
96n
2-axle self-leveling suspension
*
LoweringAvailable with ignition key in position 2.
From Standard to Access:
1. Press button 2 while traveling at less 
than approx. 50 mph/80 km/h. The 
system enters its preselection mode. 
The preselection mode is canceled
>by pressing button 1
>automatically once the vehicle 
exceeds a speed of approx. 
50 mph/80 km/h or roughly 
60 seconds after button 2 is 
pressed
2. Reduce speed to below approx. 
15 mph/25 km/h within roughly 
60 seconds after pressing button 2.
When you press button 2 at 
speeds below approx. 15 mph/ 
25 km/h the system automatically 
lowers the vehicle to the Access level.<
From Off-Road to Standard:
>Press button 2 or
>automatically once you exceed a 
speed of approx. 30 mph/50 km/h. 

103n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Air conditioner Temperature
The graduations on the dial 
provide general reference 
values for the interior temper-
ature. We recommend 
+70 7/+22 6 as a comfortable 
setting. When you start the vehicle, the 
system adjusts the air to the selected 
temperature as quickly as possible, and 
then maintains that temperature 
constantly.
Air distribution 
You can direct air to flow onto 
the windows  , toward the 
upper body   and into the 
footwell  . All intermediate 
settings are possible. In the   setting, 
there is a low flow of air onto the 
windows to keep them free of conden-
sation.
Air supply
You can adjust the air supply 
through an infinitely-variable 
range. The heating and venti-
lation become more and more 
effective as the air supply settings are 
increased. In the 0 setting, the blower 
and climate control are switched off 
and the outside air supply is blocked. 
Rear window defroster 
When the rear window 
defroster is activated, the 
indicator lamp comes on. The rear 
window defroster switches off automat-
ically.
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehu-
midified and Ñ depending on 
the temperature setting Ñ warmed 
again. 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 conditioning.
During air conditioning condensa-
tion forms, which then exits under 
the vehicle. Traces of condensed water 
of this kind are thus normal.<
Recirculated-air mode 
You can respond to unpleas-
ant odors outside the vehicle 
by temporarily switching off the outside 
air supply. The system then recirculates 
the air currently within the vehicle.
If you have a steering wheel with multi-
function buttons with the button for the 
recirculated-air mode, you can also use 
this button to switch to the recirculated-
air mode, refer to page 23. 
If the windows fog over in the 
recirculated-air mode, switch the 
recirculated-air mode off and increase 
the air supply as required.< 

107n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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 BMW center can program 
the settings of your vehicle in such 
a manner that, when you unlock the 
vehicle with your individualized key, 
your own personalized setting for the 
automatic climate control is initiated.< 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 Ð summer, winter Ð 
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 +70 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.
To change the units of measurement Ð 
6/7 Ð of the display, refer to page 73 
or 80.
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 105. Press the left or right side of 
the button 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 auto-
matic air supply by pressing the AUTO 
button.
When you press the left side of the but-
ton during operation at minimum blower 
speed all displays are canceled: the 
blower, heating and air conditioner are 
switched off. The outside air supply is 
closed. You can switch the system 
back on by pressing any button of the 
automatic climate control, except the 
MAX button 16. 
To defrost windows and remove 
condensation 
This program quickly 
removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and the side 
windows.  

108n
Automatic climate control
*
Air conditioning 
The air is cooled and 
dehumidified and Ñ 
depending on the temperature setting Ñ 
warmed again. 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 
conditioning.
During air conditioning condensa-
tion forms, 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 air supply. 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 air supply 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 23, 
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.  

114n
BMW Universal TransmitterProgramming a hand-held 
transmitter with conversion code 
Read and comply with the safety 
precautions on page 112.< 
When programming the BMW Universal 
Transmitter, consult the instructions for 
the specific device. 
For using the BMW Universal Trans-
mitter with a conversion-code system, 
note the following supplemental 
programming instructions: 
A second person facilitates 
programming of the BMW 
Universal Transmitter.< 
1. Program the BMW Universal Trans-
mitter as described previously under 
Programming 
2. Press and hold the programming key 
on the receiver of the device for 
approx. two seconds until the 
programming lamp on the device 
comes on 
3. Press the desired channel key of the 
BMW Universal Transmitter three 
times.
If you have additional questions, 
please consult your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle center.< 
Clearing the channel keys
Read and comply with the safety 
precautions on page 112.< 
The memory of individual channel keys 
cannot be cleared. However, the three 
channel keys can be cleared together 
as follows: 
>Press and hold both outside keys of 
the BMW Universal Transmitter until 
the indicator lamp flashes, and then 
release them. 
All of the channel keys are cleared. 
User informationDo not use this BMW Universal Trans-
mitter with any garage door opener that 
lacks safety stop and reverse features 
as required by federal safety standards, 
this includes any garage door opener 
model manufactured before April 1st, 
1982.
This device complies with Section 15 of 
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to 
the following two conditions: as defined 
in the regulations, this device must not 
emit harmful interference, and must be 
shielded against interference from 
external sources to prevent unautho-
rized or inadvertent activation. 

132n
General driving notes
Antilock Brake System
Brake system 
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting 
on the brake pedal. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high 
temperatures, brake wear and possibly 
even brake failure.
Hydroplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads, 
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a 
wedge of water may form between the 
tires and the road surface. This phe-
nomenon is referred to as hydroplaning 
or aquaplaning. It is characterized by a 
partial or complete loss of contact 
between the tires and the road surface. 
The ultimate results are loss of steering 
and braking control.< 
The conceptThe Antilock Brake System ABS keeps 
the wheels from locking during braking, 
thereby enhancing active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf you are in a situation that requires full 
braking, you will exploit the full benefits 
of the ABS system if you apply max-
imum pedal pressure Ð panic stop.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined 
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits 
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its 
active mode.
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.<  

133n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake systemDisc 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.
BMW recommends having 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.< 

138n
Winter tires  Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tire BMW recommends winter tires Ð M+S 
radial tires Ð for operation under 
inclement winter driving conditions. 
While so-called all-season tires with 
M+S designation provide better winter 
traction 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. 
Only certain snow chains have been 
tested by BMW and classified and 
approved as safe. Consult your BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle center for 
details. The use of narrow-link BMW 
snow chains is approved only in pairs 
on the rear wheels and only with the 
following tire sizes.
BMW X5 4.6is: 255/55 R18
All other models: 235/65 R 17. 
Comply with all manufacturer's safety 
precautions when mounting the chains. 
Do not exceed a maximum speed of 
30 mph/50 km/h.