The 2010 BMW 5 Series is a masterful fusion of technology, comfort, convenience, and safety, designed to offer drivers a truly exceptional driving experience. From its advanced infotainment system and spacious cabin to its cutting-edge safety features and sleek, aerodynamic design, this car is a true testament to BMW’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating city streets, the 2010 BMW 5 Series delivers a smooth, responsive ride that will leave you feeling confident and in control. So if you’re looking for a car that combines style, performance, and advanced technology in one unbeatable package, look no further than the 2010 BMW 5 Series.
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. However, an acoustic warning first sounds for the sensors at the front and at the two rear corners at approx. 24 in/60 cm, and for the center rear sensors at approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
⚠ PDC is a parking aid that can indicate objects when they are approached slowly, as is usually the case when parking. Avoid approaching an object at high speed, otherwise the physical circumstances would mean that the system warning was too late.
Automatic activation
The system starts to operate approx. one second after you shift into reverse or move the selector lever into position R with the engine running or the ignition switched on. Wait this short time before driving off.
Manual activation
Press the button, the LED lights up.
Manual deactivation
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
Automatic deactivation
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
When nearing an object, the position is correspondingly indicated by an interval tone. 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. If the distance to the nearest object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a continuous tone sounds.
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. To prevent this problem, 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 cleaning jets for long periods and maintain a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm to them.
PDC with visual warning*
The approach of the vehicle to an object is shown on the Control Display. Objects that are farther away are already shown there before a signal tone sounds. The display appears on the Control Display as soon as PDC is activated.
System limits
⚠ Even with PDC, final responsibility for estimating the distance between the vehicle and any obstructions always remains with the driver. Even when sensors are provided, there is a blind spot in which objects can
no longer be detected. The system is also subject to the physical limits that apply to all forms of ultrasonic measurement, such as those encountered with tow bars and trailer couplings, or thin and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects already displayed, e.g.
Curbs, can also disappear from the detection area of the sensors again before or after a continuous tone
already sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g., ledges, cannot be detected. For this reason, drive with care; otherwise, there is a danger of personal injury or property damage. Loud sources of sound, inside and outside the vehicle, could drown out 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.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during braking. Safe steering response is maintained even during full braking. Active safety is thus increased.
The ABS is operational every time you start the engine.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking during curves or when braking during a lane change, driving stability and steering response are improved further.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system produces maximum braking force boosting and thus helps to achieve the shortest possible braking distance during full braking maneuvers. This system exploits all of the benefits provided by ABS. Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the duration of the full brake application.
Adaptive brake assistant*
In conjunction with the active cruise control with the stop-and-go function, the adaptive brake assistant ensures that the brake responds even more quickly during braking with the brake assistant.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels when starting off and accelerating. The system also identifies unstable driving conditions, such as a loss of traction at the rear of the vehicle or sliding of the vehicle in its front wheels. In these cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe course within physical limits by reducing engine output and through braking actions in the individual wheels.
⚠ The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even with DSC. An appropriate driving style always remains the responsibility of the driver. Therefore, do not restrict the additional safety margin with a risky driving style, as otherwise there is a risk of an accident.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up, but not longer than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic Traction Control and DSC are deactivated together. Stabilizing and drive output promoting actions are no longer executed. In addition, the stability promoting intervention of the active steering* is deactivated.
Please note any supplementary information that appears there. To increase vehicle stability, activate 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 controls the drive forces and brake forces. The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive output is optimized for particular road conditions, e.g., unplowed snow-covered roads. The system assures the maximal drive output, but with reduced driving stability. It is therefore necessary to 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 starting off in deep snow or on loose ground
- When driving with snow chains*
Activating DTC
Press the button briefly; the DTC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
For better control
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
xDrive*
xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of your BMW. The combined effects of xDrive and DSC further optimize the traction and dynamic driving characteristics. The 4-wheel drive system xDrive variably distributes the drive torque to the front and rear axle depending on the driving situation and prevailing road conditions.
HDC Hill Descent Control*
The concept
HDC is a system for driving downhill in steep terrain. This system reduces vehicle speed on steep downhill gradients, thus allowing you to maintain even better control of your BMW under these conditions. The vehicle moves at approximately twice walking speed without active intervention from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds below approx. 22 mph/35 km/h. When driving down steep hills with a speed below approx. 22 mph/35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed automatically down to approximately twice normal walking speed, approx. 7 mph/12 km/h, and then keeps this speed constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary this automatically controlled speed within a range extending from approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to 15 mph/25 km/h. You can specify a target speed within the same range by using the lever of the cruise control*.
Activating HDC
Use the button on the steering wheel.
Deactivating HDC
Use the button on the steering wheel; the HDC display goes out. HDC is automatically deactivated at speeds greater than approximately 37 mph/60 km/h.
Using HDC
Manual transmission: Use HDC in low gears and reverse gear. Automatic transmission: You can use HDC in every drive position.
Displays in instrument cluster
1 Display for target speed
2 HDC display
Malfunction in driving-stability control systems
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to start off conveniently on slopes. The parking brake is not required for this purpose.
- Hold the vehicle with the brake.
- Release the brake and begin to drive immediately.
⚠ After releasing the brake, begin to drive immediately; otherwise, the drive-off assistant no longer holds the vehicle after approx. 2 seconds and your vehicle will start to roll backward.
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.
Sports Wagon: self-leveling suspension
Malfunction
The warning lamp for self-leveling suspension lights up yellow and a message is shown on the Control Display. A malfunction has occurred in the self-leveling suspension. Stop and check the vehicle. If it is considerably lower at the rear than at the front, and possibly also on one side – rear left compared to rear right – go to the nearest BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel.
Drive with appropriate caution in the meantime. The vehicle has reduced ground clearance and driving comfort may be noticeably reduced. Even if the position of the vehicle is normal, go to the nearest BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel.
FTM Flat Tire Monitor*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects a pressure loss in one tire by comparing the speeds of the individual wheels during driving. In the event of a pressure loss, there is a change in the rolling circumference and therefore the rotation speed of the corresponding wheel. The system detects this change and reports it as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system must have been initialized when the tire inflation pressure was correct; otherwise, reliable signaling of a flat tire is not ensured.
▶ 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 is unable to warn the driver of sudden, severe tire damage caused by external factors, nor can it identify the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably occur in all four tires over a lengthy period of time.
In the following situations, the system could be delayed or malfunction:
- System has not been initialized
- Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
- Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
- Driving with snow chains*
When you are driving with the compact wheel* the Flat Tire Monitor is unable to function.
Initializing system
▶ The initialization finishes during driving, which can be interrupted at any time. When driving resumes, the initialization is continued automatically. The system is initialized after this activation phase.
The initialization process adopts the set inflation tire pressures as reference values for the detection of a flat tire. Initialization is started by confirming the inflation pressures.
- “Vehicle Info”
- “Vehicle status”
- “Reset”
- Start the engine – do not drive away.
- Start the initialization using “Reset”. “Activating…” is displayed on the Control Display.
- Start to drive.
The initialization finishes during driving, which can be interrupted at any time. “Flat Tire Monitor active” is displayed on the Control Display.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red. A message appears on the Control Display. In addition, an acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation pressure loss.
- Reduce speed and stop the vehicle carefully. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.
- Identify damaged tire.
▶ If identification is not possible, contact a BMW center.
- Replace the damaged wheel
Run-flat tires*
- Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/ 80 km/h. Avoid severe braking and steering maneuvers and do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
⚠ If the vehicle is not equipped with runflat tires, do not continue driving. Continuing to drive with a flat tire could cause severe accidents.
- At the next opportunity, check the air pressure in all four tires.
▶ 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 the basis of the following guide values:
- With a light load: 1 to 2 persons without luggage: approx. 155 miles/250 km
- With a medium load: 2 persons, cargo bay full, or 4 persons without luggage: approx. 94 miles/150 km
- With a full load: 4 or more persons, cargo bay full: approx. 30 miles/50 km
⚠ Drive cautiously and do not exceed 50 mph/80 km/h or else you run the risk of causing an accident. In the event of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This includes reduced tracking stability in braking, extended braking distance 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.
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can be displayed on the Control Display, e.g., whether or not the FTM is active.
- “Vehicle Info”
- “Vehicle status”
- “Flat Tire Monitor”
The status is displayed.
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor*
The concept
TPM checks the tire inflation pressure in the four mounted tires. The system reports when the tire inflation pressure has dropped considerably in one or several tires.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat tire, the system must be reset at the correct tire
inflation pressure. Always use wheels with TPM electronics, otherwise fault-free operation of the system is not ensured.
Reset the system again after each correction of the tire inflation pressure and after every tire or wheel change.
System limits
TPM cannot announce sudden serious tire damage caused by external influences.
The system does not function properly if it has not been reset, e.g., a flat tire is reported despite correct tire inflation pressures. The system is inactive and cannot display a flat tire if a wheel has been mounted without TPM electronics, e.g., a compact wheel, or if TPM is temporarily interfered with by other systems or devices which use the same radio frequency.
Status display on Control Display
The tire and system status is indicated by the color of the tires. TPM takes the fact that the tire pressure
changes during driving into account. A correction is only required if requested by TPM with the color.
Green
The tire pressure matches the learned set state. “TPM” appears on the Control Display.
One wheel is yellow
Flat tire or a major drop in inflation pressure in the indicated tire. A message appears on the Control Display.
All wheels are yellow
Flat tire or a major drop in inflation pressure in several tires. A message appears on the Control Display.
Gray
The system cannot detect a flat tire. Reasons for this can be:
- TPM is being reset
- Temporary interference due to systems or devices which use the same radio frequency
- Malfunction
Resetting system
▶ Reset the system again after each correction of the tire inflation pressure and after every tire or wheel change.
Resetting finishes during driving, which can be interrupted at any time. When driving resumes, resetting is continued automatically. Do not reset the system when driving with a compact wheel*.
- Press the MENU button. This opens the main menu.
- “Vehicle Info”
- “Vehicle status”
- “Reset TPM”
- Start the engine, but do not start driving.
- “Reset”
- “Yes” Start to drive. The tires are shown in gray and “Resetting TPM…” is displayed.
- After a few minutes of driving, the set tire inflation pressures in the tires are applied as the set values to be monitored. The system reset is completed during your drive, and can be interrupted at any time. When driving resumes, resetting is continued automatically. On the Control Display, the tires are shown in green and “Status: TPM active” is displayed again.
▶ If a flat tire is detected during resetting and applying the tire inflation pressures, all tires are shown in yellow on the Control Display. The message “Tire low!” is shown.
Notification of low tire inflation pressure
The warning lamp lights up yellow. A message appears on the Control Display. In addition, an acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation pressure loss.
- Reduce speed and stop the vehicle carefully. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.
- Check whether your vehicle is equipped with standard tires or run-flat tires.
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of the tire.
Standard tires
- If all four wheels are shown in yellow, identify the damaged tire on the vehicle.
- Replace the damaged wheel or wheels.
In contrast to a compact wheel, a spare wheel is equipped with the necessary TPM electronics and 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.
Run-flat tires*
- Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/ 80 km/h. Avoid severe braking and steering maneuvers and do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
⚠ If the vehicle is not equipped with runflat tires, do not continue driving. Continuing to drive with a flat tire could cause severe accidents.
- In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible distance for continued driving on the basis of the following guide values:
- With a light load: 1 to 2 persons without luggage: approx. 155 miles/250 km
- With a medium load: 2 persons, cargo bay full, or4 persons without luggage:approx. 95 miles/150 km
- With a full load: 4 or more persons, cargo bay 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 distance 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.
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and then lights up continuously. The tires are shown in gray on the Control Display 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 electronics.
- 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 inflation 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 feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, TPMS, that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. 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 substitute 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 system 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 malfunction 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.
Active steering*
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the front wheels in relation to steering wheel movements. It also varies the steering force required to turn the wheels depending on the speed at which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low speed range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steering angle increases, 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 stabilizing intervention is simultaneously deactivated when DSC is switched off.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow and a message is shown on the Control Display. Active steering is malfunctioning or is temporarily deactivated. At low speeds, greater steering wheel movements are
required, whereas at higher speeds, the vehicle reacts more sensitively to steering wheel movements. The stability-promoting intervention can also be deactivated. Proceed cautiously and drive defensively.
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the marked covers:
1 Front airbags
2 Head airbags
3 Side airbags in front and rear
Deactivation
Active steering is deactivated to perform an initialization. A message indicates that the feature is deactivated. Initialization may take several minutes. If the message does not go out during the current trip, have the system checked.
Defect
A text message appears if there is a defect. Have the system checked.
Brake force display
On the left: normal braking. On the right: heavy braking.
Protective action
⚠ To ensure that the safety systems continue to provide optimized protection.
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 side impact.
The relevant side airbag 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 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 restraint 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 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 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 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 evaluating the impression on the occupied seat surface of the front passenger seat. The front and side airbags on the front passenger side are activated or deactivated accordingly by the system.
▶ 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 information and handling instructions under Transporting children safely. The front and side airbags on the front passenger side can be deactivated for teenagers and adults in certain sitting positions; then the indicator lamp for the front passenger airbags lights up.
In these cases, change the sitting 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 sitting position, transport the corresponding person on the rear seat.
Do not fit seat covers, 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 correct 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 airbags indicates the operating status of the front
and side airbags on the front passenger side depending on the seat occupation. 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 and side airbags on the front passenger side are not activated.
▶ Most child seats are detected by the system, especially the child seats required by the NHTSA at the time the vehicle is manufactured. After installing a child seat, make sure that the indicator lamp for the front passenger airbags lights up. This indicates that the child 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 passenger 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.
Operational readiness of airbag system
From radio readiness, 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 from 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.
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 take in this information without looking away from the road.
Switching on/off
Press the button.
1 Navigation instructions
2 Display
- Cruise control
- Active cruise control
- Lane Departure Warning
3 Speed
Selecting displays
- “Settings”
- “Head-Up display”
- “Displayed information”
- Select the desired displays in the Head-up Display
✓ 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 basic setting. With the low beams switched on, the brightness can also be adjusted with the thumbwheel of the instrument lighting.
- “Settings”
- “Head-Up display”
- “Brightness”
- Turn the controller. The brightness is adjusted.
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 seating 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 basic setting checked at a BMW center.
Special windshield
The windshield is 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 the double images from being displayed. Windshield replacement should be carried out by a BMW center or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel.
Care instructions
You can find valuable information on this topic under Care.
⚠ Only clean the cover of the Head-up Display with a soft, nonabrasive cloth or with a display cleaning cloth; otherwise, you may damage it.
BMW Night Vision*
The concept
BMW Night Vision is a driver assistance system that is designed to provide enhanced vision for certain objects at night. This can be especially helpful for detecting people and larger animals. When objects are detected, the driver may be able to take appropriate action sooner. For example, the driver may identify and detect the presence of persons or animals in the road ahead or off to the sides and can be more alert, slow down or stop, blow the horn, etc. The driver can decide which actions are appropriate and then react accordingly.
A certain area in front of the vehicle is viewed by an infrared camera and a generated image is shown on the Control Display. The resulting thermal image shows the relative heat radiation of the objects present in the camera’s field of view. Warmer objects appear brighter and cooler objects appear darker.
Contrast is dependent on the temperature difference between the objects and the background and on the amount of heat radiation of the object itself. As a result, it is quite possible that a person is not continually recognizable as a person in shape, since the thermal radiation can be affected by different clothing which blocks heat loss. Objects with little temperature difference to the surrounding area, or little heat radiation are less noticeable, for example in cold weather.
Any improvement in detection depends on many factors such as the object size and temperature compared to the surroundings, or other nearby objects, the visual recognition skills of the driver, weather conditions, and
other factors.
Driving hints
With the system active, periodically but briefly, glance at the thermal image on the Control Display to notice objects that could be people or larger animals. The glance should be similar to glancing at the rear view mirror. Do not stare at the image for long periods while driving, as this will remove attention from the road. If you notice an object of interest ahead, be prepared to slow down or stop, blow the horn, or take other appropriate action.
System limits
The system is designed to supplement but not replace forward vision through the windshield. The driver is responsible for safe driving at night. BMW Night Vision is not designed to be used as a continuous viewing window for driving at night.
No system, no matter how sophisticated, can operate without limitations. BMW Night Vision operation is subject to physical and environmental limitations that will reduce the ability of the system to detect and display a clear thermal image. Some of the situations in which these limitations can occur are:
- on steep hilltops or depressions and in tight curves
- in tunnels, as the contrast is inherently low
- when the camera lens is dirty
- in dense fog, heavy rain or snowfall
- when displaying very hot objects such as transformers, car exhausts, etc.
- when the image briefly freezes during normal system adjustment.
⚠ BMW Night Vision’s potential benefits can be limited by the driving style of the driver, the size and relative temperature of the detected objects, dirt or contamination on the camera lens, adverse weather like snow, rain or fog, and other factors not mentioned here. It will always be the driver’s responsibility to drive at a speed and in a manner that recognizes potential hazards and adjust accordingly.
BMW Night Vision is not a substitute or replacement for the driver’s responsibility to adapt to visibility and traffic conditions. The forward view illuminated by the headlamps must always be the basis for making safe driving decisions, otherwise a safety risk will result.
Activating BMW Night Vision
- Turn the light switch to position 2 or 3.
- 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 Display 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 MENU button.
- Via iDrive, refer to Selecting settings.
Selecting settings
- Activate BMW Night Vision.
- Press the controller.
- 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 automatically 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 damage 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 headlamps on, the camera lens area is automatically sprayed as well.
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 lines 1 indicate that the system is activated.
- The two arrows 2 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 vehicle.
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 driving 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