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141n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Washer fluid  Engine oil Windshield and headlamp 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 Ð high-perfor-
mance driving Ð the oil level should be 
maintained at the upper mark on the 
dipstick.530us205 
     
        
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142n
Engine oil To add oilWhile you should wait until the level has 
dropped to just above the lower mark 
before adding oil, you should never 
allow the oil level to fall below this 
marking.
BMW engines are designed to 
operate without oil additives; the 
use of additives could lead to damage 
in some cases. This is also true for the 
manual transmission, the automatic 
transmission, the differential, and the 
power steering system.< 
Recommendation: have the oil changed 
by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
center. 530de326
Continuous exposure to used oil 
has caused cancer in laboratory 
testing. For this reason, any skin areas 
that come into contact with oil should 
be thoroughly washed with soap and 
water.
Always store oils, grease and similar 
materials so that they are inaccessible 
to children. Comply with warning labels 
and information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the 
disposal of used oil.< 
Specified engine oils The quality of the engine oil selected 
has critical significance for the opera-
tion and service life of an engine. Based 
on extensive testing, BMW has 
approved only certain engine oils. 
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil. 
If you are unable to obtain BMW High 
Performance Synthetic Oil, you can add 
small amounts of synthetic oil in 
between oil changes. Use only oils with 
the API SH specification or higher. 
Ask your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center for details 
concerning the specific BMW High 
Performance Synthetic Oil or synthetic 
oils which have been approved.< 
You can also call BMW of North 
America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this 
website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain 
this information. 
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class 
depends on the climatic conditions in 
the area where you typically drive your 
BMW. 
Approved oils are in SAE classes 
5W-40 and 5W-30.< 
These oils may be used for driving in all 
ambient temperatures.  
     
        
        Page 174 of 183

Everything from A to ZAABS Antilock Brake 
System20, 132
Accessories9
Activated-charcoal 
filter110
Adaptive brake light98
Adding
brake fluid144
coolant143
engine oil141
washer fluid141
Adjusting
head restraints47
mirrors53
seats44
steering wheel52
thigh support45
Air conditioner102
Air distribution103, 107
Air outlets102, 105
Air supply103, 107
Airbags20, 55
Alarm system39
Antifreeze143
Antilock Brake System 
ABS20, 132
Anti-theft system31
Approved gross vehicle 
weight170
Aquaplaning132, 134Arrival time87
Ashtray
front117
rear118
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control108
Automatic climate 
control105
removing condensation 
from the windows107
Automatic cruise control71
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic dimming
exterior rearview 
mirrors54
interior rearview mirror54
Automatic headlamp 
control99
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC108
Automatic steering wheel 
adjustment52
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic65
Average fuel 
consumption80
Average speed80, 88
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms40
Axle loads170
BBackup lamps65
bulb replacement153
Battery160
charge160
discharged163
Battery charge indicator 
lamp19
Battery, disposal160
Belts49
Beverage holder116
Blower103, 107
BMW comfort seat46
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil142
BMW Maintenance 
System145
BMW sports seat45
BMW Universal 
Transmitter112
Brake fluid144
Brake fluid level144
Brake lamps
bulb replacement153
Brake light, adaptive98Brake system132
brake fluid144
brake fluid level133
brake pads indicator21
disc brakes133
hydraulic system 
indicator19
malfunctions132
Break-in procedures130
Bulbs and lamps151
CCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning146
Can holder, refer to 
beverage holder116
Capacities171
Cargo area38, 120
capacity170
cover120
lamps101
partition net122
Cargo floor, pull-out124
Cargo loading126
Cellular phone116
hands-free system116
Center Ð high-mount Ð brake 
lamp153
Center (high-mount) brake 
lamp153