2006 BMW 650I COUPE&CONVERTIBLE warning

Under the hood
196 4.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Service requirements" is
selected and press the controller.
5.Change to the second field from the top if
necessary. Turn the controller until "Engine
oil level" is selected and press the control-
ler. The oil level is displayed.
Possible messages
>"Engine oil level O.K."
>"No measured value available: Updating
engine oil level measurement...":
Engine oil level is being measured. This
process can take approx. 3 minutes when
stopped on a level surface and approx.
5 minutes while driving.
>"Oil level at the minimum! Refill with 1 quart
of engine oil.":
Add 1 US quart/liter of engine oil at the next
opportunity.
>"Engine oil level too high":
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately; otherwise, engine damage may
result if too much oil has been added.<
>"Please observe recalculated service inter-
val for engine oil":
Do not add engine oil. Continued driving is
possible. To do this, observe the recalcu-
lated remaining mileage until the next oil
change service, refer to page199. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Do not add 1 US quart/1 liter of oil until a corre-
sponding message is shown on the Control Dis-
play.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km,
otherwise the engine could be dam-
aged.<
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, thoroughly wash exposed areas
of skin with soap and water after such work.
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach of children
and heed warnings on containers. Failure to do
so could pose health risks.<
Oil change
Have oil changes carried out only by a BMW
center or a repair shop that works in accordance
with BMW guidelines and uses appropriately
trained personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Use only approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is
unavailable, you can add small quantities of
other synthetic oils between oil changes. Use
only oils of the specification API SH or higher.
Your BMW center will be happy to answer
detailed questions on BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or approved synthetic
oils.<

Mobility
197Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website at
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
Do not use oil additives; under some cir-
cumstances, they can harm your
engine.<
Viscosity grades
The viscosity is a measure of the thickness of
the oil and is specified in SAE grades.
The choice of the right SAE grade is based on
the climatic conditions in the region in which
you normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the SAE grades
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause
burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW center for
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard.<
Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-
posing of used coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
3.The coolant level is correct when it lies
between the Min and Max mark, also refer to
the drawing next the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Turn the cap until it clicks.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights red up in spite
of the handbrake being released; a
message is shown on the Control Dis-
play: stop the vehicle immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
significantly longer brake pedal path may be
noticeable. Have the system checked immedi-
ately by a BMW center.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.

Under the hood
198 When you continue driving, an increased
brake pedal path can be necessary, and
significantly longer braking distances may be
required. Please adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights red up in spite
of the handbrake being released; a
message is shown on the Control Dis-
play:
The brake pads have reached their minimum
pad thickness. Have the brake pads replaced as
soon as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
For your own safety: use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for your particu-
lar vehicle model. As BMW cannot assess the
suitability of other brake pads for use on your
vehicle, BMW is unable to assume continued
responsibility for the vehicle's operating safety
if non-approved pads are installed.<

Maintenance
200
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located under a cover on the left
side of the driver's footwell, directly under the
dashboard.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up. The
exhaust-gas values are deteriorating.
Have the vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under certain conditions. This
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In
this case, you should reduce speed and drive to
the nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Heavy engine misfiring causes serious damage
to the emission-relevant components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter, within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system can detect the
escape of fuel vapor. This causes a display to
light up. If the cap is then tightened, the display
should go out within a few days.<
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with a
device for recording or transmitting certain
vehicle data or information. If you have also sub-
scribed to a BMW Assist plan, then certain vehi-
cle data can be transmitted or recorded to
enable corresponding services.
Care
Important information on care and maintenance
of your BMW is contained in the Caring for your
vehicle brochure.

Giving and receiving assistance
206
Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency call
Conditions for an emergency call:
>Complete preparation for mobile phone.
With this equipment, an emergency call is
still possible when no mobile phone is
logged on in the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated.
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page179.
>Radio readiness is activated.
>The car phone is logged on to a mobile
communications network.
>The emergency call system is operable.
When the contact of participation with
BMW Assist expires, the car phone can be
deactivated by a BMW center without having to
visit a workshop. Following deactivation of the
car phone, no emergency calls can be made.
The car phone can be reactivated after signing
a new contract with a BMW center.
Initiating an emergency call
1.Briefly press protective cover to open.
With some vehicle equipment packages or
in the Convertible, the arrangement of the
switches and indicator lamps may differ
somewhat.
2.Press the button for at least 2 seconds.
The LED in the button lights up. As soon as the
voice connection to the BMW Assist response
center has been established, the LED flashes.If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until
the connection has been established. You will
then be able to provide a detailed description of
the situation.
If the current location of your vehicle can be
determined, it will be forwarded to the
BMW Assist response center.
If the LED flashes, but you are unable to hear
the BMW Assist response center through the
handsfree system, this could indicate, for
instance, that the handsfree system is no longer
operational. But the response center is still able
to hear you.
Under certain conditions, an emergency call is
automatically initiated immediately after a
severe accident. The automatic emergency call
is not affected by the button being pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency call
cannot be guaranteed under the most
unfavorable conditions. The warning triangle is located on the left-hand
side in the luggage compartment.

Mobility
209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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 page207. 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.
Changing selector lever position, refer to Deac-
tivating selector lever interlock page63.
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 Transmission
Engage selector lever position N with the igni-
tion switched on.
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing 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
210
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page207. With a catalytic con-
verter, tow-starting should only be carried out
with the engine cold, and with automatic trans-
missions, the engine cannot be started by tow-
starting.
If the electrical system fails, do not tow-
start or tow the vehicle, as otherwise the
electric steering-wheel lock cannot be
unlocked and the vehicle cannot be steered.<
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page58.
3.Shift into 3rd gear. For information on 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.
SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
1.Tow-start in selector-lever position N.
2.Select the sequential mode. The correct
gear will be selected and engaged automat-
ically.

Everything from A to Z
222
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
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control67
Acceleration assistant with
SMG64
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal filter108
Activating hour signal83
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation108
Active cruise control67
– indicator lamp70
– radar sensor71
– selecting distance69
– warning lamps71
Active steering92
– warning lamp92
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display92
Adaptive Head Light101
"Add digits" for mobile
phone172
"Address book" for
navigation132
Address for navigation
– deleting133
– entering125,128
– selecting133
– storing132
– storing current position132
"Add to address book"132"Add to destination list"128
Adjusting confirmation signals
for locking and unlocking31
Adjusting the thigh support48
Adjusting tone in audio mode,
refer to Tone control145
"After door opened"50
"After unlocking"50
Airbags92
– deactivating, refer to
Exception for front
passenger seat56
– sitting safely47
– warning lamp94
Air distribution
– automatic105
– manual106
Airing, refer to Ventilation107
Air recirculation, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control107
"Air recirculation on / off"54
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation107
Air volume
106
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications187
Alarm system35
– avoiding unintentional
alarms36
– interior motion sensor36
– switching off alarm35
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor36
– tilt alarm sensor36
"All channels"154
"All doors"30
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires193
"All stations" on the radio,
selecting148,151Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
"AM", reception
range144,148
Antenna for mobile phone166
Antifreeze
– coolant197
– washer fluid66
Antilock Brake System
ABS86
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system35
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system29
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights217
Approved engine oils196
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights217
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest112
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer76
– refer to Starting destination
guidance136
"Arrow display" during
Navigation137
Ashtray113
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist179
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems86
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control107