Page 65 of 223

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
65nStarting the engine Switching off the engine
Do not press the accelerator pedal
while starting the engine.
BMW X5 3.0i:
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time. Do not turn it for more
than approx. 20 seconds. Release the
ignition key immediately as soon as the
engine starts.
BMW X5 4.4i:
Your BMW is equipped with the conve-
nience starting feature. Simply turn the
key to position 3 (starter) and then
release it immediately.
The starter continues to operate auto-
matically.
The automatic starting mode will not
operate if the battery voltage is low.
The engine can be started by means of
jump-starting (refer to page 190).<
Do not allow the engine to warm up
by leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, begin to
drive immediately at a moderate engine
speed.Should the engine fail to start on the
first attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for
instance):
> Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at very low temperatures,
from approx. +5 7 (–15 6) and at alti-
tudes above 3,300 ft (1,000 meters):
> For the initial start attempt, allow the
starter to remain engaged somewhat
longer (approx. 10 seconds).
> Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at startup are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharging,
always deactivate electrical devices
that are not in use. Switch the ignition
off when the vehicle is not being driven. Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Never remove the ignition key
while the vehicle is rolling. If you
did so, the ignition lock would engage
when the steering wheel is turned.
Always remove the ignition key and
engage the steering lock before leaving
the vehicle.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on slopes and inclined
surfaces. Even placing the lever in
1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in "Park." <
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
The vehicle must be stationary and the
selector lever in "Park" before you can
remove the ignition key.
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92n
Computer in the MID
*
After three incorrect code inputs, or
three attempts to start the engine with-
out a code input, the alarm will sound
for 30 seconds on vehicles fitted with
an alarm.
Deactivating the alarm in an
emergency:
If you have forgotten the code, proceed
as follows:
1 Disconnect the battery, wait approx.
2 minutes, then reconnect it. Note
that on vehicles with an alarm, this
will sound.
2 Set the ignition key to position 1:
The time display will count down for
the next ten minutes.
3 After ten minutes, start the engine.
If the code becomes available
again in the meantime, it can be
input during the waiting period after
pressing the CODE button.<
Remote controlThe button on the turn indicator lever
can be used to select the items of
computer information which are to
be displayed.
To do this, press
>the button on the lever until PROG 1
shows on the display.
>the MID buttons in the order in which
you wish the information to be dis-
played.
Each time an entry is stored, the pro-
gram number appears on the display.
To terminate the selection procedure:
Press the right side of the button.530us047
To have all the available information
displayed, press
>the button on the lever until the
display shows PROG 1.
>the SET button.
To obtain individual items of informa-
tion, press the button in briefly as often
as necessary.
Page 99 of 223
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
99n
Interior lamps Reading lampsFootwell lampsThe footwell lamps are controlled in the
same manner as the front interior
lighting. Front area lighting
*
This lighting system in the two exterior
mirrors lights the ground in the area
near the two front doors. It is also
controlled in the same manner as the
front interior lighting, but it does not
function while the vehicle is moving.
Reading lamps are provided in the front
and rear
* near the interior lamp. They
can be switched on and off with the
button (arrows) next to each lamp.
In order to prevent battery
discharge, all of the lamps in the
vehicle are switched off automatically
approx. 15 minutes after the ignition
key is turned to position 0.<
530us057
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110n
Automatic climate control
*
Automatic recirculated air
control (AUC)
If there are unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the
outside air, you can temporarily block
the airflow from the outside. The
system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
Press the button repeatedly to run
through the following control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside airflow
operational.
>Left-hand indicator lamp on – AUC
mode: the system recognizes pollut-
ants in the outside air and blocks the
flow of air when necessary. The
system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
Depending on the air quality, the
automatic system then switches back
and forth between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle.
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
flow of external air into the vehicle is
completely blocked. The system then
recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
If you have a multifunction steering
wheel with the button for recirculated
air (refer to page 26), you can also use
this button to switch between "Off" and
the recirculated air mode or AUC and
the recirculated air mode.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch the
recirculated air off and increase the air
supply as required.< Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated,
the indicator lamp comes on. The
rear window defroster switches off
automatically.
Residual heat mode
The heat which is stored in
the engine is utilized for
heating the interior when the engine
has been switched off (while waiting at
a railroad crossing, for instance). In
ignition key position 1, you can alter the
settings of the automatic climate
control. With the ignition key in posi-
tion 0, the system automatically directs
heated air to the windshield, side
windows and footwells.
This function may be activated
when the outside temperature is
below approx. +59 7 (+15 6), the
engine is at operating temperature, and
the battery is adequately charged. The
LED on the button will light up when all
conditions have been met.<
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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.
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
139n
Antilock Brake System (ABS) In the event of a fault
If the brake warning lamp
comes on red together with the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC (refer to pages 22
to 24), ABS, CBC, DSC, DBC,
EBV and HDC have failed. You
may continue driving, but drive
defensively and with extra
caution. Avoid full brake applications
because the vehicle could become
unstable and go out of control.
Have the system checked by the
nearest BMW center.
If all three warning lamps come on
yellow:
ABS, CBC, DSC, DBC and HDC have
failed. The effect of the EBV Brake
Force Distribution at the rear wheels,
which achieves stable brake response,
is largely preserved. Optimum brake
force and braking stability are no longer
assured. Continue to drive; drive
cautiously and defensively and avoid
full brake applications.
Have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
Following an interruption in
battery power, the ABS, CBC,
DSC, DBC and HDC systems are no
longer available. After you drive for only
a few yards or meters or if you turn the
steering wheel from stop to stop while
the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is running, the functions are activated
again and the three warning lamps will
go out.<
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
151n
HoodTo unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.
Do not work on your vehicle
without appropriate skills. Switch
off the engine and allow it to cool down
before working in the engine compart-
ment. Always disconnect the battery
before working on any electrical systems
or equipment, especially when these are
located within the engine compartment.
Comply with all applicable instructions
and warnings. Failure to work in an
informed, professional manner when
servicing components and materials
constitutes a safety hazard for vehicle
occupants and other road users. If you
are not familiar with the guidelines,
please have the operations performed
by your BMW center.< 530us093
To open Pull the release handle and open the
hood. 530us094
To close Allow the hood to fall from a height of
about 12 in (30 cm) so that it audibly
engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures
.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.< 530us095
Page 173 of 223
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
173n
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit174
Windshield wiper blades174
Lamps and bulbs175
Changing a wheel181
Battery185
Fuses187
In case of electrical
malfunction:
Fuel filler door188
Sliding/Tilt sunroof188
Liftgate188
Tailgate189
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Jump-starting190
Towing the vehicle191
Repairs