BMW 2009 X6 xDrive50i Owner's Manual

140

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.

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The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread 
depth of the tires decreases, also refer to Mini-
mum tread depth on page

Maximum water depth:

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BMW X5 20 in/50 cm

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BMW X6 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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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.

Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page

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 
page

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Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 600 809 - © 09/08 BMW AG