2009 BMW 6 SERIES traction control

At a glance
13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
different combinations and colors.
Some lamps are tested for proper function by
briefly lighting up during starting of the engine
or when the ignition is switched on.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the bottom edge of the Con-
trol Display explain the meaning of the dis-
played indicator and warning lamps.
Additional information, e. g. on the cause and
elimination of a malfunction, can be opened via
the Check Control system, refer to page81.
In urgent cases, this information will be shown
as soon as the corresponding lamp comes on.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps signal particular
functions:
High beams/headlamp flasher106
Fog lamps108
Handbrake applied62
Handbrake for Canadian models
Lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC controls the drive and
braking forces for maintaining vehicle
stability89
DTC Dynamic Traction Control90
Exhaust-gas values226
Exhaust-gas values for Canadian
models226

At a glance
15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Coupe: glass sunroof, electric with raise
function
*42
2Coupe: microphone for hands-free mode
for telephone
* and voice command
system
*24
Convertible: microphone on steering col-
umn
3Reading lamps109
4Interior lamps108
5Coupe: initiating SOS emergency
request235
6Indicator lamp
for front passenger
airbags97
7Convertible: initiating SOS emergency
request
*235
8Control Display16
9Hazard warning flashers
10Central locking system34
11Automatic climate control11012Changing
>radio station164
>track175
13Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*134
>audio CD174
14Programmable memory buttons22
15Drive for navigation system DVD with Pro-
fessional
* navigation system134
16Drive for audio CDs174
17Entertainment sound output on/off
and adjusting volume161
19Bracket for cup holder120
20Controller16
Can be turned, pressed, or moved in four
directions
21Opening start menu on Control Display18
22Dynamic Driving Control64
23Selecting AM or FM waveband
24Selecting radio, CD and CD changer Temperature setting, left/
right111
Automatic air distribution and
volume111
Cooling function113
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control113
Recirculated-air mode113
Maximum cooling113
Residual heat mode114
Switching off automatic climate
control114
Air volume112
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation112
Rear window defroster112
18
Heated seats*55
PDC Park Distance Control
*87
DTC Dynamic Traction Control89
Convertible: opening the convert-
ible top44
Convertible: closing the convertible
top44

Controls
89Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.
Adaptive brake assistant*
In conjunction with the active cruise control
with the stop-and-go function, the adaptive
brake assistant ensures that the brake
responds even more quickly during braking
with the brake assistant.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when starting off and accelerating. The system
also identifies unstable driving conditions, such
as a loss of traction at the rear of the vehicle or
sliding of the vehicle in its front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through braking actions in the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not restrict the additional
safety margin with a risky driving style, as other-
wise there is a risk of an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up, but not longer
than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control and DSC are deactivated together.
Stabilizing and drive output promoting actions
are no longer executed. The stability-promoting
intervention of the active steering
* is also deac-
tivated, refer to page95.A message appears on the Control Display.
Please note any supplementary information
that appears there.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up:
DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions,
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving on snowy inclines, in slush, or
on unplowed, snow-covered road surfaces
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow or on loose ground
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button briefly; the DTC indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up.

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
183Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Repeating a track
1.Select the current track and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Repeat track" and press the con-
troller.
To stop repeating:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Repeat track" and press the con-
troller.
Random play sequence
You can play back the tracks of the selected list
in random order, e.g. all tracks of an artist.
1.Select the current track and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Random" and press the controller.
End random playback:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Random" and press the controller.
Fast forward/reverse
Buttons next to CD player:
Press and hold the button for the corre-
sponding direction.
Notes
Do not subject the audio device to
extreme environmental conditions, e.g.
extremely high temperatures, refer to the oper-
ating instructions of the audio device. Other-wise, the audio device can be damaged and the
resulting distraction can reduce road safety
while driving.<
Depending on the configuration of the audio
files, e.g. bit rates greater than 256 Kbit/s,
proper playback cannot always be ensured.
Connecting instructions
>The USB/audio interface supplies the con-
nected audio device with power, provided
the audio device supports this function. It is
therefore unnecessary to connect the audio
device to a socket in the vehicle during
operation.
>Do not use force when plugging the con-
nector into the USB-audio interface.
>Do not connect devices such as fans or
lamps to the USB-audio interface.
>Do not connect USB hard disks.
>Do not use the audio interface to recharge
external devices.

Wheels and tires
216
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
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 ... 1008 indicates that the tire was manu-
factured in week 10 of 2008.
BMW recommends replacing all tires at least
every 6 years, even if some tires may last for
10 years.
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.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in front of the R on ZR tires)
245/45 R 18 96 W
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 1008

Mobility
219Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Recommended tire brands
Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW
depending on the tire size. You can recognize
these from the clearly visible BMW marking on
the tire sidewall.
When used properly, these tires comply with
the most demanding standards for safety and
vehicle response.
Run-flat tires
When mounting new tires, or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-flat
tires for your own safety. In addition, no spare
tire is available in case of a flat tire. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Watch speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Always
protect tires against all contact with oil, grease
and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum tire
inflation pressure indicated on the side wall of
the tire.
Rotating wheels between axles
BMW does not recommend moving the front
wheels to the rear or vice versa, as otherwise
the handling characteristics may be impaired.
With tires of different makes and types
* such a
change is not permissible.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and recommends
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
These snow chains are approved exclusively for
use in pairs on the rear wheels with the tire size:
>245/50 R 17
>245/45 R 18
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
installing snow chains as this could cause
the Flat Tire Monitor to malfunction.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page89.<

Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Dimensions
– Convertible244
– Coupe243
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals65
Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions151
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions151
Directory, refer to Phone
book194
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book144
Displacement, refer to Engine
data242
"Display"86
Display, refer to iDrive
controls16
Display elements, refer to
Instrument cluster12
Displaying vehicle data207
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting108
"Display off"22
Displays
– on Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– refer to Instrument
cluster12
"Display settings"85,99
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up Display98
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with comfort access40
– coolant223
– vehicle battery233
Distance, refer to
Computer78
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control68
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer78
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control87
Door entry lighting, refer to
Interior lamps108Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control30
Door lock34
"Door locks"32,80
Doors
– manual operation34
– remote control32
DOT Quality Grades216
Draft-free ventilation114
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders120
"Driver's door only"32
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams
104
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route149
Driving stability control
systems88
Driving through water128
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes126
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function113
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function113
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control89
– indicator lamp13,89
– malfunction90
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control89
– activating89
– indicator lamp13,90
DVD for navigation134
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
– warning lamp90
Dynamic Drive90
Dynamic Driving Control64
"Dynamic route" in
navigation147
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC89
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC89
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
rear53Easy entry/exit56
Eject button, refer to Buttons
in area of CD player160
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top45
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door212
– glass sunroof43
– luggage compartment lid36
– storage compartment, hotel
function35
Electrical steering wheel
adjustment56
Electric convertible top44
Electronic brake-force
distribution88
Electronic oil level check222
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top45
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door212
– glass sunroof43
– hotel function35
– luggage compartment lid36
– transmission lock, sport
automatic transmission64
Emergency release for
luggage compartment lid in
cargo bay37
Emergency request235
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance236
"Enabled services"207
"Enabled TeleServices"204
"Enable services"207
"End call"194

Everything from A to Z
266 Tires
– age216
– air loss92,93
– breaking-in126
– condition217
– damage217
– inflation pressure214
– minimum tread depth217
– new wheels and tires218
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor90
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor92
– replacing218
– retreaded tires218
– run-flat tires218
– size215
– size, refer to The right
wheels and tires218
– wear indicators217
– wheel/tire combination218
– winter tires219
Tires, run-flat
– refer to Run-flat tires218
– winter tires219
TMC station, refer to Traffic
information152
"Tone"161
Tone dialing method196
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting161
– middle setting163
Tone on locking/unlocking33
Tools, refer to Onboard
toolkit231
Top44
"Top 8" in mobile phone
mode194
Torque, refer to Engine
data242
Touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method196
Tow bar238
Tow fitting237Towing237
– methods238
– tow fittings237
– with manual
transmission238
– with Sport automatic
transmission238
"Town / City" in destination
entry137
Tow rope238
Tow-starting237
"TPM"93
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor92
– resetting system93
– system limits92
– warning lamp93
Tracks
– random sequence177
– sampling on CD176
– selecting with CD175
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control89
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control89
Traffic information for
navigation152
– depiction in route map154
– displaying153
– during destination
guidance155
– symbols154
"Traffic Info settings"153
Traffic jam
– displaying traffic
information152
– refer to Bypassing route
sections152
Transmission
– manual transmission62
– sport automatic
transmission62
– starting assistant90
– towing238
– transmission lock, manually
locking and unlocking, sport
automatic transmission64Transporting children
safely58
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo130
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread217
Treble, refer to Tone
control161
"Treble", tone control161
"Trip computer"79
Trip computer78
Trip-distance counter
– refer to Trip computer78
– refer to Trip meter76
"Triple turn signal"66
Trip meter76
– also refer to Trip
computer78
Trip odometer, refer to Trip
meter76
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment37
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid35
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions243
Turn signals65
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR216
"Units"86
Units
– temperature86
Units of measure
– average fuel
consumption86
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote
control117
Universal remote control, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control117
"Unlock button"32