92n
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 or wedge-shaped
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 vehicle 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 20.
Indicator lamp ßashes:
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 Sports Activity
Vehicle center to have the system
repaired.
93n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)To switch the system offPress the button; the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.
Traction intervention remains active;
that is, braking intervention will
continue.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to switch
off the DSC for a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle or starting
off in deep snow or on loose surfaces
>On sandy road surfaces
>On poor surfaces with deep ruts
>If the wheels "churn" on muddy
surfaces
>When driving with snow chains. 530de230
As a result of the traction interven-
tion, the brakes may be subjected
to additional loads when the system is
switched off. For this reason, it is
possible that the braking intervention
will be disabled automatically for a brief
period in order to limit brake tempera-
ture.
To maintain vehicle stability, always
drive with the system switched on when
possible.<
To switch the system on againPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An
appropriate driving style always
remains the responsibility of the driver.
We therefore urge you to avoid using
the additional safety margin of the
system as an excuse for taking risks.
Do not make any modifications to the
DSC system. Service procedures on
the system are to be performed by
authorized technicians only.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)DBC is an integral component of the
DSC system.
The system responds to sudden, high-
intensity applications of force to the
brake pedal by automatically braking
the vehicle with maximum boost to
achieve the shortest-possible braking
distances during "panic stops." This
system exploits all the benefits of ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure exerted
against the brake pedal until the
braking maneuver has been completed.
DBC is deactivated when you release
the brake pedal.
133n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Driving your BMW X5 Your BMW is right at home on all roads
and byways Ð even where the pavement
ends. It combines permanent four-
wheel drive with the agility of a typical
passenger vehicle. On bad roadsWhen you are driving on bad roads,
there are a few points which you should
strictly heed Ñ for your own safety, for
that of your passengers, and for the
safekeeping of the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle
before you begin driving. Do not take
risks with the vehicle under any
circumstances
>Always adapt vehicle speed to road
conditions Ð the steeper and more
uneven the road surface is, the
slower the vehicle's speed should be
>You can operate your vehicle on
uphill and downhill gradients with a
maximum slope of 50 %. If you intend
to drive on either an uphill or downhill
gradient of this steepness, check to
be sure in advance that the engine oil
and coolant levels are both near the
"MAX" mark, refer to pages 143
and 145.
When driving down steep slopes, use
the Hill Descent Control (HDC), refer
to page 94. Starting from a full stop is possible on
uphill gradients of up to 32 %.
The permitted side tilt is also 50 %
>While driving, watch carefully for
obstacles such as rocks or holes. Try
to avoid these obstacles whenever
possible
>On hill crests and bumpy roads, for
example, be careful to prevent the
body from "bottoming" (contact
between the body and the ground).
The ground clearance of the vehicle
is:
8 in (200 mm) with up to four
passengers
7 in (180 mm) fully loaded (without
Variable Ride Height)
>Do not drive in water that is deeper
than 20 inches (50 cm). If you must
drive through water up to that depth,
drive at a walking speed and do not
stop.
After leaving the water, press on the
footbrake gently several times while
driving at a low speed. The brake
applications will help to dry the
brakes, thus preventing a reduction in
braking performance caused by the
moisture.
Back onto the paved road In recommending that you observe the
following points after driving on adverse
road surfaces, it is not as a "beauty
treatment" for your BMW. Instead, it is
intended for the maintenance of driving
safety:
>Clean accumulations of dirt from the
body and check the undercarriage for
damage
>Clean mud, snow, ice and other
materials from the wheels and tires.
Check the tires for damage
>Check to determine whether rocks,
gravel or accumulations of dirt on the
brake rotors and calipers could influ-
ence braking performance. Remove
all such foreign objects
>In order to clean the brake rotors,
apply the footbrake gently several
times while driving at a low speed. Be
sure that following traffic is not
endangered by this
>For cleaning the parking brake, apply
the lever slightly at approx. 25 mph
(40 km/h) and continue to drive for
approx. 200 yards (200 meters),
provided that traffic conditions allow
you to do so.
Everything from A to ZEngine oil143t, 144
consumption143
grades144
level19
pressure18
Estimated time of arrival88
Exterior mirrors53
Exterior rearview mirrors,
automatic dimming
feature54FFailure of an electrical
accessory163t
Filling the windshield washer
reservoir143t
First-aid kit23t
Fittings, tow-starting and
towing166t
Flashlight116
Flat tire99, 136, 157t
Fog lamps101
bulb replacement155t
Folding rear backrest122
Footbrake135
Front area lighting102
Front fog lamps101
Front seat adjustment44Frost protection,
radiator145
Fuel25
capacity173
display75
gauge75
quality25
specifications25
Fuel consumption88
average88
Fuel filler door24
electrical malfunction24
Fuses163t
GGarage-door opener113
Gasoline25
General driving notes134
Glasses compartment118
Glove compartment116
Gross vehicle weight172
Ground clearance133HHandbrake64
Hands-free system117
Hazard warning flashers14
Hazard warning triangle23HDC (Hill Descent
Control)94
Head restraints47
Headlamp covers,
care154t
Headlamp flasher69
Headlamp washer
system70, 143
Heated seats51
Heated steering wheel53
Heating and
ventilation103, 106
Heating while stopped110
Heavy cargo127
Height171
Height adjustment
seats46
steering wheel52
High beams21, 101
bulb replacement153t
High-mount brake lamp156
Hill Descent Control
(HDC)94
Holder for cans, refer to
beverage holder117
Hood141t
Hood release141t
Hydraulic Brake Assistant
refer to DBC20
IIce warning74
Identification, tires139
Ignition key30
Ignition lock62
Imprint4
Independent ventilation
system85, 112
switching on and off85
Indicator lamps18
Inflation pressures,
tires136
monitoring98
INSPECTION76
Instrument cluster15, 17
Instrument lighting101
Instrument panel15, 17
Intensive cleaning
system70
Interior lamps102
remote control33
Interior mirror54
Interior motion sensor40
Interior rearview mirror,
automatic dimming
feature54
Interlock62
Intermittent wipe69
Everything from A to Z
181n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Socket
power supplies119t
vacuum cleaner119t
Spare key30
Spare tire158t
Spare wheel158
removal aid159t
Speaker117
Special features of winter
tires140
Special wash program70
Speed89
Speed control71
Speed limit86, 87
Speedometer15, 17
Sports seat45
Standing lamps101
Starting assistance164t
Starting
problems63t, 164t
Starting the engine62, 63
Steering wheel
adjustment52
adjustment, automatic52
heating53
lock62
memory50
Steering wheel with
multifunction buttons22
Steptronic66
Stopwatch84Storage compartments116
in the cargo area124
Summer tires139
Sunroof42
Sunshades112
Switching off the engine64
Switching off the vehicle64
Switch-on times
input85
Symbols8
Synthetic oils144
System malfunction
indicators77
TTachometer75
Tail lamps155t
bulb replacement155t
Tailgate37
opening from the
outside36
radio control operation33
release following an
electrical
malfunction38t
Tank capacity173
Technical
modifications10, 148
Telephone preparation117Temperature display,
outside
temperature74, 80
Temperature gauge76
Temperature
layering105, 110
Temperature setting108t
Thigh support
adjustment45
Third brake lamp156
Tilt alarm33
Tilt alarm sensor40
Tilt function, passenger side
mirror51
Time
calling up83
changing83
of arrival, estimated88
Timer
refer to Stopwatch
refer also to the Owner's
Manual for the Onboard
Computer
Tire136
damage136t
pressure monitoring98
renewal137
tread136
Tire inflation
pressures26, 136
monitoring98
table27Tire Pressure Monitor
(RDC)98
warning lamp18, 20
Tire Quality Grading138
Tools152t
Torque170
Tow fittings166t
Towing the vehicle166t
Tow-starting166t
Track width171
Traction Control System,
refer to DSC92
Transmission65, 66
Transporting children
safely58
Tread depth, tires136
Trip odometer74
Turn signal indicator69
bulb replacement154t
Turning circle171
UUniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQR)138
Universal Transmitter113
Used batteries,
disposal162
Used oil, disposal144t