135n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake system Brake fluid levelIf the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a defect in one of the two
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center. Here increased pressure on the
brake pedal may be required, and slight
pulling to the side and longer braking
distances may result. Please remember
to adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.<
Disc brakesWhen the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure which
must be exerted by the pads to clean
the discs by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect which even extended
application will fail to cure.
When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal from time
to time. Watch traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other road users. The heat
which is generated by the brake appli-
cations helps to dry the brake pads and
rotors. The braking force is then imme-
diately available when required.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain on the brakes and possible impairment
of the braking effect.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in neutral. Do not
drive with the engine switched off. The
engine provides no braking effect when
the clutch is depressed or the transmis-
sion is in neutral, and there is no
power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is not running.
Have brake inspections performed at a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
only. If you do not, parts of the four-
wheel drive system could be damaged.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
released for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
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
146n
Brake fluid
If the indicator lamp for the
brake hydraulic system appears
or if the CHECK BRAKE FLUID
warning appears in the Check
Control: the brake fluid level is
too low.
Add brake fluidThe brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing trim panel
on the driver's side of the vehicle. For
adding brake fluid or for determining
and correcting the cause of brake fluid
loss, consult your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center. Your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center is familiar with
the specifications for factory-approved
brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page 135.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Refer also to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
(Canadian models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of brake fluid.<
155n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbs Front fog lamps H3 bulb, 55 watts
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and
protective gloves. Failure to comply
with this precaution could lead to injury
if the bulb is damaged during replace-
ment.<
1. Pull the cover in front of the fog lamp
forward
2. Loosen the two screws (arrows) and
remove the fog lamp
3. Turn the cover cap on the rear of the
fog lamp to the left and remove
4. Unhook the wire clamp, remove the
contact base and replace the bulb. 530us110
Tail lamp assembly Tail lamp 2: 21/5 watt bulb
Remaining bulbs: 21 watts
1 Turn signal
indicator yellow or white
2 Rear lamps/
Side marker lamps red
3 Backup lamps white
4 Brake lamps red
5 Reflector red530de212
Lamps in the side panel:
1. Open the cover in the side panel
2. Lift the side panel if necessary
3. Press gently on the bulb holder and
turn it to the left to remove it
4. Remove the bulb. 530de305
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.
167n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Towing the vehicle Towing a vehicle with automatic
transmission1. Place the selector lever in position N
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4. Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn
signals, horn and windshield wipers
remain operative, and to prevent the
steering lock from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers (comply with country-
specific regulations).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed. This will
prevent the steering lock from
engaging. The steering and brakes are
without power assist when the engine is
not running. This means that increased
effort is required for steering and
braking.<
Towing with a commercial tow
truck >Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel-lift or flatbed carrier
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.< 530us138
Towing with a raised axle 1. Place the gearshift lever or selector
lever in "Neutral"
2. Turn the ignition key to position 0 or
take it out
3. Towing speed:
Maximum 30 mph (50 km/h)
4. Towing distance:
Maximum 95 miles (150 km).
Remove the rear driveshaft for
longer towing distances with the
front axle lifted; remove the front drive-
shaft for towing over longer distances
with the rear axle lifted. Failure to
comply with this will result in damage to
the transfer box.<
Everything from A to ZAABS (Antilock Brake
System)19, 134
Accessories10
Activated-charcoal
filter111
Adaptive brake light99
Adding
brake fluid146t
coolant145t
engine oil143t
washer fluid143t
Adjusting
head restraints47
mirrors53
seats44
steering wheel52
thigh support45
Air conditioner103
Air distribution104, 108
Air outlets103, 106
Air supply104, 108
Airbags19, 55
Alarm system39
Antifreeze145
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)19, 134
Anti-theft system32
Approved gross vehicle
weight172
Aquaplaning134, 136Arrival time88
Ashtray
front118
rear119
AUC (Automatic
recirculated-air
control)109
Automatic climate
control106
removing condensation
from the windows108
Automatic cruise control71
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic dimming
exterior rearview
mirrors54
interior rearview mirror54
Automatic headlight
control100
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)109
Automatic steering wheel
adjustment52
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic66
Average fuel
consumption80
Average speed80, 89
Avoiding unintentional
alarms40t
Axle loads172
BBackup lamps65
bulb replacement155t
Battery162
charge162
discharged164t
Battery charge indicator
lamp18
Belts49
Beverage holder117
Blower104, 108
BMW comfort seat46
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil144
BMW Maintenance
System147
BMW sports seat45
BMW Universal
Transmitter113
Brake fluid146
Brake lamps
bulb replacement155t
Brake light, adaptive99
Brake system135
brake fluid146
brake fluid level135
brake pads indicator20
disc brakes135
hydraulic system
indicator18
malfunctions135tBreak-in procedures132
Bulbs and lamps153
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning148
Can holder, refer to
beverage holder117
Capacities173
Car care, refer to the "Caring
for your vehicle" manual
Car wash systems, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Care of upholstery materials,
refer to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Cargo area38, 122
capacity172
cover122
lamps102
Cargo floor, pull-out126
Cargo loading127
Cellular phone117
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp156
Central locking system30
button35
Changing a wheel157t
CHECK button77
Everything from A to Z
177n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Check Control77
Check tire pressures26t
Checking
engine oil level144
Child's seat58
Child-restraint systems58
Child-safety locks60
Cigarette lighter
front118
rear119
socket119t
Clean the windshield70
Climate control in the rear
passenger area110
Clock83
refer also to the Owner's
Manual for the Onboard
Computer
Cockpit14
Code89
activating89
deactivating89
selecting89
Comfort seat46
Compartments116
Computer80, 82, 86
refer also to the Owner's
Manual for the Onboard
Computer
remote control90Configuring individual
settings via Vehicle and
Key Memory61
Consumption, fuel88
Convenience operation of
windows and sliding/tilt
sunroof31
Convenience starting
feature63
Coolant145
temperature gauge76
Copyright notice4
Correct sitting posture44
seat adjustment44
Cruise control71
Cruising range80, 88
Cup holder117
Curb weight172
DData link connector for On-
board Diagnostics149
Date
calling up83
changing83
refer also to the Owner's
Manual for the Onboard
Computer
Daytime driving lamp100
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)20, 93Deactivating the interior
motion
sensor33t, 40t
Deep water133
Defrosting the
windows105t, 108t
Digital clock83
refer also to the Owner's
Manual for the Onboard
Computer
Dimensions171
Dipstick, engine oil144t
Disc brakes135
Displacement170
Display lighting101
Displays15, 17
Disposal
used batteries162
used oil144t
Distance from
destination87
Distance warning91
Divided rear backrest122
Door keys30
Doors
manual operation31
remote control33
unlocking and locking31
DOT Quality Grades137
Drink holder, refer to
beverage holder117
Driving notes134Driving through water133
Driving your BMW X5133
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)20, 92
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)20, 93
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)20, 92
EElectric power seat46
Electric power windows40
Electrical malfunction
liftgate36t
sliding/tilt sunroof43t
tailgate38t
Elements of operation14
Emergency operation
doors31t
liftgate36t
sliding/tilt sunroof43t
tailgate38t
Energy Control75
Engine
output170
power rating170
specifications170
Engine compartment
essentials142
Engine coolant145