Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
29nRefueling
Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, shut off the
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot
be filled into the tank and the Service
Engine Soon lamp may come on. <
To open the filler door, press on the
front edge.
To unlock the fuel filler door if the
central locking system malfunctions,
refer to page 188.
When handling fuels, comply with
all of the applicable safety precau-
tions and regulations pertaining to
fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers
in your vehicle. Whether empty or full,
these containers can leak, cause an
explosion, or lead to fire in the event of
a collision. <
530us007
Simple and environmentally
friendly
Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.
Do not top off. Topping off may cause
fuel spillage. <
Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
530us008
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-
eling
> results in premature pump shutoff
> and will reduce the effect of the
vapor recovery system on the pump.
If the filler nozzle is used correctly, the
fuel tank is full when it shuts off for the
first time.
Tank capacity: refer to page 209.
Close the filler cap carefully after
refueling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze
the strap which is fastened to the cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
message "CHECK FILLER CAP" in the
Check Control
* or the Service Engine
Soon lamp. <
Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
77nTachometer Energy control Fuel gauge
Do not operate the engine with the
needle in the red overspeed zone of the
gauge.
To protect the engine, the engine
management system automatically
interrupts the fuel supply in this range;
the resulting effect resembles that
associated with a sudden loss of
power.
390us004
Indicates the current fuel consumption
in mpg (in liters/100 km on Canadian
vehicles). This allows you to see
whether your current driving style is
conducive to fuel economy with
minimum exhaust emissions.
When the vehicle is stationary, the
display goes to "Maximum" (zero on
Canadian models).
390us005
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the indicator lamp comes on and
stays on, there are approx.
>2.0 gallons (8 liters) – BMW X5 3.0i
> 2.5 gallons (10 liters) – BMW X5 4.4i
of fuel still in the tank.
Tank capacity: refer to page 209.
Certain operating conditions (such as
those encountered in mountainous
areas) may cause the needle to fluc-
tuate slightly.
Please refuel early, as driving to
the last drop of fuel can result in
damage to the engine and/or catalytic
converter. <
390us006
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
137n
Catalytic converter Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Be sure to comply with the
instructions above to prevent
unburned fuel from reaching the cata-
lytic converter. Otherwise, the catalytic
converter could respond by over-
heating, leading to serious damage.
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields
are installed adjacent to some sections
of the exhaust system. Never remove
these shields; do not apply under-
coating to their surfaces. When driving,
standing at idle, and parking the
vehicle, take care to avoid contact
between the exhaust system and flam-
mable materials (grass, hay, leaves,
etc.). Such contact could lead to a fire,
resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
The concept ABS enhances active safety by helping
to prevent the wheels from locking
under braking. This is because: locked
wheels are dangerous. When the front
wheels slide, the driver loses steering
control over the vehicle. Traction loss at
the rear wheels can cause the rear end
to break into an uncontrolled skid.
With ABS, you will achieve the shortest-
possible braking distances under all
given conditions (braking while driving
straight ahead or in curves, different
road surfaces).
ABS is designed to meet two essential
requirements during every brake appli-
cation:
>To help provide vehicle stability.
>To help retain steering and maneu-
vering capability on all types of road
surfaces (asphalt, cement, dirt, wet
surfaces, snow and ice).
Braking with ABS The system becomes operative once
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.
6 mph (10 km/h). The ABS is inactive
again whenever the vehicle's speed
drops back below approx. 4 mph
(6 km/h).
To shorten the braking distance — espe-
cially on steep, poor road surfaces when
driving slowly straight ahead — the
system allows one or both front wheels
to lock for a short time. Nevertheless,
the vehicle still retains steering
response since this "poor road logic" is
deactivated again automatically as you
steer.
If you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply maxi-
mum brake pressure ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
The ABS system's closed-loop control
circuit cycles in fractions of a second.
A pulsation at the brake pedal, together
with the sounds associated with the
hydraulic controls, tells you that the
brake system is within its maximum
limit range and reminds you that you
148n
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
Use only wheels and tires
approved by BMW for the corre-
sponding vehicle model, as otherwise
the tires may make contact with the
body as the result of tolerances despite
the same nominal size being used,
resulting in serious accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
For wheel and tire specifications
approved by BMW, refer to page 150.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such
as ABS, ATC and DSC. The function of
these systems is impaired if improper
wheel-tire combinations are used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern on the
vehicle and, for example, restore the
approved wheel-tire combination
following a flat tire as soon as
possible.<
Codes on the tires and wheels The code on tires has the following
meaning.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR= over 150 mph (240 km/h) Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Belt rating code for
radial tires
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
235/65 R 17 104 H
All-season, all-terrain and winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes on light-alloy wheels:
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in
the valves frequently leads to slow
leaks. Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light when-
ever possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel. Example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Special extended hump
on the 2 rim shoulders
7.5 x 17 SEH 2
J
208nWeights
BMW X5 3.0i BMW X5 4.4i
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, o\
ptions not included)
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission lbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)4,519 (2050)
4,563 (2070) –
4,795 (2,175)
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission lbs. (kg)
lbs. (kg)6,005 (2,724)
6,005 (2,724) –
6,005 (2,724)
Approved front axle weight lbs. (kg) 2,787 (1,264) 2,787 (1,264)
Approved rear axle weight lbs. (kg) 3,307 (1,500) 3,307 (1,500)
Approved roof load capacity lbs. (kg) 220 (100)
Never exceed either the approved axle weights or the gross vehicle weigh\
t.
Cargo area capacity cu ft (l) 16.1 - 54.4 (455 - 1,540)
Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
209nCapacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 24.6 (approx. 93)
approx. 2.0 (approx. 8) – BMW X5 3.0i
approx. 2.5 (approx. 10) – BMW X5 4.4i Fuel specification: page
30
Windshield washer system
with headlamp washer system quarts (liters) approx. 8.2 (approx. 7.8) For details: page
156
Cooling system including
heater circuit quarts (liters) 11.1 (10.5) – BMW X5 3.0i
12.7 (12.0) – BMW X5 4.4i For details: page
160
Engine oil and filter change quarts (liters) 7.9 (7.5) – BMW X5 3.0i 8.5 (8.0) – BMW X5 4.4i"BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil"
For details: page
158
Manual and automatic transmission,
transfer box and differential – – Lifetime fluid, no fluid
change required
Everything from A to Z
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 23, 137
Accessories 6
Activated-charcoal filter 112
Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) 196
ADB-X (Automatic Differential Brake) 197
Adding brake fluid 161t
coolant 160t
engine oil 157t
washer fluid 156t
Adjusting head restraints 49t
mirrors 53t
seats 48t
steering wheel 52t
temperature 102 t, 108 t
washer nozzles 156t
Air conditioner 100
Air distribution 102, 108
Air outlets 100, 106
Air pressure 30t , 145 t
Air supply 102, 109
Airbags 23, 58 , 168 , 196
Alarm system 43
Antennas 144
Antifreeze 160
radiator 141 Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 23, 137
Anti-theft alarm system 43
Anti-theft protection 37
Approved gross vehicle weight 208
Aquaplaning 136, 145
Arrival time 90
Ashtray front 120
rear 121
AUC (Automatic recirculated air control) 110
Automatic car washes 163
Automatic climate control 106
removing condensation
from the windows 109
Automatic cruise control 74
Automatic curb monitor 55
Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X) 197
Automatic dimming, interior rearview mirror 54
Automatic recirculated air
control (AUC) 110
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 68
Average fuel consumption 82
Average speed 82, 91 Avoiding unintentional
alarms 44t
Axle loads 208
B
Backup lamps 67
bulb replacement 177t
Battery 185, 210
capacity 210
charge 186t
discharged 190t
Belts 57
Beverage holder 119
Blower 102, 109
BMW comfort seat 50
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 158
BMW sports seat 51
BMW Universal Transmitter 115
Body-cavity protectant 164
Brake 140
fluid 161t
hydraulic system 22
malfunctions 141t
pads 24, 141
Brake system 141
bulb replacement 177t
Break-in procedures 134
Bulbs and lamps 175
C
California Proposition
65 Warning 169
Can holder, refer to cup holder 119
Capacities 209
Car jack 180
Car keys 34
Car Memory 56
Car radio reception 144, 198
Car vacuum cleaner power outlet 127t
socket 121t
Car wash 163
Care exterior 164
interior 166
Cargo area 42, 124
capacity 208
cover 124
lamps 98
opening from the
inside 41
Cargo floor, pull-out 128
Cargo loading 129
Caring for the vehicle finish 165
Catalytic converter 136
CBC (Cornering Brake Control) 138
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