2000 BMW X5 4.4I Owners Manual

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129n
Tire replacement Tire rotation Tire age The date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 419 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in Week 41 of 1999.
BMW recommends the replacement of
all tires when the tires are no more than
6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years
is possible.
Spare tires over 6 years old should be
used only in case of emergency. Such a
tire should be replaced by a new tire
immediately, and should not be
mounted together with new tires.
Between the axles The tread wear patterns at the front end
differ from those at the rear Ñ the actual
patterns will vary according to individ-
ual driving conditions. In the interests of
safety and maintaining optimal handling
characteristics, tire rotation is not rec-
ommended.
When considering the potential eco-
nomic benefits of interaxle tire rotation,
you must decide whether the expense
of having the tires rotated is likely to be
amortized during the anticipated exten-
sion in tire life. In principle, interaxle tire
rotation should be performed at short
intervals, with a maximum of
3,000 miles (5,000 km). Consult your
authorized BMW center for more infor-
mation.
Should you decide to rotate the tires, it
is essential that you comply with the
following:
Rotate tires on the same side only,
since braking characteristics and road
grip could otherwise be adversely af-
fected.
Following tire rotation, correct the tire
inflation pressure. If different tire sizes are mounted
on the front and rear axles (refer to
page 132), the wheels may not be ro-
tated from one axle to the other.<

130n
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice Use only tires approved by BMW. Refer
to page 132.
Due to the high speeds this vehicle can
reach, the use of specific brands, spec-
ifications and sizes is mandatory. Con-
sult any BMW center for details.
Comply with all local/national regula-
tions.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such
as ABS, ATC and DSC. The function of
these systems is impaired if improper
wheel-tire combinations are used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern. If you
have mounted winter tires and must use
the spare wheel following a flat tire, for
example, remount the approved wheel-
tire combination as soon as possible.<
Codes on the tires and wheels The tire codes will aid you in selecting
the correct tire.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the ap-
proved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR= over 150 mph (240 km/h) Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Belt rating code for
radial tires
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
Speed rating
235/65 R 17 104 H
All-Season, All-Terrain and Winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes stamped on light-alloy wheels:
Protect valve stems from dirt by using
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the
valves frequently leads to slow leaks. Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Special Extended Hump
on the 2 rim shoulders
7.5 x 17 SEH 2
J

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131n
Winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tire BMW recommends special winter tires
(M+S radial tires) for driving in adverse
winter road conditions. While the All-
Season tires with M+S designation that
are mounted as standard equipment
provide better winter traction than sum-
mer tires, they generally do not achieve
the performance of winter tires.
For safe tracking and steering re-
sponse, install winter tires made by the
same manufacturer having the same
tread configuration on all four wheels.
Mount only winter tires approved by
BMW. Any BMW center will be glad to
provide you with information for select-
ing the best winter tires for your partic-
ular driving conditions.
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which winter tires are
rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressure Once winter tires wear to a tread depth
below 0.16 in (4 mm), their performance
under winter driving conditions deterio-
rates noticeably. Worn tires should
therefore be replaced for safety consid-
erations.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ñ and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires. Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place, away
from light whenever possible. Protect
the tires against contact with oil, grease
and fuel.
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains is approved only in pairs on the
rear wheels and only with tire size
235/65 R 17. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when mount-
ing the chains.

132n
Approved wheel and tire specifications Observe the specifications for tires and
wheels in the vehicle's manuals. If sizes
not approved by the manufacturer are
mounted, an entry in the vehicle's doc-
uments may be necessary. Snow chains
*
It is only possible to mount snow chains
on the rear wheels with tire size
235/65 R 17. Tire specifications Light-alloy wheels
BMW X5 4.4i
All-Season/All-Terrain
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S 7.5J x 17 SEH2
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S 8.5J x 18 EH2
Summer
255/55 R 18 105 V 8.5J x 18 EH2
Front: 255/50 R 19 103 V
Rear: 285/45 R 19 107 V9J x 19 EH2
10J x 19 EH2
Winter
235/65 R 17 104 Q/T/H M+S 7.5J x 17 SEH2
The use of rims and lug bolts that
do not meet the specifications of
the original factory-installed equipment
will affect the safe operation of your ve-
hicle and may cause an accident and
personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol.<

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133n
Hood To unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.
Do not work on your vehicle with-
out appropriate skills. Switch off
the engine and allow it to cool down
before working in the engine compart-
ment. Always disconnect the battery be-
fore working on any electrical systems
or equipment, especially when these
are located within the engine compart-
ment. Comply with all applicable in-
structions and warnings. Failure to work
in an informed, professional manner
when servicing components and mate-
rials constitutes a safety hazard for vehi-
cle occupants and other road users. If
you are not familiar with the guidelines,
please have the operations performed
by your authorized BMW center.< 530us093
To open Pull the release handle and open the
hood. 530us094
To close Allow the hood to fall from a height of
about 12 in (30 cm) so that it audibly
engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.< 530us095

134n
Engine compartment Ð BMW X5 4.4i
530us097

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135n
Engine compartment Ð BMW X5 4.4i 1 Reservoir for brake fluid
(under the microfilter
trim panel)141
2 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting170
3 Coolant expansion tank140
4 Engine oil dipstick137
5 Engine oil filler neck137
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system
*
136

136n
Washer fluid Washer nozzles Headlamp
* and windshield
washer system
Capacity in US quarts (liters).
Approx. 8.2 (7.8)
Fill with water and Ñ if required Ñ with a
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations).
It is more convenient to mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.< 530us098
Windshield washer Windshield:
The nozzles are directed so as to
ensure effective cleaning, even at high
speeds.
Rear window:
Have this system adjusted by your
BMW center as required. Headlamp washer
*
Have the nozzles adjusted by your
BMW center as required.