5Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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 that the manual may con-
tain information on accessories and equipment
that you have not specified 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 manual and your own vehi-
cle's equipment.
If equipment in your BMW is not described in
this Owner's Manual, please refer to the accom-
panying Supplementary Owner's Manuals.
Editorial notice
BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing
development that is conceived to ensure that
our vehicles continue to embody the highest
quality and safety standards 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 specially 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.<
Parts and accessories
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested and
approved by BMW and Genuine BMW Parts,
you simultaneously acquire the assurance that
they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to
ensure optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free from
defects in material and workmanship.
BMW will not accept any liability for damage
resulting from installation of parts and accesso-
ries not approved by BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made by other
manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a
BMW safely and without risk to either the vehi-
cle, its operation or its occupants.
Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and
other products approved by BMW, together
with professional advice on using these items,
are available from all BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms, radios,
amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension
components, brake dust shields, telephones,
including operation of any mobile phone from
within the vehicle without using an externally
mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment
such as CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radios, or sim-
ilar accessories may cause extensive damage
to the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere
with the vehicle's electrical system or affect the
validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. Refer to
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center for
additional information.<
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
the emission control devices and sys-
tems may be performed by any automotive
repair establishment or individual using any cer-
tified automotive part.<
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Adjusting
46 3.Press the button:
The LED in the button lights up.
4.Press the desired memory button1 or2:
the LED goes out.
The positions of the driver's seat, the exte-
rior mirrors, and steering wheel are stored
for the remote control currently in use.
Activating
Do not activate the memory function
while the vehicle is moving. There is a risk
of accident from unexpected movement of the
seat or steering wheel.<
Comfort mode
1.After unlocking, open the driver's door or
switch on radio readiness, refer to page59.
2.Briefly press the desired memory button1
or 2.
The adjusting procedure is canceled if you
briefly press a seat-adjusting switch or one of
the memory buttons.
Safety feature
1.Close the driver's door and switch the igni-
tion on or off, refer to page59.
2.Press the desired memory button1 or2
and maintain pressure until the adjustment
process has been completed.
If the button was pressed inadvertently:
press the button again; the LED goes out.
Activating with the remote control
The driver's seat position last set is stored for
the remote control currently in use.
You can select whether or not the seat is reset
to that position automatically.
When using this feature, always make
sure that the footwell behind the driver's
seat is empty and unobstructed. Failure to do
so could cause injury to persons or damage to
objects behind the seat as a result of a rearward
movement of the seat.
the memory buttons.
Selecting automatic activation
1."Settings"
2."Door locks"
3."Last seat position auto."
The function for automatically recalling the
last seat position is switched on and is stored
for the remote control currently in use.
Deactivating automatic recall
Deactivate "Last seat position automatic".
Head restraints
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of spinal injury in the event of an accident.
Adjust the head restraint so that its center
is approx. at ear level. Otherwise there is
increased danger of injury in the event of an
accident. Only remove the head restraints if the
respective seat is not occupied. Reinstall the
head restraints before transporting passen-
gers, as otherwise the head restraint cannot
provide its protective function.<
Height
Adjust the head restraint so that its center is
approximately at ear level.
Distance
Adjust the distance so that the head restraint is
as close as possible to the back of the head.
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Controls
63Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
>the vehicle is braked to a stop during driving
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 drive, either release the
parking brake manually, refer to page61, or
reactivate Automatic Hold, refer to page62.
Before leaving the vehicle 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 releasing the parking
brake and each time you park the vehicle
without setting the parking brake, make sure
that the automatic transmission is in position P,
refer to page65. 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 automatic transmission's
transmission lock manually, refer to
page66.
Jump starting and towing, refer to information
starting on page262.
Releasing
1.Open the left-hand side panel in the cargo
bay.
2.Remove the first-aid kit
* and warning trian-
gle
* 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 page250, at the releasing point.
4.Firmly pull the releasing tool upward against
the mechanical resistance, refer to arrow,
until a considerable increase 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 and uses appropriately
trained personnel. If the parking brake has been
released manually in response to a malfunction,
only technicians can return 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 released 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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Controls
65Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
R Reverse
Select only with the vehicle stationary.
An interlock prevents inadvertent gearshifts
into transmission position R. To release the
lock, push the unlock button1.
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 page59.<
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
page60. After approx. 30 minutes P is auto-
matically engaged.<
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle 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 accelerator 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 instrument cluster; in the
BMW X6, S1 through S6 are displayed. This
position is recommended 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 function 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.<
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Maintenance
244
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 algorithms 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 Control Display to show
remaining distances and times of selected
maintenance intervals and legally mandated
deadlines, refer to page74:
>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 control, your BMW Service
Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of
service procedures for your 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 page80, 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.<
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Everything from A to Z
282 Children, transporting55
Child restraint devices55
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH56
Child-safety locks58
Child seats55
Chime, refer to Check
Control77
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter121
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care246
Clock71
– 12h/24h mode80
– setting time79
Closing
– from inside30
– using remote control27
Closing fuel filler cap224
Clothes hooks119
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine60
Comfort access35
– observe in car wash37
– replacing battery37
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Comfort start, refer to Starting
engine60
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure231
– wheel change256
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock59
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments119
Compass, digital116
Computer73
– displays in instrument
panel73
– displays on Control
Display74
Concierge service216
Condition Based Service
CBS244Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices121
Connecting headphones188
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption73
Consumption indicator,
energy control72
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption73
Contacts, creating213
Control Center, refer to
iDrive
16
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– setting brightness80
– switching on/off19
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Controls DVD system in
rear187
Convenience operation
– glass sunroof28,29
– glass sunroof with comfort
access36
– windows28,29
– windows with comfort
access36
– with comfort access36
Coolant243
– checking level243
– temperature72
Cooling, maximum110
Cornering Brake Control
CBC88
Country codes DVD173
Country information from
BMW Online157
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps106
Cradle for telephone or mobile
phone119
Criteria for route150
Cruise control69
Cruising range73
Cup holders119Current playback
– external devices185
– of music collection180
Customer Relations218
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data268
D
Data268
– capacities272
– dimensions269
– engine268
– technical data268
– weights271
Data transfer220
Date71
– display format80
– retrieving71
– setting80
Daytime driving lamps103
Defrosting windows109
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation109
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows109
Deleting a trip149
Deleting special
destinations146
Destination, entering by town/
city name141
Destination address,
entering141,147
Destination entry using BMW
Assist145
Destination for navigation
– entering141
– entering by voice147
– entering via map146
Destination guidance150
– bypassing a route
section151
– changing specified
route150
– continuing150
– starting150
– voice instructions152
– volume of voice
instructions152
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Reference 291
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Settings
– changing on Control
Display79
– clock, 12h/24h mode80
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile26
– DVD174
– language81
Settings for the map
display153
Setting speed limit78
Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
times114
Shifting, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic65
Shift paddles65
Short commands of voice
activation system273
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route150
Shoulder support45
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer172
– CD player172
Side airbags98
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs251
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely43
– with airbags43
– with head restraint43
– with safety belts43
Ski bag125
Slide show, refer to Displaying
images195
Sliding/tilt sunroof
– refer to Glass sunroof,
electric40
– refer to Panorama glass
sunroof38
Slope assistant, refer to
Starting assistant92
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray120
SMS208Snap-in adapter
– inserting/removing212
– use202
Snow chains238
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics interface245
Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock59
Sockets, refer to Connecting
electrical devices121
Soft closure aid, refer to
Automatic soft closing30
Soot particle filter, refer to
Diesel particulate filter131
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency request261
Spare fuses
259
Spare remote control26
Spare wheel
– refer to Changing
wheels256
– refer to Compact wheel256
Special destinations144
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils243
Specified oil grades, refer to
Approved engine oils243
Speed
– with compact wheel258
– with winter tires238
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit78
Speedometer12
Speed Volume161
Split screen, refer to Control
Display, switching on/off19
Split screen content, refer to
Display for split screen
content, selecting19
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic65
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems88
Start/Stop button59
Starting, refer to Starting
engine60Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting262
Starting assistant92
Starting difficulties, jump
starting262
Starting off on slopes, refer to
Starting assistant92
State/province, for
navigation141
Station selection, radio163
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steam cleaners247
Steering wheel
– adjusting53
– automatic adjustment, refer
to Steering wheel
memory45
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– easy entry/exit54
– heating54
– memory45
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering96
Steptronic, refer to Sport
program and manual mode
M/S65
Storage compartments119
Storing a trip148
Storing sitting position, refer
to Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory45
Storing tires
238
Storing vehicle249
Storing your vehicle249
Street, entering,
navigation142
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires229
SVCD173
SW, waveband163
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching cooling function on
and off110
Switching off engine60
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Reference 293
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Transmission positions, refer
to Automatic transmission
with Steptronic64
Transporting children
safely55
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo134
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tread depth236
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer71
Trip odometer71
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions269
Turn signals67
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs251,254
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR235
Units
– average fuel
consumption80
– temperature80
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote
control115
Universal remote control115
Unlocking
– from inside30
– liftgate28
– setting behavior28
– using remote control27
– without key, refer to Comfort
access35
Unlocking and locking doors
using remote control27
Unlocking without key, refer to
Comfort access35
Updating the navigation
data140
USB audio interface183
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal258
– refer to Replacing battery37
V
Valve screw caps, refer to
After mounting258
VCD173
Vehicle
– battery258
– breaking-in130
– loading133
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions269
– parking60
– storing249
– weights271
Vehicle care, refer to Care246
Vehicle jack257
– jacking points257
Ventilation111
– draft-free111
– in the rear111
– rear automatic climate
control113
– 3rd row seats112
– while stationary114
Vent outlets of automatic
climate control107
Vents, refer to Ventilation111
Video menu174
Video playback173
Voice, refer to Destination
guidance through voice
instructions152
Voice activation system22
– short commands273
Voice instructions for
navigation system152
– repeating152
– switching on/off152
– volume152
Volume160
– audio sources160
– mobile phone205
– voice instructions152
Volume balance, tone
setting161
Volume of warning tones81
W
Warning lamps, refer to
Indicator and warning
lamps13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control77
Warning tone, volume81
Warning triangle261
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models244
Washer/wiper system67
– rain sensor68
– washer fluid69
– windshield washer
nozzles68
Washer fluid69
– capacity of the reservoir69
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water132
Water penetration247
Waveband for radio163
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth236
Weather reports165
Website4
Weights271
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to New wheels and tires237
Wheel/tire damage236
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions269
Wheels and tires229
Width, refer to
Dimensions269
Windows37
– convenience operation28
– convenience operation from
outside29
– convenience operation with
comfort access36
– opening, closing37
– pinch protection system38
– safety switch38
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