engine BMW ACTIVEHYBRID X6 2010 User Guide

Driving
18
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward gears are shifted automatically. Depend-
ing on operating conditions, the vehicle is
driven electrically or with the combustion
engine.
The fuel consumption is the lowest in transmis-
sion position D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the
increased resistance at full throttle.
Due to the high power requested, the combus-
tion engine is started and is assisted by the
electric motors as needed.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Press selector lever out of transmission
position D toward the left:
The sport program is activated, S and the
engaged gear are displayed in the instrument
panel. This position is recommended for a per-
formance-oriented driving style.
With the sport program activated, the combus-
tion engine is always started.
When the selector lever is pressed forward or
back, the manual mode is activated and the
Steptronic shifts the gear. For example, M3 is
displayed in the instrument panel.
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.
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.
>Upshifting: pull on one of the shifting pad-
dles, arrows +.
>Downshifting: press on one of the shifting
paddles, arrows –.
The gear change using the shifting paddles can
be executed in automatic mode D or in manual
mode M/S.
When the shifting paddles are actuated during
electric driving, the combustion engine starts.
Changing gears in manual mode M/S
With manual mode activated, gear changes are
executed using the shifting paddles or the
selector lever.
With the transmission position M/S selected,
the manual mode remains active.
Changing gears in automatic mode D
Even in automatic mode D, gear shifts can be
executed using the shifting paddles.
The combustion engine starts.
Then if a certa in amount of time pas ses witho ut
a gear change being executed using the shifting
paddles or a corresponding acceleration, then
the transmission returns to automatic shifting
of the forward gears.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
19
Cruise control
The concept
The cruise control is available for use at speeds
of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. The vehicle stores
and maintains the speed that you set using the
lever mounted on the steering column.
The cruise control can also be activated
during electric driving, eDRIVE. The
cruise control provides a particularly sensitive
adjustment of the electric drive output.<
Do not use the cruise control under driv-
ing conditions that do not permit a con-
stant speed, e.g. when driving on winding
roads, in heavy traffic or in poor road conditions
such as snow, rain, ice, and loose road surface.
Otherwise you could lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident.<
One lever for all functions
1Storing speed and maintaining or increas-
ing
2Storing speed and maintaining or decreas-
ing
3Deactivating cruise control
4Resuming stored speed
Maintaining current speed
Briefly press, arrow1, or briefly pull, arrow2
lever.
The speed currently being driven is stored and
maintained. It is indicated on the speedometer
and briefly in the instrument panel.
If the engine braking effect is not sufficient on
steep downhill slopes, the vehicle may exceed
the set speed.
Increasing speed
Repeatedly press the lever up to or beyond the
resistance point, arrow1, until the desired
speed is set.
>Each time the lever is pressed to the resis-
tance point, the speed is increased by
approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pressed beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed
increases by a maximum of 5 mph or
10 km/h.
The system stores the setting and maintains
the set speed.
Accelerating with lever
Accelerate slightly:
Press the lever up to the resistance point,
arrow1, until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerate more rapidly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
arrow1, until the desired speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores the
setting and maintains the set speed.
Reducing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever up to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow2, until the desired
speed is displayed.
>Each time the lever is pulled up to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed decreases
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
decreased by a maximum of 5 mph or
10 km/h until the minimum speed of
20 mph or 30 km/h is reached.
The system stores the setting and maintains
the set speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Briefly press the lever up or down, arrow3.
The displays in the speedometer go out.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
21
Everything under control
Charge state display
Shows the available charge on a scale from 0 to
1 when drive readiness is switched on. At the
scale value 1, the high-voltage battery is fully
charged. The five segments divide the scale
into ranges of 20% each.
In normal driving operation, the high-voltage
battery is charged to approx. 80%. This permits
the hybrid system to make optimal use of the
energy recovery when decelerating or driving
downhill.
Even at the scale value 0, the hybrid system is
still under high voltage.
Displaying operating modes
Energy flows
In all operating modes of the vehicle, the energy
flows can be displayed on the Control Display.
This gives you an overview of the functioning of
the hybrid system in different driving condi-
tions.
Accessing the energy flow display
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Hybrid"
3.Energy flows are displayed.
The energy flow display functions according to
the following principle:
>Blue: Electrical energy.
>Red: Energy from the combustion engine.
>Arrow: Direction of the energy flow.
>Segments of the high-voltage battery sym-
bolize the charge state.
>The operating modes are displayed: DRIVE,
eDRIVE, CHARGE, eBOOST
Operating by voice activation*
You can also select the "Hybrid" menu using
voice activation.
{Hybrid}.
The menu is selected.

Everything under control
22
Electric driving: eDRIVE
During electric driving, the power output by the
electric motors is indicated by arrows:
Depending on the position of the accelerator
pedal, up to four arrows light up one after
another.
The tachometer pointer is in the READY posi-
tion.
If all four arrows have already lit up, when addi-
tional drive power is needed, e.g. for accelera-
tion, the combustion engine is switched on.
Assisted combustion engine: eBOOST
At the maximum output from the electric
motors, all four arrows light up simultaneously.
Energy recovery: CHARGE
The energy recovery is indicated in the tachom-
eter as an arrow with the + symbol: The high-
voltage battery is charged.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 22.5 US gal/
85 liters. You will find information on refueling
on page32.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies for a longer period,
when you are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
After the reserve quantity has been reached, a
message briefly appears on the Control Display;
the remaining range is shown in the computer.
Below a range of approx. 30 miles/50 km, the
message remains on the Control Display.
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
23
Climate
Air-conditioning functions, refer to BMW X6
Owner's Manual.
Special features of the automatic air-
conditioning system
The automatic air-conditioning system of your
BMW with an electric air-conditioning com-
pressor is independent of the combustion
engine.
It is thus pos sible to have a comf orta ble climate
in the vehicle interior even when the combus-
tion engine is switched off.
Automatic air-conditioning system
with drive readiness
The automatic air-conditioning system can be
used as usual whenever drive readiness is
switched on, for example during electric driving.
If there is no longer a sufficient charge in the
high-voltage battery, then the combustion
engine is switched on.
Cooling function while stationary
The cooling function can be acti-
vated while stationary if the ignition
is switched on.
1.Switch on the ignition.
2.Press the button.
The cooling function is switched on.
If there is no longer a sufficient charge in the
high-voltage battery, then the cooling function
is switched off.
More information can be found in the BMW X6
Owner's Manual.
Cooling of the high-voltage system
The automatic air-conditioning system is also
used to cool the high-voltage system.
Therefore the air-conditioning compressor can
automatically switch on, even when the cooling
function of the automatic air-conditioning sys-
tem is switched off.After the vehicle is switched off, audible operat-
ing sounds may issue from the hybrid system,
e.g. the cooling of the high-voltage battery.

Things to remember when driving
26
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:
>4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 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.
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*
An open glass sunroof or window likewise
increases air resistance and thus fuel consump-
tion.
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
speed. This is the fastest way for the cold
engine to reach its operating temperature.
Thinking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
To do so, maintain the appropriate distance
from the vehicle in front of you. An anticipatory
and smooth driving style reduces fuel con-
sumption.
Avoiding high engine speeds
Driving at a low engine speed reduces fuel con-
sumption and minimizes wear.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
27
Using energy recovery
Energy recovery is displayed in the instrument
panel.
Coasting mode
In coasting mode, e.g. when rolling toward a
traffic signal, the high-voltage battery is
charged by energy recovery.
Braking
The most efficient energy recovery and charg-
ing of the high-voltage battery are achieved
with moderate braking.
Switching off functions currently not
required
Functions such as air conditioning, seat heat-
ing, or rear window defrosting consume a lot of
energy and require additional fuel. Their influ-
ence is particularly pronounced in city traffic
and stop & go operation. For this reason, it is a
good idea to switch these functions off when
they are not really needed.
Having maintenance carried out
Have the vehicle serviced regularly in order to
achieve the optimum economy and service life
of your vehicle. BMW recommends having the
maintenance performed by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center. Also pay attention to
the BMW maintenance system, refer to the
BMW X6 Owner's Manual.
General driving notes
Driving through water
Maximum water depth: 17 in/45 cm
Only drive through water up to the above-
mentioned depth at no greater than walk-
ing speed; otherwise, the engine, electrical sys-
tem, and transmission can be damaged.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake pedal
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.<
With a fully charged high-voltage battery,
the combustion engine is switched on
when driving downhill in order to avoid over-
loading the high-voltage battery.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting in the manual mode
of the automatic transmission, if necessary into
first gear, refer to page18. This prevents an
excessive strain on the brakes.
Do not drive in idle or with drive readiness
mode deactivated; otherwise, there is no
braking action from the energy recovery or from
the engine and no power-assistance for braking
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.<

Refueling
32
Refueling
Before refueling, deactivate drive readi-
ness. When handling fuel, always observe
all applicable precautionary measures and reg-
ulations. Never transport reserve fuel contain-
ers in the vehicle. These could become leaky
and cause an explosion or a fire in an accident.<
Refueling
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is equipped with a
special fuel tank. It is designed for special
requirements that arise in the hybrid operation
of the vehicle, e.g. alternating driving with the
combustion engine or electric motors. Fuel
vapors can cause pressure to build up in the fuel
tank, which is reduced before the fuel tank
catch is opened.
Preparation
Unlocking fuel filler door
1.Deactivate drive readiness, refer to
page15.
2.Push the button to start pressure compen-
sation.
3.Messages indicate that the fuel filler door
has been released and refueling is possible.
In rare cases, the pressure decrease can
take several seconds. A message on the
Control Display indicates when the fuel filler
door has been released.
4.Open the fuel filler door.
If the fuel filler door is not opened within
10 minutes after the fuel tank catch is released, the fuel filler door locks again.
Press the button again.
Opening fuel filler door
1.Open the fuel filler door. To do this, briefly
press the lower edge.
The fuel filler door can only be opened if the
fuel tank catch has been released.
2.Turn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise.
3.Place the fuel filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Do not crush the band attached to the
cap; otherwise, the cap may not properly
seal and fuel vapors can escape.<
Manually releasing fuel filler door
If an electrical malfunction should occur and the
system does not release the fuel filler door, you
can unlock the fuel filler door manually.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
33
1.Open the right-hand side panel in the cargo
bay.
2.Pull the knob with the gas pump symbol.
3.Open the fuel filler door. To do this, briefly
press the lower edge.
4.Turn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise.
When the fuel tank catch is opened,
stay as far away from the vehicle as
possible since gasoline and pressurized
gasoline vapors may suddenly escape from
the fuel tank.<
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, follow the safety
precautions posted at the filling station.
Otherwise, there is a danger of personal injury
or property damage.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid raising the filler
nozzle during refueling, otherwise this leads to
>premature pump shutoff.
>a reduced efficiency of the fuel-vapor
recovery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 22.5 gallons/85 liters, including approx.
2.1 gallons/8 liters of reserve
Refuel as soon as possible once your
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not
ensured and damage can occur.<
Fuel specifications
Gasoline engine: required fuel
Do not use leaded gasoline, otherwise
damage to the catalytic converter will
result.
Do not refuel with E85, i.e. fuel that consists of
85% ethanol, or Flex Fuel, otherwise perma-
nent damage to the engine and the fuel supply
system will result.<
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with less
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is 89.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no affect on the engine life.
Do not use gasoline below the specified
minimum quality, otherwise engine dam-
age can result.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10% ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by weight,
that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
35
Engine compartment
Only have work on the vehicle carried out
by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
or a repair shop that works in accordance with
BMW guidelines and uses appropriately trained personnel. Otherwise, there is the risk of life-
threatening injury by electrocution due to the
high voltage of the hybrid system.<
Engine compartment
1Filler neck for washing fluid of the headlamp
and windshield washer system
2Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding
engine oil, BMW X6 Owner's Manual
3Jump starting terminal plus/+, refer to
page37
4Expansion tank for coolant
5Jump starting terminal minus/-, refer to
page37Do not work in the engine compartment
with a tool that could damage the orange
high-voltage cable or high-voltage compo-
nents. Otherwise, there is the risk of fatal injury
by electrocution.<