X5 3.0i
X5 4.4i
X5 4.8is
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new BMW. The
manual contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in obtaining
maximum satisfaction from your BMW's unique array of advanced technical fea-
tures. It also contains information on vehicle maintenance designed to enhance
operating safety while simultaneously helping you to maintain your BMW's value
throughout an extended service life. For additional information refer to the supple-
mental manuals.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle.
It should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important
operating, safety and maintenance information.
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
Contents
© 2004 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts,
only with the written consent of
BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 158 701
US English IX/04
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper,
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.
Notes
Overview
Controls and features
About this Owner's Manual 8
Symbols used 8
Your individual vehicle 8
Status at time of printing 9
For your own safety 9
Symbol on vehicle parts 10
Service and Warranty 10
Reporting safety defects 11
Cockpit 14
Instrument cluster 15
Indicator and warning lamps 19
Buttons on steering wheel 23
Warning triangle 24
First-aid kit 24
Refueling 24
Fuel specifications 26
Locks and security systems:
Keys 30
Central locking system 30
Opening and closing:
from outside 31
Opening and closing:
from inside 34
Liftgate 35
Tailgate 36
Alarm system 38
Windows 39
Panorama glass sunroof 41
Adjustments:
Sitting safely 43
Seats 44
Mechanical seat adjustment 45
Power seat adjustment 46
Head restraints 47
Power rear-seat backrest
adjustment 48
Safety belts 49
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory 50
Heated seats 52
Steering wheel 52
Steering wheel heater 53
Mirrors 54
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Controls and features
Passenger safety systems:
Airbags 57
Transporting children safely 59
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 63
Driving:
Ignition lock 64
Starting engine 64
Switching off engine 65
Handbrake 66
Manual transmission 66
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 67
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher 70
Washer/wiper system/
rain sensor 71
Cruise control 74
Everything under control:
Odometer, outside temperature
display 76
Tachometer 77
Energy control 77
Engine oil thermometer 78
Fuel gage 78
Coolant temperature gage 79
Service Interval Display 79
Check Control 80
Computer 82
MID Multi-Information
Display 84
Digital clock in MID 85
Computer in MID 88
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
PDC Park Distance Control 93
Antilock Brake System 94
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 95
xDrive 97
HDC Hill Descent Control 97
Self-leveling suspension 98
2-axle self-leveling
suspension 99
Brake Force Display 101
Flat Tire Monitor 101
Lamps:
Parking lamps/low beams 103
Adaptive Head Light 104
High beams/roadside parking
lamps 104
Front fog lamps 105
Instrument lighting 105
Interior lamps 105
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Air conditioner 107
Automatic climate control 110
Roller sun blinds 115
Independent ventilation 116
Cabin convenience:
Integrated universal remote
control 117
Portable phone 119
Glove compartment 120
Storage compartments 120
Cup holders 121
Ashtray, front 122
Ashtray, rear 122
Cigarette lighter, rear 123
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag 124
Cargo area
Folding rear backrests
down 126
Roll-up cover 126
Partition net 127
Flaps in cargo area 128
Power outlets 129
Pull-out floor in cargo
area 130
Cargo loading 131
Roof-mounted luggage rack 133
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
Contents
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Special operating instructions:
Breaking-in 136
General driving notes 137
Driving your X5 138
Safe braking 140
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure 141
Tire identification marks 143
Wheel/tire condition 144
Replacing wheels/tires 146
Snow chains 147
Under the hood:
Hood 148
Engine compartment
essentials 149
Washer fluid 150
Engine oil 150
Coolant 152
Brake fluid 153
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System 154
OBD interface socket 155
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit 158
Windshield wiper blades 158
Lamps and bulbs 159
Changing a tire 163
Vehicle battery 168
Fuses 169
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Receiving assistance 170
Jump starting 171
Tow-starting and towing 172
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About this Owner's Manual
We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
possible. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at
the end. If you desire an initial overview
of your vehicle, this can be found in the
first chapter.
Should you want to sell your BMW
some day, please remember to hand
over the Owner's Manual as well; it is
an important component of your vehi-
cle.
Additional sources of information:
If you have any questions, your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center will be
glad to advise you.
You can find information on BMW, e.g.
technology, on the Internet at
www.bmwusa.com.
Symbols used
Indicates precautions that must
be followed precisely in order to
avoid the possibility of personal injury
and serious damage to the vehicle.
Indicates information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable
you to care more effectively for your
vehicle.
Refers to measures that can be
taken to help protect the environ-
ment.
< Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
*
Indicates special equipment, country-
specific equipment and optional extras,
as well as equipment and functions not
yet available at the time of printing.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory,
refer to page 63. Identifies func-
tions that can be specifically adapted
for a particular key or vehicle. These
adjustments can be performed by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Your individual vehicle
On buying your BMW, you have
decided in favor of a model with individ-
ualized equipment and features. This
Owner's Manual describes all models
and equipment that BMW offers within
the same group.
We hope you will understand that
equipment and features are included
that you might not have chosen for your
vehicle. Sections describing options
and special equipment are marked by
an asterisk
*
to assist you in identifying
possible differences between the
descriptions in this manual and your
own vehicle's equipment.
Should equipment of your BMW not
be described in this Owner's Manual,
please refer to the included Supple-
mentary Owner's Manuals.
Notes
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Status at time of printing
BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
ongoing development that is conceived
to ensure that our vehicles continue to
embody the highest quality and safety
standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. Thus in
rare circumstances, the features
described in this Owner's Manual may
differ from those of your vehicle.
For your own safety
Maintenance and repair:
Advanced technology, e.g. the
use of modern materials and high-
performance electronics, requires spe-
cially adapted maintenance and repair
methods. Therefore, only have corre-
sponding work on your BMW carried
out by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
If work is carried out improperly there is
a danger of consequential damage and
the related safety risks.<
California Proposition 65 Warning:
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety
of automobile components and
parts, including components found in
the interior furnishings in a vehicle, con-
tain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects and reproductive harm.
In addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of com-
ponent wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer. Wash your
hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals
that have caused cancer in laboratory
animals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
water.<
Parts and accessories:
For your own safety, use genuine
parts and accessories approved
by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Genuine
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti-
mum performance when installed on
your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damages resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
Notes
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Notes
BMW cannot test every product on the
market to determine whether it can be
used on a BMW safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its
occupants.
Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones – including
operation of any portable phone from
within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna – or trans-
ceiver equipment such as CB, walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar accessories,
may cause extensive damage to the
vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere
with the vehicle's electrical system or
affect the validity of the BMW Limited
Warranty. Refer to your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center for additional
information.<
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.<
Symbol on vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.
Service and Warranty
This manual is supplemented by a Ser-
vice and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models or a Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for Canadian mod-
els.
We recommend that you read this pub-
lication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following
warranties:
> New Vehicle Limited Warranty
> Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
> Federal Emissions System Defect
Warranty
> Federal Emissions Performance
Warranty
> California Emissions Control System
Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these war-
ranties is listed in the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet for US mod-
els or in the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Reporting safety defects
The following only applies to vehicles
owned and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National High-
way Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA in addition to notifying BMW
of North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227,
Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227,
Telephone 800-831-1117.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints,
it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in indi-
vidual problems between you, your
dealer, or BMW of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either
call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123 in Wash-
ington, D.C. area or write to: NHTSA,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Notes
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1 Parking lamps/low beams 103
2Fog lamps 105
3 > Turn signals 70
> Roadside parking lamps 104
> High beams 104
> Headlamp flasher 70
> Computer 82
4 Washer/wiper system/rain sensor 71
5Rear window defroster 108, 113
6 Central locking system 30
7 Hazard warning flashers
8 Horn: the entire surface
9 Adjusting steering wheel 52
Cockpit
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1 Fuel gage 78
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 22
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22
5 Tachometer 77
Energy control 77
6 Coolant temperature gage 79
Instrument cluster X5 3.0i, 4.4i
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Instrument cluster X5 3.0i, 4.4i
7 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22
8 Reset button for trip odometer 76
9 Indicator for Check Control 80
10 Odometer and trip odometer 76
11 Display for computer;
operation via turn signal lever,
refer to page 82:
> Outside temperature
> Average fuel consumption
> Cruising range
> Average speed
12 Service Interval Display 79
13 Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission
*
67
14 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22
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Instrument cluster X5 3.0i, 4.4i*
1 Fuel gage 78
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 22
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22
5 Tachometer 77
Energy control 77
6 Coolant temperature gage 79
7 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22
8 Reset button for trip odometer 76
9 Service Interval Display 79
10 Indicator for
> Trip odometer/odometer 76
> Outside temperature 76
11 Indicator for Check Control 80
12 Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission
* 67
13 CHECK button 80
14 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22
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Instrument cluster X5 4.8is
1Fuel gage 78
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 22
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22
5 Tachometer 77
Engine oil thermometer
6 Coolant temperature gage 79
7 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22
8 Reset button for trip odometer 76
9 Service Interval Display 79
10 Indicator for
> Trip odometer/odometer 76
> Outside temperature 76
11 Indicator for Check Control 80
12 Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission 67
13 CHECK button 80
14 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22
530us252
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by
+
are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of the
monitored systems, the corresponding
lamp does not go out after the engine is
started or it lights up while the vehicle is
moving. You will see how to react to
this in the following section.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
+
The battery is not being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Have
the system checked immediately.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. If the
drive belt is defective, increased steer-
ing effort is also required.<
Engine oil pressure
+
Stop immediately and switch off
the engine. Check the engine oil
level; top up as required. If the oil level
is correct: have the system checked
immediately.
Do not continue driving. The
engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.<
Handbrake
*
/
brake hydraulic system
+
Lights up with handbrake
engaged.
For additional information, refer to
page 66
Comes on although the handbrake is
released: stop immediately. The brake
fluid in the reservoir has fallen to below
the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel
may be noticeable. Have the system
checked immediately.
During continued driving
increased brake pedal pressure
may be necessary, and considerably
longer braking distances may result.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<
Before continuing your journey, be sure
to read the notes on pages 140
and 153.
Also comes on in the Check Control
with the message CHECK BRAKE
LININGS.
Indication of the malfunction in
Canadian models described
above.
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Indicator and warning lamps
Transmission temperature
*
+
The transmission is overheated.
Reduce speed immediately and
stop at a suitable location so that the
system can cool down again. Have the
system checked immediately.
Yellow: stop immediately
Flat Tire Monitor
+
An acoustic signal also sounds:
there is a flat tire or extensive
inflation pressure loss. Reduce speed
immediately for stopping while avoiding
extreme braking and steering maneu-
vers.
For additional information, refer to
page 102
Red or yellow: continue to drive
cautiously
The red brake warning lamp
lights up together with the warn-
ing lamps for ABS and DSC/
xDrive. In addition, a warning
signal sounds:
ABS, DSC, HDC and xDrive
have failed. Drive may then only
be carried out via the rear axle.
Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 94, 95
Proceed cautiously and defen-
sively. When driving on poor
roads, avoid using full throttle or press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kick-
down point and also avoid forceful
braking or full braking. Otherwise the
drive train may be damaged or acci-
dents can occur.<
If the brake warning lamp lights up yel-
low in the described combination, the
EBV Electronic brake-force distribution
is still available.
Indication of the above-
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
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Indicator and warning lamps
Red: an important reminder
Handbrake
*
Lights up with handbrake
engaged.
For additional information, refer to
page 66
Handbrake warning lamp
*
for
Canadian models
Please fasten safety belts
+
Indicator lamp flashes or lights
up. In addition, a signal sounds
and, depending on the equipment, a
message
*
appears in the Check Con-
trol. Please check safety belts for cor-
rect placement.
The belt memory is activated when the
safety belt on the driver's side has not
yet been fastened.
The belt memory is also active from a
speed of approx. 5 mph/8 km/h when
the passenger belt has not yet been
fastened, heavy objects are placed on
the front passenger seat or passengers
sitting in the front remove their safety
belts.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 49
Airbags
+
Malfunction in airbag system.
Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 57
Yellow: check as soon as possible
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
+
Malfunction in the DBC system.
Please have the system
checked as soon as possible.
For details on DBC, refer to page 94
Indication of the above-
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute minimum;
refill as soon as possible. Do not drive
more than approx. 30 miles/50 km until
you do.
For additional information, refer to
page 150
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at your earliest opportunity, e.g.
when you stop to refuel.
For additional information, refer to
page 150
Automatic transmission
*
The automatic transmission
switches into the emergency
program due to a fault. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 69
Brake pads
*
+
Have the condition of the brake
pads checked.
For additional information, refer to
page 140
Self-leveling suspension
*
+
The self-leveling suspension is
inactive. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 98
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Indicator and warning lamps
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+
The warning lamp lights up con-
tinuously and a warning signal sounds:
DSC and HDC or the xDrive 4-wheel
drive system have failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC or
the xDrive 4-wheel drive system are no
longer available. Drive may then only be
carried out via the rear axle.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 95
Proceed cautiously and defen-
sively. When driving on poor
roads, avoid using full throttle or press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kick-
down point and also avoid forceful
braking or full braking. Otherwise the
drive train may be damaged or acci-
dents can occur.<
Engine electronics
*
Malfunction in the engine elec-
tronics. You can continue to
drive with reduced engine output or
engine speed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Service Engine Soon
+
If the indicator lamp lights up
continuously or intermittently,
there is a fault in the exhaust-relevant
electronic systems. Although the vehi-
cle remains operable, the system must
be checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 155
Indication of the above-
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
Check Gas Cap
*
+
Warning lamp lights up. Fuel
filler cap is not properly closed
or is missing. Check whether the fuel
filler cap is properly closed.
For additional information, refer to
page 25
Green: for your information
Turn signals
Flashes when the turn signals
are operated. Rapid flashing
indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 70
Cruise control
*
Lights up when system is
switched on: ready for operation
using the buttons on the steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 74
Fog lamps
Lights up when fog lamps are
switched on.
For additional information, refer to
page 105
Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 70, 104
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Buttons on steering wheel*
The buttons integrated in the steering
wheel are provided so that you can
operate a number of accessories
quickly and without being distracted
from traffic conditions. You may oper-
ate:
> selected functions of the audio
sources
*
> the recirculated-air mode of the air
conditioner
* or the steering-wheel
heater
*
> the cruise control
> selected phone functions
* and
> the voice command system
*.
In order to operate a system, the
corresponding system must be
switched on.<
Press briefly:
Accept incoming call, start dialing, ter-
minate call.
Extended pressure:
Switch voice command system on and
off
Display/hide phonebook. Display the
entries consecutively with the buttons
for forward/back
Forward:
> Radio
Press briefly: next stored station
Extended pressure: station search
function
> CD
Press briefly: track search
Extended pressure: fast forward in
track
> Cassette
Press briefly: stop track search or
fast forward
Extended pressure: fast forward
> Portable phone
Scroll through list of names
Reverse: functions as for fast forward
Volume
On the sports steering wheel
*, there
are +/– buttons for volume on the left
side of the steering wheel.
Cruise control: call up
Cruise control: store and accelerate
+
as well as decelerate and store
–
On the sports steering wheel*, there
are +/– buttons on the right side of the
steering wheel for the cruise control.
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deac-
tivate
Recirculated-air mode
* and AUC auto-
matic recirculated-air control or steer-
ing wheel heater*: switch on/off
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Warning triangle
* First-aid kit* Refueling
1. Open the cover on the left in the
cargo area: lift the handle on the
cover
2. Pull the tab of the retaining strap,
refer to arrow, and remove the haz-
ard warning triangle from the support
bracket
3. To install: slide the hazard warning
triangle into the support bracket and
press on the retaining strap.
Comply with legal requirements
requiring you to carry a hazard
warning triangle in the vehicle.<
530us005
The first-aid kit is located under the
front passenger's seat.
To open: pull the handle and fold the
cover down.
To close: fold the cover up.
Some of the articles in the first-aid
kit may be used within a limited
time only. Therefore, check the expira-
tion dates of the contents regularly and
replace the contents concerned in good
time if necessary. You can find replace-
ments in any pharmacy.
Always observe all legal regulations
requiring a first-aid kit to be carried in
the vehicle.<
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Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, switch off
the engine. If you do not, fuel can-
not be filled into the tank and the Ser-
vice Engine Soon lamp may come on.<
To open the fuel filler door, press on the
front edge.
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can also open the fuel filler door
manually:
1. Open the cover on the right in the
cargo area: lift the handle on the
cover
2 Pull the knob with the fuel pump sym-
bol.
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Refueling
When handling fuels always
observe any safety guidelines
posted at the service station. Never
carry spare fuel containers in your vehi-
cle. Whether empty or full, these con-
tainers can leak, cause an explosion, or
lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
Observe the following when
refueling
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.
Do not top off. Topping off may cause
fuel spillage.<
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refuel-
ing
> results in premature pump shutoff
> and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full when the filler noz-
zle clicks off the first time.
530us008
To close the fuel filler cap:
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until
you clearly hear a click.
Close the filler cap carefully after
refueling until a click is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
message CHECK GAS CAP in the
Check Control
*
or the Check Gas Cap
lamp
*
.<
Tank capacity:
approx. 24.6 gal./approx. 93 liters,
including reserve
6-cylinder engine: approx. 2.0 gal./
approx. 8 liters
8-cylinder engine: approx. 2.5 gal./
approx. 10 liters.
Never attempt to continue driving
until the tank is completely empty,
as engine functions could be affected,
and the vehicle could sustain damage
as a result.<
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26n
Fuel specifications
The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel
Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
Minimum Octane Rating: 91.
Minimum Octane Rating corresponds to
the Anti Knock Index AKI and is deter-
mined according to the so-called
(R+M)/2 method.
Do not use leaded gasoline, as
otherwise the lambda probe and
catalytic converter will be permanently
damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated signifi-
cant differences in fuel quality: volatility,
composition, additives, etc., among
gasolines offered for sale in the United
States and Canada. Fuels containing up
to and including 10% ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by
weight, that is, 15 % MTBE or 3% meth-
anol plus an equivalent amount of co-
solvent, will not void the applicable
warranties with respect to defects in
materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may
result in drivability, starting and
stalling problems especially under cer-
tain environmental conditions such as
high ambient temperature and high alti-
tude.
Should you encounter drivability prob-
lems which you suspect could be
related to the fuel you are using, we
recommend that you respond by
switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may also result in unsched-
uled maintenance.<
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Index
Technical data
Controls
Owner service procedures
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30n
Keys Central locking system
The key set
1 Each master key with remote control
contains a long-life battery as power
supply, which is automatically
recharged in the ignition lock while
driving. It is therefore necessary to
use each master key at least twice
per year in order to maintain the
charge. Depending on which master
key the vehicle detects during
unlocking, different settings will be
requested and executed in the vehi-
cle, refer to Vehicle and Key memory
on page 63.
530de367
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place,
such as in your wallet.
This key does not fit in the lock of the
glove compartment. This is an advan-
tage in a hotel, for example. The key
is not intended for continuous use.
Replacement keys
Additional or replacement keys are
available at your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center.
The concept
The central locking system is ready for
operation as soon as you close the front
doors. The system engages or releases
the locks on the
> doors
> liftgate/tailgate
> fuel filler door.
The central locking system can be
operated
> from outside via the remote control
as well as via the driver's door lock
> from inside via the button for the cen-
tral locking system.
If the system is locked from inside, the
fuel filler door remains unlocked, refer
to page 34.
When the system is actuated from out-
side of the vehicle, the anti-theft system
is actuated simultaneously. This pre-
vents the doors from being unlocked via
lock buttons or door handles. The alarm
system is also armed or disarmed.
In an accident of sufficient severity the
central locking system automatically
unlocks, but only doors which have not
been locked separately with the lock
buttons, refer to page 34. In addition,
the hazard warning flashers and the
interior lamps are switched on.
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31nOpening and closing: from outside
Using remote control
When you engage/release the vehicle
locks, you also activate/deactivate the
anti-theft system, arm/disarm the alarm
system, and switch the interior lamps
on/off.
Protect the remote control against
unauthorized use by handing over
only the spare key, for example when
using hotel valet parking.<
You can find more detailed information
on the alarm system on page 38.
Since passengers or animals
remaining in the vehicle might be
able to lock the doors from the inside,
take the vehicle's keys with you so that
the vehicle can be opened again from
the outside at any time.<
Unlocking vehicle
Press button.
Press the button once to unlock the
driver's door and the fuel filler door
only; press a second time to unlock all
remaining doors as well as the tailgate/
liftgate.
Convenience opening mode
Press the button briefly and then hold
down.
The windows and the panorama glass
sunroof open.
Locking and securing
Press button.
As a confirmation that the vehicle is
correctly locked, the hazard warning
flashers light up.
If you so desire, you can have this
function deactivated if your vehi-
cle is not equipped with an alarm sys-
tem.<
Switching on interior lamps
If the vehicle is locked, press button.
With this function, you can also search
for your vehicle, e.g. when parked in an
underground garage.
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor
Press button once again directly after
locking.
For more detailed information, refer to
page 39.
Opening liftgate
Briefly press the button.
The liftgate will open slightly, regardless
of whether it was previously locked or
unlocked.
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32n
Opening and closing: from outside
If the vehicle is locked, the tail-
gate/liftgate is also locked again
when closed.
Before and after a trip, be sure that the
tailgate/liftgate was not opened unin-
tentionally.<
Panic mode
By pressing and holding the button for
more than two seconds, you can start
the alarm system if there is an impend-
ing danger if it is armed.
To switch off the alarm
Press button.
Malfunction
The remote control can be subjected
to malfunctions by local radio waves.
Should the remote control fail to oper-
ate owing to interference of this kind,
unlock and lock the vehicle via the door
lock using the master key.
If it is no longer possible to lock the
vehicle via the remote control, the bat-
tery is discharged. Use this remote con-
trol during an extended drive; this will
recharge the battery, refer to page 30.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units com-
ply with part 15 of the FCC/Federal
Communication Commission regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the fol-
lowing:
FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
> This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
> this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications
to these devices could void the
user's authority to operate this equip-
ment.<
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
33nOpening and closing: from outside
Using door lock
One turn of the key in the driver's door
lock unlocks the driver's door only.
Turning the key a second time unlocks
all of the remaining doors, the liftgate/
tailgate and the fuel filler door.
As a confirmation that the vehicle is
correctly locked, the hazard warning
flashers light up.
If you so desire, you can deacti-
vate this function if your vehicle is
not equipped with an alarm system.<
530de244
Convenience operation
You also have the option of operating
the windows and the panorama glass
sunroof from the door lock.
> To open: with the door closed, turn
the key to the Unlock position and
hold it.
> To close: with the door closed, turn
the key to the Lock position and hold
it.
Watch during the closing process
to be sure that no one is injured.
Releasing the key stops the operation.<
Manual operation
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
turn the key to the extreme left or right
to unlock/lock the door.
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34n
Opening and closing: from inside
When the front doors are closed, this
button unlocks or locks the doors and
liftgate, but does not engage the anti-
theft system. The fuel filler door remains
unlocked.
You have the option of setting the
central locking system to lock
automatically as soon as you move off.
This can be adjusted to be key-spe-
cific.<
530de220
If only the driver's door was
unlocked from the outside and
you press the button
> all other doors, the tailgate/liftgate
and the fuel filler door will be
unlocked when the driver's door is
opened
> the driver's door will be locked again
when it is closed.<
Unlocking and opening doors
> Either unlock the doors together with
the button for the central locking sys-
tem and then pull the door handle
above the armrest or
> pull the release handle for each door
twice: the first pull unlocks the door,
and the second one opens it.
Locking
> Use the central locking button to lock
all of the doors simultaneously, or
> press down the individual lock but-
tons. As an added design feature to
prevent the driver from being inad-
vertently locked out of the vehicle,
the driver's lock button will not
engage as long as the door is open.
When the vehicle is moving, do
not lock the doors with the lock
buttons. Doors locked in this manner
would not unlock automatically in the
event of an accident.
Since passengers or animals remaining
in the vehicle might be able to lock the
doors from the inside, take the vehicle's
keys with you so that the vehicle can be
opened again from the outside at any
time.<
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35nLiftgate
Opening from outside
Press the button, refer to arrow:
The liftgate opens slightly.
The cargo area is illuminated whenever
the liftgate is opened, refer also to
page 105.
With the liftgate open, the dis-
tance from the ground to the
upper edge is more than 6.6 ft/2 m.
Please consider this, e.g. when opening
the liftgate in a garage.<
530de245
Opening from inside
Press this button to open the liftgate
when the vehicle is stationary.
If pointed or sharp-edged objects
could strike the rear window while
driving, be sure to provide protection
around all edges. If you do not do this,
the heating conductors of the rear win-
dow could be damaged.<
For information on the cargo area cover
and on other details in the cargo area,
refer to Cargo area, beginning on
page 126.
530de415
Manual release
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can release the liftgate manually:
1. Remove the plastic plug from inside
the cargo area and pull toward the
interior, refer to arrow. The liftgate
will be released
2. Reinstall the plug.
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Liftgate Tailgate
Closing
You can pull the liftgate down by plac-
ing both hands in the handle recesses,
refer to arrows.
Automatic Soft Close function
To close the liftgate, merely press it
down gently. The closing process will
then be carried out automatically.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the liftgate is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures.<
530us017
Opening
Press button:
You can fold the tailgate down.
When opened, the tailgate can
accept loads of up to 440 lbs./
200 kg. When the vehicle is stationary
you may, for example, utilize the tail-
gate as a seat or as a loading platform
for luggage or recreation gear.<
530de246
Manual release
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can release the tailgate manually:
1. Unfasten the trim panel clip with the
vehicle key or with a screwdriver,
refer to arrow 1, and remove it
toward the top, refer to arrow 2
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
37nTailgate
2. Using the same tool, press the latch
in the direction of the arrow; the tail-
gate is released
3. Reinstall the trim panel.
530de241
Luggage straps
Use the retaining straps on the cargo
floor cover to secure smaller items of
luggage.
Movement is reduced when objects are
placed on the straps.
The lashing eyes located at the corners
of the cargo area provide you with a
convenient means of attaching luggage
nets
*
or flexible straps for securing lug-
gage.
Refer also to Cargo loading on
page 131.
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Alarm system
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
> When a door, the hood, or the liftgate
is opened
> To movement in the vehicle interior:
interior protection, refer to Tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion sensor
> To variations in the vehicle tilt angle
such as occur during attempts to
steal the wheels or tow the vehicle
> To interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
> Sounding an acoustical alarm for
30 seconds
> The hazard warning flashers are acti-
vated for approx. five minutes
> The high beams flash on and off in
the same rhythm.
Arming and disarming alarm
system
When you lock or unlock the vehicle,
either with the remote control or at the
door lock, the alarm system is armed or
disarmed at the same time.
You can have different acknowl-
edgment signals set to confirm
arming and disarming.<
The liftgate can also be opened with the
system armed using the button on the
remote control, refer to page 31. The
liftgate is locked again when closed.
Pressing the button longer triggers the
alarm: panic mode, refer to page 32.
Indicator lamp displays
> The indicator lamp below the interior
rearview mirror flashes continuously:
the system is armed
> The indicator lamp flashes when the
vehicle is locked: door(s) or liftgate
are not completely closed. Even if
you do not close the alerted area, the
system begins to monitor the remain-
ing areas, and the indicator lamp
flashes continuously after 10 sec-
onds. However, the interior motion
sensor is not activated
> The indicator lamp goes out when the
vehicle is unlocked: no manipulation
or attempted intrusions have been
detected in the period since the sys-
tem was armed
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39nAlarm system Windows
> The indicator lamp flashes for
10 seconds after the vehicle is
unlocked: an attempted entry has
been detected in the period since the
system was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the
indicator lamp will flash continuously.
Tilt alarm sensor and interior
motion sensor
Tilt alarm sensor:
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The
alarm system reacts, for example, if
someone attempts to steal the wheels
or tow the vehicle.
Interior motion sensor:
In order for the interior motion sensor
to function properly, the windows and
panorama glass sunroof must be com-
pletely closed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor may be switched off at the same
time. This prevents unintentional
alarms, e.g. in the following situations:
> In stacking garages
> When transporting on car-carrying
trains
> If animals are to remain in the vehicle.
Switching off the tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor:
Press the button on the remote control
twice consecutively.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm
sensor and the interior motion sensor
are switched off up to the next unlock-
ing and locking actions.
Opening and closing windows
As of ignition key position 1:
> Press the switch up to the resistance
point:
The window continues to move as
long as you continue to hold the
switch
> Briefly press the switch beyond the
resistance point:
The window moves downward auto-
matically. Briefly press the switch
again to stop the opening movement.
You can close the windows in the same
manner by pulling the switch.
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40n
Windows
After the ignition has been switched off:
> You can still operate the windows as
long as neither of the front doors has
been opened. To open the windows,
press the switch beyond the resis-
tance point.
When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the remote control and
close the doors, as otherwise children
could operate the windows and injure
themselves etc.<
For the convenience mode via the
remote control or the door lock, refer to
pages 31, 33.
Anti-trapping mechanism
A contact strip is integrated into the
inner side of each of the upper window
frame sections. If pressure is exerted
against this contact strip while a win-
dow is being raised, the system will
respond by stopping the window and
then retracting it a small distance.
Despite the anti-trapping mecha-
nism, be extremely careful that
the closing path of the window is not
obstructed whenever it is closed.
Otherwise, an object might not touch
the contact strip in some situations,
with very thin objects, for instance.
You can disable the anti-trapping
mechanism by pulling the switch
beyond the resistance point and hold-
ing it.
Because the power windows are sealed
at high pressure to prevent wind noise
when closed, a powerful motor is
required for efficient closing. When
closing the windows, always ensure
that they are not obstructed in any way.
Unsupervised use of these systems can
result in serious personal injury.
Remove the ignition key to deactivate
the power windows whenever you leave
the vehicle. Never leave the keys in the
vehicle with unsupervised children.
Never place anything that could
obstruct the driver's vision on or next
to the windows.<
Safety switch
With the safety switch, you can prevent
the rear windows from being opened or
closed via the switches in the rear pas-
senger area, by children, for example.
You can also prevent adjustments of
the power rear-seat backrests from the
rear passenger area, refer to page 48.
Always press the safety switch
when children ride in the rear, as
otherwise unchecked closing of the
windows could lead to injuries.<
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
41nPanorama glass sunroof
*
When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the remote control and
close the doors, as otherwise children
could operate the roof and injure them-
selves etc.<
The panorama glass sunroof is opera-
tional from ignition key position 1.
After the ignition has been switched off:
You can operate the panorama glass
sunroof for up to 1 minute as long as
neither of the doors has been opened.
Raising, opening, closing
Press the switch or slide it in the
desired direction up to the resistance
point.
Release the switch to stop the motion.
The sliding visor is opened slightly
when the panorama glass sunroof is
raised.
The panorama glass sunroof can be
opened or closed independently with
the sliding visor open.
530us242
Ventilation setting:
The panorama glass sunroof is raised
and the sliding visor is opened slightly:
Briefly press the switch twice consecu-
tively.
Automatic opening and closing
Briefly press the switch beyond the
resistance point and then release it.
Briefly pressing the switch again stops
the motion.
Opening and closing panorama glass
sunroof and sliding visor together:
Briefly press the switch beyond the
resistance point twice consecutively.
Briefly pressing the switch again stops
the motion.
Comfort position
Each time the panorama glass sunroof
is completely opened or closed, it stops
in the comfort position. If desired, con-
tinue the motion following this with the
switch.
In the comfort position the wind noises
in the interior are reduced.
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42n
Panorama glass sunroof
*
Anti-trapping mechanism
If the panorama glass sunroof or sliding
visor encounter resistance when clos-
ing from roughly one third of the roof
opening or when closing from the
raised position, the closing action is
interrupted and the panorama glass
sunroof and sliding visor reopen a little.
Despite the anti-trapping mecha-
nism inspect the roof's travel path
prior to closing it, as the safety system
might fail to detect certain kinds of
obstructions, such as very thin objects,
and the roof would continue closing.
The anti-trapping mechanism for clos-
ing the panorama glass sunroof is
deactivated if the switch is pressed
beyond the resistance point and held
there. The closing action is interrupted
when you release the switch.<
Following a power failure
Following interruptions in electrical
power, for instance, when the battery
is disconnected, it is possible that the
panorama glass sunroof will extend to
its tilt-up position, but fail to respond to
other commands. The system must be
initialized. BMW recommends having
this work carried out by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Manual operation
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can operate the panorama glass
sunroof manually.
1. Take Allen wrench and screwdriver
from onboard tool kit, refer to
page 158
2. Remove cover panel on headliner.
To do so, insert the screwdriver from
behind slightly off-center and care-
fully pry the cover out
3. Insert the Allen wrench into the
opening provided and turn the pan-
orama glass sunroof in the desired
direction.
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
The ideal sitting position can make a
vital contribution to relaxed driving that
is as fatigue-free as possible. In con-
junction with the safety belts, the head
restraints and the airbags, the seat
position also plays an important role for
the passive safety of the occupants in
an accident. To ensure that the safety
systems operate with optimized effi-
ciency, we strongly urge you to observe
the instructions contained in the follow-
ing section.
For additional information on transport-
ing children safely, refer to page 59.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate dis-
tance between yourself and the
airbags. Always hold the steering wheel
by its rim with hands at the 9 o'clock
and 3 o'clock positions to minimize the
risk of injuries to your hands and arms
in the event of airbag deployment.
No one and nothing is to come between
the airbags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag
on the front passenger side as a stor-
age area. Make sure that the front pas-
senger is correctly seated and does not
rest feet or legs on the instrument
panel, otherwise leg injuries can occur
if the front airbag is triggered. Never let
an occupant's head rest near or on a
side airbag because the inflating airbag
could cause a serious injury.<
Even if you adhere to all the instructions
injuries resulting from contact with air-
bags cannot be fully excluded, depend-
ing on the circumstances. The ignition
and inflation noise may provoke a mild –
usually temporary – hearing loss in
extremely sensitive individuals.
For airbag locations and additional
information on airbags, refer to
page 57.
Safety belt
For every trip, use the safety belt on all
occupied seats. Airbags complement
the safety belt as an additional safety
device, but they do not represent a sub-
stitute.
Your vehicle has five seats that are all
equipped with a safety belt.
At all times, occupants should sit
upright and be properly restrained
– infants and small children in appropri-
ate child-restraint systems; larger chil-
dren and adults using the safety belts.
Each safety belt should always be used
by only one person, babies and children
may not ride on the lap of another pas-
senger.
Pregnant women should also always
wear a safety belt and take make espe-
cially sure that the belt rests low on the
hips in the lap area, and does not press
against the abdomen.
Do not route the belt across your neck,
or run it across sharp edges. Be sure
that the belt does not become caught
or jammed. Wear the safety belt without
twisting and tautly across the lap and
shoulders as close to the body as pos-
sible. Be sure not to route it over solid
or breakable objects, as otherwise the
belt can slip over the hips in the lap
area in a frontal impact and injure the
abdomen. Avoid wearing clothing that
prevents the belt from fitting properly
and pull the belt in the upper body area
periodically to readjust the tension, in
order to avoid a reduction in the
restraint of the safety belt.<
Sitting safely
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44n
Sitting safely Seats
If the middle safety belt in the rear is
used, the wider seatback must be
locked, refer to page 126, as otherwise
the safety belt has no restraining action.
Fasten safety belt, refer to page 49.
Note before adjusting
Never try to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat
could respond with unexpected move-
ment, and the ensuing loss of vehicle
control could lead to an accident. On
the front passenger side as well, do not
tilt the backrest too far toward the rear
while driving. Failure to observe this
precaution can prevent the belt from
providing effective protection against
injury, as the passenger could slide
under the belt in an accident.<
Also observe the information on the
safety belts on page 49 and on the
head restraints on page 47.
Seat adjustment
> Mechanical seat adjustment, refer to
following columns
> Power seat adjustment, refer to
page 46
> Head restraints, refer to page 47
> Power rear-seat backrest adjustment,
refer to page 48
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Mechanical seat adjustment
Seat adjustment
1 Backward/forward direction
Pull the lever and slide the seat to the
desired position.
After you release the lever, move the
seat forward or backward slightly so
that it engages fully
2Height
Pull the lever and apply weight to
or remove weight from the seat as
required
530us211
3Backrest
Pull the lever and apply weight to or
remove weight from the backrest as
needed
Comply with the adjustment
instructions on page 43. Failure
to do so could result in diminished per-
sonal safety.<
530us212
Sports seat
*
adjustment
You can adjust the thigh support addi-
tionally:
Pull the lever and adjust the position
of the thigh support for your personal
comfort.
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46n
Power seat adjustment
*
Seat adjustment
1Angle
2 Backward/forward adjustment
3 Cushion height
4 Backrest angle
Adjust the head restraint manually,
refer to page 47.
Comply with the adjustment
instructions on page 43. Failure
to do so could result in diminished per-
sonal safety.<
530us024
Comfort seat
*
adjustment
This seat allows you to make additional
adjustments for
1Lumbar support
2 Shoulder support
3 Head restraint height
Lumbar support:
You can also adjust the contours of the
backrest to obtain additional support in
the lumbar region.
The upper hips and spinal column
receive supplementary support to help
you maintain a relaxed, upright sitting
position.
530de251
> Increase or decrease curvature: push
switch forward or backward.
> Shift curvature up or down: push
switch up or down.
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Power seat adjustment* Head restraints
Shoulder support:
Move the switch in the direction of the
arrow to adjust the tilt angle of the
shoulder support.
You can use the adjustable upper back-
rest for supplementary support in the
shoulder region. This provides a relaxed
sitting position and helps relieve stress
on the shoulder muscles.
For optimum adjustment the following
is recommended:
Driver and front passenger:
1. Adjust the upper backrest section to
its extreme rear position
2. Adjust for the optimal sitting position
as described on page 43
3. Bring the upper backrest section fur-
ther forward until your shoulders are
well supported.
530de252
Front passenger's seat adjusted for
relaxed traveling:
1. Adjust the upper backrest section to
its extreme rear position
2. Tilt the backrest down to a slightly
more horizontal angle
3. Bring the upper backrest section for-
ward until your shoulders are well
supported.
Make corrections in the forward/
backward adjustment of the seat
to ensure that the safety belt still fits
firmly against your body. If you do not
do this, the protection provided by the
safety belt may be reduced.<
Head restraint height:
Move the switch in the desired direc-
tion.
Adjustments
To adjust the angle of the front head
restraints, tilt the head restraint to the
desired angle.
To adjust the height of the front or rear
head restraints, pull the head restraint
up or push it down.
Power height adjustment, refer to
page 46.
Head restraints reduce the risk
of spinal injury in the event of an
accident. Adjust the head restraints so
that their center is approx. at ear level.<
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Head restraints Power rear-seat backrest adjustment
*
Removal – front
1. Pull the head restraint upward to the
stop
2. Press the button, refer to arrow, and
remove the head restraint.
Installation – front
1. Press the button, refer to arrow, and
insert the head restraint into the
guides
2. Adjust the head restraint for your
personal comfort.
Removal and installation – rear
To remove the head restraint, pull it
outward with a firm movement.
To install it, press it down firmly.
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You can make separate adjustments of
the backrest tilt angle on the right and
left sides.
You can select a comfortable sitting
position and also increase the capacity
of the cargo area by moving the back-
rests into their most upright position.
From the rear seats: press the corre-
sponding switch.
You can prevent adjustments of
the power rear-seat backrest from
the rear passenger area with the safety
switch for the power windows, refer to
page 40.<
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From the cargo area: the switches are
located on both sides of the cargo area.
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Safety belts
Comply with the instructions on
page 43. Failure to do so could
result in diminished personal safety.<
For every trip, use the safety belts on all
occupied seats. Airbags complement
the safety belt as an additional safety
device, but they do not represent a sub-
stitute.
Closing
Make sure you hear the latch plate
engage in the belt buckle.
Unlocking
1. Press the red button in the belt
buckle
2. Hold the belt firmly
3. Guide the belt back into its reel.
530us034
In the back, the middle safety belt
buckle is provided for use exclu-
sively by the middle passenger.
If it is not possible to extract the center
belt, this indicates that the larger back-
rest is not securely locked, refer to
page 126.<
Safety belt memory for front seat
Indicator lamp flashes or lights
up. In addition, a signal sounds
and, depending on the equip-
ment, a message
*
appears in the
Check Control. Please check safety
belts for correct placement.
The belt memory is activated when the
safety belt on the driver's side has not
yet been fastened.
The belt memory is also active from a
speed of approx. 5 mph/8 km/h when
the passenger belt has not yet been
fastened, heavy objects are placed on
the front passenger seat or passengers
sitting in the front remove their safety
belts.
Safety belt height adjustment
You can adjust the safety belts to fit
your own physical dimensions by using
the safety belt height adjustment:
Slide the button up or down as
required.
Also observe the instructions on adjust-
ing the seats on page 43.
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Safety belts Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
*
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or
stretched in an accident: have the
entire belt system, including the ten-
sioning mechanisms, replaced at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or
at a workshop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with corre-
sponding trained personnel. Have the
belt anchorage points inspected for
damage at the same time. Failure to
observe this precaution may prevent
the safety belts from effectively provid-
ing optimal protection when needed.
If a child-restraint system was in the
vehicle during an accident, consult the
manufacturer's instructions regarding
replacement.<
You can store and call up three different
seat, exterior mirror and steering wheel
positions. The illustration shows the
buttons on the seat for making these
position adjustments.
The adjustment of the lumbar sup-
port is not stored in the memory.<
530us032
Storing
1. Turn the ignition key to position 1
or 2
2. Adjust the desired positions for the
seat, exterior mirror and steering
wheel
3. Press the
MEMORY button: the indi-
cator lamp in the button comes on
4. Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as
desired: the indicator lamp goes out.
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Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory*
Calling up a stored setting
Do not call up a position from the
memory while the vehicle is mov-
ing. There is a risk of accident from
unexpected movement of the seat or
steering wheel.<
Convenience function:
1. Open the driver's door after unlock-
ing the vehicle or place the ignition
key in position 1
2. Briefly press memory button 1, 2
or 3, as desired.
Movement stops immediately when
one of the seat-adjustment or mem-
ory buttons is activated during the
adjustment process.
Security function:
1. With the driver's door closed and the
ignition key either removed or in
position 0 or 2
2. Maintain pressure on the desired
memory button 1, 2 or 3 until the
adjustment process is completed.
If you press the
MEMORY button
accidentally: press the button a
second time – the indicator lamp goes
out.<
You can have your vehicle pro-
grammed to automatically dial in
your own individual adjustment settings
for the seat, mirrors and steering wheel
whenever you use your personal
remote control to unlock the vehicle.<
If you make use of this adjust-
ment, be sure that the footwell
behind the driver's seat is unobstructed
before unlocking the vehicle. If you fail
to do so, any persons or objects behind
the seat could be injured or damaged
by a rearward movement of the seat.<
Passenger-side exterior mirror
tilt function
Automatic curb monitor
Activating:
1. Select the driver's mirror with the
mirror selection switch
2. When you engage reverse gear or
selector-lever position R, the exterior
mirror glass on the front passenger
side tilts downward slightly. This
allows the driver to see the area
immediately adjacent to the vehicle –
such as a curb – when parking, etc.
Deactivating:
Slide the mirror selection switch to the
passenger's side position.
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Heated seats
* Steering wheel
Front
The seat cushion and backrest can be
heated when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 2.
You can call up different heating modes
by repeatedly pressing the button.
You can also switch the higher heating
modes off directly:
Press the button and hold it slightly
longer.
530de417
Rear
The operating concept is the same as
for the front heated seats. You can
select between two heating modes.
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Adjustments
The steering wheel can be moved in
any of four directions. Adjust the steer-
ing wheel by moving the control lever in
the desired direction.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while the vehicle is moving. There
is a risk of accident from unexpected
movement.<
To store the steering wheel setting,
refer to Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory on page 50.
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Steering wheel Steering wheel heater*
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment
only in conjunction with seat, mirror and
steering wheel memory
In order to make it easier to get into and
out of the vehicle, the steering wheel
automatically moves into the top posi-
tion and returns to the driving or mem-
ory position.
This automatic feature is controlled by
the position of the ignition key and by
the driver's door.
Steering wheel heater functions in igni-
tion key position 2.
Press the button to activate or deacti-
vate this system.
The indicator lamp within the button
lights up when the steering wheel
heater is in operation.
If your vehicle is not equipped with
steering wheel heater, the button for
the recirculated-air mode is located
here, refer to page 23.
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Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The mirror on the passenger's
side is more curved than the
driver's mirror. Objects reflected in the
mirror are closer than they appear.
This means that estimations of the dis-
tance to following traffic should not be
regarded as precise. The same is true
for the outer part of both mirrors.<
1Adjustments
2 Switching to the other mirror or to the
automatic parking function
*
3 Folding mirrors in and out
*
To store the mirror settings, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
on page 50.
Adjusting manually
The mirrors can also be adjusted manu-
ally if need be: press at the outer edges
of the mirror glass.
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Folding mirrors in and out
Pressing button 3 allows you to fold
mirrors in and out up to a speed of
6 mph/10 km/h. This is advantageous,
for example, in narrow streets or for
bringing mirrors that have been manu-
ally folded-in back into the correct posi-
tion.
Before going through a car wash,
manually, or with button 3 fold the
exterior mirrors inward, otherwise they
could be damaged, depending on the
width of the car wash system.<
Automatic heating
Below a certain outdoor temperature,
both exterior mirrors are automatically
heated when the motor is running or the
ignition is switched on.
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Mirrors
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce glare from vehicles behind
you when you are driving at night, tilt
the mirror by turning the button.
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Compass interior rearview mirror
*
with automatic dimming action
1 Adjustment button
2Display
The display shows you the direction you
are currently driving.
The compass zone must be set accord-
ing to where you and your vehicle are
located. To do so, press the adjustment
button on the bottom edge of the inte-
rior rearview mirror for approximately
3 – 4 seconds. The display indicates the
number of the current compass zone.
530de409
In order to change the zone setting,
keep pressing the adjustment button
until the display indicates the number of
the compass zone that corresponds to
your location, refer to the world map
below, with compass zones.
The compass will be operational again
after approximately 10 seconds.
For automatic dimming action, refer to
Interior and exterior mirrors, automati-
cally dimming.
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Mirrors
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Airbags
1 Front airbags for driver and front pas-
senger
2 Side Impact Head Protection System
for front and rear
3 Side airbags for front and rear
*
Protective action
Comply with the instructions on
page 43. Failure to do so could
result in diminished personal safety.<
The front airbags supplement the safety
belts by helping to provide additional
protection for the front-seat occupants
in the event of a severe frontal impact
in which the protection afforded by the
safety belts alone may no longer be suf-
ficient. The head airbag and side airbag
help provide protection in the event of
530us035
a side impact. The side airbag is
designed to help support the body at
the side of the chest region. The Side
Impact Head Protection System pro-
tects the head.
The airbags are intentionally not trig-
gered in every impact situation, e.g. in
minor accidents, certain rollover situa-
tions or rear-end collisions.
For information on the correct sitting
position, refer to page 43.
Do not apply adhesive materials
to the cover panels of the airbags,
cover them or modify them in any other
way.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag
restraint system from the vehicle. Do
not modify or tamper with either the
wiring or the individual components in
the airbag system. These include the
padded steering wheel hub, the instru-
ment panel, the side trim panels, the
doors and the roof pillars or the sides
of the headliner. Do not remove or dis-
mantle the steering wheel yourself.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been trig-
gered, as otherwise there is a danger
of burns. In case of faults, decommis-
sioning or after triggering of the airbag
restraint system, only commission a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or
a workshop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with corre-
spondingly trained personnel and is
equipped with the required explosives
permits for testing, repair, dismantling
or scrapping of the airbag generators.
Unprofessional attempts to service the
system could lead to failure in an emer-
gency or undesired airbag activation,
either of which could result in personal
injury.<
At all times, occupants should sit
upright and be properly restrained
– infants and small children in appropri-
ate child-restraint systems; larger chil-
dren and adults using the safety belts.
Never let an occupant's head rest near
or on a side airbag because the inflating
airbag could cause a serious injury.
Please note that the word Airbag
imprinted on the door trim panel indi-
cates the airbag's location.
Accident research shows that the saf-
est place for children in an automobile
is in the rear seat.
If your vehicle is equipped with rear
side airbags, do not allow children to
lean towards the door trim, as serious
injuries could occur if the side airbags
were deployed and children are too
close to the airbags.
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Airbags
Labels in the rear door opening should
indicate the status of your rear seat side
airbags. If you are uncertain of their sta-
tus, or wish to have the airbags acti-
vated or deactivated, please contact
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter.<
Airbag warning information is also pro-
vided on both sun visors.
This is the right way a child should sit in
a child-restraint device when rear side
airbags, refer to arrow, are provided.
530us026
This is the right way a larger child
should sit wearing the safety belt when
rear side airbags, refer to arrow, are
provided.
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Airbags Transporting children safely
Operational readiness of airbag
system
As of ignition key position 1, the
warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up for a short time,
thus indicating the operational readi-
ness of the entire airbag system and the
safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
A fault has occurred in the air-
bag system:
> Warning lamp does not light up as of
ignition key position 1
> Warning lamp lights up permanently.
Have the airbag system checked
immediately if a malfunction
occurs, as otherwise there is a danger
of the system failing to respond in the
expected manner to an impact occur-
ring within its normal response range.<
The right place for children
Children always in the rear:
Accident research shows that the saf-
est place for children in a vehicle is in
the rear seat.
Older children should be tightly secured
with a safety belt, after they have out-
grown a booster seat that is appropriate
for their age, height and weight.
If your vehicle is equipped with
rear side airbags, do not allow
children to lean towards the door trim,
as serious injuries could occur if the
side airbags were deployed and chil-
dren are too close to the airbags.<
Deactivate rear side airbags:
Labels in the rear door opening should
indicate the status of your rear seat side
airbags. If you are uncertain of their sta-
tus, or wish to have the airbags acti-
vated or deactivated, please contact
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter.
Child-restraint systems in the rear
Children under 13 years of age
and children less than 5 ft/150 cm
tall should always ride in the rear and
the restraint systems should be prop-
erly restraint.<
Younger children should be secured in
an appropriate child-restraint system
that has been first properly secured to
the vehicle.
All rear sitting positions in your vehi-
cle meet the recommendations of
SAE J1819, an industry-recommended
practice for securing child-restraint sys-
tems in motor vehicles.
Exception for front passenger
seat
Should it become necessary to
use a child-restraint system on the
front passenger seat, the front passen-
ger airbags must be deactivated. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center will
be happy to advise you on this sub-
ject.<
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Transporting children safely
Never install a rearward-facing
child-restraint system in the front
passenger seat of this vehicle if the
passenger airbag is not deactivated. If
you do so, the child could be severely
injured or killed when the airbag is trig-
gered. Your vehicle is equipped with an
airbag supplemental restraint system
for the front passenger. Because the
backrest on any rearward-facing child-
restraint system – of the kind designed
for infants under 1 year and 20 Ibs./9 kg
– would be within the airbag's deploy-
ment range, you should never mount
such a system in the front passenger
seat, since the impact of the airbag
against the child restraint's backrest
could lead to serious injuries.<
Installing child-restraint systems
Before installing any child-restraint sys-
tem or child seat, read the following:
Observe the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions when
selecting, installing and using the child-
restraint systems. Otherwise the degree
of protection can be reduced. After an
accident, have all parts of the child-
restraint system and of the relevant
vehicle safety belt system checked by a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center and
replaced if necessary.<
Commercially-available child-restraint
systems are designed to be secured
with a lap belt or with the lap belt por-
tion of a combination lap/shoulder belt.
Improperly or inadequately installed
restraint systems can increase the risk
of injury to children. Always read and
follow the instructions that come with
the system.
Child-restraint system security
All of the rear belt retractors and the
front passenger's safety belt can be
locked for mounting and securing child-
restraint systems.
Information regarding this is located
near the buckle latch of each safety
belt.
Locking safety belt
Pull the entire length of the belt from
the belt retractor. Allow the reel to
retract the belt somewhat and engage
the buckle, then tighten the belt against
the child-restraint system. The retrac-
tion mechanism is now locked.
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Transporting children safely
Unlocking safety belt
Unlock the safety belt, remove the
child-restraint device and allow the belt
retractor to reel the belt completely in.
Child-restraint system with
tether strap
If you use a child-restraint system with
a tether strap, three additional tether
anchorage points have been provided,
refer to the arrows in the illustration.
Depending on the location selected
for seating in the rear passenger area,
attach the tether strap to the corre-
sponding anchorage point to secure the
child-restraint system, as shown in the
illustration below.
530us037
Each sitting position is fitted with a
head restraint.
The figure shows the fastening of the
tether strap in the outer seating posi-
tions.
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Transporting children safely
The figure shows the fastening of the
tether strap in the center seating posi-
tion.
Routing of the tether strap:
Route the tether strap through the cen-
ter between the head restraint and the
rear backrest.
When using the cargo area roll-up
cover, also route the tether strap
between the rear backrest and the cas-
ing of the roll-up cover.
Adjust the tether strap according
to the child-restraint manufac-
turer's instructions.<
530ue256
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system
LATCH: Lower Anchor and Tethers for
CHildren.
The rear outer seating positions are
provided with anchors for a LATCH
child-restraint fixing system.
The figure shows the left rear seat as an
example. The mounts for attachment of
the LATCH child-restraint fixing system
are located behind the cover panels:
Remove cover panels by pulling them
toward the front.
To remount, simply slide into place.
Follow the manufacturer's operat-
ing and safety instructions for
attachment of the LATCH child-restraint
fixing system.<
530us255
Child-safety locks of rear doors
Slide the safety lever on the rear doors
downward:
The door can now be opened from the
outside only.
Safety switch for power windows
Press the safety switch for the power
windows, refer to page 40, when chil-
dren ride on the back seat
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Vehicle Memory, Key Memory
How the system functions
You have probably frequently wished
that you could configure individual
functions of your vehicle to reflect your
own personal requirements. In engi-
neering your vehicle, BMW has
included several user-defined func-
tions in the vehicle's design. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center can
make these settings for you.
There are vehicle and person-related
adjustments: Vehicle Memory and Key
Memory. You can have up to four differ-
ent basic positions configured for four
different persons. The only requirement
is that each person uses his or her own
remote control key.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the
remote control, the vehicle recognizes
the individual user by means of a data
exchange with the key, and makes
adjustments accordingly.
In order for you to distinguish between
the master keys with remote control,
color-coded decals are supplied
together with the keys.
What the system can do
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter can provide you with details on the
capabilities of the Vehicle Memory and
Key Memory systems.
You will see this symbol through-
out the Owner's Manual. It is to
remind you at appropriate places of the
settings that are available to you.<
Following configuration of the
memory functions, vehicle opera-
tion may differ from the description in
the Owner's Manual. Should you want
to sell your BMW some day, please
remember to have the memory func-
tions reset to the default state.<
Examples for Vehicle Memory:
> Various signals that can serve as
acknowledgment for locking and
unlocking the vehicle, refer to
pages 31, 33
> Deactivating/activating the Pathway
lighting function, refer to page 103.
Examples for Key Memory:
> Automatic adjustment of the driver's
seat, exterior mirror and steering
wheel with settings stored in the
memory for the individual driver when
the vehicle is unlocked, refer to
page 51
> Calling up customized settings for
the automatic climate control when
unlocking the vehicle, refer to
page 112.
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Ignition lock Starting engine
Ignition key positions
0 Steering lock engaged
1Steering lock disengaged
2 Ignition on
3Starting engine
Steering lock engaged
The key can only be inserted or
removed in this position.
After removing the key, turn the steer-
ing wheel slightly to the left or right until
you hear the lock engage.
If the key is not removed, an acoustic
signal sounds after the driver's door is
opened.
390de010
Vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion:
Only move the selector lever from posi-
tion P with the engine running.
To turn the key back to position 0 or to
remove it, first place the selector lever
in position P: interlock.<
Steering lock disengaged
Slightly moving the steering often
makes it easier to turn the key from 0
to 1.
Individual current consumers are ready
for operation.
Starting engine
Vehicles with manual transmis-
sion:
Depress the clutch pedal when starting
the engine. If you do not, a lock pre-
vents the engine from starting.<
Before starting
> Engage the handbrake
> Be sure that the gearshift lever is in
Neutral or the selector lever in Park if
the vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic transmission
> Press the clutch pedal.
If the clutch pedal is not depressed,
the engine cannot be started
> In vehicles with automatic transmis-
sions, depress the footbrake.
Do not run the engine in closed
rooms, as otherwise the inhaling
of toxic exhaust gases can cause
unconsciousness and death. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monox-
ide, an odorless and colorless, but
highly toxic gas.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with
the engine running, as such a vehicle
represents a potential safety hazard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select neutral or the position P
and engage the handbrake before leav-
ing the vehicle with the engine run-
ning.<
When starting the engine, do not press
the accelerator pedal.
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65nStarting engine Switching off engine
Do not allow the engine to warm up
by leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, begin to
drive immediately at a moderate engine
speed.
X5 3.0i:
Do not end the starting procedure
too soon, however at the latest after
approx. 20 seconds. Release the igni-
tion key immediately as soon as the
engine starts.
X5 4.4i, 4.8is:
Your BMW is equipped with the conve-
nience starting feature. Here, it is suffi-
cient to turn the ignition key only briefly
to position 3 'Start engine' and to let go
of it right away. The starter actuation
continues to operate automatically for a
certain period of time and is stopped
automatically as soon as the engine has
started.
The automatic starting mode will not
operate or will be canceled if the bat-
tery voltage is insufficient. The engine
can be jump started, refer to page 171.
Should the engine fail to start on the
first attempt, if it is very hot or cold, for
instance:
> Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at altitudes above 3,300 ft/
1,000 meters and at very low tempera-
tures, from approx. +57/–156:
> For the initial starting attempt, allow
the starter to remain engaged some-
what longer, approx. 10 seconds.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at startup are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharg-
ing, always switch off electrical devices
that are not in use. Switch the ignition
off when the vehicle is not being driven.
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent
or long periods with the starter
engaged, can lead to damage of the
catalytic converter.<
Manual transmission:
1. Turn the ignition key to position 1
or 0.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
Automatic transmission:
1. Shift into selector lever position P.
2. Turn the ignition key to position 1
or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key
when the vehicle is moving, as
otherwise the steering could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and lock the
steering.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the handbrake when
parking on slopes and inclined sur-
faces. Even placing the gearshift lever
in 1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in Park.<
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
The vehicle must be stationary and the
selector lever in Park before you can
remove the ignition key.
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Handbrake Manual transmission
The handbrake is primarily intended to
prevent the vehicle from rolling while
parked; it brakes the rear wheels.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically when
you pull it up and the indicator lamp
comes on in the instrument cluster in
ignition key position 2, refer to
pages 19, 21.
Releasing
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the
button and lower the lever.
530de262
If exceptional circumstances
should make it necessary to
engage the handbrake while the vehicle
is in motion, do not pull it too strongly.
In doing so, continuously press the but-
ton of the handbrake lever.
Excessive pressure can lead to over-
braking and loss of traction – fishtailing
– at the rear axle.
The brake lamps do not light up when
the handbrake is applied.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the handbrake when
parking on slopes and inclined sur-
faces. Even placing the gearshift lever
in 1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in Park.<
To avoid corrosion, apply the hand-
brake lightly from time to time when
coasting to a standstill at a traffic signal,
for instance, provided that it is safe to
do so.
Press the clutch pedal all the way down
each time you shift, pressing the gear-
shift lever into its proper end position.
Depress the clutch when starting the
vehicle, too, otherwise, the interlock will
prevent the engine from starting if the
clutch is not depressed.
While shifting in the 5th/6th gear
lane, press the selector lever
toward the right, as otherwise acciden-
tal shifting into the 3rd or 4th gear could
result in engine damage.<
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67nManual transmission Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is station-
ary. Press the gearshift lever to the left
to overcome the resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will
turn on automatically when the ignition
key is in position 2.
In addition to fully automatic operation,
you can also manually shift with the
Steptronic, refer to page 69.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in
position D.
530us238
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S
The transmission range display varies
according to the equipment of your
vehicle.
Starting engine
The engine can only be started in the
selector lever position Park or Neutral.
530us239
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68n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Range selection
> The selector lever can be removed
from the P position with the ignition
switched on or the engine running:
interlock
> With the vehicle stationary, press the
footbrake before shifting out of P
or N, as otherwise the selector lever
is blocked: shiftlock.
Hold the footbrake down until starting
off. The vehicle will otherwise creep
when a drive position is engaged.
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.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is station-
ary. The transmission locks to prevent
the rear wheels from turning.
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is station-
ary.
N Neutral, idle
For example, engage in automatic car
washes. The vehicle can roll.
530de263
D Drive, automatic driving
position
This position is designed for driving
under all normal operating conditions.
All forward gears are available.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maxi-
mum acceleration.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
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69nAutomatic transmission with Steptronic
*
M/S manual operation and
Sport Program
Shift selector lever from position D
toward the left into the shifting slot M/S:
the Sport Program is activated and DS
appears in the instrument cluster. This
position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style.
When you briefly press the selector
lever in the + or – direction, manual
operation is activated and Steptronic
changes the gear The following appears
in the instrument cluster depending on
the model
> 1 to 5 or 1 to 6
> M1 to M5 or M1 to M6.
530de264
Upshifts and downshifts are executed
only when they will result in a plausible
combination 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
gear selected will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster followed by the cur-
rent gear.
In order to go back to using automatic,
move the selector lever toward the right
into position D.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up or
the message TRANS.FAILSAFE
PROG appears in the Check
Control. A malfunction has occurred in
the transmission system. Avoid heavy
loads.
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to P. Set the
handbrake and switch the engine off,
ignition key to position 0.
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission per-
formance has been restored. You may
continue to drive as usual. If the indica-
tor lamp does not go out, you can place
the selector lever in all positions. How-
ever, the vehicle will now only drive for-
ward with limited gear selection.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Information on jump starting, tow-start-
ing and towing begins on page 171.
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70n
Turn signals/headlamp flasher
1High beams
2 Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold
for as long as you wish to signal.
Atypically rapid flashing of the turn
signal indicator light indicates the
failure of a turn signal lamp and when
towing a trailer, indicates the failure of
one of the trailer's turn signal lamps.
After switching off the ignition, make
sure the roadside parking lamps have
not been left on.<
530de265
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
71nWasher/wiper system/rain sensor
*
0 Wipers retracted
1 Intermittent mode or rain sensor
2Normal wipe
3Fast wipe
4Brief wipe
5 Windshield washing
6 Special wash program
*
7 Serrated dial for control of the wipe
interval or the sensitivity of the rain
sensor
530de324
Fold-out position
The left wiper is partially concealed by
the hood. In order to bring the wipers to
roughly a vertical position, this is impor-
tant for changing the wiper blades or to
fold the wipers out during frosty
weather, for example:
> With the lever in position 1, switch off
the ignition as soon as the wipers
come to a stop.
If equipped with a rain sensor:
1. Switch on the wipers with the lever in
position 1, 2 or 4
2. When the wipers are approx. vertical,
switch the ignition off.
For changing the wiper blades, refer to
page 158.
Fold the wipers back down onto
the windshield before you turn the
ignition key to position 1 or 2 again. If
you do not, they could be damaged.<
Intermittent mode
Not on vehicles with rain sensor.
You can set the wipe interval to four
stages with serrated dial 7.
In addition, the wipe interval is varied
automatically depending on road
speed.
Rain sensor
The rain sensor automatically controls
the wiper operation as a function of the
rain intensity. It is positioned on the
windshield, directly in front of the inte-
rior rearview mirror.
To activate the rain sensor:
Move the lever to position 1 as of igni-
tion key position 1. The wipers travel
once across the windshield, regardless
of the weather conditions.
You can leave the lever permanently in
position 1. It is then only necessary to
activate the rain sensor as of ignition
key position 1.
To do this, turn serrated dial 7 briefly.
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72n
Washer/wiper system/rain sensor
*
To adjust the sensitivity of the rain sen-
sor:
Turn serrated dial 7.
Deactivating the rain sensor:
Move lever to position 0.
Deactivate the rain sensor when
passing through an automatic car
wash. Failure to do so could result in
damage caused by undesired wiper
activation.<
Normal wipe
The system switches automatically to
intermittent mode when the vehicle is
stationary, not on vehicles with rain
sensor.
Fast wipe
The wipers operate at normal speed
when the vehicle is not moving, not on
vehicles with rain sensor.
Windshield washing
The system sprays washer fluid against
the windshield and activates the wipers
for a brief period.
Special wash program
*
As with 5; several additional wash
cycles are carried out and the head-
lamps are cleaned
*
.
This program is recommended after you
have driven on extremely dirty roads.
Headlamp washing
*
> With the special wash program 6
> With every actuation of clean the
windshield 5 when the vehicle's light-
ing is switched on, the headlamps
will be cleaned at 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. There-
fore use antifreeze, refer to page 150.
Do not actuate washer systems when
the fluid reservoir is empty, as other-
wise the washer pump will be dam-
aged.<
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer jets are warmed
automatically when the ignition key is in
position 2.
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73nWasher/wiper system/rain sensor
*
Rear window wiper
0 Retracted position of the rear window
wiper
1 Rear window wiper in intermittent
mode. When reverse gear is
engaged, continuous operation is
switched on automatically
2 Cleaning rear window
You can also program the interval:
> Switch briefly from position 0 to posi-
tion 1
> The time until reactivation, from posi-
tion 0 to 1, is the programmed inter-
val; max. 30 seconds.
530de266
Programming is deleted:
> approximately 10 seconds after the
lever is placed in position 0 or
> after the engine is switched off.
For changing the wiper blade, refer to
page 158.
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74n
Cruise control
*
You can automatically maintain and
store any desired vehicle speed above
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.
You can use cruise control whenever
the system is active while the engine is
running.
On the sports steering wheel
*
, there
are +/– buttons on the right side of the
steering wheel for the cruise control.
Do not use the cruise control
when unfavorable conditions do
not permit driving at constant speed.
Otherwise you could loose control of
the vehicle and cause an accident.
These unfavorable conditions include
winding roads, heavy traffic or poor
road conditions, e.g. snow, rain, ice or
a loose road surface.<
Activating system
As of ignition key position 2:
Press button; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on, refer to
page 22. You are able to use the cruise
control.
Deactivating system
Press the button repeatedly until the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out.
The cruise control is also deactivated
when the ignition key is turned into
position 0.
The speed stored in the memory is
deleted.
Maintaining and storing speed
or accelerating
Briefly press button
+
:
The system maintains and stores the
current vehicle speed. Every time you
briefly press the button, the speed
increases by approx. 0.6 mph/1 km/h.
Press and hold button
+
:
The vehicle accelerates without pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal. When
you release the button, the system
maintains and stores the current speed.
If, on a downhill grade, the engine's
braking effect is not sufficient, the con-
trolled speed can be exceeded. Speed
can drop on uphill grades if the engine
output is insufficient.
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75nCruise control*
Deceleration
Briefly press button
–
:
When cruise control is active, every
brief touch of the button reduces the
speed by approx. 0.6 mph/1 km/h.
Press and hold button
–
:
With the cruise control active, the sys-
tem automatically reduces the throttle
opening to slow the vehicle. When you
release the button, the system main-
tains and stores the current speed.
Interrupting cruise control
When the system is activated, press
button 1. The indicator lamp stays on.
You can use the cruise control again
whenever required by calling up the
speed that was stored last.
In addition, cruise control is interrupted
automatically:
> When you apply pressure to the
brake pedal
> When you apply pressure to the
clutch pedal or when you move the
automatic transmission selector lever
from Drive to Neutral
> If you exceed or fall below the con-
trolled speed for an extended period,
by depressing the accelerator, for
example
> When DSC Dynamic Stability Control
is set.
Recalling stored setting
Press button:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored.
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76n
1Odometer
2Trip odometer
3 Outside temperature display
Odometer
You can activate the displays shown in
the illustration with the ignition key in
position 0 by pressing the button in the
instrument cluster, refer to arrow.
The range of available displays varies
according to your individual vehicle's
equipment.
Trip odometer
To reset the trip odometer to zero,
press the button, refer to arrow, with
the ignition key in position 1 or 2.
530us253
Outside temperature display
The outside temperature appears in the
display as of ignition key position 1.
You can change the units of measure-
ment 7/6 by
1. pressing and holding down the but-
ton, refer to arrow, with the ignition
key in position 1 and
2. then turning the ignition key to 0.
At the same time the units of mea-
surement in the temperature display
of the automatic climate control will
be changed, refer to page 110.
Refer also to page 83.
Ice warning
If the outside temperature drops to
approx. +37.57/+36, a signal sounds
as a warning and the display flashes for
a brief period.
The ice warning does not alter the
fact that surface ice can form at
temperatures above +37.57/+36, on
bridges or shaded road surfaces, for
instance.<
Odometer, outside temperature display
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Tachometer Energy control
X5 3.0i, 4.4i
Do not operate the engine with the
needle in the red overspeed zone of
the gage, refer to arrow.
In this range, the fuel supply is inter-
rupted to protect the engine.
530us227
X5 4.8is
The orange warning sector gradually
moves upward as the engine warms
to its normal operating temperature.
As the engine temperature increases,
an increasing number of sectors in this
warning panel go out.
Avoid allowing the engine speed to rise
as far as the orange warning sector
whenever possible.
Do not operate the engine with the
needle in the red overspeed zone of
the gage, refer to arrow.
In this range, the fuel supply is inter-
rupted to protect the engine.
530us231
X5 3.0i, 4.4i
Shows the current fuel consumption.
This allows you to see whether your
current driving style is conducive to fuel
economy with minimum exhaust emis-
sions.
390us005
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Engine oil thermometer Fuel gage
X5 4.8is
The general operating temperature
lies between 1767/806 and 2487/
1206. Do not exceed the maximum
value of 3027/150 6.
530us232
If the indicator lamp comes on and
stays on, there are approx.
> 2.0 gal./8 liters, 6-cylinder engine
> 2.5 gal./10 liters, 8-cylinder engine
of fuel still in the tank.
Tank capacity: approx. 24.6 gal./
approx. 93 liters.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies, when you
are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate
slightly.
390us006
Refuel well before the tank is
empty, as otherwise engine func-
tions will not be ensured and damage
can occur if you drive down to the last
drop.<
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational.
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Coolant temperature gage Service Interval Display
Blue
The engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.
Red
When you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp
*
comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational.
If the warning lamp lights up during
driving or the message COOLANT
TEMPERATURE appears in the Check
Control: the engine is overheated.
Switch off the engine immediately and
allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to
page 152.
390de007
Between blue and red zones
Normal operating range. The dial may
wander up to the red field.
The range of available displays varies
according to your individual vehicle's
equipment.
Green lamps
The number of illuminated lamps
decreases as the time for your next
maintenance visit approaches.
Yellow lamp
This field appears together with
OILSERVICE or INSPECTION.
Maintenance is due. Please contact
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter for an appointment.
Red lamp
The maintenance deadline has been
passed.
390us008
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80n
Check Control
Graphic display
*
The following alerts or status messages
are displayed with icons as of ignition
key position 2 until the defects are cor-
rected:
1 Check low beams
2 Add washer fluid, goes out after
approx. 1 minute
3Door open
4 Tailgate open
5 Check brake and tail lamps. A defec-
tive center brake lamp is indicated by
the upper symbol.
When you open the door after stopping,
a warning signal sounds without a
visual indicator for:
> LIGHTS ON
> KEY IN IGNITION LOCK.
390de121
Alphanumeric display
*
Text messages are used to alert the
driver to system malfunctions as of igni-
tion key position 2. The alert is accom-
panied by an acoustic signal.
1 Status messages symbol
2Display
3CHECK button
Messages concerning system faults are
differentiated based on two priorities:
530de254
Priority 1
These defects are immediately indi-
cated by an acoustic signal and a flash-
ing warning symbol 1. Simultaneous
defects will be displayed consecutively.
These status messages remain in the
display until the defects are corrected.
They cannot be deleted by pressing the
CHECK button 3:
> RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE
> COOLANT TEMPERATURE
Temperature too high. Stop the vehi-
cle immediately and switch off the
engine, refer to pages 79 and 152
> STOP! ENGINE OILPRESS
Oil pressure too low. Stop the vehicle
immediately and switch off the
engine, refer to pages 19, 150
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Check Control
> CHECK BRAKE FLUID
Level has dropped approx. to mini-
mum. Have the brake fluid topped up
as soon as possible, refer to
page 153. Have the reason for the
brake fluid loss eliminated by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
> DSC/4x4 INACTIVE
DSC and/or four-wheel drive system
xDrive has failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC
and/or the four-wheel drive system
xDrive are no longer available. Drive
may then only be carried out via the
rear axle.
Have the system checked at the
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 97
> SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT*
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center
> SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT
*
MAX. 35 MPH/MAX. 60 KM/H*
These messages are displayed con-
secutively.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
35 mph/60 km/h.
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center
> TRANSMISS'N OVERHEAT
*
Reduce speed immediately and stop
at a suitable location so that the sys-
tem can cool down again. Please
contact the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.
> LIMIT
*
Display when the programmed road-
speed limit is exceeded, refer to
page 88.
Priority 2
These displays appear for 20 seconds
as of ignition key position 2. The warn-
ing symbols remain after the message
disappears. You can open the mes-
sages again for display by pressing the
CHECK button.
> TRUNKLID OPEN
This message only appears when
starting off
> DOOR OPEN
This message appears after a minimal
defined road speed has been
exceeded
> FASTEN SEAT BELTS
*
In addition, the indicator lamp with
the belt symbol lights up and an
acoustic signal sounds
> WASHER FLUID LOW
Too low, top up at the next opportu-
nity, refer to page 150
> CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
The oil level is at the absolute mini-
mum point. Therefore, have the
engine oil topped up as soon as pos-
sible, refer to page 150. Until then, do
not drive more than approx. 30 miles/
50 km.
> CHECK GAS CAP
Check to see whether the fuel filler
cap has been closed properly, refer
to page 25
> OUTSIDE TEMP. +237/–56
This display is only an example. The
current temperature is displayed at
outside temperatures of +37.5 7/
+36 and below, refer also to
page 76
> CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS
A lamp has failed or the electrical cir-
cuit has a fault, refer to page 161 or
consult a BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle center
> CHECK LOWBEAM LIGHTS
CHECK SIDE LIGHTS
CHECK REAR LIGHTS
CHECK FRONT FOGLAMPS
CHECK LICPLATE LIGHT
CHECK HIGHBEAM LIGHT
CHECK BACK UP LIGHTS
The respective lamp may have failed
or the electrical circuit may be defec-
tive, refer to page 159 or consult a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
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82n
Check Control Computer
> TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG
*
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center, refer to
page 69
> CHECK BRAKE LININGS
Have the brake pads inspected by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center, refer to page 140
> CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
Coolant too low, top off at the next
opportunity, refer to page 152
> ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG
Fault in the engine electronics.
You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine
speed.
Please have the system inspected by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.
Displays after completion of trip
All of the malfunctions registered during
the trip appear consecutively when the
ignition key is turned to position 0.
The following displays will appear when
appropriate:
> LIGHTS ON
> KEY IN IGNITION LOCK
> CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
Top up engine oil at the next oppor-
tunity, e.g. while refueling, refer to
page 150.
This display appears when you open
the driver's door after parking the vehi-
cle. A supplementary acoustic signal is
also heard.
Status messages remain available with
the CHECK button 3 for a period of
approx. three minutes after the display
goes out and the key is removed from
the ignition lock. If there were multiple
messages, press the CHECK button
repeatedly to view them all in
sequence.
Checking Check Control
Press the CHECK button 3 with the
ignition key in position 2:
CHECK CONTROL OK appears in the
display.
No malfunctions are present in the
monitored systems.
Computer
You can find a description of the com-
puter on pages 82 and 88 as well as in
the Owner's Manual for Onboard Com-
puter.
You can have the Check Control
and computer messages dis-
played in a different language.<
Mode selection
As of ignition key position 1, you can
call up information from the computer
using the computer button in the turn
signal lever.
A new function appears each time you
briefly press the computer button.
The display sequence:
> Outside temperature
> Average fuel consumption
> Cruising range
> Average speed.
As of ignition key position 1, the last
active setting is displayed.
The range of available displays varies
according to your individual vehicle's
equipment.
530de228
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Computer
Outside temperature and
average fuel consumption
You can change the units of measure-
ment 7/6 for the outside temperature
display by
1. pressing and holding the trip odome-
ter reset button with the ignition key
in position 1 and
2. then turning the ignition key to 0.
At the same time the units of mea-
surement in the temperature display
of the automatic climate control will
be changed, refer to page 110.
Refer also to page 76.
The average fuel consumption is calcu-
lated for the time during which the
engine is running.
390us126
Cruising range and average speed
Displays the estimated cruising range
available with the remaining fuel. The
fuel level is measured and the range is
calculated taking the driving style over
the last 20 miles/30 km into account.
Periods with the vehicle parked and the
engine off are not included in the calcu-
lations of average speed.
Canceling display
If the button in the turn signal lever is
pressed briefly while the average speed
is displayed, the computer display can
be masked out.
Restarting calculations
If you continue to press the computer
button in the turn signal lever, the aver-
age values which were just displayed
for fuel consumption and speed will be
recalculated from that point. The engine
must be running for this calculation.
Computer with alphanumeric
display
*
If your vehicle has Check Control with
alphanumeric display, the system's
computer is described beginning on
page 88 and in the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer.
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84n
MID Multi-Information Display
Central display
The MID serves as the central display
and operation for the following onboard
systems:
> Digital clock, e.g. time display, date
> Audio systems: radio, cassette, CD
> Computer, e.g. fuel consumption,
cruising range
> Telephone, e.g. dialing.
You will find explanations and notes for
operating the digital clock and the com-
puter on the following pages. Please
refer to the separate Owner's Manuals
for operating the audio systems, the
telephone and the onboard computer.
Any unrealistic numerical entries
will not be accepted.
All stored data will be lost if the power
supply is interrupted. Time display,
switch-on times for independent venti-
lation, distance and cruise control
speed limit may have to be reset once
the power supply has been reestab-
lished.<
1 Function button for audio systems
2 Function button for the telephone
3 Indicator lamp for independent venti-
lation
> remains on if switch-on time is
active
> flashes while operating
4 Function button for the digital clock
and computer
5 Indicator display for the various
onboard systems
390us705
6 Display for the entry and call-up but-
tons. Depending on the operating
mode, the functions and alternatives
that can be selected at the buttons
are displayed here
7 Entry and call-up buttons for operat-
ing the various onboard systems
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Digital clock in MID
To avoid endangering yourself
or other road users, only make
entries when the vehicle is stationary.<
Calling up time or date
Press the left side of the button.
Display shows:
You can have the time displayed in
12 or 24 hours.
To change the display:
Press the left side of the button.
If the 12-hour time display is in use,
AM or PM appears after the time.
Changing time
Press the left side of the button.
Press the right side of the button:
The dots flash in the display.
To change the setting:
Press on the left/right, or hold the but-
ton down.
To store the entry:
Press the right side of the button.
Changing date
Press the left side of the button.
Press.
Press the right side of the button:
The dots and the DATE display flash.
To change the setting:
Press on the left/right, or hold the but-
ton down.
To store the entry:
Press the right side of the button.
The clock takes leap years into account
and therefore does not have to be reset
manually.
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Digital clock in MID
Reminder signal
You can program a reminder signal –
memo – to be heard every hour, so that
you are sure not to miss a news broad-
cast.
Press the left side of the button.
Press:
MEMO OFF appears in the display for
entry and call-up buttons, and the tone
symbol will appear in the upper right of
the display.
A signal is then heard 15 seconds
before each hour.
Stopwatch
Press the left side of the button.
Press.
Display shows:
To start the stopwatch function:
Press the right side of the button.
To take an intermediate time reading:
Press.
Press:
The stopwatch display can be seen
counting up; the stopwatch continues
to run.
To halt the stopwatch:
Press the right side of the button.
The stopwatch is halted when the
ignition key is turned back to 0,
but starts to run again when the ignition
key is turned to 1.<
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Digital clock in MID
Entering switch-on times for
independent ventilation
You can enter two different switch-on
times.
The ventilation will switch off automati-
cally after 30 minutes.
Please follow the instructions for
operating the independent ventila-
tion that start on page 116.<
Press the left side of the button.
Press on the left/right.
Display shows:
Press the right side of the button:
Display flashes, e.g. TIMER 1.
To enter the time:
Press on the left/right, or hold the but-
ton down.
To confirm the entry:
Press the right side of the button.
The activated time is marked with an
asterisk.
The switch-on times remain stored until
new entries are made.
You can change switch-on times that
have already been stored by making a
new time entry as described above.
When the switch-on time is active, the
LED comes on in the MID. During actual
operation of the ventilation, the LED
flashes. The LED goes out when the
system is switched off.
To activate/deactivate the time:
Press twice.
Directly switching independent
ventilation on and off
The independent ventilation func-
tion can only be called up in igni-
tion key position 1.<
Press the left side of the button.
Press.
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Computer
* in MID
To avoid endangering yourself or
other road users, only make
entries when the vehicle is stationary.<
Computer calculations begin at the
start of the journey.
Information can also be called up in the
display by the remote control, refer to
page 92.
Speed limit
Speed limit entry:
You can enter the road speed here at
which you wish to hear and see a
reminder signal: a signal will sound,
the word LIMIT will flash, and with the
Check Control with alphanumeric dis-
play
*
, the speed limit warning stored in
the memory will appear on the instru-
ment cluster briefly.
The speed limit reminder is only
repeated if road speed has fallen at
least 3 mph/5 km/h below the preset
speed limit.
Press the right side of the button.
Press.
Press the right side of the button.
Display shows:
Enter the limit by pressing the function
buttons.
To correct an entry:
Press the left side of the button and
repeat the entry.
To store the entry:
Press the right side of the button.
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Computer* in MID
Adopting the current speed as the
speed limit:
Press the right side of the button.
Press.
Press twice at right.
Deactivating the speed limit:
Press the right side of the button.
Press.
The LIMIT display goes out, but the
stored value is not lost and can be
reactivated by pressing the LIMIT but-
ton.
Distance to destination
The remaining distance to the destina-
tion will be displayed on the screen.
Enter the entire distance before starting
the journey.
To enter:
Press the right side of the button.
Press the left side of the button.
Press the right side of the button.
Display shows:
You can enter the distance by pressing
the function buttons.
To correct an entry:
Press the left side of the button and
repeat the entry.
To store the entry:
Press the right side of the button.
Checking stored value:
Press the right side of the button.
Press the left side of the button.
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Computer
* in MID
Estimated time of arrival
When you have entered the distance to
your destination, you can obtain an esti-
mated time of arrival display which is
continuously updated by the computer
as your average driving period varies.
Press the right side of the button.
Press the right side of the button:
The estimated time of arrival is dis-
played.
Cruising range
The distance which the vehicle should
cover on the remaining fuel in the tank
is displayed.
Press the right side of the button.
Press:
The display shows the probable range.
Always refuel as soon as possible
once your cruising range falls to
below 30 miles/50 kilometers, as other-
wise engine functions are not ensured
and damage can occur.<
The computer will only register fuel
amounts over 1.8 gal/6 liters.
Fuel consumption
You can have the average fuel con-
sumption displayed for two different
distances, for example a complete jour-
ney and part of the journey.
To start the calculation, select the func-
tion with the engine running:
Press the right side of the button.
Press the left or right side of the button:
The display will show the average fuel
consumption.
To restart the fuel consumption calcula-
tion:
Press the left or right side of the button.
Press the right side of the button.
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Computer* in MID
Speed
You can open a display of the vehicle's
average speed.
To start the calculation, select the func-
tion with the engine running:
Press the right side of the button.
Press:
The display shows the average speed.
To recalculate the speed:
Press the right side of the button.
Extended immobilizer function
You can establish a code that will pre-
vent the engine from being started
unless the code is entered.
If you do not have access to the code,
the emergency deactivation procedure
will have to be carried out, refer to next
page.
To establish and activate the code:
Press the right side of the button.
Press the left side of the button.
Display shows:
Enter the code with the function but-
tons.
To correct an entry:
Press the left side of the button and
repeat the entry.
To store the entry:
Press the right side of the button.
Turn the ignition key to position 0.
Deactivating the code:
When you are asked to enter the code
with the ignition key in position 1 or 2:
> Enter the code at the function but-
tons.
Press the right side of the button.
After the code has been entered cor-
rectly and confirmed with the SET but-
ton, the time display appears.
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Computer
* in MID
After three incorrect code entries, or
three attempts to start the engine with-
out a code entry, the alarm will sound
for 30 seconds on vehicles fitted with
an alarm system.
Deactivating the alarm in an emer-
gency:
If you have forgotten the code, proceed
as follows:
1. Disconnect the battery, wait approx.
2 minutes, then reconnect it. Note
that on vehicles with an alarm sys-
tem, the alarm will sound
2. Set the ignition key to position 1: the
time display will count down for the
next ten minutes
3. After ten minutes, start the engine.
If the code becomes available
again in the meantime, it can be
entered during the waiting period after
pressing the CODE button.<
Remote control
The computer button on the turn signal
lever can be used to select the items of
computer information which are to be
displayed.
To do this, press:
> the button on the lever until PROG
shows on the display
> the MID buttons in the order in which
you wish the information to be dis-
played.
Each time an entry is stored, the pro-
gram number appears on the display.
To terminate the selection procedure:
Press the right side of the button.
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To have all the available information
displayed, press
> the button on the lever until PROG
shows on the display
> the SET button.
To obtain individual items of informa-
tion, briefly press the button as often
as necessary.
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PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
PDC provides extra safety and conve-
nience during parking maneuvers. Sig-
nal tones indicate the current distance
to an object behind or in front of your
vehicle. To do this, four ultrasonic sen-
sors in the front and rear bumpers each
measure the distance to the nearest
object. The detection range of the front
sensors and the two sensors located at
the ends of the rear bumper is approx.
2 ft/60 cm, while the rear center sen-
sors can detect objects to a distance
of approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can
indicate objects when they are
approached slowly, as is usually the
case when parking. Avoid approaching
objects too fast, otherwise the system
may give warning of physical obstacles
too late.<
Automatic operation
The system starts to operate automati-
cally approx. one second after you
select reverse or move the selector
lever into the R position with the ignition
key in position 2. Wait this short period
before backing up. The system
switches off when you shift back out
of reverse.
Manual activation
Press the button, the indicator lamp
lights up.
Manual deactivation
Press the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
Automatic deactivation
After driving a distance of more than
approx. 160 ft/50 m or exceeding a
speed of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the
system switches off and the indicator
lamp goes out. You may switch the sys-
tem on again manually as needed.
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PDC Park Distance Control
* Antilock Brake System
Signal tones
The distance from an object is indicated
in front with a higher intermittent tone,
and at the rear with a lower intermittent
tone. As the distance between vehicle
and object decreases, the intervals
between the tones become shorter.
The signal tone becomes continuous
once the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. 3 seconds if you are moving
parallel to a wall.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp flashes and a short
steady signal tone is sounded
> if you activate PDC with the button
> when you select reverse for the first
time after switching on the ignition
> if a malfunction occurs while the PDC
system is active.
Switch the system off and have the
cause of the malfunction corrected by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility
for estimating the distance
between the vehicle and any obstruc-
tions always remains with the driver.
Even when sensors are involved, there
is a blind spot in which objects cannot
be detected. This applies especially
in those cases where the system
approaches the physical constraints of
ultrasonic measurement, as occurs with
tow bars and trailer couplings, and in
the vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped
objects. Low objects already displayed,
e.g. a curb, can also disappear from the
detection area of the sensors again
before a continuous tone sounds.
Loud sources of sound, inside and out-
side the vehicle, could drown out the
PDC signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice
or snow in order to ensure that they will
continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Keep the spray at least 4 in/10 cm away
from the sensors.
The concept
The ABS Antilock Brake System pre-
vents the wheel brakes from locking
during braking. Safe steering response
is maintained even during full braking.
This increases active safety.
The ABS is operational every time you
start the engine. Safe braking, refer to
page 140.
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution
EBV controls the brake system's appli-
cation pressure at the rear wheels to
ensure stable deceleration.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When the brake pedal is depressed
rapidly, this system automatically gen-
erates a maximal boost of braking force
and thus aids in keeping braking dis-
tances as short as possible during full
braking. This system exploits all of the
benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. DBC is deactivated
when you release the brake pedal.
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Antilock Brake System DSC Dynamic Stability Control
Malfunction
Please be absolutely sure to follow
instructions regarding possible combi-
nations of indicator lights on page 20.
The concept
DSC prevents the drive wheels from
slipping when starting off and acceler-
ating. DSC also identifies unstable driv-
ing conditions, such as a loss of trac-
tion at the rear of the vehicle or sliding
of the vehicle in its front wheels. Under
these circumstances, DSC helps the
vehicle maintain a safe course within
the physical limits by reducing the
engine output and by applying the
brakes in the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC.
An appropriate driving style always
remains the responsibility of the driver.
So please do not further limit the addi-
tional safety margin by risky driving.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out after the
engine is started.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is active and governs drive and
braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off using the
button and the stabilizing interventions
are no longer available.
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DSC Dynamic Stability Control
Switching DSC off
Press the button; the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.
Stabilizing interventions of the chassis
control system DSC are no longer avail-
able. However, the braking interven-
tions that simulate the function of the
differential lock continue to be active.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to switch off
the DSC for a short period:
> When rocking the vehicle and starting
off in deep snow or on loose road
surfaces
> On sandy road surfaces
> On poor surfaces with deep ruts
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> If the wheels churn on muddy sur-
faces
> When driving with snow chains.
As a result of the braking inter-
ventions, the brakes may be sub-
jected to additional loads when the sys-
tem is switched off. In order to limit the
brake temperature, brief automatic
masking of the brake activation is pos-
sible.
To maintain vehicle stability, always
drive with the system switched on when
possible.<
Switching DSC on
Press the button a second time – the
indicator lamp goes out. DSC is now
activated.
Malfunction
Please be sure to observe the informa-
tion on the DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol/xDrive warning lamp on page 22
and on the possible lamp combinations
that can light up on page 20.
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xDrive HDC Hill Descent Control
xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of
your X5. The combined effects of xDrive
and DSC further optimize the traction
and dynamic driving characteristics.
The 4-wheel drive system xDrive vari-
ably distributes the drive torque to the
front and rear axle depending on the
driving situation and prevailing road
conditions.
Malfunction
Please be sure to observe the informa-
tion on the DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol/xDrive warning lamp on page 22
and on the possible lamp combinations
that can light up on page 20.
The concept
HDC is a system for driving downhill in
steep terrain. This system reduces vehi-
cle speed on steep downhill gradients,
thus allowing you to maintain even bet-
ter control of your BMW under these
conditions.
The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active interven-
tion from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehi-
cle speeds below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h. When driving down steep hills
with a speed below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed
automatically down to slightly more
than walking speed, approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h, and then maintains this speed
at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes
to vary this automatically controlled
speed within a range extending from
approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to 15 mph/
25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within
the same range by using the +/– but-
tons of the cruise control.
HDC is automatically deactivated once
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.
35 mph/60 km/h.
Activating system
Press the button, the indicator lamp
lights up.
The indicator lamp flashes when the
brakes are applied automatically.
Deactivating system
Press the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
HDC is deactivated automatically above
a road speed of approx. 35 mph/
60 km/h and when the ignition is
switched off.
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HDC Hill Descent Control Self-leveling suspension
*
Using HDC
With manual transmission:
Use HDC in first gear and in Reverse
since the engine's braking effect is
diminished in the higher gears.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in every drive posi-
tion.
In case of a malfunction
If the warning lamp in the button goes
out during HDC operation or does not
light up when the HDC is activated:
HDC is temporarily not available as
brake temperature is too high.
The warning lamp for the self-
leveling suspension comes on,
or the message SELFLEVEL
SUSP.INACT appears in the Check
Control: there is a malfunction in the
self-leveling suspension.
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If the rear
of the vehicle is visibly lower than the
front, possibly accompanied by a tilt
noticeable when you compare the left
rear with the right rear, please respond
by immediately proceeding to the near-
est BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Drive with appropriate caution in the
meantime. The vehicle has reduced
ground clearance and driving comfort
may be noticeably reduced.
Even when the position of the vehicle
is normal, have the system checked as
soon as possible when a malfunction is
indicated.
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2-axle self-leveling suspension*
The concept
Your vehicle is equipped with 2-axle
self-leveling suspension acting on both
the front and rear suspension. This sys-
tem combines automatic self-leveling,
which compensates for variations in
front-to-rear load-distribution patterns,
with a selection feature allowing drivers
to choose from among several ride-
height options.
You may choose from among the fol-
lowing ride heights:
> Normal
The standard setting is intended for
most operating conditions, including
trailer towing
> Off-Road
Increased level for more ground
clearance
> Access
Lowers vehicle for more convenient
cargo handling or easier passenger
entries and exits.
Changes in ride height are initiated
either manually, using the control but-
ton, refer to page 100, or automatically
in response to specific speeds. When
the ride height is selected manually, the
driver has the additional option of revis-
ing the ride-height selection by entering
a new command during the adjustment
process.
When the vehicle is stationary, the sys-
tem executes ride-height changes in
both directions – up and down – when-
ever the doors are closed. The tailgate/
liftgate may be open. The system raises
the vehicle only when the engine is run-
ning.
The system's automatic self-leveling
feature automatically compensates for
variations in the vehicle's load.
Frequent changes in ride height
initiated at short intervals can
overheat the compressor, causing the
system to briefly suspend active opera-
tion.<
Self-leveling suspension display
1 Off-Road
2Standard
3 Access
The LEDs not only show the current ride
height, but also indicate changes:
> LED on: indicates the vehicle's cur-
rent ride height
> Ride-height LED flashes while the
LED for the earlier level remains on:
the ride height is being adjusted to a
new level, either automatically or in
response to driver input at the button.
When the suspension reaches the new
ride height the flashing LED reverts to
continuous operation, and the LED for
the earlier level goes out
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2-axle self-leveling suspension
*
> LED for current ride height flashes for
roughly 3 seconds when you press
the button: change in ride height is
not possible.
Raising
Available only when the engine is run-
ning.
From Standard to Off-Road:
Press button 1 while traveling at a
speed of less than approx. 30 mph/
50 km/h.
From Access to Standard:
> Press button 1 or
> the setting automatically reverts to
the standard setting once the vehicle
exceeds a speed of approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h.
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Lowering
Available with ignition key in position 2.
From Standard to Access:
1. Press button 2 while traveling at less
than approx. 50 mph/80 km/h. The
system enters its preselection mode.
The preselection mode is canceled
> by pressing button 1
> automatically once the vehicle
exceeds a speed of approx.
50 mph/80 km/h or approx.
60 seconds after button 2 is
pressed
2. Reduce speed to below approx.
15 mph/25 km/h within approx.
60 seconds after pressing button 2.
When you press button 2 at
speeds below approx. 15 mph/
25 km/h the system automatically low-
ers the vehicle to the Access level.<
From Off-Road to Standard:
> Press button 2 or
> automatically once you exceed a
speed of approx. 30 mph/50 km/h.
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Brake Force Display Flat Tire Monitor
The Brake Force Display lights up in
two stages, depending on how force-
fully you apply the brakes.
The display has two levels:
> Normal braking:
The brake lamp 1 and the center
brake lamp light up
> Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
The brake lamps 1 and 2 light up
together with the center brake lamp.
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The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in the four fitted tires
as you drive. The system provides an
alert whenever the inflation pressure
drops significantly in relation to the
pressure another tire.
The check of the tire inflation pressure
is based on monitoring the relative
speeds of the wheels. A flat is detected
and reported on the basis of a deviation
in certain speed ratios.
Functional requirement
To ensure reliable operation, the sys-
tem should have been initialized with
the correct tire inflation pressure.
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indi-
cate sudden severe tire damage
caused by outside factors and does not
detect a natural, even pressure drop in
all four tires.<
In the following situations, the system
could be delayed or malfunction:
> When driving on snow-covered or
slippery road surfaces
> In the case of performance-oriented
driving: slip on the drive wheels, high
lateral acceleration
> False alarms and undetected loss of
pressure may occur when you are
driving with snow chains fitted.
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Flat Tire Monitor
Initializing system
Perform the initialization immedi-
ately every time you correct the
inflation pressure, change a tire or
change a wheel or all wheels. A drive
is required for this purpose.<
1. Before the start of driving, start the
engine, but do not drive off
2. Press the button until the yellow indi-
cator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up for a few seconds
3. Drive off.
It takes a few minutes of driving before
the Flat Tire Monitor can detect and
report a flat tire.
When driving with snow chains,
do not initialize the system.<
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Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up yel-
low. There is a flat tire or exten-
sive inflation pressure loss.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2. Identify damaged tire
If identification is not possible,
contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.<
3. Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Wheel changes on page 163.
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Parking lamps/side marker lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on. You can
use the parking lamps for park-
ing. For lighting on one side for parking
as an additional feature, refer to
page 104.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off
and the low beams are on, only
the parking lamps/side marker
lamps remain on.
530us215
Pathway lighting:
When you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle and
switching off the lamps, the low beams
will come on for a brief period. You may
also have this function deactivated if
you wish.<
Lights on warning
Whenever you open the driver's door,
after having turned the ignition key to
position 0, you will hear an acoustic sig-
nal for a few seconds to remind you that
the lamps have not been switched off.
On vehicles with alphanumeric Check
Control
*
:
The reminder is given through the
Check Control.
Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daytime driving at igni-
tion key position 2.
Automatic headlamp control
*
When you set the switch to this
position, the system activates
and switches on and off the low
beams in response to changes in ambi-
ent light conditions, for instance, in tun-
nels, at dawn and dusk, and in rain and
snow.
The low beams remain switched
on regardless of the ambient light
when you switch on the front fog
lamps.<
Automatic headlamp control can-
not serve as a substitute for the
driver's judgment in determining when
the vehicle lamps should be switched
on. For example, the system cannot
detect fog. To avoid safety risks, you
should always switch on the lamps
manually under these conditions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the
headlamp control system adjusted
on your vehicle.<
Parking lamps/low beams
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Adaptive Head Light
* High beams/roadside parking lamps
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable head-
lamp control system that enables better
illumination of the road surface.
Depending on the steering angle and
other assumptions, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the
road.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In ignition key position 2, turn
the light switch to the position
'Automatic headlamp control',
refer to page 103.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the
Adaptive Head Light
> is not active when driving in reverse
> is active only when pointing toward
the passenger side.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for auto-
matic headlamp control flashes. Adap-
tive Head Light is faulty or has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
1High beams
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps,
left or right
*
As an additional feature, you can illu-
minate your vehicle on either side for
parking, if you wish to do so:
With the ignition key in position 0,
engage the lever in the appropriate turn
signal position.
The roadside parking lamps
drain the battery. Avoid use for
extended periods of time, otherwise, it
will no longer be possible to start the
engine.<
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Front fog lamps
Instrument lighting Interior lamps
Briefly press the button to switch on/off.
The parking lamps or low beams
must be switched on for the fog
lamps to operate. A green indi-
cator lamp appears in the instrument
cluster to indicate that the front fog
lamps are on.
If the high beams are switched on, the
front fog lamps go out.
If the automatic headlamp control
is activated, the low beams will
automatically be switched on when the
front fog lamps are switched on.<
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Turn the serrated dial to adjust the illu-
mination intensity.
530us216
The interior lamps operate automati-
cally.
Switching interior lamps on
and off manually
Briefly press button 1.
If you want the interior lamps to remain
off all the time, press and hold the but-
ton for approx. 3 seconds.
Briefly press the button to revert to nor-
mal operation.
The button for the interior lamps in the
rear passenger area only switches
these lamps on and off.
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Interior lamps
Reading lamps
*
Reading lamps are located at the front
and in the rear next to the dome light.
They can be switched on and off with
the respective buttons 2 located next to
them.
Footwell and cargo area lamps
The lamps are controlled in the same
manner as the front interior lamps.
Front area lighting
*
This lighting system in the two exterior
mirrors illuminates the ground in the
area near the two front doors. It is also
controlled in the same manner as the
front interior lamps, but it does not
function while the vehicle is moving.
In order to prevent battery dis-
charge, all of the lamps in the
vehicle are switched off automatically
approx. 15 minutes after the ignition
key is turned to position 0.<
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1 Airflow directed toward the
windshield and side windows
2 Airflow for the upper body 109
3 Front footwell ventilation
4 Rear footwell ventilation
5 Airflow for the upper body in the
rear seat 109
6Temperature 108
7 Air distribution 108
8 Air supply 108
9 Rear window defroster 108
10 Air conditioning 108
11 Recirculated-air mode 108
Air conditioner
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Air conditioner
Temperature
The graduations on the dial
provide general reference val-
ues for the interior tempera-
ture. 707/226 is recom-
mended as a comfortable setting. After
the start of driving the selected temper-
ature is reached as quickly as possible
and held constant by the control sys-
tem.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the
footwell . All intermediate
settings are possible. In the setting,
there is a low flow of air onto the win-
dows to keep them free of condensa-
tion.
Air supply
You can adjust the air supply
through an infinitely-variable
range. The heating and venti-
lation become more and more
effective as the air supply settings are
increased. In the 0 setting, the blower
and climate control are switched off
and the outside air supply is blocked.
Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated, the
indicator lamp comes on. The rear win-
dow defroster switches off automati-
cally.
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehu-
midified and — depending on
the temperature setting — warmed
again. Depending on the weather, the
windshield may fog over briefly when
the engine is started. You can reduce
condensation forming on the windows
by switching on the air conditioning.
During air conditioning condensa-
tion forms, which then exits under
the vehicle. Traces of water on the
ground are therefore normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleas-
ant odors outside the vehicle
by temporarily switching off the outside
air supply. The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.
With the button on the steering wheel
you can also switch over to the recircu-
lated-air mode, refer to page 23.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated-air mode, switch the
recirculated-air mode off and increase
the air supply as required.<
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Air conditioner
Ventilation
The air vents for the upper body region
are adjustable:
1 Serrated dials for opening and clos-
ing the vent outlets through an infi-
nitely-variable range
2 Levers for adjusting airflow direction
3 With the serrated dial you can adjust
the temperature of the incoming air:
> Turn toward blue: colder
> Turn toward red: warmer.
530de270
Rear ventilation
*
1 Serrated dial for opening and closing
the vent outlets through an infinitely-
variable range
2 Levers for adjusting airflow direction
The air that flows out here is somewhat
cooler than the air delivered to the foot-
well.
Microfilter
The microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air and in the recircu-
lated-air mode. It is replaced by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
during regular maintenance. A substan-
tial reduction in air supply indicates that
the filter must be replaced before nor-
mal maintenance.
530de271
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
1. You can specify an interior tempera-
ture that is comfortable for you with
the rotary temperature dial. A good
starting point is 707/226
2. Set the air distribution rotary dial
to
3. Set the blower/air supply rotary dial
completely to the right
4. Close the vent outlets in the rear
seating area
5. Switch on the rear window defroster
to defrost the rear window.
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1 Airflow directed toward the
windshield and side windows
2 Airflow for the upper body 114
3 Airflow for the footwell
4 Rear footwell ventilation
5 Airflow for the upper body in the
rear seat 114
6 Automatic air distribution and
supply 112
7 Individual air distribution 112
8 Temperature, left side of passenger
compartment 112
9 Display for temperature and air
supply 112
Automatic climate control
*
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Automatic climate control
*
10 Temperature, right side of
passenger compartment 112
11 Defrosting windows and removing
condensation 112
12 Air conditioning 113
13 AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control 113
14 Rear window defroster 113
15 Air supply 112
16 Maximum cooling 113
or residual heat utilization 113
17 Air grill for interior temperature
sensor – please keep clear and
unobstructed
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Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant driving
For nearly all conditions, AUTO pro-
gram 6 offers the optimal air distribution
and airflow volume. Select the interior
temperature that is comfortable for you.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center can program the settings
of your vehicle in such a manner that,
when you unlock the vehicle with your
individualized key, your own personal-
ized setting for the automatic climate
control is initiated.<
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program
adjusts the airflow and
distribution patterns for you while also
using your preselected temperature
setting as the basis for adjusting the
interior climate to adapt to external
influences: summer, winter.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting spe-
cific air distribution patterns
for your personal comfort,
the automatic air supply
remains in operation. You can direct air
to flow onto the windows , toward
the upper body , and into the foot-
well . You can reactivate the auto-
matic air distribution mode by selecting
the AUTO button.
Temperature
You can make individual
temperature settings on the
driver's side or the front
passenger side. Your specifications
appear in the display 9. The displayed
temperature values are reference val-
ues for the interior temperature. We
recommend 727/226 as a comfort-
able setting, whether the air conditioner
is operating or not. When you start the
vehicle, the AUTO program ensures
that the selected temperature is
achieved as quickly as possible. It then
maintains this temperature, regardless
of the season.
To change the units of measurement
of the display 7/6, refer to page 76
or 83.
Air supply
In the AUTO program
the air supply is automati-
cally controlled, and AUTO appears in
the display 9, refer to overview on
page 110. You can vary the air supply
by pressing the left or right half of the
button. When your setting is displayed
by bars, the automatic air supply is
switched off. Automatic air distribution
maintains its setting. You can reactivate
the automatic air supply by pressing the
AUTO button.
When you press the left side of the but-
ton during operation at minimum blower
speed all displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off. The outside air supply is
closed. You can switch the system back
on by pressing any button of the auto-
matic climate control, except the MAX
button 16.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly
removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and the side
windows.
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Automatic climate control
*
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and
dehumidified and —
depending on the temperature setting —
warmed again. Depending on the
weather, the windshield may fog over
briefly when the engine is started. You
can reduce condensation forming on
the windows by switching on the air
conditioning.
During air conditioning condensa-
tion forms, which then exits under
the vehicle. That traces of water on the
ground are therefore normal.<
Maximum cooling
You will get maximum cool-
ing capacity using this pro-
gram if the engine is running and the
outside temperature is above approx.
417/56.
The temperature display 9 jumps to
607/166, the system switches over
to the recirculated-air mode, and the
maximum air supply flows from the ven-
tilation grills only. That is why you need
to keep these open if you select this
program.
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control
You can respond to
unpleasant odors or pollut-
ants in the immediate environment by
shutting off the supply of outside air.
The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle. In AUC
operating mode, a sensor detects pol-
lutants in the external air and controls
the shut-off automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run
through the following control sequence
> Indicator lamps off: outside air supply
operational
> Left indicator lamp on, AUC mode:
the system recognizes pollutants in
the outside air and blocks the flow of
air when necessary. The system then
recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
Depending on the air quality, the
automatic system then switches back
and forth between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle
> Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
outside air supply into the vehicle is
completely blocked. The system then
recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
With the button on the steering wheel
you can also switch between Off and
recirculated-air mode or AUC and recir-
culated-air mode, refer to page 23.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated-air mode, switch the
recirculated-air mode off and increase
the air supply as required.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated, the
indicator lamp comes on. The rear win-
dow defroster switches off automati-
cally.
Residual heat
Press button when the motor
is switched off, but warm.
The heat which is stored in the engine
is utilized for heating the interior when
the engine has been switched off –
while waiting at a railroad crossing, for
instance.
This function may be activated when
the outside temperature is below
approx. 597/156, the engine is at
operating temperature, and the battery
is adequately charged. The LED on the
button will light up when all conditions
have been met.
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Automatic climate control
*
Ventilation
The air vents for the upper body region
are adjustable:
1 Serrated dials for opening and clos-
ing the vent outlets through an infi-
nitely-variable range
2 Selector levers for airflow direction
3 Use the serrated dial to control the
temperature of the airflow:
> Turn toward blue: colder
> Turn toward red: warmer.
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Rear climate control
*
1Air supply
2 Temperature
3 Adjusting the direction of the airflow
530de272
Air supply
0 Blower off
I Maximum blower speed
You can adjust the air supply for the
vent outlets through an infinitely-vari-
able range between the 0 and I set-
tings.
In the 0 setting, the blower is switched
off and the supply of air through the
vent outlets is blocked.
Individual adjustments on the front-seat
control elements influence the air sup-
ply for rear passenger area climate con-
trol.
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Automatic climate control
*
Roller sun blinds
*
Temperature
Passengers in the rear seating area can
adjust their own temperature for the
vent outlets:
> Turn toward blue: colder
> Turn toward red: warmer.
When you start the vehicle, this system
ensures that the selected temperature
is achieved as quickly as possible.
It then maintains this temperature,
regardless of the season.
A temperature setting is only pos-
sible when the blower is switched
on, not in the 0 setting.<
530de274
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
The microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air. The activated-
charcoal filter provides additional pro-
tection by filtering gaseous pollutants
from the outside air. Your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center replaces this
combined filter as a standard part of
your scheduled maintenance. A sub-
stantial reduction in air supply indicates
that the filter must be replaced before
normal maintenance.
Roller sun blinds for rear side
windows
*
Use the strap to pull out the blinds, then
hook them in the provided attachment.
With roller sun blinds attached,
do not open the windows during
travel. The blinds may otherwise be
damaged by the wind.<
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Independent ventilation
*
You can use this system to ventilate the
interior and lower its temperature, using
the blower of the independent ventila-
tion or of the automatic climate control.
The independent ventilation is operated
via the MID Multi-Information Display,
refer to page 87, or via the onboard
computer, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual.
You can set two different times for the
system to start; it will remain active for
30 minutes. You can also switch it on
and off directly. Since the system uses
a substantial amount of electrical cur-
rent, you should refrain from switching
it on twice in succession without allow-
ing the battery to be recharged in nor-
mal operation between use.
When a preselected activation time is
set, the independent ventilation is oper-
ational at outside temperatures above
approx. 607/166, or by direct switch
activation.
The air enters the passenger compart-
ment through the vent outlets in the
instrument cluster, which can be
adjusted for both direction and airflow.
Therefore, the vent outlets must be
open for the system to operate.
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The concept
The integrated universal remote control
can replace as many as three hand-
held transmitters for various remote-
controlled accessories, such as door
openers and house alarm systems.
The integrated universal remote control
recognizes and learns the transmitted
signal of each of the original hand-held
transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held
transmitter can be programmed on one
of the three memory buttons 1. Follow-
ing that, each of the devices can be
actuated with the appropriately-pro-
grammed memory button 1. The indica-
tor lamp 2 flashes to confirm transmis-
sion of the signal.
Should you sell your vehicle one day,
be sure to delete the stored programs
beforehand for your safety, refer to
page 119.
To prevent possible damage or
injury, before programming or
using the integrated universal remote
control, always inspect the immediate
area to make certain that no people,
animals or objects are within the travel
range of the device. Also, comply with
the safety precautions of the original
hand-held transmitter.<
To Canadian residents:
During programming, your hand-
held transmitter may automatically stop
transmitting after two seconds, which
may not be long enough to program the
integrated universal remote control. If
you are programming from one of these
hand-held transmitters, the integrated
universal remote control's light may
begin to flash in a series of double-
blinks. If this occurs, continue to hold
the button of the integrated universal
remote control while you reactivate
your hand-held transmitter. You may
have to repeat this function several
times while programming.<
Checking compatibility
If you see this symbol on the
packaging or in the manual sup-
plied with the original hand-held
transmitter, it is safe to assume that it is
compatible with the integrated universal
remote control.
A list of compatible hand transmitters
is available via fax polling by calling
+49 (0)6838 907283 3333. For details,
please call the toll-free HomeLink Hot-
line at +49 (0)6838 907 277 or 0800
0466 35465 in Germany.
HomeLink is a registered trademark of
Johnson Controls.
Integrated universal remote control
*
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Integrated universal remote control
*
Programming
1 Memory buttons
2 Indicator lamp
Fixed-code hand-held transmitter
1. Switch on the ignition
2. For initial use: press both outer but-
tons 1 for approx. 20 seconds, main-
taining pressure until the indicator
lamp 2 starts to flash. The three
memory buttons 1 are cleared
3. Hold the original hand-held transmit-
ter at a distance of approx. 2 to 8 in/
5 to 20 cm from the memory but-
tons 1
The required distance between
the hand-held transmitter and
memory buttons 1 depends on the
530us247
relevant system of the original hand-
held transmitter used.<
4. Simultaneously press the transmit
button on the original hand-held
transmitter and the desired memory
button 1 of the integrated universal
remote control. Initially, the indicator
lamp 2 flashes slowly. Release both
buttons as soon as the indicator
lamp 2 flashes rapidly If the indicator
lamp 2 does not flash rapidly after
approx. 15 seconds, change the dis-
tance
5. To program other original hand-held
transmitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
The corresponding memory button 1 is
now programmed with the signal of the
original hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the system when the
engine is running or when the ignition is
switched on.
If the system cannot be operated
after repeated programming,
check whether the original hand-held
transmitter uses an alternating-code
system. To do so, either read the
instructions of the original hand-held
transmitter or press and hold down the
programmed memory button 1 of the
integrated universal remote control.
If the indicator lamp 2 on the integrated
universal remote control flashes quickly
for a brief period and then remains lit up
for approx. two seconds, this indicates
that the original hand-held transmitter is
equipped with an alternating code. In
the case of an alternating-code system,
program the memory buttons 1 as
described at the section on alternating-
code hand-held transmitters.
If you have additional questions, please
consult your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle center or call 1-800-355-3515.
You can also visit this website
www.bmwusa.com <
Alternating-code hand-held
transmitter
To program the integrated universal
remote control, consult the Owner's
Manuals for the equipment to be set.
You will find information there on the
possibilities for synchronization.
When programming alernating-code
hand-held transmitters, please observe
the following supplementary instruc-
tions:
Programming will be easier with
the aid of a second person.<
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Integrated universal remote control
*
Telephone
*
1. Park your vehicle within the range of
the remote-controlled device
2. Program the integrated universal
remote control as described at the
section on fixed-code hand-held
transmitters
3. Localize the button on the receiver of
the device you want to set up, e.g. on
the upper section of the motor
4. Press the button on the receiver of
the device you want to set up. After
step 4, you have approx. 30 seconds
for step 5
5. Press the programmed memory
button 1 on the integrated universal
remote control three times.
The corresponding memory button 1 is
now programmed with the signal of the
original hand-held transmitter.
If you have any additional ques-
tions, please contact your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.<
Clearing memory buttons
Individual memory buttons 1 cannot be
cleared. However, you clear all three
memory buttons 1 together as follows:
Press both outer buttons 1 of the inte-
grated universal remote control for
approx. 20 seconds, maintaining pres-
sure until the indicator lamp 2 starts to
flash.
Hands-free system
On vehicles with telephone prepara-
tion
*
, the hands-free microphone is
located in the headliner.
For further information on the tele-
phone, refer to the Telephone Owner's
Manual.
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Glove compartment Storage compartments
Opening
Pull the handle. The lamp inside the
glove compartment comes on.
Closing
Fold the cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an
accident, close the glove com-
partment immediately after use.<
530de275
Locking
Use one of the master keys. A master
key is also required for unlocking.
If you turn over only your spare
key for valet parking, for example,
refer to page 30, access to the glove
compartment is not possible.<
Rechargeable flashlight
Located on the left-hand side of the
glove compartment.
Features integral overload-protection,
so it can be left in its holder continu-
ously.
To avoid completely discharging
and possibly damaging the lamp,
always ensure that it is switched off
before inserting it in the socket.<
You will find two storage compartments
in the armrest between the front seats.
To open the top compartment:
Press the button, refer to arrow 1.
A built-in phone
*
is located in this com-
partment.
To move the armrest or open the lower
compartment:
Pull the handle, refer to arrow 2.
This compartment contains a coin tray
and a storage compartment
*
for cas-
settes or CDs.
You will find additional storage com-
partments in all of the doors as well as
on the backrests of the front seats.
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Storage compartments Cup holders
Clothes hooks
When suspending clothing from
the hooks ensure that it will not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do
so, they could cause endanger passen-
gers during braking or evasive maneu-
vers.<
Front
Below the sliding cover, refer to illustra-
tion.
530de277
Rear
At the end of the center console under
the lighter.
Briefly press to open; push back inward
to close.
Do not place glass containers in
the cup holders, as otherwise
there is a danger of injury in an acci-
dent.<
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Ashtray, front Ashtray, rear
Emptying
Press the edge of the lid, refer to arrow:
the ashtray moves up and can be
removed.
Cigarette lighter, front
Press the lighter 1 in.
The lighter can be removed as soon as
it retracts.
Hold or briefly press the hot ciga-
rette lighter by the knob only.
Holding or touching it in other areas
could result in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains opera-
tional when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, do not leave
unsupervised children in the vehicle.<
530de338
Power socket
The cigarette lighter socket can be
used to plug in hand flashlights, car
vacuum cleaners etc., with power rat-
ings of up to approx. 200 W at 12 V.
Be careful not to damage the socket
with unsuitable plugs.
You will find additional power outlets
in the cargo area, refer to page 129.
Emptying
Remove the insert tray.
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Cigarette lighter, rear
Press the lighter in.
The lighter can be removed as soon as
it retracts.
Hold or briefly press the hot ciga-
rette lighter by the knob only.
Holding or touching it in other areas
could result in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains opera-
tional when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, do not leave
unsupervised children in the vehicle.<
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Ski bag
*
The ski bag allows the safe and clean
transport of up to 4 pairs of standard
skis or up to two snowboards.
With the length of the ski bag and the
additional space in the cargo area, you
can store skis with a length of up to
6.9 ft/2.1 m. Because of the tapered
shape of the bag, the ski bag can only
accommodate two pairs of skis with a
length of 6.9ft/2.1m.
Loading
1. Fold the center armrest outward.
Loosen the trim from the upper
Velcro® fastener and place it on the
armrest
530us077
2. Press button 1 downward and swing
the cover forward
3. Press button 2: the cover in the
cargo area is unlocked.
In conjunction with pull-out cargo
floor, refer to page 130: pull out floor,
release cover and push back floor
again; the floor then conceals the
cover
4. Place ski bag between the front
seats and load. The zip fastener facil-
itates access to the stowed items.
Make sure that only clean skis are
loaded into the ski bag. Wrap sharp
edges so that no damage occurs.
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Ski bag
*
Securing load
After loading, secure the ski bag and its
contents. To do so, tighten the retaining
belt at the buckle.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If
you fail to do so, it could endanger
occupants during braking or evasive
maneuvers.<
When stowing the ski bag, proceed in
the reverse order from loading.
530de284
If the cover in the cargo area is
concealed by the pull-out cargo
floor, do not fold the larger rear back-
rest down. If you do so, it will damage
the cover.<
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Cargo area
Folding rear backrests down
Reach into the recess and pull forward,
refer to arrow.
When you fold back the backrest,
be sure that the catch engages
securely. The red warning indicator dis-
appears in the recess when the catch is
engaged.
The center safety belt can be retracted
only when the larger backrest is
engaged.<
530de285
Roll-up cover
Pull out the roll-up cover and hook it
into the brackets at the rear.
You can carry light objects such as
items of clothing on the roll-up cover.
Do not place heavy or hard
objects on the roll-up cover. If you
do so, they could already pose a dan-
ger to vehicle occupants during braking
or evasive maneuvers.
Do not allow the roll-up cover to snap
back, as otherwise it could be dam-
aged.<
530de348
Removing roll-up cover
1. Unlock the case with the button,
refer to arrow 1, lift it out of the
bracket on the side and hold it in
place on the opposite side with the
other hand
2. Then push the case toward the side
window, refer to arrow 2. This pulls it
out of the second bracket and it can
be removed.
Installation
Lay the case in the two side brackets
and then press down until it engages.
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Cargo area
Partition net
*
1. Remove the bag with the partition
net from the retainer by releasing the
hooks from the lashing eyes on both
sides
530de028
2. Remove the partition net from the
bag, unroll it half way and hook it into
the retaining strap on both sides,
refer to arrow
Note how the partition net is
stored in the bag and secured in
the vehicle so that you can return
everything to its proper place again
after use.
If your vehicle has a pull-out cargo
floor, observe the note on page 130.<
530de350
3. Slide back the covers on the retain-
ers for the partition net on both sides
of the roof, refer to arrow
4. Insert the curved ends of the partition
net rod in the retainers on both sides
5. Now you can slide the covers toward
the front again, refer to arrow
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Cargo area
6. Pull down the partition net downward
on both sides by the loop, refer to
arrow, and hook the hook into the
eye on the backrest
The case with the roll-up cover is
not shown in the illustration. With
the case removed it is easier to hook
the hooks of the partition net onto the
backrest.<
530de351
7. When the rear backrests are folded
down, you can unhook the partition
net from the retaining straps, com-
pletely unroll it, insert it in the front
retainers on the roof and attach the
three hooks into the eyes on the
backrests.
The illustration shows securing at the
bottom right as an example.
530de352
Side covers
Pull the handle to open the side covers.
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Cargo area
Floor cover
To access the spare wheel.
To open: press the recess in the han-
dle, refer to arrow, and raise the cover
with the handle.
530de291
Folding floor cover up
Disengage the loop end on the lower
side of the floor cover and hook it in
with the catch no the upper frame of the
liftgate cutout.
Before swinging down the floor cover,
reengage the loop end in the retainer
on the underside of the floor cover.
530de355
Power outlets
When you fold the cover caps up, you
have access to additional power out-
lets.
You can use the power outlets for flash-
lights, car vacuum cleaners or other
automotive appliances with up to
approx. 200 watts at 12 volts. Be care-
ful not to damage the socket with
unsuitable plugs.
Also refer to page 122.
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Cargo area
Pull-out cargo floor
*
To release, pull the handle recess
upward. Then pull the floor out.
Do not drive when the cargo floor
is pulled out.
Do not release the cargo floor on steep
grades. If you do, it could extend auto-
matically and cause personal injuries.
A load which is not properly secured
could begin to slide if the floor extends
automatically and then drop to the
ground as a result of the rapid braking
of the cargo floor at the limit stop.<
530de292
When it is extended, you can load the
cargo floor:
> With up to 990 Ibs./450 kg, distrib-
uted evenly across the entire surface
> With up to 330 Ibs./150 kg on the
rear edge.
Do not overload the cargo floor
when it is extended. If you do so,
it could cause damage.
When you slide the cargo floor back in,
do not grasp it on the bottom. If you do
so, there is a risk of personal injury.<
Raising cargo floor
For access to the spare wheel or other
stored items:
Swing the cargo floor up and secure it
with the rod, refer to illustration.
If your vehicle has a partition net:
Take the bag with the partition net
out of the retainer, refer to page 127,
before you raise the cargo floor. Other-
wise, the bag could slide downward.<
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cargo loading
Avoid overloading the vehicle so
that the permissible loading
capacity of the tires is not exceeded.
Overloading can lead to overheating
and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate
result can assume the form of a sudden
air loss.<
Determining loading limit
1. Locate the following statement on
your vehicle's placard
*
:
The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never
exceed XXX Ibs. or YYY kg, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged
and unstable driving conditions may
result.<
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 XXX Ibs.
or YYY kg
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4. The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount
equals 1350 Ibs. and there will be
five 150 Ibs. passengers in your vehi-
cle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is
600 Ibs.:
1350 Ibs. minus 750 Ibs. = 600 Ibs.
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,
load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred 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.
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Cargo loading
Load:
The permitted load is the total of the
weight of occupants and cargo/lug-
gage. The greater the weight of occu-
pants, the less cargo/luggage can be
transported.
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Stowing cargo
> Position heavy cargo as far forward
as possible directly behind the back-
rests and as low as possible
> Cover sharp edges and corners
> Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest
> Fasten the partition net, refer to
page 127, and ensure that carried
items cannot pass through the parti-
tion net
> Wrap objects which could strike the
rear window while driving accordingly
> If you are transporting very heavy
loads when the rear seat is not occu-
pied, secure the outer safety belts in
the opposite buckles.
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Securing load
> Secure smaller, light pieces with the
retaining straps or a luggage net
*
, or
use elastic straps, refer to page 37
> Heavy-duty cargo straps
*
for secur-
ing larger and heavier objects are
available at your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center. The lashing eyes pro-
vided at the corners of the cargo area
serve for mounting these heavy-duty
cargo straps
> Read and comply with the informa-
tion enclosed with the heavy-duty
cargo straps.
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Cargo loading Roof-mounted luggage rack
*
Always position and secure the
load as described above. If you do
not, it can even endanger the passen-
gers during braking or evasive maneu-
vers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
vehicle weight and the permissible axle
loads, refer to page 180. If you do, the
operating safety of the vehicle is no
longer ensured and you are in violation
of the law.
You should never transport heavy or
hard objects unsecured in the passen-
ger compartment, as they could fly
around and pose a safety hazard to the
vehicle's occupants even during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
A special rack system is available as an
option for your BMW. Please comply
with the precautions included with the
installation instructions.
Mounting points
Access to the mounting points:
To fold up the cover, refer to arrow,
please use the tool which is provided
with the rack system.
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Loading luggage rack
Roof-mounted luggage racks raise the
center of gravity of the vehicle when
they are loaded. For this reason, they
exercise a major effect on the vehicle's
handling and steering response.
You should therefore always remember
not to exceed the approved roof weight,
the approved gross vehicle weight or
the axle loads when loading the rack.
You will find the specifications under
Technical data on page 180.
Make sure that the load is distributed
evenly, and that it does not extend out-
ward to beyond the limits of the loading
surface. Always load the heaviest
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that ade-
quate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the panorama glass sunroof, and
that objects do not project into the
opening path of the liftgate.
Always ensure that roof-mounted
loads are tightly secured, as loose
loads can shift or even fly off the roof,
posing a serious hazard for following
traffic.<
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden accelera-
tion and braking maneuvers. Take cor-
ners gently.
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Moving parts should be allowed to
break in. To ensure that your vehicle
provides maximum economy through-
out a long service life, we request that
you observe the following instructions:
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4,500 rpm and the following road
speeds during this initial period:
6-cylinder engines: 100 mph/160 km/h
8-cylinder engines: 106 mph/170 km/h
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of
the transmission's kick-down mode
during these initial miles.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/
2,000 km, the engine and vehicle
speeds can be gradually increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until after an
initial break-in period. Therefore, drive
reservedly during the first 200 miles/
300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of trac-
tion, vehicle control and braking effec-
tiveness. Reduce your speed on wet
roads.<
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period
of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve
optimal contact and wear patterns
between brake pads and rotors.
To break in the separate handbrake
drums, apply the handbrake lightly
when coasting to a standstill at a traffic
signal, for instance, provided that traffic
conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the handbrake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine switched off,
when towing, for instance, substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.<
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its
optimized level after a distance driven
of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During
this break-in period, engage the clutch
gently.
Following component
replacements
Observe the break-in instructions again
if previously addressed components
must be replaced again during driving
later.
Breaking-in
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General driving notes
Closing liftgate/tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the
tailgate and liftgate are completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes
could enter into the passenger com-
partment.<
However, if special circumstances
should make it absolutely necessary
to operate the vehicle with the liftgate/
tailgate open:
1. Close all windows and the panorama
glass sunroof
2. Increase the air supply for the air
conditioner or automatic climate
control to a high level, refer to
page 108 or 112.
Hot exhaust system
Extreme temperatures occur at
the catalytic converter on this and
every catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not
remove the heat shields installed adja-
cent to various sections of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating
to them. When driving, standing at idle
and while parking take care to avoid
possible contact between a hot exhaust
system and any highly flammable mate-
rials such as hay, leaves, grass etc.
Otherwise there is a danger of ignition
and of a fire with the risk of serious inju-
ries and damage.<
Portable phone in vehicle
BMW advises against using
mobile radio devices such as por-
table phones inside the vehicle unless
they are directly connected to the
external antenna. Otherwise, it is
impossible to prevent a mutual interfer-
ence of the vehicle electronics with the
portable phone device. Also, there is no
guarantee that the radiation generated
by the transmission will be conveyed
out from the interior of the vehicle.<
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of
water on the ground are therefore nor-
mal.
Brakes
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
excessively high temperatures, brake
wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Road hazards
If road hazards, obstacles or curbs
are unavoidable, only drive over
them very slowly and carefully, as oth-
erwise the wheels and suspension
parts, especially on vehicles fitted with
low profile tires, can be damaged.<
For more information on wheels and
tires, refer to page 144.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to
page 54, as otherwise they could be
damaged due to the width of the vehi-
cle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy
roads, reduce road speed. If you
do not, a wedge of water can form
between tires and road surface. This
state can cause a partial or total loss of
contact with the road surface, of brak-
ing control and of control over the vehi-
cle.<
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General driving notes Driving your X5
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 20 in/
50 cm, and then only at walking speed
at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. When
equipped with 2-axle self leveling sus-
pension
*
, switch the vehicle into the
Off-Road setting before driving through,
refer to page 100.<
Using handbrake on slopes
Do not hold the vehicle in place on
slopes by slipping or riding the
clutch; use the handbrake instead. Oth-
erwise, severe clutch wear will result.<
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature
*
Two photocells serve to control the
automatic dimming of the interior and
exterior rearview mirrors. One photocell
is in the mirror glass, refer to arrow,
while the other is offset somewhat on
the back of the mirror.
For trouble-free operation, keep the
photocells clean and do not cover the
area between the interior rearview mir-
ror and the windshield. Do not attach
any kind of stickers on the windshield
in front of the mirror, either.
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On poor roads
When you are driving on poor roads,
there are a few points which you should
strictly observe — for your own safety,
for that of your passengers, and for the
safety of the vehicle:
Driving on unpaved terrain can
cause damage to the vehicle.<
> Always adapt the driving speed to the
road conditions. The rougher or
steeper the road surface is, the lower
the speed should be
> You can operate your vehicle on
uphill and downhill gradients with a
maximum slope of 50%. If you want
to drive on uphill or downhill gradi-
ents of this kind, make sure before-
hand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the max mark, refer to
pages 150 and 152.
Use the HDC Hill Descent Control
when driving down steep grades,
refer to page 97.
Starting off is possible on grades of
up to 33%.
The permissible body roll is also 50%
> While driving, watch carefully for
obstacles such as rocks or holes.
Try to avoid these obstacles when-
ever possible
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Driving your X5
> Please note that, for example on
crests and bumpy roads, the body
can make ground contact.
The ground clearance of the vehicle
is:
– 8 in/20 cm with up to four persons
– 7 in/18 cm fully loaded, without
level control
> Only drive through water up to a max-
imum depth of 20 in/50 cm and only
at walking speed, making sure not to
stop in the process. When equipped
with 2-axle self leveling suspension
*
,
switch the vehicle to the Off-Road
setting before driving through, refer
to page 100.
After leaving the water, apply the
footbrake lightly several times while
driving at low speeds so as to dry
the brakes by braking and to prevent
decreased braking action due to wet-
ness.
Back onto paved road
In recommending that you observe the
following points after driving on adverse
road surfaces, it is not as a beauty
treatment for your BMW. Instead, it is
intended for the maintenance of driving
safety:
> Clean the worst of the dirt from the
body and inspect the undercarriage
for damage
> Clean mud, snow, ice etc. from the
wheels and tires and check the
wheels for damage
> Check to determine whether rocks,
gravel or accumulations of dirt on the
brake rotors and calipers could influ-
ence braking performance. Remove
all such foreign objects
> In order to clean the brake rotors,
apply the footbrake gently several
times while driving at a low speed.
Be sure that following traffic is not
endangered by this
> For cleaning the handbrake, apply
the lever slightly at approx. 25 mph/
40 km/h and continue to drive for
approx. 200 yards/200 meters, pro-
vided that traffic conditions allow you
to do so.
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Safe braking
Emergency stops
You brake most effectively when you
apply maximum pedal pressure in situa-
tions requiring it: emergency stops.
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless
avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.
Brake fluid level
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a defect in one of the two
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Here increased pressure on the brake
pedal may be required, and slight pull-
ing to the side and longer braking dis-
tances may result. Please remember to
adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Disc brakes
When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations 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 minimal pressure
which must be exerted by the pads dur-
ing brake applications to clean the
rotors is not reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect which even extended
application will fail to cure.
When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal from time
to time. 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 the brak-
ing force is then immediately available
when required.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible impairment
of the braking effect.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in neutral. Do not
drive with the engine switched off. The
engine provides no braking effect when
the clutch is depressed or the transmis-
sion is in neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is not running.
BMW recommends having brake
inspections performed at a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center only. If
you do not, parts of the 4-wheel drive
system could be damaged.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
released for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
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Information for your safety
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and – to a great
extent – driving safety that depend on
the condition of the tires and the main-
tenance of the specified tire pressure.
Checking inflation pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when
the tires are cold. i.e. after driving a
maximum of 1.25 miles/2 km or when
the vehicle has been parked for at least
2 hours. When tires are warm, the tire
inflation pressure increases.
Regularly check the tire inflation
pressure and correct as needed,
including the spare tire: at least every
two weeks and before beginning a
longer trip. If this is not done, incorrect
tire pressures can cause driving insta-
bility and tire damage, ultimately result-
ing in an accident. Do not drive with a
depressurized, i.e. flat, tire. A flat tire
greatly impairs steering and braking
response, and can lead to complete
loss of control over the vehicle.<
After correcting the inflation pres-
sure(s), always reinitialize the Flat
Tire Monitor, refer to page 102.<
Inflation pressure for original
equipment tires
You will find tire inflation pressures on
the inside door pillar.
Inflation pressure for other tire
sizes
The tire pressure table below gives all
of the tire pressure specifications for
the tire sizes indicated, with the ambi-
ent temperature.
In order to clearly identify the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure for your
tires, be sure to note the specifications
for the appropriate tire sizes.<
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Tire inflation pressure
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Tire inflation pressure
BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires,
cold = ambient temperature
X5 3.0i
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 V
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
32/220 32/220 32/220 39/270
Front: 255/50 R 19 103 V
Rear: 285/45 R 19 107 V
Front: 275/40 R 20 102 W
Rear: 315/35 R 20 106 W
32/220
–
32/220
–
–
32/220
–
32/220
32/220
–
32/220
–
–
39/270
–
39/270
X5 4.4i
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 V
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
32/220 33/230 32/220 39/270
Front: 255/50 R 19 103 V
Rear: 285/45 R 19 107 V
Front: 275/40 R 20 102 W
Rear: 315/35 R 20 106 W
32/220
–
32/220
–
–
32/220
–
32/220
32/220
–
32/220
–
–
39/270
–
39/270
X5 4.8is
Front: 275/40 R 20 102 W
Rear: 315/35 R 20 106 W
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
32/220
–
32/220
–
35/240
35/240
33/230
–
33/230
–
39/270
39/270
You will find more information about permissible loads and weights on page 180.
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Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side
of the tire makes it easier to identify and
choose the right tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter:
Q = up to 105 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guide-
lines of the U.S. Department of Trans-
port.
e.g.
Nominal width
in mm
Cross-sectional ratio
in Ξ
Belted construction radial
Rim diameter in inches
Load index,
not with ZR tires
Speed code letter,
with ZR tires before the R
235/65 R
1
7104H
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturer of your BMW recom-
mends that all tires, i.e. including the
spare wheel, be replaced regardless of
the actual wear after 6 years at the lat-
est.
The tire's date of manufacture is indi-
cated on the sidewall:
DOT... 3603 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 36 of 2003.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
e.g.
Manufacturer's code
for tire brand
Tire size and tire model
Tire age
DOT xxxx xxx 3603
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must con-
form to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half, 1γ, times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
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Tire identification marks Wheel/tire condition
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteris-
tics.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the
highest, B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive tem-
perature can lead to a sudden flat tire.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible a tire failure.<
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties
than summer tires.
Wheel/tire damage
Inspect your wheels and tires frequently
for tread wear, signs of damage and for
foreign objects lodged in the tread.
Check the tread pattern depth.
Please note that low-profile tires
make your wheels, tires and sus-
pension parts more susceptible to road
hazard and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect.
This can, for example, be caused by
driving over curbs. This is also true for
irregularities in the vehicle's handling
characteristics, such as a pronounced
tendency to pull to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by immedi-
ately reducing your speed. Carefully
proceed – or have your vehicle towed –
to the nearest BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center or tire dealer to have the
wheels or tires inspected.
Tire damage, extending to sudden and
complete loss of pressure in extreme
cases, can pose a potentially lethal
safety hazard for the vehicle's occu-
pants and other road users alike.<
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Wheel/tire condition
Tire tread
The tread depth should not fall below
0.12 in/3 mm although, for example,
European regulations only require a
minimum tread depth of 0.063 in/
1.6 mm.
At tread depths below 0.12 in/3 mm
there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small
amounts of water are present on the
road surface.
As winter tires display a noticeable loss
in their ability to cope with cold-
weather driving conditions once the
tread wears to below 0.16 in/4 mm, you
should always have such tires replaced
to ensure continued safety.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove
base, refer to arrow, are distributed
over the tire's circumference and are
marked on the side of the tire with TWI
– Tread Wear Indicator. These indica-
tors signal at a tread depth of 0.063 in/
1.6 mm that the legally permitted wear
limit has been reached.
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Replacing wheels/tires
Have new wheels and tires
installed only by your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center or a tire special-
ist workshop that works according to
BMW guidelines with appropriately
trained personnel. If this work is not
carried out properly, there is a danger
of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the
use of retread tires, as otherwise
driving safety may be reduced. The rea-
son for this is that possible variations in
the design and aging – which could be
substantial – of the tire casing can
result in a limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use
only wheel and tire combinations
that BMW has tested and approved for
your particular vehicle. Variations in fac-
tors such as manufacturing tolerances
mean that even wheels and tires with
identical official size ratings could actu-
ally have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences
could lead to body contact, and with it
the risk of severe accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center for the correct wheel/tire
combination.
The correct wheel/tire combination also
affects various systems whose function
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS,
DSC, xDrive.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. After a flat tire, always remem-
ber to have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Recommended tire sizes and makes:
For each tire size, certain tire makes
have been tested by BMW and classi-
fied and approved as safe. You can find
out about them at a specialized store,
preferably your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center. Follow any national reg-
ulations, e.g. listed in the vehicle docu-
ments.
The factory-approved radial ply tires are
matched to your vehicle and with
proper use, offer both optimal driving
safety and the desired driving comfort.
Special features of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use
in cold winter driving conditions.
Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than summer
tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather perfor-
mance as winter tires.
When switching to winter tires, observe
the description under Tire condition,
page 144, and Replacing wheels/tires.
Observing speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated. Unprofessional attempts by
laymen to service tires can lead to dam-
age and accidents. Have this work per-
formed by skilled professionals only.
The technicians at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center will be glad to
assist you with the required profes-
sional knowledge and specialized
equipment.<
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Replacing wheels/tires Snow chains
*
Storage
Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry
place, protecting them against light
whenever possible. Always protect tires
against all contact with oil, grease and
fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressure indicated on the side wall
of the tire.
Only certain snow chains have been
tested by BMW and classified and
approved as safe. Consult your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center for
details. BMW recommends only using
these approved, narrow-link snow
chains. Use is only permitted in pairs on
the rear wheels with the following tire
sizes:
X5 4.8is: 255/55 R 18
All other models: 235/65 R 17
Observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions when installing snow chains.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
30 mph/50 km/h.
After mounting snow chains, do
not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
When you are driving with snow chains,
it can be beneficial to switch off DSC
briefly, refer to page 96.<
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Hood
Unlocking
Pull the lever located under the left side
of the instrument panel.
Never attempt to perform any ser-
vice or repair operations on your
vehicle without the required profes-
sional technical training. If you are not
familiar with the regulations to be
observed, only have work on your vehi-
cle carried out by a BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle center or a workshop that
uses personnel trained in accordance
with BMW requirements. If this work is
not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.<
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Opening
Pull the release handle and open the
hood.
530de296
Closing
Allow the hood to fall from a height of
about 12 in/30 cm so that it audibly
engages.
Observe the same precautions
that apply to all closing operations
by ensuring that the hood's travel range
is clear and unobstructed before allow-
ing the hood to fall into position.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.<
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1Engine oil dipstick 150
2 Brake fluid reservoir, located
beneath the microfilter cover 153
3 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting 171
4 Coolant expansion tank 152
5 Engine oil filler neck 150
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system 150
Engine compartment essentials
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Washer fluid Engine oil
Windshield and headlamp
washer system
Approximate capacity is 8.2 US quarts/
7.8 liters.
Fill with water and — if required — with
the addition of a washer antifreeze,
according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agent for the washer
systems is inflammable. For this
reason, keep it away from sources of
flame and store it only in its original
containers. Store it so that it is inacces-
sible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.<
530de298
Checking oil level
Oil consumption depends on driving
style and operating conditions.
1. With the engine at operating temper-
ature, i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km
of continuous driving, park the vehi-
cle in a horizontal position
2. Switch off the engine
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
530us100
4. Slide the dipstick carefully all the way
into the dipstick tube and pull it out
again.
The oil level should be in between
the two marks on the dipstick
5. Slide the dipstick all the way into the
dipstick tube again.
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Engine oil
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark
on the dipstick. Excess oil will
damage the engine.<
X5 4.8is:
With a very sporty driving style, the
engine oil level should be at the upper
mark on the dipstick.
530us205
Adding engine oil
Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark on the dipstick
before adding oil.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise, the engine
could be damaged.<
Always store oils, grease and
similar materials so that they are
inaccessible to children. Comply with
warning labels and information on con-
tainers.<
Oil change:
Have oil changed only by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center or by a
repair shop that works according to
530de326
BMW guidelines with appropriately
trained personnel.
Specified engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected
has critical significance for the opera-
tion and service life of an engine.
Based on extensive testing, BMW has
approved only certain engine oils.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, you can
add small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Use only oils with
the API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center for details concern-
ing the specific BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils which
have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this web-
site: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this
information.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without additives, and
their use could even lead to damage
in some cases.<
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Engine oil Coolant
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you typically drive your
BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.
Do not open the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.<
Coolant is comprised of water and
coolant additive. Not all commercially
available additives are suitable for your
BMW. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle center knows which additives are
suitable.
Use only suitable additives, other-
wise you could damage your
engine. The additives can be harmful
to your health.<
Always observe all applicable
environmental rules and regula-
tions when disposing of coolant addi-
tives.<
Checking coolant level
1. The engine must be at ambient tem-
perature
2. Start by turning the cap of the expan-
sion tank counterclockwise. Pause to
allow any accumulated pressure to
escape, then open
3. The coolant level is correct when the
end of the red float is aligned with
the upper edge of the filler opening,
refer to the arrow in the illustration,
or max. 0.8 in/2 cm higher, i. e. up to
the mark on the float, refer also to the
schematic diagram, next to the cap
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Coolant Brake fluid
4. When necessary, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached; do
not overfill
5. Close the cap and tighten snugly
6. Have the cause of the coolant loss
corrected as soon as possible.
Brake fluid level
If the warning lamp lights up or
the message CHECK BRAKE
FLUID appears in the Check
Control: stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir
has fallen to below the minimum
level.
Add brake fluid
The brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing trim panel
on the driver's side of the vehicle. For
adding brake fluid or for determining
and correcting the cause of brake fluid
loss, consult your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center. Your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
DOT 4 brake fluids.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page 140.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Refer also to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide Book-
let for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and also damages
vehicle paintwork. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original con-
tainers kept well away from the reach
of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the
brake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Always observe all applicable
environmental rules and regula-
tions when disposing of used brake
fluid.<
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The BMW Maintenance System helps
maintain the road and driving safety of
your BMW.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.
Service Interval Display
Conventional systems rely solely on
distance traveled to determine when
service is due. The BMW Maintenance
System, on the other hand, began many
years ago to take the actual conditions
under which the vehicle is driven into
consideration. After all, different drivers
can accumulate mileage in very differ-
ent ways.
390us008
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those who
drive only short distances, significantly
less than 6,000 miles/10,000 km annu-
ally, should have the engine oil changed
at least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models
For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.
As a precaution against corrosion, it is
advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center do the mainte-
nance and repair.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide Book-
let for Canadian models.
These entries will constitute your proof
that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also required for
warranty claims.<
Car care
For all information on this subject, refer
to the Caring for your vehicle brochure.
The BMW Maintenance System
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OBD interface socket
The interface socket for the Onboard
Diagnostic is located on the left of the
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment panel and under a cover. The
cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related
components and systems for deteriora-
tion and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator lamp
informs you of the need for ser-
vice, not of the need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle center at the earliest possi-
ble opportunity.
530us105
Indication of the above-
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
lamp will blink or flash. This indicates
a rather severe level of engine misfire.
When this occurs, you should reduce
speed and consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center as soon
as possible. Severe engine misfire over
only a short period of time can seriously
damage emission control components,
especially the catalytic converter.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator lamp
should extinguish within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one
or more sensing and diagnostic mod-
ules or a recording device capable of
recording or transmitting certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you
have a Subscription Service Agree-
ment for the BMW Assist system, cer-
tain vehicle information may be trans-
mitted or recorded in order to provide
such services.
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Index
Technical data
Repairs
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Under the cargo floor cover in a pocket.
530us106
Front
1. Move the wiper to a fold-out position,
refer to page 71
2. Lift the wiper arm and press the
securing spring, refer to arrow
3. Pull the wiper blade off toward the
wiper arm
4. Insert the new blade and snap it into
place.
Fold the wipers back down onto
the windshield before you turn the
ignition key to position 1 or 2 again. If
you do not, they could be damaged.<
530de300
Rear
1. Hold the wiper blade on the window
and remove/unclip the wiper arm at
the articulated joint, refer to arrow
2. Insert a new wiper blade and press
it on/clip it into the wiper arm.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<
530de301
Onboard tool kit Windshield wiper blades
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Lamps and bulbs
The lamps and bulbs make essential
contributions to the safety of your vehi-
cle. For this reason, follow the instruc-
tions below carefully when replacing
a bulb. If you are not familiar with any
of the procedures, consult your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Never touch the glass on new
bulbs with your bare fingers, as
even minute amounts of contamination
will burn into the bulb's surface and
reduce its service life. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic
base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter.
To prevent short circuits, before
working on any electrical system,
equipment or accessory you should
always switch it off and disconnect the
cable from the battery's negative termi-
nal before starting.
To avoid possible injury or equipment
damage when replacing bulbs, observe
any instructions provided by the bulb
manufacturer.<
Releasing lamp cover
The illustration shows the right-hand
side of the engine compartment.
1 Halogen low beams
Turn cover cap to left, refer to arrow
2 High beams and parking lamps
Press tab downward, refer to arrow
For checking and adjusting head-
lamp aim, please contact your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.<
530de357
1 Halogen low beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-
tective gloves. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to injury if the
bulb is accidentally damaged during
replacement.<
1. Remove the cover
2. Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove
3. Pull bulb out of bulb holder by base
and replace.
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Lamps and bulbs
2 Halogen high beams
H1 bulb, 55 watts
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-
tective gloves. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to injury if the
bulb is accidentally damaged during
replacement.<
1. Remove the cover
2. Disconnect the plug
3. Unhook wire spring
4. Remove and replace the bulb.
530de359
3 Parking lamps and roadside
parking lamps
10 watt bulb: H 10 W
1. Remove the cover
2. Disconnect the plug
3. Turn reflector module with bulb to
left and remove
4. Replace module with bulb.
Xenon lamps
*
The operating life of these lamp units
is extremely long and the likelihood of
failure very low, provided that they are
not switched on and off a very great
number of times. If one of these bulbs
should nevertheless fail, it is possible
to continue driving with great caution
using the fog lamps, provided traffic
laws in your area do not prohibit this.
To avoid risk of potentially fatal
injuries: owing to the extremely
high voltages at which these units oper-
ate, service work should always be
entrusted to qualified personnel.<
Front turn signals/side-marker
lamps
S 8 bulb
Please contact a BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center in case of a malfunction.
Side turn signals
5 watt bulb: W 5 W or WY 5 W
*
1. Use finger pressure against the rear
end of the lamp, refer to arrow, to
press it forward for removal
2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
while turning it to the left and pull it
out
3. Replace the bulb.
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Lamps and bulbs
Front fog lamps
H11 bulb, 55 watts
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-
tective gloves. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to injury if the
bulb is accidentally damaged during
replacement.<
1. Pull the cover in front of the fog lamp
forward
2. Loosen the two screws, refer to
arrows, and remove the fog lamp.
When pulling out, overcome initial
resistance and turn the headlamp
somewhat to the left
3. Pull the cable connector off the bulb
4. Turn the bulb to the left and remove
530de356
5. Insert a new bulb in the headlamp
and turn at far to the right as possible
6. Connect the plug connector to the
bulb, ensuring proper engagement.
Tail lamps
21 watt bulbs: P 21 W or PY 21 W
*
,
recommendation: BMW special bulbs
with neutral coloration
1 Turn signal
2 Rear lamp/side marker lamp
3 Backup lamp
4Brake lamp
5Reflector
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Lamps and bulbs
Lamps in the side panel:
1. Open the cover in the side panel
2. Lift the side panel if necessary
3. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
holder while turning it to the left for
removal and replacement
4. Remove the bulb.
530de305
Lamps in the tailgate:
1. Unclip the trim panel in the tailgate
with a screwdriver
2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
holder while turning it to the left for
removal and replacement
3. Remove the bulb.
Center brake lamp
LED strip in the rear spoiler: please
contact a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center in case of a malfunction.
530de306
License plate lamps
5 Watt bulb
1. Press the lamp out to the side with
ascrewdriver
2. Remove the lamp and replace the
bulb.
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Lamps and bulbs Changing a tire
LEDs light-emitting diodes
Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers.
Do not remove the covers, and
never stare into the unfiltered light
several hours, as irritation of the iris
could result.<
Safety precautions to observe in
the event of a flat and during all
tire changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur-
face. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse, selector lever in Park with
automatic transmission, and engage the
handbrake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area, behind a guardrail,
for instance.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. The vehi-
cle or the jack could slip to the side if
you attempt to raise the vehicle on a
soft or slippery surface such as snow,
ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support sur-
face.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height. To avoid serious or fatal
injury: never lie under the vehicle, and
never start the engine while it is sup-
ported by the jack.<
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Changing a tire
What you will need
In order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
> Two wedges – wheel chocks
Open the liftgate and tailgate.
Raise floor cover or pull-out cargo
floor, refer to pages 129, 130.
Remove the chocks, refer to arrow,
next to the spare tire
530us117
> Lug wrench
Located beside the spare wheel
530us120
> Handle for the jack
Remove from its holder
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Changing a wheel
> Jack
Remove the rubber band from the
holder, refer to arrow, and take out
the jack.
When you have completed work,
screw the jack all the way back down,
remove the handle and insert it into
its holder.
530de404
Spare wheel
1. Loosen the wing nut 1
2. Remove the plate 2 to the side
3. Unscrew the threaded rod 3 com-
pletely.
530us118
Removal aid for spare wheel
By using this device, you do not have to
lift the spare wheel out of the recess by
hand.
Its task is to help you to move the wheel
onto the tailgate, from where you can
easily lift it off.
1. Close the tailgate again
2. Grasp the handle of the removal aid
behind the spare wheel with both
hands and pull upward over the tail-
gate, refer to arrow
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Changing a wheel
3. Hook both buckles into the latch of
the tailgate, refer to arrow; the tail-
gate is released
530de311
4. Remove the support rod from the
bracket
530de312
5. Press the tailgate down and hold it
there. The spare wheel is now pulled
by means of the removal aid onto the
tailgate
Hold the tailgate in the opened
position and do not allow it to
retract sharply upward. If you do so,
there is a risk of personal injury and
vehicle damage.<
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Changing a wheel
6. Insert the support rod in the tailgate
lock and press down until it engages,
refer to arrow 1; then lock hook of
rod in striker, refer to arrow 2
Be sure that the support rod is
locked firmly in place. If you fail to
do so, the tailgate could move upward
quickly and cause personal injury and
vehicle damage.<
7. You can now release the locked tail-
gate and take the spare wheel down
from the tailgate. It is recommended
that you leave the tailgate locked into
place until you have completed the
wheel change and placed the wheel
with the defective tire into the
removal aid.
530de314
Procedure
1. Read carefully and comply with the
safety precautions on page 163
2. Secure the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling:
Place the wedges – chocks – behind
the wheels on the side opposite the
side you are lifting. If the vehicle is
parked on a downward slope, place
the wedges securely in front of the
wheels. If the wheel must be
changed on a surface with a more
severe slope, take additional precau-
tions to secure the vehicle from roll-
ing
3. Loosen the lug bolts 1/2-turn
4. Insert the jack handle into the jack,
refer to the illustration in the next col-
umn
5. Position the jack at the jacking point
closest to the flat tire so that the jack
base is vertically below the jacking
point and the entire surface of the
head of the jack will move into the
square recess of the jacking point,
refer to the illustration detail, when
the jack is cranked
6. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel
you are changing is raised from the
ground
7. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove
the wheel
8. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt
from the mounting surfaces of the
wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts
9. Position the spare wheel. Secure the
wheel by turning at least two lug
bolts into opposite bolt holes
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Changing a wheel Vehicle battery
10. Screw in the remaining lug bolts.
Tighten all the bolts securely in a
diagonal pattern
11. Lower the jack and remove it from
beneath the vehicle
12. Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal
pattern
13. Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
After mounting the spare wheel or
correcting the inflation pressure,
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,
refer to page 102.
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in
the valve stems frequently leads to slow
leaks.
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not
attempt to raise another vehicle model
with it or to raise any load of any kind.
To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.
To ensure safety, always have the lug
bolts checked with a calibrated torque
wrench as soon as possible to ensure
that they are tightened to the specified
torque. The tightening torque is
101 ft-lb/140 Nm.<
Store the wheel and the tools in the
order opposite that for removal.
Before removing the support rod,
be sure that the tailgate is held
down firmly. If you fail to do so, it could
retract sharply upward and cause per-
sonal injury and vehicle damage.
After you remove the rod, close the tail-
gate carefully. Continue to hold it firmly
until it is completely closed.<
If light-alloy wheels other than Genuine
BMW light-alloy wheels have been
mounted, it may be necessary to use
different lug bolts for those wheels.
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel/tire
balanced.
Driving with spare wheel
Do not exceed a speed of
130 mph/210 km/h, otherwise tire
damage could lead to accidents.<
With certain wheel-and-tire com-
binations the size of the spare
wheel differs from that of the other
wheels. To restore the original state,
the normal wheel should be remounted
as soon as possible.<
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
Battery care
The battery is maintenance-free, that is,
the original electrolyte will normally last
for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center will
be glad to advise in all matters con-
cerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle
via the terminals in the engine compart-
ment with the engine off. For correct
connections, refer to Jump starting on
page 171.
Disposal
Following replacement, have old
batteries disposed of by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or
hand them in to a recycling center.
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Always
restrain the battery to prevent it from
tipping over during transport.<
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Vehicle battery Fuses
Power failure
Following a temporary power failure,
e.g. in the case of a flat battery, some
equipment is subject to restricted use
and must be reinitialized. Individual set-
tings are also lost and must be updated
again:
> Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory
The positions must be newly stored,
refer to page 50
> Time and date
Have to be updated, refer to page 85
> Activation time for independent venti-
lation
Has to be updated again, refer to
page 87.
In glove compartment
Open the fuse cover in the glove com-
partment by the indentations on the
right and left.
530us121
In cargo area
Open the right cover by pulling the
handle.
Never attempt to repair a blown
fuse, and do not replace a defec-
tive fuse with a substitute of another
color or amperage rating, as this could
lead to a circuit overload, ultimately
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
530us122
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The Roadside Assistance of the BMW
Group offers you assistance in the
event of a breakdown around the clock,
also at weekends and on public holi-
days.
The phone numbers of the Roadside
Assistance control center in your home
country can be found in the BMW
Dealer Directory.
In the case of vehicles with the corre-
sponding equipment, you can use
buttons in the headlining to contact
Roadside Assistance or initiate an
emergency call.
When the emergency call is initiated,
a telephone connection with the BMW
Assist response center is established.
In vehicles with activated BMW Assist,
if the current position of your vehicle
can be determined, it is transmitted to
the BMW Assist response center.
The condition for initiating an emer-
gency call or contacting Roadside
Assistance:
> Ignition key in position 1
> The car phone is logged on to a
mobile telephone network
> The emergency call system is opera-
ble.
1 Initiating an emergency call
2 Establishing contact to Roadside
Assistance
Initiating an emergency call
*
Press button 1 for at least 2 seconds.
The indicator lamp in the button lights
up. As soon as the telephone connec-
tion to the BMW Assist response center
has been established, the indicator
lamp flashes. If the indicator lamp
flashes, but you are unable to hear the
response center, you can still be heard
by the response center.
530us240
For technical reasons, the emer-
gency call cannot be guaranteed
under the most unfavorable condi-
tions.<
Under certain conditions, an emer-
gency call is initiated automatically
immediately after a severe accident.
The automatic emergency call is not
affected by the button being pressed.
Roadside Assistance
*
Press button 2 for at least 2 seconds.
With the BMW Assist activated, the cur-
rent location of your vehicle will be
transmitted in the specific country.
Receiving assistance
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Jump starting
When your battery is discharged you
can used two jumper cables to start
your vehicle with power from the bat-
tery in a second vehicle. You can also
use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Use only jumper cables
with fully-insulated clamp handles.
To avoid the risk of potentially
fatal injury, always avoid all con-
tact with electrical components while
the engine is running. Carefully observe
the following instructions to avoid per-
sonal injury and/or damage to one or
both vehicles.<
Preparing
1. Check whether the battery of the
other vehicle has a voltage of
12 Volts and approximately the same
capacitance in Ah. This information
can be found on the battery
2. Switch off the engine of the support
vehicle
3. Switch off any electrical systems and
components in both vehicles.
Ensure that no contact exists
between the bodywork on the two
vehicles, otherwise there is a danger of
short circuits.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from
sparks, always observe this
sequence when connecting jumper
cables.<
On your BMW the so-called jump-start
connection point in the engine com-
partment acts as the battery positive
terminal, also refer to the engine com-
partment overview on page 149. The
cover cap is marked with +.
1. Fold up the cap of the BMW auxiliary
terminal for jump starting, refer to
arrow
2. Connect one terminal clamp of the
positive/+ jumper cable to the posi-
tive terminal of the battery or an aux-
iliary terminal for jump starting of the
vehicle providing starting assistance
3. Connect the second terminal clamp
of the positive/+ jumper cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or to
an auxiliary terminal for jump starting
of the vehicle to be started
530de325
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Jump starting Tow-starting and towing
Your BMW is equipped with a special
nut on the left side panel as a body
ground or negative terminal, refer to
arrow in illustration.
4. Attach one end of the negative/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal
of the battery or to an engine or body
ground of the vehicle providing
assistance
5. Connect the second terminal clamp
of the negative/– jumper cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to
the engine or body ground of the
vehicle to be started.
530us127
Starting engine
1. Start the engine on the support vehi-
cle and allow it to run for several min-
utes at a fast idle
2. Start the engine on the other vehicle
in the usual way.
If the first start attempt is not suc-
cessful, 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.
Depending on the cause of the fault,
have the battery recharged by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Using tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting is stored
beneath the cargo floor cover. Carry it
with you at all times. It can be screwed
in at the front or rear of the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the tow fit-
ting and the vehicle, observe the
following: only use the tow fitting that
comes with the vehicle and screw it in
as far as it will go. Use the tow fitting for
towing only on the roadway. Avoid lat-
eral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do
not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.<
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Tow-starting and towing
Access to screw thread
Front:
Use a screwdriver to press the right or
left cover out, refer to arrows.
530de370
Rear:
Pull the cover off.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, otherwise the steer-
ing lock could engage and it would not
be possible to steer the vehicle.
When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. This requires increased
braking and steering effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers
depending on the local regulations.
If the electrical system fails, mark the
vehicle to be towed, e.g. with a sign or
warning triangle in the rear window.
530de318
Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h and a towing dis-
tance of 95 miles/150 km, as otherwise
the automatic transmission may be
damaged.<
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Gearshift lever in idle position
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Selector lever in N.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with a tow
bar or rope on public roads is not per-
mitted.
Familiarize yourself with all regulations
on towing in the respective country.
With tow bar:
The towing vehicle may not be
lighter than the vehicle to be
towed, as otherwise handling will be
uncontrollable.<
The tow fitting of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If an angled posi-
tion of the bar cannot be avoided,
observe the following:
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Tow-starting and towing
> The freedom of movement is
restricted during cornering
> The angled position of the tow bar
creates lateral forces.
Only secure the tow bar on the
tow fittings. Otherwise, damage
could result on other vehicle compo-
nent.<
With tow-rope:
When starting off in the towing vehicle,
make sure that the tow-rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or nylon straps
for towing, and avoid all too sud-
den jerking movements. Only secure
tow-ropes on the tow fitting. Otherwise,
damage could result on other vehicle
component.<
With tow truck:
Do not tow the X5 with the front
or rear axle raised individually, as
otherwise the wheels may block and
the transfer case may be damaged.<
The X5 may only be transported on a
truck bed.
530de403
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an
automatic transmission.
For information on jump starting, refer
to page 171.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic
converter with the engine cold. It is bet-
ter to jump start the engine, refer to
page 171.
1. Switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers and observe local regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Tow-start with the clutch pedal com-
pletely depressed and slowly release
the clutch pedal. After the engine
starts, immediately depress the
clutch pedal again completely
5. Stop at a suitable location, remove
the tow bar or rope and switch off the
hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Do not activate the HDC Hill
Descent Control during tow-
starting, refer to page 97.<
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Index
Technical data
Data
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An engine performance test is authorized only on an appropriate chassis dynamometer.
X5 3.0i X5 4.4i X5 4.8is
Displacement
Number of cylinders
cu in/cm
3
181.8/2,979
6
268.4/4,398
8
292.9/4,799
8
Maximum output
at engine speed
hp
rpm
225
5,900
315
5,400
355
6,200
Maximum torque
at engine speed
Ib-ft/Nm
rpm
214/290
3,500
324/440
3,600
369/500
3,500
Engine specifications
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Dimensions
530de210
530de368
All dimensions are given in inches/mm. Height: with level control system: 67.2/1,707; without level control
system: 67.5/1,715. Height with roof-mounted luggage rack: with level control system: 68.5/1,740; without level
control system: 68.9/1,750. Track width: X5 3.0i: 62.0/1,576; X5 4.8is: front 61.7/1,566, rear 62.8/1,596.
Min. turning circle dia.: 39.7 ft/12.1 meters.
73.7/1,872
85.8/2,180
61.4/1,560
61.4/1,560
111.0/2,820
183.7/4,667
67.2/1,707
81.7/2,076
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Weights
X5 3.0i X5 4.4i X5 4.8is
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
Ibs./kg
Ibs./kg
4,652/2,110
4,696/2,130
–
4,927/2,235
–
5,016/2275
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
Ibs./kg
Ibs./kg
6,008/2,725
6,008/2,725
–
6,008/2,725
–
6,008/2,725
Load
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
Ibs./kg
Ibs./kg
1,356/615
1,312/595
–
1,080/490
–
992/450
Approved front axle load Ibs./kg 2,712/1,230 2,789/1,265 2,789/1,265
Approved rear axle load Ibs./kg 3,307/1,500 3,307/1,500 3,307/1,500
Approved roof load capacity Ibs./kg 220/100
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 16.4 – 54.4/465 – 1,540, according to DIN
69.04/1,955, according to SAE
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
of that reserve
X5 3.0i
X5 4.4i, 4.8is
gal./liters
gal./liters
gal./liters
approx. 24.6/approx. 93
approx. 2.0/approx. 8
approx. 2.5/approx. 10
Fuel specification: page 26
Windshield washer system
with headlamp washer system
quarts/liters approx. 8.2/approx. 7.8 For details: page 150
Engine with oil filter change
X5 3.0i
X5 4.4i, 4.8is
quarts/liters
quarts/liters
8.0/7.5
8.5/8.0
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
For details: page 151
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Index
Technical data
Index
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
Everything from A to Z
A
Ability to climb, refer to
Driving on poor roads 138
ABS Antilock Brake
System 94
warning lamp 20
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 9
Accident, refer to
Emergency call 170
Roadside Assistance 170
Activated-charcoal filter 115
Adaptive Head Light 104
Adjusting cooling capacity of
rear climate control 115
Adjusting seats 44
electric 46
electric comfort seat 46
mechanical 45
mechanical sports seat 45
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 108
Air conditioner 107
Air conditioning
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 113
Air distribution
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 112
individual 112
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation 109, 114
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 141
Air recirculation, refer to
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 113
Air supply
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 112
rear climate control 114
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation 107, 110
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning 108, 113
Airbags 57
sitting safely 43
warning lamp 21
Airing, refer to
Ventilation 109, 114
Alarm system 38
avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
All-season tires, refer to
Special features of winter
tires 146
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antifreeze
coolant 152
washer fluid 150
Antilock Brake System
ABS 94
warning lamp 20
Anti-theft alarm system 30
refer to Alarm system 38
Anti-trapping mechanism
panorama glass
sunroof 42
power windows 40
Armrest, refer to Storage
compartments 120
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Artificial wood trim, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 122
rear 122
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control 113
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
and air flow 112
Automatic
air distribution 112
air supply 112
cruise control 74
headlamp control 103
steering wheel
adjustment 53
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 110
Automatic cruise control 74
Automatic curb monitor 51
Automatic headlamp
control 103
Automatic rear window
washer 73
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 113
Automatic Soft Close
function, liftgate 36
Automatic speed reduction
for descents, refer to HDC
Hill Descent Control 97
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 67
interlock 64
selector lever interlock 68
shiftlock 68
towing 173
tow-starting 173
warning lamp 20, 21
Average fuel
consumption 83, 90
Average speed 83, 91
Avoiding alarms 39
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 180
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Everything from A to Z
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
B
Backrests, refer to Adjusting
seats 45, 46
Backup lamps 67
replacing bulbs 161
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 24
Bar, towing 173
Battery 168
disposal 168
indicator lamp 19
jump starting 171
power failure 169
remote control 30
Belts, refer to Safety belts 49
Beverage holder, refer to
Cup holders 121
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning 76
Blower
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 112
refer to Air
supply 108, 112
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil 151
BMW Maintenance
System 154
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders 121
Brake fluid 153
adding 153
level 153
replacing 153
warning lamp 19
Brake Force Display 101
Brake hydraulic system 140
warning lamp 19, 20
Brake lamps, replacing
bulbs 161
Brake pads 140
breaking-in 136
warning lamp 19, 21
Brake rotors
brake system 140
breaking-in 136
Brake system
brake fluid 153
brake fluid level 140, 153
brake pads 140
breaking-in 136
disc brakes 140
warning lamp 19
Brake wear warning
brake pads 140
indicator lamp 19, 21
Brakes 140
ABS 94
brake fluid 153
brake pads 140
breaking-in 136
handbrake 66
indicator/warning
lamp 19, 20
Breakdown assistance, refer
to Roadside
Assistance 170
Breakdown, Flat Tire
Monitor 101
Breaking-in 136
Buttons on steering
wheel 23
C
California Proposition
65 Warning 9
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders 121
Capacities 181
cargo area 180
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 30
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Car telephone
preparation 119
Car telephone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting, refer to
Power socket 122
Car wash, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care of paintwork, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo area 126
capacity 180
cover, refer to Roll-up
cover 126
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually 35, 36
floor cover 129
increasing capacity 126
lamps 106
lid, refer to Liftgate/
tailgate 35, 36
opening, remote
control 31
Cargo floor, pull-out 130
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Everything from A to Z
Cargo loading 131
Cargo-area partition net 127
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 137
CD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
CD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Center armrest, refer to
Storage
compartments 120
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulbs 162
Central locking system 30
interior 34
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety 9
Changing a wheel 163
Changing gears with
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 68
Changing tires 143
Charge-current indicator
lamp 19
Charging battery 168
CHECK button 80
Check Control 80
Checking oil level 150
Child's seat, refer to Child-
restraint systems 59
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH 62
Child-restraint systems 59
Child-safety locks 62
Chocks 164
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Chrome parts, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter 122, 123
Cigarette lighter socket, refer
to Power socket 122
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 108, 113
Cleaning rear window 73
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Climate control in the rear
passenger area 114
Clock 85
12 or 24-hour mode 85
hour signal 86
setting 85
setting time and date 85
setting, also refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Closing
from inside 34
from outside 31
Clothes hooks 121
Clutch 136
breaking-in 136
Cockpit 14
Code
activating 91
deactivating 92
establishing 91
Cold starting, refer to
Starting engine 65
Combination of wheels/
tires 146
Comfort seat 46
Comfort starting, refer to
Starting engine 65
Compact Disc operation,
refer to Owner's Manual
for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compartments, refer to
Storage
compartments 120
Compass interior rearview
mirror 55
Computer 82, 88
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Condensation, refer to
Air conditioning 108, 113
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Power sockets 129
Consumption display, refer
to Energy control 77
Consumption indicator, refer
to Fuel gage 78
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption 83
Fuel consumption 90
Contents 4
Controls, refer to Cockpit 14
Convenience opening mode
panorama glass
sunroof 31
windows 31
Convenience operation
from outside 33
panorama glass
sunroof 33
windows 33
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Everything from A to Z
187n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant 152
level 152
temperature gage 79
warning lamp 79
Coolant temperature
gage 79
Cooling, maximum 113
Cooling, refer to
Air conditioning 108, 113
Temperature 108, 112
Copyright 4
Cornering light, refer to
Adaptive Head Light 104
Correct tires
wheel/tire
replacement 146
winter tires 146
Courtesy lighting 106
Cruise control 74
buttons on steering
wheel 23
indicator lamp 22
Cruising range 83, 90
Cup holders 121
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 180
Current consumption, refer
to Energy control 77
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 178
D
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 105
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 14
Data, technical 178
dimensions 179
engine 178
filling capacities 181
weights 180
Date
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
calling up 85
changing 85
Daytime driving lamps 103
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 94
indicator lamp 21
Deactivating the alarm in an
emergency 92
Defective lamp 159
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting
windows 109, 112
Defrosting
windows 109, 112
air conditioner 109
automatic climate
control 112
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
air conditioner 109
automatic climate
control 112
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting
windows 109, 112
Digital clock 85
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Dimensions 179
Dipstick, engine oil 150
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signals 70
Disc brakes 140
Displacement, refer to
Engine specifications 178
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 105
Display, refer to Instrument
cluster 15, 17, 18
Disposal, vehicle battery 168
Distance to destination 89
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control 93
Divided rear seat backrest,
refer to Folding rear seat
back 126
Door keys 30
Door lock 33
DOT Quality Grades 143
Draft-free
ventilation 109, 114
Driving lamps, refer to
Parking lamps/low
beams 103
Driving notes
breaking-in 136
driving hints 137, 138
Driving on poor roads 138
Driving stability control 95
Driving your X5 138
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning 108, 113
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 95
warning lamp 22
DVD changer, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC 94
indicator lamp 21
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 95
warning lamp 22
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Everything from A to Z
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution 94
Electric steering wheel
adjustment 52
Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 69
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass
sunroof 42
tailgate 36
Electronic brake-force distri-
bution EBV 94
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control 95
Emergency call 170
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass
sunroof 42
tailgate 36
Emergency Service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 170
Energy control 77
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy control 77
Engine
breaking-in 136
data 178
electronic circuitry 22
speed 77
switching off 65
Engine compartment 149
Engine coolant 152
Engine oil 150
additives, refer to
Specified engine oils 151
filling capacity 181
indicator/warning lamp 19
specified engine oils 151
Engine oil level 150
indicator/warning lamp 21
Engine oil pressure,
indicator/warning lamp 19
Engine oil thermometer 78
Engine output, refer to
Engine specifications 178
Engine specifications 178
Engine speed, refer to
Engine specifications 178
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control 77
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control 95
Event Data Recorders 155
Exhaust system 137
Extended immobilizer
function 91
Exterior mirrors 54
automatic dimming
feature 138
folding in and out 54
External air, automatic
climate control 113
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 80
Failure of a current
consumer 169
False alarms, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Fasten safety belts
refer to Safety belts 49
warning lamp 21, 49
Fault displays, refer to Check
Control 80
Fill pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 141
Filter, refer to
Microfilter 109
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 115
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 24
First-aid kit 24
Flashlight 120
Flat tire 163
Flat Tire Monitor 101
refer to Tire inflation
pressure 141
refer to Wheel
changes 163
spare wheel 165
Flat Tire Monitor 101
initializing 102
warning lamp 102
Flooding, refer to Driving
through water 138
Floor mats, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Fluid level, indicator lamp 21
Fog lamps, indicator lamp 22
Folding floor cover up 129
Folding rear backrest 126
Folding rear seat back 126
Footbrake, refer to General
driving notes 137
Footwell lamps 106
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189n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
For information on breaking
in the differential, refer to
Engine and differential 136
Front airbags 57
Front fog lamps 105
replacing bulbs 161
Fuel
average
consumption 83, 90
display 78
quality 26
volume, refer to
Capacities 181
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gage 78
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gage 78
Fuel filler door 24
manual operation 24
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities 181
Fuel-saving driving, refer to
Energy control 77
Fuses 169
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal
remote control 117
Gasoline display, refer to
Fuel gage 78
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality 26
Gear display 67
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission 66
General driving notes 137
Glove compartment 120
Grills, refer to
Ventilation 109, 114
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 180
Ground clearance 139
H
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable
flashlight 120
Handbrake 66
indicator lamp 19, 21
Hands-free microphone,
refer to Portable
phone 119
Hands-free system 119
Hazard warning flashers 14
HDC Hill Descent Control 97
Head airbags 57
Head restraints 47
Headlamp control,
automatic 103
Headlamp cover, care, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Headlamp flasher 70
indicator lamp 22
Headlamp washer
reservoir 150
volume, refer to Filling
capacities 181
Headlamp washing system
headlamp washing 72
washer fluid 150
Headlamps
care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
replacing bulbs 159
Heated mirrors 54
Heated rear window
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 113
Heated seats 52
Heated steering wheel 53
Heating
exterior mirror 54
rear window 108, 113
seats 52
steering wheel 53
Heating and
ventilation 107, 110
Heating while stationary 113
Heavy cargo, refer to
Loading 132
Heavy-duty cargo straps,
refer to Cargo loading 132
Height adjustment
seats 45, 46
steering wheel 52
Height, refer to
Dimensions 179
High beams 104
headlamp flasher 70
indicator lamp 22
replacing bulbs 160
High temperatures 137
Hill Descent Control HDC 97
Hills 138, 140
Holder for cups 121
Hood 148
Horn 14
Hot exhaust system 137
Hotel function 30
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 94
Hydraulic system, brakes 19
Hydroplaning 137, 145
I
Ice warning 76
Identification, tire 143
Ignition 64
Ignition key 30
Ignition lock 64
Immobilizer function 91
Imprint 4
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
Everything from A to Z
Independent ventilation 116
activating/deactivating
switch-on times 87
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
entering switch-on
times 87
switching on and off
directly 87
Indicating
elements 15, 17, 18
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 105
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 59
alarm system 38
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 69
brakes 153
coolant temperature 79
DSC 95
engine temperature 79
fasten safety belts 49
Flat Tire Monitor 102
front fog lamps 105
reserve 78
self-leveling
suspension 98
Indicator/warning lamps,
overview 19
Individual air distribution 112
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 63
Inflation pressure
monitoring, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor 101
Inflation pressure, tires 141
INSPECTION 79
Instrument cluster 15, 17, 18
Instrument lighting 105
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 14
Integrated universal remote
control 117
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostics 155
Interior lamps 105
remote control 31
Interior mirror, automatic
dimming feature 138
Interior motion sensor 39
switching off 31, 39
Interior rearview mirror 55
compass 55
Interlock, refer to Locking
steering 64
Intermittent operation of
wipers 71, 73
J
Jacking points 167
Jump starting 171
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting 171
K
Key Memory 63
Keys 30
Kick-down 68
L
Lamps and bulbs 159
Lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 103
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing load 132
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system 62
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 163
Length, refer to
Dimensions 179
License plate lamp
replacing bulbs 162
Liftgate 35
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually 35
opening, remote
control 31
remote control 31
Liftgate/tailgate
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually 35, 36
opening from inside 35
opening from outside 35
unlocking manually 35, 36
Light switch 103
Light-alloy wheels, care,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs 163
Lighter 122, 123
Lighting of instruments 105
Lights on warning 103
Limit 88
Limit speed, refer to Speed
limit 88
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 131
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking 34
Locking
from inside 34
from outside 31
Locking and unlocking doors
from inside 34
from outside 31
Locking, vehicle
from inside 34
from outside 31
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
Everything from A to Z
191n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Low beams 103
automatic 103
replacing bulbs 159
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support 46
Low-fuel indicator lamp,
refer to Fuel gage 78
Lug bolts 167
torque 168
Luggage compartment
capacity 180
cover, refer to Roll-up
cover 126
lamps, refer to Cargo area
lamps 106
opening from inside 35
opening from outside 35
opening, with remote
control 31
opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate 35
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate 36
refer to Cargo area 126
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to
Liftgate 35
Tailgate 36
Luggage compartment
net 37
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 133
Luggage straps 37
Lumbar support 46
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 146
Maintenance system 154
Maintenance, refer to
Service Interval Display 79
Malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 69
door lock 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass
sunroof 42
tailgate 36
Manual operation
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass
sunroof 42
tailgate 36
Manual transmission 66
Master key 30
with remote control 30
Maximum cooling 113
Maximum roof weight 180
Maximum speed with winter
tires 146
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions 179
Mechanical key, refer to
Door and ignition key 30
Mechanical seats 45
Memo 86
Memory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory 50
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 63
Microfilter
air conditioner 109
automatic climate
control 115
Microphone for telephone,
refer to Telephone 119
MID Multi-Information
Display 84
Mirror dimming feature 138
Mirrors 54
automatic curb monitor 51
mirror heating 54
mirror memory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory 50
Mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Mobile Service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 170
Multifunction steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on
steering wheel 23
Multifunction switch
turn signals/headlamp
flasher 70
washer/wiper system 71
Multi-Information Display
MID 84
N
Navigation system, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer/Radio
and Navigation System
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 47
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 109, 114
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing 174
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
Everything from A to Z
O
OBD interface socket 155
Odometer 76
Oil
additives, refer to
Specified engine oils 151
consumption 150
dipstick 150
filling capacity 181
specified engine oil
grades 151
Oil change interval, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, US
models or Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet,
Canadian models
Oil consumption 150
Oil level 150
Oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp 19
Oil temperature 78
OILSERVICE 79
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 168
Onboard computer, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Onboard tool kit 158
Opening and closing
from inside 34
from outside 31
using door lock 33
using remote control 31
Output, refer to Engine
specifications 178
Outside air, automatic
climate control 108
Outside temperature
display 76
changing unit of
measure 76, 83
in computer 83
P
Package shelf, refer to Roll-
up cover 126
Panorama glass sunroof 41
automatic opening and
closing 41
closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction 42
comfort operation 33
comfort position 41
initializing 42
power failure 42
remote control 31
Park Distance Control
PDC 93
Parking aid, refer to PDC
Park Distance Control 93
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake 66
Parking lamps 103
replacing bulbs 160
Parking lamps/low
beams 103
Parking, vehicle 65
Parts and accessories, refer
to For your own safety 9
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function 51
Pathway lighting 103
PDC Park Distance
Control 93
Permissible axle load, refer
to Weights 180
Permissible gross weight,
refer to Weights 180
Plastic care, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Plastic, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter 109
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 115
Portable phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Power electric seat 46
Power failure 169
Power rear backrests 48
Power socket 122
Power windows 39
safety switch 40
Pressure monitoring, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 101
Pressure, tires 141
Programming settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 63
Protective function,
panorama glass
sunroof 42
Pull-out cargo floor 130
R
Radio navigation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Radio-control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control 30
Rain sensor 71
Reading lamps
front 106
rear 106
Real wood, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
Everything from A to Z
193n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Rear backrests, power 48
Rear climate control 114
air supply 114
temperature 115
Rear lamps
refer to Tail lamps 161
replacing bulbs 161
Rear seat back, folding 126
Rear seat backrest,
electric 48
Rear seats, heating 52
Rear window blind, refer to
Roller sun blinds 115
Rear window defroster
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 113
Rear window safety
switch 40
Rear window wiper 73
replacing bulbs 158
Rear-seat backrest, folding
down 126
Rearview mirror 54
Recirculated-air mode
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 113
Refueling 24
fuel filler door 24
Remaining distance for
service, refer to Service
Interval Display 79
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range 83, 90
Remote control 31
garage door opener, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control 117
liftgate 31
malfunction 32
Removal aid for spare
wheel 165
Removing condensation,
windows
air conditioner 109
automatic climate
control 112
Replacement fuses 169
Replacement keys 30
Replacement of tires, wheel
changes 163
Replacement tire 165
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 159
Replacing tires, tire
replacement 143
Reporting safety defects 11
Residual heat 113
Restraint systems for
children 59
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts 49
Reverse gear
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 68
manual transmission 67
Roadside Assistance 170
Roadside parking lamps 104
replacing bulbs 160
Roller sun blinds 115
Roll-up cover 126
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 133
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing 174
Rotating coin holder, refer to
Storage
compartments 120
S
Safe braking 140
Safety belt height
adjustment 49
Safety belt tensioners, refer
to Safety belts 50
Safety belts 49
adjusting belt height 49
care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
sitting safely 43
warning lamp 21, 49
Safety Defects 11
Safety feature, power
windows 40
Safety systems, refer to
Airbags 57
Antilock Brake System 94
Brake system 140
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 95
xDrive 97
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 158
Seat heating 52
Seat memory, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel
memory 50
Seats 44
adjusting comfort seat 46
adjusting electrically 46
adjusting sports seat 45
heating 52
memory, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel
memory 50
sitting safely 43
storing adjustment 50
Securing cargo, refer to
Cargo loading 131
Securing load 132
Selector lever interlock, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions 68
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
Everything from A to Z
Selector lever positions,
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 67
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 68
Self-leveling suspension 98
2-axle self-leveling
suspension 99
inactive 98
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US
models 154
Service Interval
Display 79, 154
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance 170
Setting interior
temperature 108, 112
Setting time, refer to Prese-
lecting switch-on times 87
Shifting
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 68
manual transmission 66
Shiftlock 68
Shoulder support 47
Side airbags 57
Side Impact Head Protection
System 57
Side tilt, permissible 138
Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs 160
Side window blinds, refer to
Rear window blind 115
Signaling briefly 70
Sitting safely 43
with airbags 43
with safety belts 43
Ski bag 124
Snow chains 147
Sockets 129
Soft closure aid for liftgate,
refer to Automatic Soft
Close function 36
Spare fuses 169
Spare key 30
Spare wheel 165
removal aid 165
Special wash program 72
Specified engine oils 151
Speed
with spare wheel 168
with winter tires 146
Speed limit 88
Speedometer, refer to
Instrument
cluster 15, 17, 18
Sport Program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 69
Sports seat 45
Stability control, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 95
xDrive 97
Starting engine 64
Starting problems
at very low
temperatures 65
jump starting 171
Status of this Owner's
Manual at time of
printing 9
Steering lock 64
Steering wheel
adjustment 52
adjustment, automatic 53
lock 64
Steering wheel heater 53
Steering wheel memory 50
Steering wheel with multi-
function buttons 23
Steptronic, refer to Manual
mode 69
Stopwatch 86
Storage compartments 120
in the cargo area 128
Storage space, refer to
Cargo area 126
Storing desired speed, refer
to Cruise control. 74
Storing sitting position, refer
to Seat, mirror and
steering wheel memory 50
Storing the seat
adjustment 50
Storing tires 147
Supply reservoir
washing systems 150
Switches, refer to Cockpit 14
Switching air conditioner
mode on and off
manually 108, 113
Switching off engine 65
Switching on hour signal 86
Switch-on times input 87
Symbols 8
Synthetic oil 151
T
Tachometer 77
Tail lamps, replacing
bulbs 161
Tailgate 36
unlocking manually 36
Taking time, refer to
Stopwatch 86
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity 181
Technical data 178
Technical modifications 9
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
Everything from A to Z
195n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Telephone 119
Telephone provisions, refer
to Hands-free telephone
operation 119
Telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Temperature
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 112
Temperature display
ice warning 76
interior temperature 112
outside
temperature 76, 83
setting the units 76, 83
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control. 74
Thigh support adjustment 45
Third brake lamp
refer to Center brake
lamp 162
replacing bulbs 162
Three-point seat belt, refer to
Safety belts 49
Tightening torque of lug
bolts 168
Tilt alarm sensor
remote control 31
switching off 39
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror 51
Time of arrival 90
Timer, refer to Stopwatch 86
Tire Identification
Number 143
Tire inflation pressure,
producing 141
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 101
Tire Quality Grading 143
Tires
age 143
breaking-in 136
changing 146, 163
condition 144
damage 144
DOT Quality Grades 143
flat 163
inflation pressure 141
size 143
storage 147
traction 144
tread 145
tread wear 143
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 143
wear indicators, refer to
Tire tread 145
winter tires 146
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit 158
Torque
engine 178
lug bolts 168
Tow bar 173
Tow fitting 172
Tow sockets for tow
fitting 173
Towing the vehicle 172, 173
with automatic
transmission 173
Tow-rope 174
Tow-starting 172
Track width, refer to
Dimensions 179
Traction 144
Traction aid, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control 95
Traction control, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 95
Transmission
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 67
manual transmission 66
Transmission fault, refer to
Malfunction 69
Transmission lockout, refer
to P Park 68
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing
cargo 132
Transporting children
safely 59
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 145
Tread wear 143
Trip odometer 76
Trip-distance counter, refer
to Trip odometer 76
Trunk
opening from the inside 35
opening from the
outside 35
opening, with remote
control 31
Trunk lamps, refer to Cargo
area lamps 106
Trunk lid, refer to
Liftgate 35
Tailgate 36
Turn signals 70
indicator lamp 22
replacing bulbs 160, 161
Turn signals, side
replacing bulbs 160
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 179
TV function, refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
Everything from A to Z
TV set, refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Two-axle self-leveling
suspension
display 99
lowering 100
raising 100
U
Underbody protection, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 143
Units,
temperature 76, 83, 112
Universal garage door
control, refer to Integrated
universal remote
control 117
Universal portable phone
preparation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control 117
Unlocking
from inside 34
from outside 31
hood 148
Use antifreeze 150, 152
V
Vacuum cleaner,
connecting, refer to
Power socket 122
Power sockets 129
Valve
inserts 168
screw caps 168
Vehicle
battery 168
breaking-in 136
care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
cargo loading 131
measurements, refer to
Dimensions 179
parking 65
storage, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
weight 180
Vehicle jack 165
jacking points 167
Vehicle Memory 63
Ventilation 109, 114
Ventilation in the rear 109
Ventilation while parked 116
Viscosity 152
Voice command system 23
Voice control, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 19
Warning triangle 24
Warnings, refer to Check
Control 80
Warranty 10
refer also to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models 154
Washer fluid 150
Washer fluid reservoir,
content 181
Washer jets, refer to
Windshield washer
nozzles 72
Washer reservoir, refer to
Windshield and Headlamp
washing system 150
Waste container, refer to
Ashtray 122
Water on roads, flooding 138
Wear indicators in the tires,
refer to Tire tread 145
Weights 180
Wheel bolts, wrench 164
Wheel/tire combinations 146
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions 179
Width, refer to
Dimensions 179
Windows 39
convenience operation 33
safety switch 40
Windshield cleaner reservoir
volume, refer to Filling
capacities 181
Windshield washer fluid
reservoir 150
Windshield washer
nozzles 72
Windshield washer system,
washer/wiper system 71
Windshield washer, washer
fluid 150
Windshield washing 72
reservoir 150
Windshield wiper blades
care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
replacement 158
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper/washer system 71
Winter tires 146
changing 146
condition 144
storage 147
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 158 701 - © 10/04 BMW AG
So that you will have important specifi-
cations available when you stop to
refuel, we recommend that you supple-
ment this table with data which apply to
your vehicle.
Consult the index for individual specifi-
cations.
Fuel
Please enter your preferred fuel here.
Engine oil
The oil volume between the two marks
on the oil dipstick corresponds to
approx. 1.1 US quarts/1 liter.
Designation
Quality
Tire inflation pressures
Summer tires Winter tires
Front Rear Front Rear
4 persons
5 persons or 4 plus luggage
Refueling
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