2001 BMW X5 3.0I ECO mode

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
161n
Brake fluid Vehicle Identification
If the indicator lamp for the
brake hydraulic system appears
or if the CHECK BRAKE FLUID
warning appears in the Check
Control: the brake fluid level is
too low in the reservoir.
The brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing trim panel
on the driver's side of the vehicle. For
adding brake fluid or for determining
and correcting the cause of brake fluid
loss, consult your BMW center. Your
BMW center is familiar with the specifi-
cations for factory-approved brake
fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page 141.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW center. Refer also to the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (US
models) or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<
Vehicle Identification NumberIn the engine compartment, stamped
on the right-hand strut dome (arrow)
and on the upper edge of the instru-
ment panel on the left-hand side. 530us103

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.<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
185n
Battery
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
Battery location The battery is located in the floor of the
vehicle below the spare wheel. Battery careThe 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
information only.<
SymbolsYou 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
allow particles containing
battery acid or lead to come into
contact 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
battery. 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
immediately. If you get acid spray on
your skin or clothing, rinse with plenty
of water. If electrolyte is accidentally
swallowed, consult a physician immedi-
ately.
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.

Everything from A to Z
renewal146
rotation between front and
rear 147
specifications 150
tread 145
Tire Quality Grading 146
Tools 174t
Torque 206
Tow fittings 191t
Towing the vehicle 191t
Tow-starting 192t
Track width 207
Traction Control System, refer to DSC 94
Transmission 67, 68
Transporting children safely 61
Tread depth, tires 145
Trip odometer 76
Turn signal indicator 70
bulb replacement 176t
Turning circle 207
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQR) 146
Universal Transmitter 115
Used batteries, disposal 186t
Used oil, disposal 159t
V
Vacuum cleaner
power outlet 127t
socket 121t
Valve caps 148
Vanity mirror 54
Vehicle battery 185, 210
Vehicle care, interior 166
Vehicle Identification Number 161
Vehicle immobilizer 35
Vehicle removal from service 168
Vehicle storage 168
Ventilation 100, 104 , 111
draft-free 103, 111
in the rear 103, 111
while parked 114
Ventilation while parked
Vinyl care 166
Viscosity 158
Voice recognition 26, 27
refer also to the separate
Owner's Manual
W
Warm feet – cool head 103
Warning lamps 22
Warning messages 79t
Warning triangle 28Warnings
79
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian models) 162
Washer fluid 156
Washer reservoir, filling 156t
Washer/wiper system 71
Washing your vehicle 163
Waxing, paintwork 165
Weights 208
Wheelbase 207
Wheels and tires 148, 150
Width 207
Windows 45
care 166t
convenience operation 36
remote control 38
Windshield cleaning 72
intensive cleaning
program 71
special wash program 71
Windshield washer filling reservoir 156t
nozzle adjustment 156t
Windshield wiper 71
blade replacement 174t
Winter driving 142
Winter operation 141
Winter tires 148, 149 Wiper blade
replacement 174t
Wipers 71
Work in the engine compartment 151t
X
Xenon lamps 176, 202