tow BMW M6 CONVERTIBLE 2013 F12 Owner's Guide

Stowing cargo▷Cover sharp edges and corners on the
cargo.▷Heavy cargo: stow as far forward as possi‐
ble, directly behind and at the bottom of
the rear passenger seat backrests.▷Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not
occupied, secure each of the outer safety
belts in the opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
Lashing eyes in the cargo area
To secure the cargo there are four lashing
eyes in the cargo area.
Securing cargo
▷Smaller and lighter items: secure with re‐
taining straps or with a cargo net or draw
straps.▷Larger and heavy objects: secure with
cargo straps.
Cargo straps, cargo netting, retaining straps or
draw straps on the lashing eyes in the cargo
area.
Securing cargo
Always position and secure the cargo as
described above; otherwise, it can endanger
the car's occupants if sudden braking or
swerving becomes necessary.
Heavy or hard objects should not be carried
loose inside the car; otherwise, they could be
thrown around as a result of hard braking, sud‐
den swerves, etc., and endanger the occu‐
pants.◀Seite 159LoadingDriving tips159
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 910 746 - VI/13

test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the ma‐
terial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds
to a level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades Band
A represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the minimum re‐
quired by law.
Temperature grade for this tire
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
If necessary, have the vehicle towed.◀
M+S
Winter and all-season tires with better cold
weather performance than summer tires.
Tire tread Summer tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.12 in/3 mm.
There is an increased danger of hydroplaning if
the tread depth is less than 0.12 in/3 mm.Winter tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.16 in/4 mm.
Below a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm, tires are
less suitable for winter operation.
Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators are distributed around the
tire's circumference and have the legally re‐
quired minimum height of 0.063 in/1.6 mm.
They are marked on the side of the tire with
TWI, Tread Wear Indicator.
Tire damage
General information
Inspect your tires often for damage, foreign
objects lodged in the tread, and tread wear.
Notes
Driving over rough or damaged road surfaces,
as well as debris, curbs and other obstacles can cause serious damage to wheels, tires and
suspension parts. This is more likely to occur
with low-profile tires, which provide less cush‐
ioning between the wheel and the road. Be
careful to avoid road hazards and reduce your
speed, especially if your vehicle is equipped
with low-profile tires.
Indications of tire damage or other vehicle de‐
fects:
▷Unusual vibrations during driving.Seite 170MobilityWheels and tires170
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 910 746 - VI/13

▷Unusual handling such as a strong ten‐
dency to pull to the left or right.
Damage can, e. g., be caused by driving over
curbs, road damage, or similar things.
In case of tire damage
If there are indications of tire damage, re‐
duce your speed immediately and have the
wheels and tires checked right away; other‐
wise, there is the increased risk of an accident.
Drive carefully to the nearest service center. If
necessary, have the vehicle towed.
Otherwise, tire damage can be life-threatening
for vehicle occupants and other traffic partici‐
pants.◀
Repair of tire damage
For safety reasons, the manufacturer of
your vehicle recommends that you do not have
damaged tires repaired; they should be re‐
placed. Otherwise, damage can occur as a re‐
sult.◀
Changing wheels and tires
Mounting Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center.
If this work is not carried out properly, there is
the danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
Wheel and tire combination
Information on the correct wheel-tire combina‐
tion and rim versions for your vehicle can be
obtained from your service center.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair
the function of a variety of systems such as
ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Approved wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recom‐
mends that you use only wheels and tires that
have been approved for your particular vehicle
model.
For example, despite having the same official
size ratings, variations can lead to body con‐
tact and with it, the risk of severe accidents.
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot eval‐
uate non-approved wheels and tires to deter‐
mine if they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehi‐
cle if they are mounted.◀
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
can be identified by a star on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
New tires Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full
traction potential until after an initial breaking-
in period.
Seite 171Wheels and tiresMobility171
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 910 746 - VI/13

Stowing the Mobility System1.Unscrew the filling hose of the sealant bot‐
tle from the wheel.2.Unscrew the compressor connection hose
from the sealant bottle.3.Connect the sealant bottle filling hose that
was previously connected to the valve to
the vacant connector on the sealant bottle.
This prevents left-over sealant from escap‐
ing from the bottle.4.Wrap the empty sealant bottle in suitable
material to avoid dirtying the cargo area.5.Stow the Mobility System back in the vehi‐
cle.
Distributing the sealant
Immediately drive approx. to ensure that the
sealant is evenly distributed in the tire.
Do not exceed a speed of .
Do not drop below if possible.
Correcting the tire inflation pressure
1.Stop at a suitable location.2.Screw the connection hose of the com‐
pressor directly onto the tire valve.3.Insert the connector into the power socket
in the vehicle interior.4.Correct the tire inflation pressure to
2.5 bar.▷Increase pressure: with the ignition
turned on or the engine running, switch
on the compressor.▷To reduce the pressure: press the but‐
ton on the compressor.
Continuing the trip
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page 104.
Reinitialize the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to
page 102.
Replace the defective tire and the sealant bot‐
tle of the Mobility System as soon as possible.
Snow chains
Fine-link snow chains
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains
have been tested by the manufacturer of your
vehicle, classified as road-safe and recom‐
mended.
Consult your service center for more informa‐
tion.
Use Use only in pairs on the rear wheels, equipped
with the tires of the following size:
255/40 R 19
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure that the snow chains are always
sufficiently tight. Retighten as needed accord‐
ing to the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
mounting snow chains, as doing so may result
in incorrect readings.
Do not initialize the Tire Pressure Monitor after
mounting snow chains, as doing so may result
in incorrect readings.
When driving with snow chains, if necessary
briefly activate M Dynamic Mode.
Maximum speed with snow chains Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/h
when using snow chains.Seite 175Wheels and tiresMobility175
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 910 746 - VI/13

Replacing componentsVehicle equipmentAll standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equip‐
ment is also described that is not available in a
vehicle, e. g., because of the selected optional
equipment or country variant. This also applies
for safety-related functions and systems.
Onboard vehicle tool kit
The onboard vehicle tool kit is stored under
the cargo floor cover in the cargo area.
Wiper blade replacement
General information Do not fold down the wipers without
wiper blades
Do not fold down the wipers if wiper blades
have not been installed; this may damage the
windshield.◀
Replacing the wiper blades1.To change the wiper blades, fold up, refer
to page 77, the wiper arms.2.Fold up the wipers.3.Position the wiper blade in a horizontal po‐
sition.4.Remove the wiper blade toward one side.5.Insert the new wiper blade in reverse order
of removal until it locks in place.6.Fold down the wipers.
Lamp and bulb replacement
Hints
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu‐
tion to vehicle safety.
The manufacturer of the vehicle recommends
that you entrust corresponding procedures to
Seite 184MobilityReplacing components184
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 910 746 - VI/13

corresponding engine or body ground of
the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
Never use spray fluids to start the engine.
1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle
and let it run for several minutes at an in‐
creased idle speed.2.Start the engine of the vehicle being
started in the usual way.
If the first starting attempt is not success‐
ful, wait a few minutes before making an‐
other attempt in order to allow the dis‐
charged battery to recharge.3.Let both engines run for several minutes.4.Disconnect the jumper cables in the re‐
verse order.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Tow-starting and towing Manual transmission
Observe before towing your vehicle
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Towing When the parking brake is blocked
The parking brake cannot be released
manually.
Do not tow the vehicle with the parking brake
blocked, or the vehicle can be damaged.
Contact your service center.◀
Follow the towing instructions
Follow all towing instructions; otherwise,
vehicle damage or accidents may occur.◀
▷Make sure that the ignition is switched on;
otherwise, the low beams, tail lamps, turn
signals, and windshield wipers may be un‐
available.▷Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle
tilted, as the front wheels could turn.▷When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. Consequently, more force
needs to be applied when braking and
steering.▷Larger steering wheel movements are re‐
quired.▷The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise,
it will not be possible to control the vehicle
response.
Tow truck
Have your vehicle transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
Automatic transmission: transporting
your vehicle
Note Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Therefore, contact a service center in the
event of a breakdown.
Do not have the vehicle towed
Have your vehicle transported on a load‐
ing platform only; otherwise, damage may oc‐
cur.◀
Seite 193Breakdown assistanceMobility193
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 910 746 - VI/13

Tow truck
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
Use the tow fitting screwed in at the front for
maneuvering the vehicle only.
Towing other vehicles
General information Light towing vehicle
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will
not be possible to control the vehicle re‐
sponse.◀
Attaching the tow bar/tow rope correctly
Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting; connecting it to other vehicle parts may
cause damage.◀
▷Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.▷If the electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed by placing
a sign or a warning triangle in the rear win‐
dow.
Tow bar
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe
the following:▷Maneuvering capability is limited during
cornering.▷The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is secured with an offset.
Tow rope
When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure
that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses
on the vehicle components when towing, al‐
ways use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fit‐
ting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is
secured on other parts of the vehicle.◀
Tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front or rear of the BMW. It is contained in the
onboard vehicle tool kit under the cargo floor
cover.
Tow fitting, information on use
▷Use only the tow fitting provided with
the vehicle and screw it all the way in.▷Use the tow fitting for towing on paved
roads only.Seite 194MobilityBreakdown assistance194
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 910 746 - VI/13

▷Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g.,
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Otherwise, damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle can occur.◀
Screw thread
Push out the cover by pressing on the top
edge.
Tow-starting
Double-clutch transmission Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Due to the double-clutch transmission, the en‐
gine cannot be started by tow-starting.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties rem‐
edied.
Manual transmission
If possible, do not tow-start the vehicle but
start the engine by jump-starting, refer to
page 192. If the vehicle is equipped with a cat‐
alytic converter, only tow-start while the en‐
gine is cold.
1.Switch on the hazard warning system and
comply with local regulations.2.Ignition, refer to page 64, on.3.Engage third gear.4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the
clutch pressed and slowly release the
clutch. After the engine starts, immediately
press on the clutch again.5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope, and switch off the hazard
warning system.6.Have the vehicle checked.Seite 195Breakdown assistanceMobility195
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 910 746 - VI/13

immediately to prevent the finish from being
altered or discolored.
Caring for the convertible top The appearance and life of the convertible top
depend on correct care and operation.
Note the following instructions:▷To prevent water stains, mildew spots, and
chafe marks, do not enclose the
convertible top in the convertible top well
for a long period and do not fold and stow
the convertible top in the convertible top
well while the top is wet or frozen.▷Remove water stains that may neverthe‐
less have appeared on the headliner using
a microfiber cloth and an interior cleaner.▷When the vehicle is parked in enclosed
areas for lengthy periods, ensure that the
area is well ventilated.▷If possible, park the vehicle in the shade to
protect it from intensive solar radiation so
that color, rubber and fabric are not af‐
fected.▷Remove bird droppings immediately as
their corrosive effect will otherwise attack
the convertible top and damage the rubber
seals.▷Hard to remove tree sap or bird droppings
can be removed from the convertible top
with special tree sap remover and a soft
brush.
Do not use spot remover
Do not use spot remover, paint thinner,
solvent, gasoline, or similar products to re‐
move spots on the convertible top. These
products may destroy the rubber coating. In‐
correct care and cleaning may cause the
convertible top and its seams to become
leaky.◀
To remove heavy soiling, especially for light
colored convertible tops, use a special
convertible top cleaner.
Proceed as follows:1.Spray the convertible top with the
convertible top cleaner.2.Make the convertible top cleaner foam up
using a well saturated sponge, moving it in
circular motions.3.Finish washing the vehicle in the car wash
or rinse with ample amounts of water.
Otherwise, follow the instructions for use from
the manufacturer.
Treat the convertible top with an impregnating
agent after it has been washed three to five
times.
Suitable cleaners and car products can be ob‐
tained from the service department.
Leather care
Remove dust from the leather often, using a
cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Otherwise, particles of dust and road grime
chafe in pores and folds, and lead to increased wear and premature degradation of the leather
surface.
To guard against discoloration, such as from
clothing, provide leather care roughly every
two months.
Clean light-colored leather more frequently be‐
cause soiling on such surfaces is substantially
more visible.
Use leather care products; otherwise, dirt and
grease will gradually break down the protective
layer of the leather surface.
Suitable care products are available from the
service center.
Upholstery material care Vacuum regularly with a vacuum cleaner.
If they are very dirty, e.g., beverage stains, use
a soft sponge or microfiber cloth with a suita‐
ble interior cleaner.
Seite 198MobilityCare198
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 910 746 - VI/13

Everything from A to Z
IndexA ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 119
Acceleration Assistant, refer to Launch Control 73
Activated-charcoal filter 139
Active Blind Spot Detec‐ tion 115
Active M differential 121
Active Protection 116
Active seat, front 53
Active seat ventilation, front 53
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 116
Adaptive light control 94
Additives, oil 179
Adjusting, steering wheel 59
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 51
After washing vehicle 197
Airbags 98
Airbags, indicator/warning light 99
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 138
Air distribution, manual 137
Air drying, refer to Cooling function 138
Air flow, automatic climate control 137
Air pressure, tires 167
Air vents, refer to Ventila‐ tion 139
Alarm system 40
Alarm, unintentional 41
All around the center con‐ sole 14
All around the interior rear‐ view mirror 15 All around the steering
wheel 12
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 172
Alternating-code hand-held transmitter 142
Alternative oil types 179
Ambient light 96
Antifreeze, washer fluid 78
Antilock Brake System, ABS 119
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 119
Approved engine oils 179
Armrest, refer to Front center armrest 147
Arrival time 90
Ashtray 143
Assistance, Roadside Assis‐ tance 191
Assistance when driving off 119
Attentiveness assistant 117
AUTO intensity 137
Automatic car wash 196
Automatic Curb Monitor 58
Automatic deactivation, front passenger airbags 100
Automatic headlamp con‐ trol 94
Automatic locking 39
Automatic recirculated-air control 138
Automatic Soft Closing, doors 37
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 137
AUTO program, intensity 137
Auto Start/Stop function 66
Average fuel consumption 89
Average speed 89 Axle loads, weights 205
B Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 52
Backrest, seats 51
Backrest, width 52
Backup camera 127
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 191
Bar for tow-starting/ towing 194
Battery replacement, vehicle battery 188
Battery replacement, vehicle remote control 30
Battery, vehicle 188
Belts, safety belts 54
Beverage holder, cu‐ pholder 148
BMW Assist, see user's manual for Navigation, En‐
tertainment and Communi‐
cation
BMW Homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW maintenance sys‐ tem 182
BMW M technology 152
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 148
Brake assistant 119
Brake discs, breaking in 154
Brake force display 116
Brake lamps, brake force dis‐ play 116
Brake lamps, bulb replace‐ ment 186
Brake lights, adaptive 116
Brake pads, breaking in 154 Seite 208ReferenceEverything from A to Z208
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 910 746 - VI/13