IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
133n
Under the hood:
Hood151
Engine compartment152
Washer fluid156
Washer nozzles156
Engine oil157
Coolant160
Brake fluid161
Vehicle Identification
Number161
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System162
Caring for your vehicle163
Airbags168
Vehicle storage168
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications169
California Proposition
65 Warning169
OBD interface socket170
Car care Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures134
Driving your BMW X5135
General driving notes136
Catalytic converter136
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)137
Disc brakes140
Brake system141
Winter operation141
Power steering143
Level control system143
Cellular phone144
Radio reception144
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure145
Tire condition145
Tire replacement146
Tire rotation147
Wheel and tire
combinations148
Special features of winter
tires149
Snow chains149
Approved wheel and tire
specifications150
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
135n
Driving your BMW X5 Your BMW is right at home on all roads
and byways – even where the pavement
ends. It combines permanent four-
wheel drive with the agility of a typical
passenger car. On bad roadsWhen you are driving on bad roads,
there are a few points which you should
strictly heed — for your own safety, for
that of your passengers, and for the
safekeeping of the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle
before you begin driving. Do not take
risks with the vehicle under any
circumstances.
>Always adapt vehicle speed to road
conditions – the steeper and more
uneven the road surface is, the
slower the vehicle's speed should be.
>You can operate your vehicle on
uphill and downhill gradients with a
maximum slope of 50 %. If you intend
to drive on either an uphill or downhill
gradient of this steepness, check to
be sure in advance that the engine oil
and coolant levels are both near the
"MAX" mark. Refer to pages 157
and 160.
When driving down steep slopes, use
the Hill Descent Control (HDC). Refer
to page 95. Starting from a full stop is possible on
uphill gradients of up to 32 %.
The permitted side tilt is also 50 %.
>While driving, watch carefully for
obstacles such as rocks or holes. Try
to avoid these obstacles whenever
possible.
>On hill crests and bumpy roads, for
example, be careful to prevent the
body from "bottoming" (contact
between the body and the ground).
The ground clearance of the vehicle
is:
– 8 inches (200 mm) with up to four
passengers
– 7 inches (180 mm) fully loaded.
>Do not drive in water that is deeper
than 20 inches (50 cm). If you must
drive through water up to that depth,
drive at a walking speed and do not
stop.
After leaving the water, press on the
footbrake gently several times while
driving at a low speed. The brake
applications will help to dry the
brakes, thus preventing a reduction in
braking performance caused by the
moisture.
Back onto the paved road In recommending that you observe the
following points after driving on adverse
road surfaces, it is not as a "beauty
treatment" for your BMW. Instead, it is
intended for the maintenance of driving
safety:
>Clean accumulations of dirt from the
body and check the undercarriage for
damage.
>Clean mud, snow, ice and other
materials from the wheels and tires.
Check the tires for damage.
>Check to determine whether rocks,
gravel or accumulations of dirt on the
brake discs and calipers could influ-
ence braking performance. Remove
all such foreign objects.
>In order to clean the brake discs,
apply the footbrake gently several
times while driving at a low speed. Be
sure that following traffic is not
endangered by this.
>For cleaning the parking brake, apply
the lever slightly at approx. 25 mph
(40 km/h) and continue to drive for
approx. 200 yards (200 meters),
provided that traffic conditions allow
you to do so.
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
153n
Engine compartment – BMW X5 3.0i1 Engine oil dipstick157
2 Reservoir for brake fluid
(under the microfilter
trim panel)161
3 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting190
4 Coolant expansion tank160
5 Engine oil filler neck157
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system
*
156
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
155n
Engine compartment – BMW X5 4.4i 1 Reservoir for brake fluid
(under the microfilter
trim panel)161
2 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting190
3 Coolant expansion tank160
4 Engine oil dipstick157
5 Engine oil filler neck157
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system
*
156
160n
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the factory specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in their original container
and in a location which is inaccessible
to children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene–glycol. For this
reason, do not spill antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor on hot engine parts.
It could ignite and cause serious
burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level when the engine
is cold approx. +68 7(+20 6):
Unscrew the cap from the expansion
tank.
The coolant level is correct when the
end of the red float is aligned with the
upper edge of the filler opening (refer to
the arrow in the illustration), or max.
0.8 in (2 cm) higher, i. e. up to the mark
on the float (refer also to the schematic
diagramm, next to the cap).530us102
Adding coolant Wait until the engine cools before
removing the cap from the expansion
tank. The needle of the coolant temper-
aturegauge in the instrument cluster
must be located in the blue zone. If it is
not, there is a danger of scalding.
1 Start by turning the cap counter-
clockwise. Pause to allow any accu-
mulated pressure to escape, then
open the cap.
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add
coolant until the correct level is
reached — do not overfill.
The coolant is a mixture of water
and extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Always maintain the
prescribed all-season 50:50 mixture
ratio for year-round protection against
internal corrosion. No other additives
are required.
Replace the coolant every four years.
Everything from A to Z
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 23, 137
Accessories 6
Activated-charcoal filter 112
Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) 196
ADB-X (Automatic Differential Brake) 197
Adding brake fluid 161t
coolant 160t
engine oil 157t
washer fluid 156t
Adjusting head restraints 49t
mirrors 53t
seats 48t
steering wheel 52t
temperature 102 t, 108 t
washer nozzles 156t
Air conditioner 100
Air distribution 102, 108
Air outlets 100, 106
Air pressure 30t , 145 t
Air supply 102, 109
Airbags 23, 58 , 168 , 196
Alarm system 43
Antennas 144
Antifreeze 160
radiator 141 Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 23, 137
Anti-theft alarm system 43
Anti-theft protection 37
Approved gross vehicle weight 208
Aquaplaning 136, 145
Arrival time 90
Ashtray front 120
rear 121
AUC (Automatic recirculated air control) 110
Automatic car washes 163
Automatic climate control 106
removing condensation
from the windows 109
Automatic cruise control 74
Automatic curb monitor 55
Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X) 197
Automatic dimming, interior rearview mirror 54
Automatic recirculated air
control (AUC) 110
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 68
Average fuel consumption 82
Average speed 82, 91 Avoiding unintentional
alarms 44t
Axle loads 208
B
Backup lamps 67
bulb replacement 177t
Battery 185, 210
capacity 210
charge 186t
discharged 190t
Belts 57
Beverage holder 119
Blower 102, 109
BMW comfort seat 50
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 158
BMW sports seat 51
BMW Universal Transmitter 115
Body-cavity protectant 164
Brake 140
fluid 161t
hydraulic system 22
malfunctions 141t
pads 24, 141
Brake system 141
bulb replacement 177t
Break-in procedures 134
Bulbs and lamps 175
C
California Proposition
65 Warning 169
Can holder, refer to cup holder 119
Capacities 209
Car jack 180
Car keys 34
Car Memory 56
Car radio reception 144, 198
Car vacuum cleaner power outlet 127t
socket 121t
Car wash 163
Care exterior 164
interior 166
Cargo area 42, 124
capacity 208
cover 124
lamps 98
opening from the
inside 41
Cargo floor, pull-out 128
Cargo loading 129
Caring for the vehicle finish 165
Catalytic converter 136
CBC (Cornering Brake Control) 138
Everything from A to Z215n
Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
Cellular phone 118, 144
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Center (high-mount) brake lamp 177
Central locking system 36
button 40
Changing a wheel 180t
Charge indicator lamp 22
Charging the battery 186t
Check air pressure 30
CHECK button 79
Check Control 79
Checking engine oil level 157
tire pressure 30t
Child restraint systems 61, 62
Child's seat 61
Child-safety locks 63
Cigarette lighter front 120
rear 121
socket 121t
Clean the windshield 72
Climate control in the rear passenger area 111
Clock 85
refer also to the onboard
monitor Owner's Manual
Cockpit 16 Code
91
activating 91
deactivating 91
refer also to the radio
Owner's Manual
selecting 91
Cold start 65
Comfort seat 50
Compartments 118
Computer 82, 88
refer also to the onboard
computer Owner's Manual
remote control 92
Configuring the settings 56
Consumption, fuel 90
Contamination on paintwork 164
Convenience operation of windows and sliding/tilt
sunroof 36
Convenience starting feature 65
Coolant 141, 160
antifreeze 141
temperature gauge 78
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) 138
Cruise control 74
Cruising range 82, 90
Cup holder 119
Curb weight 208D
Data link connector for On-
board Diagnostics 170
Date calling up 85
changing 85
refer also to the onboard
monitor Owner's Manual
Daytime-driving lamp 97
DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) 24, 138
Deactivating 92
Deactivating the interior motion
sensor 38t , 44 t
Deep water 135
Defrosting the windows 105t, 109 t
Difficult steering 143t
Digital clock 85
refer also to the onboard
monitor Owner's Manual
Digital sound processor 199
Dimensions 207
Dipstick, engine oil 157t
Disc brakes 140
Disconnect the battery 186t
Displacement 206
Display lighting 97
Displays 18, 20 Disposal
used batteries 186t
used oil 159t
Distance 89
Distance warning 93
Diversity Antenna system 198
Divided rear backrest 124
Door keys 34
Door locks, care 141
Doors manual operation 36
remote control 38
unlocking and locking 36
DOT Quality Grades 146
Drink holder, refer to cup holder 119
Drive belts 210
Driving notes 136, 140
Driving through water 135
Driving your BMW X5 135
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) 24, 94 , 197
DSP amplifier, refer to the radio Owner's Manual
DSP sound system 199
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) 24, 138
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 24, 94 , 197
Everything from A to Z
E
EBV (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) 138
Electric power windows 45
Electrical malfunction fuel filler door 188t
liftgate 188t
sliding/tilt sunroof 188t
tailgate 189t
Electrical system 210
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBV) 138
Electronic immobilizer 35
Elements of operation 16
Emergency operation doors 36t
fuel filler door 188t
liftgate 188t
sliding/tilt sunroof 188t
tailgate 189t
Energy Control 77
Engine 24
Engine compartment 152
Engine coolant 160
Engine oil 157
consumption 157
grades 158
level 24
pressure 22
Engine output 206
Engine specifications 206Error indicators
79
Estimated time of arrival 90
Exterior finish 164
Exterior mirrors 53
Exterior rearview mirrors, automatic dimming
feature 54
F
Failure messages 79t
Failure of an electrical accessory 187t
Filling the windshield washer reservoir 156t
First-aid kit 28
Fittings, tow-starting and towing 191t
Flashlight 118
Flat tire 145, 180 t
Fog lamps 98
bulb replacement 176t
Folding rear backrest 124
Footbrake 140
Footwell lamps 99
bulb replacement 178t
Four-wheel drive 197
Front area lighting 99
Front axle 200
Front fog lamps 98
Front seat adjustment 48Frost protection,
radiator 160
Fuel 30
capacity 209
display 77
gauge 77
quality 30
specifications 30
Fuel consumption 90
average 90
Fuel filler door 29
Fuses 187t
G
Garage-door opener 115
Gasoline 30
General driving notes 136
Glasses compartment 119
Glove compartment 117
bulb replacement 179t
Gross vehicle weight 208
Ground clearance 135
H
Handbrake66
Handsfree system 118
Hazard warning flashers 28
Hazard warning triangle 28
HDC (Hill Descent Control) 95
Head restraints 49Headlamp covers,
care 163t, 175 t
Headlamp flasher 70
Headlamp washer system 156
Headlamp washers 72
Heated seats 112
Heated steering wheel 113
Heating and ventilation 100, 106
Heating while stopped 110
Heating, rapid 105
Heavy cargo 129
Height 207
Height adjustment seats 48
steering wheel 52
HiFi system 199
High beams 25, 98
bulb replacement 175t
High-mount brake lamp 177
Hill Descent Control (HDC) 95
Holder for cans, refer to cup holder 119
Hood release 151t
Horn 26, 27
Hydraulic Brake Assistant refer to DBC 24, 138