General driving notes – BMW ActiveHybrid X6 2010 User Manual

Page 29

Using energy recovery

Energy recovery is displayed in the instrument
panel.

Coasting mode

In coasting mode, e.g. when rolling toward a
traffic signal, the high-voltage battery is
charged by energy recovery.

Braking

The most efficient energy recovery and charg-
ing of the high-voltage battery are achieved
with moderate braking.

Switching 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 pay attention to
the BMW maintenance system, refer to the
BMW X6 Owner's Manual.

General driving notes

Driving through water

Maximum water depth: 17 in/45 cm

Only drive through water up to the above-
mentioned depth at no greater than walk-

ing speed; otherwise, the engine, electrical sys-
tem, and transmission can 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
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.

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.

With a fully charged high-voltage battery,
the combustion engine is switched on

when driving downhill in order to avoid over-
loading the high-voltage battery.

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 page

. This prevents an

excessive strain on the brakes.

Do not drive in idle or with drive readiness
mode deactivated; otherwise, there is no

braking action from the energy recovery or from
the engine and no power-assistance for braking
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.