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EnglishControls -> Driving for your BMW 6 Series 2003-2010
Driving
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.
Ignition lock
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select idle position or position N and apply
the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
with the engine running.<
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle remains
stationary. Instead, begin to drive immedi-
ately at a moderate engine speed.
0 Steering locked
The key can only be inserted or removed in
this position.
Special starting conditions
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down
when starting if
After removing the key, turn the steering
wheel slightly until it locks.
> the engine fails to start on the first
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or
cold
Interlock on automatic transmission
> Only move the selector lever from
position P with the engine running
> the engine is started at very low tem-
peratures, below approx. +57/–156,
at high altitudes, over 3,300 ft/1,000 m.
> To turn the key back to position 0 or to
remove it, first select the selector lever
position P.
Avoid frequent starting in quick suc-
cession or repeated start attempts in
1 Steering unlocked
which the engine does not start. Otherwise,
the fuel is not burned or inadequately
burned and there is a danger of overheat-
ing and damaging the catalytic converter.<
A slight steering wheel movement often
makes it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Individual current consumers are ready for
operation.
Manual transmission
1. Apply the handbrake
2 Ignition switched on
2. Gearshift lever in idle position
3. Press the clutch pedal
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Start engine
If the clutch pedal is not
depressed, the engine will not
start.<
Starting engine
4. Start the engine.
Do not terminate the starting operation
too early, but after approx. 20 seconds
at the latest. When the engine starts, let
go of the ignition key immediately.
Do not run the engine in closed
rooms, as otherwise the inhaling of
toxic exhaust gases can cause uncon-
sciousness and death. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas.
54
SMG Sequential manual
transmission and automatic
transmission
SMG Sequential manual
transmission
1. Engage a drive position
Your BMW is equipped with the conve-
nience starting feature. Here, it is sufficient
to turn the ignition key only briefly to posi-
tion 3 'Start engine' and to let go of it right
away. The system responds by automati-
cally engaging the starter for a certain
period and allowing it to run until the engine
starts, after which it then disengages auto-
matically.
2. Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
A signal sounds if the idle position N is
engaged on stopping the engine.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
1. Engage selector-lever position P
2. Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
SMG Sequential manual
transmission
Handbrake
1. Press the brake pedal
2. Engage selector-lever position N
3. Start the engine.
The handbrake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked;
it brakes the rear wheels.
If the engine does not start, engage
the last gear selected again, refer to
instrument cluster display, and then
engage selector-lever position N.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up, and an
acoustic signal also sounds when
starting off. The handbrake is
engaged.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
1. Press the brake pedal
2. Engage selector-lever position P or N
3. Start the engine.
Engaging
The lever locks into place automatically;
the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up as of ignition key position 1.
Switching off engine
Do not remove the ignition key while
the vehicle is rolling, as otherwise the
steering wheel lock would engage while
steering.
When leaving the vehicle, remove the igni-
tion key and lock the steering.
When parking on a downhill incline, apply
the handbrake, as otherwise the vehicle
could roll away.<
Manual transmission
Releasing
1. Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0
2. Engage first or reverse gear.
Pull slightly upwards, press the button and
lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the
handbrake while the vehicle is in motion,
55
do not pull it too strongly. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the handbrake
lever.
The backup lamps automatically switch on
in ignition key position 2.
Strong application of the handbrake can
lead to overbraking of the rear axle and
associated 'fishtailing' of the vehicle rear
end.
SMG Sequential manual
transmission*
The brake lamps do not light up when the
handbrake is engaged.
The concept
The SMG Sequential manual transmission
is an automated manual transmission in
which an electro-hydraulic system handles
the clutching and gear changes.
Vehicles with manual or SMG transmission:
When parking on inclines, engage the
handbrake, as even engaging the first or
reverse gear might not under certain cir-
cumstances secure the vehicle against
moving.
You operate the SMG using the selector
lever in the center console and two shift
paddles on the steering wheel.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Engage selector-lever position P.<
It offers the following functions:
To prevent corrosion and one-sided
braking action, occasionally engage
the handbrake lightly when the vehicle is
slowly coming to a standstill if the traffic
conditions are suitable.<
> Choice of manual or automatic mode:
Sequential mode or Drive mode
> Options of two drive programs:
Normal or Sport, refer to page 59
> Protection against incorrect gearshifts
and automatic shift down at minimum
engine speed, also in the Sequential
mode
Manual transmission
> Kickdown function in the Drive mode
> Acceleration assistant, refer to
page 60.
The SMG is operational in ignition key posi-
tion 2.
Selector-lever positions
While shifting gear in the 5th/6th gear
level, press the gearshift lever to the
right, as otherwise engine damage could
occur from inadvertently engaging a gear in
the 3rd/4th gear level.
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with the
clutch; use the handbrake. Otherwise there
is high clutch wear.<
The current selector-lever position is dis-
played on the center console.
Reverse gear
Select only when the vehicle is completely
stationary. When pressing the gearshift
lever to the left, overcome some resis-
tance.
> R: Reverse gear
> N: Neutral, idle
56
> One-touch function for Sequential
mode
+: manual upshifts
D Drive mode
In the Drive mode, all forward gears are
shifted automatically.
—: manual downshifts
To switch from Sequential to Drive mode:
Briefly press the selector lever to the right
towards D.
> D: Drive mode.
N is automatically engaged if the
driver's door is opened with the
engine running and neither pedals, shift
paddles nor the selector lever are oper-
ated.
This is indicated by an acoustic signal and
the flashing display N in the instrument
cluster.<
Kickdown:
For rapid acceleration, e.g. overtaking,
press the accelerator pedal as far down as
it will go: you achieve maximum accelera-
tion.
To switch back to the Sequential mode:
briefly press the selector lever back to the
right towards D or change the current gear
using the shift paddles or selector lever.
Gear display
Start off quickly on slopes. Do not
hold the vehicle on a hill by applying
the throttle, but engage the handbrake
instead. Otherwise overheating can occur
in the area of the transmission.<
Gear changes
Using selector lever
> To shift up, briefly press the selector
lever towards +
R N 1 to 6
The currently engaged gear is displayed, in
the Drive mode preceded by a D.
> To shift down, briefly press towards —.
Using shift paddles on steering
wheel
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting out
of N; the shift command will not be exe-
cuted unless the brake is applied.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is completely
stationary.
Sequential mode
After every engine start, as soon as the
selector lever is pushed to the right and the
brake pedal is pressed, the Sequential
mode is activated.
> To shift up, pull one of the shift paddles
> To shift down, press.
In the following situations, the SMG in the
Sequential mode assists you:
The gear is changed using the shift paddles
or selector lever.
> Upshifts and downshifts are executed
only when they will result in a plausible
combination of engine and vehicle
Driving off is also possible in second gear,
e.g. when the roadway is icy.
57
speed; thus, for example, a downshift
that would cause the engine to overrev
will not be executed by the system
Possible displays
> When the vehicle is stationary, the
transmission automatically downshifts
into first gear
> Shortly before dropping below a gear-
dependent minimum speed, the trans-
mission downshifts automatically even
without your intervention.
P R N D DS M1 to M6
Malfunction
The selector lever position is indicated, and
in the manual mode the gear currently
engaged.
The warning lamp lights up and a
message appears on the Control
Display. There is a malfunction in
the transmission system. Avoid high loads.
While it will remain still possible to move
the selector lever to any desired position,
the transmission will revert to operation in
its default mode with only a limited number
of forward gears.
Changing selector-lever positions
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Information on jump-starting and towing
begins on page 185.
Overheating
An interlock prevents inadvertent gear-
shifts into selector-lever positions R and P.
To cancel the interlock, press the button on
the front of the selector lever knob, refer to
arrow.
The warning lamp lights up and a
message appears on the Control
Display. In addition, an acoustic
signal sounds. Overheating in the area of
the transmission. If possible, stop or drive
off quickly so that the system can cool
down.
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting out
of P or N; the shift command will not be
executed unless the brake is applied.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic*
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after
you select a driving position, maintain pres-
sure on the brake pedal until you are ready
to start.
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you
can also shift manually with Steptronic,
refer to page 59.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select selector-lever posi-
Selector-lever positions
tion P and engage the handbrake before
leaving the vehicle with the engine running.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
P R N D M/S + –
58
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation 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 appears
briefly in the instrument cluster, followed by
the current gear.
P Parking
Select only when the vehicle is completely
stationary. The rear wheels are blocked.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is completely
stationary.
To use the automatic function again, move
the selector lever to the right into posi-
tion D.
N Neutral
E.g. engage in car washes. The vehicle can
roll.
Malfunction
D Drive, automatic position
The warning lamp lights up and a
message appears on the Control
Display. There is a malfunction in
the transmission system. Avoid heavy
loads.
While it will remain still possible to move
the selector lever to any desired position,
the transmission will revert to operation in
its default mode with only a limited number
of forward gears.
Position for normal vehicle operation.
All forward gears are available.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in
position D.
Kickdown
The kickdown mode provides maximum
acceleration:
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the
full-throttle resistance point.
Have the system checked as soon as pos-
sible.
Towing, refer to page, 185, jump-starting,
refer to page 185.
M/S manual operation and
Sport program
Dynamic Driving Control
The Dynamic Driving Control makes it pos-
sible for your BMW to react in an even more
sports-oriented manner at the push of a
button:
> The engine responds more spontane-
ously to accelerator pedal movements
> The steering conveys a feeling of even
better contact with the road surface
Move the selector lever from position D to
the left into gearshift gate M/S:
> Cruise control:
The stored speed you call up is reached
more quickly.
The sport program is activated and DS
appears in the instrument cluster.
This position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style. It is engaged
automatically when the Dynamic Driving
Control is activated, see below.
Additionally with SMG:
> Gearshifts are faster
> The engine speed range is used opti-
mally in the Drive mode.
When the selector lever is moved slightly
towards + or –, the Steptronic shifts gear
and manual operation is activated. The
instrument cluster shows M1 through M6.
With automatic transmission:
> The Sport program is activated.
59
Activating system
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
With ignition key in position 2
Press the SPORT button.
The LED in the button lights up and SPORT
is displayed in the instrument cluster.
1
2
3
High beams
Headlamp flasher
Turn signals
Deactivating system
> Press the SPORT button again or
> engage reverse gear or
> switch off the engine.
Using turn signals
Move the lever beyond the resistance
point. It then returns to the center position
when released. Press the lever as far as the
resistance point to switch off the turn sig-
nals.
The LED in the button and SPORT in the
instrument cluster go out.
If the indicator lamp flashes faster
than usual, a turn signal has failed.<
Acceleration assistant with SMG
The acceleration assistant enables opti-
mized vehicle acceleration at racing car
level on road surfaces with good adhesion
when starting off.
Signaling briefly
Press the lever as far as the resistance
point and hold there if necessary. It then
returns to the center position when
released.
Do not use the acceleration assistant
too often, as otherwise components
will wear prematurely.<
1. Activate the Dynamic Driving Control
Triple turn signal activation
2. Press the DSC button, refer to page 77,
for longer than three seconds
Press the lever as far as the resistance
point; the turn signals flash three times.
You can activate or deactivate this func-
tion.
3. Press the accelerator pedal down fully:
kickdown. The ideal starting-off engine
speed is set.
Control Center, for principle details, refer to
page 16:
To maintain driving stability, drive
with the DSC on whenever possible.<
1. Open the menu
2. Select "Vehicle settings" and press the
controller
3. Select "Lighting" and press the control-
ler
4. Select "Triple turn signal activation" and
press the controller.
60
cleaned at regular and appropriate inter-
vals.
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do so, your vision could
be obscured. To avoid freezing, use a
washer fluid antifreeze, refer to Washer
fluid.
Avoid activating the washer when the res-
ervoir is empty, as damage to the pump
could result.<
Triple turn signal activation is acti-
vated.
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are auto-
matically heated in ignition key position 2.
Wiper system
Rain sensor
The rain sensor controls windshield wipe
operation depending on the amount of rain.
The rain sensor is located on the wind-
shield, directly in front of the interior rear-
view mirror.
1
Standard wiper speed: briefly press
once.
The system automatically reverts to
operation in the intermittent mode
whenever the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wipe: briefly press twice or press
beyond the resistance point.
The system automatically reverts to
operation in the standard wipe mode
whenever the vehicle is stationary
Activating rain sensor
As of ignition key position 1, briefly press
the button. The indicator lamp in the button
lights up. The wipers will always respond
by completing at least one sweep of the
windshield.
2
3
4
5
Switching off wipers or for brief wipe
Activating/deactivating rain sensor
Cleaning windshield and headlamps
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
Adjusting rain sensor sensitivity level
The lever automatically returns to its initial
position when released.
Turn the serrated dial 5.
Deactivating rain sensor
Cleaning windshield and headlamps
Press the button again. The indicator lamp
goes out.
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a
brief period.
The rain sensor is automatically deacti-
vated when you switch off the ignition.
When the vehicle lighting system is
switched on, the headlamps are also
61
Deactivate the rain sensor when
passing through an automatic car
wash. Failure to do so could result in dam-
age caused by undesired wiper activa-
tion.<
One lever for all functions
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable.
Always keep it well away from sparks
and open flames, and store it in tightly
closed containers well out of the reach of
children. Always observe the instructions
for use provided on the containers.<
1 Maintaining and storing speed,
accelerating
Press the lever up to the resistance point:
The system maintains and stores the cur-
rent vehicle speed. The display 1 in the
speedometer indicates this regulated
speed, refer to page 63. Every time you
briefly press the lever, the vehicle's speed
increases by roughly 1 mph/1 km/h.
Washer fluid reservoir
Press the lever up to the resistance point
and hold it:
The vehicle accelerates without pressure
on the accelerator pedal. The system main-
tains and stores your current speed as
soon as you release the lever.
Capacity approx. 5.3 US quarts/5 liters
Press the lever beyond the resistance
point:
Increases the speed by 5 mph/10 km/h.
Fill with water and – if required – with a
washer antifreeze, according to manufac-
turer's recommendations.
The vehicle may accelerate beyond the
regulated speed on steep downhill
stretches where the engine's braking effect
alone may not be sufficient to slow the
vehicle. Speed can drop on uphill grades if
the engine output is insufficient.
In order to keep to the mixture ratio,
mix the washer fluid before filling.<
Cruise control
2 Maintaining and storing speed,
decelerating
The concept
The cruise control is available for use at
speeds of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h and
higher. The vehicle maintains and stores
the speed that you set using the lever
mounted on the steering column.
Pull the lever:
Functions are the same as 1, only the vehi-
cle speed is reduced.
3 Interrupting cruise control
Do not use the cruise control when
driving on winding roads, in heavy
traffic or in poor road conditions – e.g.
snow, rain, ice, loose road surface – that do
not permit a constant speed.<
With the cruise control active, briefly press
the lever up or down.
62
In addition, cruise control is interrupted
automatically
> when you apply pressure to the brake
pedal
> when you press down the clutch pedal
or engage position N of the automatic
transmission/SMG
> when DSC comes on.
4 Recalling stored speed
Briefly press button 4: the vehicle acceler-
ates to and maintains the stored speed.
Deactivating system
When the ignition is switched off, the sys-
tem is deactivated and the stored speed is
deleted.
Displays in instrument cluster
1
2
Display for stored speed with cruise
control activated
Digital speedometer.
Briefly displays the selected speed
63
