11n
Controls and features
Operation, care and maintenance
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC) 93
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) 94
Hill Descent Control (HDC) 95
Lamps:
Side lamps/Low beams97
Instrument lighting 97
High beams/Parking lamps 98
Fog lamps 98
Interior lamps 98
Reading lamps 99
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Air conditioner100
Automatic climate control 106
Seat heating 112
Steering wheel heating 113
Roller sun blind 113
Independent ventilation system 114
Cabin convenience:
BMW Universal Transmitter 115
Glove compartment 117
Storage compartments 118
Cellular phone 118
Cup holders 119
Glasses compartment 119
Ashtray, front 120
Cigarette lighter, front 120
Ashtray, rear 121
Cigarette lighter, rear 121
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag122
Cargo area Fold the rear backrests
down 124
Cargo area cover 124
Partition net 125
Cover panels in the cargo
area 126
Power outlets 127
Pull-out cargo floor 128
Cargo loading 129
Roof-mounted luggage rack 130
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures134
Driving your BMW X5 135
General driving notes 136
Catalytic converter 136
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 137
Disc brakes 140
Brake system 141
Winter operation 141
Power steering 143
Level control system 143
Cellular phone 144
Radio reception 144
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure 145
Tire condition 145
Tire replacement 146
Tire rotation 147
Wheel and tire combinations 148
Special features of winter tires 149
Snow chains 149
Approved wheel and tire
specifications 150
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
142n
Winter operation Rubber seals and components In order to prevent the weather-strip-
ping from freezing, apply BMW rubber
treatment or silicone spray to the seals
on the doors, hood and liftgate/tailgate.
A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center.< Snow chains Mount BMW snow chains
* only on tire
size 235/65 R 17. Always mount chains
in pairs and on the rear wheels only.
Read and comply with the chain manu-
facturer's safety precautions. Do not
exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h).
Starting offWhen starting in deep snow or
"rocking" the vehicle free, it may be
advisable to deactivate the DSC system
briefly. Refer to page 94.
Driving on low-traction road
surfaces Use smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. Also shift
to the next lower gear at an early point
when approaching grades or slopes.
Maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the car ahead. BrakingWinter road conditions substantially
reduce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface.
The resulting increases in braking
distance are considerable and should
be kept in mind at all times.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response. If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
Reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal until the wheels just start to roll
again while still maintaining enough
force to continue braking. Following
that, increase pedal pressure again.
Reduce the pressure as the wheels
lock, then reapply pressure. Repeat this
braking sequence.
This type of staggered braking will
reduce the braking distance, and the
vehicle still remains responsive to
steering.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces if you want to decelerate.
Doing so could cause the wheels to
lose traction and skid, thus resulting in
the loss of vehicle control.<
Depress the clutch during hard
braking on road surfaces that
provide only poor or uneven traction.<
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
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
149n
Special features of winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under inclem-
ent winter driving conditions. While
so-called all-season tires (M+S desig-
nation) provide better winter traction
than summer tires with the load ratings
H, V, W, Y and ZR, they generally do
not achieve the performance of winter
tires.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires.
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus
be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures — and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains is approved only in pairs on the
rear wheels and only with tire size
235/65 R 17. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.
150n
Approved wheel and tire specifications Observe the specifications for tires and
wheels in the vehicle's documents. If
sizes not approved by the manufacturer
are mounted, an entry in the vehicle's
documents may be necessary. Snow chains
*
It is only possible to mount snow
chains on the rear wheels with tire
size 235/65 R 17. BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information.
Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in
the vehicle documents.
Tire specifications Light-alloy wheel
BMW X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i
All-season/all-terrain
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S 7.5Jx17 SEH2
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S 8.5Jx18 EH2
Summer
255/55 R 18 105 V 8.5Jx18 EH2
Front: 255/50 R 19 103 V
Rear: 285/45 R 19 107 V9Jx19 EH2
10Jx19 EH2
Winter
235/65 R 17 104 Q/T/H M+S 7.5Jx17 SEH2
The use of rims and lug bolts that
do not meet the specifications of
the original factory-installed equipment
will affect the safe operation of your
vehicle and may cause an accident and
personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle
control.<
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.<
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