
Mobility
 249Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by the circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side 
of the tire. 
Run-flat tires consist of partially self-contained 
tires and special rims. The sidewall reinforce-
ment ensures that the tire retains some residual 
safety in the event of pressure drop and driving 
remains possible to a restricted degree.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of 
a flat tire page100
>With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure 
page103
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only 
by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center or a tire shop that works according to 
BMW repair procedures with correspondingly 
trained personnel. If this work is not carried out 
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that 
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend that you use 
retreaded tires, as driving safety may be 
impaired. The causes for this include the possi-
bly different tire casing structures and the often 
wide variations in their age, which can result in a 
limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount Run-flat tires for your own safety. Your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be 
happy to advise you.
BMW recommends that you use only 
wheel and tire combinations that BMW 
has tested and approved for your particular 
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and 
tires with identical official size ratings could 
actually have different dimensions than the 
approved units – these differences could lead to 
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are 
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, 
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving 
safety.<
When changing to larger wheels and tires, 
it may be necessary to make changes to 
the wheelwell trim piece, as otherwise road 
users could be endangered or the vehicle could 
be damaged. Only have this work carried out by 
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a 
workshop that works in accordance with BMW 
guidelines and uses appropriately trained per-
sonnel.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center for the correct wheel/tire combination.
The correct wheel/tire combination also affects 
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC, xDrive, 
Dynamic Performance Control in the BMW X6, 
or Flat Tire Monitor.
To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. Following 
tire damage, have the original wheel and tire 
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon 
as possible.
Wheels with electronics for 
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When mounting new tires or changing from 
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use 
wheels with TPM electronics, otherwise the  

Care
258
Care
Car-care products
For the cleaning and care of your vehicle, BMW 
recommends using only products that BMW 
has approved for this purpose.
Regular cleaning and care make a significant 
contribution to retaining your BMW's value.
The BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be 
happy to consult you on products and services 
for the cleaning and care of your BMW.
Genuine BMW Care Products are materi-
als tested, laboratory tested, and tested in 
actual use. They offer optimum care and pro-
tection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol 
or solvents; they can damage your vehi-
cle.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances 
that are dangerous or pose health risks. 
You should therefore heed the warnings and 
hazard indications on the packaging. Open the 
doors or windows on your vehicle whenever 
cleaning the interior. Make sure there is suffi-
cient ventilation in enclosed spaces. Use only 
products that are formulated for vehicle clean-
ing.<
Exterior care
Washing your vehicle
In the winter months, it is especially 
important to ensure that the vehicle is 
washed on a regular basis. Otherwise, signifi-
cant soiling and road salt can cause damage to 
the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them. Failure to do so 
may lead to a reduction in braking efficiency and 
also to corrosion of the brake rotors.<
Car washes
Give preference to cloth car washes.Before driving into the car wash, make sure that 
it is suitable for your BMW. Pay attention to the 
following points:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to 
page281.
>If necessary, fold in exterior mirrors, refer to 
page51.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher 
than 4 in/10 cm as these may damage 
parts of the vehicle body.<
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Deactivate the rain sensor to prevent 
undesired wiper operation.
>BMW X5: deactivate rear window wiper and 
protect it from damage. Take appropriate 
protective measures; inquiring with the car 
wash operator as needed.
>Remove add-on parts such as spoilers or 
phone antennas if they risk being damaged.
Before driving into the car wash, observe the 
following so that the vehicle is able to roll:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2.Shift into transmission position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Deactivate Automatic Hold, refer to 
page61.
5.Switch off the engine.
6.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock 
so that the vehicle can roll.
Mixed tires*
Before driving into a car wash, make sure 
that the vehicle width is not too large for 
the car wash, as otherwise the vehicle and the 
car wash could be damaged.< 

Reference 281
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Dimensions
BMW X5
All dimensions given in inches/mm. 
Smallest turning circle dia.: 42.0 ft/12.8 m
With mixed tires
* the vehicle width may exceed the specified dimension. 

Technical data
282
BMW X6
All dimensions given in inches/mm. 
Smallest turning circle dia.: 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. 

Reference 295
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Cell phone
– refer to Mobile phone
Center armrest
– front128
– rear131
Center brake lamp265,268
Center console14
Central locking system27
– Comfort Access35
– from inside vehicle30
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
Changes, technical, refer to 
Parts and accessories5
Changing gears
– using shift paddles64
Changing language on 
Control Display86
Changing tires249
Changing trips157
Changing units of measure on 
Control Display86
Changing wheels268
Check Control82
Checking the air pressure, 
refer to Tire inflation 
pressure239
Children, transporting54
Child restraint devices54
Child restraint fixing system 
LATCH55
Child restraint systems54
Child-safety locks57
Child seats54
Chime, refer to Check 
Control82
Cigarette lighter, refer to 
Lighter130
Cleaning your BMW, refer to 
Care258
Clock76
– 12h/24h mode85
– setting time85
Closing
– from inside30
– using remote control28
Closing fuel filler cap234
Clothes hooks128
Cockpit10Cold start, refer to Starting 
engine59
Combination instrument, refer 
to Instrument panel12
Comfort Access35
– observe in car wash36
– replacing battery37
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14
Comfort start, refer to Starting 
engine59
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure241
– wheel change268
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock58
Compartments, refer to 
Storage compartments128
Compass, digital125
Computer78
– displaying information78
– opening via iDrive79
Concierge service227
Condition Based Service 
CBS256
Confirmation signals, 
adjusting for locking and 
unlocking28
Connecting car vacuum 
cleaner, refer to Connecting 
electrical devices130
Connecting headphones197
Consumption, refer to 
Average fuel 
consumption78
Consumption indicator
– energy control77
Consumption statistics, refer 
to Average fuel 
consumption78
Contacts
– creating224
Control Center, refer to 
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to 
iDrive16
– setting brightness86
– switching on/off19Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Controls DVD system in 
rear196
Convenient opening and 
closing
– glass sunroof28,29
– glass sunroof with Comfort 
Access36
– windows28,29
– windows with Comfort 
Access36
– with Comfort Access36
Coolant255
– checking level255
– temperature77
Cooling, maximum119
Copyright2
Cornering Brake Control 
CBC95
Country codes DVD181
Courtesy lamps, refer to 
Interior lamps115
Cradle for telephone or mobile 
phone128
Criteria for route158
Cruise control67
– active cruise control68
Cruising range78
Cupholders128
Current playback
– external devices194
– of music collection189
Customer Relations229
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data280
D
Dashboard, refer to 
Cockpit10
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting115
Data280
– capacities284
– dimensions281
– engine280
– technical data280
– weights283 

Everything from A - Z
296 Data memory257
Data transfer230
Date76
– display format85
– retrieving76
– setting85
Daytime driving lamps112
Defrosting windows118
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation118
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows118
Deleting a trip157
Destination, entering by town/
city name149
Destination address
– entering149,155
Destination entry using BMW 
Assist153
Destination for navigation
– entering149
– entering by voice155
– entering via map154
Destination guidance158
– bypassing a route 
section159
– changing specified 
route158
– continuing158
– starting158
– voice instructions160
– volume of voice 
instructions160
Diesel exhaust fluid
– at low temperatures237
– at minimum236
– refilling yourself237
Diesel particulate filter139
Digital clock76
Digital compass125
Digital radio, refer to HD 
Radio172
Dimensions281
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals65
Direction announcements, 
refer to Voice 
instructions160Directory for navigation, refer 
to Address book151
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data280
Display, refer to iDrive16
Displaying images204
Displaying special 
destinations154
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting115
Displays, refer to Instrument 
panel12
Displays on the windshield, 
refer to Head-up 
Display109
Disposal
– battery of remote control 
with Comfort Access37
– battery of the remote 
control, DVD system in 
rear198
– vehicle battery270
Distance, refer to 
Computer79
Distance, selecting for active 
cruise control70
Distance control, refer to 
Active cruise control68
Distance to destination, refer 
to Computer79
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control88
Door entry lighting115
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Door lock29
Door locking, confirmation 
signals28
Doors
– manual operation29
– remote control28
DOT Quality Grades247
Downhill driving assistance, 
refer to HDC97
Draft-free ventilation120
Drinks holder, refer to 
Cupholders128
Drive-off assistant99Driver's seat, calibrating49
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams111
Driving on poor roads143
Driving stability control 
systems95
Driving through water140
Driving tips, refer to General 
driving notes138
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function119
Drying the air, refer to Cooling 
function119
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control95
– indicator lamp13,96
DSC OFF, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control95
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control96
– activating96
– indicator lamp97
DVD
– country codes181
– settings182
– video playback181
DVD changer183
– malfunctions184
DVD changer, refer to CD 
changer179
DVD menu182
DVD player, refer to CD 
player179
DVD system in rear196
– CD/DVD player197
– connecting headphones197
– controls196
– displaying images from CD/
DVD204
– DVD country codes199
– external device207
– information on CD/DVD 
player205
– playing audio tracks from 
CD/DVD202
– playing video from CD/
DVD199
– remote control197
– switching on/off198 

Everything from A - Z
298 FM, waveband171
Fog lamps114
– indicator lamp13,114
Folding display screen open/
closed, DVD system in 
rear196
Folding rear seat backrest132
Footwell lamps115
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to 
xDrive97
Free memory capacity, music 
collection190
Front airbags107
Front passenger airbags107
– deactivating107
– refer to Exception of front 
passenger seat54
Front seat adjustment43
FTM Flat Tire Monitor99
– false alarms100
– indicating a flat tire100
– initializing the system100
– snow chains250
– system limits100
– warning lamp100
Fuel235
– capacity284
– display78
– high-quality brands235
– quality235
– saving138
– specifications235
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge78
Fuel consumption display
– computer, average fuel 
consumption78
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge78
Fuel filler flap234
– closing234
– opening234
– releasing manually234
Fuses271
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control124
Gasoline, refer 
to Required fuel235
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge78
Gas station 
recommendations159
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic64
General driving 
notes138,139
Glass sunroof
– convenient opening and 
closing from outside29
– convenient opening and 
closing with Comfort 
Access36
– remote control28
Glass sunroof, electric40
– opening, closing40
– power interruption41
– raising40
Glove compartment127
– lighting127
GPS navigation, refer to 
Navigation system148
Grills, refer to Ventilation120
Grills of the automatic climate 
control116
Gross vehicle weight, refer to 
Weights283
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking 
brake60
– Automatic Hold61
Hands-free system, refer to 
Microphone14
Hand washing259
Have diesel exhaust fluid
– refilled237
Hazard warning flashers15
HDC Hill Descent Control97HD Radio172
Head airbags107
Headlamp control, 
automatic111
Headlamp flasher65
Headlamps111
– cleaning, refer to Washer/
wiper system65
– replacing bulbs262
Head Light, refer to Adaptive 
Light Control112
Head restraints45
– sitting safely42
Head-up Display109
Heated
– mirrors51
– rear window118
– seats49,50
– steering wheel53
Heating116
– exterior mirrors51
– interior116
– rear window118
– residual heat119
– seats49,50
– steering wheel53
Heating with engine switched 
off, refer to Residual 
heat119
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing 
cargo142
Height
– on Head-up Display109
Height, refer to 
Dimensions281
Height adjustment
– seats43
– steering wheel52
High-beam Assistant113
High beams65,113
– headlamp flasher65
– indicator lamp13
High-beams, automatically 
switching on and off, refer to 
High-beam Assistant113
High-pressure cleaning 
jets259
High water, refer to Driving 
through water140 

Everything from A - Z
300 LATCH child restraint fixing 
system55
Leather care260
LEDs light-emitting 
diodes263
Length, refer to 
Dimensions281
License plate lamp, replacing 
bulbs265,268
Liftgate30,33
– adjusting opening 
height31,33
– automatic operation31
– closing31,33
– locking and unlocking from 
inside30
– manually opening or 
closing34
– opening33
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– opening manually31
Light
– refer to High-beam 
Assistant113
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs263
Lighter130
Lighter socket130
Lighting
– instruments115
– lamps and bulbs262
– of the vehicle, refer to 
Lamps111
Light switch111
Load141
Loading140
– securing cargo142
– stowing cargo142
– vehicle140
Load securing equipment, 
refer to Securing cargo142
Lock buttons in the doors, 
refer to Locking30Locking
– from inside30
– setting confirmation 
signals28
– using remote control28
– without key, refer to Comfort 
Access35
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside30
– setting confirmation 
signals28
Locking without key, refer to 
Comfort Access
35
Low beams111
– automatic111
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support44
Low-sulfur diesel235
Lug bolts269
– tightening torque, refer to 
After mounting270
– wrench269
Luggage compartment 
capacity, refer to Cargo area 
capacity283
Luggage compartment roller 
cover131
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack143
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires250
Main menu, iDrive17
Maintenance
– refer to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models256
– refer to Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models256
Maintenance, refer to Service 
requirements79
Maintenance system256Malfunction
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap234
– liftgate31
– parking brake62
Malfunction warnings, refer to 
Check Control82
Manual air distribution118
Manual mode, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic64
Manual operation
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap234
Manual operation, Side 
View92
Map display160
Map for navigation
– changing scale161
– entering destination154
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Maximum cooling119
Maximum speed
– for winter tires250
– with compact wheel270
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory44
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Messages218
Messages from the concierge 
service219
Microfilter121
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for telephone14
– for voice activation 
system14
Mirror dimming feature52