2008 BMW 6 SERIES tow bar

Adjusting
48
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never attempt to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement and the
ensuing loss of vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
On the front passenger side as well, do not tilt
the backrest too far toward the rear. Failure to
observe this precaution can prevent the belt
from providing effective protection against
injury, as the passenger could slide under the
belt in an accident.<
Please follow the instructions on damage to
safety belts provided on page53 and the infor-
mation on the active front head restraints on
page50.
Convertible: with the wind deflector fitted,
do not incline the front seat backrests too
far backward if the seat is to be moved back to
the end position. Otherwise, the wind deflector
will be damaged.<
Adjusting seat
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,
please follow the adjustment instructions on
page47.<
1Inclination
2Longitudinal direction
3Height
4Backrest
5Convertible: head restraints, refer to
page51With the sports seat
*, you can also adjust the
thigh support manually:
Pull the lever and adjust the thigh support in the
longitudinal direction.
Lumbar support*
You can also adjust the contours of the backrest
to obtain additional support in the lumbar
region.
The upper hips and spinal column receive sup-
plementary support to help you maintain a
relaxed, upright sitting position.
>Increase or decrease curvature:
Press front or rear of switch.
>Move curvature up or down:
Press top or bottom of switch.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
86
PDC with visual warning*
You can also enjoy the option of having the sys-
tem show the approach to an object on the
Control Display. Objects that are farther away
are already shown there before a signal tone
sounds. The setting is stored for the remote
control currently in use.
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.Turn the controller until "Settings" is
selected and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller until "Vehicle / Tires" is
selected and press the controller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "PDC" is selected and press
the controller.
6.Select "PDC display on" and press the con-
troller.
The PDC screen is activated.
The display appears on the Control Display as
soon as PDC is activated.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstacles always remains with
the driver. Even when sensors are involved,
there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be
detected. The system is also subject to the
physical limits that apply to all forms of ultra-
sonic measurement, such as those encoun-
tered with tow bars and trailer couplings, or thin
and wedge-shaped objects etc. Low objects
already displayed, e. g. curbs, can also disap-
pear from the detection area of the sensors
again before or after a continuous tone already
sounds. Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges,
cannot be detected. For this reason, drive with
care; otherwise, there is a danger of personal
injury or property damage.
Loud noises from outside and inside the vehicle
may prevent you from hearing the PDC signal
tone.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array
of systems designed to enhance and maintain
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during hard braking. This increases active
driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. For information on safe braking, refer to
page126.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
This system provides further enhancements to
vehicle stability and steering response when
braking while cornering or when braking during
a lane change.

Mobility
223Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in the luggage
compartment under the floor mat.
Replacing wiper blades
1.Fold the wiper arm out and grasp it firmly.
2.Press the locking tabs together while slid-
ing the wiper blade toward the front to dis-
engage it.
3.Insert the new wiper blade and slide it in
until it audibly clicks into place.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to driving safety. You must be duly diligent
in replacing them. If you are not familiar with the
specified procedures, have the corresponding
work carried out at your BMW center.
Never touch the glass on new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its
metal socket.<
A selection of replacement bulbs is available at
your BMW center.
Whenever you perform any work on the
electrical system, turn off the electrical
devices involved to prevent short circuits from
occurring. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, follow any
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
When performing maintenance on the head-
lamps, follow the instructions in the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
For bulbs for which changing is not
described, and for checking and adjusting
headlamp aim, please contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<

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.<

Mobility
231Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.<
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 page228. Vehicles equipped with a
catalytic converter should only be tow-started
when the engine is cold. When equipped with a
sport automatic transmission, the engine can-
not be started by tow-starting.
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.
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.

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

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
258 Torque, refer to Engine
data234
Touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method194
Tow bar230
Tow fitting229
Towing229
– methods230
– tow fittings229
– with manual
transmission230
– with Sport automatic
transmission230
"Town / City" for destination
entry135
Tow rope231
Tow-starting229
"TPM"91
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor90
– resetting system91
– system limits91
– warning lamp92
Tracks
– finding174
– random sequence175
– sampling on CD174
– selecting with CD173
Track width, refer to
Dimensions235
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control87
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control87
Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic
information150
– refer to Bypassing route
sections150
Traffic information for
navigation150
– depiction in route map152
– displaying151
– during destination
guidance153
– symbols152"Traffic Info settings"151
Transmission
– manual transmission60
– sport automatic
transmission60
– starting assistant88
– towing230
– transmission lock, manually
locking and unlocking, sport
automatic transmission62
Transporting children
safely56
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo128
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tread depth
213
Treble, refer to Tone
control159
"Treble", tone control159
"Trip computer"77
Trip computer76
Trip-distance counter
– refer to Trip computer76
– refer to Trip meter74
"Triple turn signal"64
Trip meter, also refer to Trip
computer76
Trip odometer74
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment35
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid34
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions235
Turn signals63
U
Undercarriage protection,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR212
"Units"84
Units
– average fuel
consumption84
– temperature84Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote
control115
Universal remote control, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control115
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside33
– from outside30
– without key, refer to Comfort
access36
"Update services"203
USB/audio interface179
"USB" in audio mode180
"Use current location as
address"142,144
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal225
– refer to Replacing battery38
Using turn signals63
V
Vehicle
– battery225
– breaking-in124
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cargo loading127
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions235
– parking59
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weights237
"Vehicle / Tires" for
unlocking30
Vehicle jack225
– jacking points225
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position153
Ventilation112
– draft-free112
– for cooling112
– parked car ventilation112