2003 BMW X5 3.0I sport mode

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
M/S Manual mode and
Sport Program When you change from D to M/S, the
Sport Program is activated. This is indi-
cated by D S in the transmission range
display. The Sport Program is designed
for performance-oriented driving.
With the first brief touch, the automatic
transmission shifts from the Sport Pro-
gram to the manual mode.
Whenever you tap the selector lever in
the
+ direction, the transmission shifts
up, and when you tap it in the
Ð direc-
tion, the transmission will shift down.
Depending on the equipment version,
1 to 5 or M1 to M5 is indicated in the
transmission range display.
530de264
Upshifts or downshifts will only be
carried out at appropriate engine
speeds and road speeds. If the engine
speed is too high, for instance, the
downshift will not be executed. The
gear selected will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster followed by the
current gear.
If you are driving in the manual
mode and wish to accelerate rap-
idly Ð to pass another vehicle, for
example Ð shift down manually or with
the kickdown function.<
You can only change from M/S to
selector lever positions P, R and N via
the D position.
Electronic transmission control
module
If the indicator lamp comes on
or the message Ð TRANS.FAIL-
SAFE PROG Ð appears in the
Check Control, there is a fault in the
transmission system.
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to P. Set the
parking brake and switch the engine
off, ignition key to position 0.
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission per-
formance has been restored. You may
continue to drive as usual. If the indi-
cator lamp does not go out, you can
place the selector lever in all positions.
However, the vehicle will now only drive
forward with limited gear selection.
If this happens, avoid extreme engine
loads and consult the nearest
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Do not work in the engine com-
partment when a drive gear is
engaged. If you do this, the vehicle
could move.<
Information on jump-starting, tow-
starting and towing begins on page 162.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Hill Descent Control HDC The concept HDC is a system for driving downhill in
steep terrain. This system reduces
vehicle speed on steep downhill gradi-
ents, thus allowing you to maintain con-
trol of your BMW under these condi-
tions.
The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active interven-
tion from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at
vehicle speeds below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h. When driving down steep hills
with a speed below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed
automatically down to slightly more
than walking speed (approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h) and then maintains this speed
at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes
to vary this automatically controlled
speed within a range extending from
approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to 15 mph/
25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed
within the same range by using the
+/Ð buttons of the cruise control.
HDC is automatically deactivated once
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.
35 mph/60 km/h.
To switch the system onPress the button. The indicator lamp
comes on.
The indicator lamp flashes when the
brakes are applied automatically. To switch the system offPress the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
HDC is deactivated automatically above
a road speed of approx. 35 mph/
60 km/h and when the ignition is
switched off. 530de231
To use HDC With manual transmission:
Use HDC in first gear and in Reverse
since the engine's braking effect is
diminished in the higher gears.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in every drive
position. In the event of a faultThe indicator lamp goes out in the HDC
mode or does not come on when HDC
is switched on:
HDC is temporarily not available if
brake temperature is too high.
If the DSC indicator lamp also
lights up:
There is a fault in the HDC and
DSC systems. Have your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center inspect this
system as soon as possible.

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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.

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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.<

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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.<

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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 wheels or tires in a cool, dry
place, protecting them against light
whenever possible. Protect the tires
against contact with oil, grease and
fuel.

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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.

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Brake fluidBrake fluid level
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 Ð DOT 4.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page 132.
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 for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for 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.<