
68n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic engine speed is too high, for instance,
the downshift will not be executed. The
gear selected will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster followed by the
current gear.
If you are driving in the manual
mode and wish to accelerate rap-
idly Ð to pass another vehicle, for exam-
ple Ð shift down manually or with the
kickdown function.<
You can only change from M/S to se-
lector lever positions "P," "R" and "N"
via the "D" position.
In the following situations, the Step-
tronic "thinks" for you in the manual
mode:
>In order to prevent engine over-
speeding, the transmission shifts
automatically to the next higher gear
shortly before the RPM cutoff point.
>At low speeds, the transmission
shifts down automatically Ð you do
not have to act.
>In the "Kickdown" mode, the trans-
mission shifts down to the lowest
possible gear based on the engine
speed.
>Depending on the situation Ð when
driving in adverse winter conditions,
for example Ð you may also start out
in 2nd or 3rd gear.
Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on
or the message "TRANS.FAIL-
SAFE PROG" appears in the
Check Control
*, there is a fault in the
transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to "P." Set
the parking brake and turn the engine
off (ignition key to position 0).
Wait a few seconds, then start the en-
gine.
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.
If this should occur, avoid extreme en-
gine loads and consult the nearest au-
thorized BMW center.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment when a drive gear (for-
ward or reverse) is engaged. If you do
this, the vehicle could move.<
Information on jump-starting, tow-start-
ing and towing begins on page 170.

98n
The concept The BMW Universal Transmitter re-
places up to three hand-held transmit-
ters of different devices such as
garage-door openers, alarm systems,
or door locking systems. The BMW
Universal Transmitter 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 channel keys. Following
that, each of the devices can be actu-
ated with the appropriately-pro-
grammed channel key. The indicator
lamp flashes to confirm transmission of
the signal.
If the vehicle is sold, the memory of the
channel keys should be cleared as de-
scribed on page 100.
During programming and before
every remote actuation of a
programmed device by the BMW
Universal Transmitter, check to be sure
that there are no persons, animals or
objects within the actuation range of
the device in order to prevent possible
injuries or damage. 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. This
may not be long enough to program the
BMW Universal Transmitter. If you are
programming from one of these hand-
held transmitters, the Universal Trans-
mitter's light may begin to flash in a
series of double-blinks. If this occurs,
continue to hold the button of the Uni-
versal Transmitter while you reactivate
your hand-held transmitter. You may
have to repeat this function several
times while programming.<
Before programming, read the
"User information" section on
page 100.<
Original hand-held transmitter
If this symbol is present on the
packaging or in the instructions
of the original hand-held trans-
mitter, it may be assumed that this
hand-held transmitter is compatible
with the BMW Universal Transmitter.
Checking for the conversion code To determine whether the original
hand-held transmitter is provided with a
conversion-code system, you may ei-
ther read the instructions for the origi-
nal hand-held transmitter or program a
channel key as described on the next
page (left-hand column under "Pro-
gramming").
Then press and hold the programmed
channel key of the BMW Universal
Transmitter. If the indicator lamp of the
BMW Universal Transmitter flashes for
two seconds and then comes on
steadily, the original hand-held trans-
mitter is provided with a conversion-
code system. With a conversion-code
system, program the channel keys as
described on the next page (right-hand
column under "Programming a hand-
held transmitter with conversion code").
If you have additional questions,
please consult your BMW center
or call 1-800-355-3515.
You can also visit this website
www.bmwusa.com.<
BMW Universal Transmitter

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
175n
Airbags176
Adaptive Transmission Control
(ATC)176
Four-wheel drive177
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)177
Radio reception178
Safety belt tensioner178
DSP sound system179
Rearview mirrors with automatic
dimmer179
Rain sensor180
Integrated rear suspension180
Level control system181
Xenon lamps181
Technol-

176n
Deceleration sensors continuously
monitor the physical forces acting upon
the vehicle. If, as the result of a frontal
collision, vehicle deceleration is
reached at which the protection of the
safety belts alone is no longer ade-
quate, the gas generators of the driver-
side and passenger-side airbags are ig-
nited simultaneously. However, the
passenger-side airbag is only triggered
if an additional sensor has recognized
that the passenger seat is occupied.
In the event of a side collision, the head
protection and side airbags in the front
or rear
* are triggered if necessary.
390de319
The airbags located under the marked
covers inflate and unfold in a matter of
a few milliseconds. In this process, they
tear through the designed separation
points of the upholstered covers or
press them out.
Because the inflation process must be
virtually instantaneous, it is necessarily
accompanied by a certain amount of ig-
nition and inflation noise. The gas re-
quired to inflate the airbags is not dan-
gerous, and the associated smoke then
dissipates.
The entire process is completed within
fractions of a second. Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC)
uses a number of factors to calculate
the gear which provides the maximum
efficiency of the automatic transmis-
sion. In this process, the system moni-
tors your personal driving style, the
driving situation, the condition of the
road, and the traffic conditions.
ATC recognizes your personal driving
style from the positions and movements
of the accelerator pedal, deceleration
when braking, and lateral acceleration
through curves. Four different shift
characteristics Ð from comfort-oriented
to performance-oriented Ð are available
for selection by ATC.
530us130
Airbags ATC

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
177n
The transmission of power to the four
drive wheels is provided permanently
through a transfer box. The distribution
of torque between the front and rear
axles is 38% to 62%.
Traditional differential locks at the front
and rear axles and in the transfer box
are not required. Their function is taken
over by automatic braking intervention
at all four wheels. These traction inter-
ventions are governed by Automatic
Differential Brake (ADB), a sub-function
of DSC.
If a wheel tends to slip, it is braked
automatically by ADB until it once again
gains traction, and drive force can be
transmitted to that wheel. In addition,
the drive force is distributed to the
remaining wheels during this system
530us133
intervention. Engine output is also re-
duced if necessary.
When the DSC is deactivated, the ADB
traction intervention is set for the maxi-
mum drive force. However, the engine
intervention and the stability controls
are no longer available. For this reason,
DSC should only be deactivated in the
exceptional circumstances described
on page 83.
The BMW X5 is a vehicle for all types of
roads. The permanent four-wheel drive
provides a significant degree of vehicle
stability and tractive power under all
road conditions. It assists in critical sit-
uations such as driving in extreme win-
ter conditions or on bad roads. Precision sensors monitor the wheel
speeds, the steering angle, lateral
acceleration, brake pressure and the
movement of the vehicle around its
vertical axis.
If differences in wheel speeds occur,
the system recognizes the danger of
wheelspin and reduces the engine's
drive torque. If necessary, the system
also responds with additional braking
intervention at all four wheels.
In addition, DSC permanently monitors
the vehicle's current operating condi-
tion and compares it with an ideal con-
dition that is calculated from the sensor
signals. If discrepancies from this ideal
condition (understeering or oversteer-
ing, for example) occur, DSC stabilizes
the vehicle in fractions of a second by
reducing engine power output and with
the assistance of braking intervention at
individual wheels. Dangerous skids are
thus prevented from the very beginning.
You may need some time to become
accustomed to this system intervention.
However, it provides optimum drive
force and vehicle stability.
The braking intervention may be ac-
companied by certain sounds specific
to the system.
Four-wheel drive DSC

186n
Weights
BMW X5 4.4i
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs.(kg)
lbs.(kg)Ð
4,795 (2,175)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs.(kg)
lbs.(kg) 5,842 (2,650)
Approved front axle weight lbs.(kg) 2,712 (1,230)
Approved rear axle weight lbs.(kg) 3,219 (1,460)
Approved roof load capacity lbs.(kg) 220 (100)
Never exceed either the approved axle weights or the gross vehicle weight.
Cargo area capacity cu ft (l) 16.1 - 54.4 (455 - 1,540)

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
187n
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters) approx. 24.2 (approx. 92)
approx. 2.6 (approx. 10) Fuel specification: page 30
Windshield washer system
with headlamp washer system quarts (liters) approx. 8.2 (approx. 7.8) For details: page 136
Cooling system including
heater circuit quarts (liters) 12.7 (12.0) For details: page 140
Engine oil and filter change quarts (liters) 8.5 (8.0) "BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil".
For details: page 138
Automatic transmission, transfer box
and differential Ð Ð Lifetime fluid, no fluid
change required

Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)119
Accessories6
Activated-charcoal filter95
Adaptive Transmission
Control (ATC)176
Adding engine oil137
Adding washer fluid136
Adjusting seats48
Adjusting the steering
wheel51
Adjusting the
temperature92
Air conditioner93
Air distribution92
Air nozzles90
Air outlets90
Air pressure30, 127
Air supply93
Airbags23, 57, 148, 176
Alarm system43
Antennas126
Antifreeze140
Antifreeze, radiator123
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)119
Anti-theft alarm system43
Anti-theft protection37
Approved gross vehicle
weight186
Aquaplaning118, 127
Ashtray103AUC (Automatic recirculated
air control)93
Automatic car washes143
Automatic climate
control90
Removing condensation
from the windows93
Automatic cruise control72
Automatic curb monitor54
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror53
Automatic recirculated air
control (AUC)93
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment52
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic66
Average fuel
consumption80
Average speed80
Axle loads186
BBackup lamps67
Bulb replacement157
Battery165, 188
Capacity188
Charge166
Discharged170
Belts56
Beverage holder102
Blower93
BMW comfort seat50BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil138
BMW sports seat50
BMW Universal
Transmitter98
Body-cavity protectant144
Brake fluid141
Brake hydraulic system22
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement157
Brake pads24
Brakes122
Malfunctions123
Break-in procedures116
Bulb replacement155
CCapacities187
Car Memory55
Car radio
reception126, 178
Car wash143
Care, exterior144
Care, interior146
Cargo area42, 107
Capacity186
Opening from the
inside41
Cargo area cover107
Cargo area lamps87
Cargo floor, pull-out111
Cargo loading112Caring for the vehicle
finish145
Catalytic converter118
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)120
Cellular phones102, 126
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp157
Central locking system36
Button40
Changing a tire160
Changing a wheel160
Charge indicator lamp22
Check air pressure30
CHECK button77
Check Control77
Check engine oil level137
Checking tire pressure30
Child restraint systems57
Child's seat57
Child-safety locks62
Cigarette lighter103
Clean the windshield70
Climate control in the rear
passenger area94
Clock, refer to the Radio or
Onboard Computer
Owner's Manual
Cockpit16
Code, refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual126