tow BMW M6 CONVERTIBLE 2008 Owner's Guide

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205Reference
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Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
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.<
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Indicates specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and foreign objects lodged in
the tread, and 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.
New tires should be mounted in the interest of
safety.
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 your speed imme-
diately and have the wheels and tires
inspected immediately. To do this, carefully
drive to the nearest BMW center or a special-
ized tire dealer that works in accordance with
BMW guidelines and uses appropriately trained
personnel. Have the vehicle towed to the repair
shop if necessary. Otherwise, tire damage can
be extremely dangerous to vehicle occupants
and other road users.<

Replacing components
216
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in the luggage
compartment under the floor mat.
Replacing wiper blades
1.Fold the wiper arm out and grasp it firmly.
2.Press the locking tabs together while slid-
ing the wiper blade toward the front to dis-
engage it.
3.Insert the new wiper blade and slide it in
until it audibly clicks into place.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to driving safety. You must be duly diligent
in replacing them. If you are not familiar with the
specified procedures, have the corresponding
work carried out at your BMW center.Never touch the glass on new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its
metal socket.<
A selection of replacement bulbs is available at
your BMW center.
Whenever you perform any work on the
electrical system, turn off the electrical
devices involved to prevent short circuits from
occurring. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, follow any
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
When performing maintenance on the head-
lamps, follow the instructions in the separate
Caring for your vehicle brochure.
For bulbs for which changing is not
described, and for checking and adjusting
headlamp aim, please contact your BMW cen-
ter.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Xenon lamps
The service life of these lamps is very long and
the probability of a failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times.
Have work on the xenon lighting system
performed only by your BMW center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair

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procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Due to the high voltage involved, there
is a danger to life and limb when work is carried
out improperly.<
Parking lamps, roadside parking
lamps, daytime running lamps
The illustration shows the front left side of the
engine compartment.
35-watt bulb, H 8
1.Remove the cover cap1 by pressing the tab
and removing the cover cap upward.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Always wear gloves and eye protection –
the atmosphere inside the H8 bulb is
pressurized. Otherwise, there is a danger of
injuries if the bulb is accidentally damaged dur-
ing replacement.<
Side-mounted turn signals
5-watt bulb, WY5W
1.Press against the front edge of the lamp
with the tip of your finger, then push it to the
rear, release the snap connection at the
front and take it off the trim strip.2.Turn the bulb holder to the left by 905 and
remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Tail lamps
The parking lamps, tail lamps, brake
lamps, and turn signals use LED technol-
ogy. The backup lamps are equipped with long-
life bulbs. Please contact a BMW center in case
of a malfunction.<
1Turn signals
2Roadside parking, tail and brake lamp
3Reflector
4Backup lamp
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.

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Model with pressure gauge integrated
in housing*
3Connector and cable for lighter socket
4Mounting for sealing bottle
5Compressor
6On/Off switch
7Pressure gauge for indicating tire inflation
pressure
8Button for reducing tire inflation pressure
9Connecting hose for connecting compres-
sor and sealant bottle or compressor and
wheel
Connector, cable and connecting hose are
stored on underside of compressor.
Using M Mobility System
To repair a flat tire with the M Mobility System,
proceed as follows:
>Fill sealant into wheel, refer to page219.
>Distribute sealant, refer to page219.
>Produce tire inflation pressure, refer to
page219.
Filling sealant into wheel
Strictly comply with the specified order,
otherwise highly pressurized sealant
could escape.<
1.Shake sealant bottle.
2.Screw hose9 onto connection of sealant
bottle.
3.For model with pressure gauge on hose:
Make sure that screw8 on pressure gauge
is closed.4.Screw dust cap off valve of defective wheel
and screw filling hose2 of sealant bottle
onto valve.
5.Insert sealant bottle on compressor hous-
ing so that it is positioned upright.
6.Make sure that device is switched off,
position 0.
7.Insert connector3 into lighter socket in
vehicle interior, refer to page112.
8.With the ignition switched on, refer to
page59:
Switch on the device and allow to run for
approx. 3 minutes to fill wheel with sealant.
It is not important what inflation pressure
the tire has after filling.
9.Switch off device.
10.Remove connecting hose from connection
of sealant bottle and tire valve.
Stow the M Mobility System in the vehicle
again.
Distributing sealant
Immediately drive approx. 2 miles/3 km so that
sealant is evenly distributed in tire.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
35 mph/60 km/h. Do not drop below
12 mph/20 km/h if possible.<
Producing tire inflation pressure
1.After approx. 2 miles/3 km, stop at suitable
location.
2.Screw compressor hose9 directly onto tire
valve.
3.Insert connector 3 in lighter socket in vehi-
cle interior.

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.

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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.<

Giving and receiving assistance
228
With tow truck
Do not tow the vehicle with only the front
or rear axle raised, as otherwise the
engine may be damaged or the steering can
turn to the left or right.<
Have the vehicle transported on a flatbed sur-
face only.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle if possible, but
instead start the engine by means of jump start-
ing, refer to page225. Vehicles equipped with a
catalytic converter should only be tow-started
when the engine is cold.
Manual transmission
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page59.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch again completely.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Sequential Manual Transmission with
Drivelogic
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, refer to page59.
3.Tow-start in selector lever position N.4.Move the selector lever into the drive posi-
tion and pull toward + within 2 seconds.
The correct gear will be selected and
engaged automatically.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.

Reference 237
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Navigation
Onboard info
FunctionCommand
To open navigation124{Navigation}
To open "Enter address"{Enter address}
To open "New destination"{New destination}
To display "Input map"{Input map}
To display destination list{Destination list}
To display the address book{Address book}
To display the route criteria{Route preference}
To start destination guidance{Start guidance}
To end destination guidance{Stop guidance}
To display arrow display{Arrow display}
To display map view{Map}, {Map facing north},
{Map direction of travel} or
{Perspective}
To change scale{Scale ... miles} or
{Scale ... feet}
To display streets and towns/cities of the route{Route list}
To switch on voice instructions{Navigation info on}
To switch off voice instructions{Navigation info off}
To repeat voice instructions{Repeat navigation info}
To open route{Route menu}
To display current position{Current position}
FunctionCommand
To open "Car Data"71{Car data}
To display the computer71{Onboard info}
To display the trip computer72{Trip computer}
To start the stopwatch77{Stopwatch}
To set the speed limit76{Limit}
To activate speed limit77{Limit on}
To deactivate speed limit77{Limit off}

Reference 241
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Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control104
"Audio"151,153,158
Audio150
– controls150
– switching on/off150
– tone control151
– volume151
Audio device, external110
Automatic
– air distribution102
– air volume102
– cruise control67
– headlamp control96
– recirculated-air control
AUC104
– service notification193
– steering wheel
adjustment47
– storing stations156
Automatic car washes118
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control101
– automatic air
distribution102
– convertible program102
– switching on and off105
– ventilation with vehicle
parked106
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing34
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control96
– refer to Daytime running
lamps97
– refer to High-beam
assistant98
– refer to Interior lamps100
– refer to Pathway lighting97
– refer to Welcome lamps96
"Automatic programs"102
Automatic soft closing34Automatic station search155
"Automatic ventilation"106
AUTO program with
automatic climate
control102
"Autostore" on the
radio154,156
"AUX"150,170,
172
– in audio mode170
AUX-In connection110,170
Average fuel consumption71
– setting units79
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system137
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system136
Avoiding freeways for
navigation136
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system137
Axle loads, refer to
Weights235
"A - Z"184
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support46
Backrests, refer to Seats46
Backrest width adjustment46
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps217
"Balance", refer to Tone
control152
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit225
Bass, refer to Tone
control151
"Bass", tone control151
Battery
– jump starting225
– refer to Vehicle battery222
Battery replacement, remote
control for comfort
access38BC button, refer to
Computer70
Being towed227
Belts, refer to Safety belts50
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders111
Blower, refer to Air
volume103
"Bluetooth"177
"BMW Assist"192
BMW Assist191
– activating196
– concierge service194
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations194
– displaying vehicle data197
– offered services191
– roadside assistance192
– TeleService193
– updating195
"BMW Contact"186
"BMW Contact
Numbers"186
BMW homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System214
"BMW Service settings"195
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders111
Bracket for telephone or
mobile phone, refer to Snap-
in adapter189
Brake assistant83
Brake force display90
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs, refer to Tail
lamps217
– two-stage90
Brake rotors
– breaking-in116
– refer to Braking safely117