142n
Tire identification marksKnowledge of the labeling on the side
of the tire makes it easier to identify and
choose the right tires.Tire sizeSpeed code letter:
Q=up to 105 mph/160 km/h
T=up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H=up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V=up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W=up to 167 mph/270 km/hTire Identification Number Tires with DOT codes meet the guide-
lines of the U.S. Department of Trans-
port. e.g.
Nominal width
in mm
Cross-sectional
relationship in X
Belted construction radial
Rim diameter in inches
Load index,
not with ZR tires
Speed code letter,
with ZR tires before the R
235/65 R
17104H
DOT code:Tire age The manufacturer of your BMW recom-
mends that all tires, i.e. including the
spare wheel, be replaced regardless of
the actual wear after 6 years at the lat-
est.
The tire's date of manufacture is indi-
cated on the sidewall:
DOT ... 3603 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 36 of 2003. Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example: e.g.
Manufacturer's code
for tire brand
Tire size and tire model
Tire age
DOT xxxx xxx 3603
DOT quality grades Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must con-
form to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.< Tread wear The tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half, 1g, times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
143n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire identification marks Wheel/tire condition TractionThe traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< TemperatureThe temperature grades are A, the
highest, B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive tem-
perature can lead to a sudden flat tire.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible a tire failure.< M+SWinter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties
than summer tires.
Wheel/tire damage Inspect your wheels and tires frequently
for tread wear, signs of damage and for
foreign objects lodged in the tread.
Check the tread pattern depth.
Due to low-profile tires, please
note that wheels, tires and sus-
pension parts are more susceptible to
road hazard and consequential dam-
ages. Unusual vibrations encountered
during normal vehicle operation can
indicate tire failure or some other vehi-
cle defect. This can, for example, be
caused by driving over curbs. This is
also true for irregularities in the vehi-
cle's handling characteristics, such as a
pronounced tendency to pull to the left
or right. Should this occur, respond by
immediately reducing your speed.
Carefully proceed – or have your vehi-
cle towed – to the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center or tire dealer to
have the wheels or tires inspected.
Tire damage, extending to sudden and
complete loss of pressure in extreme
cases, can pose a potentially lethal
safety hazard for the vehicle's occu-
pants and other road users alike.<
144n
Wheel/tire condition Replacing wheels/tiresTire treadThe tread depth should not fall below
e in/3 mm.
At tread depths below e in/3 mm there
is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small
amounts of water are present on the
road surface.
As winter tires display a noticeable loss
in their ability to cope with cold-
weather driving conditions once the
tread wears to below k/K in/4 mm, to
ensure continued safety you should
always have such tires replaced.Wear indicators at the tread-groove
base, arrow, are distributed over the
tire's circumference and are marked on
the side of the tire with TWI – Tread
Wear Indicator. These indicators signal
at a tread depth of k/FK in/1.6 mm that
the legally permitted wear limit has
been reached.
390de331
Unprofessional attempts by lay-
men to service tires can lead to
damage and accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. The technicians at
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter will be glad to assist you with the
required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
The correct wheel and tire combination
also affects various systems whose
function would otherwise be impaired,
e.g. ABS, DSC, xDrive.
Have the wheel and tire assemblies bal-
anced every time either a wheel or a tire
is replaced.
BMW does not recommend the
use of retread tires, as otherwise
driving safety may be reduced. Possible
variations in the design and the age –
which could be substantial – of the car-
casses can lead to unusually rapid
wear.<
145n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Replacing wheels/tires Snow chains
*
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use
only wheel and tire combinations
that BMW has tested and approved for
your particular vehicle. Variations in
factors such as manufacturing toler-
ances mean that even wheels and tires
with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than
the approved units – these differences
could lead to body contact, and with it
the risk of severe accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. After a flat tire, always remem-
ber to have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Special features of winter tires BMW recommends winter tires for use
in cold winter driving conditions.
Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than summer
tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather perfor-
mance as winter tires.
When switching to winter tires, observe
the description under Tire condition,
page 143, and Replacing wheels/tires.
Observing speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated. Unprofessional attempts by
laymen to service tires can lead to dam-
age and accidents. Have this work per-
formed by skilled professionals only.
The technicians at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center will be glad to
assist you with the required profes-
sional knowledge and specialized
equipment.
whenever possible. Always protect tires
against all contact with oil, grease and
fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressure indicated on the side wall
of the tire.
Only certain snow chains have been
tested by BMW and classified and
approved as safe. Consult your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center for
details. BMW recommends only using
these approved, narrow-link snow
chains. Use is only permitted in pairs on
the rear wheels with the following tire
sizes:
X5 4.8is: 255/55 R 18
All other models: 235/65 R 17
Observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions when installing snow chains.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
30 mph/50 km/h.
After mounting snow chains, do
not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
When you are driving with snow chains,
it can be beneficial to switch off DSC
briefly, refer to page 95.<
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 ZInterface socket for onboard
diagnosis 153
Interior lamps 104
remote control 31
Interior mirror
automatic dimming
feature 55
compass 55
Interior motion sensor 39
switching off 31, 39
Interior rearview mirror 54
Interlock, refer to Locking
steering 64
Intermittent operation,
wipers 71
J
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting 171
Jump-starting 171
K
Key Memory 63
Keys 30
Kickdown 68
L
Lamps and bulbs 159
Lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 102
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing the load 131LATCH child-restraint
fixing 62
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 163
Length, refer to
Dimensions 179
License plate lamp, bulb
replacement 162
Liftgate 35
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually 35
opening, remote
control 31
Liftgate/tailgate
opening from inside 35
opening from outside 35
remote control 31
unlocking manually 35
Light switch 102
Light-alloy wheels, care,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs 163
Lighter 121, 122
Lighter socket 121
Lighting of instruments 104
Lights on warning 102
Limit 87
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 130Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking 34
Locking
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Locking and unlocking doors
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Locking, vehicle
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Low beams 102
automatic 102
bulb replacement 159
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support 46
Low-fuel warning light, refer
to Fuel gauge 77
Lug bolts 167
Lug wrench 164
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Liftgate/tailgate 36
Luggage net 37
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 132
Luggage straps 37
Lumbar support 46
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 145
Maintenance system 152Maintenance, refer to
Service Interval Display 78
Manual operation
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 37
Manual transmission 66
Marking, tires 142
Master key 30
with remote control 30
Maximum cooling 112
Maximum roof weight 180
Maximum speed with winter
tires 145
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions 179
Mechanical key, refer to
Spare key 30
Mechanical seats 45
Memo 85
Memory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory 50
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 63
Microfilter
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 114
Everything from A to Z
191n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Microphone for telephone,
refer to Telephone 118
Microphone, refer to
Telephone 118
MID Multi-Information
Display 83
Mirror
automatic curb monitor 51
mirror heating 54
mirror memory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory 50
Mirror dimming feature 55
Mirrors 54
Multifunction switch
turn signals/headlamp
flasher 70
washer/wiper system 71
Multi-Information Display
MID 83
N
Navigation system, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer/Radio
and Navigation System
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 47
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 108, 113O
OBD interface socket 153
Odometer 75
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 149
consumption 148
dipstick 148
filling capacity 181
specified engine oil
grades 149
Oil change interval, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, US
models or Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet,
Canadian models
Oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp 19
OILSERVICE 78
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 168
Onboard computer, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Onboard tool kit 158
Opening and closing
from inside 34
using the door lock 33
using the remote
control 31
Output, refer to Engine
specifications 178Outside temperature
display 75
changing unit of
measure 75, 82
in computer 82
P
Panorama glass roof 41
automatic opening and
closing 41
closing in the event of an
electrical defect 42
comfort position 41
convenience operation 33
initializing 42
power failure 42
remote control 31
Park Distance Control
PDC 92
Parking aid, refer to PDC
Park Distance Control 92
Parking lamps 102
bulb replacement 160
Parking lamps/low
beams 102
Parking, vehicle 65
Parts and accessories, refer
to Your individual vehicle 8
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function 51
Pathway lighting 102PDC Park Distance
Control 92
Permissible axle load, refer
to Weights 180
Permissible gross weight,
refer to Weights 180
Plastic, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter 108
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 114
Power failure, battery 169
Power rear-seat
backrests 48
Power seat 46
Power windows 39
safety switch 40
Pressure monitoring,
tires 100
Flat Tire Monitor 100
Pressure, tires 140
Producing tire inflation
pressure 140
Programming settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 63
Protective function
panorama glass roof 42
Pull-out cargo floor 128