Page 6 of 183
 
Contents
 
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
 
Special operating instructions: 
 
Break-in procedures130
Driving your BMW X5131
General driving notes132
Antilock Brake System132
Brake system132
 
Wheels and tires: 
 
Tire inflation pressures134
Tire condition134
Tire replacement135
Wheel and tire 
combinations137
Winter tires138
Snow chains138
 
Under the hood: 
 
Hood139
Engine compartment 
essentials140
Washer fluid141
Engine oil141
Coolant143
Brake fluid144
 
Care and maintenance: 
 
The BMW Maintenance 
System145
 
Laws and regulations: 
 
Technical modifications146
California Proposition 
65 Warning146
OBD interface socket147
 
Replacement procedures: 
 
Onboard tool kit150
Windshield wiper blades150
Lamps and bulbs151
Changing a wheel154
Battery160
Fuses160
 
Assistance, giving and 
receiving: 
 
Jump-starting162
Towing the vehicle164 
     
        
        Page 160 of 183

160n
Battery Fuses
Battery posts, terminals and 
related accessories contain lead 
and lead compounds. Wash hands after 
handling.<
MaintenanceThe battery is maintenance-free, that is, 
the original electrolyte will normally last 
for the service life of the battery under 
moderate climatic conditions. 
For all questions that regard the 
battery, please consult your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center. 
Since the battery is maintenance-free, 
the following is for your information 
only.< 
Do not disconnect the battery 
when the engine is running. If 
you do so, the ensuing voltage surge 
will damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronics.<
Charging the battery Charge the battery in the vehicle only 
when the engine is not running. Use the 
connections provided in the engine 
compartment. For correct connections, 
refer to Jump-starting on page 162. Disposal
Return used batteries to a recyc-
ling point or your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle center. Maintain the 
battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Secure the battery 
against tilting during transport.< 
In the glove compartmentOpen the glove compartment and turn 
the two quick-release fasteners to the 
left. 530us121 
     
        
        Page 161 of 183
161n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
FusesIn the cargo areaOpen the right cover by pulling the 
handle. 
Do not attempt to repair a burned 
fuse or replace it with a fuse 
having a different color or ampere 
rating. To do this could cause a fire in 
the vehicle resulting from a circuit over-
load.< 530us122 
     
        
        Page 176 of 183

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 
     
        
        Page 178 of 183

Everything from A to ZPPark Distance Control 
PDC90
Parking aid90
Parking brake20, 64
Parking lamps99
Particle filter104, 110
Passenger side mirror tilt 
function51
PDC Park Distance 
Control90
Please fasten safety belts 
warning lamp20
Poor driving conditions131
Power loss
sliding/tilt sunroof43
Power outlets
flashlight124
other appliances124
vacuum cleaner124
Power rating168
Power rear-seat 
backrests48
Power seat46
Power windows40
safety switch41
Pull-out cargo floor124
RRain sensor68
RDC Tire Pressure 
Monitor97
warning lamp19, 21
Rear backrests, folding 
down120
Rear lamps153
Rear passenger area climate 
control109
Rear seats, power48
Rear window 
defroster103, 108
Rear window wiper70
blade replacement150
Rear-seat backrest, folding 
down120
Rear-seat backrests, 
power48
Rearview mirrors
exterior53
interior54
Rechargeable flashlight115
Recirculated-air 
mode103, 108
Reclining seat44
Refueling24, 181
Releasing
hood139
tailgate following an 
electrical malfunction38Reminder signal Ð Memo83
Remote control31
computer89
Removal aid for the spare 
wheel156
Removing condensation 
from the 
windows104, 107
Replacing
antifreeze, radiator143
bulbs151
fuses160
windshield wiper 
blades150
Reporting safety defects10
Reservoir, washer 
system141
Residual heat106, 109
Reverse65
Rims137
Roller sun blinds111
Roof load capacity170
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack127
SSafe seating position44
with airbags44
with safety belts44
Safety belts49
height adjustment49Safety defects, reporting10
Safety lock buttons35
Seat adjustment44
Seat belts49
Seat, electric power46
Seat heating51
Seat, mechanical45
Seat memory50
Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory50
Securing cargo38, 126
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission66
Self-leveling 
suspension94, 131
inactive94
warning lamp21
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US 
models145
Service Engine Soon 
indicator lamp21
Service Interval 
Display76, 145
Set temperature107
Shiftlock66
Shoulder support47
Side airbags55
Side Impact Head Protection 
System55