2004 BMW X5 3.0I brake light

138n
General driving notesHot exhaust system
Extreme temperatures occur at
the catalytic converter on this and
every catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not
remove the heat shields installed adja-
cent to various sections of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating
to them. When driving, standing at idle
and while parking take care to avoid
possible contact between a hot exhaust
system and any highly flammable mate-
rials such as hay, leaves, grass etc.
Such contact could lead to a fire, and
with it the risk of serious property dam-
age as well as personal injury.<
Parking vehicle Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of
condensed water under the vehicle are
thus normal.Brakes
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
excessively high temperatures, brake
wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Road hazards
If road hazards, obstacles or
curbs are unavoidable, only drive
over them very slowly and carefully, as
otherwise the wheels and suspension
parts, especially on vehicles fitted with
low profile tires, can be damaged.<
For more information on wheels and
tires, refer to page 143.
Before driving into a car washFold in the door mirrors, refer to
page 54, as otherwise they could be
damaged due to the width of the vehi-
cle.Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy
roads, reduce road speed. If you
do not, a wedge of water can form
between tires and road surface. This
state can cause a partial or total loss of
contact with the road surface, of brak-
ing control and of control over the vehi-
cle.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on
the road if it is deeper than 20 in/
50 cm, and then only at walking speed
at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<

139n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Safe braking Emergency stopsYou brake most effectively when you
apply maximum pedal pressure in situa-
tions requiring it: emergency stops.
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless
avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.Brake fluid level If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a defect in one of the two
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Here increased pressure on the brake
pedal may be required, and slight pull-
ing to the side and longer braking dis-
tances may result. Please remember to
adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Disk brakes When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to
form on rotors, while contaminants
accumulate on the brake pads. This
occurs because the minimal pressure
which must be exerted by the pads dur-
ing brake applications to clean the
rotors is not reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect which even extended
application will fail to cure.
When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal from time
to time. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other road users. The heat
generated in this process helps dry the
pads and rotors to ensure that the brak-
ing force is then immediately available
when required.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain on the brakes and possible impairment
of the braking effect.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in neutral. Do not
drive with the engine switched off. The
engine provides no braking effect when
the clutch is depressed or the transmis-
sion is in neutral, and there is no
power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is not running.
BMW recommends having brake
inspections performed at a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center only. If
you do not, parts of the 4-wheel drive
system could be damaged.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
released for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<

151n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake fluidBrake fluid level
If the warning lamp lights up
or the message "CHECK
BRAKE FLUID" appears in the
Check Control: stop immedi-
ately. The brake fluid in the res-
ervoir has fallen to below the
minimum level.
Add brake fluid The brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing trim panel
on the driver's side of the vehicle. For
adding brake fluid or for determining
and correcting the cause of brake fluid
loss, consult your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center. Your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center is familiar with
the specifications for factory-approved
DOT 4 brake fluids.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page 139.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Refer also to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide Book-
let for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and also damages
vehicle paintwork. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original con-
tainers kept well away from the reach of
children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the
brake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Always observe all applicable
environmental rules and regula-
tions when disposing of used brake
fluid.<

163n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbs Changing a tire Light-emitting diodes LEDs Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and dis-
plays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers.
Do not remove the covers, and
never stare into the unfiltered light
several hours, as irritation of the iris
could result.<
Safety precautions to observe in
the event of a flat and during all
tire changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur-
face. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse, selector lever in Park with
automatic transmission, and engage
the handbrake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area, behind a guardrail,
for instance.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. The vehi-
cle or the jack could slip to the side if
you attempt to raise the vehicle on a
soft or slippery surface such as snow,
ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support sur-
face.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height. To avoid serious or fatal
injury: never lie under the vehicle, and
never start the engine while it is sup-
ported by the jack.<

Everything from A to ZA
Ability to climb, refer to
Driving on bad roads 137
ABS Antilock Brake
System 93
Accessories 9
refer to Your individual
vehicle 8
Accident, refer to
Emergency call 170
Roadside Assistance 170
Activated-charcoal filter 114
Adaptive Head Light 103
Adjusting cooling capacity of
rear climate control 114
Adjusting seats 44
electric 46
electric comfort seat 46
mechanical 45
mechanical sports seat 45
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 107
Air conditioner 106
Air conditioning
air conditioner 107
automatic climate
control 112
switching on and off
manually 107, 112Air distribution
air conditioner 107
automatic climate
control 111
individual 111
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation 108, 113
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 140
Air recirculation, refer to
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 112
Air supply
air conditioner 107
automatic climate
control 111
rear climate control 113
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation 106, 109
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning 107, 112
Airbags 57
indicator lamp 21
sitting safely 43
Airing, refer to
Ventilation 108, 113
Alarm system 38
avoiding unintentional
alarms 39All-season tires, refer to
Special features of winter
tires 145
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antifreeze
coolant 150
washer fluid 148
Antilock Brake System
ABS 93
Anti-theft alarm system 31
refer to Alarm system 38
Anti-trapping mechanism
panorama glass roof 42
power windows 40
Armrest, refer to Storage
compartments 119
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Artificial wood trim, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 121
rear 121
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control 112AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
and air flow 111
Automatic
air distribution 111
air supply 111
climate control 109
cruise control 73
curb monitor 51
headlamp control 102
rear window washer 73
steering wheel
adjustment 53
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 112
Automatic speed reduction
for descents, refer to HDC
Hill Descent Control 96
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 67
ignition 64
indicator lamp 20, 21
interlock 64
selector lever interlock 68
shiftlock 68
towing 174
tow-starting 174

Everything from A to ZCaring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system 138
CD changer, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Center armrest, refer to
Storage
compartments 119
Center brake lamp, bulb
replacement 162
Central locking system 30
interior 34
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety 8
Changing a wheel 163
Changing tires 142
spare wheel 165
Charge-current indicator
light 19
CHECK button 79
Check Control 79Child's seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems 59
Child-restraint systems 59
Child-safety locks 62
Chocks 164
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Chrome sections, care, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter 121, 122
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 107, 112
Cleaning the rear window 73
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Climate control in the rear
passenger area 113
Clock 84
12 or 24-hour mode 84
changing time and date 84
setting 84
setting, refer also to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Closing
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33Cockpit 14
Code
activating 90
deactivating 91
establishing 90
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine 65
Combination of wheels/
tires 145
Comfort seat 46
Comfort starting, refer to
Starting engine 65
Compact Disc operation,
refer to Owner's Manual
for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compartments, refer to
Storage
compartments 119
Compass interior mirror 55
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine specifications 178
Computer 82, 87
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Condensation, refer to
Air conditioning 107, 112
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Power
sockets 121, 128Consumption indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 77
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption 89
Fuel consumption 89
Contents 4
Controls, refer to Cockpit 14
Convenience opening
panorama glass roof 31
windows 31
Convenience operation
from outside 33
panorama glass roof 33
windows 33
Coolant 150
level 150
temperature 78
temperature gauge 78
warning lamp 78
Cooling system, refer to
Capacities 181
Cooling, maximum 112
Cooling, refer to
Air conditioning 107, 112
Temperature 107, 111
Copyright 4
Correct tires
wheel/tire
replacement 145
winter tires 145

Everything from A to Z
187n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Courtesy lighting 105
Cruise control 73
buttons on steering
wheel 23
indicator lamp 22
Cruising range 82, 89
Cup holders 120
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 180
Current consumption, refer
to Energy Control 76
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 178
D
Data, technical 178
dimensions 179
engine 178
filling capacities 181
weights 180
Date
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
calling up 84
changing 84
Daytime driving lamps 102
Deactivating the alarm in an
emergency 91Defect
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 37
Defective lamp 159
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting
windows 108, 111
Defrosting
windows 108, 111
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 111
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 111
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting
windows 108, 111
Digital clock 84
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Dimensions 179
Dipstick, engine oil 148Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signals 70
Disk brakes 139
Displacement, refer to
Engine specifications 178
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 104
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 15, 17, 18
Disposal
used oil 149
vehicle battery 168
Distance 88
Distance to destination 88
Distance warning 92
Divided rear seat backrest,
refer to Folding rear seat
back 124
Door keys 30
Door lock 33
DOT Quality Grades 142
Draft-free
ventilation 108, 113
Driving lamps, refer to
Parking lamps/low
beams 102
Driving notes
break-in procedures 136
driving hints 137, 138
Driving on bad roads 137
Driving stability control 94Driving your X5 137
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning 107, 112
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 94
indicator lamp 22
E
Electric steering wheel
adjustment 52
Electrical malfunction
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 37
Electronic transmission
control module 69
Emergency call 170
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 37
Energy Control 76
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control 76

Everything from A to ZEngine
breaking-in 136
data 178
electronic circuitry 22
speed 76
starting 64
switching off 65
Engine compartment 147
Engine coolant 150
Engine hood 146
Engine oil 148
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 149
filling capacity 181
indicator/warning lamp 19
specified oils 149
Engine oil level, indicator/
warning lamp 21
Engine oil pressure,
indicator/warning lamp 19
Engine oil thermometer 77
Engine output, refer to
Engine specifications 178
Engine specifications 178
Engine speed, refer to
Engine specifications 178
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control 76ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control 94
Exhaust system 138
Extended immobilizer
function 90
Exterior mirror
automatic dimming
feature 55
Exterior mirrors 54
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 79
Failure of a current
consumer 169
False alarms, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Fan
refer to Air
supply 107, 111
Fasten safety belts
warning lamp 21, 49
Fault displays, refer to Check
Control 79
Filter, refer to
Microfilter 108
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 114First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 24
First-aid kit 24
Flashlight 119
Flat tire 163
Flat Tire Monitor 100
refer to Tire inflation
pressure 140
spare wheel 165
Flat Tire Monitor 100
indicator lamp 101
initializing 100
Flooding, refer to Water on
roads 137
Floor coverings, carpet, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Floor mats, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Fluid level, indicator lamp 21
Fog lamps 104
indicator lamp 22
Folding rear backrest 124
Folding the floor cover
up 128
Footbrake, refer to Driving
notes 138
Footwell lamps 105
Front airbags 57
Front fog lamps 104
bulb replacement 161Fuel
average
consumption 82, 89
display 77
preparation, refer to
Engine specifications 178
quality 26
volume, refer to
Capacities 181
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge 77
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 77
Fuel filler door 24
manual operation 24
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities 181
Fuel-saving driving, refer to
Energy Control 76
Fuses 169
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal
remote control 116
Gasoline display, refer to
Fuel gauge 77
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality 26
Gear changes, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 68