the Control Display. In addition, an acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation pressure loss.
- Cautiously reduce the vehicle speed to below 50 mph/80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
⚠ Stop driving if the vehicle is no longer equipped with run-flat tires, as it was when it came from the factory. Continued driving after a flat tire can result in serious accidents.
- Check the air pressure in all four tires at the next opportunity.
▶ If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have been initialized. The system must then be initialized.
- In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible distance for continued driving on run-flat tires, based on the following guide values:
- With low load: 1 to 2 persons without luggage: approx. 155 miles/250 km.
- With medium load: 2 persons, luggage compartment full, or 4 persons without luggage: approx. 94 miles/150 km.
- With full load: 4 persons, luggage compartment full: approx. 30 miles/50 km.
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the event of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This includes reduced tracking stability in braking, extended braking distances and altered natural steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or loud noises occur while the vehicle is being driven, this can indicate final failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and stop at a suitable location as soon as possible; otherwise, pieces of the tire could become detached and cause an accident. Do not continue driving, but instead contact your BMW center.
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering is a system that actively varies the steering angle of the front wheels in relation to the steering wheel movements. At low speeds, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steering angle of the wheels is increased, i.e. the steering becomes very direct.
In the higher speed range, on the other hand, the steering angle is reduced more and more. This improves the handling capability of your BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make targeted corrections to the steering angle provided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle before the driver intervenes. This stability-promoting intervention is deactivated when DSC is switched off.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up and a message appears on the Control Display. The active steering is no longer operational. At low speed, larger steering wheel movements are required, while the vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering wheel movements in the higher road speed range. The stability-promoting intervention can also be deactivated. Proceed cautiously and drive defensively. Have the system checked.
Brake force display
- Left-hand picture: normal braking.
- Right-hand picture: heavy braking.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the marked covers:
1 Front airbags
2 Coupe: head airbags
3 Side airbags
4 Knee airbag
5 Knee airbag
Protective action
The front airbags help protect the driver and front passenger by responding to frontal impacts in which safety belts alone cannot provide adequate restraint. When needed, the head and side airbags help provide protection in the event of a side impact. The relevant side airbag supports the side upper body area. The head airbag supports the head. The knee airbag protects the legs from colliding with the cockpit. The airbags are deliberately not triggered in every impact situation, e.g. less severe accidents 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 retention system from the vehicle. Do not modify or tamper with either the wiring or the individual components in the airbag system.This category includes the upholstery in the center of the steering wheel, on the instrument panel, the side trim panels on the doors and on the Coupe, 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 directly after the system has been triggered, 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 airbag generators carried out only by a BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with appropriately trained personnel and has the required explosives licenses.
Unprofessional attempts to service the system could lead to failure in an emergency or undesired airbag activation, either of which could result in personal injury. Warnings and information on the airbags are
also provided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected by evaluating the impression on the occupied seat surface of the front passenger seat. The system correspondingly activates or deactivates the front, knee and side airbag on the front passenger side.
▶ 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 below.
⚠ Before transporting a child in the front passenger seat, read the safety information and follow the instructions under Transporting children safely. The front, knee and side airbag on the front passenger side can be deactivated for teenagers and adults in certain seat positions; the indicator lamp for the front passenger airbags lights up when this occurs. In these cases, change the seat position so that the front passenger airbags are activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the desired status cannot be produced by changing the seat position, transport the corresponding person in the rear seat.
Do not fit seat covers, seat cushion padding, beaded mats or other items onto the front passenger seat unless they are specifically recommended by BMW. Do not place objects under the seat which could press against the seat from below. Otherwise a correct evaluation of the occupied seat surface cannot be ensured.
Operating state of front passenger airbags
The illustration here shows a possible arrangement in the Coupe. With some vehicle equipment packages or in the Convertible, the arrangement of the switches and indicator lamps may differ somewhat. The indicator lamp for the front passenger airbags indicates the operating status of the front, knee and side airbag on the front passenger side depending on whether the seat is occupied. The indicator 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, knee and side airbag on the front passenger side are deactivated.
- The indicator lamp does not light up when, for example, a correctly seated person of sufficient height is detected on the seat. The front, knee and side airbag 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 airbag on the front passenger side are still deactivated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
With the ignition lock at radio readiness or higher, the warning lamp lights up briefly, indicating the operational readiness of the entire airbag system and the safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
- Warning lamp does not light up as of radio readiness.
- Warning lamp lights up continuously.
⚠ Have the airbag system checked immediately 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 longitudinal or transverse axis, or loss of ground contact. The rollover bars located behind the rear head restraints are deployed within fractions of a second.
As a supplement to the rollover bar integrated into the windshield frame, the rollover protection system ensures that all vehicle occupants have the necessary headroom.
⚠ Always keep the path of movement of the rollover protection system clear. In less severe accidents, you are protected by the fastened safety belt and, depending on the severity of the accident, the belt tensioner and the multistage airbag restraint system.
Lowering
If the rollover protection system experienced no impact after automatic activation, then it can be lowered again. No tools are necessary for this purpose.
- Press the release backward and hold in that position.
- Press the rollover protection unit halfway down from above.
- Let go of the release.
- Press the rollover protection unit down until it snaps into place.
- Use the same procedure for the second rollover protection unit.
Have the rollover protection system checked after unexpected triggering.
⚠ Never move the convertible top when the rollover protection system is raised. No changes of any nature may be made to the individual components of the rollover protection system and wiring. Work on the rollover protection system may only be performed at a BMW center. Unprofessional attempts to service the system can lead to failure or malfunction. For a system check and to ensure long-term functioning, you must comply with the maintenance intervals of the service requirements.
Head-Up Display*
The concept
With the Head-Up Display, important information is projected into the driver’s field of view, e.g. navigation instructions. This enables you to absorb this information without looking away from the road.
Switching on/off
With the engine running or the ignition switched on: Press the button to activate or deactivate this system.
1 Navigation instructions
2 Display
- Cruise control
- Active cruise control
3 Speed
Selecting displays
- Press the MENU button. This opens the start menu.
- Press the controller to open the I menu.
- Select “Display settings” and press the controller.
- Select “Head-Up Display” and press the controller.
- Select desired information of Head-Up Display.
- Press the controller.
✓ The information appears on the Head Up Display. The settings are stored for the remote control currently in use.
Adjusting brightness
The brightness of the display is automatically 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.
- Open the start menu.
- Press the controller to open the I menu.
- Select “Display settings” and press the controller.
- Select “Brightness” and press the controller.
- If necessary, move the controller to the left to select “Head-Up Display”.
- Turn the controller until the desired setting is selected.
The setting is stored for the remote control currently in use.
Notes
The visibility of the displays in the Head-Up Display is influenced by:
- Sunglasses with certain polarization filters
- Certain sitting positions
- Objects on the cover of the Head-Up Display
- Wet road surface and unfavorable lighting conditions
If the image is distorted, please have the base setting checked at a BMW center.
Specialized windshield
The windshield is a part of the system. The shape of the windshield complies with the requirements of the Head-Up Display to enable a precise display. A film in the windshield prevents double images from being displayed. Have the windshield replaced only by a BMW center or a repair shop that works in accordance with BMW guidelines and uses appropriately trained personnel.
Care instructions
You can find everything you need to know on this topic by consulting the Caring for your vehicle brochure.
⚠ To avoid damaging the cover of the HeadUp Display, use only a soft, nonabrasive cloth to clean it.