2009 BMW X6 XDRIVE Off road

Driving tips
139Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
speed. This is the fastest way for the cold
engine to reach its operating temperature.
Thinking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
To do so, maintain the appropriate distance
from the vehicle in front of you. An anticipatory
and smooth driving style reduces fuel con-
sumption.
Avoiding high engine speeds
Driving at a low engine speed reduces fuel con-
sumption and minimizes wear.
Taking advantage of coasting
The flow of fuel is interrupted when coasting.
Switching off engine during longer
stops
Switch off the engine at longer stops such as
traffic signals, railroad cr ossings, or in traffic
jams. Even having the en gine switched off for
approx. 4 seconds results in fuel savings.
Switching off functions currently not
required
Functions such as air conditioning, seat heat-
ing, or rear window defrosting consume a lot of
energy and require additional fuel. Their influ-
ence is particularly pron ounced in city traffic
and stop & go operation. For this reason, it is a
good idea to switch th ese functions off when
they are not really needed.
Having maintenance carried out
Have the vehicle serviced regularly in order to
achieve the optimum economy and service life
of your vehicle. BMW recommends having the
maintenance performed by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center. Also pay attention to
the BMW maintenance system, refer to
page 263.
General driving notes
Closing liftgate
Operate the vehicle only when the liftgate
is completely closed. Otherwise, exhaust
fumes could enter into the passenger compart-
ment. <
If it is absolutely necessa ry to drive with the lift-
gate open:
1. Close all windows as well as the glass sun-
roof
*/panorama glass sunroof*.
2. Increase the air volume of the automatic cli-
mate control to a high level, refer to
page 116.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to it, and neve r apply undercoating to
them. When driving, stan ding at idle and while
parking take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, and with it
the risk of serious property damage as well as
personal injury. Do not touch hot tailpipes, as
otherwise there is a danger of burns. <
Diesel particulate filter*
Soot particles are collected in the diesel partic-
ulate filter and are periodically cleared out
through high-temperature combustion. This
cleaning process lasts fo r several minutes. You
may sometimes notice it by the fact that the
engine temporarily runs a little less smoothly
and requires a somewhat higher engine speed
to achieve the usual powe r. You may also notice
additional sounds and small amounts of smoke
coming from the exhaust, even for a brief time
after switching off the engine.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-

Things to remember when driving
144
Driving on poor roads
Your BMW is at home on all roads and surfaces.
It combines a 4-wheel drive system with the
advantages of a normal passenger car.Do not drive on unpaved terrain, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged. <
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you shou ld strictly observe for
your own safety, for that of your passengers,
and for the safety of the vehicle:
> Familiarize yourself wi th the vehicle before
driving off and avoid taking risks at all costs.
> Adapt your driving spee d to the road condi-
tions. The steeper and rougher the road
surface is, the lower the speed should be.
> If you want to drive on very steep uphill or
downhill gradients, ma ke sure beforehand
that the engine oil and coolant levels are
near the MAX mark, refer to page 259.
BMW X5: you can operate your vehicle on
uphill and downhill gradients with a maxi-
mum slope of 50 %.
> On very steep downhill slopes, use Hill
Descent Control HDC, refer to page 98.
BMW X5: it is possible to start off on inclines
of up to 33 %. The permissible body roll is
50 %.
> While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenev er possible.
> Make sure that the undercarriage does not
touch the ground, for example on crests and
bumpy roads. The ground clearance of the
vehicle is a maximum of approx. 8 in/20 cm.
Please note that the ground clearance can
vary depending on lo ading and the driving
conditions of the vehicle.
> Only drive through road surface water up to
a maximum water depth of
> BMW X5 20 in/50 cm
> BMW X6 17 in/45 cm
and only drive at walking speed; do not
remain stationary. >
After driving through water at low speed,
lightly press the brake pedal several times
to dry the brakes and to prevent the braking
effect from being reduced by wetness.
> Depending on the condition of the surface,
it may be practical to briefly activate DTC,
refer to DTC Dynamic Traction Control on
page 97.
> If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress
the accelerator pedal su fficiently so that the
driving stability control systems can distrib-
ute the drive forces to the individual wheels.
Please note the following points after driving on
poor roads to maintain the driving safety of your
BMW:
> Clean the coarsest dirt from the body.
> Clean mud, snow, ice etc. from the wheels
and tires and check the tires for damage.

Destination entry
150
Destination entry
In entering your destination you can select from
among the following options:
>Entering a destination manually, see below
> Entering destination via voice*, refer to
page 153
> Selecting destination using information,
refer to page 156
> Selecting destination from a list, refer to
Destination list, page 157
> Selecting destination from address book,
refer to page 158
> Selecting home addr ess, refer to page160
After selecting your de stination you can pro-
ceed to start the destin ation guidance, refer to
page 162.
You can also store a navigation destination on
the programmable memo ry buttons, refer to
page 21.
Enter data only with the vehicle station-
ary, and always give priority to the appli-
cable traffic regulations in the event of any con-
tradiction between traffic and road conditions
and the instructions issu ed by the navigation
system. If you do not ob serve this precaution,
you can endanger the vehicle occupants and
other road users. iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2. Move the controller to the right to open
"Navigation".
3. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
The Control Display shows:
> the arrow view or map view during destina-
tion guidance
> the destination list when destination guid-
ance is switched off

Navigation
Driving tips
161Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
4.Press the controller.
The route criterion is highlighted.
5. If necessary, select an additional route cri-
terion and then press the controller:
>"Dynamic route"
Automatic changing of the route in case
of traffic obstructions. Depending on
road type and the kind and extent of the
traffic obstruction, the route can also be
calculated so that yo u travel through the
traffic obstruction.
> "Avoid tollroads"
Tollroads are avoi ded where possible.
> "Avoid ferries"
Ferries are avoided where possible.
To exit from the menu: Select the arrow and press the controller.
The route criteria can also be changed in the
arrow or map display.
1. Select the symbol for the route criterion and
press the controller.
2. Select a route criterion and press the con-
troller.
If the route criteria "Avoid highways",
"Avoid tollroads" or "Avoid ferries" are
selected, the calculation time for the route can
increase considerably. The system supports the word matching princi-
ple to make it easier for you to enter the names
of streets or towns/cities. The system runs
ongoing checks, comparing your destination
entries with the data stored on the navigation
DVD as the basis for instant response. The user
benefits include:
>Names of specific loca tions can also vary
from the official versions if you are using a
spelling that is customary in another coun-
try.
Example:
Instead of "München", you can also enter
the English spelling "Mun ich" or the Italian
spelling "Monaco".
> When you are entering the names of towns/
cities and streets the system will complete
them automatically as soon as enough let-
ters are available to ensure unambiguous
identification.
> The system only accepts name entries
beginning with letters that are stored on the
navigation DVD. The system will not accept
non existent names and addresses.

Destination guidance
164
To exit from the menu:
Select the arrow and press the controller.
Displaying map view
You can have your current position displayed on
a map. After starting th e destination guidance,
the planned route is shown on the map.
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
2. Change into the fourth field from the top.
Turn the controller until the desired map
view is selected:
>"Map facing north"
> "Map direction of travel"
> "Perspective"
3. Press the controller.
1 Switching voice instructions on/off
2 Starting/ending destination guidance
3 Selecting destination via map
4 Displaying the menu in which the informa-
tion last selected can be displayed/hidden,
refer to Selecting destination using infor-
mation, page 156 5
Changing map display
> "Map facing north"
> "Map direction of travel"
> "Perspective"
6 Changing route criteria
7 Manually displaying traffic information
*
8Arrow to destination from a bird's eye view
The estimated time of arrival and the distance
to the destination are shown in the bottom line
of the Control Display.
To exit from the menu: Select the arrow and press the controller.
At scales of less than 250 miles/500 km, you
have the option of deciding whether to orient
the map to north, toward your current direction
of travel, or show the map in perspective. At
scales of 250 miles/500 km or greater, the map
always points toward north.
Changing map display
Select the corresponding symbol and press the
controller.
The next map display is displayed.
Changing scale
Turn the controller to change the scale.
Displaying roads an d towns/cities of
route
You can have the roads and towns/cities along
the route displayed during destination guid-
ance.
The distances remaining to be traveled on each
individual route are also displayed.
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
2. Change into the third field from the top.
Turn the controller until "Route list" is
selected and press the controller.

Destination guidance
166
Setting volume of voice instructions
The volume can only be adjusted while a voice
instruction is being output.
1.Repeat the last voice instruction, if neces-
sary.
2. Turn the knob during the voice instruction
to select the desired volume.
This volume is independen t of the volume of the
audio sources.
The setting is stored fo r the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Changing route
During destination guidan ce, you can revise the
navigation system's route recommendations to
avoid particular stretches of road. Enter the
number of miles/kilomete rs that you want to
travel before returning to the original route.
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
2. Change into the third field from the top.
Turn the controller until "New route" is
selected and press the controller.
3. Turn the controller to enter the desired
number and press the controller. The route is recalculated.
To exit from the menu without changing the
route:
Select the arrow and press the controller.
Traffic information*
In many congested areas, you can receive traf-
fic information transmitted by radio stations.
The traffic conditions ar e monitored by traffic
management centers and the traffic information
is periodically updated.
During destination guid ance, the traffic infor-
mation relevant to your planned route is auto-
matically displayed and, if you wish, taken into
account in the route planning. Whether destina-
tion guidance is active or not, you can have the
traffic information displayed in the map view or
in the traffic info list.
Switching reception of traffic
information on/off
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. Turn the controller until "Settings" is
selected and press the controller.
4. Turn the controller until "Traffic Info set-
tings" is selected and press the controller.

Navigation
Driving tips
169Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
Traffic information during destination
guidance
If there are traffic obstructions on the planned
route, the traffic information symbols are dis-
played with a red border.
System response will vary depending on
whether or not "Dynamic route" is selected,
refer to page 160.
Displaying traffic obstructions
If a traffic obstruction is reported to the naviga-
tion system and "Dynamic route" is not
selected, then you will be provided with certain
information from a distance of approx. 25 miles/
40 km, e.g. the length of the traffic jam.
The last possible junction will be displayed
shortly before this.
Select "Detour" and press the controller.
The navigation system determines a new route
to bypass the traffic congestion.
This information is disp layed even if you have
activated a different fu nction on the Control
Display.
Dynamic route planning
When "Dynamic route" is selected, the route
will be changed automatica lly in the event of a
traffic obstruction. The system does not point
out traffic obstructions along the original route.
Depending on road type and the kind and extent
of the traffic obstruction, the calculated route
may nevertheless lead through the traffic
obstruction.
Displaying current position
You can have your current position displayed
even when the destination guidance is
switched off.
1. Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
2. Change into the fourth field from the top.
Turn the controller until "Current position"
is selected and pr ess the controller.
The current position of your BMW is displayed.
If the navigation system is unable to identify a
town or city, your current map coordinates will
appear.
To exit from the menu: Select the arrow an d press the controller.
You can also have the current position dis-
played on a map, refer to page 164.

Telephoning
220
Telephoning
The concept
Your BMW is equipped with a full mobile phone
preparation package. After pairing a suitable
mobile phone in the vehicle once, you can oper-
ate the mobile phone via iDrive, with the buttons
on the steering wheel and by voice.
Once a mobile phone has been paired in your
vehicle, it is automatically recognized as soon
as it is inside the vehicl e while the engine is run-
ning or the ignition is switched on. The pairing
data of up to four mobile phones can be stored
simultaneously. If seve ral mobile phones are
detected simultaneously, the respective last
mobile phone paired can be operated via the
vehicle.
Using a phone in your vehicle
Using snap-in adapter*
The so-called snap-in adapter, a mobile phone
cradle, enables the batte ry to be charged and
the mobile phone to be connected to the exter-
nal antenna of your vehicle. This ensures
improved network reception and a consistent
voice reproduction qu ality. Ask your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center which mobile
phones snap-in adapters are offered for.
For your safety
A car phone makes life more convenient in
many ways, and can even save lives in an emer-
gency. While you should consult your mobile
phone's separate operating instructions for a
detailed description of safety precautions and
information, we request that you direct your
particular attention to the following:
Only make entries when the traffic situa-
tion allows you to do so. Do not hold the
mobile phone in your hand while you are driving;
use the hands-free system instead. If you do
not observe this precau tion, your being dis- tracted can endanger vehicle occupants and
other road users.
<
Suitable mobile phones
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
which mobile phones wi th Bluetooth interface
are supported by the mo bile phone preparation
package and which mobile phones are compat-
ible with the snap-in adapter. By virtue of their
particular software ve rsions, these mobile
phones support the functions described in this
Owner's Manual. Malfunctions can occur with
other mobile phones.
Care instructions
You can find everything you need to know on
this topic by consulting the separate operating
instructions for the mobile phone.
Operating options
You can operate the mobile phone* using:
> Buttons on steering wheel, refer to page11
> iDrive, refer to page 226
> Voice commands, refer to page 231
> Programmable memory buttons, refer to
page 21
Avoid operating a mobile phone detected by
the vehicle with the keypad of the mobile
phone, otherwise malf unctions can occur.
Placing phone calls with BMW Assist
system*: BMW Assist calls
You can use the BMW Assist system via the
hands-free unit for BMW Assist calls.
When the status information "Communication"
or "BMW Assist" is displayed in "BMW Ser-
vice", only BMW Assi st calls are possible.
*