Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
199nDSP sound system* Rearview mirrors with automatic dimmer*
The DSP Professional premium sound
system features a special amplifier
combined with Digital Sound
Processing (DSP) and integrated
speakers to surround you with crisp,
true-to-life sound reproduction. The
speaker system's subwoofers, woofers,
midrange speakers and tweeters
furnish you with an impressively full-
bodied listening experience. The indi-
vidual components are oriented so as
to produce the aural sensation that you
would experience facing the stage in a
concert hall. The system also automati-
cally adjusts the bass and treble
settings to compensate for changes in
volume and vehicle speed.
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The interior and exterior rearview
mirrors with automatic dimming feature
reduce glare from following traffic by
adapting the intensity of the reflected
images to correspond to levels of light
registered by the unit's sensors. The
mirrors revert to their undimmed setting
as soon as the light source disappears.
A forward facing sensor is mounted on
the front of the interior mirror housing
and is designed to monitor light levels
in the area forward of the vehicle.
A second sensor is integrated within
the mirror's glass. The electronic
control system operates by comparing
the respective levels of luminous inten-
sity in front of and behind the vehicle.
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The difference provides the basic
parameter used to modulate an elec-
trical current and induce chemical
changes in a semisolid layer incorpo-
rated in the lenses.
The semisolid reacts chemically to this
electrical current, thus providing
dimming of the mirrors through an infi-
nitely-variable range (electrochromic
technology).
As a result, it is no longer necessary to
dim the interior mirror manually, and the
driver can concentrate completely on
traffic conditions.
200nRain sensor* Front axle
The rain sensor controls windshield
wiper operation, depending on how wet
the windshield is.
Infrared light is carried along the
surface of the windshield in an optical
conductor in such a manner that it is
reflected completely when the wind-
shield is dry. The quantity of reflected
light is measured.
If the window is covered with beads of
water, the amount of light that is
reflected is decreased since the
infrared light at the surface of the wind-
shield can then escape. The quantity of
reflected light is thus a means of
gauging the degree of wetness on the
windshield.
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When the system is set to the "Intermit-
tent" wiper speed, the wipers react
immediately — if water is splashed onto
the windshield by vehicles traveling
ahead of you, for example. As a result,
the rain sensor provides a contribution
to driving safety and comfort.
The double-jointed suspension strut
axle is based on the same concept as
the one in the 7 Series, but was totally
re-developed because of the require-
ments for all-wheel drive. Parts
subjected to particularly high stress
levels for guiding the wheels are
designed as steel-forged parts to meet
the demands made by rougher roads.
The load-bearing front axle has large-
volume, hydraulically cushioned rubber
bearings that allow the axle to absorb
the reactive forces from the engine and
the braking forces from the front
wheels. An integrated rigid plate over
the load-bearing front axle provides
superb support against the lateral
forces introduced by the control arm
(wishbone), and also serves as an
effective protective barrier for the oil
pan and steering.
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Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
201nFront axle Integrated rear suspensionLevel control system*
At the same time, particular attention
has been devoted to maintaining the
driving performance you have come
to expect from BMW.
This axle is based on the same multi-
link principle as that in 7 Series vehi-
cles. The axle's kinematics and elastic
kinematics are critical for wheel control
— a significant prerequisite for achieving
the objective of exceptional onroad
handling characteristics with this
vehicle concept.
In order to reduce unsprung mass, the
wheel carriers and the swing arm are
made of aluminum.
For an outstanding quality in acoustics
and vehicle oscillation characteristics,
the differential is isolated with double
elasticity through a chassis sub-frame
toward the vehicle body.
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The level control system for the rear
axle maintains constant ground clear-
ance of your vehicle, even when
carrying a load.
For this purpose, the vehicle is
equipped with air springs instead of
steel springs at the rear axle. With the
help of two sensors, an electronic
control unit calculates the height of the
body at all times and, if it is required, it
allows air which is generated in a
compressor to flow into the air springs.
As a result of the pressure increase in
the air springs, the level control system
ensures not only constant ride height,
but also ride comfort which is indepen-
dent of the load the vehicle is carrying.
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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 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)
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