engine BMW M6 CONVERTIBLE 2010 E64 Owner's Guide
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Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
0Lights off and daytime running lamps*
1Parking lamps and daytime running lamps*
2Low beams and welcome lamps
3Automatic headlamp control, daytime run-
ning lamps
*, welcome lamps, Adaptive 
Light Control
* and High-beam Assistant*
If you open the driver's door with the ignition 
switched off, the exterior lighting is switched off 
when the light switch is in position2 or 3. The 
daytime running lamps have already been 
switched off at the same time as the ignition.
For this reason, switch on the side marker 
lamps as needed, switch position1; otherwise, 
the vehicle is not lit.
Parking lamps
In switch position1, the front, rear and side 
vehicle lighting is switched on. You can use the 
parking lamps for parking.
The parking lamps drain the battery. Do 
not leave them switched on for long peri-
ods of time, otherwise it may no longer be pos-
sible to start the engine. It is preferable to 
switch on the roadside parking lamps on one 
side, refer to page91.<
Low beams
The low beams light up when the light switch is 
in position 2 and the ignition is on.
Automatic headlamp control
In switch position3, the system activates the 
low beams and switches them on or off in 
response to changes in ambient light condi-
tions, for instance, in a tunnel, at dawn and dusk 
and in case of precipitation. Adaptive Light 
Control
* is active. The LED next to the symbol 
lights up when the low beams are on.
You can also change to the daytime running 
lamps, refer to page90. In the situation 
described above, the lamps switch to the low 
beams.
A blue sky with the sun low on the horizon can 
cause the lights to be switched on.
The automatic headlamp control cannot 
serve as a substitute for your personal 
judgment in determining when the lamps 
should be switched on in response to ambient 
lighting conditions. For example, the sensors 
cannot detect fog of hazy weather. To avoid 
safety risks, you should always switch on the 
low beams manually under these conditions.<
Welcome lamps
If you leave the light switch in position2 or 3 
when parking the vehicle, then when you unlock 
the vehicle, the parking lamps and interior light-
ing remain illuminated for a brief time.
Activating/deactivating welcome 
lamps
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1."Settings"
2."Lighting" 
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High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one 
side of your vehicle when parking.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or 
down beyond the resistance point, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Do not leave them switched on for 
long periods of time, otherwise it may no longer 
be possible to start the engine.<
Switching off
Briefly press the lever in the opposite direction 
up to the resistance point, arrow3.
High-beam Assistant*
The concept
This system automatically switches the high 
beams on and off. A sensor on the front side of 
the inside rearview mirror controls the process. 
The assistant makes sure that the high beams 
are switched on whenever traffic conditions 
permit. This relieves you of the burden of con-
stantly switching back and forth and simulta-
neously provides you with the best possible vis-
ibility. Naturally, you can intervene at any time to 
switch the high beams on and off as usual.
Activating system
1.Turn the light switch to position3, refer to 
page89.
2.With the low beams switched on, briefly 
press the turn signal lever in the high-beam 
direction.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when the High-beam 
Assistant is activated. The system 
automatically switches between high beams 
and low beams, reacting to oncoming traffic, 
vehicles ahead of you, and sufficiently lit areas, 
e.g. in built-up zones.
Manually switching between high 
beams and low beams
If you wish or the situation requires, you can 
intervene at any time.
>If the High-beam Assistant has switched on 
the high beams, but you wish to use the low 
beams, just switch on the low beams with 
the turn signal lever. This deactivates the 
High-beam Assistant. 
In order to reactivate the system, briefly 
press the turn signal lever in the high-beam 
direction.
>If the High-beam Assistant has switched on 
the low beams, but you wish to use the high 
beams, simply switch on the high beams as 
usual. This deactivates the system and it is 
up to you to switch back to low beams.
In order to reactivate the system, briefly 
press the turn signal lever in the high-beam 
direction.
>When the low beams are on, use the head-
lamp flasher as usual. 
Page 98 of 250
Climate
96
Defrosting windows and removing 
condensation
Quickly remove ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and front 
side windows.
To do this, also switch on the cooling function.
Rear window defroster
The rear window defroster 
switches off after a while.
Convertible: the rear window 
defroster is only activated when the rear win-
dow is closed.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, upper 
wires are used as an antenna and are not part of 
the rear window defroster.
Air volume, manual
You can adjust the air volume by 
turning. You can reactivate the 
automatic mode for the air volume 
with the AUTO button.
The air volume is reduced to save battery 
power. The display stays the same.
Air distribution, manual
You can route the air flowing out into the vehicle 
interior via various programs, separately for the 
driver's and passenger's side:
>Upper body region
>Upper body region and footwell
>Footwell
>Driver's side: windows  and footwell
>Individual program
Selecting program
Press the button repeatedly until 
the desired air distribution of the 
respective program is shown on 
the Control Display.
Switching cooling function on and off
The cooling function cools and 
dehumidifies the incoming air 
before also reheating it as required, according to the temperature setting. 
This function is only available when the engine 
is running.
The cooling function helps to avoid condensa-
tion on the window surfaces or to quickly 
remove them.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may 
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
The cooling function is also switched on with 
the AUTO program.
Maximum cooling
Maximally cooled air is obtained as 
quickly as possible at an outside 
temperature above approx. 327/
06 and with the engine running.
At the lowest temperature, the automatic cli-
mate control switches into recirculating air 
mode. The maximum air volume flows out of the 
vents for the upper body. Therefore, open these 
vents for maximum cooling.
AUC Automatic recirculated-air 
control/recirculated-air mode
You can respond to pollutants or 
unpleasant odors in the immediate 
environment by suspending the 
supply of outside air. The system then recircu-
lates the air currently within the vehicle. During 
AUC operation, a sensor detects pollutants in 
the outside air and controls the shut-off auto-
matically.
By pressing the button repeatedly, you can 
request three operating modes:
>LED off: outside air flows in continuously.
>Right LED on, AUC mode: the system 
detects pollutants in the outside air and 
shuts off the supply as needed.
>Left LED on, recirculated-air mode: the 
supply of outside air is permanently shut off.
Should the windows fog up in the recircu-
lated-air mode, press the AUTO button or 
switch off the recirculated-air mode and 
increase the air volume if necessary.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used 
over an extended period of time, as the air qual- 
Page 99 of 250
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ity inside the vehicle deteriorates continu-
ously.<
Residual heat
The heat stored in the engine is 
used to heat the passenger com-
partment, e.g. while stopped at a 
school to pick up a child.
1.Switch off the engine.
2.Turn to the right, refer to arrow.
The function can be switched on when the fol-
lowing conditions are met:
>up to 15 minutes after switching off the 
engine
>with engine at operating temperature
>with sufficient battery voltage
>at an outside temperature below 777/
256
From radio readiness the interior temperature, 
the air volume and the air distribution can be 
set.
Switching automatic climate control on 
and off
1.Turn to the left to minimum air volume.
2.After approx. 1 second, turn to the left 
again.
You switch on the system again by pressing any 
button of the automatic climate control.
Ventilation
1Thumbwheels to smoothly open and close 
vent outlets
2Levers to change the vent outlet direction
Do not drop any foreign objects into the 
vent outlets; otherwise, they could be cat-
apulted outwards and cause injuries.<
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vent outlets to direct the flow of cool 
air in your direction, for instance, if the interior 
has become too warm, etc.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past 
you and is not directed straight at you.
Adjusting temperature in upper body 
region
You can adjust the temperature in the upper 
body region with iDrive.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button. 
This opens the start menu.
2."Settings"
3."Climate" 
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You can operate the device when the engine is 
running or when the ignition is switched on.
If the device fails to function even after 
repeated programming, check whether 
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the 
instructions for the original hand-held transmit-
ter or hold down the programmed memory 
button1 of the integrated universal remote 
control. If the LED2 on the integrated universal 
remote control flashes rapidly for a short time 
and then remains lit for approx. 2 seconds, this 
indicates that the original hand-held transmitter 
uses an alternating-code system. In the case of 
an alternating-code system, program the mem-
ory buttons1 as described at Alternating-code 
hand-held transmitters.<
Alternating-code hand-held 
transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote 
control, consult the operating instructions for 
the equipment to be set. You will find informa-
tion there on the possibilities for synchroniza-
tion.
When programming hand-held transmitters 
that employ an alternating code, please observe 
the following supplementary instructions:
P r o g ra m m in g  w i ll  b e  ea s i er  w it h  t h e  a i d  o f  
a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the 
remote-controlled device.
2.Program the integrated universal remote 
control as described above in the section 
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3.Locate the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set, e. g. on the drive unit.
4.Press the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set. After step 4, you have 
approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5.Press the programmed memory button1 
of the integrated universal remote control 
three times.
The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.If you have any additional questions, 
please contact your BMW center.<
Deleting all stored programs
Press the left and right-hand memory button1 
for approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 flashes. 
All stored programs are deleted.
Individual programs cannot be deleted.
Rememorizing individual programs
1.Hold the original hand-held remote control 
approx. 4 in/10 cm to 12 in/30 cm away 
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons1 depends on the relevant sys-
tem of the original hand-held transmitter 
used.<
2.Press the desired memory button1 of the 
integrated universal remote.
3.If the LED2 flashes slowly after approx. 
20 seconds, press the command button of 
the original hand-held transmitter. As soon 
as the LED2 flashes rapidly, release both 
buttons. If the LED2 does not flash rapidly 
after approx. 15 seconds, alter the distance 
and repeat the step.
Glove compartment
Opening
Press the button. The glove compartment 
opens automatically and the lamps come on.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven,  
Page 106 of 250
Practical interior accessories
104 The removable cupholder can be inserted into 
the side of the center console.
Ashtray*
Opening
Press the trim strip of the cover.
Emptying
Press the opened cover beyond the resistance 
point, refer to arrow: the ashtray lifts up for 
removal.
Cigarette lighter*
Press in the lighter with the engine running or 
the ignition switched on.The lighter can be removed as soon as it pops 
back out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by 
the knob only. Holding or touching it in 
other areas could result in burns.
Always take along the remote control when you 
leave the vehicle, otherwise children could, for 
example, use the lighter and burn themselves.<
Connecting electrical devices
Socket
With the engine running or the ignition switched 
on, the cigarette lighter socket can be used as a 
power outlet for hand flashlights, car vacuum 
cleaners, etc., with power ratings of up to 
approx. 200 W at 12 V. Avoid damaging the 
socket due to inserting plugs of different 
shapes or sizes.
In front passenger footwell
Access to the socket: 
Fold open the cover.
Ski bag*
The ski bag permits safe and clean transport of 
up to two pairs of standard skis or one snow-
board.
You can use the ski bag to stow skis up to 6.9 ft/
2.10 m long. 
Page 110 of 250
Things to remember when driving
108
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.
Do not use the driving programs 5 and 6, refer 
to Drivelogic on page59, 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 kickdown mode during these 
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km to 
3,000 miles/5,000 km
The engine and driving speed 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
Make sure that sufficient ground clear-
ance is available. To drive down curbs, 
select the "Sport" program of the EDC Elec-
tronic Damping Control, refer to page79, to 
keep the ground clearance as uniform as possi-
ble. Otherwise 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 
page96. 
Page 111 of 250
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Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed 
adjacent to it, and never apply undercoating to 
them. When driving, standing at idle and while 
parking take care to avoid possible contact 
between the hot exhaust system and any highly 
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass, 
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, and with it 
the risk of serious property damage as well as 
personal injury. Do not touch hot exhaust tail 
pipes. Otherwise there is a risk of burns.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge 
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or 
complete loss of contact between the tires and 
the road surface, ultimately undermining your 
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread 
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tire tread on page189.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it 
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at 
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the 
transmission may 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.
The pulsing of he brake pedal indicates that the 
ABS is controlling braking.
In certain braking situations the perforated 
brake rotors can cause operating noises which, 
however, have not effect on the performance 
and operating safety of the brake system.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 roads are wet or there is heavy rain, 
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal 
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to 
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger 
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 can lead to high tem-
peratures, 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  
Page 114 of 250
BMW M6 Engineering
112
 BMW M6 Engineering
V10 High Output Engine
With a 305 cu in/5 liter displacement, the high-
speed V10 engine generates a maximum out-
put of 373 kW and a maximum torque of 
383 lb ft/520 Nm. Its spontaneous response 
characteristics yield a very broad usable engine 
speed range. At the maximum engine speed of 
8,250 rpm, the flow of fuel is interrupted in 
order to protect the engine. Due to the powerful 
engine dynamics, when the vehicle is at rest, 
the maximum engine speed is limited to 
7,000 rpm.
Warming up
The emissions control system causes the 
V10 high-output engine to have slightly 
rougher running characteristics during its 
warm-up phase.
When the engine is cold, the exhaust system 
has a slightly metallic undertone due to the sys-
tem design.
For additional information on warming up, refer 
to Tachometer on page65 and Engine oil tem-
perature on page66.
Compound brake
Your BMW M6 has a high-performance brake 
system with perforated compound brake rotors.
Due to the special structural features of these 
brake rotors, function noises occur during brak-
ing, but this has no effect on the performance, 
operating safety, and stability of the brakes.
Braking correctly
In order to keep the brake system in optimum 
condition, it is useful to put them under load at 
regular intervals in accordance with the nature 
of the vehicle.
Also refer to Corrosion on brake rotors on 
page109.
Drivetrain
In your BMW M6, particular importance was 
attached to the direct connection of the engine 
to the drive system. Due to the torsionally rigid 
design of the drive train, the transmission of the 
torque is also audible, as is customary in a 
sports car. As a result, load shifts can be dis-
tinctly audible. This does not in any way impair 
the function or the service life of the compo-
nents. 
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Music collection
Backing up the music collection
The entire music collection can be stored on a 
USB device. Make sure there is enough free 
memory capacity on the USB device.
Depending on the number of tracks, backing up 
the music collection may take several hours. 
Therefore, it is best to perform the backup dur-
ing a long trip.
1.Start the engine.
2.Connect the USB device to the USB inter-
face in the glove compartment.
3."CD/Multimedia"
4."Music collection"
5.Open "Options".
6."Music data import/export"
7."Backup music on USB"
Restoring the music collection in the 
vehicle
When storing music from the USB device, 
the existing music collection in the vehi-
cle is replaced.<
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."Music collection"3.Open "Options".
4."Music data import/export"
5."Restore music from USB"
Deleting the music collection
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."Music collection"
3.Open "Options".
4."Delete music collection"