towing BMW X6M 2011 E71 Owner's Manual

Controls
35Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp under the interior rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after locking: the
doors, hood, or liftgate are not properly
closed. Even if you do not close the alerted
area, the system begins to monitor the
remaining areas, and the indicator lamp
flashes continuously after approx.
10 seconds. However, the interior motion
sensor is not activated.
>The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
your vehicle has not been disturbed while
you were away.
>The indicator lamp flashes after unlocking
until the remote control is inserted into the
ignition lock, however for a maximum of
approx. 5 minutes: your vehicle has been
disturbed while you were away.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm
system reacts, e.g. in case of an attempted
wheel theft or towing.
Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and glass sunroof
*/
panoramic glass sunroof
* must be completely
closed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following
situations:>In stacking garages
>When transporting on car-carrying trains,
by sea or on a trailer
>When animals are to remain in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor
Press the button on the remote control
again as soon as the vehicle is locked.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and then
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor and
the interior motion sensor are switched off until
the next time the vehicle is unlocked and subse-
quently locked again.
Comfort Access*
Comfort Access enables you to access your
vehicle without having to hold the remote con-
trol in your hand. It is sufficient to carry the
remote control with you, e.g. in your jacket
pocket. The vehicle automatically detects the
related remote control in the immediate vicinity
or in the interior.
Comfort Access supports the following func-
tions:
>Unlocking/locking vehicle
>Convenient closing
>Opening liftgate
>Starting engine
Functional requirements
>The vehicle can only be unlocked if the
vehicle detects that the remote control car-
ried is not located in the vehicle interior.
>The next unlocking and locking cycle is not
possible until after approx. 2 seconds.
>The engine can only be started if the vehicle
detects that the remote control is located in
the vehicle.

Driving
62
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deactivated
when:
>The engine is switched off
>The driver's door is open and the safety belt
of the driver is disconnected
>The vehicle is braked to a stop during driv-
ing
In the instrument panel, the indicator
lamp changes from green to red and
the indication AUTO H goes out.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
Before you start to drive, either release the
parking brake manually, refer to page60, or
reactivate Automatic Hold, refer to page61.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, shift the selector lever into posi-
tion P of the automatic transmission and make
sure that the parking brake is set. Otherwise,
the vehicle may begin to roll.<
Malfunction
If the parking brake fails or malfunctions, secure
the vehicle against rolling, e.g. with a wheel
chock, if you leave the vehicle.
Releasing parking brake manually
In the event of an electrical power loss or elec-
trical malfunction, you can release the parking
brake manually.
Before manually releasing the parking
brake and each time you park the vehicle
without setting the parking brake, make sure
that the automatic transmission is in position P,
refer to page64. Be sure to pay attention to the
information in the instrument panel.
In addition, secure the vehicle against rolling,
e.g. with a wheel chock. Otherwise there is a
danger that the vehicle could roll if parked on a
steep slope.<
Jump starting and towing, refer to information
starting on page274.
Releasing
1.Open the left-hand side panel in the cargo
area.
2.Remove the first-aid kit
* and warning trian-
gle
* if necessary. Close the bracket of the
warning triangle.
3.Insert the releasing tool, contained in the
onboard tool kit under the floor panel, refer
to page262, at the releasing point.
4.Firmly pull the releasing tool upward against
the mechanical resistance, refer to arrow,
until a considerable increase in force is felt
and the parking brake is then clearly heard
to release.
5.Stow the releasing tool, warning triangle
*
and first-aid kit* and close the left side
panel in the cargo area.
Only have a malfunction corrected by the
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center or a workshop that works in accordance
with BMW guidelines and uses appropriately
trained personnel. If the parking brake has been
released manually in response to a malfunction,
only technicians can return it to operation.<
Following manual release, the actual sta-
tus of the parking brake may deviate from
that displayed by the indicator lamp.<
Operation after interruptions in power
supply
The parking brake can only be used again
if it was manually released due to an inter-
ruption in the supply of electrical power. Other-
wise the operation of the parking brake is not
ensured and there is a danger of the vehicle roll-
ing despite the parking brake being set.<

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
88
Technology for comfort, convenience and
safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
In addition to the PDC Park Distance Control,
the rear view camera
*, refer to page93, can
also be switched on.
PDC assists you during parking. A slow
approach to an object in front of or behind your
vehicle is announced by:
>Signal tones
>Optical displays
Measurement
Ultrasonic sensors in the bumpers carry out the
measurement.
Their range is approx. 7 ft/2 m.
The acoustic warning begins:
>At approx. 24 in/60 cm for the front
* sen-
sors and the two rear corner sensors.
>At approx. 5 ft/1.50 m for the middle sen-
sors in the rear.
System limitations
PDC cannot replace the personal assess-
ment of the traffic situation. Also make a
direct visual check of the traffic situation around
the vehicle. Otherwise, there could be a risk of
accident, for example due to other road users or
objects outside the detection range of PDC.
Loud sources of sound, inside and outside the
vehicle, could drown out the PDC signal tone.<
Avoid approaching an object too quickly.
Avoid starting off quickly while PDC is not
yet activated.
Otherwise, physical circumstances could cause
the system to issue a warning late.<
Limitations of ultrasonic measurement
The detection of objects can come up against
the limitations of physical ultrasonic measure-
ment, for example:
>When using tow bars and towing hitches
>In the presence of thin or wedge-shaped
objects
>In the presence of low objects
>In the presence of objects with corners and
sharp edges
Low objects that have already been displayed,
e.g. curbs, can disappear again from the detec-
tion area of the sensors before or after a contin-
uous tone sounds.
Higher, protruding objects, e.g. ledges, cannot
be detected.
False warnings
Under the following conditions, PDC may dis-
play a warning even though no obstacle is
present in the detection range:
>In heavy rain
>When the sensors are heavily soiled or iced-
over
>When the sensors are covered with snow
>On rough road surfaces
>In large, rectangular buildings with smooth
walls, e.g. underground garages
>In the presence of heavy exhaust
>Due to the presence of other ultrasonic
sources such as street sweepers, steam
cleaners, or neon lamps.
Automatic activation
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, shift the selector lever into position R.
Automatic deactivation
The system switches off and the LED goes out:

Driving tips
141Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Make sure that no fluids leak in the cargo
area; otherwise the vehicle could be dam-
aged.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
YYY lbs. or XXX kg. Otherwise, this could
damage the vehicle and produce unstable
vehicle operating conditions.<
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 YYY lbs. or XXX kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs.:
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.
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
BMW X5:
BMW X6:
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.

Things to remember when driving
142
Stowing cargo
BMW X5
BMW X6
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
backrest.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.>When transporting very heavy cargo with
unoccupied rear seats, insert the safety
belts, the outer safety belts in the BMW X5,
into the buckles on the opposite sides.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrest.
>Wrap sharp-edged or pointed objects
which could strike the rear window while
driving.
Securing cargo
BMW X5
BMW X6
>Use the luggage net*, retaining straps*, or
securing straps to hold down small and
lightweight luggage and cargo.
>For larger and heavier pieces, heavy-duty
cargo straps
* are available from your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. Four lashing
eyes
* mounted in the cargo area are used
to secure these heavy-duty cargo straps,
refer to illustrations.
>Observe the special instructions supplied
with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-

Mobility
275Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Your BMW has a special nut as body ground
or negative pole.
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.<
Transporting your vehicle
Note
Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Therefore, contact a BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center in the event of a breakdown.
Have your vehicle transported on a load-
ing platform only; otherwise, damage may
occur.<
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.<
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result.<
Tow-starting
Note
Do not tow-start your vehicle.
Due to the automatic transmission, the engine
cannot be started by tow-starting.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties reme-
died.
Towing other vehicles
General information
Your vehicle must not be lighter than the
vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will not
be possible to control vehicle response.<
Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting; connecting it to other vehicle parts
may cause damage.<

Giving and receiving assistance
276 >Switch on the hazard warning flashers
depending on the local regulations.
>If the electrical system fails, mark the vehi-
cle to be towed, e.g. with a sign or warning
triangle in the rear window.
Towing methods when towing other
vehicles
Tow bar
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, observe the fol-
lowing:
>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.<
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 secure the tow rope on the tow fit-
ting; connecting it to other vehicle parts
may cause damage.<
Tow fitting
The screw-on tow-fitting must always be car-
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front or rear of the BMW.
It is located in the toolkit under the floor panel
flap in the cargo area, refer to page262.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Use the tow
fitting screwed in at the front for maneuvering
the vehicle only. Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the tow fit-
ting. Otherwise damage to the tow fitting and
the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Cover panel on left/right side of bumper: press
on the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
BMW X5: front
BMW X6: front
Rear

Reference 297
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
DVD video181
Dynamic destination
guidance159
Dynamic Performance
Control97
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC95
Dynamic Traction, refer to
Dynamic Traction
Control96
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC96
E
Easy entry/exit53
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD/DVD player168
Electrical malfunction
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap234
– liftgate31
– parking brake62
Electric seat43
Electric steering wheel
adjustment53
Electronic brake-force
distribution95
Electronic oil level check253
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap234
– liftgate31
Emergency request273
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance274Engine
– breaking-in138
– data280
– oil temperature77
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature77
– speed280
– starting59
– starting, with Comfort
Access36
– switching off59
Engine compartment252
Engine coolant255
Engine oil
– adding254
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils255
– approved engine oil255
– checking oil level253
– electronic oil level check253
– temperature77
Engine oil temperature77
Engine output, refer to Engine
data280
Engine speed280
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine59
Entering special destinations
by name153
Entertainment sound output
on/off168
Entry map for destination154
Equalizer, tone setting169
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control95
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system139
Extended connectivity of the
music player in the mobile
phone192Exterior mirrors51
– adjusting51
– automatic dimming
feature52
– automatic heating51
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror52
External audio device128
External devices
– random sequence194
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting276
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control82
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts48
– warning lamp48
Fastest route for
navigation158
Fast forward
– CD changer181
– CD player181
Fault displays, refer to Check
Control82
Filler neck for washer fluid67
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit273
First-aid kit273
Fixing system, adaptive133
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals28
Flat tire
– changing wheels268
– compact wheel268
– Flat Tire Monitor99
– run-flat tires100,103,249
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor101
Flat Tire Monitor FTM99
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler
neck for washer fluid67

Everything from A - Z
300 LATCH child restraint fixing
system55
Leather care260
LEDs light-emitting
diodes263
Length, refer to
Dimensions281
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs265,268
Liftgate30,33
– adjusting opening
height31,33
– automatic operation31
– closing31,33
– locking and unlocking from
inside30
– manually opening or
closing34
– opening33
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– opening manually31
Light
– refer to High-beam
Assistant113
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs263
Lighter130
Lighter socket130
Lighting
– instruments115
– lamps and bulbs262
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps111
Light switch111
Load141
Loading140
– securing cargo142
– stowing cargo142
– vehicle140
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo142
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking30Locking
– from inside30
– setting confirmation
signals28
– using remote control28
– without key, refer to Comfort
Access35
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside30
– setting confirmation
signals28
Locking without key, refer to
Comfort Access
35
Low beams111
– automatic111
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44
Low-sulfur diesel235
Lug bolts269
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting270
– wrench269
Luggage compartment
capacity, refer to Cargo area
capacity283
Luggage compartment roller
cover131
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack143
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires250
Main menu, iDrive17
Maintenance
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models256
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models256
Maintenance, refer to Service
requirements79
Maintenance system256Malfunction
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap234
– liftgate31
– parking brake62
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control82
Manual air distribution118
Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic64
Manual operation
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap234
Manual operation, Side
View92
Map display160
Map for navigation
– changing scale161
– entering destination154
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Maximum cooling119
Maximum speed
– for winter tires250
– with compact wheel270
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory44
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Messages218
Messages from the concierge
service219
Microfilter121
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for telephone14
– for voice activation
system14
Mirror dimming feature52

Reference 301
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Mirrors51
– automatic curb monitor52
– exterior mirrors51
– folding in and out51
– heating51
– interior rearview mirror52
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory44
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume215
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing212
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest, front128
– operation via iDrive215
– pairing212
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Mobile phone, refer to
Telephone212
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring tire pressure, refer
to FTM Flat Tire Monitor99
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to AUX-IN connection192
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to USB audio interface192
Multichannel playback169
Multifunction steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher/high
beams65
– refer to Washer/wiper
system65
Music, managing190
Music, playing188
Music, storing187
Music collection187
– backup191
– delete191
– random sequence190
– restoring191
Music player, connecting,
refer to AUX-IN
connection192Music player, connecting,
refer to USB audio
interface192
Music search188
My Info219
N
Navigation
– starting destination
guidance after entering a
destination151
– storing current position151
– voice activation155
Navigation data148
Navigation destination
– entering manually149
– home address152
Navigation instructions, refer
to Switching voice
instructions on/off160Navigation system148
– address book151
– bypassing a route
section159
– continuing destination
guidance158
– destination entry149
– dynamic destination
guidance159
– entering a destination by
voice155
– entering a destination
manually149
– gas station
recommendations159
– planning a trip156
– questions about system165
– route list159
– selecting destination via
map154
– selecting route criteria158
– special destinations152
– starting destination
guidance158
– terminating destination
guidance158
– traffic bulletins161
– voice instructions160
– volume adjustment160
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints45
New remote control26
New wheels and tires249
North-facing map160
Nozzles, refer to Windshield
washer nozzles66
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing275
O
OBD socket257
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications235
Odometer76