BMW X6 M:▷During normal brake application, the bot‐
tom brake lights light up.▷During heavy brake application, the top
brake lights light up in addition.
Active Protection
General information
The Active Protection safety package consists
of systems that are independent of each other:
▷Attentiveness assistant.▷PreCrash▷PostCrash
Attentiveness assistant
The concept The system can detect increasing lack of alert‐
ness or fatigue of the driver during long, mo‐
notonous journeys, e.g., on highways. In this situation, it is recommended that the driver
takes a break.
Note Personal responsibility
The system cannot act as a substitute for
the personal assessment of one's physical
state and may not detect an increasing lack of
alertness or fatigue or may not detect it cor‐
rectly. Therefore, make sure that the driver is
rested and alert; otherwise, risks may be de‐
tected too late and an accident be caused as a
result.◀
Function
The system is activated each time the engine
is started and cannot be switched off.
After travel has begun, the system is trained
about the driver, so that increasing lack of
alertness or fatigue can be detected.
This procedure takes the following criteria into
account:▷Personal driving style, e.g., steering behav‐
ior.▷Driving conditions, e.g., length of trip.
Starting at approximately 43 mph/70 km/h, the
system is active and can display a recommen‐
dation to take a break.
Break recommendation
If the driver becomes increasingly less alert or
fatigued, a message is displayed in the Control
Display with the recommendation to take a
break.
A recommendation to take a break is displayed
only once during an uninterrupted trip.
After a break, another recommendation to take
a break cannot be displayed until after approxi‐
mately 45 minutes.
System limits
The function may be limited in the following
situations, for instance, and will either output
an incorrect warning or no warning at all:
▷When the clock is set incorrectly.▷When the vehicle speed is mainly below
about 43 mph/70 km/h.▷With a sporty driving style, such as during
rapid acceleration or when cornering fast.▷In active driving situations, such as when
changing lanes frequently.▷When the road surface is poor.▷In the event of strong side winds.Seite 127SafetyControls127
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PreCrash
The concept With this system critical driving situations that
might result in an accident can be detected
above a speed of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. In these situations, preventive measures are au‐
tomatically taken to minimize the risk of an ac‐
cident as much as possible.
Critical driving situations may include:▷Emergency stop.▷Severe understeering.▷Severe oversteering.
If the vehicle includes the front-end collision
warning or front-end collision warning with
braking feature, impending collisions with vehi‐
cles driving ahead or stopped in front of you
can also be detected within the system's
range.
Note Personal responsibility
The system cannot possibly serve as a
substitute for the driver's personal judgment of
the traffic situation. The system may not al‐
ways detect critical situations reliably and in a
timely manner. Adapt speed to traffic situation
and drive alertly; otherwise, a risk to safety may
result.◀
Function
After the safety belt is buckled, the front belts
are automatically pretensioned once after the
vehicle is driven is away.
In critical driving situations, the following indi‐
vidual functions become active as needed:
▷The front belts are automatically preten‐
sioned.▷Automatic closing of the windows.▷Automatic closing of the glass sunroof.▷For vehicles equipped with power backrest
adjustment: automatic positioning of the
backrest for the front passenger seat.
After a critical driving situation without an acci‐
dent, the front belts are loosened again. All
other systems can be restored to the desired
setting.
If the belt tension does not loosen automati‐
cally, stop the vehicle and unbuckle the belt
using the red button in the buckle. Fasten the
belt before continuing on your trip.
PostCrash
In the event of an accident, the system can
bring the car to a halt automatically without in‐
tervention by the driver in certain situations.
This can reduce the risk of a further collision
and the consequences thereof.
Depressing the brake pedal can cause the ve‐
hicle to brake harder. This interrupts automatic
braking. Destepping on the gas pedal also in‐ terrupts automatic braking.
After coming to a halt, the brake is released
automatically. Secure the vehicle against roll‐
ing.
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Driving stability control systemsVehicle features and optionsThis chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking.
The vehicle contains its steering power even
during full brake applications, thus increasing
active safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the greatest possible
braking force boost. It reduces the braking dis‐
tance to a minimum during emergency stop.
This system utilizes all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the emergency stop.
Drive-off assistant
This system supports driving off on inclines.
The parking brake is not required.1.Hold the vehicle in place with the foot
brake.2.Release the foot brake and drive off with‐
out delay.After the foot brake is released, the vehicle is
held in place for approx. 2 seconds.
Depending on the vehicle load or when a trailer
is used, the vehicle may roll back slightly.
Driving off without delay
After releasing the foot brake, start driv‐
ing without delay, since the drive-off assistant
will not hold the vehicle in place for more than
approx. 2 seconds and the vehicle will begin to
roll back.◀
Dynamic Performance
Control
The Dynamic Performance Control increases
both the agility of the vehicle as well as the
lane stability.
The system seamlessly handles the distribu‐
tion of the drive torque between the two rear
wheels.
Depending on the situation, the drive torque is
shifted from the wheel on the inside of the
curve to the wheel on the outside of the curve
or vice-versa.
To increase the maneuverability, the rear
wheel on the outside of the curve is acceler‐
ated when the driving style is correspondingly
sporty.
The steering responds directly; simultane‐
ously, the understeering tendency of the four-
wheel drive is reduced.
With the oversteering tendency, the system
exerts a stabilizing effect by accelerating the
rear wheel on the inside of the curve.
The system noticeably improves the traction
and simultaneously increases the driving
safety, especially on road surfaces having fluc‐
tuating coefficients of friction.Seite 129Driving stability control systemsControls129
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DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept DSC prevents traction loss in the power
wheels when driving off and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Within
the physical limits DSC helps to keep the vehi‐
cle on a steady course by reducing engine
speed and by applying brakes to the individual
wheels.
Note Adjust your driving style to the situation
An appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, not
even with DSC.
Therefore, do not reduce the additional safety
margin by driving in a risky manner.◀
Do not deactivate DSC when driving with
roof load
Do not deactivate Dynamic Stability Control
DSC when driving with roof load, e.g. roof-
mounted luggage rack.
Otherwise, driving safety is not given in driv‐
ing-critical situation due to the elevated center
of gravity.◀
At a glance
Button in the vehicleDSC OFF button
Indicator/warning lights The indicator lamp flashes: DSC con‐
trols the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.
M Dynamic Mode MDM
M Dynamic Mode makes it possible to drive on
a dry roadway with high longitudinal and trans‐
verse acceleration but with limited driving sta‐
bility.
Only in the absolute limit area does the system
intervene for stabilization by reducing the en‐
gine power and by braking interventions on the
wheels. In this driving condition, additional
steering corrections may be necessary.
Limited stabilizing interventions
When M Dynamic Mode is activated, sta‐
bilizing interventions are carried out only to a
reduced extent. You must react yourself; oth‐
erwise, there is the risk of an accident.◀
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC
again as soon as possible.
Activating MDM Press button briefly.
The MDM and DSC OFF indicator
lights on the instrument cluster light up.
Deactivating MDM Press button.
The MDM and DSC OFF indicator
lights go out.Seite 130ControlsDriving stability control systems130
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Via M DriveOn the Control Display:1."Settings"2."M Drive 1" or "M Drive 2"3. Select the symbol.4."MDM"
To open M Drive with the selected settings,
press the corresponding button on the steer‐
ing wheel:
▷▷
A message appears in the instrument cluster.
This message is confirmed by pressing the
button again.
Deactivating MDM
Press the appropriate button 1 or button 2 on
the steering wheel again.
M Dynamic Mode and the settings selected
under M Drive are deactivated.
Indicator/warning lights Indicator lights light up:
M Dynamic Mode is activated.
DSC indicator lamp also flashes:
M Dynamic Mode controls the drive
forces and brake forces.
Indicator lights light up:
M Dynamic Mode or DSC has failed.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF
When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is
reduced during acceleration and when driving
in curves.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC
again as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC Press and hold this button but not lon‐
ger than approx. 10 seconds, until the
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the in‐
strument cluster and displays DSC OFF.
The DSC system is switched off.
Activating DSC Press button.
DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Via M Drive On the Control Display:1."Settings"2."M Drive 1" or "M Drive 2"3. Select the symbol.4."DSC OFF"
To open M Drive with the selected settings,
press the corresponding button on the steer‐
ing wheel:
▷▷
A message appears in the instrument cluster.
This message is confirmed by pressing the
button again.
Indicator/warning lights
When DSC is deactivated, DSC OFF is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster.
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Activating HDC
Press button; the LED above the button
lights up.
Deactivating HDC Press button again and the LED goes
out. HDC is automatically deactivated
above approx. 37 mph/60 km/h.
Display in the instrument cluster The selected speed is displayed
in the speedometer.
▷Green: the system is actively
braking the vehicle.▷Orange: the system is on
standby.
Malfunction
A message is displayed in the instrument clus‐
ter. HDC is not available, e.g., due to elevated
brake temperatures.
Vertical Dynamic ControlThe concept This system reduces undesirable vehicle mo‐tion when using a dynamic driving style or trav‐
eling on uneven road surfaces.
The system enhances driving dynamics and
comfort fitting road surface and driving style.
Programs
Setting options for calibrating the shock ab‐
sorbers:▷"Comfort": comfort-oriented.▷"Sport": balanced out.▷"Sport Plus": consistently sporty.
Selecting a channel
Via M Drive On the Control Display:
1."Settings"2."M Drive 1" or "M Drive 2"3. Select the symbol.4.Select the desired channel.
When M Drive is active, setting is immedi‐
ately applied.
To activate M Drive with the selected settings,
press the corresponding button on the steer‐
ing wheel:
▷▷
Using the button
Press button repeatedly until the desired
program is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
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Display in the instrument clusterVertical Dynamic Control with selected
program with activated display of the
system states of the driving dynamics,
refer to page 92.
Servotronic The conceptThe Servotronic varies the steering force re‐
quired to turn the wheels in accordance with
the vehicle speed. At low speeds, the steering
force is strongly supported, i. e. during steer‐
ing, low force is required. As the speed in‐
creases, the assistance of the steering force is
reduced.
Furthermore, the steering force adapts accord‐
ing to the driving program, so that a direct,
sporty feel and/or comfortable steering is con‐
veyed.
Programs Steering force setting options:▷"Comfort": low.▷"Sport": medium.▷"Sport Plus": high.
Selecting a channel
Via M Drive On the Control Display:
1."Settings"2."M Drive 1" or "M Drive 2"3. Select the symbol.4.Select the desired channel.
When M Drive is active, setting is immedi‐
ately applied.
To activate M Drive with the selected settings,
press the corresponding button on the steer‐
ing wheel:
▷▷
Using the button
Press button repeatedly until the desired
program is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
Display in the instrument cluster Servotronic with selected program with
activated display of the System states
of the driving dynamics, refer to
page 92.
Self-leveling suspension The concept
The self-leveling suspension keeps the vehicle
height and ground clearance constant. The
height of the vehicle at the rear axle is main‐
tained at a predefined level under all load con‐
ditions.
The system ensures consistent comfort by
keeping spring travel constant in all driving sit‐
uations.
Malfunction A Check Control message is displayed. The
system is disrupted. Vehicle handling may be
altered and driving comfort may be noticeably
reduced. Visit your nearest service center.
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ment cluster indicates whether the system is
switched on.
Desired speed▷The marking lights up green:
the system is active.▷The marking lights up or‐
ange: the system has been
interrupted.▷The marking does not light up: the system
is switched off.
Brief status display
Selected desired speed.
If --- appears briefly on the display for Check
Control messages, it is possible that the sys‐
tem requirements are currently not ready for
operations.
Displays in the Head-up Display Some system information can also be dis‐played in the Head-up Display.
PDC Park Distance Control
The concept PDC is a support when parking. When you
slowly approach an object in the rear - or also
in the front of the vehicle if the feature is availa‐
ble - then the object is reported through:
▷Signal tones.▷Visual display.
General information
Ultrasound sensors in the bumpers measure
the distances from objects.
The maneuvering range, depending on the ob‐
stacle and environmental conditions, is approx.
6 ft/2 m.
An acoustic warning is first given:▷By the front sensors and the two rear cor‐
ner sensors at approx. 24 in/60 cm.▷By the rear middle sensors at approx.
5 ft/1.50 m.
To ensure full functionality:
▷Do not cover sensors, e.g., with stickers,
bicycle racks and the like.▷Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.▷When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the sensors for long periods and
maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.
Hints
Personal responsibility
Even an active system does not relieve
the driver from personal responsibility while
driving.
Technically the system has its limits, it cannot
independently react to all traffic situations.
Monitor your driving, be on the alert, observe
the vehicle surroundings and other traffic and
react when needed - risk of accident.◀
Avoid driving fast with PDC
Avoid approaching an object too fast.
Avoid driving off fast while PDC is not yet ac‐
tive.
For technical reasons, the system may other‐
wise be too late in issuing a warning.◀
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