2008 BMW 6 SERIES manual transmission

Driving tips
127Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Sport automatic transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off with the trans-
mission in neutral. Also refer to page38.
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.<
Make sure that no fluids leak in the cargo
bay; otherwise the vehicle could be dam-
aged.<
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, as 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.:
800lbs. minus 600lbs. = 200lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage
can be transported.

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
167Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
playback switches between analog and digital
reception. This can result in repetitions or inter-
ruptions. In this case it may be advisable to
deactivate digital radio reception.
Selecting programs of a digital station*
Some stations transmit several programs.
To select one of these programs:
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Select "Manual" and press the controller.
3.Select a station that is received digitally.
This symbol is displayed when a station
is being received digitally.
4. Switch to the next program of the dig-
ital station with the buttons on the radio or
the steering wheel.
You can store a station, refer to page164.
Updating stations offering digital
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 signal.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.2.Change into the second field from the top.
3.Select "Autostore" and press the controller.
4.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
5.Select "Autostore " and press the con-
troller.
The display of the stations offering digital
reception is updated. This can take up to
2minutes.
Displaying additional information
With the digital stations, additional information
on the current track is displayed, e.g. the name
of the artist.
1.Select a station and press the controller.
2.Select "Details" and press the controller.

Giving and receiving assistance
230
Access to screw thread
Press the arrow symbol on the cover in the
bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page58; otherwise, the low-beam
headlamps, tail lights, turn signals and wind-
shield wipers would not be available. Do not tow
the vehicle with the rear axle raised, as other-
wise the steering can turn to the left or right.
When the engine is stopped, there is no power
assist. This then requires increased effort for
braking and steering. Active steering is deacti-
vated 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.
Sport automatic transmission
Before towing, manually release the
transmission lock, even if there is no mal-
function in the transmission. Otherwise there is
a risk that the transmission lock will automati-
cally be engaged during towing.<
Manually unlocking and locking transmission
lock, refer to page62.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the sport auto-
matic transmission may be damaged.<
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.<

Reference 247
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Direct selection buttons21
Displacement, refer to Engine
data234
"Display"84
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display elements, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Displaying vehicle data205
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting106
"Display off"21
Displays
– on Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– refer to Instrument
cluster12
"Display settings"84,97
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up Display96
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with comfort access38
– coolant219
– vehicle battery225
Distance, refer to
Computer76
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control66
"Distance to dest."76
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer76
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control85
Door entry lighting, refer to
Interior lamps106
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock32
"Door locks"30,78
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control30,31
DOT Quality Grades212
Draft-free ventilation112
"Driver's door only"30Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams102
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route147
Driving stability control
systems86
Driving through water126
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes124
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function111
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
87
– indicator lamp13,87
– malfunction88
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control87
– activating88
– indicator lamp13,88
DVD for navigation132
Dynamic Drive89
Dynamic Driving Control62
"Dynamic route" for
navigation145
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC87
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC87
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
rear51
Easy entry/exit54
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on CD player158
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door208
– glass sunroof41
– luggage compartment lid34
– storage compartment, hotel
function33
Electric convertible top42Electric steering wheel
adjustment54
Electronic brake-force
distribution87
Electronic oil level check218
Emergency assistance, refer
to Roadside Assistance228
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door208
– glass sunroof41
– hotel function33
– luggage compartment lid34
– transmission lock, sport
automatic transmission62
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
luggage compartment35
Emergency request227
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance228
"Enable services"205
"End call"192
Engine
– breaking-in124
– data234
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature74
– speed234
– starting59
– starting, comfort access36
– switching off59
– switching off when equipped
with Automatic
transmission, with comfort
access38
Engine compartment217
Engine coolant219

Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Fuel
– average consumption75
– display75
– fuel specifications209
– high-quality brands209
– quality209
– specifications209
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities237
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Fuel-efficient driving124
Fuel filler door208
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction208
Fuel gauge75
Full mobile phone preparation
package184
Full screen display, refer to
Switching assistance
window off20
"Full screen" with BMW Night
Vision100
Fuses226
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control115
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption75
– refer to Fuel
specifications209
– refer to Required fuel209
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission60
General driving
notes124,125
Glass sunroof, electric with
raise function40
– convenient operation32
– convenient operation with
comfort access37
– moving manually41
– remote control31Glove compartment116
– rechargeable flashlight117
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system132
Grills, refer to Ventilation112
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights237
H
Handbrake60
– indicator lamp13,60
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14
Hazard warning flashers15
"HD radio"166
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio166
Head airbags94
Headlamp control,
automatic102
Headlamp flasher63
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system64
– cleaning tank, refer to
Capacities237
– filler neck for washer
fluid217
– replacing bulbs223
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light104
Head restraints
– active front head
restraints50
– front50
– sitting safely47
"Head-Up Display"97
Head-Up Display96
Heated
– mirrors53
– rear window110
– seats53
– steering wheel54
Heater109Heating
– exterior mirrors53
– interior108
– rear window110
– residual heat utilization112
– seats53
– steering wheel54
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat112
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo128
Height, refer to
Dimensions235
Height adjustment
– seats48
– steering wheel54
High-beam assistant104
High beams104
– headlamp flasher104
– indicator lamp13
High Definition Radio166
High water, refer to Driving
through water
126
Hills126
Holder for cups118
"Home address" for
navigation system144
Homepage of BMW4
Hood216
Horn10
Hotel function33
– unlocking manually33
Hot exhaust system125
"Hour memo"83
"House number" for
destination entry137
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to Brake assistant87
Hydroplaning125
– also refer to Minimum tread
depth213

Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Knee airbags94
Knock control209
L
Lamps
– refer to High-beam
assistant104
– refer to Parking lamps/low
beams102
Lamps and bulbs223
Lane limit lines, refer to
Leaving lane warning101
"Language / Units"84
– for navigation
system133,149
"Languages"84
– for navigation
system133,149
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo128
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list141
"Last seat pos."50
LATCH child restraint fixing
system56
Leaving lane warning101
LEDs light-emitting
diodes223
Length, refer to
Dimensions235
License plate lamps, replacing
bulbs225
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs223
Lighter119
"Lighting"64,103
Lighting
– instruments106
– lamps and bulbs223
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps102
Light switch102
"Limit"81
Loading, refer to Cargo
loading127
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo128"Lock after driving"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33
Locking31
– confirmation signals31
– from inside33
– from outside31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access36
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals31
– from inside32
– from outside30
Low beams102
– automatic102
– replacing bulbs224
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support48
Luggage compartment
– capacity237
– emergency release35
– hotel function33
– increasing capacity,
Convertible35
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid34
– opening from inside34
– opening from outside34
– opening with remote
control31
Luggage compartment lid34
– comfort access37
– emergency operation34
– emergency release35
– opening from inside34
– opening from outside34
– opening with remote
control31,34
– unlocking manually34
Lumbar support48
LW, waveband162
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires215
Maintenance221
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models221
– refer to Service
requirements77
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models221
Maintenance system221
Malfunction
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door208
– glass sunroof41
– hotel function33
– luggage compartment lid34
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control79
Manual air distribution110
"Manual" on the radio163
Manual operation
– convertible top43
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door208
– glass sunroof41
– hotel function33
– luggage compartment lid34
– transmission lock, sport
automatic transmission62
Manual transmission60
"Map direction of travel"148
"Map facing north"148
Map for navigation
– changing scale148
– destination entry139
Map view148
Map view facing north148
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling111

Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Retreaded tires214
Reverse, fast
– CD changer176
– CD player176
Reverse gear
– manual transmission60
– Sport automatic
transmission61
Road map148
"Roadside
Assistance"194,200
Roadside Assistance228
Roadside assistance200
Roadside parking lamps104
– replacing bulbs, refer to
Parking lamps224
Rollover protection system on
Convertible96
– lowering96
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing229
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route144
– bypassing sections150
– changing150
– changing criteria144
– display147
– displaying arrow display147
– displaying map view148
– displaying streets or towns/
cities149
– selecting144
Route information, refer to
Destination guidance with
voice instructions149
Route map, refer to Displaying
map view148
"Route preference",
changing144
Route selection144
RSC Run-flat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires214
Rubber parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Run-flat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires214Run-flat tires214
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire90,92
– flat tire90,92
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– tire inflation pressure210
– Tire Pressure Monitor90
– tire replacement214,215
– winter tires215
S
Safety belts52
– damage53
– indicator lamp52
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– reminder52
– sitting safely47
Safety belt tensioners, refer to
Safety belts52
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System86
– airbags94
– driving stability control
systems86
– rollover protection system,
Convertible96
– safety belts52
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires214
Satellite radio169
– enabling channels169
– selecting channel170
– storing channel170
"SAT" with radio158,169
"Save current
destination"144
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD174
– stations with radio163
Scan
– CD changer174
– CD player174
– radio163
"Scan all" in audio mode174
"Scan directory" in audio
mode174Screw thread for tow
fitting230
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio169
Seats48
– adjusting48
– heating53
– lumbar support48
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory49
– sitting safely47
– sports seat48
– storing the setting49
– thigh support48
Securing cargo128
– ski bag120
"Select as
destination"140,203
"Select current speed"81
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operating via iDrive158
Selecting distance with active
cruise control69
Selecting frequency
manually163
Selecting menu items19
Selecting route144
Selection options with
navigation system144
Selector lever, manual
transmission60
"Service"77,201,218
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance228
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models221
Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service221
– refer to Service
requirements77
"Service notification"201
"Service Request"194,201
"Service
requirements"78,201,218

Everything from A to Z
256 Service requirements77
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service221
"Service Status"205
"Set"
– in audio mode158
– in trip computer77
"Set date"83
"Set service date"78
"Set time"83
Setting button, refer to
Controls, controller16
"Settings"205
– for BMW Assist203
– for unlocking30
Settings
– BMW Night Vision100
– changing on Control
Display82
– clock, 12h/24h mode83
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile29
– date83
– language84
– units of measure84
Settings menu, refer to
imenu17
Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
time113
Shifting, Sport automatic
transmission61
Short commands of voice
command system238
"Short route" for
navigation144
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route144
"Show current position"139
"Show destination
position"139
Side airbags94
Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs224
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Signaling a turn, triple turn
signal activation64
Sill panel lighting, refer to
Interior lamps106Sitting safely47
– with airbags47
– with head restraints47
– with safety belts47
Ski bag119
Sliding/tilt roof, refer to Glass
sunroof, electric with raise
function40
Slope assistant, refer to
Starting assistant88
Snap-in adapter
– mounting/removing197
– using184
Snow chains215
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical devices119
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics interface222
Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock58
Soft closure aid, refer to
Automatic soft closing34
Song search with CD, refer to
Sampling tracks, scan174
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency request227
Spare
– adapter for spare key28
– fuses226
– key28
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils219
Speed-dependent
volume160
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit81
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone
control160
Speed with winter tires215
Sport automatic
transmission60
– Dynamic Driving Control62
– kick-down61
– releasing transmission
lock62
– towing230,231
– with comfort access38Sport program in the Sport
automatic transmission61
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems86
"Star button"55
Start/Stop button58
– starting the engine59
– switching off the engine59
"Start" for stopwatch82
"Start guidance"137,146
Starting assistant88
Starting difficulties, refer to
Jump starting228
Starting engine59
Starting off on slopes, refer to
Starting assistant88
Start menu, iDrive17
"Start route guidance"139
"Start service"201
"Start Service" for
BMW Assist202
"State / Province" for
destination entry
135
"State inspection"78
Station, refer to Radio162
"Status"78
Status information on Control
Display20
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steering wheel
– adjustment54
– automatic adjustment, refer
to Easy entry/exit54
– automatic adjustment, refer
to Steering wheel
memory49
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– heating54
– lock, refer to Ignition lock58
– memory49
– programmable buttons55
"Steering wheel buttons"55
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering93
Steptronic, refer to Sport
automatic transmission60