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5n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
Park Distance Control (PDC)91
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)92
Hill Descent Control (HDC)94
Variable Ride Height95
Variable Ride Height on both
axles95
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)98
Adaptive brake light99
Lamps:
Parking lamps/Low beams100
Instrument lighting101
High beams/Standing
lamps101
Fog lamps101
Interior lamps102
Reading lamps102
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Air conditioner103
Automatic climate control106
Sunshades
Independent ventilation
system112
Cabin convenience:
BMW Universal Transmitter113
Glove compartment116
Storage compartments116
Cellular phone117
Beverage holder117
Glasses compartment118
Ashtray, front118
Cigarette lighter, front118
Ashtray, rear119
Cigarette lighter, rear119
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag120
Cargo area
Fold the rear backrests
down122
Cargo area cover122
Partition net123
Cover panels in the cargo
area124
Power outlets125
Pull-out cargo floor126
Stowing cargo127
Roof-mounted luggage rack128
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures132
Driving your BMW X5133
General driving notes134
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)134
Brake system135
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressures136
Tire condition136
Tire replacement137
Wheel and tire
combinations139
Winter tires140
Snow chains140
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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.
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140n
Winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tire BMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under
inclement winter driving conditions.
While so-called all-season tires (M+S
designation) provide better winter trac-
tion than summer tires with the load
ratings H, V, W, Y and ZR, they gener-
ally 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 Sports
Activity Vehicle 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 Ñ 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. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
Page 180 of 185

Everything from A to ZPPark Distance Control
(PDC)91
Parking aid91
Parking brake19, 64
Parking lamps100
Passenger side mirror tilt
function51
PDC (Park Distance
Control)91
"Please fasten safety belt"
warning lamp19
Poor driving conditions133
Power loss
sliding/tilt sunroof43t
Power outlets
flashlight125t
other appliances125t
vacuum cleaner125t
Power rating170
Power rear-seat
backrests48
Power windows40
safety switch41
Pull-out cargo floor126RRain sensor69
RDC (Tire Pressure
Monitor)98
warning lamp18, 20Reading lamps102
Rear backrests, folding
down122
Rear lamps155t
Rear passenger area climate
control110
Rear seats, power48
Rear window
defroster104, 109
Rear window wiper71
blade replacement152t
Rear-seat backrest, folding
down122
Rear-seat backrests,
power48
Rearview mirror53
Rechargeable flashlight116
Recirculated-air
mode104, 109
Reclining seat44
Refueling24, 183
Releasing
hood141t
tailgate following an
electrical
malfunction38t
Reminder signal (Memo)84
Remote control32
computer90
Removal aid for the spare
wheel159tRemoving condensation
from the
windows105t, 108t
Replacing
antifreeze, radiator145t
bulbs153t
fuses163t
tires137t
windshield wiper
blades152t
Reporting Safety Defects11
Reservoir, washer
system143t
Residual heat107, 110
Restraint systems58
Reverse65
Rims139
Roof load capacity172
Roof-mounted luggage
rack128
SSafety belts49
height adjustment49
Safety Defects, reporting11
Safety lock buttons35
Seat adjustment44
Seat belts49
Seat, electric power46
Seat heating51
Seat, mechanical45Seat memory50
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory50
Securing cargo38, 127
Selector lever, automatic
transmission66
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models)147
Service Engine Soon
indicator lamp20
Service Interval
Display76, 147
Set temperature108t
Shiftlock66
Shoulder support47
Side airbags55
Side Impact Head Protection
System55
Side lamps100
bulb replacement154t
Sitting correctly44
Ski bag120
Sliding/tilt sunroof42
closing following an
electrical
malfunction43t
convenience operation31
power loss43t
remote control33
Snow chains140