
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

178n
Radio reception Safety belt tensioner Radio waves Ñ mediumwave, long-
wave and shortwave Ñ offer a wide
range of reception, because the broad-
cast signals travel not only along the
ground as surface waves, but also as
waves bounced back to earth from the
ionosphere.
Frequency-modulation (FM) provides
substantially better sound quality than
AM. However, because FM transmis-
sions rely on line-of-sight broadcast
waves, their effective reception range is
limited. 360de084
Although numerous factors combine to
impose inherent limitations on the re-
ception quality available from mobile
radios, specially designed systems can
be employed to minimize their effects:
The Diversity Antenna system employs
several FM antennas integrated within
the rear window. An integral processor
automatically selects the antenna with
the best FM reception quality at any
given time. Because the ongoing an-
tenna selection process is completed
within milliseconds, it remains inaudible
to the radio listener. The safety belt tensioner responds to
collisions by tightening the belts to en-
sure that occupants remain firmly posi-
tioned in their seats. A gas-pressure
system retracts the buckle assembly to
tension the shoulder and lap belts
within fractions of a second. This re-
duces the tendency to slide under the
lap belt.
390de330

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
183n
Engine specifications184
Dimensions185
Weights186
Capacities187
Electrical system188
Drive belts188
Data

188n
Electrical system Drive belts Battery 12 V, 90 Ah Spark plugs NGK BKR 6 EQUP
Bosch FGR 7 DQP
(not released at this time)
This spark ignition system meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interfer-
ence-Causing Equipment Regulations
(ICES-2). Water pump Ð Alternator Ð Power
steering
V-belt 7 K x 1635
A/C compressor
V-belt 5 K x 1004 You can obtain Original BMW
Parts and Accessories, as well as
professional advice from your autho-
rized BMW center.<

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

Everything from A to Z
193n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Cold start64
Comfort seat50
Compartments101
Computer80
Configuring the settings55
Contamination on
paintwork144
Convenience operation of
windows and sliding/tilt
sunroof36
Convenience starting
feature64
Coolant123, 140
Coolant, antifreeze123
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)120
Cruise control72
Cup holder102
Curb weight186DDashboard16
Data link connector for On-
Board Diagnostics150
Date, refer to the Radio or
Onboard Computer
Owner's Manual
Daytime-driving lamp86
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)24, 120Deep water117
Defrosting the windows93
Digital clock, refer to the
Radio or Onboard
Computer Owner's Manual
Digital sound processor179
Dimensions185
Dipstick, engine oil137
Disc brakes122
Displacement184
Display lighting86
Displays18, 20
Distance warning82
Diversity Antenna
system178
Divided rear backrest107
Door keys34
Door locks, care123
Doors
Manual operation36
Remote control38
Unlocking and locking36
Drive belts188
Driving through water117
Driving your BMW X5117
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)24, 83, 177
DSP amplifier, refer to the
Radio Owner's ManualDynamic Brake Control
(DBC)24, 120
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)24, 83, 177
EEBV (Electronic Brake Force
Distribution)120
Electric power windows45
Electrical malfunction
Fuel filler door168
Liftgate168
Sliding/Tilt sunroof168
Tailgate169
Electrical system188
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBV)120
Electronic immobilizer35
Elements of operation16
Emergency operation
Doors36
Fuel filler door168
Sliding/Tilt sunroof168
Tailgate168
Energy Control75
Engine compartment134
Engine coolant140
Engine knock control30
Engine oil consumption137
Engine oil grades138
Engine oil level24Engine oil pressure22
Engine output184
Engine specifications184
Error indicators77
Exterior finish144
Exterior mirrors52
FFailure of an electrical
accessory167
Failure warnings77
Filler cap cover29
First-aid kit28
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing171
Flashlight101
Flat tire127, 160
Fog lamps87
Bulb replacement156
Folding rear backrest107
Footbrake122
Footwell lamps88
Bulb replacement158
Front area lighting88
Front fog lamps87
Front seat adjustment48
Frost protection,
radiator140
Fuel30
Fuel capacity187
Fuel display75

Everything from A to Z
195n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Master key34
Memory54
Microfilter95
MID (Multi-Information
Display), refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual
Mirror52
Mirror defrosting52
Mirror memory54
Mobile phones126
Modifications,
technical6, 149
Multifunction steering
wheel26
Multi-Information Display
(MID), refer to the Radio
Owner's ManualNNavigation system, refer to
the separate Owner's
ManualOOBD interface socket150
Odometer74
Oil additives137
Oil change interval, see the
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)Oil consumption137
Oil dipstick137
Oil grades138
Oil level, indicator
lamp23, 24
Oil pressure, indicator
lamp22
OILSERVICE76
Onboard computer80
refer also to the Onboard
computer Owner's Manual
Onboard monitor
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Onboard tool kit154
Opening and closing
From the inside40
From the outside36
Operating range80
Outlets, ventilation90
Output184
Outside temperature
display74
Outside temperature in the
onboard computer80
PPaintwork, minor
repairs145
Paintwork, waxing145
Park Distance Control
(PDC)82
Parking aid82Parking brake23, 65
Parking in the winter125
Parking lamps87
Passenger side mirror tilt
function54
PDC (Park Distance
Control)82
Playing cassettes, refer to
the Radio Owner's
Manual126
Playing CDs, refer to the
Radio Owner's
Manual126
"Please wear your safety
belt" warning lamp23
Pocket flashlight101
Pollen95
Poor driving conditions117
Power rear-seat
backrests51
Power seat48
Power steering125
Power windows45
Safety switch46
Pressure, tires127
Pre-warmed seats96
Pull-out cargo floor111
RRadio reception126, 178
Radio, refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual126
Reading lamps88
Rear backrests, folding
down107
Rear lamps157
Rear passenger area climate
control94
Rear seats, power51
Rear view mirror52
Rear window
defroster71, 94
Rear window wiper71
Rear window wiper, wiper
blade replacement154
Rear-seat backrest, folding
down107
Rear-seat backrests,
power51
Recirculated air mode93
Reclining seat48
Refueling29
Remote control37
Removing condensation
from the windows93
Replacement key34
Replacement of tires128
Reservoir, washer
system136
Residual heat94

Everything from A to ZRestraint system57
Reverse67
Rims130
Roof load capacity186
Roof-mounted luggage
rack113
Rubber parts124SSafety belt height
adjustment56
Safety belt tensioner178
Safety belts56
Safety lock buttons40
Seat heating96
Seat memory54
Seat, power48
Securing cargo42, 112
Securing the load112
Selector lever, automatic
transmission66
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models)142
Service Interval
Display76, 142
Servotronic125
Shiftlock66
Shoulder support50
Shutting off the engine65
Side airbags57
Side Impact Head Protection
System57Side lamps86
Bulb replacement156
Ski bag105
Skidcontrol125
Sliding/Tilt sunroof46
Closing following an
electrical malfunction168
Convenience
operation36
Power loss47
Remote control38
Slippery roads124
Snow chains124, 131
Socket104
Spare key34
Spare tire161
Spare wheel161
Spark plugs188
Speaker102
Special wash program70
Speed control72
Speedometer18, 20
Sports seat50
Starting64
Starting problems
64, 118, 170, 171
Steering125
Steering wheel
adjustment51
Automatic52
Steering wheel heating96
Steering wheel lock63
Steering wheel memory54Steptronic66
Storage compartments101
Storage compartments in the
cargo area109
Storing the vehicle148
Summer tires130
Sun visors53
Switching off the vehicle65
Symbols4
Synthetic oils138
TTachometer75
Tail lamps157
Bulb replacement157
Tailgate42
Opening from the
inside41
Opening from the
outside41
Radio control
operation39
Release following an
electrical malfunction168
Technical
modifications6, 149
Telephone hookup102
Telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Temperature display,
outside
temperature74, 80
Temperature gauge76Temperature layering94
Thigh support
adjustment50
Third brake lamp157
Tilt alarm38, 44
Tilt function, passenger side
mirror54
Timer, refer to the Radio
Owner's Manual
Tire code130
Tire damage127
Tire inflation
pressure31, 127
Tire renewal128
Tire rotation between front
and rear129
Tire specifications132
Tire tread127
Tools154
Torque184
Tow fittings171
Towing171
Tow-starting172
Track width185
Traction Control System
refer to DSC83
Transmission66
Tread depth, tires127
Trip odometer74
Turn signal indicator69
Bulb
replacement156, 157
Turning circle185