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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.  

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Wheel and tire combinations The 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.<
BMW tests certain tire brands for each 
tire size, classifies them as road-safe 
and approves them. Consult your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center for 
more information. Observe any regula-
tions applicable in the country of use, 
e.g. requiring entry in the vehicle docu-
ments.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems 
such as ABS, ATC and DSC. The func-
tion of these systems is impaired if 
improper wheel and 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 and tire combination 
following a flat tire as soon as 
possible.< 
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.<
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.  

142n
1 Engine oil dipstick143
2 Reservoir for brake fluid 
(under the microfilter trim panel)146 3 Auxiliary terminal for jump 
starting164
4 Coolant expansion tank1455 Engine oil filler neck143
6 Reservoir for windshield and 
headlamp washer system
*
143
Engine compartment essentials
530de332 

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Washer fluid  Engine oil Headlamp
* and windshield 
washer system 
Approximate capacity is 8.2 US quarts 
(7.8 liters).
Fill with water and Ñ if required Ñ with a 
washer antifreeze (according to manu-
facturer's recommendations). 
It is more convenient to mix the 
washer fluid before adding it to 
the reservoir.< 
Antifreeze agent for the washer 
systems is inflammable. For this 
reason, keep it away from sources of 
flame and store it only in its original 
containers. Store it so that it is inacces-
sible to children. Comply with the 
instructions on the containers.< 530de298
Checking oil level 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface 
2. Switch the engine off after it has 
reached normal operating tempera-
ture 
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the 
dipstick out and wipe it off with a 
clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or 
similar material
4. Push the dipstick carefully all the way 
into the guide tube and pull it out 
again 
5. The oil level should be in between 
the two marks on the dipstick. 
As with fuel economy, oil consumption 
is directly influenced by your driving 
style and vehicle operating conditions. 530us100
The oil volume between the two marks 
on the dipstick corresponds to approx. 
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Do not fill beyond 
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess 
oil will damage the engine
BMW X5 4.6is:
If the vehicle's performance reserves 
are used extensively (high-perfor-
mance driving) the oil level should be 
maintained at the upper graduation on 
the dipstick.530us205 

144n
Engine oil To add oilWhile you should wait until the level has 
dropped to just above the lower mark 
before adding oil, you should never 
allow the oil level to fall below this 
marking.
BMW engines are designed to 
operate without oil additives; the 
use of additives could lead to damage 
in some cases. This is also true for the 
manual transmission, the automatic 
transmission, the differential, and the 
power steering system.< 
Recommendation: have the oil changed 
by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
center. 530de326
Continuous exposure to used oil 
has caused cancer in laboratory 
testing. For this reason, any skin areas 
that come into contact with oil should 
be thoroughly washed with soap and 
water.
Always store oils, grease and similar 
materials so that they are inaccessible 
to children. Comply with warning labels 
and information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the 
disposal of used oil.< 
Specified engine oils The quality of the engine oil selected 
has critical significance for the opera-
tion and service life of an engine. Based 
on extensive testing, BMW has 
approved only certain engine oils. 
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil." 
If you are unable to obtain "BMW High 
Performance Synthetic Oil," you can 
add small amounts of synthetic oil in 
between oil changes. Use only oils with 
the API SH specification or higher. 
Ask your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center for details 
concerning the specific "BMW High 
Performance Synthetic Oil" or 
"synthetic oils" which have been 
approved.< 
You can also call BMW of North 
America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this 
website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain 
this information. 
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class 
depends on the climatic conditions in 
the area where you typically drive your 
BMW. 
Approved oils are in SAE classes 
5W-40 and 5W-30.< 
These oils may be used for driving in all 
ambient temperatures.  

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
The BMW Maintenance System has 
been designed as a reliable means of 
providing maximum driving and oper-
ating safety Ð and as cost-effectively as 
possible for you. 
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the 
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a 
significant role in maintaining the resale 
value of the vehicle. 390us008
Service Interval Display Conventional systems rely solely on 
distance traveled to determine when 
service is due. The BMW Maintenance 
System, on the other hand, began many 
years ago to take the actual conditions 
under which the vehicle is driven into 
consideration. After all, different drivers 
can accumulate mileage in very 
different ways. 
From the point of view of maintenance, 
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated 
in short-distance urban driving are not 
the equivalent of the same distance 
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System 
includes the Engine Oil Service and 
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals 
according to the actual loads on the 
vehicle covers every kind of operating 
situation. However, even those who 
drive only short distances Ð significantly 
less than 6,000 miles (10,000 km) annu-
ally Ð should have the engine oil 
changed at least every 2 years since oil 
deteriorates over time, regardless of 
use. 
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet (US models)/Warranty 
and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models) For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please 
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US models) or the 
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models). 
As a precaution against corrosion, it is 
advisable to have the body checked for 
damage from rocks or gravel at the 
same time, depending upon operating 
conditions. 
Have your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center do the mainte-
nance and repair. 
Be sure that all maintenance work is 
confirmed in the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US models) or the 
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet 
(Canadian models).
These entries will constitute your proof 
that the vehicle has received regular 
maintenance. They are also required for 
warranty claims.< 
The BMW Maintenance System  

156n
Lamps and bulbs  Changing a wheel Lamps in the tailgate: 
1. Unclip the trim panel in the tailgate 
with a screwdriver 
2. Press gently on the bulb holder and 
turn it to the left to remove it 
3. Remove the bulb. Center (high-mount) brake lamp LED strip in the rear spoiler: please 
contact a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
center in case of a malfunction. 530de306
License plate lamps 5 watt bulb 
1. Press the lamp out to the side with a 
screwdriver 
2. Remove the lamp and replace the 
bulb. 530de307
Safety measures in the event of a 
flat tire or wheel change: stop the 
vehicle as far as possible from passing 
traffic. Park on a firm, flat, surface. 
Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and 
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st 
or reverse (selector lever in "Park" with 
automatic transmission) and engage 
the parking brake. 
All passengers should be outside the 
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail, 
for instance). 
If a warning triangle or portable hazard 
warning lamp is required, set it up on 
the roadside at an appropriate distance 
from the rear of the vehicle. 
Comply with all safety guidelines and 
regulations. 
Change the wheel only on a level, firm 
surface which is not slippery. Avoid 
jacking the vehicle up on a soft or slip-
pery surface (snow, ice, very smooth 
surfaces, etc.), since it could slide side-
ways.  

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Capacities 
Notes
Fuel tank 
Reserve gal. (liters)
gal. (liters)approx. 24.6 (approx. 93) 
approx. 2.0 (approx. 8) Ð
BMW X5 3.0i 
approx. 2.5 (approx. 10) Ð
BMW X5 4.4i, 4.6isFuel specification: page 25
Windshield washer system 
with headlamp washer system quarts (liters) approx. 8.2 (approx. 7.8) For details: page 143 
Cooling system including 
heater circuit quarts (liters)  11.1 (10.5) Ð BMW X5 3.0i 
13.7 (13.0) Ð BMW X5 4.4i, 4.6isFor details: page 145 
Engine oil and filter change  quarts (liters)  8.0 (7.5) Ð BMW X5 3.0i 
8.5 (8.0) Ð BMW X5 4.4i, 4.6is"BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil"
For details: page 144 
Manual and automatic transmission, 
transfer box and differential Ð  Ð  Lifetime fluid, no fluid 
change required