
Controls
 71Reference
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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.< 

Driving
72
>
Upshifting: pull on one of the shifting pad-
dles, arrows  +.
> Downshifting: press on one of the shifting 
paddles, arrows  –.
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.
Manually releasing and engaging 
transmission lock
In case of a power failure, e.g. when the 
battery is drained or disconnected, or an 
electrical malfunction, the transmission lock 
must be manually rele ased, as otherwise the 
rear wheels are blocked and the vehicle cannot 
be towed. <
Step on the brake when manually releas-
ing the transmission lock; otherwise, 
there is a danger of the vehicle rolling. <
The transmission lock sh ould only be released 
for towing. Reengage th e transmission lock 
after parking the vehicle at its destination.
If it also becomes ne cessary to manually 
release the parking brake, follow this sequence:
1. Secure the vehicle against rolling.
2. Manually release the parking brake, refer to 
page 69.
3. Manually releas e the transmission lock of 
the automatic transmission.
Releasing
1. Slide back the cover of the cup holder and 
remove the floor mat  on the bar between 
the cup holders, arrow 1.
2. Open the cover in th e bottom of the cup 
holder with the rele asing tool from the 
onboard tool kit, page 269, refer to arrow 2.
3. If necessary, unlock the lock
* with the inte-
grated key of the remote control, refer to 
page 28, and remove it.
4. Insert the releasing tool into the opening, 
arrow 3.
5. Turn the releasing tool as far as possible, 
arrow 4, and then press downward and 
leave it in. The transmission lock is 
released.
Engage the transmission lock after park-
ing the vehicle at its destination. Other-
wise there is a danger  of the vehicle rolling.< 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
106
the upholstery in the center of the steering 
wheel, on the instrument cluster, the doors, and 
the roof pillars as well as
 the sides of the head-
liner. Do not attempt to  remove or dismantle the 
steering wheel. Do not  touch the individual 
components immediately after the system has 
been triggered, because there is a danger of 
burns. 
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or 
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have 
the testing, repair, remova l, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel and has 
the required explosives licenses. Otherwise 
unprofessional attempts  to service the system 
could lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag triggering, either of which could 
result in personal injury. <
Warnings and information on the airbags is also 
provided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front 
passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected by eval-
uating the impression on  the occupied seat sur-
face of the front passeng er seat. The front and 
side airbags on the front passenger side are 
activated or deactivated  accordingly by the sys-
tem.
The current status of the front passenger 
airbag, i.e. deactivated or activated, is 
indicated by the indicator  lamp over the interior 
rearview mirror, refer to Operating state of front 
passenger airbags in the following. <
Before transporting a child on the front 
passenger seat, read the safety informa-
tion and follow the inst ructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page 61.
When teenagers and adults assume certain sit-
ting positions, this can cause the front and side 
airbags to deactivate. The indicator lamp for the 
front passenger airbags lights up when this 
occurs. In these cases, change the sitting posi-
tion so that the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator la mp goes out. If the 
desired status cannot be  produced by changing  the sitting position, transport the correspond-
ing person on the rear se
at. Do not fit seat cov-
ers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or other 
items onto the front passenger seat unless they 
are specifically recomme nded by BMW. Do not 
lay objects under the seat which could press 
against the seat from below. Otherwise a cor-
rect evaluation of the occupied seat surface 
cannot be ensured. <
Operating state of front passenger 
airbags
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the 
arrangement of the switches and indicator 
lamps may differ somewhat.
The indicator lamp for  the front passenger air-
bags indicates the operating status of the front 
and side airbags on the front passenger side 
depending on the seat occupation. The indica-
tor lamp shows whether the front passenger 
airbags are activated or deactivated.
> The indicator lamp light s up when a child in 
a child restraint device  intended for the pur-
pose is properly detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags on the front pas-
senger side are not activated.
Most child's seats are detected by the 
system. Especially the child's seats 
required by the NHTSA at the time the vehi-
cle is manufactured. Af ter installing a child's 
seat, make sure that  the indicator lamp for 
the front passenger airbags lights up. This 
indicates that the child's seat has been 
detected and the front passenger airbags 
are not activated. <
> The indicator lamp does not light up when, 
for example, a correctly seated person of 
sufficient height is detected on the seat.  

Controls
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The display indicates the cardinal or intercardi-
nal direction in which you are currently driving.
Operating principle
You can run various functions by pressing the 
adjustment button with a pointed object, e.g. a 
ball-point pen etc. The following setting options 
are displayed consecutively, depending on how 
long the adjustment button is pressed:
> Press briefly: switch display on/off
> 3 to 6 seconds: set compass zone
> 6 to 9 seconds: calibrate compass
> 9 to 12 seconds: set left/right-hand drive 
vehicle
> 12 to 15 seconds: set language
Setting compass zones
Set the respectively a pplicable compass zone 
in your vehicle so that the compass functions 
properly, refer to the  map of the world with 
compass zones.
To set the compass zones, press the adjust-
ment button for approx. 3-4 seconds. The dis-
play indicates the number  of the currently set 
compass zone. To change the zone setting, briefly press the 
adjusting button repeatedly
 until the number of 
the compass zone that a pplies to your current 
position is displayed.
The compass will be operational again after 
approx. 10 seconds. 

Practical interior accessories
132
Installing
When installing, proceed in the opposite order 
of removal.
1.Set the cargo bay cove r into place on the 
left and right sides.
2. Lift the back of the co ver slightly and slide 
forward until it snaps into the two side 
brackets.
Expanding cargo bay
The rear seat backrest is divided. You can fold 
down both sides separate ly in order to expand 
the cargo bay.
BMW X6: before folding the rear seat 
backrest forward or using the ski bag, 
remove beverage containers from the cup 
holder and close the cup holder. <
Reach into the recess an d pull toward the front.
When you fold back the backrest, be sure 
that the catch engages securely. The red 
warning indicator disappears in the recess 
when the catch is engaged. If it is not properly 
engaged, transported cargo could enter the 
passenger compartment during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers and endanger the vehicle occu-
pants. <
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, 
observe the safety belt information on 
page 48.<
Storage compartments in 
cargo bay
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the fol-
lowing storage compartments are provided in 
the cargo bay.
> Storage compartments behind the remov-
able side panels on the  right and left side of 
the cargo bay
* and under the floor panel 
flap, storage compartment
* right side of 
cargo bay.
> Storage tray
* under the floor panel flap, 
capacity approx. 21 US gal/80 liter.
> Retaining straps
* on the left and right side 
panel for securing small objects.
> Hooks
*, e.g. for hanging up shopping bags 
or carrier bags on the left and right in the 
cargo bay.
> Net
* on the left side pa nel of the cargo bay 
for smaller objects.
> Lashing rail with lashing eyes
*. You can 
secure heavy-duty cargo straps on the lash-
ing eyes.
They can be removed at the notches in the 
rails. To move the lashing eyes, press the 
button.
Read and comply with the information 
enclosed with the heavy-duty cargo 
straps. <
Floor panel flap
To access the onboard toolkit etc.
To open, swing up the flap by the handle, refer 
to arrow.
The floor panel flap can be locked
*. 

Practical interior accessories
134
Ski bag*
The ski bag is designed for safe, clean transport 
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snow-
boards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length 
of up to 6.9 ft/2.10 m. When skis of 6.9 ft/
2.10 m in length are loaded, the ski bag will tend 
to contract, reducing its overall capacity.
Before loading the ski bag, fold in the dis-
play screen of the DVD system in the 
rear
*, as otherwise the display screen could be 
damaged. <
Loading
1.Fold down the center  armrest, press the 
button and open the cover.
2. Press the button again;  the cover in the 
cargo bay opens. If you press the button 
firmly the first time,  this cover also opens.
3. Extend the ski bag be tween the front seats 
and fill it. The zipper facilitates access to the 
stowed items and drying of the ski bag.
4. BMW X5: insert the latch plate of the ski bag 
retaining strap into th e center safety belt 
buckle that is marked CENTER. BMW X6: attach the hook of the ski bag 
retaining strap to the eyelet on the rear seat 
backrest.
Only stow clean skis in the ski bag. Wrap sharp 
edges to prevent damage.Securing cargo
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tighten the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose. Secure the ski bag in th is way. If you fail to 
do so, it could enda nger occupants dur-
ing braking or evasive maneuvers. <
To store the ski bag, perform the above steps in 
reverse order. 

Driving tips
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Securing cargo
BMW X5
BMW X6
>Use the luggage net*, retaining straps*, or 
securing straps to hold down small and 
lightweight luggage and cargo.
> For larger and heavier pieces, heavy-duty 
cargo straps
* are available from your BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicl e Center. Four lashing 
eyes
* mounted in the cargo bay are used to 
secure these heavy-duty  cargo straps, refer 
to illustrations.
> Observe the special instructions supplied 
with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Position and secure the cargo as 
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden 
braking or evasive maneuvers are necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle 
weight or either of the approved axle weights, 
refer to page 289, as excessive loads can pose 
a safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws. 
You should never transport unsecured heavy or 
hard objects in the passenger compartment, as 
they could fly around and pose a safety hazard  to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.
Use only the lashing eyes pictured to fasten the 
heavy-duty cargo straps. Do not secure cargo 
with the attachment points for the top tether, 
refer to page
62; otherwise they could be dam-
aged. <
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is  available as an option 
for your BMW. Please co mply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on 
its handling and steering response. You should 
therefore always remember not to exceed the 
approved roof load capacity, the approved 
gross vehicle weight or the axle weights when 
loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under 
Weights on page 289.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed 
and must not extend outward beyond the limits 
of the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest 
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate 
clearance is maintained  for raising the glass 
sunroof
*/panorama glass sunroof* and that 
objects do not project into the opening path of 
the liftgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it fr om shifting or falling off 
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid su dden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently. 

Navigation
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Driving tips
 211Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Selecting a track
Buttons on CD/DVD player
Press the  button for the corresponding 
direction repeatedly until you reach the desired 
track.
Playback begins at the start of the track.
Via the remote control
Press the  button for the corresponding 
direction repeatedly or turn the serrated dial 
until you reach the desired track.
Playback begins at the start of the track.
Settings and playback functions for 
audio CDs/DVDs
1. Select "SET".
2. Press the  button.
3. Make the settings with  the remote control:
> "Tone":
>"Treble / Bass" and "Balance": 
Separately adjustable for the left and 
right-hand headphones and the infrared 
headphones. >
"Reset":
The settings are reset to the default 
value.
> "Pause": 
Stop and continue playback.
> "Random": 
In this mode, the trac ks on the CD/DVD are 
played once in a random sequence.
> "Scan":
Automatically briefly samp le all tracks of the 
CD/DVD consecutively.
> "Repeat": 
Repeat the current track. Select again to 
end.
Fast forward/reverse
Buttons on the CD/DVD player:
Press and hold the  button for the corre-
sponding direction.
Remote control:
Press and hold the  button until you reach 
the desired point.
Compressed audio files
With some CDs/DVDs playback may automati-
cally start with the first track.
Playback
1.Select the direct ory if necessary.
2. Press the  button.