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The individual vehicle
When purchasing your BMW, you have decided 
in favor of a model with individualized equip-
ment and features. This Owner's Manual 
describes the entire array of options and equip-
ment available with a specific BMW model.
Please bear in mind th at the manual may con-
tain information on accessories and equipment 
that you have not specifie d for your own vehicle. 
Sections describing options and special equip-
ment are marked by asterisks 
* to assist you in 
identifying possible differences between the 
descriptions in this ma nual and your own vehi-
cle's equipment.
If equipment in your BM W is not described in 
this Owner's Manual, plea se refer to the accom-
panying Supplementary Owner's Manuals.
Editorial notice
BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing 
development that is conc eived to ensure that 
our vehicles continue to embody the highest 
quality and safety stan dards combined with 
advanced, state-of-the-art technology. For this 
reason, it is possible that the features described 
in this Owner's Manual could differ from those 
on your vehicle.
For your own safety
Maintenance and repairs
Advanced technology, e.g. the use of 
modern materials and high-performance 
electronics, requires sp ecially adapted mainte-
nance and repair methods. Therefore, have cor-
responding work on your BMW performed only 
by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or 
a workshop that works according to BMW 
repair procedures with  correspondingly trained 
personnel. If this work is not carried out prop-
erly, there is a danger of subsequent damage 
and related safety hazards. < 

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Service and warranty
We recommend that you read this publication 
thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warran-
ties:
>New Vehicle Limited Warranty
> Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
> Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
> Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
> California Emission Control System Limited 
Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is 
listed in the Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet  for Canadian models.
Reporting safety defects
For US customers
The following applies only to vehicles owned 
and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect 
which could cause a crash or could cause injury 
or death, you should immediately inform the 
National Highway Traffic  Safety Administration, 
NHTSA, in addition to notifying BMW of North 
America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New 
Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone 1-800-831-
1117.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may 
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety 
defect exists in a group  of vehicles, it may order 
a recall and remedy campaign. However, 
NHTSA cannot become involved in individual 
problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of 
North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle 
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to 
http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Adminis-
trator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain 
other information about  motor vehicle safety 
from http://www.safercar.gov
For Canadian customers
Canadian customers who wish to report a 
safety-related defect  to Transport Canada, 
Defect Investigations and Recalls, may call 
1-800-333-0510 toll-free from anywhere in 
Canada or 1-613-993-9851 from the Ottawa 
region and from other countries, or contact 
Transport Canada by mail at: Transport 
Canada, ASFAD, Place  de Ville, Tower C, 
330 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0N5.
You can also obtain other information about 
motor vehicle safety from http://www.tc.gc.ca 

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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. < 

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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.< 

Mobility
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Maintenance
BMW maintenance system
The BMW maintenance system supports the 
preservation of the traffic and operating safety 
of your BMW. The service schedule also 
includes operations related to the vehicle's 
comfort and convenience features, such as 
replacement of the filters for the inside air. 
The ultimate objective is to ensure economical 
maintenance by providing the ideal service for 
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell 
your BMW, a complete  dealer service history 
will prove to be an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algo rithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into 
account. Condition Based Service uses this to 
determine the current  and future service 
requirements. By letting you define a service 
and maintenance regimen  that reflects your 
own individual requirements, the system builds 
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Contro l Display to show 
remaining distances and times of selected 
maintenance intervals and legally mandated 
deadlines, refer to page 82:
> Engine oil
> Brake pads, front and rear separately
> Brake fluid
> Vehicle check >
Legally mandated inspections depending 
on local regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores the information required for 
maintenance continuously  in the remote con-
trol during driving. After accessing the data 
stored in the remote co ntrol, your BMW Service 
Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of 
service procedures for yo ur own individual vehi-
cle. You should therefore hand over the remote 
control you last used to drive to the BMW Ser-
vice Advisor when you take your vehicle in for 
service.
Make sure the date is  set correctly, refer 
to page 89, otherwise the effectiveness 
of CBS Condition Based Service is not 
ensured. <
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models and 
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models 
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that  you have service 
and repair operations performed at your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center. 
Take the time to ensure  that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by  entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries 
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.< 

Maintenance
264
Socket for OBD Onboard 
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the 
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via 
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to  the left on the driver's 
side, on the underside of the instrument cluster 
under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up:
The vehicle is producing an elevated 
amount of exhaust emissions. Contin-
ued driving is possible. Have it checked at your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center as soon as 
possible.
Display of the previously described 
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under ce rtain conditions. This 
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In 
this case, you should reduce your speed and 
proceed to the nearest  BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center. Heavy engine misfiring causes 
serious damage to the emission-relevant com-
ponents, especially th e catalytic converter, 
within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system will assume that 
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display lights up. If 
the cap is then tightened,  the display will go out 
within a few days. <
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with 
a device for recording or transmitting certain 
v e hi c l e  d a t a  o r  i n f o r m a t i o n .  I f  y o u h a v e  a l s o  s u b -
scribed to BMW Assist, ce rtain vehicle data can 
be transmitted or reco rded to enable corre-
sponding services. 

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Cargo bay
– capacity289
– emergency operation, refer  to Opening manually 33,36
– expanding 132
– opening/closing, refer to  Liftgate 33,35
– opening/closing, refer to 
Tailgate 35
– opening from inside 33,36
– opening from outside 33,36
– opening with remote  control 30
Cargo bay cover, refer to Roll- up cover 130
Caring for the vehicle 
finish 266
Car key, refer to Keys/remote  control 28
Car phone 220
– installation location, refer to  Center armrest, front 127
– refer to Mobile phone 220
– refer to separate operating  instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio 178
Car wash 140,265
– before driving in 66
– with comfort access 41
Catalytic converter, refer to  Hot exhaust system 139
"Categories" in Satellite  radio 185
CBC Cornering Brake 
Control 96
CBS Condition Based  Service 263
"CD" 175,187
– for DVD system in rear 206
CD, refer to Playing audio 
tracks, DVD system in 
rear 210
CD/DVD player, DVD system 
in rear 205 CD changer
187
– compressed audio files 187
– controls 174
– fast forward/reverse 190
– random sequence 190
– repeating a track 189
– sampling tracks 189
– selecting a CD 187
– selecting a track 188
– switching on/off 174
– ton
e control 175
– volume 175
CD player 187
– compressed audio files 187
– controls 174
– fast forward/reverse 190
– random sequence 190
– repeating a track 189
– sampling tracks 189
– selecting a track 188
– switching on/off 174
– tone control 175
– volume 175
Cell phone
– refer to Mobile phone
Center armrest
– front 127
– rear 130
Center brake lamp 272,275
Center console 14
Central locking system 29
– comfort access 39
– from inside vehicle 32
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own  safety 5
– refer to Parts and 
accessories 6
Changing gears using shift  paddles 71
Changing language on  Control Display 90
Changing tires 256
Changing units of measure on  Control Display 89
Changing wheels 275
Check Control 85
"Check Control  messages" 86 Checking the air pressure, 
refer to Tire inflation 
pressure 249
Children, transporting 61
Child restraint devices 61
Child restraint fixing system  LATCH 62
Child restraint systems 61
Child-safety locks 64
Child seats 61
Chime, refer to Check 
Control 85
Cigarette lighter, refer to 
Lighter 129
Cleaning your BMW, refer to  Care 265
"Climate" 56
Clock 78
– 12h/24h mode 89
– setting tim
e 88
Closing
– from inside 32
– using remote control 29
Closing fuel filler cap 244
Clothes hooks 127
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting  engine 66
"Color" in DVD system in  rear 208
Comfort access 39
– observe in car wash 41
– replacing battery 41
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console 14
Comfort start, refer to Starting  engine 66
"Communication" 226 ,236, 237, 238,239
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer 187
– refer to CD player 187
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure 251
– wheel change 275
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock 65 

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Special oils, refer to Approved engine oils 262
Specified oil grades, refer to  Approved engine oils 262
Speed
– with compact wheel 277
– with winter tires 257
Speed-dependent 
volume 176
Speed limit warning, refer to  Speed limit 87
Speedometer 12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone 
control 176
Sport program, automatic  transmission with 
Steptronic 71
Stability control, refer to  Driving stability control 
systems 96
"Standard" for DVD system in  rear 209,216
"Star button" 59
Star button 59
Start/Stop button 65
"Start" for stopwatch 87
Starting, refer to Starting  engine 66
Starting assistance, refer to  Jump starting 280
Starting assistant 99
Starting difficulties, jump  starting 280
Starting off on slopes, refer to 
Starting assistant 99
Start menu, iDrive 17
"Start service" 236
– with BMW Assist 239
"State / Province" for  destination entry 151
"State inspection" 84
Station, refer to Radio 178
Status of this Owner's Manual 
at time of printing 5
Steam cleaners 266 Steering wheel
– adjusting
58
– automatic adjustment, refer  to Steering wheel 
memory 50
– buttons on steering  wheel 11
– easy entry/exit 58
– heating 59
– memory 50
– programmable buttons 59
Steering with variable ratio,  refer to Active steering 104
Steptronic, refer to Sport  program and manual mode 
M/S 71
"Stop" the stopwatch 87
"Stopwatch" 87
Stopwatch 87
Stor
age compartments 127
"Store"
– in Satellite radio 186
– with the radio 180
"Store in address book" for  navigation 158
Storing current position 158
Storing radio stations 180
Storing sitting position, refer 
to Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory 50
Storing tires 257
Storing vehicle 268
Storing your vehicle 268
"Street" for destination 
entry 152
"Subtitles" in DVD system in  rear 209
Summer tires, refer to Wheels  and tires 249
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching cooling function on  and off 117
Switching off engine 66
Switching on
– audio 174
– CD changer 174
– CD player 174
– radio 174
Switching on hour signal 88Swiveling headla
mps, refer to 
Adaptive Head Light 112
Symbols 4
– indicator/warning lamps 13
– navigation system 168
– traffic information with  navigation system 166
T
Tachometer79
"Tailgate" 34,37
Tailgate 35
Tail lamps 270,273
– replacing bulbs 270,273
Tank contents, refer to 
Capacities 290
Target cursor for  navigation 155
Technical alterations, refer to  For your own safety 5
Technical data 286
Telematics, refer to  BMW TeleServices, 
BMW Assist 235
Telephone
– refer to Mobile phone 220
– refer to separate operating 
instructions
"Telephone list" 59
Temperature
– adjusting in upper body  region 116
– adjusting with automatic 
climate control 116,120
– changing units of  measure 89
– refer to Coolant  temperature 79
Temperature display
– outside temperature 78
– setting units 89
– temperature warning 78
Temperature warning 78
Tempomat, refer to Cruise  control 75
The individual vehicle 5
Third brake lamp, refer to  Center brake lamp 272,275