Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
75nCruise control
To cancel the cruise control
When the system is activated, press
button 1. The indicator lamp stays on.
You can use the cruise control again as
required.
In addition, the system is also automati-
cally deactivated in response to the
following conditions:
>When you apply pressure to the
brake pedal.
> When you apply pressure to the
clutch pedal or when you move the
automatic transmission selector lever
from "Drive" to "Neutral."
> If you exceed or fall below the
programmed speed for an extended
period (by depressing the acceler-
ator, for example).
390de332
To resume the stored setting
Press button 4:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored. When you
turn the ignition key to position 0, the
stored speed is deleted and the system
is deactivated.
To deactivate the system
When the cruise control has been
canceled, press button 1 again. The
indicator lamp goes off and the stored
speed is deleted.
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79nCheck Control
Graphic display*
The following alerts or status messages
are displayed with icons from ignition
key position 2 and up until the defects
are corrected:
1 Check low beams
2 Add washer fluid (goes out after
approx. 1 minute)
3 Door open
4 Tailgate open
5 Check brake and tail lamps. A defective center brake lamp is indi-
cated by the upper symbol
When you open the door after stopping,
a warning signal sounds without a
visual indicator for:
> LIGHTS ON and
> KEY IN IGNITION LOCK.
390de121
Alphanumeric display*
Text messages are used to alert the
driver to system malfunctions when the
ignition key is turned to position 2. The
alert is accompanied by a gong.
1 Status report symbol
2 Display
3 CHECK button
Messages concerning system faults are
differentiated based on two priorities:
390us111
Priority 1
These defects are immediately indi-
cated by a gong and a flashing warning
symbol 1. Simultaneous defects will be
displayed consecutively. These status
messages remain in the display until the
defects are corrected. They cannot be
deleted by pressing the CHECK
button 3:
> RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE
> COOLANT TEMPERATURE
The coolant is overheated. Stop the
vehicle immediately and switch off
the engine. Refer to pages 78
and 160.
> STOP!ENGINE OILPRESS
The oil pressure is too low. Stop the
vehicle immediately and switch off
the engine. Refer to page 22.
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Overview
81nCheck Control
>TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG
Please consult the nearest BMW
center. Refer to page 70.
> CHECK BRAKE LININGS
Have the brake linings inspected by
your BMW center. Refer to page 141.
> CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
Coolant too low, top up at the next
opportunity. Refer to page 160.
> ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG
There is a fault in the engine's elec-
tronic control system.
You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine
speed. Have the system checked by
your BMW center. Displays after completion of trip
All of the malfunctions registered during
the trip appear consecutively when the
ignition key is turned to position 0.
The following displays will appear when
appropriate:
>LIGHTS ON
> KEY IN IGNITION LOCK
> CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
Add engine oil at the next opportunity
(next stop for fuel). Refer to
page 157.
This display appears when you open
the driver's door after parking the
vehicle. A supplementary gong is also
heard.
Status reports remain available for a
period of approx. three minutes after
the display goes out and the key is
removed from the ignition. Press the
CHECK button 3. If there were multiple
reports, press the CHECK button
repeatedly to view them all in
sequence.
To check the Check Control
Press the CHECK button 3 with the
ignition key in position 2: CHECK
CONTROL OK appears in the display.
No malfunctions are present in the
monitored systems.
Computer
You will find a description of the
computer in the Owner's Manual for
the Radio and Information System or
the Owner's Manual for the Onboard
Computer.
You can have the Check Control
and computer messages
displayed in a different language. <
94n
PDC
*
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
The PDC system does not remove
the driver's personal responsibility
for evaluating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstacles. Even when
sensors are involved, there is a blind
spot in which objects cannot be
detected. This applies especially in
those cases where the system
approaches the physical constraints of
ultrasonic measurement, as occurs with
tow bars and trailer couplings, and in
the vicinity of thin and painted objects.
Certain sources of sound, such as a
loud radio, could drown out the PDC
signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free
of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Maintain an adequate distance of more
than 4 in (10 cm).<
The concept DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing
traction. In addition, it recognizes
unstable vehicle conditions, such as
understeering or oversteering, and, as
far as is possible within the laws of
physics, keeps the car on a steady
course by adapting the RPMs and
brake applications to the individual
wheels.
The system starts up automatically
each time you start the engine.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly
after you switch on the ignition.
Refer to page 24.
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
and braking force.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
The system is either defective or was
switched off with the button: the stabi-
lizing applications described to the left
are no longer available. The vehicle will
remain completely operational,
however, without DSC.
Consult your BMW center to have the
system repaired.
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
95n
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Hill Descent Control
To deactivate the system Press the button (arrow); the indicator
lamp comes on and stays on.
Traction intervention remains active;
that is, braking intervention will
continue. Refer also to "Four-wheel
drive" on page 197.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to deacti-
vate the DSC for a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose
surfaces.
>On sandy road surfaces.
>On poor surfaces with deep ruts.
>If the wheels "churn" on muddy
surfaces.
>When driving with snow chains. 530us048
As a result of the traction interven-
tion, the brakes may be subjected
to additional loads when the system is
deactivated. For this reason, it is
possible that the braking intervention
will be disabled automatically for a brief
period in order to limit brake tempera-
ture.
To maintain vehicle stability, always
drive with the system switched on when
possible.<
To reactivate the systemPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An
appropriate driving style always
remains the responsibility of the driver.
We therefore urge you to avoid using
the additional safety margin of the
system as an excuse for taking risks.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Service procedures on
the system are to be performed by
authorized technicians only.<
For additional details concerning DSC,
please refer to the chapter describing
"Advanced technology" on page 197.
The concept HDC is a system for driving downhill in
steep terrain. This system reduces
vehicle speed on steep downhill gradi-
ents, thus allowing you to maintain
control of your BMW under these
conditions.
The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active interven-
tion from the driver.
You can activate HDC below approx.
20 mph (30 km/h). When driving down
steep hills, the vehicle reduces speed
automatically down to slightly more
than walking speed (approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h) and then maintains this speed
at a constant.
By applications of the brakes or accel-
erator, you can alter this speed in the
range of approx. 3 mph (5 km/h) to
approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).
HDC is deactivated automatically if you
exceed approx. 35 mph (60 km/h).
96n
Hill Descent Control (HDC)To activate the system
Press the button. The
green indicator lamp
comes on.
The indicator lamp flashes when the
brakes are applied automatically.
To deactivate the system Press the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
HDC is deactivated automatically above
a road speed of approx. 35 mph
(60 km/h) and when the ignition is
switched off. 530us141
To use HDCWith manual transmission:
Use HDC in first gear and in Reverse
since the engine's braking effect is
diminished in the higher gears.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in every drive
position. In the event of a faultThe indicator lamp goes out in the HDC
mode or does not come on when HDC
is activated:
HDC is temporarily not available if
brake temperature is too high.
If the DSC indicator lamp also
lights up:
There is a fault in the HDC and
DSC systems. Have your BMW center
inspect this system as soon as
possible.
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
134n
Break-in proceduresTo ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following suggestions: Engine and axle drive Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4,500 rpm and the following road
speeds during this initial period:
BMW X5 3.0i: 100 mph (160 km/h)
BMW X5 4.4i: 106 mph (170 km/h)
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the
kickdown point.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles
(2,000 km), engine and vehicle speeds
can gradually be increased.
You should also comply with these
break-in procedures if the engine or
one of the axle drives is replaced later
in the course of the vehicle service life.
TiresDue to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
an initial break-in period has elapsed.
For this reason, drive with extra care
during the initial 200 miles (300 km).
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-
planing, and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle
control and braking effectiveness.
Reduce your speed on wet roads.<
Brake systemApprox. 300 miles (500 km) must
elapse before the brake pads and discs
achieve the optimal pad-surface and
wear patterns required for trouble-free
operation and long service life later on.
To break in the separate parking brake
drums, apply the parking brake lightly
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic
signal, for instance), provided that
traffic conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the parking brake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine shut off – when
towing, for instance – substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.<