At a glance
15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Microphone for hands-free mode for
telephone
* and for voice activation
system
*23
2 Initiating
an emergency request 279
3 Reading lamps 113
4 Glass sunroof 42, 45
5 Interior lamps 113
6 Passenger airbag status lamp 105
7 Control Display 16
Displays for menu navigation
8 Hazard warning flashers
9 Central locking system 29
10 Opening glove compartment 126
11 Automatic climate control with 2-zone
control 115
Automatic climate control with 4-zone
control
*119
12 Ejecting audio CD
13 Changing
>radio station 174
> track 174 14
Selecting radio, CD and CD changer
15 Selecting AM or FM waveband
16 Ejecting navigation DVD with navigation
system
*148
18 Controller 16
Turn, press or move horizontally in
four directions
19 Opening start menu on Control Display 17
20 Automatic Hold 67
21 Parking brake 67
22 Adaptive Drive
*99
23 Programmable memory buttons 21
24 Switching Entertainment sound output
on/off and adjusting volume 174
Manual air distribution
116
Automatic air distribution and
volume 115
Cooling function 117
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control 117
Maximum cooling 117
Air volume 116
Residual heat utilization 118
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation 116
Rear window defroster 116
Seat heating
*55, 56
Active seat ventilation
*56
17 Opening liftgate 33, 35
Active seat
*57
PDC Park Distance Control
*91
Rear view camera
*93
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 97
HDC Hill Descent Control 98
Controls
29Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
>Language on Control Display, refer to
page 90
> 12h/24h clock format, refer to page 89
> Date format, refer to page 89
> Lighting settings:
>Triple turn signal activation, refer to
page 73
> Welcome lamps, refer to page 110
> Pathway lighting, refer to page 111
> Daytime driving lamps
*, refer to
page 111
> PDC Park Distance Control
*: optical warn-
ing, refer to page 92
> Rear view camera
*:
> Selecting functions, refer to page 93
> Type of display, refer to page 95
> Head-Up Display
*: selection, brightness
and position of display, refer to page 107
> Automatic climate control: AUTO program
and intensity, cooling function, and auto-
matic recirculated air control/recirculated
air mode, temperature, air distribution, tem-
perature in the upper body region, refer to
text starting on page 115
> Programmable memory buttons: selecting
stored functions, refer to page 21
> Positions of driver's seat, outside mirrors,
and steering wheel
*, refer to page 50
> Adaptive Drive
*: selected chassis and sus-
pension tuning, refer to page 99
> Audio sources: volume and tone settings,
refer to page 175
> Radio:
>Display of stored stations, refer to
page 178
> Switching RDS Radio Data System on/
off
*, refer to page 181
> Phone: volume setting, refer to
pages 226,232
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system functions when the
driver's door is closed.
The system simultaneously engages and
releases the locks on the following:
> Doors
> Liftgate
> Fuel filler door
Operating from outside
>via the remote control
> via the door lock
> with comfort access
* via the door handles
The interior lamps and the courtesy lamps
* are
also switched on and off with the remote con-
trol. The alarm system
is armed/disarmed at the
same time.
You can find more detailed information on the
alarm system
on page 38.
Operating from inside
Via the button for centra l locking, refer to
page 32. The fuel filler door is not locked.
In an accident of sufficient severity, the central
locking system automati cally unlocks the vehi-
cle. In addition, the hazard warning flashers and
interior lamps come on.
Opening and closing:
Using remote control
Persons or animals left unattended in a
parked vehicle can lock the doors from
the inside. Always take along the remote control
when leaving the vehicle so that the vehicle can
then be opened from the outside. <
Controls
71Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The transmission automatically shifts into
park if you release the driver's safety belt
and open the driver's door with the engine run-
ning while in re verse or drive.
The picture from the rear view camera
* and
PDC Park Distance Control
* on the Control
Display is hidden. <
R Reverse
Select only with the vehicle stationary.
An interlock prevents inadvertent gearshifts
into transmission position R. To deactivate the
interlock, press the release button 1.
P Park
Select only with the vehicle stationary. The rear
wheels are locked.
P is engaged automatically as soon as
you switch off the engine unless N is
engaged and on vehicles with comfort access
the remote control is inserted in the ignition
lock, refer to page 65.<
N Neutral
Can, for example, be engaged in automatic car
washes. The vehicle can roll.
N remains engaged even after the engine
is switched off whenever you leave the
remote control in the ignition lock. This function
is used, for example, in a car wash, refer to
page 66. After approx. 30 minutes P is auto-
matically engaged. <
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehi cle operation. All for-
ward gears are available.
Under normal operating conditions, the fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in posi-
tion D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration.
Press the accelerato r pedal beyond the
increased resistance at full throttle.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Press selector lever out of transmission
position D toward the left:
The sport program is activated and DS is
displayed in the instru ment cluster; in the
BMW X6, S1 through S6 are displayed. This
position is recommend ed for a performance-
oriented driving style.
When the selector lever is pressed forward or
back, the manual mode is activated and the
Steptronic shifts the gear. The instrument
panel shows M1 through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
a downshift that would cause the engine to
overrev will not be executed by the system. The
selected gear is briefly displayed in the instru-
ment panel, followed by the current gear.
To use the automatic func tion again, press the
selector lever to the right into position D.
BMW X6: changing gears using shifting
paddles on steering wheel
The shifting paddles make it possible to quickly
change gears since both hands can remain on
the steering wheel.
> In automatic mode D, if you shift using the
shifting paddles on the steering wheel, then
the system switches into manual mode.
> If, after a certain amount of time, you neither
shift with the shifting paddles nor acceler-
ate, then the system switches back into
automatic mode D.
With the transmission position M/S
selected, the manual mode remains
active.<
Controls
93Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Rear view camera*
The concept
The rear view camera in the liftgate displays the
area behind your vehicle on the Control Display.
Also check the traffic situation around the
vehicle during parking and maneuvering
with direct vision, as otherwise danger of an
accident could result, for example, from road
users or objects locate d outside the picture
area of the rear view camera. <
Switching on
Automatically
With the engine running, shift into reverse.
If the image of the PDC Park Distance
Control appears on the Control Display,
you can switch the image to the rear view cam-
era, refer to Displays on page 95.<
Manually
Press the button.
PDC is activated at th e same time, refer to
page 91.
If the image of the PDC Park Distance
Control appears on the Control Display,
you can switch the image to the rear view cam-
era, refer to Displays on page 95.<
Switching off
Automatically
When driving forward at over approx. 12 mph/
20 km/h or after driving approx. 164 ft/50 m.
Manually
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
Driver assistan ce functions
The following functions can improve the effect
of the rear view camera depending on the situa-
tion.
They can only be activated when the liftgate is
completely closed.
Pathway lines
The pathway lines are shown in the picture of
the rear view camera. They help you to estimate
the space required when parking and maneu-
vering on level roads.
The pathway lines are dependent on the current
steering angle and are continuously adjusted to
the steering wheel movements.
Turning lines
The static turning lines are displayed in the pic-
ture of the rear view camera and show you the
course of the smallest possible turning circle on
level roads.
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
94
Parking using pathway and turning
circle lines
1.Position the vehicle so that the turning lines
guide within the limits of the parking space.
2. Turn the steering wheel so that the pathway
lines cover the corresp onding turning lines.
This results in a steerin g wheel position that
makes full use of the smallest possible turning
circle of the vehicle when parking.
Virtual camera panning
The displayed picture area is dependent on the
current speed:
At low speeds, the camera view is panned
toward the street, and at higher speeds toward
the horizon.
This enables the currentl y relevant picture area
to be shown enlarged on the Control Display.
To activate the virtual camera panning, select
the camera view "Camera view: full screen",
refer to Displays on page 95.
Obstacle marking
Spatially shaped markings are shown in the pic-
ture of the rear view camera. Their stepped col-
ors correspond to the markings of the Park Dis-
tance Control and support you in estimating the
distance to the object shown.
The obstacle marking is deactivated when driv-
ing in reverse from approx. 12 mph/20 km/h.
Activating driver a ssistance functions
The driver assistance functions can be active at
the same time. The zoom function for trailer
towing can only be acti vated individually with
the rear view camera switched on.
With rear view camera switched on
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. Press the controller.
2. Select the desired fu nction and press the
controller.
You can also adjust the brightness of the cam-
era view.
With rear view ca mera switched off
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
3. Select "Settings" an d press the controller.
4. Select "Vehicle / Tire s" and press the con-
troller.
5. Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Maneuvering aids" is
selected and press the controller.
Controls
95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
6.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
7. Select the desired fu nctions and press the
controller.
The settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Displays on Control Display
You can have the picture from the rear view
camera displayed in se veral formats and in
combination with the PDC Park Distance Con-
trol, refer to page 92.
In addition, you also have the option of display-
ing only the PDC Park Distance Control.
> "Camera picture and PDC"
The rear view camera picture is shown in
the main window of the Control Display.
> "Camera view: full screen"
The picture of the rear view camera is
shown on the entire Control Display.
> "Camera view: main window"
The picture of the rear view camera is
shown in the main window of the Control
Display.
> "PDC in main window only"
PDC is shown in the main window of the
Control Display.
Selecting displays
1.Select "Maneuvering aids" and press the
controller, refer to Activating driver assis-
tance functions.
2. Turn the controller until "View selection" is
selected and press the controller.
3. Select the desired display and press the
controller.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use. The picture of the rear view camera and
PDC is hidden when the vehicle is
stopped, the transmission is in R or D, and you
disconnect the driver's safety belt and open the
driver's door. <
Setting brightness
You can set the brightness of the camera view
with the rear view camera switched on.
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. Press the controller.
2. Turn the controller until "Brightness" is
selected and press the controller.
3. Set the desired brightness.
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96
Cleaning rear view camera
The lens of the rear view camera is located on
the liftgate.
The picture quality of the rear view camera may
be impaired by dirt. Clean the lens with a moist,
nonabrasive cloth.
The lens is automatically heated in case of frost.
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped wi th an extended array
of systems designed to enhance and maintain
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Braking safely, refer to page 140.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking during curves or when braking
during a lane change, dr iving stability and steer-
ing response are improved further.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure st able braking behavior.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short- est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce th
e pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction lo ss 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 lim its 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 remains the responsibility of the driver.
Therefore, do not restrict the additional safety
margin with a risky driving style, as otherwise
there is a risk of an accident. <
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in
the instrument panel lights up, but not longer
than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control and DSC ar e deactivated together.
Stabilizing intervention s are now not carried
out.
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.
Care
266
Steam cleaners/high-pressure
cleaning jets
When using steam cleaners or high-pres-
sure cleaning jets, make sure to maintain
a sufficient distance and stay below a maximum
temperature of 140 7/60 6.
Insufficient distance or excessive pressure or
temperature can damage pa rts of the vehicle or
can result in water pene tration. Follow the oper-
ating instructions for the high-pressure clean-
ing jets. <
When using high-pressure cleaning jets,
do not remain in one place for a long time
and be sure to maintain a distance of at least
12 in/30 cm from sensors and cameras, e.g.
Park Distance Control sensors or rear view
camera. <
Hand washing
When washing the vehicle by hand, use plenty
of water and car washing shampoo. Clean the
vehicle with gentle pressure using a sponge or a
washing brush.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unwanted wiper operation. <
Follow local guidelines for washing vehi-
cles by hand. <
Headlamps
Do not rub dry and never use abrasives or
strong solvents to clean the covers.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or
insect remover and wash away with plenty of
water.
Use a window de-icer to remove accumulated
ice and snow, not a scraper.
Windows
Use a glass cleaner to clean the inside and out-
side surfaces of the windows and the glass sur-
faces of the mirrors.
Do not use quartz-containing cleansers
to clean glass surfaces of the mirrors. <
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to
prevent streaking.
The presence of wax and sealant residues
and dirt on the windows leads to streaking
during wiper operation and results in premature
wear on wiper blades as well as interference
with the rain sensor. <
Caring for the vehicle finish
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value
and protects the paint from the long-term
effects of aggressive substances.
Regionally occurring en vironmental factors can
affect and damage vehicle finish. It is therefore
important to tailor the fr equency and extent of
your car care accordingly.
Immediately remove particularly aggressive
substances such as sp illed fuel, oil, grease,
brake fluid, tree resin, or bird droppings; other-
wise, they may damage your paint.
Repairing paint damage
Repair stone damage or scratches imme-
diately, depending on the severity of the
damage, to prevent the formation of rust. <
BMW recommends having paint damage pro-
fessionally repaired us ing Genuine BMW finish
materials in accordance with factory guidelines.
Waxing
Sealant is required when w a t e r n o l o ng e r b e a ds
on the clean surface of the paint. Use only prod-
ucts that contain carnauba wax or synthetic wax
to seal your finish.
Rubber gaskets
Treat only with water or a rubber care product.
To avoid noise or damage, do not use
products that contain silicone to care for
rubber gaskets. <
Chrome components
Particularly after exposure to road salt, thor-
oughly cleanse parts like the radiator grille, door
handles, or window frames with plenty of water