transmission control BMW 750I 2006 User Guide

Controls
63Reference
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R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can select this position, for example, in car
washes. The vehicle can roll.
Transmission remains in N even after the
ignition is switched off whenever you
leave the remote control in the ignition lock.
This function is useful in automatic car washes,
etc.
After approx. 30 minutes the system automati-
cally shifts into position P. Observe the mes-
sages on the Info Display.
Switching off engine, refer to page58.<
D Drive, automatic position
This is the mode recommended for normal
vehicle operation. All forward gears are avail-
able.
Under normal operating conditions, the fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in posi-
tion D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the full-
throttle resistance point.
Sport program and manual operation
Press button1 on the steering wheel.
The sport program is activated and S appears
on the Info Display. This program is recom-
mended for a performance-oriented driving
style.
Press button1 again to switch into the manual
mode and then into the Automatic program
again.
In the manual mode, the Steptronic changes
gears when one of the buttons2 on the front or
back of the steering wheel is briefly pressed.
The Info Display shows the manual ranges M1
through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
the system will not execute a downshift that
would cause the engine to overrev. The
requested gear appears briefly on the Info Dis-
play, followed by the current gear.
Press button1 again to switch into the Auto-
matic program again.

Driving
68
Maintaining speed, storing, and
decelerating
Pull the lever, arrow2:
Functions in the same way as1, except that the
vehicle speed is decreased.
Interrupting the cruise control
Briefly press the lever up or down, arrow3.
In addition, cruise control is interrupted auto-
matically:
>when you apply pressure to the brake pedal
>when you shift the automatic transmission
into position N
>when the DSC control is operative
Resuming stored speed
Briefly press the button4:
The vehicle accelerates back to and maintains
the stored speed.
Displays in speedometer
5Pointer for stored speed
> Cruise control activated
> Cruise control deactivated
6Mark for stored desired speed in the multi-
level function
Storing desired speeds
With vehicle stationary
1.Switch on the ignition.
2.Press, arrow1, or pull, arrow2, the lever
past the resistance point:
Now you can move the pointer5 with the lever until you have reached your desired
speed:
>Press or pull the lever up to the resis-
tance point again: the pointer slowly
moves.
>Press or pull the lever past the resis-
tance point again: the pointer jumps to
the next multiple of 5 mph or 10 km/h
and then further, as long as the lever is
held.
3.Press the button4 for approx. 3 seconds.
The stored desired speed is indicated by a
mark 6.
If six desired speeds have already been stored,
please delete at least one of them before adding
another.
While driving
1.Press, arrow1, or pull, arrow2, the lever
past the resistance point.
2.Press the button4 for approx. 3 seconds.
The current speed is applied as the desired
speed and displayed with6.
If all of the marks 6 flash twice, this indicates
that six desired speeds have already been
stored. You must then delete at least one of
them before adding another.
Deleting desired speeds
1.Select corresponding desired speed6,
refer to section below.
2.Press button4 for approx. 3 seconds.
Activating multilevel preset mode
Press, arrow1, or pull, arrow2, the lever past
the resistance point.
The current driving speed is maintained, stored
and displayed by the pointer5.
Selecting desired speed
Press, arrow1, or pull, arrow2, the lever past
the resistance point:
The next desired speed is selected.

Controls
71Reference
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Mobility
Selecting distance
>Knurled wheel up:
To increase distance
>Knurled wheel down:
To decrease distance
The selected distance is displayed in the
speedometer.
Distance 1
Distance 2
Distance 3
This distance is always set when
the system is used for the first time
after starting the engine.
Distance 4
Use good judgment to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and driving rec-
ommendations for safe following distance.
Otherwise, a violation of the law or the danger of
an accident could result.<
Deactivating cruise control
Press the lever up or down. The displays in the
speedometer go out.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>when the speed is reduced to below 20 mph
or 30 km/h due to a traffic situation
>when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>when the system does not recognize any
objects for an extended period of time, e.g.
on infrequently traveled roads without a
shoulder or guard rails, or if the radar sensor
is covered with dirt, refer to page72
>when you actuate the parking brake during
driving
>when you shift the transmission into the
Nposition
If the system is deactivated, then it is nec-
essary for the driver to actively intervene
by braking and possibly swerving. Otherwise,
there is the danger of an accident.<
Background lighting
You can switch off the backlighting of the
speedometer and tachometer when the system
is deactivated if no other functions are being
displayed, e.g. the pre-warning field in the
tachometer, refer to page75, or the route guid-
ance of the navigation system.
To do so, press the lever up or down for approx.
1second.

Controls
73Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
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Mobility
Things to know about active cruise control
As with conventional cruise control sys-
tems, active cruise control in no way
diminishes or substitutes for the driver's own
personal responsibility, alertness and aware-
ness in adjusting speed, braking or otherwise
controlling the vehicle. The driver should
decide when to use the system on the basis of
road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions.
Active cruise control is intended for use on
highway-type roadways where traffic is moving
relatively smoothly. Do not use this system in
city driving; heavy traffic such as during rush
hour; on curvy, winding roads, slippery roads or
roads with sharp curves such as highway off-
ramps; during inclement weather such as snow,
strong rain or fog; or when entering inter-
changes, service/parking areas or toll booths.
It is also important to regulate your vehicle's
speed and distance setting within applicable
legal limits. Always be ready to take action or
apply the brakes if necessary, especially when
the system is actively following a vehicle in front
of you.<
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system do have physical limita-
tions. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate
your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead
of you, for example when approaching a traffic
light or a parked vehicle. Also, the system does
not react to oncoming traffic, pedestrians or
other types of potential traffic such as a rider on
horseback. It is also possible that the system
may not detect smaller moving objects such as
motorcycles or bicycles. Be especially alert
when encountering any of these situations as
the system will neither automatically brake, nor
provide a warning to you. Also, be aware that every decrease in the distance setting allows
your vehicle to come closer to a vehicle in front
of you and requires a heightened amount of
alertness.<
When your vehicle is actively following a vehicle
in front of you, if the vehicle ahead speeds up or
the lane ahead becomes clear, then your vehi-
cle will accelerate to the speed you have
selected. Be aware that changing to a clear,
unobstructed lane may also result in accelera-
tion of your vehicle.
Be certain to deactivate the system when
you pull into an exit lane for a highway off-
ramp.<
Also, vehicles traveling in a staggered manner
on a highway may cause a delay in the system's
reaction to a vehicle in front of you or may cause
the system to react to a vehicle actually in the
lane next to you. Always be ready to take action
or apply the brakes if necessary.
Active cruise control can only decelerate the
vehicle to approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. If the sys-
tem reduces vehicle speed below 20 mph/
30 km/h or if DSC/ABS is engaged while driving,
the system will automatically deactivate.
Remember, the system cannot stop your
vehicle. In addition, the system is deacti-
vated whenever the driver applies the vehicle
brakes, shifts the transmission from drive/D to
neutral/N, or deactivates DSC. After any deacti-
vation, the system will no longer automatically
activate the vehicle brakes, which means the
driver must intervene and resume manual brak-
ing. You should then reactivate the system only
when you are fully aware of the prior speed and
distance settings.<

Things to remember when driving
122
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts need time to adjust to one
another. To ensure that your vehicle continues
to furnish optimized economy of operation
throughout an extended service life, we request
that you devote careful attention to the follow-
ing information.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive with changing engine and vehicle speeds,
but do not exceed:
4500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode during these
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
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.
Following component replacements
Follow the break-in sequence again if compo-
nents addressed above must be replaced again
during subsequent driving.
General driving notes
Closing luggage compartment lid
Operate the vehicle only when the lug-
gage compartment lid is completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could pene-
trate into the passenger compartment.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
luggage compartment lid open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Adjust the automatic climate control's
blower to supply a high rate of airflow, refer
to page106.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated on exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed adja-
cent to it, and never apply undercoating to
them. When driving, standing at idle, and park-
ing, 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, accompa-
nied by the risk of serious property damage and
personal injury.<
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW does not recommend using mobile
communications devices, e.g. mobile
phones, inside the vehicle without a direct con-
nection to an outside antenna. Otherwise, the
vehicle electronics and mobile communications
device can affect each other. In addition, there
is no assurance that the radiation which results
during transmission will be discharged from the
vehicle interior.<

Driving tips
123Reference
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Mobility
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature*
Two photocells in the interior rearview mirror
control this function. One is integrated into the
mirror's lens, the other is located offset from
this 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. Do
not attach any kind of stickers to the windshield
in front of the mirror either.
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 tires and
road surface, ultimately undermining your abil-
ity to steer and brake the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Only drive through water with a maximum
depth of 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at walk-
ing speed at the most. Otherwise, you run the
risk of damaging the vehicle's engine, electrical
systems, and transmission.<
Safe braking
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard
equipment. In situations that require it, it is best
to apply the brakes fully. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless 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.
Driving in wet conditions
When driving in wet conditions and 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 endanger other road users. The heat gener-
ated 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 reduced effi-
ciency of the brake system, drive long or
steep downhill grades in the gear that requires
the least amount of braking. Otherwise, even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can further enhance the engine's braking
action by selecting a lower gear in the automatic
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches,
refer to page63. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
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 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 minimal
pressure that must be exerted by the pads dur-
ing brake applications to clean the rotors is not
reached.

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
157Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
5.Turn the controller until you reach the
desired frequency.
6.Press the controller to save setting.
Using the voice command system:
Updating selection of stations in
receiving range
In the course of longer trips, when you travel
outside the transmission range of the originally
selected stations, you can update the selection
of stations in receiving range.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Choose the selection criterion and press
the controller.
3.Select "MANUAL" and press the controller.
4.Select "AUTOSTORE" and press the con-
troller.
The selection of stations in receiving range is
updated, the frequencies of the stations are dis-
played.
Station scan
You can tune in to stations that are received in
addition to those on the display.
The frequency of the station is displayed in the
bottom status line and also on the Control Dis-
play.
Using buttons in center console
Start station search:
Maintain pressure on the button for sev-
eral seconds.
The station search begins with the currently
selected frequency.
The station search stops as soon as a station is
found.
Using iDrive
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Choose the selection criterion and press
the controller.
3.Select "MANUAL" and press the controller.
4. Select the desired direction and
press the controller.
The station search begins with the currently
selected frequency.
The station search stops as soon as a station is
found. The frequency is shown on the Control
Display. 1.{Radio}.
2.{Frequency 88...107 (Point 1...9)}.

BMW Assist
186
BMW Assist
To avoid posing an unnecessary hazard,
both to your own vehicle's occupants and
to other road users, only make entries while the
vehicle is stationary.<
The contract of participation with BMW Assist
and the registration must be completed before
you can use BMW Assist.
Requirements
>Make sure that the vehicle can determine its
current position. Reception is best when
you have an unobstructed view to the sky.
>Leave radio ready state switched on while
connecting to the system.
The position of the vehicle can influence
the mobile communications/GPS recep-
tion. As a rule, mobile communications/GPS
reception is only possible when your vehicle is
out in the open.
When vehicle data is exchanged with the BMW
center, a corresponding message appears on
the Control Display.<
Initializing BMW Assist
To be able to use the services of BMW Assist,
you must first initialize the system.
iDrive, for principle details, refer to page16.
1.Press the button to open the start
menu.
2.Move the controller toward "BMW Assist".
3.Select "Status" and press the controller.4.Select" BMW Assist" and press the control-
ler.
5.Select "INITIALIZE" and press the control-
ler.
The system goes through four phases to estab-
lish the contact with the BMW center and set up
the services you have selected.
The initialization lasts up to 9 minutes. The cur-
rent status appears on the Control Display. If
you bring up another system, the initialization
continues to run in the background.
During initialization, please do not turn off
the system, i.e. leave the ignition
switched on.
The services of BMW Assist can only be dialed
up after initialization.
In order to assure the transmission of data, the
initialization must be carried out while the vehi-
cle is stationary.<
Following initialization, the system changes to
the service overview.
*

Mobility
215Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Selector lever in position N. Releasing
shiftlock manually, refer to page64. To
avoid damaging the automatic transmission, do
not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/70 km/h
and a towing distance of 95 miles/150 km.<
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed; otherwise,
it will no longer be possible to control vehicle
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be strictly limited in corners.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only secure the tow bar on the tow fitting;
otherwise, damage can occur when it is
secured on other parts of the vehicle.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the towrope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fitting; oth-
erwise, damage can occur when it is secured on
other parts of the vehicle.<
With tow truck
Have the BMW transported with a tow truck
with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts; otherwise, damage
may result.<
Tow-starting
It is not possible to start the motor by tow start-
ing.
Starting assistance, refer to page213.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties reme-
died.

Reference 225
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Audio152
– controls152
– switching on/off153
– tone control153
– volume153
"AUDIO", DVD changer171
Audio mode152
Automatic
– air distribution104
– air volume104
– cruise control67,69
– headlamp control99
– service notification187
– station storage157
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Assistance getting in
and out52
– tailgate operation33,36
Automatically switching
between high beams and
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant100
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control
– adjusting temperature105
– AUTO program104
– defrosting windows and
removing condensation106
– maximum cooling106
– rear air conditioner108
– rear refrigerator117
– residual heat106
– settings on Control
Display104
– switching cooling function
on and off manually107
– switching off105
Automatic closing of doors
and trunk lid, refer to
Automatic Soft Close35,36
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic garage door
opener111
Automatic Hold59
– activation/deactivation59
– parking60Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control99
– refer to Daytime running
lamps99
– refer to High-beam
assistant100
– refer to Interior lamps102
– refer to Pathway lighting99
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC105
Automatic soft closing
– doors
35
– luggage compartment lid36
Automatic station search156
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic62
– buttons on steering
wheel63
– interlock62
– manually releasing trans-
mission lock64
– shiftlock62
– towing214
– tow-starting215
Automatic windshield washer
system65
"AUTO P"
– Automatic Hold activation/
deactivation59
– programmable buttons52
AUTO program, automatic
climate control104
– adjusting intensity104
"Autostore list", radio155
Average fuel consumption77
– setting units84
Average speed77
– setting units84
"Avoid ferries",
navigation142
"Avoid highway",
navigation142
Avoiding tolls142
Avoiding unintentional
alarms38
"Avoid route", navigation146
"Avoid sect.", navigation146
"Avoid tolls", navigation142Axle loads, refer to
Weights220
"A-Z", telephone183
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support
adjustment45
Backrests, refer to Seats,
adjusting44
Backrest width adjustment,
refer to Front comfort seat
adjustment44
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs209
"Balance", balance and
fader154
Bar, refer to Tow bar215
"Bass", Treble and bass153
Battery211
– jump starting213
– switch211
Battery change, remote
control in Comfort
Access39
"BC", computer77
Belts, refer to Safety belts48
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders115
Blower
– refer to Air volume106
– refer to Manually adjusting
air volume108
"BLUETOOTH"181
Bluetooth link, activating/
deactivating180
BMW Assist186
– "BMW Assist"186
– "BMW center"187
– "Customer Relations"188
– "Roadside Assistance"187
BMW Maintenance
System205
BMW Night Vision96
– cleaning camera98
– deactivating97
– making settings97