heating BMW 6 SERIES 2008 Owners Manual

Controls
53Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
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Mobility
Damage to safety belts
When subjected to strain due to an acci-
dent or in the event of damage, replace
the safety belts, the belt tensioners, and any
child restraint systems and have the belt anchor
points checked. Have this work carried out only
by a BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with
appropriately trained personnel. Otherwise,
correct operation of this safety equipment is not
guaranteed.<
Heated seats*
The temperature setting advances one step in
its control sequence each time you press the
button. The maximum temperature is supplied
when three LEDs are lit.
The temperature is reduced and if need be, the
heating is switched off in order to reduce the
load on the battery. The LEDs remain lit.
To switch off:
Press the button longer.
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The mirror on the passenger's side is
more curved than the driver's mirror.
Objects reflected in the mirror are closer than
they appear. Do not estimate the distance of
following traffic based on what you see in the
mirrors; otherwise, there is an increased acci-
dent risk.<1Adjusting
2Switching to the other mirror or to the
automatic curb monitor
3Folding mirrors in and out
*
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat, mir-
ror and steering wheel memory on page49.
Adjusting manually
You can also adjust the mirrors manually by
pressing against the outer edges of their mirror
glass.
Folding exterior mirrors in and out
Pressing button3 allows you to fold mirrors
in and out up to a speed of approx. 20 mph/
30 km/h. This is advantageous, for example, in
car washes, narrow streets or for bringing mir-
r o r s t h a t h a v e b e e n m a n u a l l y f o l d e d - i n b a c k i n t o
the correct position. Mirrors that were folded in
are folded out automatically at a speed of
approx. 25 mph/40 km/h.
Before going through a car wash, fold the
mirrors in manually, or with button 3, oth-
erwise they could be damaged, depending on
the width of the car wash system.<
Automatic heating
Below a certain outdoor temperature, both
exterior mirrors are heated whenever the
engine is running or the ignition is switched on.

Adjusting
54
Tilting down passenger-side mirror –
automatic curb monitor
Activating
1.Slide switch into the driver's side mirror
position, arrow 1.
2.Shift into reverse or move selector lever into
position R.
The mirror glass tilts downward somewhat
on the passenger's side. This allows the
driver to see the area immediately adjacent
to the vehicle – such as a curb – when park-
ing, etc.
Deactivating
Slide switch into the passenger side mirror
position, arrow 2.
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature
This feature is controlled by two photocells in
the inside rearview mirror. One is integrated
within the mirror's lens, while the other is
located at an offset position on the rear of the
mirror housing.
For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells
clean and do not cover the area between the
interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Also do not attach stickers to the windshield in
front of the mirror.
Steering wheel
Adjusting
Do not adjust the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving. There is a risk of acci-
dent as the result of unexpected movement.<
The steering wheel can be adjusted in four
directions.
Storing the steering-wheel position, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory,
page49.
Easy entry/exit
To make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle,
the steering wheel temporarily moves into the
uppermost position.
Steering wheel heating*
Press the button.
The indicator lamp in the button lights up when
the steering wheel heater is switched on.

Controls
59Reference
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Communications
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Mobility
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps in the instru-
ment cluster go out.
Starting engine
Do not run the engine in closed rooms,
otherwise the inhalation of toxic exhaust
gases can cause unconsciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle represents a
potential safety hazard.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine run-
ning, select the idling position, or shift the trans-
mission into position P and firmly apply the
handbrake, otherwise the vehicle can begin to
roll.<
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated starting attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the
fuel is not burned at all or is burned inade-
quately and there is a danger of overheating and
damage to the catalytic converter.<
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it
running while the vehicle remains stationary.
Instead, drive off at a moderate engine speed.
Manual transmission
Remote control in ignition lock or with comfort
access in vehicle, refer to page36.
1.Depress brake pedal.
2.Depress the clutch pedal and select the
idling position.
3.Press the Start/Stop button.
Sport automatic transmission*
Remote control in ignition lock or with comfort
access in vehicle, refer to page36.
1.Depress brake pedal.
2.Press the Start/Stop button.
Switching engine off
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
remote control with you.
When parking, firmly apply the handbrake, as
otherwise the vehicle could roll.<
Manual transmission
1.Press the Start/Stop button with the vehicle
stopped.
2.Shift into first gear or reverse.
3.Firmly apply the handbrake.
4.Remove the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page58.
Sport automatic transmission*
1.Shift transmission into position P with the
vehicle stopped.
2.Press the Start/Stop button.
3.Firmly apply the handbrake.
4.Remove the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page58.
Before driving into a car wash
The vehicle can roll if you proceed according to
the following steps:
1.With comfort access: insert the remote con-
trol into the ignition lock.
2.Depress brake pedal.
3.Shift into transmission position N.
4.switch off the engine.
Transmission position P will be engaged:
>automatically after approx. 30 minutes
>if you remove the remote control from the
ignition lock

Controls
109Reference
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Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
16Air grill for interior temperature sensor –
please keep clear and unobstructed
The current setting for air distribution is dis-
played on the Control Display.
A congenial climate
The AUTO program offers the optimum air dis-
tribution and air volume for virtually all condi-
tions, refer to AUTO program below. Now you
only need to select an interior temperature that
you find pleasant.
The following sections contain more detailed
information on the available setting options.
Most settings are stored for the remote control
currently in use, also refer to Personal Profile
settings on page29.
AUTO program
The AUTO program handles the
adjustment of air volume and air
distribution to the windshield and
side windows, in the direction of
the upper body and in the footwell.
It also adapts your instructions for the tempera-
ture to outside influences throughout the year.
The cooling is switched on automatically with
the AUTO program. At the same time, a con-
densation sensor controls the program in such
a way that window condensation is prevented
as much as possible.
Intensity of AUTO program
You can adjust the intensity of the AUTO pro-
gram by repeatedly pressing the AUTO button.
The respective current setting is briefly dis-
played on the Control Display when the button
is pressed.
You can also adjust the intensity of the AUTO
program via iDrive.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the left to open "Cli-
mate".3.Select "Automatic programs" and press the
controller.
4.Select the desired intensity and press the
controller.
The marked intensity of the automatic
program is switched on.
Convertible program*
When the convertible top is opened, the con-
vertible program can also be selected. In the
convertible program, the automatic climate
control is optimized for driving with the convert-
ible top open. In addition, the air volume is
increased as the speed increases.
If the convertible program has been selected,
it is automatically active every time the top is
opened.
The effect of the convertible program can
be greatly enhanced if the wind deflector
is installed.<
Temperature
Set the desired temperature indi-
vidually on the driver's and front
passenger side.
The automatic climate control
achieves this temperature as quickly as possi-
ble at any time of year, if necessary with the
maximum cooling or heating capacity, and then
keeps it constant.
When switching between different tem-
perature settings in rapid succession, the
automatic climate control does not have suffi-
cient time to achieve the set temperature.<

Climate
110 In the highest setting you activate the maximum
heating output, regardless of the outside tem-
perature.
Adapting temperature in upper body
region
1.Press the button to display the current set-
ting on the Control Display.
2.Select the field by moving the controller and
adjust the temperature by turning the con-
troller.
You can also adjust the temperature in the
upper body region with iDrive.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Climate".
3.Select "Vent settings" and press the con-
troller.
4.Select the field by moving the controller and
adjust the temperature by turning the con-
troller.
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 automatically after a
certain amount of time.
Convertible: the rear window defroster is only
activated when the rear window 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 quantity is reduced and if need be, the
ventilation is switched off in order to reduce the
load on the battery. 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.

Controls
111Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Adjusting air distribution individually –
individual program
Your settings are stored in this program.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Climate".
3.Select "Vent settings" and press the con-
troller.
The driver's and front passenger side can
be adjusted separately with the fields on the
right or left side.
4.Select the driver's or front passenger side if
necessary.
Move the controller to the right or left
repeatedly until the driver's side or front
passenger side is selected.
5.Select the desired field by moving the con-
troller.
6.Turn the controller to adjust the air distribu-
tion.
Driver's side:
1Air directed toward the windshield and side
windows
2Air for the upper body
3Air to footwell
Front passenger side:
4Air for the upper body
5Air to footwell
Pressing the AUTO button cancels the
manual air distribution settings.<
The automatic mode for the air volume remains
effective with manual air distribution.
Switching cooling function on and off
The cooling function cools and
dehumidifies the incoming air
before reheating it as needed
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 switched on automati-
cally 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. It is therefore neces-
sary for these vents to be open for maximum
cooling.
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control/recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the immedi-
ate environment by temporarily
suspending the supply of outside air. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently within the
vehicle. In AUC mode, a sensor detects pollut-
ants in the outside air and controls the shut-off
automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run through the
following control sequence:
>LED off: outside air flows into the vehicle
continuously.
>Right LED on, AUC mode: the system
detects pollutants in the outside air and
responds by blocking the supply of outside
air when required.

Things to remember when driving
126 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, also refer to Mini-
mum tire tread on page213.
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.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle in
place for a long time by riding the clutch;
use the handbrake. Otherwise, greater clutch
wear will result.<
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 at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
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.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the
way down into first gear. This strategy helps
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. For information on downshifting in the
manual mode of the sport automatic transmis-
sion, refer to page61.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise 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.
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.
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.

Driving tips
127Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Before driving into a car wash
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this vehicle
from being damaged, always fold them in by
hand before entering an automatic car wash.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Sport automatic transmission
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off with the trans-
mission in neutral. Also refer to page38.
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.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg, as otherwise the vehicle
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
800 lbs. and there will be four 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
200 lbs.:
800lbs. minus 600lbs. = 200lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permissible load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage
can be transported.

Everything from A to Z
248 Engine oil
– adding219
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils219
– approved oils219
– electronic oil level check218
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements77
– oil change219
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils219
– recommended oils219
– temperature75
– temperature gauge75
"Engine oil level"218
Engine output, refer to Engine
data234
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature74
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data234
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine59
"Enter address"134,142
Entering address134,137
Entering intersection,
navigation136
Entering rear51
Entering town/city for
navigation135
Entering town/city of
destination name135
Entering zip code for
navigation135
"Entertainment"158
Entertainment sound output
on/off159
Entry map for destination139
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control161
"Equalizer", tone control161
"ESN"169
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control87
Event data recorders222Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system125
Exterior mirrors53
– adjusting53
– automatic dimming
feature54
– automatic heating53
– folding in and out53
– tilting down passenger-side
mirror54
External audio device117
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting229
Eyes for lashing, refer to
Securing cargo128
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control160
Fader, refer to Tone
control160
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control79
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms36
– refer to Switching off
alarm35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts52
Fastest route for
navigation144
Fast forward
– CD changer176
– CD player176
"Fast route" for
navigation144
"Favorites", calling up with
radio166
Filler neck for washer fluid65
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter112
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit228First-aid kit228
Flashing when locking and
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight117
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– run-flat tires90,92,214
– Tire Pressure Monitor90
– warning lamp90,92
Flat Tire Monitor89
– false alarms89
– initializing system89
– limits of system89
– snow chains215
– warning lamp90
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 fluid65
"FM", reception
range158,162
FM, waveband162
Fog lamps106
– indicator lamp13,106
Folding into raised position
convertible top
compartment floor,
Convertible35
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely126
Footwell lighting, refer to
Interior lamps106
For specified oil grades, refer
to Approved engine oils219
For your own safety6
Freeway, refer to Route
criteria144
Front airbags94
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating94
"FTM"89
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor89

Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Fuel
– average consumption75
– display75
– fuel specifications209
– high-quality brands209
– quality209
– specifications209
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities237
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Fuel-efficient driving124
Fuel filler door208
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction208
Fuel gauge75
Full mobile phone preparation
package184
Full screen display, refer to
Switching assistance
window off20
"Full screen" with BMW Night
Vision100
Fuses226
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control115
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption75
– refer to Fuel
specifications209
– refer to Required fuel209
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge75
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission60
General driving
notes124,125
Glass sunroof, electric with
raise function40
– convenient operation32
– convenient operation with
comfort access37
– moving manually41
– remote control31Glove compartment116
– rechargeable flashlight117
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system132
Grills, refer to Ventilation112
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights237
H
Handbrake60
– indicator lamp13,60
Hands-free system, refer to
Microphone14
Hazard warning flashers15
"HD radio"166
HD radio, refer to High
Definition Radio166
Head airbags94
Headlamp control,
automatic102
Headlamp flasher63
Headlamps
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system64
– cleaning tank, refer to
Capacities237
– filler neck for washer
fluid217
– replacing bulbs223
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light104
Head restraints
– active front head
restraints50
– front50
– sitting safely47
"Head-Up Display"97
Head-Up Display96
Heated
– mirrors53
– rear window110
– seats53
– steering wheel54
Heater109Heating
– exterior mirrors53
– interior108
– rear window110
– residual heat utilization112
– seats53
– steering wheel54
Heating with engine switched
off, refer to Residual
heat112
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing
cargo128
Height, refer to
Dimensions235
Height adjustment
– seats48
– steering wheel54
High-beam assistant104
High beams104
– headlamp flasher104
– indicator lamp13
High Definition Radio166
High water, refer to Driving
through water
126
Hills126
Holder for cups118
"Home address" for
navigation system144
Homepage of BMW4
Hood216
Horn10
Hotel function33
– unlocking manually33
Hot exhaust system125
"Hour memo"83
"House number" for
destination entry137
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to Brake assistant87
Hydroplaning125
– also refer to Minimum tread
depth213