
At a glance
 15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Microphone for hands-free mode for 
telephone
* and for voice activation 
system
*22
2Initiating
 an emergency request261
3Reading lamps106
4Glass sunroof38, 40
5Interior lamps106
6Passenger airbag status lamp98
7Control Display16 
Displays for menu navigation
8Hazard warning flashers
9Central locking system27
10Opening glove compartment118
11Automatic climate control with 2-zone 
control108 
Automatic climate control with 4-zone 
control
*112
12Changing
>radio station160
>track160
13Selecting radio, CD and CD/DVD changer
*
14Selecting AM or FM waveband
16Controller16 
Can be turned, pressed, or moved in four 
directions
17Buttons on the controller17
Selecting menus directly
18Automatic Hold61
19Parking brake61
20Adaptive Drive
*91
21Programmable memory buttons20
22Switching Entertainment sound output on/
off and adjusting volume160
23Ejecting audio CD Manual air distribution110
Automatic air distribution and 
volume108
Cooling function110
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control110 
Maximum cooling110 
Air volume109
Residual heat utilization110
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation109
Rear window defroster109
Seat heating
*50
Active seat ventilation
*51
15
Opening liftgate30, 33
Active seat
*52
PDC Park Distance Control
*82
Top View
*84
rear view camera
*86
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control88
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control89
HDC Hill Descent Control90
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At a glance
 23Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Example: selecting the track of a CD
1.Switch on Entertainment sound output if 
necessary.
2.Press the  button on the steering wheel.
Setting the voice dialog
You can set whether the system should use the 
standard dialog or a shorter variant. In the 
shorter variant of the voice dialog, the prompts 
and responses from the system are abbrevi-
ated.
1."Settings"
2."Language/Units"
3."Speech mode:"
4.Select a setting:
>"Default"
>"Short"
Notes
To operate the phone by voice, refer to 
page209.<
For voice commands, bear in mind the follow-
ing:
>Do not use the voice activation system to 
initiate an Emergency Request. In stressful 
situations, the voice and vocal pitch can 
change. This can unnecessarily delay the 
establishment of a telephone connection.>Say the commands and numbers smoothly 
and at normal volume, avoiding excessive 
emphases and pauses. This also applies 
when spelling out and saying a full word 
during destination entry.
>When selecting a radio station, use the 
common pronunciation of the station name.
>For entries in the voice-activated phone 
book, only use names in the language of the 
voice activation system and no abbrevia-
tions.
>Keep doors, windows, and glass sunroof
*/
panorama glass sunroof
* closed in order to 
avoid unpleasant outside noise.
>Avoid making other noise in the vehicle 
while speaking. 3.Select the music track, e.g.: 
{C D track 4}
System says: 
{{Track 4}}
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Opening and closing
42 2.Within about 4 seconds, slide the switch 
forward again beyond the resistance point 
and hold it there. The roof closes without 
the pinch protection system.
Following interruptions in electrical 
power supply
After a power loss, the sunroof may only 
respond to the raise command. Then have the 
system initialized. BMW recommends having 
this work carried out by your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center.
Moving manually*
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can 
move the sunroof manually:
1.Remove trim piece. To do so, gently lift the 
corner of the trim piece with a screwdriver.
2.Using the screwdriver, press in the clamps 
one after the other, arrows 1, tilt the cover 
panel down, arrow 2, and remove.3.Release and disconnect the motor plug. 
This significantly reduces the effort 
required for the manual movement.
4.Take the Allen wrench
* from its bracket in 
the onboard tool kit, refer to page250, and 
insert it into the opening provided. Move the 
glass sunroof in the desired direction.
5.Reconnect the plug.
6.Clip the trim piece into the cover panel, 
arrow1. Then fold the cover panel forward 
until it audibly clicks into place, arrow2.
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Things to remember when driving
130
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to 
each other. To ensure that your vehicle contin-
ues to provide optimized economy of operation 
throughout an extended service life, we request 
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Engine and rear axle differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at various engine and vehicle speeds, but 
do not exceed:
>Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
>Diesel engine
3,500 rpm or 90 mph/150 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode during these 
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be 
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive in a reserved manner during 
this break-in period.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced 
after subsequent driving operation.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends 
on various factors. Through a few simple steps, 
your driving style, and regular maintenance, you 
can have a positive influence on your fuel con-
sumption and environmental impact.
Removing unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Removing add-on parts after use
Remove unneeded auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear 
luggage racks after use. Add-on parts attached 
to the vehicle impede the aerodynamics and 
increase the fuel consumption.
Closing windows and glass sunroof*/
panorama glass sunroof*
An open glass sunroof/panorama glass sunroof 
or open windows likewise increase the drag 
coefficient and therefore the fuel consumption.
Checking tire inflation pressures 
regularly
Check and correct the tire inflation pressure as 
needed at least twice a month and before long 
trips.
An insufficient tire inflation pressure increases 
the rolling resistance and thus increases the 
fuel consumption and tire wear.
Driving off immediately
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it 
running while the vehicle remains stationary. 
Instead, begin to drive at a moderate engine 
ba8_e70ag.book  Seite 130  Freitag, 5. Juni 2009  11:42 11 

Driving tips
 135Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden 
braking or evasive maneuvers are necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle 
weight or either of the approved axle weights, 
refer to page271, as excessive loads can pose 
a safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws. 
You should never transport unsecured heavy or 
hard objects in the passenger compartment, as 
they could fly around and pose a safety hazard 
to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.
Use only the lashing eyes pictured to fasten the 
heavy-duty cargo straps. Do not secure cargo 
with the attachment points for the top tether, 
refer to page56; otherwise they could be dam-
aged.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option 
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on 
its handling and steering response. You should 
therefore always remember not to exceed the 
approved roof load capacity, the approved 
gross vehicle weight or the axle weights when 
loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under 
Weights on page271.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed 
and must not extend outward beyond the limits 
of the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest 
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate 
clearance is maintained for raising the glass 
sunroof
*/panorama glass sunroof* and that 
objects do not project into the opening path of 
the liftgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off 
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Driving on poor roads
Y our B MW  is at hom e on a ll r oa ds a nd surfac e s. 
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 should strictly observe for 
your own safety, for that of your passengers, 
and for the safety of the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before 
driving off and avoid taking risks at all costs.
>Adapt your driving speed 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, make sure beforehand 
that the engine oil and coolant levels are 
near the MAX mark, refer to page240.
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 page90. 
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 whenever 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 loading 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.
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Technical data
270
BMW X6
All dimensions given in inches/mm. 
Smallest turning circle diam.: 42.0 ft/12.8 m
Height with roof rack
*: 66.9 in/1,699 mm
With mixed tires
* the vehicle width may exceed the specified dimension.
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Reference 283
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Diesel exhaust fluid
– at low temperatures226
– at minimum226
– refilling yourself227
Diesel particulate filter131
Digital clock71
Digital compass116
Digital radio, refer to HD 
Radio164
Dimensions269
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals67
Direction announcements, 
refer to Voice 
instructions152
Direction instructions, refer to 
Voice instructions152
Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book143
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data268
Display, refer to iDrive16
Displaying images195
Displaying special 
destinations146
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting105
Displays, refer to Instrument 
panel12
Displays on the windshield, 
refer to Head-Up 
Display100
Disposal
– battery of remote control 
with comfort access37
– battery of the remote 
control, DVD system in 
rear189
– vehicle battery258
Distance, refer to 
Computer74
Distance to destination, refer 
to Computer74
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control82
Door entry lighting106Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Door lock29
Door locking, confirmation 
signals28
Doors
– manual operation29
– remote control27
DOT Quality Grades235
Downhill driving assistance, 
refer to HDC90
Draft-free ventilation111
Drinks holder, refer to Cup 
holders119
Driver's seat, calibrating50
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams102
Driving on poor roads135
Driving stability control 
systems88
Driving through water132
Driving tips, refer to General 
driving notes130
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function110
Drying the air, refer to Cooling 
function110
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control88
– indicator lamp13,89
DSC OFF, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control88
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control89
– activating89
– indicator lamp89
DVD
– country codes173
– settings174
– video playback173
DVD changer, refer to CD 
changer171
DVD menu174
DVD player, refer to CD 
player171DVD system in rear187
– CD/DVD player188
– connecting headphones188
– controls187
– displaying images from CD/
DVD195
– DVD country codes190
– external device198
– information on CD/DVD 
player196
– playing audio tracks from 
CD/DVD193
– playing video from CD/
DVD190
– remote control188
– switching on/off189
DVD video173
Dynamic Performance 
Control90
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC88
Dynamic Traction, refer to 
Dynamic Traction 
Control89
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC89
E
Easy entry/exit54
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on the CD/DVD player160
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic66
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler door224
– glass sunroof, electric42
– liftgate31
– panorama glass sunroof40
– parking brake63
Electric seat44
Electronic brake-force 
distribution88
Electronic oil level check241
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Reference 287
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Loading133
– securing cargo134
– stowing cargo134
– vehicle133
Load securing equipment, 
refer to Securing cargo134
Lock buttons in the doors, 
refer to Locking30
Locking
– from inside30
– setting confirmation 
signals28
– using remote control27
– without key, refer to Comfort 
access35
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside30
– setting confirmation 
signals28
Locking without key, refer to 
Comfort access35
Low beams102
– automatic102
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support45
Low-sulfur diesel225
Lug bolts257
– tightening torque, refer to 
After mounting258
– wrench257
Luggage compartment 
capacity, refer to Cargo bay 
capacity271
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack135
Lumbar support45
LW, waveband163
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires238
Main menu, iDrive17Maintenance
– refer to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models244
– refer to Service 
requirements74
– refer to Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models244
Maintenance system244
Malfunction
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler door224
– glass sunroof, electric42
– liftgate31
– panorama glass sunroof40
– parking brake63
Malfunction warnings, refer to 
Check Control77
Manual air distribution110
Manually releasing 
transmission lock66
Manual mode, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic65
Manual operation
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler door224
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission66
Map display152
Map for navigation
– changing scale153
– entering destination146
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Maximum cooling110
Maximum speed
– for winter tires238
– with compact wheel258
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory45
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Messages208
Microfilter112Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for telephone14
– for voice activation 
system14
Mirror dimming feature53
Mirrors52
– automatic curb monitor53
– exterior mirrors52
– folding in and out52
– heating
52
– interior rearview mirror53
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory45
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume205
– connecting, refer to Mobile 
phone, pairing202
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest, front119
– operation via iDrive205
– pairing202
– refer to separate operating 
instructions
– refer to Telephone202
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring tire pressure, refer 
to FTM Flat Tire Monitor92
MP3 player, connecting
– refer to AUX-IN 
connection183
– refer to USB-audio 
interface183
Multifunction steering wheel, 
refer to Buttons on steering 
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher/high 
beams67
– refer to Washer/wiper 
system67
Music
– managing181
– playing179
– storing178
Music collection178
– backup181
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