Contents
Operation, care and maintenanceOwner service proceduresAdvanced technology
Under the hood:
Hood 151
Engine compartment 152
Washer fluid 156
Washer nozzles 156
Engine oil 157
Coolant 160
Brake fluid 161
Vehicle Identification Number 161
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System 162
Caring for your vehicle 163
Airbags 168
Vehicle storage 168
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications 169
California Proposition 65 Warning 169
OBD interface socket 170
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit174
Windshield wiper blades 174
Lamps and bulbs 175
Changing a wheel 180
Battery 185
Fuses 187
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door 188
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 188
Liftgate 188
Tailgate 189
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting 190
Towing the vehicle 191 Airbags
196
Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) 196
Four-wheel drive 197
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 197
Radio reception 198
Safety belt tensioner 198
DSP sound system 199
Rearview mirrors with automatic dimmer 199
Rain sensor 200
Front axle 200
Integrated rear suspension 201
Level control system 201
Xenon lamps 202
32n
Locks and security systems:
Keys 34
Electronic vehicle immobilizer 35
Central locking system 36
Opening and closing – from the outside 36
Using the key 36
Using the remote control 37
Opening and closing – from the inside 40
Liftgate 41
Tailgate 41
Alarm system 43
Electric power windows 45
Sliding/Tilt sunroof with glass moonroof 46
Adjustments:
Seats 48
Steering wheel 52
Mirrors 53
Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory 55
Car Memory, Key Memory 56
Passenger safety systems:
Safety belts 57
Airbags 58
Transporting children safely 61Driving:
Steering/Ignition lock
64
Starting the engine 64
Switching off the engine 65
Parking brake 66
Manual transmission 67
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 68
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp flasher 70
Washer/Wiper system/Rain sensor 71
Rear window defroster 73
Cruise control 74
Everything under control:
Odometer, outside temperature display 76
Tachometer 77
Energy control 77
Fuel gauge 77
Coolant temperature gauge 78
Service Interval Display 78
Check Control 79
Computer 82
Multi-Information Display
(MID) 84
Digital clock in the MID 85
Computer in the MID 88
Controls
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.
136n
General driving notes Catalytic converter
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the
tires and the road surface. This
phenomenon is referred to as aqua-
planing or hydroplaning. It is character-
ized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
steering and braking control.
Cargo area cover:
Do not place heavy or hard objects on
the cargo area cover. These objects
could endanger vehicle occupants
during heavy brake applications or
evasive maneuvers.
Clothes hooks:
When suspending articles of clothing
from the hooks, be sure that they will
not obstruct the driver's vision. Do not
hang heavy objects on the hooks. If you
do so, they could cause personal injury
during braking or evasive maneuvers.< The catalytic converter reduces harmful
exhaust emissions.
It is designed for use with unleaded fuel
only. Even minute quantities of lead
would be enough to permanently
damage both the catalytic converter
and the system oxygen sensor.
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and avoid potential damage:
>Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements.
>Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty.
>Tow-start the vehicle only when the
engine is cold, since unburned fuel
may otherwise reach the catalytic
converter. It is better to start the
vehicle with an outside starting aid.
>Avoid other situations in which the
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-
pletely, such as engaging the starter
frequently or for extended periods, or
repeated start attempts in which the
engine does not start (stopping and
restarting an engine which is running
properly does not present a problem).
Never allow the engine to run with
any of the spark plug cables discon-
nected.
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
163n
Caring for your vehicleWashing your vehicle You can have your new BMW washed
in an automatic car wash. Car wash
systems that do not employ brushes
are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
To prevent spots, avoid washing when
the hood is still warm, or immediately
after and during exposure to strong
sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle.
Before washing the vehicle in a
car wash, fold in the exterior
mirrors manually, otherwise they may
be damaged on account of the width of
the vehicle.<
>No damage will occur on vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). If you are
uncertain, consult the manager of the
car wash.
>The wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system.
>The vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing.
Vehicles with rain sensor
*:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
from automatic car washes or insects,
for example, can cause malfunctions in
the function of the rain sensor.
Deactivate the rain sensor in auto-
matic car washes. If you do not,
damage may occur if the wipers switch
on unintentionally.<
Parts of the vehicle that are inacces-
sible to the automatic car wash — such
as door sills, door and hood edges, etc.
— should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also cause damage to
the vehicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's
surface. Inadequate distance and
excessive pressure can damage or
weaken the finish, making it more
susceptible to subsequent attack. In
addition, moisture could penetrate to
vehicle components, leading to long-
term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not wipe dry (scratches). Never
use abrasives or strong solvents to
clean the covers.
>Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water.
>Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow – never
use a scraper.<
After washing the vehicle, apply
the brakes briefly to dry them.
Braking efficiency might otherwise be
reduced by the moisture and the brake
rotors could also be corroded.<
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
197n
The transmission of power to the four
drive wheels is provided permanently
through a transfer box. The distribution
of torque between the front and rear
axles is 38% to 62%.
Traditional differential locks at the front
and rear axles and in the transfer box
are not required. Their function is taken
over by automatic braking intervention
at all four wheels. These traction inter-
ventions are governed by Automatic
Differential Brake (ADB-X), a sub-func-
tion of DSC.
If a wheel tends to slip, it is braked
automatically by ADB-X until it once
again gains traction, and drive force
can be transmitted to that wheel. In
addition, the drive force is distributed
to the remaining wheels during this
530us133
system intervention. Engine output is
also reduced if necessary.
When the DSC is deactivated, the
ADB-X traction intervention is set for
the maximum drive force. However,
the engine intervention and the stability
controls are no longer available. For
this reason, DSC should only be deacti-
vated in the exceptional circumstances
described on page 95.
The BMW X5 is a vehicle for all types of
roads. The permanent four-wheel drive
provides a significant degree of vehicle
stability and tractive power under all
road conditions. It assists in critical
situations such as driving in extreme
winter conditions or on bad roads. Precision sensors monitor the wheel
speeds, the steering angle, lateral
acceleration, brake pressure and the
movement of the vehicle around its
vertical axis.
If differences in wheel speeds occur, the
system recognizes the danger of wheel-
spin and reduces the engine's drive
torque. If necessary, the system also
responds with additional braking inter-
vention at all four wheels.
In addition, DSC permanently monitors
the vehicle's current operating condition
and compares it with an ideal condition
that is calculated from the sensor
signals. If deviations from this occur
(understeering or oversteering, for
instance), DSC can stabilize the vehicle
in fractions of a second by adapting
engine output and with the assistance of
braking intervention at individual
wheels. This way, as long as the skid
can still be managed under the laws of
physics, these kinds of dangerous skids
are prevented even before they can
start.
You may need some time to become
accustomed to this system intervention.
However, it provides optimum drive
force and vehicle stability. The braking
intervention may be accompanied by
certain sounds specific to the system.
Four-wheel drive DSC
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
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