winter tires BMW 6 SERIES 2009 Owners Manual

Mobility
217Reference
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heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material 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 Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page218.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/
3 mm, there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
Winter tires noticeably loose their suitability for
winter use below a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm.
For the sake of safety, new tires should be
installed.Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread
has been driven down to the wear indicators, a
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been
reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazards and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These
kinds of problems may also be signaled by other
changes in vehicle response, such as a strong
tendency to pull to the left or right.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the
nearest BMW center or tire shop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If necessary,
have the vehicle towed there. Otherwise, tire
damage can be extremely dangerous to vehicle
occupants and other road users.<

Wheels and tires
218
Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by the circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire.
Run-flat tires consist of partially self-contained
tires and special rims. The sidewall reinforce-
ment ensures that the tire retains some residual
safety in the event of pressure drop and driving
remains possible to a restricted degree.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of
a flat tire, page92
>With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure,
page93
New wheels and tires
Only have new wheels and tires mounted
by a BMW center or a repair shop that
works in accordance with BMW guidelines and
uses appropriately trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend that you use
retreaded tires, as driving safety may be
impaired. The causes for this include the possi-
bly different tire casing structures and the often
wide variations in their age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The right wheel-and-tire combination is
another vital factor in ensuring reliable opera-
tion of various vehicle systems such as ABS
and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. Following
tire damage, have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon
as possible.
Wheels with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When mounting new tires or converting from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics, otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor cannot detect a flat tire,
refer to page92. Your BMW center will be
happy to advise you on this subject.

Mobility
219Reference
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Recommended tire brands
Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW
depending on the tire size. You can recognize
these from the clearly visible BMW marking on
the tire sidewall.
When used properly, these tires comply with
the most demanding standards for safety and
vehicle response.
Run-flat tires
When mounting new tires, or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-flat
tires for your own safety. In addition, no spare
tire is available in case of a flat tire. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Watch speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
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.
These snow chains are approved exclusively for
use in pairs on the rear wheels with the tire size:
>245/50 R 17
>245/45 R 18
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
installing snow chains as this could cause
the Flat Tire Monitor to malfunction.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page89.<

Mobility
233Reference
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License plate lamps
5-watt bulb, W5W
1.Push a screwdriver from the left under the
lamp and pry out the lamp toward the right.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left by 905 and
remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as a
standard feature. An immediate wheel change
in the event of a flat tire is therefore no longer
required.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of
a flat tire, page92
>With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure,
page93
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to Run-flat tires on page218.
If you have new tires mounted or switch from
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, use run-
flat tires because no spare tire is provided in
case of a flat. Your BMW center will be glad to
advise you.
Also refer to New wheels and tires, page218.
The suitable tools for changing tires are
available as accessories from your BMW
center.<
Car jacking points
The jacking points for the car jack are located in
the positions shown.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
Your BMW center will be glad to advise in all
matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine switched off. Connections, refer to
Jump starting on page236.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
restrain the battery to prevent it from tipping
over during transport.<
Power failure
Following a temporary power failure, e.g. due to
a discharged battery, the use of some equip-
ment will be restricted, requiring its reinitializa-
tion. In the same way, individual settings are lost
and must be updated again:

Everything from A to Z
250
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions and
refers you to the page where
these texts can be found.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System88
– indicator lamp90
ACC, refer to Active cruise
control68
Accepted calls194
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
request235
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate
control114
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation115
Active cruise control68
– indicator lamp72
– radar sensor72
– selecting distance70
– warning lamps72
Active front head restraints52
Active steering95
– warning lamp95
Adapter for spare key30
Adaptive brake assistant89
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display95
Adaptive Head Light106
"Add digits" in mobile phone
mode194
Additives
– coolant223
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils223
"Address book" in
navigation144Address for navigation
– deleting145
– entering136,139
– selecting145
– storing144
– storing current position144
"Add to address book"144
"Add to destination
list"139,141
Adjusting interior
temperature111
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control161
Adjusting thigh support50
"After door opened"52
"After unlocking"52
Airbags95
– deactivating, refer to
Exception for front
passenger seat58
– indicator/warning lamp97
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags97
– sitting safely49
Air distribution
– automatic111
– manual112
Airing, refer to Ventilation114
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation114
Air recirculation, refer to AUC
Automatic recirculated-air
control113
"Air recirculation on / off"57
Air supply, automatic climate
control110
Air volume112
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications213Alarm system37
– avoiding unintentional
alarms38
– interior motion sensor38
– switching off alarm37
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor38
– tilt alarm sensor38
"All channels"172
"All doors"32
Alloy wheels229
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires219
"All stations", requesting in
radio mode164
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
Altering stretch of road152
"AM" waveband160,164
Antenna for mobile phone186
Antifreeze
– coolant223
– washer fluid67
Antilock Brake System
ABS88
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system37
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system31
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights245
Approved engine oils223
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights245
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest119
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer78
– refer to Starting destination
guidance148

Reference 259
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
L
Lamps
– refer to High-beam
assistant106
– refer to Parking lamps/low
beams104
Lamps and bulbs231
Lane limit lines, refer to
Leaving lane warning102
"Language / Units"86
"Language / Units" in
navigation135,151
"Languages"86
"Languages" in
navigation135,151
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo130
Last destinations, refer to
Destination list143
"Last seat pos."52
LATCH child restraint fixing
system58
Leather care229
Leaving lane warning102
LEDs light-emitting
diodes231
Length, refer to
Dimensions243
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs233
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs231
Lighter121
"Lighting"66,105
Lighting
– instruments108
– lamps and bulbs231
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps104
Light switch104
"Limit"83
Loading
– securing cargo130
– stowing cargo129
– vehicle129
Loading, refer to Cargo
loading129Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo130
"Lock after driving"35
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Lokking35
Locking33
– confirmation signals33
– from inside35
– from outside33
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals
33
– from inside34
– from outside32
Low beams104
– automatic104
– replacing bulbs232
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support50
Luggage compartment
– hotel function35
– increasing capacity,
Convertible37
Luggage compartment lid35
– emergency operation36
– emergency release37
– opening from inside36
– opening from outside36
– opening with remote
control33,36
– unlocking manually36
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate
– comfort access39
Lumbar support50
LW, waveband164
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires219Maintenance225
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models225
– refer to Service
requirements79
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models225
Maintenance system225
Malfunction
– convertible top45
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door212
– hotel function35
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control81
Manual air distribution112
"Manual" in radio mode165
Manual operation
– convertible top45
– door lock34
– driver's door34
– fuel filler door212
– glass sunroof43
– hotel function35
– luggage compartment lid36
– transmission lock, sport
automatic transmission64
Manual transmission62
"Map direction of travel"150
Map display150
"Map facing north"150
Map for navigation
– changing scale150
– destination entry141
Map view facing north150
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control30
Maximum cooling113
Maximum speed with winter
tires219
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions
– Convertible244
– Coupe243
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory51

Reference 263
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Retreaded tires218
Reverse, fast
– CD changer178
– CD player178
Reverse gear
– manual transmission62
– Sport automatic
transmission63
Road map150
"Roadside
Assistance"196,202
Roadside assistance202,236
Roadside parking lamps106
– replacing bulbs, refer to
Parking lamps232
Rollover protection system on
Convertible97
– lowering98
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing237
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route146
– bypassing sections152
– changing152
– changing criteria146
– displaying149
– displaying arrow display149
– displaying map view150
– displaying streets or towns/
cities151
– selecting146
Route information, refer to
Destination guidance with
voice instructions151
Route map, refer to Displaying
map view150
"Route preference",
changing146
Route selection146
RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires218
Run-flat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-flat
tires218Run-flat tires218
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire92,93
– flat tire92,93
– Flat Tire Monitor90
– new tires218,219
– tire inflation pressure214
– Tire Pressure Monitor92
– winter tires219
S
Safety belts54
– damage55
– indicator lamp54
– reminder54
– sitting safely49
Safety belt tensioners, refer to
Safety belts54
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System88
– airbags95
– driving stability control
systems88
– rollover protection system,
Convertible97
– safety belts54
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat
tires218
Satellite radio171
– enabling channel171
– selecting channel171
– storing channel171
"SAT" in radio mode160,171
"Save current
destination"146
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD176
– stations in radio mode165
Scan
– CD changer176
– CD player176
– radio165
"Scan all" in audio mode176
"Scan directory" in audio
mode176
Screen, refer to iDrive16Screw thread for tow
fitting238
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio171
Seats49
– adjusting the seats50
– heating55
– lumbar support50
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory51
– sitting safely49
– sports seat50
– storing the setting51
– thigh support50
Securing cargo130
– ski bag122
"Select as
destination"142,205
"Select current speed"83
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operation via iDrive160
Selecting distance with active
cruise control70
Selecting frequency
manually165
Selecting menu items20
Selecting route146
Selection options with
navigation system146
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance236
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models225
"Service Info"79,203,222
Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service225
– refer to Service
requirements79
"Service Request"196,203
"Service
requirements"80,203,222
Service requirements79
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service225
"Set date"85
"Set" in audio mode160

Everything from A to Z
264 "Set" on trip computer79
"Set service date"80
"Set time"85
Setting button, refer to
Controls, controller16
Settings207
– BMW Night Vision102
– changing on Control
Display84
– clock, 12h/24h mode85
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile30
– date85
– language86
– units of measure86
"Settings" in unlocking32
Settings menu, refer to
imenu18
"Settings" with BMW
Assist206
Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
time115
Shifting, Sport automatic
transmission63
Short commands of voice
command system246
"Short route" in
navigation147
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route146
"Show current position"142
"Show destination
position"142
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer177
– CD player177
Side airbags95
Side-mounted turn signals,
replacing bulbs232
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sill panel lighting, refer to
Interior lamps108
Sitting safely49
– with airbags49
– with head restraint49
– with safety belts49
Ski bag121Sliding/tilt roof, refer to Glass
sunroof, electric with raise
function42
Slope assistant, refer to
Starting assistant90
Snap-in adapter
– mounting/removing199
– using186
Snow chains219
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical devices121
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics interface
226
Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock60
Soft closure aid, refer to
Automatic soft closing35
Song search on CD, refer to
Sampling tracks176
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency request235
Sound distribution in audio
mode
– front/rear fader162
– right/left balance162
Spare
– adapter for spare key30
– fuses234
– key30
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils223
Specified oil grades, refer to
Approved engine oils223
Speed-dependent
volume162
Speed dial, refer to
Speedometer12
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit83
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", tone
control162
Speed with winter tires219Sport automatic
transmission62
– Dynamic Driving Control64
– kick-down63
– releasing transmission
lock64
– towing238,239
– with comfort access40
Sport program in the Sport
automatic transmission63
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems88
"Star button"57
Start/Stop button60
– starting the engine61
– switching off the engine61
"Start" for stopwatch84
"Start guidance"139,148
Starting, refer to Starting
engine61
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting236
Starting assistant90
Starting difficulties, refer to
Jump starting236
Starting off on slopes, refer to
Starting assistant90
Start menu, iDrive18
"Start route guidance"142
"Start service"202
"Start service" with BMW
Assist205
"State / Province" in
destination entry137
"State inspection"80
Station, refer to Radio164
"Status"80
Status information on Control
Display21
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steam cleaners227,228

Everything from A to Z
266 Tires
– age216
– air loss92,93
– breaking-in126
– condition217
– damage217
– inflation pressure214
– minimum tread depth217
– new wheels and tires218
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor90
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor92
– replacing218
– retreaded tires218
– run-flat tires218
– size215
– size, refer to The right
wheels and tires218
– wear indicators217
– wheel/tire combination218
– winter tires219
Tires, run-flat
– refer to Run-flat tires218
– winter tires219
TMC station, refer to Traffic
information152
"Tone"161
Tone dialing method196
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting161
– middle setting163
Tone on locking/unlocking33
Tools, refer to Onboard
toolkit231
Top44
"Top 8" in mobile phone
mode194
Torque, refer to Engine
data242
Touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method196
Tow bar238
Tow fitting237Towing237
– methods238
– tow fittings237
– with manual
transmission238
– with Sport automatic
transmission238
"Town / City" in destination
entry137
Tow rope238
Tow-starting237
"TPM"93
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor92
– resetting system93
– system limits92
– warning lamp93
Tracks
– random sequence177
– sampling on CD176
– selecting with CD175
Traction-assist feature, refer
to DSC Dynamic Stability
Control89
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control89
Traffic information for
navigation152
– depiction in route map154
– displaying153
– during destination
guidance155
– symbols154
"Traffic Info settings"153
Traffic jam
– displaying traffic
information152
– refer to Bypassing route
sections152
Transmission
– manual transmission62
– sport automatic
transmission62
– starting assistant90
– towing238
– transmission lock, manually
locking and unlocking, sport
automatic transmission64Transporting children
safely58
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo130
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread217
Treble, refer to Tone
control161
"Treble", tone control161
"Trip computer"79
Trip computer78
Trip-distance counter
– refer to Trip computer78
– refer to Trip meter76
"Triple turn signal"66
Trip meter76
– also refer to Trip
computer78
Trip odometer, refer to Trip
meter76
Trunk, refer to Luggage
compartment37
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid35
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions243
Turn signals65
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR216
"Units"86
Units
– temperature86
Units of measure
– average fuel
consumption86
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote
control117
Universal remote control, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control117
"Unlock button"32

Reference 267
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Unlocking
– from inside35
– from outside32
– setting unlocking
behavior32
– without key, refer to Comfort
access38
"Update services"206
USB-audio interface/mobile
phone audio interface181
"USB" in audio mode182
"Use current location as
address"144,146
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal233
– refer to Replacing battery40
Using turn signals65
V
Vehicle
– battery233
– breaking-in126
– loading129
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions243
– parking61
– weights245
"Vehicle / Tires" in
unlokking32
Vehicle care, refer to Care227
Vehicle jack233
– jacking points233
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position155
Ventilation114
– draft-free114
– for cooling114
– parked car ventilation114
Venting
– refer to Ventilation114
Vent outlets of automatic
climate control110
Vents, refer to Ventilation114
"Vent settings"113
Viscosity223Voice, refer to Destination
guidance with voice
instructions151
Voice command system
– overview24
– short commands246
Voice instructions for
navigation system151
– muting57
– repeating57,152
– switching on/off57,151
– volume152
Voice phone book198
Volume160
– audio sources160
– cargo bay245
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities245
– mobile phone192
– speed-dependent
control162
– voice instructions152
– windshield cleaning system,
refer to Capacities245
W
Warning lamps, refer to
Indicator and warning
lamps13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control81
Warning on leaving lane, refer
to Leaving lane warning102
Warning triangle236
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models225
Washer fluid
– capacity of the reservoir67
– wiper system67
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water128
Water penetration227,228
Waveband for radio164
"WB"160,168
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth217
Weather news flashes168Website BMW4
Weights245
Welcome lamps104
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to New wheels and tires218
Wheel/tire damage217
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions243
Wheels and tires214
Width, refer to
Dimensions243
Wind deflector47
Windows40
– comfort closing with comfort
access39
– convenient operation32,34
– opening and closing,
Convertible41
– opening and closing,
Coupe40
– rear window, Convertible41
Windshield
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system66
– defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows112
– displays, refer to Head-Up
Display98
Windshield wash
– automatic, refer to Rain
sensor66
– capacities, reservoir245
– filler neck for washer
fluid221
– nozzles67
– washer fluid67
– wiper system66
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system66
– wiper blade
replacement231
Winter tires219
– setting speed limit83
– storage219
Wiper blades
– replacement231