
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
91n
Automatic climate control 1 Air flow directed toward the wind-
shield and side windows
2 Air flow for the upper body
The side rotary dials provide infi-
nitely-variable regulation of the air
supply, while the levers change the
airflow direction. The center rotary
dial controls the temperature of the
air as it flows out. Refer to page 94
3 Front footwell ventilation
4 Rear footwell ventilation
5 Air flow for the upper body in the
rear seat94
6 Automatic air distribution92
7 Individual air distribution92
8 Temperature control Ð
left-hand side92
9 Display for temperature and air
supply9310 Temperature control Ð
right-hand side92
11 To defrost windshield and side
windows93
12 Air conditioner93
13 Automatic recirculated air control
(AUC)93
14 Rear window defroster71, 94
15 Air supply93
16 Residual heat mode94
17 Air grille for interior temperature
sensor Ð please keep clear and un-
obstructed

92n
Automatic climate control Tips for pleasant driving Use the automatic system (that is press
AUTO button 6). Select an interior tem-
perature that is comfortable for you Ñ
we recommend 72 7 (22 6). When
the outside temperature is above 41 7
(5 6), you can also use the air condi-
tioner 12. This will dry the air as well as
preventing condensation on the win-
dow surfaces Ñ if there are passengers
with damp clothing, for example. Set
the air outlets 2 so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at
you. Set the rotary dial between the
outlets 2 for the upper body to a central
position so that cooler air will help to
prevent fatigue during the journey.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Your vehicle is set in such a man-
ner that, when you unlock the ve-
hicle via remote control with your per-
sonalized key, your own setting for the
automatic climate control is initiated.<
Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program as-
sumes the adjustment of
the air distribution and the air supply for
you and also adapts the temperature to
external influences (summer, winter) to
meet preferences you can specify. This
program maintains a comfortable in-car
climate regardless of the season. Select
an interior temperature that is comfort-
able for you Ñ we recommend 72 7
(22 6).
The selected temperature and AUTO
for the air flow appear in the display 9.
Refer to the overview on page 90. Open
the ventilation outlets for the upper
body. Switch on the air conditioner 12
in warm weather. The maximum cooling
capacity is achieved when you set ro-
tary dial 3 (refer to page 94) to cold.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting spe-
cific air distribution patterns
for your personal comfort.
You can direct air to flow
onto the windows , toward the upper
body , and into the footwell .
Temperature
You can make individual
temperature adjustments on
the driver's side or the front
passenger side. Your settings will be
shown in the display 9. The displayed
temperatures are reference values for
the interior temperature. We recom-
mend 72 7 (22 6) as a comfortable
setting, whether the air conditioner is
operating or not. 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.
Set the rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free
ventilation" on page 94) to a medium
position to provide somewhat cooler
air. This helps to promote driving with-
out fatigue. Utilize this method of mix-
ing air especially for making minor
adjustments for personal comfort.
You can set uncontrolled heater
output up to 90 7 (32 6). Full
cooling output is available from the air
conditioner down to 60 7 (16 6).<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
93n
Automatic climate control Air supply
In the "AUTO" program,
the air flow is controlled
automatically. AUTO will appear in the
display 9 (refer to the overview on
page 90). Use "+" and "-" to vary the air
flow. When your setting is displayed by
bars, the automatic air flow is switched
off. Automatic air distribution maintains
its setting. You can reactivate the auto-
matic air supply by pressing the
"AUTO" button.
When you press "Ð " during operation at
minimum blower speed all displays are
canceled: the blower, heating and air
conditioner are switched off. The out-
side air supply is closed. You can
switch the system back on by pressing
any button of the automatic climate
control (except the REST button 16).
To defrost the windshield and
door windows
This program quickly re-
moves ice and condensa-
tion from the windshield and the side
windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and de-
humidified and Ñ depend-
ing on the temperature setting Ñ
warmed again when the air conditioner
system is switched on. Depending on
the weather, the windshield may fog
over briefly when the engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures be-
low approx. 41 7(5 6). This will help
to prevent the windows from fogging
up.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Automatic recirculated air
control (AUC)
If there are unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the
outside air, you can temporarily block
the air flow from the outside. The sys-
tem then recirculates the air currently
within the vehicle.
Press the button repeatedly to run
through the following control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside air flow
operational.
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system recognizes pollut-
ants in the outside air and blocks the
flow of air when necessary. The sys-
tem 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
flow of external air into the vehicle is
completely blocked. The system then
recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
If you have a multifunction steering
wheel with the button for recirculated
air (refer to page 26), you can also use
this button to switch between "Off" and
the recirculated air mode or AUC and
the recirculated air mode.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
115n
Car care Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures116
Driving your BMW X5117
General driving notes118
Catalytic converter118
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)119
Disc brakes122
Brake system123
Winter operation123
Power steering125
Level control system125
Cellular phone126
Radio reception126
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure127
Tire condition127
Tire replacement128
Tire rotation129
Wheel and tire
combinations130
Winter tires131
Snow chains131
Approved wheel and tire
specifications132Under the hood:
Hood133
Engine compartment134
Washer fluid136
Washer nozzles136
Engine oil137
Coolant140
Brake fluid141
Vehicle Identification No.141
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System142
Caring for your vehicle143
Airbags148
Vehicle storage148
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications149
OBD interface socket150

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
117n
Driving your BMW X5 Your BMW is right at home on all roads
and byways Ð even where the pavement
ends. It combines permanent four-
wheel drive with the agility of a typical
passenger car. On bad roads When you are driving on bad roads,
there are a few points which you should
strictly heed Ñ for your own safety, for
that of your passengers, and for the
safekeeping of the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle
before you begin driving. Do not take
risks with the vehicle under any cir-
cumstances.
>Always adapt vehicle speed to road
conditions Ð the steeper and more
uneven the road surface is, the
slower the vehicle's speed should be.
>You can operate your vehicle on up-
hill and downhill gradients with a
maximum slope of 50 %. If you intend
to drive on either an uphill or downhill
gradient of this steepness, check to
be sure in advance that the engine oil
and coolant levels are both near the
"max" mark. Refer to page 137
and 140.
When driving down steep slopes, use
the Hill Descent Control (HDC). Refer
to page 84. Starting from a full stop is possible on
uphill gradients of up to 32 %.
The permitted side tilt is also 50 %.
>While driving, watch carefully for ob-
stacles such as rocks or holes. Try to
avoid these obstacles whenever pos-
sible.
>On hill crests and bumpy roads, for
example, be careful to prevent the
body from "bottoming" (contact be-
tween the body and the ground).
The ground clearance of the vehicle
is:
Ð 8 inches (200 mm) with up to four
passengers
Ð 7 inches (180 mm) fully loaded.
>Do not drive in water that is deeper
than 20 inches (50 cm). If you must
drive through water up to that depth,
drive at a walking speed and do not
stop.
After leaving the water, press on the
footbrake gently several times while
driving at a low speed. The brake ap-
plications will help to dry the brakes,
thus preventing a reduction in brak-
ing performance caused by the mois-
ture.
Back onto the 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 accumulations of dirt from the
body and check the undercarriage for
damage.
>Clean mud, snow, ice and other ma-
terials from the wheels and tires.
Check the tires 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 en-
dangered by this.
>For cleaning the parking brake, 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.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
119n
Catalytic converter Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Be sure to comply with the in-
structions above to prevent un-
burned fuel from reaching the catalytic
converter. Otherwise, the catalytic con-
verter could respond by overheating,
leading to serious damage.
Extreme temperatures occur at the cat-
alytic converter on this and every cata-
lyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields are
installed adjacent to some sections of
the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply undercoat-
ing to their surfaces. When driving,
standing at idle, and parking the vehi-
cle, take care to avoid contact between
the exhaust system and flammable ma-
terials (grass, hay, leaves, etc.). Such
contact could lead to a fire, resulting in
serious personal injury and property
damage.<
The concept ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking un-
der braking. This is because: locked
wheels are dangerous. When the front
wheels slide, the driver loses steering
control over the vehicle. Traction loss at
the rear wheels can cause the rear end
to break into an uncontrolled skid.
With ABS, you will achieve the shortest-
possible braking distances under all
given conditions (braking while driving
straight ahead or in curves, different
road surfaces).
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability.
>To help retain steering and maneu-
vering capability on all types of road
surfaces (asphalt, cement, dirt, wet
surfaces, snow and ice).
Braking with ABS The system becomes operative once
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). The ABS is deactivated
whenever the vehicle's speed drops
back below approx. 4 mph
(6 km/h).
To shorten the braking distance Ñ espe-
cially on steep, poor road surfaces when
driving slowly straight ahead Ñ the sys-
tem allows one or both front wheels to
lock for a short time. Nevertheless, the
vehicle still retains steering response
since this "poor road logic" is deacti-
vated again automatically as you steer.
If you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full beneÞts
of the ABS system if you apply maxi-
mum brake pressure ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
The ABS system's closed-loop control
circuit cycles in fractions of a second.
A pulsation at the brake pedal, together
with the sounds associated with the
hydraulic controls, tells you that the
brake system is within its maximum
limit range and reminds you that you

120n
Antilock Brake System (ABS) should adapt road speed to the road
conditions.
On road surfaces that have a loose sur-
face layer on a firm base with good
traction (on gravel, deep sand or snow,
for example), braking distances may be
longer than with locked wheels.This is
also true if snow chains are mounted.
However, ABS continues to provide en-
hanced vehicle stability and steering re-
sponse under these conditions. Information for your safety Not even ABS can suspend the laws of
physics. ABS alone cannot prevent
accidents when the brakes are applied
without an adequate safety distance
between vehicles, if the vehicle is
driven with excessive speed, or if aqua-
planing occurs. Responsibility for these
types of situations remains in the hands
(and at the feet) of the driver. You
should never allow the added safety of
ABS to lull you into a false sense of
security, or mislead you into taking
increased risks that could affect your
own safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.<
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering de-
sign of the ABS. When braking during
cornering with high lateral accelera-
tion, or when braking during a lane
change, vehicle stability is further im-
proved and the steering response is
enhanced. Electronic Brake Force Distribu-
tion (EBV) EBV governs brake application pres-
sure at the rear wheels to achieve sta-
ble brake response.
If the EBV fails (refer to the next
page), avoid full or "panic" brake
applications. Full or panic brake appli-
cations can result in overbraking at the
rear axle, and braking stability is no
longer ensured.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this sys-
tem automatically produces the maxi-
mum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction,
the yellow warning lamp comes
on. Have the system checked
and repaired at your BMW cen-
ter as soon as possible.
Refer to the "Information for your
safety" covering the ABS system.
This information also applies in general
for DBC.<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
123n
Brake system Winter operation Brake fluid level
The warning lamp for the brake
hydraulic system comes on, or
the CHECK BRAKE FLUID mes-
sage appears in the Check Con-
trol
*.
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir (refer to page 141).
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in
one of the brake system's hydraulic
circuits.
Proceed to the nearest autho-
rized BMW center. Higher brake
application pressure may be necessary
under these conditions, and brake
pedal travel may be significantly longer.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<
The warning lamp also comes on when
the CHECK BRAKE LININGS message
appears in the Check Control.
Brake pads
The warning lamp for the brake
pads comes on, or the CHECK
BRAKE LININGS message ap-
pears in the Check Control
*:
The brake pads have reached their min-
imum pad thickness. Proceed to the
nearest authorized BMW center as
soon as possible to have the pads re-
placed.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has re-
leased for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-ap-
proved brake pads to determine if they
are suited for use, and therefore cannot
ensure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle if they are installed.<
The onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather. Ad-
aptations in driving style should be
accompanied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your
progress through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free. Coolant Be sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-
tion. This mixture provides protection
against freezing down to approx. -347
(-376). Replace the coolant every four
years. Locks BMW door lock deicer can be used to
free locks if they are frozen. This deicer
also contains lubricant.
After using the deicer, treatment with
BMW lock barrel grease is recom-
mended.