
 
5n
 
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Controls and features
 
Passenger safety systems: 
 
Airbags55
Transporting children safely58
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory61
 
Driving: 
 
Ignition lock62
Starting the engine62
Switching off the engine63
Parking brake64
Manual transmission64
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic65
Indicator/Headlamp flasher68
Washer/Wiper system/Rain 
sensor68
Cruise control71
 
Everything under control: 
 
Odometer, outside temperature 
display73
Tachometer74
Energy control74
Temperature gauge75
Fuel gauge75
Coolant temperature gauge76
Service Interval Display76
Check Control77
Computer80
Multi-Information Display 
MID81
Digital clock in the MID82
Computer in the MID85
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience: 
 
Park Distance Control PDC90
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC91
Hill Descent Control HDC93
Self-leveling suspension94
2-axle self-leveling 
suspension94
Tire Pressure Monitor RDC97
Adaptive brake light98
 
Lamps: 
 
Parking lamps/Low beams99
Instrument lighting100
High beams/Standing 
lamps100
Fog lamps100
Interior lamps101
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving: 
 
Air conditioner102
Automatic climate control105
Roller sun blinds111
Independent ventilation 
system111
 
Cabin convenience: 
 
BMW Universal Transmitter112 
Glove compartment115 
Storage compartments116 
Cellular phone116 
Beverage holder116
Glasses compartment117
Ashtray, front117 
Ashtray, rear118 
Cigarette lighter, rear118
 
Loading and transporting: 
 
Ski bag119 
Cargo area 
Fold the rear backrests 
down120 
Cargo area cover121 
Partition net122 
Cover panels in the cargo 
area123 
Power outlets124 
Pull-out cargo floor124 
Cargo loading126 
Roof-mounted luggage rack127  

76n
Coolant temperature gauge Service Interval Display Blue The engine is still cold. Drive at mod-
erate engine and vehicle speeds.Red When you switch on the ignition, the 
warning lamp comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational.
If the warning lamp comes on while 
driving or the message Ð COOLANT 
TEMPERATURE Ð appears in the Check 
Control: the engine is overheated. 
Switch off the engine immediately and 
allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to 
page 143. 390de007
Between the blue and red zones Normal operating range. It is not 
unusual for the needle to rise as far as 
the edge of the red zone. 
The range of available displays varies 
according to your individual vehicle's 
equipment. 
Green lamps The number of illuminated lamps 
decreases as the time for your next 
maintenance visit approaches.Yellow lamp This field appears together with 
OILSERVICE or INSPECTION. 
Maintenance is due. Please contact 
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
center for an appointment.Red lamp The maintenance deadline has been 
passed.390us008 

79n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Check Control >CHECK LOWBEAM LIGHTS
CHECK SIDE LIGHTS
CHECK REAR LIGHTS
CHECK FRONT FOGLAMPS
CHECK LICPLATE LIGHT
CHECK HIGHBEAM LIGHT
CHECK BACK UP LIGHTS
Defective bulb or circuit, refer to 
page 151 or consult a BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle center 
>TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG
*
Please consult the nearest 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center, 
refer to page 67
>CHECK BRAKE LININGS
Have the brake pads inspected by 
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
center, refer to page 133
>CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
Coolant too low, top off at the next 
opportunity, refer to page 143
>ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG
There is a fault in the engine's elec-
tronic control system. 
You can continue to drive with 
reduced engine output or engine 
speed. 
Have the system checked by your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center. 
Displays after completion of trip All of the malfunctions registered during 
the trip appear consecutively when the 
ignition key is turned to position 0.
The following displays will appear when 
appropriate:
>LIGHTS ON
>KEY IN IGNITION LOCK
>CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
Add engine oil at the next opportu-
nity, e.g. next stop to refuel, refer to 
page 141.
This display appears when you open 
the driver's door after parking the 
vehicle. A supplementary acoustic 
signal is also heard.
Status messages remain available for a 
period of approx. three minutes after 
the display goes out and the key is 
removed from the ignition lock. Press 
the CHECK button 3. If there were mul-
tiple messages, press the CHECK 
button repeatedly to view them all in 
sequence. 
To check the Check Control Press the CHECK button 3 with the 
ignition key in position 2: 
CHECK CONTROL OK appears in the 
display.
No malfunctions are present in the 
monitored systems.Computer You can find a description of the com-
puter on pages 80 and 85 as well as in 
the Owner's Manual for the Onboard 
Computer.
You can have the Check Control 
and computer messages dis-
played in a different language.<  

131n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Driving your BMW X5 Your BMW is right at home on all roads 
and byways Ð even where the pavement 
ends. It combines permanent four-
wheel drive with the agility of a typical 
passenger vehicle. On bad roadsWhen you are driving on bad roads, 
there are a few points which you should 
strictly observe Ñ for your own safety, 
for that of your passengers, and for the 
safety of the vehicle: 
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle 
before you begin driving. Do not take 
risks with the vehicle under any cir-
cumstances 
>Always adapt vehicle speed to road 
conditions Ð the steeper and more 
uneven the road surface is, the 
slower the vehicle's speed should be 
>You can operate your vehicle on 
uphill and downhill gradients with a 
maximum slope of 50 %. If you intend 
to drive on either an uphill or downhill 
gradient of this steepness, check to 
be sure in advance that the engine oil 
and coolant levels are both near the 
MAX mark, refer to pages 141 
and 143. 
When driving down steep slopes, use 
the Hill Descent Control HDC, refer to 
page 93. Starting from a full stop is possible on 
uphill gradients of up to 32 %. 
The permitted side tilt is also 50 % 
>While driving, watch carefully for 
obstacles such as rocks or holes. Try 
to avoid these obstacles whenever 
possible
>On hill crests and bumpy roads, for 
example, be careful to prevent the 
body from bottoming Ð contact 
between the body and the ground.
The ground clearance of the vehicle 
is:
8 in/200 mm with up to four
passengers 
7 in/180 mm fully loaded Ð without
self-leveling suspension
>Do not drive in water that is deeper 
than 20 inches/50 cm. If you must 
drive through water up to that depth, 
drive at a walking speed and do not 
stop. 
After leaving the water, press on the 
footbrake gently several times while 
driving at a low speed. The brake 
applications will help to dry the 
brakes, thus preventing a reduction in 
braking performance caused by the 
moisture. 
Back onto the paved road In recommending that you observe the 
following points after driving on adverse 
road surfaces, it is not as a beauty 
treatment for your BMW. Instead, it is 
intended for the maintenance of driving 
safety: 
>Clean accumulations of dirt from the 
body and check the undercarriage for 
damage 
>Clean mud, snow, ice and other 
materials from the wheels and tires. 
Check the tires for damage 
>Check to determine whether rocks, 
gravel or accumulations of dirt on the 
brake rotors and calipers could influ-
ence braking performance. Remove 
all such foreign objects 
>In order to clean the brake rotors, 
apply the footbrake gently several 
times while driving at a low speed. Be 
sure that following traffic is not 
endangered by this
>For cleaning the parking brake, apply 
the lever slightly at approx. 25 mph/
40 km/h and continue to drive for 
approx. 200 yards/200 meters, pro-
vided that traffic conditions allow you 
to do so.  

143n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant 
Do not add coolant to the cooling 
system when the engine is hot. If 
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant 
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later 
on, never use anything other than 
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with 
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle center is familiar with 
the factory specifications.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are 
hazardous to health. You should always 
store them in their original container 
and in a location which is inaccessible 
to children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable 
substance ethylene-glycol. For this 
reason, do not spill antifreeze with 
corrosion inhibitor on hot engine parts. 
It could ignite and cause serious 
burns.< 
Checking coolant level and 
adding coolant Correct coolant level when the engine 
is cold approx. +68 7/+20 6:
1. Start by turning the cap of the expan-
sion tank counterclockwise. Pause to 
allow any accumulated pressure to 
escape, then open
2. The coolant level is correct when the 
end of the red float is aligned with 
the upper edge of the filler opening, 
refer to the arrow in the illustration, 
or max. 0.8 in/2 cm higher, i. e. up to 
the mark on the float, refer also to the 
schematic diagram, next to the cap530us102
3. If necessary, add coolant. Slowly add 
coolant until the correct level is 
reached Ð do not overfill.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the 
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze 
with corrosion inhibitor.<  

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 

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 

Everything from A to ZEngine compartment 
essentials140
Engine coolant143
Engine oil141, 142
consumption141
grades142
level20
pressure19
Estimated time of arrival87
Exterior mirrors53
Exterior rearview mirrors, 
automatic dimming 
feature54FFailure of an electrical 
accessory160
Filling the windshield washer 
reservoir141
First-aid kit24
Fittings, tow-starting and 
towing164
Flashlight115
Flat tire98, 134, 155
Fog lamps100
bulb replacement152
Folding rear backrest120
Footbrake133
Front area lighting101
Front fog lamps100
Front seat adjustment44Frost protection, 
radiator143
Fuel26
capacity171
display75
gauge75
quality26
specifications26
Fuel consumption87
average87
Fuel filler door24
electrical malfunction24
Fuses160
GGarage-door opener112
Gasoline26
General driving notes132
Glasses compartment117
Glove compartment115
Gross vehicle weight170
Ground clearance131HHandbrake64
Hands-free system116
Hazard warning flashers14
Hazard warning triangle24
HDC Hill Descent 
Control93Head restraints47
Headlamp flasher68
Headlamp washer 
system69, 141
Heated seats51
Heated steering wheel53
Heating and 
ventilation102, 105
Heating while stopped109
Heavy cargo126
Height169
Height adjustment
seats46
steering wheel52
High beams22, 100
bulb replacement151
High-mount brake lamp153
Hill Descent Control 
HDC93
Holder for cans, refer to 
beverage holder116
Hood139
Hood release139
Hydraulic Brake Assistant
refer to DBC21
Hydroplaning132, 134
IIce warning73
Identification, tires137
Ignition key30
Ignition lock62
Imprint4
Independent ventilation 
system84, 111
switching on and off84
Indicator lamps19
Inflation pressures, 
tires134
monitoring97
INSPECTION76
Instrument 
cluster15, 16, 17, 18
Instrument lighting100
Instrument 
panel15, 16, 17, 18
Intensive cleaning 
system69
Interior lamps101
remote control32
Interior mirrors54
Interior motion sensor40
Interior rearview mirror, 
automatic dimming 
feature54
Interlock62
Intermittent wipe68