
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
109n
Automatic climate control
*
Air supply
In the AUTO program, the
air flow is controlled auto-
matically. AUTO will appear in the
display 9 (refer to the overview on
page 106). Use "+" and "–" to vary the
airflow. When your setting is displayed
by bars, the automatic airflow is
switched off. Automatic air distribution
maintains its setting. You can reactivate
the automatic air supply by pressing the
AUTO button.
When you press "– " during operation at
minimum blower speed all displays are
canceled: the blower, heating and air
conditioner are switched off. The
outside air supply is closed. You can
switch the system back on by pressing
any button of the automatic climate
control.
To defrost windows and remove
condensation
This program quickly
removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and the side
windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and
dehumidified and —
depending on the temperature setting —
warmed again when the air conditioner
system is switched on. Depending on
the weather, the windshield may fog
over briefly when the engine is started.
Use the button to switch the air condi-
tioner off at outside temperatures
below approx. +41 7(+5 6). This will
help to prevent the windows from
fogging over.
If the windows fog over after switching
the air conditioner off, switch it back
on.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Maximum cooling
You will get maximum
cooling capacity using this
program if the engine is running and
the outside temperature is above
+41 7(+5 6).
The temperature display 9 drops to
+61 7 (+16 6), the system switches
over to the recirculated-air mode, and
the air streams out of the ventilation grill
with the maximum amount of flow. That
is why you need to keep these open if
you select this program.

114n
Independent ventilation system
*
You can use this system to ventilate the
interior and lower its temperature, using
the blower of the automatic climate
control.
The independent ventilation system is
operated via the Multi-Information
display (MID), refer to page 87 or via the
Onboard Computer, refer to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual.
You can set two different times for the
system to start; it will remain active for
30 minutes. You can also turn it on and
off directly. Since the system uses a
substantial amount of electrical current,
you should refrain from activating it
twice in succession without allowing
the battery to be recharged in normal
operation between use. When a preselected activation time is
set, the independent ventilation system
is operational at outside temperatures
above +60 7 (+16 6), or by direct
switch activation. It cannot be switched
on when the vehicle is moving.
The air emerges via the air outlets for
the upper body. Therefore, the air
outlets must be open for the system to
operate.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
149n
Special features of winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under inclem-
ent winter driving conditions. While
so-called all-season tires (M+S desig-
nation) provide better winter traction
than summer tires with the load ratings
H, V, W, Y and ZR, they generally do
not achieve the performance of winter
tires.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires.
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus
be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures — and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains is approved only in pairs on the
rear wheels and only with tire size
235/65 R 17. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.

162n
The BMW Maintenance System has
been designed as a reliable means of
providing maximum driving and oper-
ating safety – and as cost-effectively as
possible for you.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.
Service Interval DisplayAdvanced technology is employed to
calculate the optimal maintenance
intervals, which are then indicated in
the Service Interval Display. Conven-
tional systems rely solely on distance
traveled to determine when service is
due. The BMW Maintenance System,
on the other hand, began many years 390us008
ago to take the actual conditions under
which the vehicle is driven into consid-
eration. After all, different drivers can
accumulate mileage in very different
ways.
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those who
drive only short distances – significantly
less than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annu-
ally – should have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years since oil
deteriorates over time, regardless of
use.Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models)For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-mation Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
As a precaution against corrosion, it is
advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW center do the
maintenance and repair.
Your BMW center is always informed on
the latest maintenance work and repair
techniques and equipped with the
required special tools. In addition,
checking parts known from experience
to be subject to wear is a permanent
part of the maintenance specifications.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
These entries will constitute your proof
that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also required for
warranty claims.<
The BMW Maintenance System

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
169n
Any BMW center will be glad to inform
you of the advisability, legal require-
ments and factory recommendations
with regard to technical modifications
on the vehicle. For this purpose, the
BMW center will require the Vehicle
Identification Number and, in some
cases, also the engine number.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers, and they are
formally designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.<
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.<
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 Warning

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)