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Transmission position P will be engaged:
>automatically after  approx. 30 minutes
> if you remove the remo te control from the 
ignition lock
Parking brake
The concept
Your BMW is equipped with an electromechan-
ical parking brake.
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked.
You can use the parking brake in two ways:
> manually, by pulling an d pushing the button
> automatically, by ac tivating Automatic 
Hold, refer to page 67
With the engine stopped, the parking brake acts 
on the rear wheels via an electromechanical 
system. When the engine is running, the park-
ing brake acts on the disk brakes of the front 
and rear wheels via the brake hydraulics.
Setting manually
Pull button. The parking brake is set. The indicator lamp in the instrument 
panel lights up red. The parking brake is 
set.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
The remote control do es not have to be 
inserted into the ignition lock for the parking 
brake to be set.
While driving
If exceptional circumst ances should make it 
necessary to set the pa rking brake while the 
vehicle is in motion, pull on the button longer.
The vehicle continues to brake forcefully for as 
long as you pull on the button.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
panel lights up red, a chime sounds and 
the brake lamps light up.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
As soon as you brake the vehicle almost to a 
stop, i.e., down to a speed of approx. 2 mph/
3 km/h or below, the pa rking brake remains set.
Releasing manually
Press the button with the brake depressed.
The indicator lamp  in the instrument 
panel goes out.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
When leaving the vehicle, always take 
along the remote control; this precaution 
prevents children from  releasing the parking 
brake, for example. <
Automatic Hold
The concept
This function assists yo u as you drive by auto-
matically setting and  releasing the parking 
brake, e.g. when you are stopped at a traffic sig-
nal or in stop-and-go traffic. 
When Automatic Hold is ac tivated, the vehicle is  

Driving
68
automatically held in place when standing. 
When driving up inclines, the system prevents 
your vehicle from rolling 
backward in an undes-
ired way.
After the engine is star ted, the system can be 
activated and deactiva ted at any time the 
driver's seat is occupied  until the next time the 
engine is switched off.
Activating
Press the button. The LED in the button lights 
up and the indication  AUTO H appears in the 
instrument panel.
Automatic Hold is activated.
If the vehicle is bein g held by Automatic 
Hold, the indicator light in the instru-
ment panel also lights up in green.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
Deactivating
Press the button again, the LED in the button 
and the indication AUTO H in the instrument 
panel go out.
Automatic Hold is deactivated.
If the vehicle is being  held by Automatic Hold, 
then press on the brake  pedal to deactivate it.
When the parking brake is  set manually, refer to 
page 67, Automatic Hold is  automatically deac-
tivated.
Driving
With Automatic Hold acti vated, the vehicle is 
automatically prevented from rolling after it 
comes to a stop. The indicator lamp in the instrument 
panel lights up in green.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
If the transmission is in a drive position, simply 
press on the gas pedal to begin driving. The 
brake is automatically re leased and the indica-
tor lamp goes out.
Before driving into  the car wash, deacti-
vate Automatic Hold; otherwise, the park-
ing brake will be automatically set after stop-
ping and the vehicle can no longer roll. <
Parking
If the vehicle is being held by Automatic Hold 
and you switch off the motor, the parking brake 
is automatically set.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
panel changes from green to red.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
The parking brake is not set if you have 
already switched off the engine while the 
vehicle is rolling to a stop.
Automatic Hold is deactivated. <
You can manually rele ase the parking brake 
even after switching off th e motor as long as the 
remote control remains in  the ignition lock, refer 
to page 67. Use this function in car washes, for 
example.
When leaving the vehicle, always take 
along the remote control; this precaution 
prevents children from  releasing the parking 
brake, for example. <
For your safety
Automatic Hold is auto matically deactivated 
when:
> the engine is switched off
> no one is detected in the driver's seat when 
the engine is running 

Controls
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>the vehicle is braked to a stop during driv-
ing.
In the instrument panel, the indicator 
lamp changes from green to red and 
the indication AUTO H goes out.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
Before you start to driv e, either release the 
parking brake manually, refer to page 67, or 
reactivate Automatic  Hold, refer to page68.
Before leaving the vehi cle with the engine 
running, shift the selector lever into posi-
tion P of the automatic transmission and make 
sure that the parking brake is set. Otherwise, 
the vehicle may begin to roll. <
Malfunction
If the parking brake fails or malfunctions, secure 
the vehicle against rolling, e.g. with a wheel 
chock, if you leave the vehicle.
Releasing parking brake manually
In the event of an electrical power loss or elec-
trical malfunction, you can release the parking 
brake manually.
Before manually re leasing the parking 
brake and each time you park the vehicle 
without setting the park ing brake, make sure 
that the automatic transmission is in position P, 
refer to page 71. Be sure to pay attention to the 
information in the instrument panel. 
In addition, secure the vehicle against rolling, 
e.g. with a wheel chock. Otherwise there is a 
danger that the vehicle could roll if parked on a 
steep slope. <
If it becomes necessary to also release the 
transmission lock of the automatic transmission 
manually, follow this sequence:
1. If necessary, start by releasing the parking 
brake manually.
2. Then release the auto matic transmission's 
transmission lock manually, refer to 
page 72.
Jump starting and towing , refer to information 
starting on page 280.
Releasing
1.Open the left-hand side panel in the cargo 
bay.
2. Remove the first-aid kit
* and the warning 
triangle
* if necessary. Close the bracket of 
the warning triangle.
3. Insert the releasing tool, contained in the 
onboard tool kit under  the floor panel, refer 
to page 269, at the releasing point.
4. Firmly pull the releasing tool upward against 
the mechanical resistance, refer to arrow, 
until a considerable incr ease in force is felt 
and the parking brake is then clearly heard 
to release.
5. Stow the releasing tool, warning triangle
* 
and first-aid kit* and close the left side 
panel in the cargo bay.
Only have a malfunction corrected by the 
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center or a workshop that works in accordance 
with BMW guidelines an d uses appropriately 
trained personnel. If the parking brake has been 
released manually in response to a malfunction, 
only technicians can re turn it to operation.<
Following manual release, the actual sta-
tus of the parking brake may deviate from 
that displayed by  the indicator lamp. <
Operation after interruptions in power 
supply
The parking brake can only be used again 
if it was manually rele ased due to an inter-
ruption in the supply of electrical power. Other-
wise the operation of the parking brake is not 
ensured and there is a danger of the vehicle roll-
ing despite the parking brake being set. < 

Driving
70
Procedure
1.Switch on the ignition.
2. Press the button with the brake depressed.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
panel goes out as soon as the parking 
brake is ready for operation again.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
Any noises which occur are normal. Start-up 
may take several seconds.
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic
In addition to fully auto matic operation, you can 
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to 
page 71.
Transmission positions
P R N D M/S + –
To prevent the vehicle from creeping 
after you select a driving position, main-
tain pressure on the brake pedal until you are 
ready to start. <
Displays in instrument panel
P R N D, DS*, S1* through S6*, M1 through M6
The transmission position and the currently 
engaged gear are displayed.
Engaging transm ission position
>You can only engage transmission posi-
tions D, R or N when the engine is running.
> With the vehicle stationary, depress the 
brake pedal before shifting out of P or N; 
otherwise the shift command will not be 
executed: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping 
after you select a driving position, 
maintain pressure on  the brake pedal until 
you are ready to start. <
Shifting into D, R, N
Briefly press the selector  lever in the desired 
direction, beyond a resi stance point if neces-
sary. When shifting out of P or into R, simulta-
neously press button 1.
The engaged transmission position is displayed 
on the selector lever.
The selector lever imme diately returns to the 
center position when released.
Engaging P
Press button  P.
Also observe the additional information on the 
automatic transmission. 

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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.< 

Controls
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Locking
1.Pull out the releasing tool. 
The transmission lock is engaged again.
2. If necessary, insert the lock
* and lock it.
3. Close the cover in th e bottom of the cup 
holder and lay in the mat again.
4. Close the cover of the cup holder and stow 
the releasing tool.
Information on jump starting and towing, from 
page 280.
Turn signals/headlamp 
flasher/high beams
1High beams
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Turn signals
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
To switch off manually, pr ess the lever up to the 
resistance point.
Atypically rapid flashi ng of the indicator 
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb 
needs to be replaced. <
Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance  point and hold for as 
long as you wish to signal.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever up to the resistance point. The 
turn signal flashes three times.
You can activate or deac tivate this function.
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. Press the  button.
This opens the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the  menu.
3. Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4. Select "Vehicle / Tire s" and press the con-
troller.
5. Change to upper field  if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "Lighting" is selected and 
press the controller.
6. Select "Triple turn signal" and press the 
controller.
 Triple turn sign aling is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use. 

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Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote 
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can 
replace as many as three hand-held transmit-
ters for various remote -controlled accessories, 
such as garage and gate or lighting systems. 
The integrated universal remote control regis-
ters and stores signals from the original hand-
held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter 
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons 1. Then with the ignition switched 
on, this programme d memory button1 can be 
used to operate the respective feature. The 
LED 2 flashes to confirm transmission of the 
signal.
Should you sell your vehicl e one day, be sure to 
delete the stored progra ms beforehand for your 
safety, refer to page 124.
To prevent possible damage or injury, 
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote  control, always inspect 
the immediate area to make certain that no peo-
ple, animals or objects  are within the travel 
range of the device. Also, comply with the 
safety precautions of  the original hand-held 
transmitter. <
Checking compatibility
If you see this symbol on the packaging 
or in the manual supplied with the orig-
inal hand-held transmitter, it is safe to 
assume that it is compat ible with the integrated 
universal remote control.
Should you have additional questions, 
please contact your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center or call: 1-800-355-3515.
Information is also provided on the Internet at:
www.bmwusa.com or
www.homelink.com. HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson 
Controls, Inc.
<
Programming
1Memory buttons
2 LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Switch on ignition, refer to page 65.
2. When starting operation for the first time: 
Press the left and ri ght-hand memory but-
ton 1 for approx. 20 seconds until the 
LED 2 flashes quickly. All stored programs 
are deleted.
3. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at 
a distance of approx. 4 in/10 cm to 12 in/
30 cm from the memory buttons 1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons 1 depends on the relevant sys-
tem of the original hand-held transmitter 
used. <
4. Simultaneously press the transmit button 
on the original hand-held transmitter and 
the desired memory button 1  on the inte-
grated universal remote control. The LED  2 
flashes slowly at first. As soon as the LED 2 
flashes rapidly, releas e both buttons. If the 
LED 2 does not flash rapidly after approx. 
15 seconds, alter the distance and repeat 
the step.
5. To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.