IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
157n
Engine oilChecking oil level1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2 Shut the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
3 After approx. 5 minutes, pull the
dipstick out and wipe it off with a
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or
similar material.
4 Push the dipstick carefully all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again.
5 The oil level should be in between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions. 530us100
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.530us205
Adding engine oilWait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
However, do not wait until the oil level
drops below the lower mark.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without oil additives; the
use of additives could lead to damage
in some cases. This is also true for the
manual transmission, the automatic
transmission, the differential, and the
power steering system.< 530us101
164n
Caring for your vehicleExterior finish To provide effective corrosion protec-
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied
at the factory. Cataphoretic immersion
priming techniques are supplemented
using special body-cavity protectants,
with the application of specially-devel-
oped and extensively tested materials.
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied to
the undercarriage. Following this, a
comprehensive undercoating treat-
ment with a wax-based protectant is
applied.
Regular maintenance makes an impor-
tant contribution to maintaining the
safety and value of your vehicle.
Increasing awareness of the effects of
harmful environmental factors on
vehicle finishes have led paint and
vehicle manufacturers to initiate
ongoing programs designed to further
improve the durability of their finishes.
Despite this, environmental factors that
occur locally or regionally can have
negative effects on the finish of your
vehicle. These should guide you in
determining the frequency and extent of
your efforts to maintain the vehicle
finish.Depending upon material and type
of impact (perforation of paint layer),
physical stresses from sand, road salt,
gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to
start extending beneath the finish,
starting at the point of impact.
Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects,
animal droppings (strong alkali effect)
and tree excretions (resins and pollen)
all contain substances capable of
causing damage when allowed to
remain on the finish of your vehicle for
any period of time (spots, etching,
flaking, separation in the top coat).
In industrial areas, deposits from fly
ash, lime, oil deposits, sulfur-dioxide in
precipitation (acid rain) and other envi-
ronmental pollutants will all damage the
surface of the vehicle unless adequate
protection is provided.In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-
spheric salt and humidity promote
corrosion.
In tropical zones, temperatures of over
+105 7 (+40 6) in the shade prevail,
in addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation
and high humidity. Under those condi-
tions, light paints can reach tempera-
tures up to +175 7 (+80 6) and dark
paints up to +250 7 (+120 6).
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
165n
Caring for your vehicleCaring for the vehicle finish Regular washing is a preventive
measure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the
vehicle's finish, especially if you drive
your vehicle in areas with high levels of
air pollution or aggressive natural
substances (tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive
substances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Fuel spilled
during refueling, oil, grease and brake
fluid should always be cleaned away
immediately, as should bird droppings
(finish damage).
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use
cleaning fluid or alcohol with a clean
cloth or cotton pad to remove these
stains. Remove tar spots with tar
remover. After cleaning, the affected
areas should be waxed to ensure
continued protection.
Waxing your vehicle Protect the finish using carnauba or
synthetic-based waxes only.
The best way to determine when the
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the
surface.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
Paint damageYou can touch up small areas of
damage with BMW spray paint or a
BMW touchup stick.
The color code of your vehicle is
provided on a tag on the right-hand
panel under the hood and on the first
page of the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Damage caused by flying stones,
scratches, etc., must be touched up
without delay to prevent rust from
forming.
If corrosion has started to form in an
area with paint damage, remove all rust
and clean the area. Then prime the area
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply
the finish coat. After a few days, polish
and protect the touched-in areas.
More extensive paint damage should
be professionally repaired in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Your BMW center uses original
BMW finish materials in accordance
with factory repair procedures.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.<
200nRain sensor* Front axle
The rain sensor controls windshield
wiper operation, depending on how wet
the windshield is.
Infrared light is carried along the
surface of the windshield in an optical
conductor in such a manner that it is
reflected completely when the wind-
shield is dry. The quantity of reflected
light is measured.
If the window is covered with beads of
water, the amount of light that is
reflected is decreased since the
infrared light at the surface of the wind-
shield can then escape. The quantity of
reflected light is thus a means of
gauging the degree of wetness on the
windshield.
390de133
When the system is set to the "Intermit-
tent" wiper speed, the wipers react
immediately — if water is splashed onto
the windshield by vehicles traveling
ahead of you, for example. As a result,
the rain sensor provides a contribution
to driving safety and comfort.
The double-jointed suspension strut
axle is based on the same concept as
the one in the 7 Series, but was totally
re-developed because of the require-
ments for all-wheel drive. Parts
subjected to particularly high stress
levels for guiding the wheels are
designed as steel-forged parts to meet
the demands made by rougher roads.
The load-bearing front axle has large-
volume, hydraulically cushioned rubber
bearings that allow the axle to absorb
the reactive forces from the engine and
the braking forces from the front
wheels. An integrated rigid plate over
the load-bearing front axle provides
superb support against the lateral
forces introduced by the control arm
(wishbone), and also serves as an
effective protective barrier for the oil
pan and steering.
530de035
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
Everything from A to Z217n
Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
I
Ice warning 76
Identification number 161
Identification, tires 148
Ignition key 34
Ignition lock 64
Independent ventilation 87
Independent ventilation system 114
Indicator lamps 22
Inflation pressure 31, 145
INSPECTION 78
Instrument cluster 18, 20
Instrument lighting 97
Instrument panel 18, 20
Integrated rear suspension 201
Intensive cleaning system 72
Interference indicators 79
Interference, cellular phone 144
Interior lamps 98
bulb replacement 178t
remote control 38
Interior mirror 54
Interior motion sensor 44
Interior rearview mirror, automatic dimming
feature 199
Interlock 64
Intermittent wipe 71
J
Jack181, 183
Jump-starting 190t
K
Key Memory 56
Keys 34
Keys with radio remote control 34
Kickdown 69
L
Lamps and bulbs 175
Lashing eyes 129
LATCH attachment of the child seat 63
Leather care 167
Length 207
Level control system 24, 201
inactive 143t
License plate lamps, bulb replacement 178t
Liftgate 41, 42
release following an
electrical
malfunction 188t
Light switch 97
Light-alloy wheel 150
Lighter 120
LIGHTS ON warning 97LIMIT
88
Load-securing devices 129
Louvers 100, 106
Low beams 97
bulb replacement 175t
Low-fuel warning lamp 77
Lug bolts 183
Lug wrench 180t
Luggage compartment, refer to cargo area 124
Luggage net 42
Luggage straps 42
Lumbar support 50
M
M+S radial tires149
Maintenance 78t , 162 t
Malfunction displays 79t
Manual operation doors 36t
liftgate 188t
sliding/tilt sunroof 188t
tailgate 189t
Manual transmission 67
Master key 34
Maximum cooling 109
Mechanical seat 49
Memo 86
Memory 55
Microfilter 104, 112
MID (Multi-Information Display) 84 Mirror defrosting
53
Mirror memory 55
Mirrors 53
Mobile phone 144
Modifications, technical 6, 169
Moonroof 46
Motion sensor, interior 44
Multifunction steering wheel 26
Multi-Information Display (MID) 84
N
Navigation system, refer to
the separate Owner's
Manual
O
OBD interface socket 170
Odometer 76
Oil additives 157
consumption 157t
dipstick 157t
grades 158
Oil change interval, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models) or to the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)
Everything from A to Z
Oil level, indicator lamp24
Oil pressure, indicator lamp 22
OILSERVICE 78
Onboard computer, refer to computer 82, 88
Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) system 170
Onboard monitor, refer to the separate Owner's
Manual
Onboard tool kit 174t
Opening and closing from the inside 40
from the outside 36
using the key 36
using the remote
control 37
Outlets, ventilation 100, 106
Output 206
Outside temperature display 76
Outside temperature in the computer 82
P
Paintwork
minor repairs 165
waxing 165
Park Distance Control (PDC) 93
Parking aid 93 Parking brake
23, 66
Parking in the winter 143
Parking lamps 98
Passenger side mirror tilt function 55
PDC (Park Distance Control) 93
Phone, mobile 144
Playing cassettes, refer to the radio Owner's Manual
Playing CDs, refer to the radio Owner's Manual
Pollen 104, 112
Poor driving conditions 135
Power 47
Power outlets flashlight 127t
other appliances 127t
vacuum cleaner 127t
Power rear-seat backrests 52
Power seat 48
Power steering 143
Power windows 45
safety switch 46
Pressure, tires 30t , 145 t
Pull-out cargo floor 128
R
Radio reception144, 198
Radio, refer to the separate Owner's Manual Rain sensor
71, 200
Reading lamps 99
Rear backrests, folding down 124
Rear lamps 177t
Rear passenger area climate control 111
Rear seats, power 52
Rear window defroster 73, 102 , 110
Rear window wiper 73
blade replacement 174t
Rear-seat backrest, folding down 124
Rear-seat backrests, power 52
Rearview mirror 53
Rechargeable flashlight 118
Recirculated air mode 103, 110
Reclining seat 48
Refueling 29
Releasing fuel filler door following an
electrical
malfunction 188t
hood 151t
tailgate following an
electrical
malfunction 189t
Reminder signal 86Remote control
37
computer 92
Removal aid for the spare wheel 182t
Removing condensation from the
windows 105t, 109 t
Replacing antifreeze, radiator 160t
bulbs 175t
fuses 187t
keys 34t
tires 146t
windshield wiper
blades 174t
Reporting safety defects 7
Reservoir, washer system 156t
Residual heat 110
Restraint system 61
Reverse 67
Rims 148
Roof load capacity 208
Roof-mounted luggage rack 130
Rubber parts, care 142
S
Safety belts57
height adjustment 57
tensioner 198