2008 BMW 6 Series Owner's Manual - Page 101

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. > 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 driver responsibility or for accommodating the visibility conditions and the traffic situation. The forward view illuminated by the headlamps must always be the basis for making safe driving decisions, otherwise a safety risk will result.< 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. Activating BMW Night Vision 1. Turn the light switch to position 2 or 3, refer to page 102. 2. With low beams switched on: > Press the button. Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the location of the button may differ somewhat. > on steep hilltops or depressions and in tight curves > in tunnels, as the contrast is inherently low > when the camera lens is dirty 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. 99 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 0 014 242 - © 08/07 BMW AG Reference Mobility 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: > Press one of the programmable buttons on the steering wheel, refer to page 55. Communications Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls Driving hints At a glance