
106n
1 Airflow directed toward the wind-
shield and side windows
2 Airflow for the upper body110
3 Front footwell ventilation4 Rear footwell ventilation
5 Airflow for the upper body in the rear
seat110
6 Automatic air distribution1087 Individual air distribution108
8 Temperature control Ð
left-hand side108
9 Display for temperature and air
supply108
Automatic climate control
*
530us223

108n
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system; that is press
AUTO button 6. Select an interior
temperature that is comfortable for you.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Your vehicle is set in such a
manner that, when you unlock the
vehicle via remote control with your
personalized key, your own setting for
the automatic climate control is initi-
ated.< Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program
assumes the adjustment of
the air distribution and the air supply for
you and also adapts the temperature to
external influences (summer, winter) to
meet preferences you can specify.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting
specific air distribution
patterns for your personal
comfort, the automatic air
supply remains in operation. You can
direct air to flow onto the windows ,
toward the upper body , and into the
footwell . You can reactivate the
automatic air distribution mode by
selecting the AUTO button.
Temperature
You can make individual
temperature settings on the
driver's side or the front
passenger side. Your settings will be
shown in the display 9. The displayed
temperatures are reference values for
the interior temperature. We recom-
mend +72 7 (+22 6) as a comfortable
setting, whether the air conditioner is
operating or not. When you start the
vehicle, this system ensures that the
selected temperature is achieved as
quickly as possible. It then maintains
this temperature, regardless of the
season.
Air supply
In the AUTO program, the
air supply is controlled
automatically. AUTO will appear in the
display 9, refer to the overview on
page 106. Use "+" and "Ð" to vary the
air supply. When your setting is
displayed by bars, the automatic air
supply is switched off. Automatic air
distribution maintains its setting. You
can reactivate the automatic air supply
by pressing the AUTO button.
When you press "Ð " during operation at
minimum blower speed all displays are
canceled: the blower, heating and air
conditioner are switched off. The out-
side air supply is closed. You can
switch the system back on by pressing
any button of the automatic climate
control.
To defrost windows and remove
condensation
This program quickly
removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and the side
windows.

109n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and
dehumidified and Ñ
depending on the temperature setting Ñ
warmed again when the air conditioner
system is switched on. Depending on
the weather, the windshield may fog
over briefly when the engine is started.
You can reduce condensation forming
on the windows by switching on the air
conditioner.
Condensation forms in the air
conditioner system during opera-
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.
Traces of condensed water of this kind
are thus normal.<
Maximum cooling
You will get maximum
cooling capacity using this
program if the engine is running and
the outside temperature is above
approx. +41 7(+5 6).
The temperature display 9 jumps to
+60 7 (+16 6), the system switches
over to the recirculated-air mode, and
the air streams out of the ventilation grill
with the maximum amount of flow. That
is why you need to keep these open if
you select this program.
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC)
If there are unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the
outside air, you can temporarily block
the airflow from the outside. The
system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
Press the button repeatedly to run
through the following control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside air supply
operational
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system recognizes pollut-
ants in the outside air and blocks the
flow of air when necessary. The
system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
Depending on the air quality, the
automatic system then switches back
and forth between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
outside air supply into the vehicle is
completely blocked. The system then
recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
If you have a steering wheel with multi-
function buttons with the button for
recirculated-air mode (refer to page 22),
you can also use this button to switch
between "Off" and the recirculated-air
mode or AUC and the recirculated-air
mode.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated-air mode, switch the
recirculated-air mode off and increase
the air supply as required.< Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated,
the indicator lamp comes on. The
rear window defroster switches off
automatically.

112n
Sunshades
* Independent ventilation system
*
Sunshades for rear side windows
*
Use the strap to pull out the shades,
then hook them in the provided attach-
ment. You can use this system to ventilate the
interior and lower its temperature, using
the blower of the automatic climate
control.
The independent ventilation system is
operated via the Multi-Information
display (MID), refer to page 85 or via the
onboard computer, refer to the sepa-
rate Owner's Manual.
You can set two different times for the
system to start; it will remain active for
30 minutes. You can also switch it on
and off directly. Since the system uses
a substantial amount of electrical
current, you should refrain from
switching it on twice in succession
without allowing the battery to be
recharged in normal operation between
use. When a preselected activation time is
set, the independent ventilation system
is operational at outside temperatures
above +60 7 (+16 6), or by direct
switch activation. It cannot be switched
on when the vehicle is moving.
The air emerges via the vent outlets for
the upper body. Therefore, the vent
outlets must be open for the system to
operate.

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).

147n
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

148n
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers, and they are
formally designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the protective lens
and avoid staring directly at the
unfiltered beam for extended periods
(several hours), as inflammation of the
iris could result.<
California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.<
Technical modifications California Proposition 65 Warning

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