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Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up both in
the display area1 and in the display2 in various
combinations and colors.
When the engine is started or the ignition is
switched on, some lamps are checked for
proper operation and light up briefly in the pro-
cess.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the bottom edge of the Con-
trol Display explain the meaning of the indicator
and warning lamps displayed.
You can consult Check Control for additional
information, e.g. regarding the cause of a mal-function or the appropriate actions to take, refer
to page64.
In cases of corresponding urgency, this infor-
mation is immediately displayed when the
associated lamps light up.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps in the display
area 1 indicate that the associated functions are
activated or deactivated:
MDrive46
Handbrake set52
Handbrake engaged for Canadian
models
Parking lamps/low beams80
M Dynamic Mode72
High beams/headlamp flasher81
Lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking
forces for maintaining vehicle
stability72
Controls
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Starting engine
Do not run the engine in closed rooms,
otherwise the inhaling of toxic exhaust
gases can cause unconsciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle represents a
potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine run-
ning, move the selector lever into the N position
and set the handbrake, otherwise the vehicle
can begin to roll.<
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it
running while the vehicle remains stationary.
Instead, begin to drive immediately at a moder-
ate engine speed.
Do not press the brake pedal as long as
you do not want to start the engine. The
engine starts immediately when you briefly
press the Start/Stop button with the brake
pedal depressed.<
1.Depress brake pedal.
2.Place selector lever in position N.
3.Briefly press Start/Stop button.
The system responds by automatically engag-
ing the starter for a certain period and automat-
ically disengaging it as soon as the engine
starts.
If the engine does not start, shift back to
the last selector lever position selected,
refer to the instrument cluster display or the
selector lever. Then select the position N.
You cannot start off with the hood open.When the engine is cold, the exhaust system
has a slightly metallic undertone due to the sys-
tem design.<
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated starting attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the
fuel is not burned at all or is burned inade-
quately and there is a danger of overheating and
damage to the catalytic converter.<
Special starting conditions
Depress the accelerator pedal halfway when
starting the engine in the following situations:
>The engine fails to start on the first attempt,
e.g. if it is very hot or cold.
>The engine is started at very low tempera-
tures, below approx. + 57/– 156, at high
altitudes, over approx. 3,300 ft/1,000 m.
Switching engine off
Do not remove the remote control from
the ignition lock while the vehicle is roll-
ing, otherwise the steering wheel lock would
engage while steering.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
remote control with you.
When parking on a downhill incline, apply the
handbrake, as otherwise the vehicle could roll
away.<
1.Apply handbrake.
2.Move selector lever into a drive position.
3.Briefly press Start/Stop button.
A signal sounds when the position N is
engaged and the handbrake is not set when
switching off the engine.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.
Driving
52
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and a sig-
nal also sounds when starting off. The
handbrake is engaged.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the hand-
brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull
it too strongly. In doing so, continuously press
the button of the handbrake lever. Otherwise,
excessive pressure can lead to the rear wheels
locking up and loss of traction – fishtailing – at
the rear axle.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally apply the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is engaged.<
Sequential Manual
Transmission with Drivelogic
The concept
The SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
with Drivelogic is an automated manual trans-mission in which an electrohydraulic system
handles the clutching and gear changes.
The Sequential Manual Transmission is oper-
ated with the selector lever and two shift pad-
dles on the steering wheel.
It offers the following functions:
>Choice of manual or automatic mode:
Sequential mode or Drive mode
>Selection option between different driving
programs, Drivelogic, refer to page54
>Upshift display, shift lights, refer to page55
>Automatic downshifting and prevention of
incorrect shifting even in sequential opera-
tion
>Automatic double clutching
Selector lever positions
>R: Reverse gear
>N: Neutral, idle
>Β: Drive position:
>+: manual upshifting
>–: manual downshifting
>D/S: switch between Drive mode and
Sequential mode
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting out of N;
the shift command will not be executed unless
the brake is applied.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
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the risk of serious property damage as well as
personal injury.<
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 each other. 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 page172.
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 vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Starting off
On slopes
The starting assistant enables starting off on
slopes virtually without rolling back.
1.Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.
2.Make sure that the handbrake is released.
3.Release the footbrake and immediately
drive off quickly.The starting assistant holds the vehicle
for approx. 1 second 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. 1 second
and it begins to roll back.<
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not hold
the vehicle on a hill by pressing the accel-
erator, but apply the footbrake or handbrake
instead. Otherwise overheating and heavy wear
can result in the area of the Sequential Manual
Transmission.<
To protect the clutch of the Sequential Manual
Transmission from overheating, the starting-off
behavior is changed under heavy loading, e.g. a
rapid succession of starts on slopes. This can
be noticed from shaking during starting off.
On a slippery surface
1.Select program "P 400" of M Engine
Dynamic Control, refer to page55.
2.Gently press accelerator pedal to prevent
wheels from spinning when starting off.
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.
The pulsing of he brake pedal indicates that the
ABS is controlling braking.
In certain braking situations the perforated
brake rotors can cause operating noises which,
however, have not effect on the performance
and operating safety of the brake system.
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.<
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3.The coolant level is correct when the upper
end of the float rod is at the same height as
the upper edge of the filler neck, also refer
to the drawing next to 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.
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.<
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License plate lamps
Bulb 5 watts, WY 5 W
1.Push a screwdriver from the left under the
lamp and pry out the lamp toward the right.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left by 905 and
remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Repairing flat tire with
M Mobility System
To repair a flat tire, an M Mobility System is pro-
vided in the BMW M6. Using this system you
can apply a sealant in the inside of the tire, seal
off the damaged area, restore the tire inflation
pressure and then continue driving.
Safety measures in case of a breakdown:
park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic and on solid ground. Switch on
the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-
ting of the wheels. Set the handbrake and
engage the first or reverse gear. Have all vehicle
occupants get out of the vehicle and ensure
that they remain outside the immediate area in a
safe place, such as behind a guardrail.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard warning
lamp is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.<
Preparation
The M Mobility System is located in the lug-
gage compartment under the floor panel flap.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have pen-
etrated the tire if possible.
Corresponding information on using the
M Mobility System are also provided on
the device.<
Before using the M Mobility System,
observe the information on the sealant
bottle.<
Pull the sticker for the speed limit off the sealant
bottle and apply it to the steering wheel.
Please observe the best-by date on the
sealant bottle.<
The M Mobility System consists of
1Sealant bottle and sticker with speed limit
2Filling hose from sealant bottle to wheel
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8.With the ignition switched on, refer to
page50:
Switch on the device and allow to run for
approx. 3 minutes to fill wheel with sealant.
It is not important what inflation pressure
the tire has after filling.
9.Switch off device.
10.Remove connecting hose from connection
of sealant bottle and tire valve.
Stow the M Mobility System in the vehicle
again.
Distributing sealant
Immediately drive approx. 2 miles/3 km so that
sealant is evenly distributed in tire.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
35 mph/60 km/h. Do not drop below
12 mph/20 km/h if possible.<
Producing tire inflation pressure
1.After approx. 2 miles/3 km, stop at suitable
location.
2.Screw compressor hose9 directly onto tire
valve.
3.Insert connector 3 in lighter socket in vehi-
cle interior.
4.Correct tire inflation pressure to 29 psi/
200 kPa. With the ignition switched on:
>Increase inflation pressure: switch on
device, position I. To check currently set
inflation pressure, briefly switch off
device.
Do not allow compressor to run
longer than 10 minutes, otherwise
the device will overheat and may be dam-
aged.<
>Reduce inflation pressure: press but-
ton8 or turn screw8 on pressure gauge.
If the inflation pressure is not held, drive
the vehicle again, refer to Distributing
sealant. Then repeat steps 1 to 4 once.
Using the M Mobility System can be ineffective
with tire damage from a size of approx. 0.16 in/
4 mm. Please contact the nearest BMW center,
refer to page192, or a workshop that works according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel if the tire can-
not be made ready for driving with the
M Mobility System.<
The tire inflation pressure must be at least
29 psi/200 kPa. Otherwise do not con-
tinue driving.<
Continue driving
Do not exceed the permissible maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h, otherwise
accidents can occur.<
Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
For details, refer to page74.
Have the defective tire and the sealant bottle of
the M Mobility System replaced as soon as
possible.<
Changing wheels
Safety precautions in the event of a flat
tire or wheel change: park the vehicle as
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-
ting of the wheels. Set the handbrake and
engage a driving position with the selector
lever.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
diate area in a safe place, such as behind a
guardrail.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard warning
lamp is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
Reference 207
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Mobility
Automatic
– air distribution85
– air volume85
– headlamp control80
– service notification162
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit45
– storing stations131
Automatically switching
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant81
Automatic car washes100
– also refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control84
– automatic air distribution85
– switching off87
Automatic closing of doors,
see Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor44
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control80
– refer to Daytime running
lamps81
– refer to High-beam
assistant81
– refer to Interior lamps83
– refer to Pathway lighting80
"Automatic programs"85
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC87
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic station search131
"Automatic ventilation"88
AUTO program with
automatic climate control85
"Autostore" on the
radio130,132
Average fuel consumption61
– setting units69
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation117
"Avoid highways" for
navigation117Avoiding freeways for
navigation116
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation117
Axle loads, refer to
Weights200
"A - Z"153,154
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support40
Backrests, refer to Seats39
Backrest width adjustment40
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps184
"Balance", refer to Tone
control128
Balance, refer to Tone
control128
Balance adjustment in audio
mode, right/left128
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit192
Bass, refer to Tone
control127
"Bass", tone control127
Battery
– disposal37
– jump starting192
– refer to Vehicle battery189
Battery change37
Being towed194
Belts, refer to Safety belts42
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders93
Blower, refer to Air volume86
"BMW Assist"163
BMW Assist161
– enabling161
– services offered162
"BMW Contact"155
"BMW Contact
Numbers"155BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System180
"BMW Service"163
"BMW Service settings"162
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders93
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control71
Brake fluid179
– level179
– warning lamp179
Brake force display75
Brake hydraulic system179
Brake lamps
– brake force display75
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps184
Brake pads179
– breaking-in98
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System71
– brake fluid
179
– brake force display75
– brake pads179
– breaking-in98
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control71
– handbrake51
Brake system98
– brake fluid level179
– brake pads98,179
– brake rotors100
– breaking-in98
– warning lamp13,179
Brake wear warning
– brake pads179
– warning lamp179
Braking
– electronic brake-force
distribution71
– refer to Braking safely99
Braking safely99
Breakdown, M Mobility
System185