
69n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Washer/Wiper system/Rain sensor
* 
Intermittent mode
 
Not on vehicles with rain sensor.
You can set the wipe interval to four 
stages with rotary dial 7. 
In addition, the wipe interval is varied 
automatically depending on road 
speed. Rain sensor The rain sensor is positioned on the 
windshield, directly in front of the inte-
rior rearview mirror. 
To activate the rain sensor:
Move the lever to position 1 with the 
ignition key in position 1 or higher. The 
wipers travel once across the wind-
shield, regardless of the weather 
conditions. 
You can leave the lever permanently in 
position 1. It is then only necessary to 
activate the rain sensor from ignition 
key position 1 and up. 
To do this, turn rotary dial 7 briefly.
To adjust the sensitivity of the rain 
sensor:
Turn rotary dial 7.
Deactivating the rain sensor:
Move lever to position 0.Switch the rain sensor off in auto-
matic car washes. If you do not, 
damage may occur if the wipers switch 
on unintentionally.< 
Normal wipe The system switches automatically to 
intermittent mode when the vehicle is 
not moving, not on vehicles with rain 
sensor. Fast wipe The wipers operate at normal speed 
when the vehicle is not moving, not on 
vehicles with rain sensor. Clean the windshield The system sprays washer fluid against 
the windshield and activates the wipers 
for a brief period. 
Special wash program
* 
As at 5; there are also several additional 
wash cycles, and the headlamps are 
cleaned
*. 
This program is recommended after you 
have driven on extremely dirty roads.
Clean the headlamps
* 
>With the special wash program 6
>With every actuation of clean the 
windshield 5 when the vehicle's 
lighting is switched on, the head-
lamps will be cleaned at appropriate 
intervals.  

70n
Washer/Wiper system/Rain sensor
*
Do not use the washers if there is 
any danger that the fluid will 
freeze on the windshield. If you do so, 
your vision could be obscured. For this 
reason, use an antifreeze agent, refer to 
page 141.
Do not use the washers when the reser-
voir is empty. This could cause damage 
to the washer pump.< 
Windshield washer jetsThe windshield washer jets are warmed 
automatically when the ignition key is in 
position 2. 
Rear window wiper 0 Retracted position of the rear window 
wiper
1 Rear window wiper in intermittent 
mode. When reverse gear is 
engaged, continuous operation is 
switched on automatically
2 Clean the rear window
You can also program the interval: 
>Switch briefly from position 0 to posi-
tion 1
>The time until reactivation Ð from 
position 0 to 1 Ð is the programmed 
interval, max. 30 seconds. 530de266
Programming is deleted:
>Approx. 10 seconds after the lever is 
placed in position 0 or
>after the engine is switched off.
For changing the wiper blade, refer to 
page 150. 

90n
The concept PDC provides extra safety and conve-
nience during parking maneuvers by pro-
viding an acoustic signal to indicate the 
distance between your front and rear 
bumpers and the nearest object. To do 
this, four ultrasonic sensors in the front 
and rear bumpers each measure the dis-
tance to the nearest object. The detection 
range of the front sensors and the two 
sensors located at the ends of the rear 
bumper is approx. 2 ft/60 cm, while the 
rear center sensors can detect objects to 
a distance of approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid which regis-
ters objects when approaching 
slowly, as is the case during usual 
parking maneuvers. Avoid approaching 
objects too fast, otherwise the system 
may give warning of physical obstacles 
too late.
select reverse or move the selector 
lever into the R position with the igni-
tion key in position 2. 
Wait for this brief period before 
you start reversing.<
Manual activation Press the button; the indicator lamp 
comes on. Manual deactivationPress the button again; the indicator 
lamp goes out.Automatic deactivationAfter driving a distance of more than 
approx. 160 ft/50 m or exceeding a 
speed of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the 
system switches off and the indicator 
lamp goes out. Switch the system on 
again as required. 530de229
Acoustical signals The distance from an object is indicated 
in front with a higher intermittent tone, 
and at the rear with a lower intermittent 
tone. As the distance between vehicle 
and object decreases, the intervals 
between the tones become shorter.
A continuous tone indicates the pres-
ence of an object less than approx. 1 ft/
30 cm away. 
The warning signal is canceled after 
approx. 3 seconds if you are moving 
parallel to a wall. 
If there is a malfunction of the system:
The indicator lamp flashes and a short 
steady signal tone is sounded 
>if you activate PDC with the button 
>when you select reverse for the first 
time after switching on the ignition 
>if a malfunction occurs while the PDC 
system is active.
Switch the system off and have the 
cause of the malfunction corrected by 
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
center. 
Park Distance Control PDC
*  

91n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
PDC
*  Dynamic Stability Control DSC 
The PDC system does not remove 
the driver's personal responsibility 
for evaluating the distance between the 
vehicle and any objects. Even when 
sensors are involved, there is a blind 
spot in which objects cannot be 
detected. This applies especially in 
those cases where the system 
approaches the physical constraints of 
ultrasonic measurement, as occurs with 
tow bars and trailer couplings, and in 
the vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped 
objects. Similarly, low objects that have 
already been detected - e.g. a curb-
stone - may disappear out of the range 
of the sensors before a continuous tone 
is emitted. 
Loud sources of sound, inside and out-
side the vehicle, could drown out the 
PDC signal tone.< 
Keep the sensors clean and free 
of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the 
sensors for a prolonged period of time. 
Maintain an adequate distance of more 
than 4 in/10 cm.< 
The concept DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in 
critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability 
during acceleration and when starting 
from a full stop, as well as optimizing 
traction. In addition, it recognizes 
unstable vehicle conditions, such as 
understeering or oversteering, and, as 
far as is possible within the laws of 
physics, keeps the vehicle on a steady 
course by adapting the rpms and brake 
applications to the individual wheels.
The system starts up automatically 
each time you start the engine.
Indicator lamp 
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out shortly 
after you switch on the ignition, 
refer to page 21. 
Indicator lamp ßashes: 
The system is active and governs drive 
and braking force. 
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after 
the engine is started, or comes on 
during normal driving and stays on: 
The system is either defective or was 
switched off with the button: the stabi-
lizing applications described to the left 
are no longer available. The vehicle will 
remain completely operational, how-
ever, without DSC.
Consult your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center to have the system 
repaired.  

99n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Parking lamps Ð side marker 
lamps 
The front, rear and side vehicle 
lighting is switched on. You can 
use the parking lamps for 
parking. For lighting on one side for 
parking as an additional feature, refer to 
page 100. 
Low beams 
When the ignition is switched off 
and the low beams are on, only 
the parking lamps Ð side marker 
lamps Ð remain on. 
530us215
Follow me home lamps:
When you activate the headlamp 
flasher after parking the vehicle and 
switching off the lamps, the low beams 
will come on for a brief period. You may 
also have this function deactivated if 
you wish.<
LIGHTS ON warningWhenever you open the driver's door, 
after having turned the ignition key to 
position 0, you will hear an acoustic 
signal for a few seconds to remind you 
that the lamps have not been switched 
off. 
On vehicles with alphanumeric Check 
Control
*:
The reminder is given through the 
Check Control. 
Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically 
switched on for daylight driving at 
ignition key position 2. 
Automatic headlamp control
* 
When the switch is set to this 
position the system automati-
cally activates or deactivates the 
low beams in response to changes in 
ambient light, e. g.  in tunnels, at dusk, 
as well as rain and snow.
The vehicle's external lamps 
remain on constantly when you 
switch on the fog lamps after the head-
lamps have come on automatically.< 
Automatic headlamp control 
cannot serve as a substitute for 
the driver's judgement in determining 
when the vehicle lamps should be 
switched on. For example, the sensors 
are not able to detect fog.  To avoid 
safety risks, you should respond to 
these kinds of low-visibility situations 
by switching the headlamps on manu-
ally.< 
You can have the sensitivity of 
your vehicle's automatic head-
lamp control adjusted.< 
Parking lamps/Low beams  

106n
Automatic climate control
* 
10 Temperature control Ð 
right-hand side107
11 To defrost windows and remove 
condensation108
12 Air conditioning10813 Automatic recirculated-air control 
(AUC)108
14 Rear window defroster108
15 Air supply107 16 Maximum cooling108
or using up residual heat109
17 Air grille for interior temperature 
sensor Ð please keep clear and 
unobstructed
530us223 

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