2008 BMW 6 Series Owner's Manual - Page 62

Driving Handbrake The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes the rear wheels. Manual transmission Indicator lamp The indicator lamp lights up, and a signal also sounds when starting off. The handbrake is applied. Indicator lamp for Canadian models. When shifting into 5th/6th gear, press the gearshift lever toward the right, otherwise an inadvertent shift into 3rd or 4th gear could lead to engine damage.< Applying The lever locks in position automatically. Reverse gear Releasing Select only when the vehicle is stationary. Press the gearshift lever to the left, overcoming a slight resistance. Sport automatic transmission* In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can also shift manually with Steptronic, refer to page 61. You can also choose between two driving programs: Normal or Sport, refer to Dynamic Driving Control. Pull slightly upwards, press the button and lower the lever. If exceptional circumstances should make it necessary to apply the handbrake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it too firmly. In doing so, continuously press the button of the handbrake lever. Otherwise, too firm an application of the handbrake can lock up the rear wheels and cause the rear of the vehicle to swerve.< To prevent corrosion and one-sided braking action, occasionally engage the handbrake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable. The brake lamps do not light up when the handbrake is applied.< Transmission positions P R N D M/S + - Displays in instrument cluster P, R, N, D, S1 through S6, M1 through M6 60 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 0 014 242 - © 08/07 BMW AG