
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Contents
The fastest way to find specific topics is to use 
the index, refer to page296.
Using this Owner's Manual
4 Notes
7 Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Cockpit
16 iDrive
23 Voice activation system
Controls
28Opening and closing
48 Adjusting
61 Transporting children safely
65 Driving
78 Everything under control
91 Technology for comfort, convenience 
and safety
110 Lamps
114 Climate
123 Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
138Things to remember when driving
Navigation
148Starting navigation system
150 Destination entry
162 Destination guidance
170 What to do if …
Entertainment
174On/Off and settings
178 Radio
184 Satellite radio
187 CD player and CD changer
193 DVD changer
200 AUX-In connection
201 USB audio interface
204 DVD system in rear
Communications
220Telephoning
235 BMW Assist
Mobility
244Refueling
249 Wheels and tires
258 Under the hood
263 Maintenance
265 Care
269 Replacing components
279 Giving and rece iving assistance
Reference
286Technical data
291 Short commands of voice activation 
system
296 Everything from A to Z 

Controls
 127Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Center armrest front
A storage compartment is located under the 
armrest between the front seats and, depend-
ing on the vehicle's equipment, also a cover for 
the mobile phone bracket or the snap-in 
adapter. Also refer to page 220.
Opening cover
Push cover down slightly and press the button. 
The cover folds upward.
Connection for external audio device
You can connect an external audio device such 
as a CD or MP3 player and play audio tracks 
over the vehicle's speaker system:
>AUX-In connection, refer to page 200
> USB audio interface, refer to page 201
Storage compartments
Compartments are located in the doors, in the 
center console in the front and rear
* as well as 
in the rear console in the X6.
Storage nets
* are located on the backrests of 
the front seats.
Do not stow hard or sharp-edged objects 
in the storage nets; otherwise there is an 
increased risk of injury  in the event of an acci-
dent. <
Clothes hooks
When hanging clothing on the hooks, 
ensure that it will not obstruct the driver's 
vision. Do not hang heavy objects on the hooks.  If you do so, they could cause personal injury to 
occupants during brak
ing or evasive maneu-
vers. <
BMW X5
Clothes hooks are located near the grab han-
dles in the rear.
BMW X6
To fold out, press against upper edge.
Cup holders
Use lightweight, unbreakable containers 
and do not transport hot beverages; oth-
erwise, there is an increased risk of injury in the 
event of an accident. Do not force unsuitable 
containers into the cup holders, as otherwise 
damage can result. <
Front
Slide the cover back. 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 175Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
You have the following choices:
>"FM" and "AM": radio reception
> "WB": Weather Band station
> "SAT": satellite radio
*
>"CD": CD player or changer*
>"AUX": AUX-In connection, USB audio 
interface
*
>"Set": depending on the audio source, 
other adjustments can be made, e.g. with 
the radio: update st ation with strongest 
reception, store station, tone control, sam-
ple stations.
From another menu, you can change 
directly to the scr een last displayed, 
refer to Comfort opening of menu items, 
page 18.<
From radio readiness, the selected audio 
source is stored for the remote control currently 
in use.
Switching on/off
To switch the Entertainment sound output on 
and off:
Press knob 1 on the CD player.
 This symbol on the  Control Display indi-
cates that sound output is switched off.
For equipment with a single drive, the sound 
output is available for approx. 20 minutes with 
the ignition switched off.
Switch on the sound output again for this pur-
pose.
Adjusting volume
Turn knob 1 on the CD player until the desired 
volume is set.
You can also adjust the  volume with buttons on 
the steering wheel, refer to page 11.
From radio readiness, the setting is stored for 
the remote control currently in use.
Tone control
You can alter various tone  settings, e.g. treble 
and bass, or the speed-dependent volume 
increase.
The tone settings are set for all audio sources at 
once.
From radio readiness, the settings are stored 
for the remote contro l currently in use.
Changing tone settings
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the  menu.
3. Turn the controller until "Settings" is 
selected and press the controller.
4. Select "Audio" or "Tone / Volume" and 
press the controller.
The tone settings can also be selected when 
you have opened "Entertainment" in the start 
menu:
Select "Set" and then "Tone", and press the 
controller.
Treble and bass
1. Select "Treble / Bass" and press the con-
troller. 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 201Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
USB audio interface
You can connect an external audio device or 
USB device to the USB audio interface.
> MP3 player
> USB memory stick
> iPod/iPhone
> Suitable mobile phone:
You can operate these devices via iDrive, if they 
are supported by the USB audio interface.
If equipped with an addi tional connection of the 
music player in the mobile phone, connect the 
phone by means of the snap-in adapter
*, refer 
to page 233. The phone can then be used for 
the hands-free system and audio playback. The 
audio playback is only po ssible if no device is 
connected to the USB audio interface.
The common audio files, e.g. MP3, WMA, WAV 
(PCM) and AAC, as well as playback lists in the 
M3U format can be played back.
Due to the large number of audio devices avail-
able on the market, operation via the vehicle 
cannot be ensured for every audio device. 
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center, 
which audio devices, mo bile phones, or USB 
devices are suitable.
Connecting
Open the lid of the center armrest.
1 Connection for audio playback:
TRS connector 1/8 in/3.5 mm
2 USB interface
iPod/iPhone
In order to connect th e iPod/iPhone, use the 
BMW cable adaptor for Apple iPod/iPhone. 
For more information, contact a BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center or consult our website: 
www.bmw.com
For audio playback via the vehicle speakers, 
connect the iPod/iPhone to the connections  1 
and  2.
The menu structure of  the iPod/iPhone is sup-
ported by the USB audio interface.
USB device
Use a flexible adapter cable for connec-
tion to protect the USB interface and your 
USB device against mechanical damage.<
For audio playback via the vehicle speakers, 
connect the USB device to the connection 2.
After connecting for the first time, the informa-
tion of all tracks, e.g. artist, music genres, and 
the playback lists of the USB device are trans-
ferred to the vehicle. This process can take 
some time. The time required is dependent on 
the USB device and on the number of tracks.
During the transfer you can select the tracks via 
the directories and file names.
Following the transfer you can call up the tracks 
via the information and playback lists.
The information of up to four USB devices or for 
a total of approx. 16,000 tracks can be stored in 
the vehicle.
I f  a  f i f t h  U S B  d e v i c e  i s  c o n n e c t e d  o r  i f  m o r e  t h a n  
16,000 tracks are to be stored, then the infor-
mation about existing trac ks is deleted if neces-
sary.
Music tracks with integrated Digital 
Rights Management (DRM) cannot be 
played. <
* 

USB audio interface
202
Starting audio playback
Via iDrive
If the audio device has a device name, this will 
be displayed if possible.
1. Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2. Move the controller backwards to open 
"Entertainment".
3. Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "AUX" is  selected and press 
the controller.
4. Select "USB" or the name of the audio 
device and press the controller.
The playback starts with the first track.
With the connection of an iPhone by means of 
the snap-in adaptor and a simultaneous con-
nection of an audio device at the Aux-In con-
nection, the audio signal is played back. With external devices, the sound output 
via the vehicle speakers can differ from 
other audio sources. For a comparison of the 
volume, adapt the sound ou tput of the external 
device. <
Via programmable memory buttons
You can save the "USB" function on the pro-
grammable memory buttons. To start audio 
playback, refer to page 21.
Selecting a track
You can call up the tracks via the playback lists 
and information. With USB devices you can also 
call up the tracks via the file directory. The titles 
can be displayed if they  are stored in the Latin 
alphabet.
1. Make your selection, e.g. "Playlists" or 
"Artists", and press the controller.
2. Select the track and press the controller.
Displaying information on track
You can display any information stored on the 
current track, e.g. the name of the artist.
1.Press the controller during playback.
2. Select "Details" and  press the controller.
The information for the current track are dis-
played. 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 203Reference
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 trac ks of the selected list 
in random order, e.g. a ll tracks of an artist.
1. Select the current track and press the con-
troller.
2. Select "Random" and press the controller.
To end random playback:
1. Press the controller.
2. Select "Random" and press the controller.
Fast forward/reverse
Buttons on the steering  wheel or on the 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 manual of the audio device. Otherwise the 
audio device may be damaged, impairing driv-
ing 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.
Information on connection
> The USB audio interface supplies the con-
nected audio device with power, provided 
the audio device suppo rts this function. 
Therefore, do not connect the USB audio 
device to a socket in the vehicle during 
operation.
> Do not use force when plugging the con-
nector into the USB interface.
> Do not connect any devices, e.g. fans or 
lamps, to the USB audio interface.
> Do not connect USB hard disks.
> Do not use the USB audio interface to 
recharge external devices. 

Reference 297
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Ashtray
– front128
– rear 129
Assist 235
– refer to separate operating 
instructions
Assistance systems, refer to  Driving stability control 
systems 96
Assistance window 20
"Assist profile" 241
"Assist. window off" 21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control 117
"Audio" 177,181
– for DVD system in rear 216
Audio 174
– controls 174
– switching on/off 174
– tone control 175
– volume 175
Audio CD for DVD system in 
rear 210
Audio device, external 127
Automatic
– air distribution 115,120
– air volume 115,120
– BMW Teleservice call 237
– headlamp control 110
– liftgate operation 34,37
– steering wheel adjustment, 
refer to Easy entry/exit 58
– storing stations 179
Automatic car washes 140
Automatic climate control
– automatic air  distribution 115,120
– in rear 119
– in rear, activating on Control  Display 120
– switching off 118,120
– ventilation in rear 119
– with 2-zone control 115
– with 4-zone control 119
Automatic closing of doors,  refer to Automatic soft 
closing 33 Automatic curb monitor
58
Automatic garage door 
opener 123
Automatic Hold 67
– activating 68
– deactivating 68
– parking 68
Auto
matic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp  control 110
– refer to Daytime driving 
lamps 111
– refer to Interior lamps 113
– refer to Pathway lighting 111
"Automatic programs" 116
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC 117
Automatic soft closing 33
Automatic station search 179
Automatic transmission with  Steptronic 70
– deactivating selector lever 
interlock 71
– kick-down 71
– manually releasing 
transmission lock 72
– tow-starting 282
– with comfort access 40
"Automatic ventilation" 121
AUTO program for automatic  climate control 115,120
"Auto Request" 237
"Autostore"
– on the radio 180
"AUX" 175,200 ,202
– AUX-In connection 200
– for DVD system in rear 215
– USB audio interface 201
"AUX / Rear" 206
AUX-In connection 127,200
Average fuel consumption 80
– setting units 89
Average speed, refer to 
Computer 80
"Avoid ferries" in  navigation 161
"Avoid highways" in  navigation 160 Avoiding highways for 
navigation 160
Avoiding unintentional  alarms 39
"Avoid tollroads" in 
navigation 161
Axle weights, refer to  Weights 289
"A - Z" 228
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support 50
Backrests, refer to Seats 49
Backrest width adjustment 50
Backup lamps, replacing  bulbs 270,273
Balance, refer to Tone 
control 176
"Balance" for DVD system in  rear 209
Band-aids, refer to First-aid  kit 279
Bass, refer to Tone 
control 175
Battery
– charging 277
– jump starting 280
– power failure 278
– refer to Vehicle battery 277
Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort  access 41
– vehicle battery 277
Battery replacement
– remote control for DVD 
system in rear 206
– remote control with comfort  access 41
Being towed 282
Belts, refer to Safety belts 54
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders 127
Blower, refer to Air  volume 116,120
BMW Advanced Diesel 245 

Reference 313
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Universal garage-door opener, refer to Integrated 
universal remote 
control 123
Universal remote control 123
"Unlock button" 30
Unlocking
– from inside 33
– liftgate 30
– setting behavior 30
– using remote control 30
– without key, refer to Comfort  access 39
Unlocking and locking doors  using remote control 30
Unlocking without key, refer to 
Comfort access 39
"Unlock rear menu" in DVD  system in the rear 204
"Update services" 238,240
USB audio interface 201
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal 277
– refer to Replacing battery 41
V
Valve screw caps, refer to 
After mounting 277
Vehicle
– battery 277
– breaking-in 138
– loading 141
– measurements, refer to 
Dimensions 287
– parking 66
– storing 268
– weights 289
"Vehicle / Tires" when  unlocking 30
Vehicle care, refer to Care 265
Vehicle jack 276
– jacking points 276
Vehicle position, refer to  Displaying current 
position 169 Ventilation
118
– draft-free 118
– in the rear 119
– rear automatic climate  control 121
– 3rd row seats 119
– while stationary 121
Vent outlets of automatic 
climate control 114
Vents, refer to Ventilation 118
"Vent settings" 117
"Video settings" for DVD  system in rear 208
Voice, refer to Voice  instructions for navigation 
system 165
Voice activation system 23
– short commands 291
Voice instructions for 
navigation system 165
– muting 60,165
– repeating 60,165
– switching on/off 60,165
– volume 166
Voice phone book 232
Volume 174
– audio sources 174
– mobile phone 226
– setting speed- dependent 176
– voice instructions 166
Volume distribution in audio  mode
– front/rear 176
– right/left 176
Volume of warning tones 90
W
Warning lamps, refer to 
Indicator and warning 
lamps 13
Warning messages, refer to 
Check Control 85
Warning tone, volume 90
Warning triangle 279
Warranty and Service Guide  Booklet for Canadian 
models 263 Washer/wiper system
74
– rain sensor 74
– washer fluid 75
– windshield washer  nozzles 75
Washer fluid 75
– capacity of the reservoir 75
Water on roads, refer to 
Driving through water 140
Water penetration 266
Waveband for radio 178
"WB" 183
Wear indicators in tires, refer 
to Minimum tread depth 255
Weather Band 183
Website 4
Weights 289
Wheel/tire combination, refer  to New wheels and tires 256
Wheel/tire damage 255
Wheelbase, refer to  Dimensions 287
Wheels and tires 249
Width, refer to  Dimensions 287
Windows 41
– convenience operation 30
– convenience operation from 
outside 32
– convenience operation with  comfort access 40
– opening, closing 41
– pinch protection system 42
– safety switch 42
Windshield
– cleaning, refer to Washer/ wiper system 74
– defrosting, refer to  Defrosting windows 116
– displays, refer to Head-Up 
Display 107
Windshield washer system
– refer to Washer/wiper 
system 74
– windshield washer  nozzles 75
Windshield wipers, refer to  Washer/wiper system 74
– replacing wiper blades 269