warning BMW X6 XDRIVE 2009 E71 Owner's Guide

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
100
longer holds the vehicle
after approx. 2 seconds
and it begins to roll back. <
Self-leveling suspension*
Malfunction
The warning lamp for self-leveling
suspension lights up yellow and a
message is shown on the Control
Display. A malfunction has occurred in the self-
leveling suspension. Stop and check the vehi-
cle. If it is considerably lower at the rear than at
the front, and possibly also on one side – rear
left compared to rear right –, proceed to the
nearest BMW Sports Activi ty Vehicle Center or
a workshop that works according to BMW
repair procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel. Drive with a ppropriate caution in the
meantime. The vehicle has reduced ground
clearance and driving co mfort may be notice-
ably reduced. Even if th e orientation of the vehi-
cle is normal, when a malfunction is indicated
on the display, you should proceed to the near-
est BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a
workshop that works according to BMW guide-
lines and uses appropriately trained personnel.
FTM Flat Tire Monitor*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects a pressure loss in
one tire by comparing the speeds of the individ-
ual wheels during driving.
In the event of a pressure loss, there is a change
in the rolling circumference and therefore the
rotation speed of the corresponding wheel. The
system detects this change and reports it as a
flat tire.
Function requirements
In order to assure the re liable reporting of a flat
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure. The initialization must be repeated after
each time the tire inflation pressure is cor-
rected and after every tire or wheel change. <
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused by
outside factors and does not detect a natural,
even pressure drop in all four tires. <
In the following situatio ns, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> System has not been initialized
> Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
> Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels,
high lateral acceleration
> Driving with snow chains
*
When you are driving with the compact wheel*
the Flat Tire Monitor is unable to function.
Initializing system
The initialization finishes during driving,
which can be interrupted at any time.
When driving resumes, th e initialization is con-
tinued automatically. Do not initialize the sys-
tem when driving with snow chains
* or with the
compact wheel
*. <
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
3. Select "Settings" an d press the controller.
4. Select "Vehicle / Tire s" and press the con-
troller.

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5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "FTM" is selected and press
the controller.
6. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
7. Select "Reset" and press the controller.
8. Select "Yes" and press the controller. The
message "resetting FTM …" is displayed.
9. Start to drive.
The initialization finishes during driving.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red. A
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation
pressure loss.
If you have deactivated DS C, it will be activated
automatically.
1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
In case of further air loss of the defective
wheel, its position will be indicated to you
on the Control Display.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires as provided at the factory, refer to page
256, do not continue driving.
Continuing to drive with a flat tire could
cause severe accidents. <
2. At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor
may not have been initialized. The system
must then be initialized. <
3. In the event of complete tire pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible
distance for continued driving on the basis
of the following guide values:
> With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load:
2 persons, cargo bay full, or
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 95 miles/150 km
> With a full load:
4 or more persons, cargo bay full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed
speeds of 50 mph/80 km/h or else you
run the risk of causing an accident. In the event
of pressure loss, vehicl e handling changes. This
includes reduced tracking stability in braking,
extended braking distance and altered natural
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or loud noises occur while
the vehicle is being driven , this can indicate final
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible,
otherwise pieces of the tire could become
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact the BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. <
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor*
The concept
TPM checks the tire inflation pressure in the
four mounted tires. The system reports when

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6.Start the engine, but do not start driving.
7. Select "Reset" and press the controller.
8. Select "Yes" and press the controller.
9. Start to drive.
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting
TPM..." is displayed.
After a few minutes of driving, the set tire infla-
tion pressures in the tire s are applied as the set
values to be monitored. Resetting finishes dur-
ing driving. The tires ar e shown in green on the
Control Display.
If a flat tire is detected during resetting
and applying the tire inflation pressures,
all tires are shown in yellow on the Control Dis-
play. The message "Tir e low!" is displayed.<
Message with low tire inflation
pressure
The warning lamp lights up yellow. A
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation
pressure loss.
1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h. If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires as provided at the factory,
refer to page 256, do not continue driving.
Continuing to drive with a flat tire could
cause severe accidents. <
2. In the event of complete tire pressure loss,
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible
distance for continued driving on the basis
of the following guide values:
> With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load:
2 persons, cargo bay full, or
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 95 miles/150 km
> With a full load:
4 or more persons, cargo bay full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed
speeds of 50 mph/80 km/h or else you
run the risk of causing an accident. In the event
of pressure loss, vehicl e handling changes. This
includes reduced tracking stability in braking,
extended braking distance and altered natural
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or loud noises occur while
the vehicle is being driven , this can indicate final
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible,
otherwise pieces of the tire could become
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact the BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. <
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and
then lights up continuously. The tires
are shown in gray on the Control Dis-
play and a message is displayed. No flat tire can
be detected.
A message like this is displayed in the following
situations:
> In case of a malfunction:
Have the system checked

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
104
>
If a wheel without TPM electronics is
mounted, e.g. a compact wheel
*
>If TPM is temporarily interfered with by
other systems or devices which use the
same radio frequency
Explanation according to the NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
Systems
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle plac-
ard or tire inflation pressu re label. (If your vehi-
cle has tires of a different size than the size indi-
cated on the vehicle plac ard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pr essure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illumi nates a low tire pres-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly underinflate d. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overhe at and can lead to tire
failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TP MS is not a substitute
for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if underinflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain con-
tinuously illuminated. Th is sequence will con-
tinue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the mal- function indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire pres-
sure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function
properly.
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering active ly varies the steering
angle of the front wheels in relation to the steer-
ing wheel movements. In addition, it also varies
the steering force required for steering depend-
ing on the vehicle's speed.
When you are driving in the low road speed
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes
very direct. In the higher speed range, on the
other hand, the steering angle is reduced more
and more. This improves the handling capability
of your BMW over the entire speed range.
In critical situations, the system can make tar-
geted corrections to th e steering angle pro-
vided by the driver and thus stabilize the vehicle
before the driver intervenes.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow
and a message is shown on the Con-
trol Display. The active steering is
defective or has been temporarily
deactivated. At low speeds, greater steering
wheel movements are required, whereas at
higher speeds, the vehicle reacts more sensi-
tively to steering wheel movements. The stabil-
ity-promoting intervention can also be deacti-
vated. Proceed cautiously and drive
defensively. If active st eering is defective, have
the system checked.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
106
the upholstery in the center of the steering
wheel, on the instrument cluster, the doors, and
the roof pillars as well as
the sides of the head-
liner. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the
steering wheel. Do not touch the individual
components immediately after the system has
been triggered, because there is a danger of
burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, remova l, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel and has
the required explosives licenses. Otherwise
unprofessional attempts to service the system
could lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag triggering, either of which could
result in personal injury. <
Warnings and information on the airbags is also
provided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front
passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected by eval-
uating the impression on the occupied seat sur-
face of the front passeng er seat. The front and
side airbags on the front passenger side are
activated or deactivated accordingly by the sys-
tem.
The current status of the front passenger
airbag, i.e. deactivated or activated, is
indicated by the indicator lamp over the interior
rearview mirror, refer to Operating state of front
passenger airbags in the following. <
Before transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, read the safety informa-
tion and follow the inst ructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page 61.
When teenagers and adults assume certain sit-
ting positions, this can cause the front and side
airbags to deactivate. The indicator lamp for the
front passenger airbags lights up when this
occurs. In these cases, change the sitting posi-
tion so that the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator la mp goes out. If the
desired status cannot be produced by changing the sitting position, transport the correspond-
ing person on the rear se
at. Do not fit seat cov-
ers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or other
items onto the front passenger seat unless they
are specifically recomme nded by BMW. Do not
lay objects under the seat which could press
against the seat from below. Otherwise a cor-
rect evaluation of the occupied seat surface
cannot be ensured. <
Operating state of front passenger
airbags
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the
arrangement of the switches and indicator
lamps may differ somewhat.
The indicator lamp for the front passenger air-
bags indicates the operating status of the front
and side airbags on the front passenger side
depending on the seat occupation. The indica-
tor lamp shows whether the front passenger
airbags are activated or deactivated.
> The indicator lamp light s up when a child in
a child restraint device intended for the pur-
pose is properly detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags on the front pas-
senger side are not activated.
Most child's seats are detected by the
system. Especially the child's seats
required by the NHTSA at the time the vehi-
cle is manufactured. Af ter installing a child's
seat, make sure that the indicator lamp for
the front passenger airbags lights up. This
indicates that the child's seat has been
detected and the front passenger airbags
are not activated. <
> The indicator lamp does not light up when,
for example, a correctly seated person of
sufficient height is detected on the seat.

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The front and side airbags on the front pas-
senger side are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not light up when
the seat is empty.
However, the front and side airbags on the
front passenger side are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
From radio readiness, refer to page 65, the
warning lamp lights up br iefly, indicating the
operational readiness of the entire airbag sys-
tem and the safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
> Warning lamp does not light up from radio
readiness.
> Warning lamp lights up continuously.
Have the airbag system checked immedi-
ately in case of a malfunction, otherwise
there is a danger that the airbag system may not
respond in the expected manner in an accident
despite an impact of corresponding intensity. <
Head-Up Display*
The concept
With the Head-Up Display important informa-
tion is projected into the driver's field of view,
e.g. navigation instructions. This enables you to
take in this information without looking away
from the road.
Switching on/off
Press the button.
1 Navigation information or Check Control
messages
2 Cruise control
3 Speed
Selecting displays
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
3. Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4. Select "Display settings" and press the
controller.

Practical interior accessories
132
Installing
When installing, proceed in the opposite order
of removal.
1.Set the cargo bay cove r into place on the
left and right sides.
2. Lift the back of the co ver slightly and slide
forward until it snaps into the two side
brackets.
Expanding cargo bay
The rear seat backrest is divided. You can fold
down both sides separate ly in order to expand
the cargo bay.
BMW X6: before folding the rear seat
backrest forward or using the ski bag,
remove beverage containers from the cup
holder and close the cup holder. <
Reach into the recess an d pull toward the front.
When you fold back the backrest, be sure
that the catch engages securely. The red
warning indicator disappears in the recess
when the catch is engaged. If it is not properly
engaged, transported cargo could enter the
passenger compartment during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers and endanger the vehicle occu-
pants. <
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,
observe the safety belt information on
page 48.<
Storage compartments in
cargo bay
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the fol-
lowing storage compartments are provided in
the cargo bay.
> Storage compartments behind the remov-
able side panels on the right and left side of
the cargo bay
* and under the floor panel
flap, storage compartment
* right side of
cargo bay.
> Storage tray
* under the floor panel flap,
capacity approx. 21 US gal/80 liter.
> Retaining straps
* on the left and right side
panel for securing small objects.
> Hooks
*, e.g. for hanging up shopping bags
or carrier bags on the left and right in the
cargo bay.
> Net
* on the left side pa nel of the cargo bay
for smaller objects.
> Lashing rail with lashing eyes
*. You can
secure heavy-duty cargo straps on the lash-
ing eyes.
They can be removed at the notches in the
rails. To move the lashing eyes, press the
button.
Read and comply with the information
enclosed with the heavy-duty cargo
straps. <
Floor panel flap
To access the onboard toolkit etc.
To open, swing up the flap by the handle, refer
to arrow.
The floor panel flap can be locked
*.

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Displaying additional information
With the digital stations, additional information
on the current track is displayed, e.g. the name
of the artist.
1. Select a station and press the controller.
2. Select "Details" and press the controller.
The information is displayed.
If a digital station is received again when the
station is changed, the additional information
will be displayed again following a brief interrup-
tion.
Weather news flashes*
Weather Radio is a service of the National Oce-
anic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
of the US Department of Trade. Weather news
flashes are repeated every four to six minutes
and are routinely updated at intervals of one to
three hours, and more often when necessary.
Most stations operate 24 ho urs a day. In case of
a storm, the National Weather Service inter-
rupts the routine weather news and transmits
special warning messages in stead. If you have a
question about NOAA Weather Radio, please
contact the nearest offi ce of the National Weather Service. Details are also provided on
the Internet at www.nws.noaa.gov.
Calling up weather news flashes
1.
Select "WB" and press the controller.
2. Select a station.
The station for weather news flashes may be
unavailable in some regions.

Refueling
246
In order to be able to start the engine in the
usual way, there must be a sufficient supply of
diesel exhaust fluid in the separate reservoir.
System heating
In order to bring the system to operating tem-
perature after a cold start of the engine, the
automatic transmission
shifts into the next
higher gear at a later point.
Reserve display
A display in the instrument panel informs you
about the remaining distance can be covered
with the amount of fuel currently in the tank.
The reserve display appears approx.
1,000 miles/1,600 km before the end of the
tank.
As soon as the reserve display has
appeared in the inst rument panel, have
the diesel exhaust fluid refilled to prevent the
engine from being unable to restart. <
Diesel exhaust fluid at minimum
Even with a display of -- mls, the engine will
continue to run, provided that it is not switched
off, and all other operating requirements are
met, e.g. sufficient fuel. Do not drive until the displayed remaining
distance runs out. Otherwise, it may not
be possible to restart the engine. <
Incorrect fueling
The warning lamp lights up:
The reservoir has been filled with an
incorrect fluid.
Please contact your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center.
Have diesel exhaust fluid refilled
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center refills
the diesel exhaust fluid as part of the regular
maintenance. If you adhe re to this maintenance
schedule, it is usually no t necessary to refill any
fluids between the maintenance dates.
Under certain circumstances, e.g. due to a par-
ticularly sporty driving st yle or operation of the
vehicle at high altitudes, it may be necessary to
refill fluids betwee n maintenance dates.
As soon as the reserve display has appeared in
the instrument panel, have the diesel exhaust
fluid refilled to prevent the engine from being
unable to restart.
You can have the fluid refilled by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.
Diesel exhaust fluid at low
temperatures
Due to its physical properties, at temper-
atures below +23 7/–5 6, it may also be
necessary to refill the diesel exhaust fluid
between the regular maintenance dates.
If the fluid needs to be re filled, this will be indi-
cated with the reserve display in the instrument
panel, refer to page 246.<

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Only refill the diesel exhaust fluid
yourself in exceptional circumstances
In order to get your vehicle to reach the nearest
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center, you may
refill the diesel exhaust fluid yourself, making
sure to heed th e warning notices.
Do not allow diesel exhaust fluid to come
into contact with you. This can lead to
skin and eye irritation. Wear protective goggles
and gloves as needed. Follow the safety
instructions on the bottle.
When opening the bottle or reservoir, pungent
smelling vapors can esca pe. Before refilling,
close the vehicle complete ly so that the vapors
do not get into the interi or of the vehicle. When
handling diesel exhaust fluid in enclosed
spaces, make sure to have sufficient ventilation.
After handling diesel exhaust fluid, wash hands
thoroughly. Failure to do so may lead to irrita-
tion, e.g. due to inadve rtent contact with the
eyes.
If eye irritation occurs, immediately rinse eyes
with ample water and cont act a doctor if neces-
sary.
If diesel exhaust fluid comes into contact with
surfaces of your vehicle, rinse the affected sur-
faces with water or el se damage may occur.
Keep diesel exhaust fluid out of reach of chil-
dren. <
Suitable diesel exhaust fluid
>Preferred: BMW Diesel Exhaust Fluid.
This bottle and its special adapter permit
convenient refilling with diesel exhaust
fluid.
> Alternative: NOx reduction agent AUS 32
You can get diesel exhaust fluid at your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Refilling quantity
Refilling quantity at the start of the reserve dis-
play: approx. 0.75 US gal/2.7 Liter
Open reservoir for diesel exhaust fluid
1. Open hood, refer to page 258.
2. Fit releasing tool from onboard tool kit, refer
to page 269 into place and open the lock,
refer to arrow.
Refilling BMW diesel exhaust fluid
1. Set bottle into place and rotate until it
comes into contact with the stop, refer to
arrow.
2. Press bottle down, refer to arrow.
The reservoir of the vehicle is filled.
3. The reservoir is full when the fill level in the
bottle stops changing. It is not possible to
overfill.