66n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic You can drive as with a normal auto-
matic transmission. In addition, you can
also shift manually.
When you move the selector lever from
the "D" position to the left into the M/S
range, the performance-oriented shift
programs of the automatic transmission
are engaged. As soon as you briefly
touch the selector lever in the "+" or "Ð"
direction, Steptronic changes the gear.
The manual mode is engaged. When
you wish to use the automatic transmis-
sion mode again, move the selector
lever to the right into the "D" position.
The automatic transmission of your
BMW is equipped with Adaptive Trans-
mission Control (ATC), a system which
reacts with precision to your individual
driving style and the driving conditions. 530us040
To achieve this, different shift programs
are automatically engaged.
For additional details concerning the
ATC, please refer to the chapter de-
scribing "Advanced technology" on
page 176. Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S
The transmission range display varies
according to the equipment of your ve-
hicle (refer to the illustrations).
Starting the engine The engine can only be started in selec-
tor lever positions P ("Park") or N ("Neu-
tral"). 390us607
Range selection A detent prevents inadvertent shifts to
the "Reverse" or "Park" selector lever
positions. To disengage the detent,
press the button on the front side of the
shift knob (arrow).
While the vehicle is stationary and
before shifting out of "Park" or
"Neutral," depress the footbrake in
order to disengage the selector lever's
lock mechanism (Shiftlock).
Hold the footbrake down until starting
off. The vehicle will otherwise "creep"
when a drive position is engaged.< 530us041
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
67n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
If you leave the vehicle with the
engine running, move the selector
lever to the "Park" or "Neutral" position
and apply the parking brake. If you fail
to do this, the vehicle could move.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the engine running. An unattended
vehicle with a running engine repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
P Ñ Park Select "Park" only when the vehicle is
completely stopped. The transmission
locks to prevent the rear wheels from
turning. R Ñ Reverse Select "Reverse" only when the vehicle
is completely stopped.
When you select "Reverse", the backup
lamps will turn on automatically when
the ignition key is in position 2. N Ñ Neutral Select "Neutral" only if your journey is
interrupted for a longer period.
D Ñ Drive
(automatic shift program) This position is designed for driving
under all normal operating conditions.
All forward gears are available. "Kickdown" In the "Kickdown" mode, you achieve
maximum performance.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
M/S Manual mode and
Sport Program When you change from D to M/S, the
Sport Program is activated. This is indi-
cated by "D S" in the gear selection
display. The Sport Program is designed
for performance-oriented driving.
With the first brief touch, the automatic
transmission shifts from the Sport Pro-
gram to the manual mode. When you
move the selector lever forward in the
"+" direction, the transmission shifts up.
When the lever is moved back in the "Ð"
direction, the transmission shifts down.
Depending on the equipment version,
1 to 5 or M1 to M5 is indicated in the
transmission range display.
Upshifts or downshifts will only be
carried out by the ATC at appropriate
engine speeds and road speeds. If the 530us042
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.
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)
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 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