2008 BMW 6 SERIES fuel consumption

At a glance
17Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Menu overview
Communication
>Telephone*
>BMW Assist* or TeleService*
Navigation or onboard information
>Navigation system*
>Onboard info, e.g. for displaying of the aver-
age fuel consumption
Entertainment
>Radio
>CD player and CD changer
*
Climate
>Vent settings
>Automatic programs
>Parked car operation
menu
>Switching off the Control Display
>Tone and display settings
>Settings for your vehicle, e.g. for the central
locking system
>Display of maintenance intervals and dead-
lines for legally mandated inspections
>Settings for the telephone
Basic operation
From radio readiness, refer to page58, the fol-
lowing message is shown on the Control Dis-
play:
To hide the message:
Press the controller.
This displays the start menu.
The message is automatically hidden after
approx. 10 seconds.
Start menu
You can call up all the functions of iDrive using
five menu items.
Opening start menu
Press the button.
To open the start menu from the menu:
Press the button twice.

Controls
75Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Engine oil temperature*
During normal operation, the engine oil temper-
ature is between approx. 1607/706 and
approx. 3407/1706.
If the engine oil temperature is too high, a mes-
sage is shown on the Control Display.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 18.5 US gal/
70 liters, including the reserve capacity of
approx. 2.6 US gal/10 liters. You can find infor-
mation on refueling on page208.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period,
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
After the reserve quantity has been reached, a
message briefly appears on the Control Display;
the cruising range is shown in the computer.
Below a range of approx. 30 miles/50 km, the
message remains on the Control Display.
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<
Computer
Displays in instrument cluster
Press the button on the turn signal lever.
The following information is displayed in the
specified order:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
>No information
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available
with the remaining fuel. The range is projected
based on the driving style over the last 20 miles/
30 km.
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine
switched off are not included in the calculations
of average speed.
To reset the average speed: press the BC but-
ton in the turn signal lever for approx. 2 sec-
onds.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated for
the time during which the engine is running.
To reset the average fuel consumption: press
the BC button in the turn signal lever for approx.
2 seconds.

Everything under control
76
For different routes
You can display the average speed and average
consumption for two different routes on the
Control Display, refer to the following and to
Trip computer.
Displays on Control Display
You can also call up the computer via iDrive, for
operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the right to open
"Navigation".
Without navigation system
*: open "Car
Data".
3.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
4.Select "Onboard info" and press the con-
troller.
>Estimated time of arrival at destination and
remaining distance:
>Entering a distance manually in the com-
puter, see below.
>Entering a destination in the navigation
system
*, refer to page132.
>Cruising range>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Resetting values
You can reset the values for average speed and
average fuel consumption:
1.Select the desired menu item and press the
controller.
2.Press the controller again to confirm.
Entering a distance manually
1.Select "Distance to dest." and press the
controller.
2.Turn the controller to select the distance
to your destination. If necessary, hold it
against a slight resistance to enter a greater
difference.
3.Press the controller to apply the setting.
The distance is automatically predetermined
during the destination guidance of the naviga-
tion system
*.
Trip computer
The trip computer is suitable for a vacation trip,
for example.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Navigation".
Without navigation system
*: open "Car
Data".
3.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.

Controls
77Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
4.Select "Trip computer" and press the con-
troller.
>Departure time
>Driving time
>Distance traveled
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Switching trip computer on/off and resetting
all values:
1.Select "Set" and press the controller.
2.Select the desired menu item and press the
controller.
Display options
You can display the computer or the trip com-
puter in the assistance window.
1.Move the controller to the right to change to
the assistance window and press the con-
troller.
2.Select a menu item:
>"Onboard info"
>"Trip computer".3.Press the controller.
Service requirements
The remaining driving distance and the date for
the next maintenance are displayed briefly with
the ignition switched on.
Your BMW Service Advisor can deter-
mine your vehicle's current service
requirements by reading out the data stored in
the remote control.<
Additional information
You can view more detailed information by
using the Control Display, for operating princi-
ple refer to page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Info sources" and press the control-
ler.
4.Select "Service" and press the controller.

Everything under control
84 1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Display settings" and press the
controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Brightness" is selected and
press the controller.
6.If necessary, move the controller to the right
to select "Display".
7.Turn the controller until the desired setting
is selected.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Units of measure
You can change the units of measure for fuel
consumption, distances, temperature and
pressure.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Language / Units" and press the
controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Units" is selected and press
the controller.6.Select the menu item to be set.
7.Press the controller.
8.Select the desired unit of measure and
press the controller.
The settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Language on Control Display
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Language / Units" and press the
controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Languages" is selected and
press the controller.
6.Select "Text language" and press the con-
troller. You can select a different language
for the text displays.
7.Select the desired language and press the
controller.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.

Things to remember when driving
124
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts need time to adjust to one
another. To ensure that your vehicle continues
to provide optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and driving speeds,
however do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/
160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode during these
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive in a reserved manner during
this break-in period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced
after subsequent driving operation.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends
on various factors. Through a few simple steps,
your driving style, and regular maintenance, you
can have a positive influence on your fuel con-
sumption and environmental impact.
Removing unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Removing add-on parts after use
Remove unneeded auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear
luggage racks after use. Add-on parts attached
to the vehicle impede the aerodynamics and
increase the fuel consumption.
Closing windows and the glass sunroof
An open glass sunroof or open windows like-
wise increase the drag coefficient and therefore
the fuel consumption.
Checking tire inflation pressures
regularly
Check and correct the tire inflation pressure as
needed at least twice a month and before long
trips.
An insufficient tire inflation pressure increases
the rolling resistance and thus increases the
fuel consumption and tire wear.
Driving off immediately
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it
running while the vehicle remains stationary.
Instead, begin to drive at a moderate engine
speed. This is the fastest way for the cold
engine to reach its operating temperature.

Driving tips
125Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Thinking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
To do so, maintain the appropriate distance
from the vehicle in front of you. An anticipatory
and smooth driving style reduces fuel con-
sumption.
Avoiding high engine speeds
Use 1st gear only for starting off. Accelerate
rapidly in 2nd gear and above. Avoid high
engine speeds in doing so and shift into the
next gear early.
When you have reached the desired speed,
shift into the highest possible gear and drive
with the lowest possible engine speed while
maintaining a constant a vehicle speed.
In general: driving at a low engine speed
reduces fuel consumption and minimizes wear.
Taking advantage of coasting
When approaching a red light, let off the gas
and allow the vehicle to coast to a stop in the
highest possible gear.
On steep roadways, let off the gas and allow the
vehicle to roll in the appropriate gear.
The flow of fuel is interrupted when coasting.
Switching off engine during longer
stops
Switch off the engine at longer stops such as
traffic signals, railroad crossings, or in traffic
jams. Even having the engine switched off for
approx. 4 seconds results in fuel savings.
Switching off functions currently not
required
Functions such as air conditioning, seat heat-
ing, or rear window defrosting consume a lot of
energy and require additional fuel. Their influ-
ence is particularly pronounced in city traffic
and stop & go operation. For this reason, it is a
good idea to switch these functions off when
they are not really needed.
Having maintenance done
Have the vehicle serviced regularly in order to
achieve the optimum economy and service life
of your vehicle. BMW recommends having the
maintenance performed by a BMW center. Also
please pay attention to the BMW maintenance
system, refer to page221.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid
Only drive with the luggage compartment
lid completely closed, otherwise exhaust
can penetrate into the passenger compart-
ment.<
If it is absolutely necessary to drive with the lug-
gage compartment lid open:
1.Coupe: close both windows and the glass
sunroof.
Convertible: with closed top, close all win-
dows.
2.Increase the air volume of the automatic cli-
mate control to a high level, refer to
page110.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated in the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to it, and never apply undercoating to
them. When driving, standing at idle and while
parking, take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, and with it
the risk of serious property damage as well as
personal injury. Do not touch hot exhaust tail
pipes. Otherwise there is a risk of burns.<
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

Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Arrival time
– refer to Computer76
– refer to Starting destination
guidance146
"Arrow display" for navigation
system147
"Arrow display pop-up
instructions"133
Ashtray118
Assist, refer to
BMW Assist199
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems86
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control111
"Audio"159,161,166
Audio158
– controls158
– switching on/off158
– tone control159
– volume159
Audio device, external117
Automatic
– air distribution109
– air volume109
– cruise control65,66
– headlamp control102
– recirculated-air control
AUC111
– service notification201
– steering wheel
adjustment49
– storing stations164
Automatic car washes127
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– also refer to Comfort
access38
Automatic climate control108
– automatic air
distribution109
– convertible program109
– switching on and off112
– ventilation with vehicle
parked112Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing34
Automatic curb monitor54
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control102
– refer to Daytime running
lamps103
– refer to High-beam
assistant104
– refer to Interior lamps106
– refer to Pathway lighting103
– refer to Welcome lamps102
"Automatic programs"109
Automatic soft closing34
Automatic station search163
"Automatic ventilation"113
AUTO program with
automatic climate
control109
"Autostore" on the
radio162,164
"AUX"158,178,180
– in audio mode178
AUX-In connection117,178
Average fuel consumption75
– setting units84
Average speed75
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system145
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system144
Avoiding freeways for
navigation144
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system145
Axle loads, refer to
Weights237
"A - Z"192
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support48
Backrests, refer to Seats48
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps224
"Balance", refer to Tone
control160
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit228
Bass, refer to Tone
control159
"Bass", tone control159
Battery
– jump starting228
– refer to Vehicle battery225
Battery replacement, remote
control for comfort
access38
BC button, refer to
Computer75
Being towed230
Belts, refer to Safety belts52
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders118
Blower, refer to Air
volume110
"Bluetooth"185
"BMW Assist"200
BMW Assist199
– activating204
– concierge service202
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations202
– displaying vehicle data205
– offered services199
– roadside assistance200
– TeleService201
– updating203
"BMW Contact"194
"BMW Contact
Numbers"194
BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System221