
61n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory How the system functions You have probably frequently wished 
that you could configure individual 
functions of your vehicle to reflect your 
own personal requirements. In engi-
neering your vehicle, BMW has 
included several user-defined func-
tions in the vehicle's design. Your 
BMW  Sports Activity Vehicle center can 
make these settings for you. 
There are settings related to the vehicle 
Ð Vehicle Memory Ð and settings related 
to individuals Ð Key Memory. You can 
configure up to four different basic 
positions for four different persons. The 
only requirement is that each person 
uses his or her own remote control key. 463de029
When your vehicle is unlocked with the 
remote control, the vehicle recognizes 
the individual user by means of a data 
exchange with the key, and makes 
adjustments accordingly.
In order for you to distinguish between 
the remote control master keys, colored 
decals are supplied together with the 
keys.What the system can doYour BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
center can provide you with details on 
the capabilities of the Vehicle Memory 
and Key Memory systems. A few exam-
ples follow below:
Examples for Vehicle Memory:
>Various signals that can serve as 
acknowledgment for locking and 
unlocking the vehicle, refer to 
pages 31, 34
>Deactivating/activating the Follow me 
home lamps function, refer to 
page 99.Examples for Key Memory:
>Automatic adjustment of the driver's 
seat, outside mirror and steering 
wheel with settings stored in the 
memory for the individual driver when 
the vehicle is unlocked, refer to 
page 51
>Calling up customized settings for the 
automatic climate control when 
unlocking the vehicle, refer to 
page 107.
You will see this symbol through-
out the Owner's Manual. It is to 
remind you at appropriate places of the 
settings that are available to you.< 

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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.  

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
* 
Residual heat mode 
The heat which is stored in 
the engine is utilized for 
heating the interior when the engine 
has been switched off (while waiting at 
a railroad crossing, for instance). 
In ignition key position 1, you can alter 
the settings of the automatic climate 
control. With the ignition key in posi-
tion 0, the system automatically directs 
heated air to the windshield, side 
windows and footwells. 
This function may be activated 
when the outside temperature is 
below approx. 59 7/15 6, the engine 
is at operating temperature, and the 
battery is adequately charged. The LED 
on the button will light up when all 
conditions have been met.< 
Draft-free ventilation You can adjust the vent outlets for the 
upper body area to select the optimum 
airflow rates and directions for your 
personal comfort: 
1 Rotary dials for opening and closing 
the vent outlets through an infinitely-
variable range
2 Selector levers for airflow direction
3 With the rotary dial you can adjust the 
temperature of the incoming air. 
>Turn toward blue Ð colder 
>Turn toward red Ð warmer. 530de270
Rear passenger area climate 
control 1 Air supply 
2 Temperature 
3 Adjusting the direction of the airflow 530de272 

110n
Automatic climate control
* 
Air supply 0 Blower off 
I Maximum blower speed 
You can adjust the air supply for the 
vent outlets through an infinitely-vari-
able range between the 0 and I 
settings. 
In the 0 setting, the blower is switched 
off and the supply of air through the 
vent outlets is blocked. 
Individual adjustments on the front-seat 
control elements influence the air 
supply for rear passenger area climate 
control. 530de273
Temperature Passengers in the rear seating area can 
adjust their own temperature for the 
vent outlets: 
>Turn toward blue Ð colder 
>Turn toward red Ð warmer 
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. 
A temperature setting is only 
possible when the blower is 
switched on, not in the 0 setting.< 530de274
Particle filter, 
activated-charcoal filter The particle filter removes dust and 
pollen from the incoming air. The acti-
vated-charcoal filter provides additional 
protection by filtering gaseous pollut-
ants from the outside air. Your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center 
replaces this combined filter as a stan-
dard part of your scheduled mainte-
nance. A substantial reduction in air 
supply indicates that the filter must be 
replaced before normal maintenance. 

Everything from A to Z
175n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Central locking system30
button35
Changing a wheel155
CHECK button77
Check Control77
Check tire pressures26
Checking
engine oil level142
Child-safety locks60
Cigarette lighter
front117
rear118
socket118
Clean the windshield69
Climate control in the rear 
passenger area109
Clock82
refer also to the Owner's 
Manual for the Onboard 
Computer
Cockpit14
Code88
activating88
deactivating88
selecting88
Comfort seat46
Compartments116
Computer80, 81, 85
refer also to the Owner's 
Manual for the Onboard 
Computer
remote control89Configuring individual 
settings via Vehicle and 
Key Memory61
Consumption, fuel87
Convenience operation of 
windows and sliding/tilt 
sunroof34
Convenience starting 
feature63
Coolant143
temperature gauge76
Copyright notice4
Correct sitting posture44
seat adjustment44
Cruise control71
Cruising range80, 87
Cup holder116
Curb weight170
DData link connector for On-
board Diagnostics147
Date
calling up82
changing82
refer also to the Owner's 
Manual for the Onboard 
Computer
Daytime driving lamp99
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control21, 92Deactivating the interior 
motion sensor32, 40
Deep water131
Defrosting the 
windows104, 107
Digital clock82
refer also to the Owner's 
Manual for the Onboard 
Computer
Dimensions169
Dipstick, engine oil142
Disc brakes133
Displacement168
Display lighting100
Displays15, 16, 17, 18
Disposal
used batteries160
used oil142
Disposal of battery160
Distance from 
destination86
Distance warning90
Divided rear backrest120
Door keys30
Doors
convenience operation34
manual operation34
remote control32
unlocking and locking34
DOT Quality Grades135Drink holder, refer to 
beverage holder116
Driving notes132
Driving through water131
Driving with spare 
wheel159
Driving your BMW X5131
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control21, 91
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC21, 92
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC21, 91
EElectric power windows40
Electrical malfunction
liftgate36
sliding/tilt sunroof43
tailgate38
Elements of operation14
Emergency operation
doors34
liftgate36
sliding/tilt sunroof43
tailgate38
Energy control74
Engine
output168
power rating168
specifications168