towing BMW M6 2008 E63 Owner's Manual

Driving tips
119Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
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.
Stowing cargo
>Place heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
bulkhead behind the rear seats.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net* or securing straps to
hold down small and lightweight luggage
and cargo.
>Heavy-duty cargo straps
* for securing
larger and heavier objects are available at

Replacing components
222
After mounting
1.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
To ensure safety, always have the
lug bolts checked with a calibrated
torque wrench as soon as possible to
ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
fied torque. Otherwise, incorrectly tight-
ened lug bolts are a hidden safety risk. The
tightening torque is 88.5 lb ft/120 Nm.<
2.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems with valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
3.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page86, and the Sequential Manual Trans-
mission, refer to After changing wheels/
tires on page207.
4.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Stowing wheel and tools
Convertible: a rear wheel can only be
transported with the convertible top com-
partment floor folded up.<
1.Lay the wheel in the tool mounting.
2.Lay the cover on the mounting.
3.Coupe: center the wheel and cover relative
to the lashing eyes5.
Convertible: slide the wheel as far as possi-
ble to the left and to the rear.
4.Coupe: hook the belt into the lashing eyes5
and lay it in the belt guide which runs in the
center of the lid.Convertible: hook the belt into the lashing
eyes5 and7 and lay it in the belt guide of
the lid which runs offset.
5.Completely open the tensioning lock.
6.Thread the belt3 through the axis6 of the
tensioning lock without twisting it and ten-
sion it by hand.
7.Tighten the belt firmly with the tensioning
lock by opening and closing the lock several
times.
8.Fold the tensioning lock closed and stow
the protruding belt end.
Driving with spare wheel
With certain wheel-and-tire combinations
the size of the spare wheel differs from
that of the other wheels. The spare wheel is
equivalent to them in all load and speed ranges.
However, to restore the original state, the nor-
mal wheel should be remounted as soon as
possible.<
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
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.

Giving and receiving assistance
226 There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles; otherwise,
there is a danger of short circuiting.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks,
follow this sequence when connecting
jumper cables.<
In your BMW M6, the so-called jump-starting
terminal for jump starting in the engine com-
partment serves as a positive terminal for the
battery, also refer to engine compartment over-
view on page209. The cover cap is marked with
a+.
1.Fold open the cover of the BMW jump-
starting 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
jump-starting 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 jump-
starting 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 vehicle
providing assistance.
Your BMW M6 has a special nut as body
ground or negative terminal.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.
Starting engine
1.Start the engine on the assisting vehicle
and allow it to run at idle for several minutes
at slightly increased speed.
2.Start the engine on the other 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.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool kit
mounted on the inside of the luggage compart-
ment under the floor mat, refer to page216, and
should always remain in the vehicle. It can be
screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW.

Mobility
227Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Only use the tow fitting that comes with
the vehicle and screw it in as far as possi-
ble. Use the tow fitting for towing only on roads.
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do
not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise,
the tow fitting and vehicle can be damaged.<
Access to screw thread
Front: press the arrow symbol on the cover in
the bumper.
Rear: press the arrow symbol on the cover while
prying out the cover upward by hand.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page59; otherwise, the low-beam
headlamps, tail lights, turn signals and wind-
shield wipers would not be available. Do not tow
the vehicle with the rear axle raised, as other-
wise the steering can turn to the left or right.
When the engine is stopped, there is no power
assist. This then requires increased effort for
braking and steering.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Sequential Manual Transmission with
Drivelogic
Make sure that selector lever position N is
engaged with the ignition switched on, as
otherwise the engine can be damaged during
towing.<
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, please note the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be strictly limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
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.
Attach tow ropes to the tow fittings only, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can lead to
damage.<

Everything from A to Z
242 Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System82
– brake force display90
– breaking-in116
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control82
– electronic brake-force
distribution83
– handbrake61
– refer to Braking safely117
Brake system116
– brake pads116
– brake rotors118
– breaking-in116
– warning lamp13,84
Braking safely117
Breakdown, M Mobility
System218
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance225
Breaking-in116
Breaking-in brake pads116
Breaking-in the clutch116
Breaking-in the differential,
refer to Engine and
differential116
"Brightness"79,94
Brightness of Control
Display79
Button for starting engine,
refer to Start/Stop button59
Buttons on steering wheel11
Bypassing route sections142
C
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"184,195
Call
– accepting182
– displaying accepted185
– ending183
– in absence185
– rejecting183
– starting183Calling
– by entering phone
number183
– from phone book184
– from Top 8 list185
– redialing185
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders111
Capacities235
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery222
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"71
Care215
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo loading
– securing cargo119
– stowing cargo119
– vehicle118
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control28Car phone176
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest110
– refer to Mobile phone176
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio154
Car wash118
– refer to Before driving into a
car wash118
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system117
"Categories"162
CBC Cornering Brake
Control82
CBS Condition Based
Service214
"CD"150
,164
CD changer164
– controls150
– fast forward/reverse168
– installation location168
– random sequence167
– repeating a track167
– sampling a track166
– selecting a CD165
– selecting a track165
– switching on/off150
– tone control151
– volume151
CD player164
– controls150
– fast forward/reverse168
– random sequence167
– repeating a track167
– sampling a track166
– selecting a track165
– switching on/off150
– tone control151
– volume151
Center armrest, adjusting
height110
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking
– from inside32
– from outside30

Everything from A to Z
246 ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control83
Event data recorders215
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system117
Exterior mirrors51
– adjusting51
– automatic dimming
feature52
– automatic heating51
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side
mirror52
External audio device110
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting226
Eyes for lashing, refer to
Securing cargo119
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control152
Fader, refer to Tone
control152
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control74
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms36
– refer to Switching off
alarm35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts50
Fastest route for
navigation136
Fast forward
– CD changer168
– CD player168
"Fast route" for
navigation136
"Favorites", calling up with
radio157
Filler neck for washer fluid67Filling bottle, refer to
M Mobility System218
Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter105
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit225
First-aid kit225
Flashing when locking and
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight110
Flat tire
– Flat Tire Monitor86
– M Mobility System218
– run-flat tires88
– spare wheel221
– Tire Pressure Monitor87
– warning lamp87,88
Flat Tire Monitor86
– false alarms86
– initializing system86
– limits of system86
– snow chains207
– warning lamp87
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 fluid67
"FM", reception
range150,154
FM, waveband154
Folding into raised position
convertible top
compartment floor,
Convertible35
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely117
Footwell lighting, refer to
Interior lamps100
For specified oil grades, refer
to Approved engine oils212
For your own safety6Freeway, refer to Route
criteria136
Front airbags90
Front passenger airbags,
deactivating91
"FTM"87
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor86
Fuel
– average consumption71
– display70
– fuel specifications201
– high-quality brands201
– quality201
– specifications201
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities235
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Fuel filler door200
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction200
Fuel gauge70
Full mobile phone preparation
package176
Full screen display, refer to
Switching assistance
window off20
Fuses223
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control108
Gasoline
– refer to Average fuel
consumption71
– refer to Fuel
specifications201
– refer to Required fuel201
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge70
Gear changes63
Gear display, refer to Displays
in instrument cluster63
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission61

Everything from A to Z
250 Mobile phone battery190
Mobile Service, refer to
Roadside Assistance225
Mobility System218
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring pressure of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor86
"Monitor on / off"53
Most recent mobile phone
numbers185
MP3
– compressed audio files164
– USB/audio interface171
Multifunction steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher65
– refer to Wiper system66
Music tracks
– random play sequence167
– sampling, scan166
"Mute on / off"53
"M View"93
"M view"94
MW, waveband154
N
"Navigation"71,126
Navigation destination
– entering manually126
– selecting via map131
Navigation drive, installation
location124
Navigation DVD124
Navigation instructions, refer
to Switching voice
instructions on/off141Navigation system124
– address book134
– bypassing route
sections142
– destination entry126
– destination guidance in
assistance window124
– destination list133
– displaying current
position145
– displaying route139
– entering a destination
manually126
– entering destination via
voice129
– last destinations133
– looking for interesting
destination132
– navigation DVD124
– route list141
– selecting destination using
information132
– selecting destination via
map131
– selecting route criteria136
– starting destination
guidance138
– switching off, refer to
Terminating/continuing
destination guidance138
– terminating/continuing
destination guidance138
– voice instructions141
– volume adjustment142
"Navigation voice
instructions"53,141
Neck support, refer to Front
head restraints48
"New address" for navigation
system134
"New destination"126,131
New remote controls28
"New route"142
New wheels and tires206
"Next entertainment
source"53
"Normal" with EDC85
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation105
Nozzles, refer to Windshield
washer nozzles67
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing226
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket
for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface215
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications201
Odometer69
Oil, refer to Engine oil210
Oil change interval
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models
– refer to Service
requirements72
"On a new destination" for
navigation system132
"Onboard info"71
Onboard monitor, refer to
iDrive16
Onboard tool kit216
"On destination"132
"On location"132
Opening and closing
– comfort access36
– from inside32
– from outside30
– using door lock32
– using the remote control30
Operating principle, iDrive17
Operation by voice for mobile
phone187
– adjusting volume188
– canceling187
– commands187
– correcting phone
number188
– dialing phone number188
– placing a call188
– redialing189
– voice phone book188

Everything from A to Z
252 "Random all" in audio
mode168
"Random directory" in audio
mode167
Random play sequence
– CD changer167
– CD player167
"RDS"157
Reading lamps100
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps217
Rearview mirrors, refer to
Mirrors51
Rear window
– heating103
– opening and closing39
"Received calls"184
Reception
– quality157
– radio stations157
– regional station156
Reception quality of mobile
phone, refer to Status
information20
Rechargeable flashlight110
Recirculated-air mode, refer
to AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control104
Recirculation of air, refer to
AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control104
Reclining seat, refer to
Seats46
Recording times, refer to
Stopwatch77
"Redial" for mobile phone184
Redialing with mobile
phone189
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps217
Refueling200
Releasing, hood208
Releasing the locks, refer to
Unlocking37
"Relock door if not
opened"33
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range71Remaining distance to
destination, refer to
Computer71
Remote control28
– battery replacement38
– comfort access36
– garage-door opener108
– luggage compartment lid31
– malfunction31,38
Removing condensation from
windows103
"Repeat directory" in audio
mode167
"Repeat" in audio mode167
"Repeat track" in audio
mode
167
Replacement fuses223
Replacement remote control,
refer to New remote
controls28
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs216
Replacing tires, changing a
wheel220
Reporting safety defects7
Required fuel201
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge70
"Reset"87,88
– stopwatch77
– tone settings153
Reset, refer to Resetting tone
settings153
"Reset to default" with
MDrive54
Residual heat105
Restraint systems
– for children56
– refer to Safety belts50
Retreaded tires206
Reverse, fast
– CD changer168
– CD player168
Reverse gear62
– manual transmission61
Road map140
"Roadside
Assistance"186,192Roadside Assistance225
Roadside assistance192
Roadside parking lamps98
– replacing bulbs, refer to
Parking lamps217
Rollover protection system on
Convertible92
– lowering92
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing226
Rotary/pushbutton, refer to
iDrive16
Route136
– bypassing sections142
– changing142
– changing criteria136
– display139
– displaying arrow display139
– displaying map view140
– displaying streets or towns/
cities141
– selecting136
Route information, refer to
Destination guidance with
voice instructions141
Route map, refer to Displaying
map view140
"Route preference",
changing136
Route selection136
Rubber parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Run-flat tires
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire88
– flat tire88
S
Safety belts50
– damage51
– indicator lamp50
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– reminder50
– sitting safely45
Safety belt tensioners, refer to
Safety belts50

Reference 253
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake
System82
– airbags90
– driving stability control
systems82
– rollover protection system,
Convertible92
– safety belts50
Satellite radio161
– enabling channels161
– selecting channel162
– storing channel162
"SAT" with radio150,161
"Save current
destination"136
"Scan"
– music tracks on CD166
– stations with radio155
Scan
– CD changer166
– CD player166
– radio155
"Scan all" in audio mode166
"Scan directory" in audio
mode166
Screw thread for tow
fitting227
SDARS, refer to Satellite
radio161
Seats46
– adjusting46
– adjusting backrest width46
– heating51
– lumbar support46
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory47
– sitting safely45
– storing the setting47
– thigh support46
Securing cargo119
– ski bag113
"Select as
destination"132,195
"Select current speed"77
Selecting audio sources, refer
to Operating via iDrive150Selecting frequency
manually155
Selecting menu items19
Selecting route136
Selection options with
navigation system136
Selector lever62
– manual transmission61
– Sequential Manual
Transmission62
Selector lever lock, refer to
Shiftlock62
Sequential Manual
Transmission with
Drivelogic62
– Drivelogic driving
programs63
– Drive mode63
– idle62
– initializing system, refer to
After changing wheels/
tires207
– kick-down63
– reverse gear62
– Sequential mode62
– shift lights64
– shiftlock62
– towing227
– tow-starting228
Sequential mode62
"Service"73,193,211
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance225
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models214
Service Interval Display
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service214
– refer to Service
requirements72
"Service notification"193
"Service Request"186,193
"Service
requirements"73,193,211
Service requirements72
– refer to CBS Condition
Based Service214"Service Status"197
"Set"
– in audio mode150
– in trip computer72
"Set date"79
"Set service date"74
"Set time"78
Setting button, refer to
Controls, controller16
"Settings"197
– for BMW Assist195
– for unlocking30
Settings
– changing on Control
Display77
– clock, 12h/24h mode78
– configuring, refer to
MDrive53
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile29
– date79
– language80
– units of measure79
Settings menu, refer to
imenu17
Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
time106
Shifting63
Shift lights64
Shiftlock62
Shift paddles on steering
wheel63
Shock absorber control, refer
to EDC Electronic Damping
Control85
Short commands of voice
command system236
"Short route" for
navigation136
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route136
"Show current position"131
"Show destination
position"131
Side airbags90
Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs217

Reference 255
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
T
Tachometer69
Tail lamps217
– replacing bulbs217
Tank capacity
– also refer to Capacities235
– fuel tank capacity200
Target cursor for
navigation131
Technical alterations, refer to
For your own safety6
Technical data232
Telematics, refer to
BMW Assist191
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest110
– refer to Mobile phone176
– refer to separate operating
instructions
"Telephone list"53
TeleService193
Temperature
– adjusting in upper body
region103
– adjusting with automatic
climate control102
– changing units of
measure79
– refer to Coolant
temperature69
Temperature display
– changing units of
measure79
– outside temperature69
– outside temperature
warning70
Temperature gauge, engine
oil70
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control67
"Terminate services"196
"Text language"80
"Theater", refer to Tone
control153
The individual vehicle5
Tie-down points, refer to
Securing cargo119Tightening torque of the lug
bolts, refer to After
mounting222
Tilt alarm sensor36
– switching off36
Tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror52
"Time"78
"Time / Date"78
"Time format"78
Timer, refer to Preselecting
activation time106
"Timer 1" for parked-car
ventilation106
"Timer 2" for parked-car
ventilation106
Tire inflation pressure202
Tire pressure loss88
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM87
Tire Quality Grading204
Tire replacement, new wheels
and tires206
Tires
– age204
– air loss87,88
– breaking-in116
– condition205
– damage205
– inflation pressure202
– minimum tread depth205
– M Mobility System218
– monitoring inflation
pressure, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor86
– new wheels and tires206
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor87
– replacing206
– retreaded tires206
– size203
– size, refer to The right
wheels and tires206
– wear indicators205
– wheel/tire combination206
– winter tires206
TMC station, refer to Traffic
information142
"Tone"151Tone dialing method186
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting151
– middle setting153
Tone on locking/unlocking31
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit216
Top40
"Top 8" for mobile phone184
Torque
– lug bolts, refer to After
mounting222
– refer to Engine data232
Touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method186
Tow bar227
Tow fitting226
Towing226
– methods227
– tow fittings226
– with manual
transmission227
"Town / City" for destination
entry127
Tow rope227
Tow-starting
226
"TPM"88
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor87
– resetting system88
– system limits87
– warning lamp88
Tracks
– finding166
– random sequence167
– sampling on CD166
– selecting with CD165
Track width, refer to
Dimensions233
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control83
Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic
information142
– refer to Bypassing route
sections142