2003 BMW X5 4.6IS sport

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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

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About this Owner's Manual

We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
possible. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at
the end. If you desire an initial overview
of your vehicle, this can be found in the
first chapter.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at
some time in the future, please
remember to hand over the Owner's
Manual to the new owner; it is an
important part of the vehicle.
If you have any questions, your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
will be glad to advise you.

Symbols used

Indicates precautions that must
be followed precisely in order to
avoid the possibility of personal injury
and serious damage to the vehicle.
Contains information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable
you to care more effectively for your
vehicle.
Refers to measures that can
be taken to help protect the
environment.

<

Marks the end of a specific item of
information.

*
Indicates special equipment,
country-specific equipment and
optional extras.
Identifies systems or components,
which can be activated or adapted
to suit an individual driver's require-
ments Ð Vehicle Memory, Key Memory,
refer to page 61.
Activation and adjustments on some of
these systems can be performed at
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.

The individual vehicle

On buying your BMW, you have
decided in favor of a model with individ-
ualized equipment and features. This
Owner's Manual describes all models
and equipment that BMW offers within
the same group.
We hope you will understand that
equipment and features are included
that you might not have chosen for your
vehicle. Any differences can easily be
identified, since all optional extras and
special equipment are marked with an
asterisk

*
.
If your BMW features equipment which
is not described in this Owner's
Manual, Supplementary Owner's Man-
uals are enclosed. We ask you to read
these manuals as well.

Notes
Symbols
The individual vehicle

Notes

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OverviewControlsRepairsDataIndex Maintenance

Status at time of printing

BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
ongoing development that is conceived
to ensure that our vehicles continue to
embody the highest quality and safety
standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. For this
reason, it is possible that the features
described in this Owner's Manual could
differ from those on your vehicle. Nor
can errors and omissions be entirely
ruled out. You are therefore asked to
appreciate that no legal claims can be
entertained on the basis of the data,
illustrations or descriptions in this
manual.

For your own safety

Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight Ð that is,
15 % MTBE or 3% methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent Ð will
not void the applicable warranties
respecting defects in materials or work-
manship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel
quality Ð volatility, composition, addi-
tives, etc. Ð among gasolines offered for
sale in the United States and Canada.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result
in driveability, starting and stalling
problems especially under certain envi-
ronmental conditions such as high
ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be
related to the fuel you are using, we
recommend that you respond by
switching to a recognized high-quality
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled
maintenance.
Obey pertinent relevant safety rules
when you are handling gasoline.

<



Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine
parts and accessories approved by
BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Original
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure
optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for
damages resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product on the
market to determine whether it can be
used on a BMW safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its
occupants.
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers.

AktualitŠt bei Drucklegung

Notes

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Notes

Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones Ð including
operation of any portable cellular phone
from within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna Ð or trans-
ceiver equipment such as CB, walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar accessories,
may cause extensive damage to the
vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere
with the vehicle's electrical system or
affect the validity of the BMW Limited
Warranty. Contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center for additional
information.

<


Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.

<



Symbol on vehicle parts

Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.

Service and Warranty

This manual is supplemented by a Ser-
vice and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models or a Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for Canadian
models.
We recommend that you read this
publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following
warranties:

>

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

>
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
> Federal Emissions System Defect
Warranty >
Federal Emissions Performance War-
ranty

>

California Emissions Control System
Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these
warranties is listed in the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet for US
models or in the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.

Reporting safety defects

The following only applies to vehicles
owned and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA in addition to notifying BMW of
North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227,
Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227,
Telephone 800-831-1117.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in indi-
vidual problems between you, your
dealer, or BMW of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call
the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-800-424-9393 Ð or 366-0123 in
Washington, D.C. area Ð or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transpor-
tation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You
can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

For your own safety

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

l

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for
different periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this in the
following section.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

l

The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. If the
drive belt is defective, increased
steering effort is also required.

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Engine oil pressure

l

Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level; top off as
required. If the oil level is correct:
please contact the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.
Do not continue driving. The
engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.

<



Parking brake

*
/
Brake hydraulic system

l

Comes on when you engage the
parking brake.
For additional information: refer to
page 64.
Comes on although the parking brake
is released: have the brake fluid level
checked. Before continuing your
journey, be sure to read the notes on
pages 132 and 144.
Also comes on in the Check Control
with the message CHECK BRAKE
LININGS.
Parking brake warning lamp

*
/
Brake hydraulic system warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor RDC

*


l

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a flat tire has
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard
brake applications. As you steer the
vehicle, use caution and avoid overcor-
recting.
For additional information: refer to
page 96.

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Indicator and warning lamps

Red or yellow: continue to drive;
drive cautiously

If the brake warning lamp
comes on red together with the
yellow warning lamps for ABS
and DSC:
Continue to drive; drive
cautiously and defensively and
avoid full brake applications.
Have the system checked by the
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 91 and 132.
If all three warning lamps come on
yellow:
Continue to drive; drive cautiously and
defensively and avoid full brake appli-
cations.
Have the system checked by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center as
soon as possible.
Warning lamps for Canadian
models.

Red: an important reminder

Parking brake

*
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged.
For additional information: refer to
page 64.
Parking brake

*
warning lamp


for
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts

l

Lights up either for a few
seconds or, depending on
model, until the belt is engaged.
Depending on model, together with an
acoustic signal

*
or a message

*
in the
Check Control.
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 49.
Airbags

l

Please have the system
inspected by your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.
For additional information: refer to
page 55.

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Antilock Brake System ABS

l

ABS has been deactivated in
response to system malfunction.
Conventional braking performance
remains available with no loss of effi-
ciency. Please have the system
inspected by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center.
For additional information: refer to
page 132.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute
minimum; refill as soon as possible. Do
not drive more than approx. 30 miles/
50 km until you do.
For additional information: refer to
page 141.
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at your earliest opportunity, e.g.
when you stop to refuel.
For additional information: refer to
page 141.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Automatic transmission

*
Because of a malfunction, the
automatic transmission shifts
only in the emergency program. Please
consult the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.
For additional information: refer to
page 67.
Brake pads

*
l
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 132.
Self-leveling suspension
* l
Self-leveling suspension is inac-
tive. Please consult the nearest
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
For additional information: refer to
page 94.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC l
Fault in the DBC system.
Conventional braking perfor-
mance remains available with no loss of
efficiency.
Please have the system checked and
repaired by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center.
For additional information: refer to
page 92.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
l
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive
and braking force.
The warning lamp comes on and stays
on while driving:
DSC has been switched off with the
button. If, after repeatedly pressing the
DSC button, the warning lamp still does
not go off, then that means that the
DSC, HDC and the vehicle's road-
holding ability are defective.
Please have the system checked by the
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 91 and 93.
Engine electronics
*
There is a fault in the engine's
electronic control system. You
can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system checked by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Tire Pressure Monitor RDC
* l
Check tire inflation pressures,
refer to pages 26, 97.
Service Engine Soon l
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the
emissions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center at the earliest possible
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 147.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Check Filler Cap
* l
This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to
page 25.

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Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressures The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
Check tire pressures All pressure specifications are indicated
in psi/kilopascal for tires at ambient
temperature, refer also to the table on
the next page.
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
RDC:
After correcting the inflation pressures,
reactivate the system, refer to page 97.530de225
Check tire inflation pressures
regularly Ñ at least every two
weeks and before beginning a longer
trip. Incorrect tire pressure can other-
wise lead to poor handling, tire damage
and accidents.
Check the tire inflation pressure of the
spare tire. Inflate the spare tire to
the highest inflation pressure of any tire
on your vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tire sizes and tires from BMW-
approved manufacturers. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center is
familiar with these pressures. A
different inflation pressure may be
required for tire makes not approved by
BMW.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US standards, but also
European standards. We recommend
the exclusive use of BMW-approved
tires.