2001 BMW X5 4.4I steering wheel

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.

74nCruise control
You can store and automatically main-
tain any desired vehicle speed above
approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).
Do not use cruise control on
twisting roads, when high traffic
density prevents driving at a constant
speed, when the road surface is slick
(snow, rain, ice), or when the road
surface is loose (rocks or gravel,
sand). <
To activate the system
In ignition key position 1 or 2:
Press button 1, the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on. You can
now use the cruise control.
For the arrangement of the buttons in
the Sports steering wheel
*: refer to
page 27.
390de332
To store and maintain speed or to
accelerate
Press button 2 briefly:
The system stores and maintains the
current vehicle speed. Every time you
briefly touch the button, the speed
increases by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
Press and hold button 2:
The vehicle accelerates without pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal. When
you release the button, the system
stores and maintains the current speed.
If, on a downhill gradient, the
engine's braking effect is not suffi-
cient, the controlled speed can be
exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill
grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient. <
To decelerate
Press button 3 briefly:
When cruise control is active, every
briefly touch of the button reduces the
speed by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h).
Press and hold button 3:
With the cruise control active, the
system automatically reduces the
throttle opening to slow the vehicle.
When you release the button, the
system stores and maintains the
current speed.

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.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
103n
Air conditionerRecirculated air mode
You can respond to
unpleasant odors outside the
vehicle by temporarily switching off the
outside air. The system then recircu-
lates the air currently within the vehicle.
If you have a multifunction steering
wheel with the button for recirculated
air, you can also use this button to
switch to the recirculated air mode
(refer to page 26).
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated air mode, switch the
recirculated air off and increase the air
supply as required.<
Draft-free ventilation You can adjust the air outlets for the
upper body area completely for your
personal comfort:
Use rotary dials 1 to open and close the
air outlets through an infinitely-variable
range. You can adjust the direction of
the airflow with levers 2.
Set the air outlets so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at
you.
Rotary dial 3 allows you to control the
temperature of the air flow from these
outlets as desired:
>Turn toward blue – colder.
>Turn toward red – warmer.530us059
Rear passenger area ventilationRotary dial 1 opens the outlets in an
infinitely-variable range. You can
change the direction of the airflow with
levers 2.
The air that flows out here is somewhat
cooler than the air delivered to the foot-
well.530us140

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.<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
113n
Seat heating
*
Steering wheel heating
*
Roller sun blind
*
RearThe function is the same as for front
seat heating. You can select between
two heating modes.530us065
Steering wheel heating functions in
ignition key position 2.
Press the button (arrow) to activate or
deactivate this system.
The lamp within the button lights up
when the steering wheel heater is in
operation.
If you have a multifunction steering
wheel without steering wheel heating,
the button for the recirculated air mode
is in this location (refer to page 26).390de014
Roller sun blinds for rear side
windows
*
Use the strap to pull out the blinds, then
hook them in the provided attachment.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
133n
Under the hood:
Hood151
Engine compartment152
Washer fluid156
Washer nozzles156
Engine oil157
Coolant160
Brake fluid161
Vehicle Identification
Number161
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System162
Caring for your vehicle163
Airbags168
Vehicle storage168
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications169
California Proposition
65 Warning169
OBD interface socket170
Car care Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures134
Driving your BMW X5135
General driving notes136
Catalytic converter136
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)137
Disc brakes140
Brake system141
Winter operation141
Power steering143
Level control system143
Cellular phone144
Radio reception144
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure145
Tire condition145
Tire replacement146
Tire rotation147
Wheel and tire
combinations148
Special features of winter
tires149
Snow chains149
Approved wheel and tire
specifications150

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