2006 BMW 650I CONVERTIBLE manual transmission

Driving tips
115Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW advises against using mobile com-
munications devices, e.g. mobile phones,
inside the vehicle without a direct connection
to an external antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle
electronics and mobile communications device
can interfere with one another. In addition, there
is no assurance that the radiation emitted dur-
ing transmission will be conveyed out of the
vehicle interior.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between the tires and
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, also refer to Mini-
mum tire tread on page187.
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
vehicle's engine, electrical systems and trans-
mission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise
greater clutch wear will result.<
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold
the vehicle on a hill by applying the throt-
tle, but engage the handbrake instead. Other-
wise overheating can occur in the transmission
region.<
Starting assistant
The starting assistant enables you to start off
conveniently on slopes. The parking brake is
not required for this purpose.
1.Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.
2.Release the footbrake and immediately
drive off quickly.
The starting assistant holds the vehicle
for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the
footbrake. Depending on the load, the vehicle
may also roll back slightly during this time.
After releasing the footbrake, immediately start
quickly; otherwise, the starting assistant no
longer holds the vehicle after approx. 2 seconds
and it begins to roll back.<
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 at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to
the driver 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 driving on wet roads or in heavy rain, it is
a good idea to apply light pressure to the brake
pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions
to ensure that this maneuver does not endan-
ger 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 thus reduced
efficiency of the brake system, downshift
to a gear in which only minimal brake applica-
tions are needed when descending long or

Things to remember when driving
116 steep downhill stretches. Even light but consis-
tent pedal pressure can lead to high tempera-
tures, brake wear and possibly even brake fail-
ure.<
The braking action of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting in the manual mode
of the automatic transmission, possibly as far as
first gear, refer to page63. This prevents an
excessive load on the brakes.
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
power-assisted braking 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 automatic climate
control during operation, and then exits under
the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under
the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this vehicle
from being damaged, always fold them in by
hand before entering an automatic car wash.
With comfort access and automatic
transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off in the selector
lever position N. Also refer to page37.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg, otherwise the vehicle
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
800 lbs. and there will be four 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
200 lbs.:
800 lbs. minus 600 lbs. = 200 lbs.

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
145Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Changing selection criteria
1.Change into the second field from the top.
2.Turn the controller until the desired selec-
tion criterion is selected and press the con-
troller.
Buttons next to CD player
Press the button for the corresponding
direction.
The system switches to the next displayed sta-
tion.
You can also change stations with buttons on
the steering wheel, refer to page11.
Sampling stations, scan
The system automatically plays a brief sample
from each of the stations on the current wave-
band.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
"Set" is selected.
2.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
Scan starts.To stop the scan:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
This cancels the scan search, and the radio
remains on the current station.
Buttons next to CD player
To start scan, hold down the button for
the corresponding direction.
To stop scan, press the button again.
Selecting the frequency manually
With "Manual" you can select stations that are
received in addition to those displayed.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Change into the second field from the top.
3.Select "Manual" and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller to set a certain fre-
quency.
Updating stations with best reception
If you are on a longer journey and leave the
transmission range of the stations originally set,
you can update the list of stations with the best
reception.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Change into the second field from the top.

Telephoning
162
Telephoning
The concept
Your BMW is equipped with a full mobile phone
preparation package. After a suitable mobile
phone has been logged onto the vehicle once,
you can operate the mobile phone via iDrive,
with the buttons on the steering wheel and by
voice.
A mobile phone that has been logged on once is
automatically detected again as soon as it is
brought back inside the vehicle, provided that
the engine is running or the ignition is switched
on. The logon data of up to four mobile phones
can be stored simultaneously. If several mobile
phones are detected simultaneously, the most
recently logged-on mobile phone can be oper-
ated via the vehicle.
Using a phone in your vehicle
Using the snap-in adapter*
The so-called snap-in adapter, a mobile phone
cradle, enables the battery to be charged and
the mobile phone to be connected to the exter-
nal antenna of your vehicle. This ensures
improved network reception and a consistent
voice reproduction quality. Ask your BMW cen-
ter which mobile phones will fit in the snap-in
adapters they offer.
BMW discourages the use of mobile
phones or other mobile communications
devices inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communication
device can interfere with each other. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation that
results from transmission will be dissipated
from the vehicle interior.<
A mobile phone detected by the vehicle should
not be operated by the mobile phone's keypad;
otherwise malfunctions may occur.
For your safety
A car phone makes life more convenient in
many ways, and can even save lives in an emer-
gency. While you should consult your mobile
phone's separate owner's manual for a detailed
description of safety precautions and informa-
tion, we request that you direct your particular
attention to the following:
Only make entries when the traffic situa-
tion allows you to do so. Do not hold the
mobile phone in your hand while you are driving;
use the handsfree system instead. If you do not
observe this precaution, your being distracted
can endanger vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Suitable mobile phones
Ask your BMW center which mobile phones
with a Bluetooth interface are supported by the
mobile phone preparation package or which
mobile phones will fit in the snap-in adapters
they offer. These mobile phones support the
functions described in this Owner's Manual,
provided they are running a certain software
version. Malfunctions can occur with other
mobile phones.
Care instructions
You can find what you need to know about car-
ing for your mobile phone in the separate Caring
for your vehicle brochure and in the mobile
phone operating instructions.
Operating options
You can operate the mobile phone* using:
>The steering wheel, refer to page11
>iDrive, refer to page16
>Voice commands, refer to page170
*

Mobility
205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover in bumper:
Press the arrow symbol on the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page58; otherwise, the low-beam
headlights, tail lights, turn signals and wind-
shield wipers would not be available. If the vehi-
cle electrical system fails, do not tow-start or
tow the vehicle. The electric steering-wheel
lock cannot be unlocked and the vehicle cannot
be steered. For information on jump starting,
refer to page203. There is no power assistance
with the engine stopped. This then requires
increased effort for braking and steering. Active
steering is deactivated and larger steering
wheel movements are required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of
45 mph/70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox
Engage selector lever position N with the igni-
tion switched on.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed; otherwise, it
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please note the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be strictly limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach tow ropes to the tow fittings only, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<

Giving and receiving assistance
206
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.<
Tow-starting
If the vehicle electrical system fails, do not
tow-start or tow the vehicle. The electric
steering-wheel lock cannot be unlocked and
the vehicle cannot be steered. Jump starting,
refer to page203.<
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission. Only tow-start vehi-
cles with a catalytic converter when the engine
is cold. It is better to jump-start the engine, refer
to page203.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on ignition, refer to page58.
3.Shift into 3rd gear, vehicles with SMG, see
below.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch again completely.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Vehicles with SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox:
1.Tow-start in selector-lever position N.
2.Select sequential mode. The correct gear
will be selected and engaged automatically.

Everything from A to Z
222 Dynamic Brake Control
DBC86
Dynamic Drive88
Dynamic Driving Control64
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC86
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC87
E
Easy entry, refer to Getting in
back51
Easy entry/exit53
EBV, refer to Electronic brake-
force distribution86
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player140
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door182
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– storage compartment, hotel
function33
Electric steering wheel
adjustment53
Electronic brake-force
distribution86
Electronic oil level check191
Emergency assistance, refer
to Roadside Assistance203
Emergency call202
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door182
– glass sunroof41
– hotel function33
– luggage compartment lid34
– selector lever interlock,
automatic transmission63Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment34
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance203
"Emission inspect."78
"Enable services"175
"End call"167
Engine
– breaking-in114
– data210
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature74
– speed210
– starting59
– starting, comfort access36
– starting difficulties59
– switching off59
– switching off when equipped
with Automatic transmission
with comfort access37
Engine compartment191
Engine coolant193
Engine oil
– additives192
– approved oils192
– electronic oil level check191
– recommended oils192
– temperature75
– temperature gauge75
– topping off192
"Engine oil level"192
Engine output, refer to Engine
data210
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed, refer to Engine
specifications210
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine59
"Enter address"122,128
Entering address121,124
Entering destination via town/
city name122
Entering intersection123
Entering town/city for
navigation122Entering zip code for
navigation123
"Entertainment"140
"Entertainment
settings"141,148
Entertainment sound output
on/off141
Entry map for destination125
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control143
"Equalizer", tone control143
"ESN"150
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control86
Event Data Recorders196
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system114
Exterior mirrors52
– automatic dimming
feature53
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out52
– tilting down passenger-side
mirror53
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting204
Eyes for lashing, refer to
Securing cargo117
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control142
Fader, refer to Tone
control142
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control79
False alarms, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms36
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts51
Fastest route for
navigation130

Reference 223
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Fast forward
– CD changer157
– CD player157
"Fast route" for
navigation131
"Favorites" calling up with
radio147
Filling capacities212
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit203
First-aid kit203
Flashing when locking and
unlocking, refer to Setting
acknowledgment signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight107
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor88
– run-flat tires89,188
Flat Tire Monitor88
– false alarms88
– initializing system88
– limits of system88
– show chains189
– warning lamp89
"FM", reception
range140,144
FM, waveband144
Fog lamps98
– indicator lamp13,98
Folding into raised position
convertible top
compartment floor,
Convertible35
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely115
Footwell lighting, refer to
Interior lamps99
For specified oil grades, refer
to Approved engine oils192
For your own safety6
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria130
Front airbags90
Front passenger airbags
deactivating91
"FTM"89FTM, refer to Flat Tire Monitor
FTM88
Fuel
– average consumption75
– display75
– fuel specifications183
– high-quality brands183
– quality183
– specifications183
– tank capacity182
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge
75
Fuel filler door182
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction182
Fuel gauge75
Fuses201
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control106
Gas, refer to Average fuel
consumption75
Gasoline
– refer to Fuel
specifications183
– refer to Required fuel183
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Gear changes
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox62
Gear display
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox61
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– manual transmission60
– SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox61General driving notes114
Getting in back51
Glass sunroof, electric,
comfort operation with
comfort access37
Glass sunroof, electric with
raise function40
– convenience operation32
– moving manually41
– remote control30
Glove compartment107
– rechargeable flashlight107
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system120
Grills, refer to Ventilation103
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights210
H
Handbrake60
– indicator lamp13,60
Handsfree system
– refer to Microphone14
Hazard warning flashers15
HD, refer to High Definition
Radio148
Head airbags90
Headlamp control,
automatic96
Headlamp flasher64
Headlamps
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system66
– replacing bulbs197
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light97
Head restraints
– front50
– removing50
– sitting safely47
"Head-Up Display"94
Head-Up Display93