2008 BMW M6 width

Adjusting
46
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 page51 and the infor-
mation on the active front head restraints on
page48.
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
page45.<
1Inclination
2Longitudinal direction
3Height
4Backrest
5Convertible: head restraints, refer to
page496Coupe: backrest width
7Lumbar support
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.
Thigh support
You can also adjust the thigh support manually:
Pull the lever and adjust the thigh support in the
longitudinal direction.

Controls
47Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory
You can store and select three different adjust-
ment settings for the driver's seat, exterior mir-
rors and steering wheel.
The adjustments of the lumbar support and the
backrest width are not stored in the memory.
Storing
1.Switch on radio readiness or ignition, refer
to page59.
2.Adjust the desired seat, exterior mirror and
steering-wheel positions.
3.Press the button:
The LED in the button lights up.
4.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or3:
The LED goes out.
Requesting
Do not request a position from the mem-
ory while the vehicle is moving. There is a
risk of accident from unexpected movement of
the seat or steering wheel.<
Comfort mode
1.Open the driver's door after unlocking or
switch on radio readiness, refer to page59.
2.Briefly press the desired memory button1,
2 or3.
The system cancels the adjustment procedure
when you briefly press one of the seat adjust-
ment switches or one of the memory buttons.The adjusting procedure for the steering wheel
is interrupted if you briefly press the switch for
the steering wheel adjustment in any direction,
refer to page52.
Safety feature
1.Close the driver's door and switch ignition
on or off, refer to page59.
2.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or3
and maintain pressure until the adjustment
process has been completed.
If the button was pressed inadvertently:
press the button again; the LED goes out.
Activating with remote control
The last positions of the driver's seat, external
rearview mirrors, and steering wheel are stored
for the remote key currently in use.
You can choose when the position is requested:
>Request when unlocking vehicle
>Request when opening driver's door
When using this feature, always make
sure that the footwell behind the driver's
seat is empty and unobstructed. If you fail to do
so, any persons or objects behind the seat
could be injured or damaged by a rearward
movement of the seat.<
The system cancels the adjustment procedure
when you briefly press one of the seat adjust-
ment switches or one of the memory buttons.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.

Controls
51Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Damage to safety belts
When subjected to strain due to an acci-
dent or in the event of damage, replace
the safety belts, the belt tensioners, and any
child restraint systems and have the belt anchor
points checked. Have this work carried out only
by a BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with
appropriately trained personnel. Otherwise,
correct operation of this safety equipment is not
guaranteed.<
Heated seats
The temperature setting advances one step in
its control sequence each time you press the
button. The maximum temperature is supplied
when three LEDs are lit.
The temperature is reduced and if need be, the
heating is switched off in order to reduce the
load on the battery. The LEDs remain lit.
To switch off:
Press the button longer.
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The mirror on the passenger's side is
more curved than the driver's mirror.
Objects reflected in the mirror are closer than
they appear. Do not estimate the distance of
following traffic based on what you see in the
mirrors; otherwise, there is an increased acci-
dent risk.<1Adjusting
2Switching to the other mirror or to the
automatic curb monitor
3Folding mirrors in and out
*
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat, mir-
ror and steering wheel memory on page47.
Adjusting manually
You can also adjust the mirrors manually by
pressing against the outer edges of their mirror
glass.
Folding exterior mirrors in and out
Pressing button3 allows you to fold mirrors
in and out up to a speed of approx. 20 mph/
30 km/h. This is advantageous, for example, in
car washes, narrow streets or for bringing mir-
r o r s t h a t h a v e b e e n m a n u a l l y f o l d e d - i n b a c k i n t o
the correct position. Mirrors that were folded in
are folded out automatically at a speed of
approx. 25 mph/40 km/h.
Before going through a car wash, fold the
mirrors in manually, or with button 3, oth-
erwise they could be damaged, depending on
the width of the car wash system.<
Automatic heating
Below a certain outdoor temperature, both
exterior mirrors are heated whenever the
engine is running or the ignition is switched on.

Transporting children safely
56
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger
themselves and other persons, e.g. by opening
the doors.<
Children always in the rear
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children is in the back.
Children younger than 13 years of age or
with a height under 5 ft/150 cm may only
be transported in the rear in child restraint sys-
tems which correspond to the age, weight and
height of the child. Otherwise, there is an
increased danger of injury in an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must wear a
safety belt as soon as a suitable child restraint
system can no longer be used due to their age,
size and weight.
Exception for front passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front, knee and side airbags on the
passenger side must be deactivated before
doing so. Otherwise, there is an increased risk
of injury to the child if the airbags are triggered,
even with a child restraint system.<
For more information on automatic deactivation
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page91.
Installing child restraint
systems
Follow child restraint system manufac-
turer's instructions for the selection,
installation and use of child restraint systems.
Otherwise, the degree of protection they offer
may be reduced.<
On front passenger seat
After mounting a child restraint system on
the front passenger seat, make sure that
the front and side airbags on the front passen-
ger side are deactivated, as otherwise there is
an increased risk of injury if the airbags are trig-
gered.<
Backrest width
Before mounting a child restraint system
on the front passenger seat, the backrest
width adjustment must be completely open.<
1.Adjust the backrest width to the fully open
position, refer to page46.
2.Install child's seat.
Child seat security
All rear safety belts and the safety belt for the
front passenger can be locked against pulling
out to secure child restraint systems.
Locking safety belt
1.Secure the child restraint system with the
belt.
2.Pull out the belt webbing completely.
3.Allow the belt webbing to be pulled in and
pull taut against the child restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.

Things to remember when driving
118 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.<
Driving in wet conditions
When driving on wet roads or in heavy rain, it is
a good idea to apply light pressure to the brake
pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions
to ensure that this maneuver does not endan-
ger other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and thus reduced
efficiency of the brake system, downshift
to a gear in which only minimal brake applica-
tions are needed when descending long or
steep downhill stretches. Even light but consis-
tent pressure on the brake pedal can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
Sequential Manual Transmission: do not
drive in idle or with the engine switched
off, otherwise there will be no engine braking
action or support of the braking force and steer-
ing.
Manual transmission: do not drive with the
clutch depressed, in idle or with the engine
switched off, otherwise there will be no engine
braking action or support of the braking force
and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
This can also lead to long-lasting decreases in
comfort and squeaking noise during braking.
These decreases in comfort can also be pro-
duced by long braking maneuvers with a low
pedal pressure.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
For technical information about the brake sys-
tem, refer to page121.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic climate
control during operation, and then exits under
the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under
the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page51,
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
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.<

Wheels and tires
204
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Z = over 150 mph/240 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on
the sidewall:
DOT ... 3307 indicates that the tire was manu-
factured in week 33 of 2007.BMW recommends replacing all tires at least
every 6 years, even if some tires may last for
10 years. This also concerns the tire of the
spare wheel
*.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half, 1γ, times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
These grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Belted construction – radial
Rim diameter in inches
Carrying capacity ID-code
(not in ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in ZR tires before the R)
245/45 R 18 100 V
285/3519ZR
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire age
DOT xxxx xxx 3307

Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control104
"Audio"151,153,158
Audio150
– controls150
– switching on/off150
– tone control151
– volume151
Audio device, external110
Automatic
– air distribution102
– air volume102
– cruise control67
– headlamp control96
– recirculated-air control
AUC104
– service notification193
– steering wheel
adjustment47
– storing stations156
Automatic car washes118
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control101
– automatic air
distribution102
– convertible program102
– switching on and off105
– ventilation with vehicle
parked106
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing34
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control96
– refer to Daytime running
lamps97
– refer to High-beam
assistant98
– refer to Interior lamps100
– refer to Pathway lighting97
– refer to Welcome lamps96
"Automatic programs"102
Automatic soft closing34Automatic station search155
"Automatic ventilation"106
AUTO program with
automatic climate
control102
"Autostore" on the
radio154,156
"AUX"150,170,
172
– in audio mode170
AUX-In connection110,170
Average fuel consumption71
– setting units79
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system137
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system136
Avoiding freeways for
navigation136
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system137
Axle loads, refer to
Weights235
"A - Z"184
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support46
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps217
"Balance", refer to Tone
control152
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit225
Bass, refer to Tone
control151
"Bass", tone control151
Battery
– jump starting225
– refer to Vehicle battery222
Battery replacement, remote
control for comfort
access38BC button, refer to
Computer70
Being towed227
Belts, refer to Safety belts50
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders111
Blower, refer to Air
volume103
"Bluetooth"177
"BMW Assist"192
BMW Assist191
– activating196
– concierge service194
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations194
– displaying vehicle data197
– offered services191
– roadside assistance192
– TeleService193
– updating195
"BMW Contact"186
"BMW Contact
Numbers"186
BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System214
"BMW Service settings"195
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders111
Bracket for telephone or
mobile phone, refer to Snap-
in adapter189
Brake assistant83
Brake force display90
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps217
– two-stage90
Brake rotors
– breaking-in116
– refer to Braking safely117

Reference 253
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System82
– airbags90
– driving stability control
systems82
– rollover protection system,
Convertible92
– safety belts50
Satellite radio161
– enabling channels161
– selecting channel162
– storing channel162
"SAT" with radio150,161
"Save current
destination"136
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD166
– stations with radio155
Scan
– CD changer166
– CD player166
– radio155
"Scan all" in audio mode166
"Scan directory" in audio
mode166
Screw thread for tow
fitting227
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio161
Seats46
– adjusting46
– adjusting backrest width46
– heating51
– lumbar support46
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
– sitting safely45
– storing the setting47
– thigh support46
Securing cargo119
– ski bag113
"Select as
destination"132,195
"Select current speed"77
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operating via iDrive150Selecting frequency
manually155
Selecting menu items19
Selecting route136
Selection options with
navigation system136
Selector lever62
– manual transmission61
– Sequential Manual
Transmission62
Selector lever lock, refer to
Shiftlock62
Sequential Manual
Transmission with
Drivelogic62
– Drivelogic driving
programs63
– Drive mode63
– idle62
– initializing system, refer to
After changing wheels/
tires207
– kick-down63
– reverse gear62
– Sequential mode62
– shift lights64
– shiftlock62
– towing227
– tow-starting228
Sequential mode62
"Service"73,193,211
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance225
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models214
Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service214
– refer to Service
requirements72
"Service notification"193
"Service Request"186,193
"Service
requirements"73,193,211
Service requirements72
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service214"Service Status"197
"Set"
– in audio mode150
– in trip computer72
"Set date"79
"Set service date"74
"Set time"78
Setting button, refer to
Controls, controller16
"Settings"197
– for BMW Assist195
– for unlocking30
Settings
– changing on Control
Display77
– clock, 12h/24h mode78
– configuring, refer to
MDrive53
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile29
– date79
– language80
– units of measure79
Settings menu, refer to
imenu17
Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
time106
Shifting63
Shift lights64
Shiftlock62
Shift paddles on steering
wheel63
Shock absorber control, refer
to EDC Electronic Damping
Control85
Short commands of voice
command system236
"Short route" for
navigation136
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route136
"Show current position"131
"Show destination
position"131
Side airbags90
Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs217