
137n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire condition Tire replacement Proceed carefully to the nearest 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or 
professional tire center, or have the 
vehicle towed in to have it, its wheels 
and tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the 
vehicle occupants and other road 
users.< To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, use only tires of a single 
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. BMW tests and approves 
wheel/tire combinations. 
DOT Quality GradesTread wear 
Traction AA A B C 
Temperature A B C
All passenger vehicle tires must 
conform to Federal Safety 
Requirements in addition to these 
grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative 
rating based on the wear rate of the tire 
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test 
course. 
For example, a tire graded 150 would 
wear one and one-half (1g) times as 
well on the government course as a tire 
graded 100. The relative performance 
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may 
depart significantly from the norm due 
to variations in driving habits, service 
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to 
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. 
Those grades represent the tire's ability 
to stop on wet pavement as measured 
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of 
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C 
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to 
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does 
not include acceleration, cornering, 
aquaplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<  

138n
Tire replacement TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the 
highest), B, and C, representing the 
tire's resistance to the generation of 
heat and its ability to dissipate heat 
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory 
test wheel. 
Sustained high temperature can cause 
the material of the tire to degenerate 
and reduce tire life, and excessive 
temperature can lead to a sudden flat 
tire. The grade C corresponds to a level 
of performance which all passenger 
vehicle tires must meet under the 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 
No. 109. Grades B and A represent 
higher levels of performance on the 
laboratory test wheel than the minimum 
required by law. 
The temperature grade for this tire 
is established for a tire that is 
properly inflated and not overloaded. 
Excessive speed, underinflation, or 
excessive loading, either separately or 
in combination, can cause heat buildup 
and possible a tire failure.< 
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where 
applicable on the tire sidewall between 
tread shoulder and maximum section 
width. For example:
Tread wear 200 
Traction AA 
Temperature A
Do not use retreaded tires, since 
driving safety may be impaired by 
their use. This is due to the possible 
variations in casing structures and, in 
some cases, to their extreme age, 
which can lead to a decrease in their 
durability.< 
Tire age The date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the 
sidewall:
DOT ... 4101 indicates that the tire was 
manufactured in week 41 of 2001.
BMW recommends the replacement of 
all tires when the tires are no more than 
6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years 
is possible.  

139n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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.  

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).  

143n
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 

149n
OverviewControlsMainte-RepairsDataIndex
OBD interface socket The Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-
face socket is located on the left of the 
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment panel and under a cover. The 
cover has the letters "OBD" on it. 
The purpose of the OBD system is to 
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system for the vehicle's 
lifetime. The system monitors emission-
related components and systems for 
deterioration and malfunction.530us105
An illuminated lamp informs you 
of the need for service, not of 
the need to stop the vehicle. 
However, the systems should be 
checked by your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center at the earliest possible 
opportunity. 
Under certain conditions, the indicator 
will blink or flash. This indicates a rather 
severe level of engine misfire. When 
this occurs, you should reduce speed 
and consult the nearest BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle center as soon as 
possible. Severe engine misfire over 
only a short period of time can seriously 
damage emission control components, 
especially the catalytic converter. 
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models. 
When the filler cap is not properly 
tightened, the OBD system can 
detect the vapor leak and the indicator 
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator should 
go out within a few days.<  

166n
Towing the vehicle Tow fittingThe screw-in tow fitting is stored 
beneath the cargo area floor. Carry it 
with you at all times. This fitting is 
designed for installation in the tow 
sockets located at the front and rear of 
the vehicle, and is intended for towing 
on paved road surfaces only.
It should not be used to pull a vehicle 
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc. 
Always observe all applicable towing 
laws and regulations. Access to tow sockets Front:
Use a screwdriver on the left or right 
side (arrows) to press the cover out. 530us128
Rear: Pull the cover off. 
Screw the tow fittings in until they 
are tight. If you do not, the threads 
could be damaged. 
Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-
nents of the running gear, or lash them 
down in any way. If you do so, the 
components could be damaged, 
leading to possible accidents.< 
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow 
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-
ience of this material helps protect both 
vehicles from sudden jerking move-
ments. 530de318
Avoid "off-center" towing. Be sure 
that the tow rope is pulled tightly 
when the towing vehicle begins to 
move.< 
The towed vehicle should always 
be the lighter of the two vehicles. 
If this is not the case, it is no longer 
possible to control vehicle response.< 
Tow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of a 
vehicle equipped with an automatic 
transmission by towing or pushing. 
For instructions on jump starting refer 
to page 164. 
Never attempt to use your vehicle to 
push another vehicle. If you do so, 
damage to the energy-absorbing 
bumpers could result.  

So that you will have important specifi-
cations available when you stop to 
refuel, we recommend that you supple-
ment this table with data which apply to 
your vehicle. 
Consult the index for individual 
specifications. 
Fuel Please enter your preferred fuel here. Engine oil The oil volume between the two marks 
on the oil dipstick corresponds to 
approx. 1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Designation
QualityTire inflation pressures 
Summer Winter
Front Rear Front Rear
4 persons 
5 persons or 4 plus luggage
Refueling