
24n
Indicator and warning lamps Yellow: check as soon as possible
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off: check the engine
oil level.
For additional information: refer to
page 137.
Automatic transmission
*
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest authorized BMW
center.
For additional information: refer to
page 68.
Brake pads
* l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 123.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) l
Fault in the DBC system. Please
have the system inspected by
your authorized BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 120.
Warning lamp, Dynamic Brake
Control (DBC) for Canadian
models
Level control system
* l
The level control system is inac-
tive. Please consult the nearest
authorized BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 125.
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) l
DSC has been switched off with
the button; the traction intervention
system is still active.
In the event of a malfunction the indica-
tor lamp comes on continiuosly and
can't be swiched off with the button:
DSC and HDC are inactive. Please have
the system checked by the nearest
BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 83 and 85.
Engine Power Control*
There is a malfunction in the
Engine Power Control. When
braking, higher brake application pres-
sure may be necessary and brake pedal
travel may be significantly longer.
Please have the system inspected by
your authorized BMW center.
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the
emissions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 150.
Warning lamp, Service Engine
Soon for Canadian models

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
29n
Refueling Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
be filled into the tank and the "Service
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
To open the filler door, press on the
front edge.
To unlock the fuel filler door if the cen-
tral locking system malfunctions, refer
to page 168.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to
fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers
in your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event
of a collision.<
530us007
Simple and environmentally
friendly
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.
530us008
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the
vapor recovery system on the pump.
If the filler nozzle is used correctly, the
fuel tank is full when it shuts off for the
first time.
Tank capacity: refer to page 187
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refueling. A loose or missing cap
will activate the Check Engine lamp.<

32n
Locks and security systems:
Keys34
Electronic vehicle
immobilizer35
Central locking system36
Opening and closing
Ð from the outside36
Using the key36
Using the remote control37
Opening and closing
Ð from the inside40
Liftgate41
Tailgate41
Alarm system43
Electric power windows45
Sliding/Tilt sunroof with glass
moonroof46
Adjustments:
Seats48
Steering wheel51
Mirrors52
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory54
Car Memory, Key Memory55
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts56
Airbags57
Child restraints60
Child seat security61
Child-safety locks62Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock63
Starting the engine64
Switching off the engine65
Parking brake65
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic66
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher69
Washer/Wiper system/Rain
sensor69
Rear window defroster71
Cruise control72
Everything under control:
Odometer, outside temperature
display74
Tachometer75
Energy control75
Fuel gauge75
Coolant temperature gauge76
Service Interval Display76
Check Control77
Onboard computer80
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)82
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)83
Hill Descent Control (HDC)84
Controls

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
33n
Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams86
Instrument lightning86
High beams/Parking lamps87
Fog lamps87
Interior lamps87
Reading lamps88
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Automatic climate control90
Seat heating96
Steering wheel heating96
Roller sun blind97
Independent ventilation
system97
Cabin convenience:
BMW Universal Transmitter98
Glove compartment101
Storage compartments101
Cellular phone102
Cup holders102
Glasses compartment102
Ashtray, front103
Cigarette lighter103
Ashtray, rear104Loading and transporting:
Ski bag105
Cargo area
Fold the rear backrests
down107
Cargo area cover107
Partition net108
Cover panels in the cargo
area109
Power outlets110
Pull-out cargo floor111
Cargo loading112
Roof-mounted luggage rack113

64n
Starting the engine Before starting >Engage the parking brake.
>Be sure that the selector lever is in
"Park" position.
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed spaces. The exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic
gas. Breathing the exhaust gases poses
an extreme health risk, and can lead to
unconsciousness and death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Do not press the accelerator pedal
while starting the engine.
Your BMW is equipped with the
convenience starting feature. Sim-
ply turn the key to position 3 (starter)
and then release it immediately. The
starter continues to operate automati-
cally.
The automatic starting mode will not
operate if the battery voltage is low.
The engine can be started by means of
jump-starting (refer to page 170).<
Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle re-
mains stationary. Instead, begin to drive
immediately at a moderate engine
speed.
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 the starter is engaged.
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 deactivate electrical de-
vices that are not in use. Switch the ig-
nition off when the vehicle is not being
driven.

76n
Coolant temperature gauge 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.
Comes on while driving and the mes-
sage "COOLANT TEMPERATURE" ap-
pears in the Check-Control
*: the engine
is overheated. Shut off the engine im-
mediately and allow it to cool down.
390de007
Between the blue and red zones Normal operating range. It is not un-
usual for the needle to rise as far as the
edge of the red zone in response to
high outside temperatures or severe
operating conditions.
Checking coolant level: refer to
page 140.
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 center for an appointment. Red lamp The maintenance deadline has been
passed. 390us008

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

116n
Break-in procedures To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you ob-
serve the following suggestions: Engine and axle drive Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4,500 rpm and a road speed of
106 mph (170 km/h) during this initial
period:
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), engine and vehicle speeds
can gradually be increased.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
one of the axle drives is replaced later
in the course of the vehicle service life.
Tires Due to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
For this reason, drive with extra care
during the initial 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 aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or com-
plete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your
speed on wet roads.<
Brake system Approximately 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and ro-
tors achieve the optimal pad-surface
and wear patterns required for trouble-
free operation and long service life later
on.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that traf-
fic 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 parking brake 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 shut off Ð when
towing, for instance Ð substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be re-
quired to brake the vehicle.<