hybrid BMW ACTIVEHYBRID X6 2010 User Guide

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
23
Climate
Air-conditioning functions, refer to BMW X6
Owner's Manual.
Special features of the automatic air-
conditioning system
The automatic air-conditioning system of your
BMW with an electric air-conditioning com-
pressor is independent of the combustion
engine.
It is thus pos sible to have a comf orta ble climate
in the vehicle interior even when the combus-
tion engine is switched off.
Automatic air-conditioning system
with drive readiness
The automatic air-conditioning system can be
used as usual whenever drive readiness is
switched on, for example during electric driving.
If there is no longer a sufficient charge in the
high-voltage battery, then the combustion
engine is switched on.
Cooling function while stationary
The cooling function can be acti-
vated while stationary if the ignition
is switched on.
1.Switch on the ignition.
2.Press the button.
The cooling function is switched on.
If there is no longer a sufficient charge in the
high-voltage battery, then the cooling function
is switched off.
More information can be found in the BMW X6
Owner's Manual.
Cooling of the high-voltage system
The automatic air-conditioning system is also
used to cool the high-voltage system.
Therefore the air-conditioning compressor can
automatically switch on, even when the cooling
function of the automatic air-conditioning sys-
tem is switched off.After the vehicle is switched off, audible operat-
ing sounds may issue from the hybrid system,
e.g. the cooling of the high-voltage battery.

Refueling
32
Refueling
Before refueling, deactivate drive readi-
ness. When handling fuel, always observe
all applicable precautionary measures and reg-
ulations. Never transport reserve fuel contain-
ers in the vehicle. These could become leaky
and cause an explosion or a fire in an accident.<
Refueling
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is equipped with a
special fuel tank. It is designed for special
requirements that arise in the hybrid operation
of the vehicle, e.g. alternating driving with the
combustion engine or electric motors. Fuel
vapors can cause pressure to build up in the fuel
tank, which is reduced before the fuel tank
catch is opened.
Preparation
Unlocking fuel filler door
1.Deactivate drive readiness, refer to
page15.
2.Push the button to start pressure compen-
sation.
3.Messages indicate that the fuel filler door
has been released and refueling is possible.
In rare cases, the pressure decrease can
take several seconds. A message on the
Control Display indicates when the fuel filler
door has been released.
4.Open the fuel filler door.
If the fuel filler door is not opened within
10 minutes after the fuel tank catch is released, the fuel filler door locks again.
Press the button again.
Opening fuel filler door
1.Open the fuel filler door. To do this, briefly
press the lower edge.
The fuel filler door can only be opened if the
fuel tank catch has been released.
2.Turn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise.
3.Place the fuel filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
Closing
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Do not crush the band attached to the
cap; otherwise, the cap may not properly
seal and fuel vapors can escape.<
Manually releasing fuel filler door
If an electrical malfunction should occur and the
system does not release the fuel filler door, you
can unlock the fuel filler door manually.

Wheels and tires
34
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure BMW ActiveHybrid X6
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Traveling speeds
up to a max. of
100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds
including those
exceeding
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications
in the table are indicated in
psi/kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
255/50 R 19 107 H M+S XL 35/240 38/260 38/260 41/280
Front: 275/40 R 20 106 W XL 38/260 - 41/280 -
Rear: 315/35 R 20 110 W XL - 38/260 - 41/280
Front: 285/35 R 21 105 W XL 38/260 - 41/280 -
Rear: 325/30 R 21 108 W XL - 38/260 - 41/280
Compact wheel
*:
T 155/80 R 19 114 M60/420 60/420 60/420 60/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page46.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
35
Engine compartment
Only have work on the vehicle carried out
by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
or a repair shop that works in accordance with
BMW guidelines and uses appropriately trained personnel. Otherwise, there is the risk of life-
threatening injury by electrocution due to the
high voltage of the hybrid system.<
Engine compartment
1Filler neck for washing fluid of the headlamp
and windshield washer system
2Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding
engine oil, BMW X6 Owner's Manual
3Jump starting terminal plus/+, refer to
page37
4Expansion tank for coolant
5Jump starting terminal minus/-, refer to
page37Do not work in the engine compartment
with a tool that could damage the orange
high-voltage cable or high-voltage compo-
nents. Otherwise, there is the risk of fatal injury
by electrocution.<

Replacing components
36
Replacing components
For more information on replacing parts, please
refer to the BMW X6 Owner's Manual.
Working on the vehicle
Your BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is equipped with a
high-voltage system.
The BMW X6 Owner's Manual only describes
work on the vehicle that will not bring you into
contact with the high-voltage system.
Have more extensive work on your vehicle car-
ried out only by your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center or a repair shop that works according
to BMW repair procedures with correspond-
ingly trained personnel.
Have maintenance and repair on the vehi-
cle carried out only by your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or a repair shop that
works in accordance with BMW guidelines and
uses appropriately trained personnel. Other-
wise, there is the risk of life-threatening injury
by electrocution due to the high voltage of the
hybrid system.<
Never touch the high-voltage compo-
nents of the hybrid system; otherwise,
there is the risk of life-threatening injury by
electrocution due to the high voltage of the
hybrid system.<
Do not remove the cover panel of the
cargo bay floor; otherwise, the high-volt-
age battery could be damaged.<
12 Volt batteries
Battery care
The 12 Volt batteries are maintenance-free, i.e.
the electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated under temperate
climatic conditions. Your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center will be glad to advise in all mat-
ters concerning the battery.
Charging batteries
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 page37.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of following
replacement at your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or bring them to a collection
point. Maintain the battery in an upright position
for transport and storage. Always restrain the
battery to prevent it from tipping over during
transport.<
High-voltage battery
Battery care
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will
be glad to advise you in all matters concerning
the high-voltage battery
Charging battery
Charging high-voltage battery, refer to Energy
recovery on page16 and Jump starting on
page37.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
37
Giving and receiving assistance
Jump starting, charging
high-voltage battery
Your BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is equipped with
two types of battery:
>12 Volt battery
>High-voltage battery
If the 12 Volt battery or high-voltage battery is
dead, the combustion engine can be started
with the aid of another vehicle using two jumper
cables.
Only use jumper cables with fully insulated ter-
minal clamps and do not deviate from the
described procedure.
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury,
always avoid all contact with electrical
components while the engine is running. Care-
fully adhere to the following sequence, both to
prevent damage to one or both vehicles, and to
guard against possible personal injuries.<
Identifying the dead battery
>Dead 12 Volt battery: Ignition cannot be
switched on.
>Dead high-voltage battery: Ignition can be
switched on. Drive readiness cannot be
activated.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle is a 12 Volt battery and has approxi-
mately the same capacitance in Ah. This
information can be found on the battery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any electrical systems and com-
ponents in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks, fol-
low this sequence when connecting
jumper cables.<
In your BMW, the so-called jump-starting termi-
nal in the engine compartment functions as the
positive battery terminal, also refer to the
engine compartment overview on page35. The
cover cap is marked with a + symbol.
1.Fold open the cover of the BMW starting-
aid terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
2.Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+
to the positive terminal of the battery or a
starting-aid terminal of the vehicle provid-
ing assistance.
3.Attach the second end of the cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or to a start-
ing-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/–
to the negative terminal of the battery or to
an engine or body ground of the assisting
vehicle.
Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative pole.

Giving and receiving assistance
38 5.Attach the second end of the cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to the
engine or body ground of the vehicle to be
started.
Charging: 12 Volt battery
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle
and activate drive readiness, allowing the
assisting vehicle to run at idle for several
minutes at slightly increased speed.
2.Start the engine on your vehicle in the usual
way.
If the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
Have the battery checked if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Charging: High-voltage battery
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle
and activate drive readiness, allowing the
assisting vehicle to run at idle for several
minutes at slightly increased speed.
2.Switch on the ignition of your vehicle when
prompted by the corresponding message
on the Control Display. The charging
begins.
3.The charging is concluded when this is
prompted by a corresponding message on
the Control Display.
4.Start the combustion engine of your own
vehicle.
5.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
Have the hybrid system checked if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Charging interrupted
The charging may be interrupted, for example if
the battery power of the assisting vehicle is
insufficient.
Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse of
the sequence described above and contact
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Tow-starting and towing
Getting towed:
Have your BMW ActiveHybrid X6 trans-
ported only on a flat bed of a tow truck;
otherwise, the high-voltage system may be
damaged.<
In special circumstances, it is possible to have
the vehicle towed on the road for short dis-
tances, e.g. in order to remove the vehicle from
a dangerous area.
No tow-starting
The engine cannot be started by tow-starting.
Start the engine by jump starting it, refer to
page37.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties elimi-
nated.
Towing the vehicle
Towing your BMW ActiveHybrid X6 with a tow
rope or tow bar is only possible in special cir-
cumstances for short distances, e.g. in order to
remove the vehicle from a dangerous area. Oth-
erwise, the hybrid system can be damaged.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
39
Using a 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 located in the onboard toolkit under the
floor panel flap in the cargo bay.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral
loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehi-
cle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the
tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Cover panel on left and right side of bumper:
press on the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
Front:
Rear:
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it
will not be possible to reliably 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, observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<
Hybrid system safety
Working on the vehicle
The hybrid system of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6
is a closed system.
Safety is assured as long as no work is per-
formed on the technical components.
Therefore, have changes to and work on the
vehicle, e.g. installation of accessories, carried
out only by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center or by a repair shop that works in accor-
dance with BMW guidelines using appropriately
trained personnel.
Have maintenance and repair of the vehi-
cle carried out only by the service depart-
ment or by a repair shop that works in accor-
dance with BMW guidelines using appropriately

Giving and receiving assistance
40 trained personnel. Otherwise, there is the risk of
life-threatening injury by electrocution due to
the high voltage of the hybrid system.<
Hybrid system: Contact with water
The hybrid system is generally safe, even in the
following sample situations:
>Water in the footwell, e.g. when rain show-
ers occur with an open glass roof.
>The vehicle is in water, e.g. in a flood.
>Fluid escapes in the cargo bay.
In these cases, there is no danger of being
injured by electrocution. Other types of damage
to the vehicle are possible.
Hybrid system: Automatic deactivation
In the event of an accident, the hybrid system is
switched off automatically in order to protect
passengers and other road users from injury.
The high-voltage system is automatically
switched off in the following sample situations:
>Sensors of the airbag system detect an
accident
>Obstacles on the road damage the under-
body and high-voltage cables
After an accident, do not touch any
exposed high-voltage components. Oth-
erwise, there is the risk of life-threatening injury
by electrocution due to the high voltage of the
hybrid system.<
Also follow the instructions for what to do after
an accident.
What to do after an accident
If you should get into an accident with your
vehicle, the following safety precautions must
be taken with regard to the hybrid system:
>Secure the accident site.
>Immediately inform the paramedics, police,
o r f ir e d e p a r t m e n t o f t h e f a c t t h a t i t i s a v e h i-
cle equipped with a hybrid system.>Move the selector lever into position P, set
the parking brake, and switch off drive
readiness.
>Do not touch any orange high-voltage
cables and connectors or high-voltage
components. Otherwise, there is the risk of
life-threatening injury by electrocution.
>Do not inhale gases emanating from the
high-voltage battery. Stay away from the
vehicle if necessary.
>Contact a service center in order to ascer-
tain the damage.

Technical data
44
Technical data
Drive system
Combustion engine
Hybrid system
Simultaneous operation of combustion engine
and electric motors.
High-voltage battery
BMW ActiveHybrid X6
Displacement cu in/cmμ268.2/4,395
No. of cylinders8
Maximum output hp 400
at engine speed rpm 5,500-6,400
Maximum torque lb ft/Nm 450/610
at engine speed rpm 1,750-4,500
BMW ActiveHybrid X6
Maximum output hp 480
Maximum torque lb ft/Nm 575/780
BMW ActiveHybrid X6
TypeNiMH
Output kW 57