automatic transmission BMW X6 2008 User Guide

Controls
63Reference
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>Downshifting: press on one of the shifting
paddles, arrows –.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example,
a downshift that would cause the engine to
overrev will not be executed by the system. The
selected gear is briefly displayed in the instru-
ment panel, followed by the current gear.
Manually releasing and engaging
transmission lock
In case of a power failure, e.g. when the
battery is drained or disconnected, or an
electrical malfunction, the transmission lock
must be manually released, as otherwise the
rear wheels are blocked and the vehicle cannot
be towed.<
Step on the brake when manually releas-
ing the transmission lock; otherwise,
there is a danger of the vehicle rolling.<
The transmission lock should only be released
for towing. Reengage the transmission lock
after parking the vehicle at its destination.
If it also becomes necessary to manually
release the parking brake, follow this sequence:
1.Secure the vehicle against rolling.
2.Manually release the parking brake, refer to
page60.
3.Manually release the transmission lock of
the automatic transmission.
Releasing
1.Slide back the cover of the cup holder and
remove the floor mat on the bar between
the cup holders, arrow1.2.Open the cover in the bottom of the cup
holder with the releasing tool from the
onboard tool kit, page245, refer to arrow2.
3.If necessary, unlock the lock
* with the inte-
grated key of the remote control, refer to
page28, and remove it.
4.Insert the releasing tool into the opening,
arrow3.
5.Turn the releasing tool as far as possible,
arrow4, and then press downward and
leave it in. The transmission lock is
released.
Engage the transmission lock after park-
ing the vehicle at its destination. Other-
wise there is a danger of the vehicle rolling.<
Locking
1.Pull out the releasing tool.
The transmission lock is engaged again.
2.If necessary, insert the lock
* and lock it.
3.Close the cover in the bottom of the cup
holder and lay in the mat again.
4.Close the cover of the cup holder and stow
the releasing tool.
Information on jump starting and towing, from
page253.

Controls
67Reference
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Mobility
>Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
decreased by a maximum of 5 mph or
10 km/h until the minimum speed of
20 mph or 30 km/h is reached.
The system stores the setting and maintains
the set speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Briefly press the lever up or down, arrow3.
The displays in the speedometer go out.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>when braking
>when transmission position N is engaged
>when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>when HDC is activated
>when the parking brake is set
>when driving stability control systems inter-
vene
Accelerating does not deactivate the cruise
control. After releasing the accelerator pedal,
the stored speed is reached and maintained
again.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up if the
cruise control has been deactivated
automatically, e.g. by a control inter-
vention of the DSC. A message appears on the
Control Display.
Resuming stored speed
Briefly press the button, arrow4. The stored
speed is resumed and maintained.
With the ignition switched off, the stored speed
value is deleted and cannot be resumed again.
Displays in instrument panel
1Stored desired speed
2Selected desired speed appears briefly
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears
in the instrument panel display, it is possi-
ble that the system prerequisites for operation
are currently not met.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up if the sys-
tem has failed. A message appears on
the Control Display. Detailed informa-
tion is provided from page75.

Controls
87Reference
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Mobility
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamps light up:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp
in the instrument panel goes out.
xDrive
xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of your
BMW. The combined effects of xDrive and DSC
further optimize the traction and dynamic driv-
ing characteristics. The 4-wheel drive system
xDrive variably distributes the drive forces to
the front and rear axle depending on the driving
situation and prevailing road conditions.
Dynamic Performance Control
The concept
Dynamic Performance Control optimizes the
handling characteristics of your BMW when
starting off, cornering, and during evasive
maneuvers. To achieve this, the system variably
distributes the drive torque of the rear axle to
the two rear wheels. This further increases the
steering precision and tracking stability of your
vehicle.
Display
The instrument panel display shows how xDrive
and Dynamic Performance Control are distrib-
uting the drive torque.Press the BC button on the turn signal lever
repeatedly until the display appears, refer to
arrow.
The drive train and wheels are schematically
depicted.
Bar graphs show the current distribution of
drive torque. The longer an illuminated bar is,
the greater the drive torque in the related wheel.
Malfunction
If xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control are
malfunctioning, the instrument panel display
appears in gray.
HDC Hill Descent Control
The concept
HDC is a system for driving downhill in steep
terrain. This system reduces vehicle speed on
steep downhill gradients, thus allowing you to
maintain even better control of your BMW
under these conditions. The vehicle moves at
approximately walking speed without active
intervention from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds
below approx. 22 mph/35 km/h. When driving
down steep hills with a speed below approx.
22 mph/35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed
automatically down to approximately walking
speed, approx. 5 mph/8 km/h, and then main-
tains this speed at a constant.
Only use HDC in transmission positions D or R.
Increasing or reducing speed
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary
this automatically controlled speed within a
range extending from approx. 4 mph/6 km/h to

Driving tips
127Reference
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Mobility
Avoiding high engine speeds
Driving at a low engine speed reduces fuel con-
sumption and minimizes wear.
Taking advantage of coasting
The flow of fuel is interrupted when coasting.
Switching off engine during longer
stops
Switch off the engine at longer stops such as
traffic signals, railroad crossings, or in traffic
jams. Even having the engine switched off for
approx. 4 seconds results in fuel savings.
Switch off functions currently not
required
Functions such as air conditioning, seat heat-
ing, or rear window defrosting consume a lot of
energy and require additional fuel. Their influ-
ence is particularly pronounced in city traffic
and stop & go operation. For this reason, it is a
good idea to switch these functions off when
they are not really needed.
Having maintenance carried out
Have the vehicle serviced regularly in order to
achieve the optimum economy and service life
of your vehicle. BMW recommends having the
maintenance performed by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center. Also please pay atten-
tion to the BMW maintenance system, refer to
page243.
General driving notes
Closing liftgate
Operate the vehicle only when the liftgate
is completely closed. Otherwise, exhaust
fumes could enter into the passenger compart-
ment. gate open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Increase the air volume of the automatic
climate control to a high level, refer to
page105.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to it, and never apply undercoating to
them. When driving, standing at idle and while
parking 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, and with it
the risk of serious property damage as well as
personal injury. Do not touch hot tailpipes, as
otherwise there is a danger of burns.<
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 the tires and
the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, also refer to Mini-
mum tread depth on page236.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 18 in/45 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid

Things to remember when driving
128 possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process 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 the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake pedal
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting in the manual mode
of the automatic transmission, if necessary into
first gear, refer to page62. This prevents an
excessive strain on the brakes.
Do not drive in idle or with the engine
stopped, 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 minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic climate
control system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page50,
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
Release the parking brake, particularly when
you have activated Automatic Hold, refer to
page58.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Mixed tires*
Before driving into a car wash, make sure
that the vehicle width is not too large for
the car wash, as otherwise the vehicle and the
car wash could be damaged.<
With comfort access*
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off in transmission
position N, also refer to page38.
Loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
165Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
To change the selection criterion:
1.Change into the second field from the top.
2.Select the selection criterion and press the
controller.
Sampling stations, scan
The system automatically plays a brief sample
from each of the stations on the current wave-
band.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
"Set" is selected.
2.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
The stations are sampled.
To end sampling:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
This cancels sampling of the stations, and the
radio remains on the current station.
Buttons on CD player
To sample the stations, press and hold the
button for the corresponding direction.
To end scanning, press the button again.
Selecting frequency manually
With "Manual" you can select stations that can
be received in addition to those displayed.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Change into the second field from the top.
3.Select "Manual" and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller to set a certain fre-
quency.
Updating stations with best reception
If you are on a longer journey and leave the
transmission range of the stations originally set,
you can update the list of stations in the AM
range with the best reception.
1.Select "AM" and press the controller.
2.Change into the second field from the top.
3.Select "Autostore" and press the controller.
"Set" is selected.
4.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.

Mobility
255Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page56, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. When the engine
is stopped, there is no power assist. This then
requires increased effort for braking and steer-
ing. Active steering is deactivated and larger
steering wheel movements are required.<
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.
Before towing, manually unlock the trans-
mission lock, refer to page63; failure to
do so can result in damage to the transmis-
sion.<
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
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. 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 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.<
With tow truck
Do not tow your BMW with the front or
rear axle raised individually; otherwise,
the wheels may lock and the transfer case may
be damaged.<
Only have your BMW transported on a flat bed.
Tow-starting
The engine cannot be started by tow-starting.
Start the engine by jump starting it, refer to
page253.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties elimi-
nated.

Reference 267
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems85
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control106
"Audio"163,167
– for DVD system in rear202
Audio160
– controls160
– switching on/off160
– tone control161
– volume161
Audio CD for DVD system in
rear196
Audio device, external116
Automatic
– air distribution104,109
– air volume104,109
– headlamp control99
– liftgate operation34
– service notification223
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit51
– storing stations165
Automatic car washes128
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control104
– automatic air
distribution104,109
– in rear108
– switching off107,109
– ventilation in rear108
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor50
Automatic Hold58
– activating59
– deactivating59
– parking59Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control99
– refer to Daytime running
lamps100
– refer to Interior lamps102
– refer to Pathway lighting100
"Automatic programs"105
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC106
Automatic soft closing
33
Automatic station search165
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic61
– deactivating selector lever
interlock61
– kick-down62
– manually releasing
transmission lock63
– tow-starting255
– with comfort access37
"Automatic ventilation"110
AUTO program for automatic
climate control104,109
"Auto Request"223
"Autostore" on the radio166
"AUX"161,186,188
– AUX-In connection186
– for DVD system in rear201
– USB audio interface187
"AUX / Rear"192
AUX-In connection116,186
Average fuel consumption70
– setting units79
Average speed, refer to
Computer70
"Avoid ferries" for
navigation147
"Avoid highways" for
navigation146
Avoiding highways for
navigation146
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation147
Axle loads, refer to
Weights260
"A - Z"214
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seats43
Backrest width adjustment44
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs246
Balance, refer to Tone
control162
"Balance" for DVD system in
rear195
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit253
Bass, refer to Tone
control161
Battery
– charging250
– jump starting253
– power failure251
– refer to Vehicle battery250
Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort
access38
– vehicle battery251
Battery replacement
– remote control for DVD
system in rear192
– remote control with comfort
access38
Being towed255
Belts, refer to Safety belts47
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders117
Blower, refer to Air
volume105,109
"BMW Assist"222,223,224
BMW Assist
– activating226
– concierge service224
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations224
– offered services221
– roadside assistance222
– TeleService223
"BMW Contact"216
"BMW Contact
Numbers"216
BMW homepage4

Reference 271
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Distance to dest."71
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer70
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control81
Door entry lighting102
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock31
Door locking, confirmation
signals31
"Door locks"30,31,73
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control29
DOT Quality Grades235
Downhill driving assistance,
refer to HDC87
Draft-free ventilation107
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders117
Drive for navigation DVDs160
"Driver's door only"30
Driver's seat, calibrating47
"Driver's seat climate"49
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams99
Driving on poor roads130
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route149
Driving stability control
systems85
Driving through water127
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes126
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function106
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function106
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control86
– indicator lamp13,86
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control86
– activating86
– indicator lamp87"DVD"
– for DVD system in rear192
– in DVD changer180
DVD
– DVD changer179
– DVD system in rear190
– player for navigation
DVD160
DVD changer179
– adjusting brightness182
– adjusting contrast182
– adjusting tone182,185
– audio and video
playback180
– audio playback184
– chapter selection184
– controls179
– DVD audio content184
– DVD control181
– DVD country codes180
– DVD-specific menu183
– fast forward181
– filling179
– installation position179
– malfunctions180
– removing DVDs179
– reverse181
– selecting audio
language185
– selecting language182
– selecting subtitles183
– selecting track183
– selecting viewing angle183
– skip chapter181
– zoom182
"DVD format"
– for DVD system in rear195
– on DVD changer182
DVD for navigation134DVD system in rear190
– CD/DVD player191
– connecting headphones191
– controls190
– displaying images from CD/
DVD198
– DVD country codes192
– external device201
– information on CD/DVD
player200
– playing audio tracks from
CD/DVD196
– playing video from CD/
DVD192
– remote control191
– switching on/off192
Dynamic Performance
Control87
"Dynamic route" for
navigation147
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC86
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC86
E
Easy entry/exit51
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD player160
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic63
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door230
– glass sunroof, electric41
– parking brake60
Electric seat43
Electric steering wheel
adjustment51
Electronic brake-force
distribution85
Electronic oil level check240

Everything from A to Z
272 Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door230
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission63
Emergency request252
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance253
"Enabled services"227
"Enable services"227
"End call"214
Engine
– breaking-in126
– data258
– oil temperature69
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature69
– speed258
– starting57
– starting, with comfort
access37
– switching off57
Engine compartment240
Engine coolant242
Engine oil
– adding241
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils241
– approved engine oil241
– checking oil level240
– electronic oil level check240
– temperature69
"Engine oil level"241
Engine oil temperature69
Engine output, refer to Engine
data258
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature69
Engine speed258
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine57
"Enter address"137
Entering country of
destination137
Entering destination137Entering house number or
intersection138
Entering intersection138
Entering street138
"Entertainment"160
Entertainment sound output
on/off161
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control163
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control163
"ESN"170
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control86
Event Data Recorders244
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system127
Exterior mirrors49
– adjusting49
– automatic dimming
feature51
– automatic heating50
– folding in and out50
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror50
External audio device116
– refer to AUX-In
connection186
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting254
F
Fader, refer to Tone
control162
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control75
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms36
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts47
– warning lamp47
Fastening system,
adaptive120Fastest route for
navigation146
Fast forward
– CD changer176
– CD player176
– DVD changer181
"Fast route" for
navigation146
Fault displays, refer to Check
Control75
Filler neck for washer fluid65
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit253
First-aid kit253
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight116
Flat tire
– changing wheels248
– compact wheel248
– Flat Tire Monitor89
– run-flat tires90,92,237
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor91
Flat Tire Monitor FTM89
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler
neck for washer fluid65
"FM", reception
range161,164
FM, waveband164
Fog lamps101
– indicator lamp101
Folding display screen open/
closed, DVD system in
rear190
Folding rear seat backrest120
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely127
Footwell lamps102
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive87
Front airbags95
Front passenger airbags95
– deactivating95
– refer to Exception of front
passenger seat
53