automatic transmission BMW M6 2008 E63 Owner's Manual

At a glance
15Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
1Microphone for hands-free mode for
telephone
*
and voice command system*23
Convertible: microphone on steering
column
2Reading lamps100
3SOS: initiating an emergency request224
4Interior lamps100
5Passenger airbag status lamp91
6Control Display16
7Hazard warning flashers
8Central locking system32
9Automatic climate control101
10Changing
>radio station165 165
>track165 165
11Ejecting
>navigation DVD
*124
>audio CD165 165
12Programmable memory/direct selection
buttons2113Drive for navigation DVD in Professional
*
navigation system124
14Drive for audio CDs165 165
15Entertainment sound output on/off
and adjusting volume165 165
17Bracket for cup holder
*111
18Controller16
Turn, press or move horizontally in four
directions
19Opening start menu on Control Display17
20Drivelogic of Sequential Manual
Transmission63
21EDC Electronic Damper Control for
Sequential Manual Transmission85
22DSC Dynamic Stability Control for
Sequential Manual Transmission83
23M Engine Dynamic Control POWER for
Sequential Manual Transmission64
24EDC Electronic Damper Control for
manual transmission
*85
25MDM
>M Dynamic Mode for manual
transmission
*83
>Switching DSC on and off in manual
transmission
*84 Temperature setting,
left/right101
Automatic air distribution and
volume102
Cooling function104
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control/recirculated-air mode104
Maximum cooling104
Residual heat mode105
Switching off automatic climate
control105
Air volume103
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation103
Rear window defroster101
16
Heated seats51
PDC Park Distance Control
*81
Flat Tire Monitor86
Convertible: opening the convert-
ible top41
Convertible: closing the convertible
top41

Controls
61Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and a sig-
nal also sounds when starting off. The
handbrake is applied.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to apply the handbrake
while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it too
firmly. In doing so, continuously press the but-
ton of the handbrake lever. Otherwise, too firm
an application of the handbrake can lock up the
rear wheels and cause the rear of the vehicle to
swerve.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally engage the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is applied.<
Manual transmission*
When shifting into 5th/6th gear, press the
gearshift lever toward the right, otherwise
an inadvertent shift into 3rd or 4th gear could
lead to engine damage.<
When engaging the 1st gear, a slight jolt may
occur. This is operation-related and no reason
for concern.
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Press the gearshift lever to the left, overcoming
a slight resistance.
Shift lights
To achieve the best vehicle acceleration with a
sporty driving style, shift lights in the Head-Up
Display
* indicate the optimum shifting point
briefly before reaching the maximum rpm. Refer
to Shift lights, page64.

Driving
62
Sequential Manual
Transmission with Drivelogic
The concept
The SMG Sequential Manual Transmission
with Drivelogic is an automated manual trans-
mission in which an electrohydraulic system
handles the clutching and gear changes.
The Sequential Manual Transmission is oper-
ated with the selector lever and two shift pad-
dles on the steering wheel.
It offers the following functions:
>Choice of manual or automatic mode:
Sequential mode or Drive mode
>Selection option between different driving
programs, Drivelogic, refer to page63
>Upshift display, shift lights, refer to page64
>Automatic downshifting and prevention of
incorrect shifting even in Sequential opera-
tion
>Automatic double clutching
Selector lever positions
>R: Reverse gear
>N: Neutral, idle
>Β: Drive position:
>+: manual upshifting
>–: manual downshifting
>D/S: switch between Drive mode and
Sequential mode
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting out of N;
the shift command will not be executed unless
the brake is applied.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Idle
Always engage before starting engine.
If the driving situation requires, e.g. when down-
shifting on a slippery road surface, the Sequen-
tial Manual Transmission automatically
clutches and then declutches again, i.e. it is not
necessary to engage idling manually.
The system shifts into N when you open
the driver's door or the hood with the
engine running and do not operate pedals, shift
paddles or the selector lever. To begin driving
after closing the driver's door or the hood, first
shift the selector lever into the N position, and
then shift into drive.<
S Sequential mode
You can shift up and down using the shift pad-
dles or the selector lever. You do not need to
remove your foot from the accelerator to do so.
After every engine start, as soon as the selector
lever is pushed to the right into the drive posi-
tion Β and the brake pedal is pressed, the
Sequential mode is activated.
Starting off is also possible on a level road sur-
face in second gear, e.g. in case of ice.
In the following situations, the Sequential Man-
ual Transmission thinks for you:
>Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combina-
tion of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for
example, the system will not execute a
downshift that would cause the engine to
overrev.
>When the vehicle is stationary, the trans-
mission automatically downshifts into first
gear.
>Shortly before dropping below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the transmis-
sion downshifts automatically even without
your intervention.

Things to remember when driving
116
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts need time to adjust to one
another. To ensure that your vehicle continues
to provide optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing section.
Do not use the driving programs 5 and 6, refer
to Drivelogic on page63, during break-in.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and driving speeds,
however do not exceed 5,500 rpm or 105 mph/
170 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 to
3,000 miles/5,000 km
The engine and driving speeds can gradually be
increased up to a continuous vehicle speed of
135 mph/220 km/h. Only drive at top speed
briefly, e.g. when passing.
Transmission
The function of the transmission is only at its
optimized level after driving a distance of
approx. 300 miles/500 km. Do not exceed
engine speeds of 5,500 rpm during this time.
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.
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its opti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. With manual transmission:
During this break-in period, engage the clutch
gently.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced
after subsequent driving operation.
General driving notes
Ground clearance
Ensure that sufficient ground clearance
is available. To drive down curbs, select
the "Sport" program of the EDC Electronic
Damping Control, refer to page85, to keep the
ground clearance as uniform as possible. Oth-
erwise, the vehicle may be damaged.<
Closing luggage compartment lid
Only drive with the luggage compartment
lid completely closed, otherwise exhaust
can penetrate into the passenger compart-
ment.<
If it is absolutely necessary to drive with the lug-
gage compartment lid open:
1.Coupe: close both windows.
Convertible: with closed top, close all win-
dows.
2.Increase the air volume of the automatic cli-
mate control to a high level, refer to
page103.

Things to remember when driving
118 Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When driving on wet roads or in heavy rain, it is
a good idea to apply light pressure to the brake
pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions
to ensure that this maneuver does not endan-
ger other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and thus reduced
efficiency of the brake system, downshift
to a gear in which only minimal brake applica-
tions are needed when descending long or
steep downhill stretches. Even light but consis-
tent pressure on the brake pedal can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
Sequential Manual Transmission: do not
drive in idle or with the engine switched
off, otherwise there will be no engine braking
action or support of the braking force and steer-
ing.
Manual transmission: do not drive with the
clutch depressed, in idle or with the engine
switched off, otherwise there will be no engine
braking action or support of the braking force
and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
This can also lead to long-lasting decreases in
comfort and squeaking noise during braking.
These decreases in comfort can also be pro-
duced by long braking maneuvers with a low
pedal pressure.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
For technical information about the brake sys-
tem, refer to page121.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic climate
control during operation, and then exits under
the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under
the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page51,
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Make sure that no fluids leak in the cargo
bay; otherwise the vehicle could be dam-
aged.<

Mobility
207Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
After changing wheels/tires
After changing tires or wheels, the slip detec-
tion of the Sequential Manual Transmission
must become familiar with the changed state.
Reinitialize the system for this purpose:
1.Move the selector lever into the idling
position N on a straight stretch of road at a
speed between 20 mph/30 km/h and
90 mph/150 km/h.
2.Pull both shift paddles for approx. 2 sec-
onds.
If you do not carry out initialization, the system
will automatically learn the changed state grad-
ually during driving. This may be noticeable
from the clutch opening and closing briefly.
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Always
protect tires against all contact with oil, grease
and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum tire
inflation pressure indicated on the side wall of
the tire.
Rotating wheels between axles
BMW does not recommend moving the front
wheels to the rear or vice versa, as otherwise
the handling characteristics may be impaired.
With tires of different makes and types
* such a
change is not permissible.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and recommends
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
Use is only permitted in pairs, with winter tires
of the size 245/45 R 18 on the rear wheels.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.Make sure that the snow chains are always suf-
ficiently tensioned. Readjust tension in accor-
dance with the chain manufacturer's specifica-
tions if necessary.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
installing snow chains as this could cause
the Flat Tire Monitor to malfunction.
After mounting or removing snow chains, the
slip detection of the Sequential Manual Trans-
mission must become familiar with the altered
state. To do this, reinitialize the system, refer to
After changing wheels/tires.<

Under the hood
210
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving
style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil
level check.
The oil level can be displayed when the engine
is at operating temperature. Constant short-
distance driving or a very sporty driving style
can make it impossible for a measurement to be
taken.
Displays in instrument cluster
You can display the current oil level in the
instrument cluster.
1Oil level
2Maximum marking
3Minimum marking
4BC button
Press the button4 in the turn signal lever
repeatedly until the display for the oil level
appears in the instrument cluster.
Manual transmission: the fluid level will be
shown in the lower display.<
The oil level must be between the two marks.
A new measurement is automatically taken
after each engine start.
Possible displays
1Oil level OK
2Oil level is being determined.
This process can take approx. 1 minute
when stopped on a level surface and
approx. 5 minutes while driving.
If the engine oil has been topped off, the
measurement of the oil level can take up to
30 minutes.
3Oil level at minimum:
Add a maximum of 1 US quart/1 liter of
engine oil at the next opportunity, refer to
Adding engine oil below Add at least
0.5 US quart/0.5 liter. Otherwise the oil
level control may not display the new value
correctly.
If the oil level displayed is below minimum,
add engine oil immediately. Failure to do so
may lead to engine damage.
4Oil level is too high
Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately; otherwise, engine damage may
result if too much oil has been added.<
5No value can be determined at this time.
Engine is not yet at operating temperature.

Giving and receiving assistance
228
With tow truck
Do not tow the vehicle with only the front
or rear axle raised, as otherwise the
engine may be damaged or the steering can
turn to the left or right.<
Have the vehicle transported on a flatbed sur-
face only.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page225. Vehicles equipped with a
catalytic converter should only be tow-started
when the engine is cold.
Manual transmission
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page59.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch again completely.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Sequential Manual Transmission with
Drivelogic
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page59.
3.Tow-start in selector lever position N.4.Move the selector lever into the drive posi-
tion and pull toward + within 2 seconds.
The correct gear will be selected and
engaged automatically.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.

Everything from A to Z
246 ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control83
Event data recorders215
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system117
Exterior mirrors51
– adjusting51
– automatic dimming
feature52
– automatic heating51
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side
mirror52
External audio device110
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting226
Eyes for lashing, refer to
Securing cargo119
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control152
Fader, refer to Tone
control152
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control74
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms36
– refer to Switching off
alarm35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts50
Fastest route for
navigation136
Fast forward
– CD changer168
– CD player168
"Fast route" for
navigation136
"Favorites", calling up with
radio157
Filler neck for washer fluid67Filling bottle, refer to
M Mobility System218
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter105
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit225
First-aid kit225
Flashing when locking and
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight110
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor86
– M Mobility System218
– run-flat tires88
– spare wheel221
– Tire Pressure Monitor87
– warning lamp87,88
Flat Tire Monitor86
– false alarms86
– initializing system86
– limits of system86
– snow chains207
– warning lamp87
Floor mats, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Floor mats/carpets, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler
neck for washer fluid67
"FM", reception
range150,154
FM, waveband154
Folding into raised position
convertible top
compartment floor,
Convertible35
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely117
Footwell lighting, refer to
Interior lamps100
For specified oil grades, refer
to Approved engine oils212
For your own safety6Freeway, refer to Route
criteria136
Front airbags90
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating91
"FTM"87
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor86
Fuel
– average consumption71
– display70
– fuel specifications201
– high-quality brands201
– quality201
– specifications201
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities235
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Fuel filler door200
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction200
Fuel gauge70
Full mobile phone preparation
package176
Full screen display, refer to
Switching assistance
window off20
Fuses223
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control108
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption71
– refer to Fuel
specifications201
– refer to Required fuel201
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Gear changes63
Gear display, refer to Displays
in instrument cluster63
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission61

Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals31
– from inside32
– from outside30
Low beams96
– automatic96
– indicator lamp13
– replacing bulbs216
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support46
Lug bolts221
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting222
– wrench220
Luggage compartment
– capacity235
– emergency release35
– hotel function33
– increasing capacity,
Convertible35
– opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid34
– opening from inside34
– opening from outside34
– opening with remote
control31
Luggage compartment lid34
– comfort access37
– emergency operation34
– emergency release35
– opening from inside34
– opening from outside34
– opening with remote
control31,34
– unlocking manually34
Lumbar support46
LW, waveband154
M
M Dynamic Mode MDM83
– indicator lamp13,83
M Engine Dynamic Control64
– "P 400"65
– "P 500"65
– "P 500 Sport"65M Mobility System218
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires206
Maintenance214
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models214
– refer to Service
requirements72
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models214
Maintenance system214
Malfunction
– convertible top42
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door200
– hotel function33
– luggage compartment lid34
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control74
Manual air distribution103
"Manual" on the radio155
Manual operation
– convertible top42
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door200
– hotel function33
– luggage compartment lid34
Manual transmission61
– tow-starting228
"Map direction of travel"140
"Map facing north"140
Map for navigation
– changing scale140
– destination entry131
Map view140
Map view facing north140
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling104
Maximum speed with winter
tires206
MDM, refer to M Dynamic
Mode83"MDrive"54
MDrive53
"M Dynamic Mode"84
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions
– Convertible234
– Coupe233
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
MENU, button refer to Start
menu17
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Message list for traffic
information143
Microfilter105
Microphone
– for telephone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature52
Mirrors51
– automatic curb monitor52
– folding in and out51
– heating51
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
"Missed calls"184
Missed calls185
Mobile phone
– accepted calls185
– adjusting volume182
– calling183
– ending call183
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest110
– missed calls185
– operation by voice187
– operation via iDrive182
– redialing185
– refer to separate operating
instructions
– Top 8185
– touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method186