
162n
Changing a wheel 4 Remove support rod from bracket. 530us080
5 Press the tailgate down and hold it
there. The spare wheel is now pulled
by means of the removal aid onto the
tailgate.
Hold the tailgate in the opened
position and do not allow it to re-
tract sharply upward. If you do so, there
is a risk of personal injury and vehicle
damage.< 530us158
6 Insert support rod in tailgate lock and
press down until it engages (arrow 1);
then lock hook of rod in striker
(arrow 2).
Be sure that the support rod is
locked firmly in place. If you fail to
do so, it could retract sharply upward
and cause personal injury and vehicle
damage.<
7 You can now release the locked tail-
gate and take the spare wheel down
from the tailgate. It is recommended
that you leave the tailgate locked into
place until you have completed the
wheel change and placed the wheel
with the defective tire into the re-
moval aid. 530us082

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
165n
Battery Battery location The battery is located in the floor of the
vehicle below the spare wheel. Battery care The battery is maintenance-free, that is,
the original electrolyte will normally last
for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions.
For all questions that regard the
battery, please consult your BMW
center. Since the battery is mainte-
nance-free, the following is for your in-
formation only.<
Symbols You will find the following symbols on
your vehicle battery. To avoid injury,
please comply with the corresponding
precautions whenever you work with or
near the battery.
Before handling the battery,
please read the following infor-
mation:
Wear eye protection. Do not al-
low particles containing battery
acid or lead to come into con-
tact with your eyes, your skin, or your
clothing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
Do not allow children to have
access to batteries and battery
acid.
Never allow sparks or open
flame near the battery. Do not
smoke in the vicinity of the bat-
tery. Avoid sparks from electrical cables
or electrical equipment. Turn the key to
position 0 in the steering lock when you
are disconnecting or connecting the
battery. Never short-circuit the battery
terminals. This creates a risk of injury
from high-energy sparks.
A highly-explosive gas is
generated when the battery is
charged.
If you happen to get acid in your
eyes, rinse thoroughly for
15 minutes with clear water.
Following that, consult a physician im-
mediately. If you get acid spray on your
skin or clothing, rinse with plenty of wa-
ter. If electrolyte is accidentally swal-
lowed, consult a physician immediately.
In order to protect the battery
case from ultraviolet radiation,
do not place it in direct sunlight.
A discharged battery can freeze. Store
the battery in areas where temperature
remains above freezing.

172n
Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response.<
Tow-starting It is not possible to start the engine of a
vehicle equipped with automatic trans-
mission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting: refer
to page 170.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another car. If you do so, damage
to the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing 1 Place the selector lever in "Neutral".
2 Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h).
3 Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km).
4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers re-
main operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging.
5 Switch on the hazard-warning system
(comply with country-specific regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the ve-
hicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key re-
mains in position 1 even when the
electrical system has failed. This will
prevent the steering lock from engag-
ing. The steering and brakes are with-
out power assist when the engine is not
running. This means that increased ef-
fort is required for steering and brak-
ing.<
Towing with a commercial tow
truck >Do not tow with sling-type equip-
ment.
>Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier.
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.< 530us138

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

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 ZFuel filler door release after
electrical fault168
Fuel gauge75
Fuel quality30
Fuel tank capacity187
Fuses167GGarage-door opener98
Gasoline30
General driving notes118
Glasses compartment102
Glove compartment101
Glove compartment lamp,
bulb replacement159
Gross vehicle weight186
Ground clearance117HHandbrake65
Handsfree system102
Hazard warning flashers28
Hazard warning triangle28
HDC (Hill Descent
Control)84
Head restraints49
Headlamp covers,
care143, 155
Headlamp flasher69
Headlamp washer
system136Headlamp washers70
Heated steering wheel96
Heating and ventilation90
Heating while stopped94
Heavy cargo112
Height185
Height adjustment, seats48
Height adjustment, steering
wheel51
HiFi system179
High beams25, 87
Bulb replacement155
Hill Descent Control
(HDC)84
Hood release133
Horn26, 27
Hydraulic Brake Assistant
refer to DBC24, 120
IIce warning74
Identification number141
Identification, tires130
Ignition key34
Ignition lock63
Independent ventilation97
Indicator lamps22
Inflation pressure31, 127
INSPECTION76
Instrument cluster18, 20
Instrument lighting86Instrument panel20
Instruments18
Integrated rear axle180
Interference indicators77
Interference, cellular
phone126
Interior and exterior rearview
mirrors, automatic
dimming feature53
Interior lamps87
Bulb replacement158
Remote control38
Interior mirror53
Interior motion sensor44
Interior rearview mirror,
automatic dimming
feature179
Interlock63
Intermittent switch69
JJump-starting170KKey Memory55
Keys34
Keys with radio remote
control34
Kickdown67
LLashing eyes42, 112
Leather care147
Length185
Level control
system24, 125, 181
License plate lamp, bulb
replacement158
Liftgate42, 168
Light switch86
Light-alloy wheel132
Lighter103
Lights-on warning86
Load-securing devices112
Louvers90
Low beams86
Bulb replacement155
Low-fuel warning lamp75
Lug bolts163
Lug wrench160
Luggage net42
Luggage space42
Luggage straps42
Lumbar support49MM+S tires131
Maintenance76, 142
Manual operation
Doors36
Liftgate168
Sliding/Tilt sunroof168
Tailgate169

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