2009 BMW 6 SERIES automatic transmission

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welcome relief from the constant adjustment of
speed that can accompany driving in traffic on
freeways or other high-speed thoroughfares.
Especially on longer trips and in traffic conges-
tion, the system can reduce fatigue and tension,
while increasing your enjoyment of driving.
Please use it safely and responsibly.
In addition to holding a steady cruising speed, if
you encounter slower vehicles ahead, active
cruise control will, within limits, adjust your
vehicle’s speed automatically so that you can
flow with the traffic without having to make con-
stant adjustments. If, for example, while cruis-
ing at the selected speed, you begin to
approach a slower vehicle ahead of you in the
same lane, the system will reduce your vehicle’s
speed to the same as that of the vehicle ahead
to maintain your selected distance setting. You
can vary the following distance, which will vary
with speed. Based on your selected distance
setting, the system automatically decreases the
throttle setting and lightly applies the brakes if
necessary. In addition, if the vehicle ahead of
you slows to a complete stop, the system can
follow this action within the given scope and
can also accelerate from a complete stop if the
vehicle ahead of you drives off again shortly
thereafter. During braking, your vehicle brake
lamps will automatically illuminate to alert a fol-
lowing driver to take action. In addition, it may
be necessary for your vehicle to downshift the
automatic transmission to maintain the dis-
tance setting selected. As soon as the road in
front of you has no moving vehicles, the system
will accelerate to your desired speed. This set
speed is also maintained on downhill grades,
however the vehicle speed can drop below the
set speed when driving uphill if the engine out-
put is not sufficient.
Active cruise control cannot detect stop
signs, red lights, or any object that is
stopped or is blocking the road.
Active cruise control is not and must not be
used as a collision avoidance/warning system.
Since this active cruise control system is a new
technology and operates differently from con-
ventional cruise control systems which you may
be accustomed to, it is necessary that you read all of the pages relating to this system before
use. Carefully read and observe the information
on the system limitations beginning on page73
to obtain a good command of the system and its
range of applications.<
Brake pedal feel
When the system brakes and you also depress
the brake pedal, a somewhat different braking
feel results.
Professional* navigation system
If a navigation DVD is in the drive, refer to
page134, within limits the system adjusts the
accelerating and braking behavior of the vehicle
to the road you are driving on.
To ensure that the system is informed of
the current course of the road, always use
the latest navigation DVD if possible.<
When the vehicle position is unknown, e. g.
when you leave the map area, this influence of
the navigation system is not available.
Applications
Please try the system first during sparse traffic
and clear road conditions so that you can get
used to the system. After you have experience
and understand the system, only then use it
during normal traffic.
As with conventional cruise control systems,
active cruise control in no way reduces or sub-
stitutes for the driver’s own personal experi-
ence, responsibility, alertness and awareness in
adjusting speed, braking or otherwise control-
ling the vehicle. The driver should decide when
to use the system on the basis of road, traffic,
visibility, and weather conditions. Active cruise
control is intended for use on highway-type
roadways where traffic is moving relatively
smoothly as well as in slow-moving traffic. Do
not use the system in city driving; in complex
driving situations; heavy traffic such as during
rush hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery
roads or roads with sharp curves such as high-
way off-ramps; during inclement weather such
as snow, strong rain or fog; or when entering
interchanges, service/parking areas or toll

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>Briefly press rocker switch upward:
Reduce distance.
The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance, given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and State driving
recommendations for safe following distance.
Otherwise, a violation of the law or risk of an
accident could result.<
Interrupting cruise control
Press the lever upward or downward, and with
the vehicle stopped also depress the brake
pedal. The marking in the speedometer
changes color and the distance indicator goes
out.
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted:>when you apply the vehicle brakes
>when you shift the transmission
>when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>when DSC comes on
>when you apply the handbrake
>when you release the safety belt and open
the driver's door with the vehicle stopped
>when the system does not recognize any
objects for an extended period of time, e. g.
on infrequently traveled roads without a
shoulder or guard rails, or if the radar sensor
is covered with dirt, refer to page72
If the system is interrupted, then it is nec-
essary for the driver to actively intervene
by braking and steering. Otherwise, there is a
risk of an accident.<
Resuming stored desired speed and
distance
While driving
Press button4.
The displays appear in the instrument cluster.
While stopped
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, engage position P of the auto-
matic transmission and apply the handbrake.
Otherwise the vehicle can roll.<
If a detected vehicle in front of you brakes to a
complete stop and your vehicle has also been
braked to a complete stop by the system:
>If the vehicle in front of you drives off while
the marking1 for the desired speed in the
speedometer is green, your vehicle will
accelerate without you having to do any-
thing.
>If the vehicle in front of you drives off while
the marking1 is orange, you briefly depress
the accelerator pedal or press button4.
Rolling bars in the distance indicator3
mean that the vehicle in front of you has
driven off. Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3
Distance 4
This distance is set when you acti-
vate the system.

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If the sensor is not aligned properly, e. g. due to
damage, the active cruise control cannot be
activated.
System limitations
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise
controlling the vehicle. The driver should
decide when to use the system on the basis of
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions.
Active cruise control is intended for use on free-
way-type roadways where traffic is moving rel-
atively smoothly. Do not use this system in city
driving; in complex driving situations; on curvy,
winding roads, slippery roads or roads with
sharp curves such as highway off-ramps; during
inclement weather such as snow, strong rain or
fog; or when entering interchanges, service/
parking areas or toll booths. It is also important
to regulate your vehicle’s speed and distance
setting within applicable legal limits. Always be
ready to take action or apply the brakes if nec-
essary, especially when the system is actively
following a vehicle in front of you.<
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system do have physical limita-
tions. For example, the system may not detect
vehicles driving ahead if they suddenly brake
heavily in stop-and-go traffic during accelera-
tion. The system will not apply the brakes or
slow your vehicle when a very slow-moving
vehicle, stopped vehicle or stationary object is
in the lane ahead of you, for example when
approaching a traffic light or parked vehicle or
when a vehicle is stalled in your lane. Also, the
system does not react to oncoming traffic, pedestrians or other types of potential traffic
s u c h a s a r i d e r o n a h o r s e b a c k . I t i s a l s o p o s s i b l e
that the system may not detect smaller moving
objects such as motorcycles or bicycles. Be
especially alert when encountering any of these
situations as the system will neither automati-
cally brake, nor provide a warning to you. Also,
be aware that every decrease in the distance
setting allows your vehicle to come closer to a
vehicle in front of you and requires a heightened
amount of alertness.<
The system cannot allow the vehicle to drive off
automatically in situations that make driving off
considerably more difficult, e.g. on steep uphill
grades, with a heavy trailer or before raised
areas in the road.
Near radio astronomy stations, the system
radar is deactivated at speeds under 20 mph/
30 km/h due to legal regulations.
Be certain to interrupt the system when
you pull into an exit lane for a highway
offramp.<
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner
on a highway may cause a delay in the system’s
reaction to a vehicle in front of you or may cause
the system to react to a vehicle actually in the
lane next to you. Always be ready to take action
or apply the brakes if necessary.
In addition, the system is interrupted
whenever the driver applies the vehicle
brakes, shifts the transmission from drive/D to
neutral/N, or deactivates DSC. After any inter-

Things to remember when driving
128 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, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page217.
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.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle in
place for a long time by riding the clutch;
use the handbrake. Otherwise greater clutch
wear will result.<
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.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
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 roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
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 can lead to high tem-
peratures, brake wear and possibly even brake
failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the
way down into first gear. This strategy helps
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. For information on downshifting in the
manual mode of the sport automatic transmis-
sion, refer to page63.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise 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.
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.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
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.

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You can find valuable information on this topic
under Care, starting on page227.
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 page40.
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.:
800 lbs. minus 600 lbs. = 200 lbs.
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.
Stowing cargo
>Place heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
bulkhead behind the rear seats.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.

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Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care make a significant
contribution to retaining your BMW's value.
For the cleaning and care of your vehicle, BMW
recommends using only products that BMW
has approved for this purpose.
Your BMW center will be glad to advise you
about products and services for the cleaning
and care of your BMW.
Genuine BMW Care Products are materi-
als tested, laboratory tested, and tested in
actual use. They offer optimum care and pro-
tection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents; they can damage your vehi-
cle.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or pose health risks.
You should therefore heed the warnings and
hazard indications on the packaging. Open the
doors or windows on your vehicle whenever
cleaning the interior. Make sure there is suffi-
cient ventilation in enclosed spaces. Use only
products that are formulated for vehicle clean-
ing.<
Exterior care
Washing your vehicle
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Otherwise, signifi-
cant soiling and road salt can cause damage to
the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them. Failure to do so
may lead to a reduction in braking efficiency and
also to corrosion of the brake rotors.<
Car washes
Give preference to cloth car washes.Do not use high-pressure car washes
because they can cause drops of water to
penetrate in the vicinity of the windshield.<
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
it is suitable for your BMW. Pay attention to the
following points:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page243.
>If necessary, fold in the outside rearview
mirrors, refer to page55.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
>The convertible top must not be treated
with wax. Make sure that a program without
wax or a special convertible program is
available.
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Deactivate rain sensor to prevent unwanted
wiper activation.
>Remove additional add-on parts, e.g. spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be
damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure the
vehicle is able to roll by making sure to:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock, even with comfort access.
2.Shift into transmission position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam cleaners/high-pressure
cleaning jets
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain suffi-
cient clearance to the vehicle and do not exceed
a temperature of 606.
Insufficient distance or excessive pressure or
temperature can damage parts of the vehicle or

Giving and receiving assistance
238
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 page60, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. Do not tow the
vehicle with the rear axle raised, as otherwise
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 deactivated 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 engage dur-
ing towing.<
Manually unlocking and locking transmission
lock, refer to page64.
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 observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
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

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towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, 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 page236. 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 page60.
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.