2004 BMW X5 4.8IS warning

102n
Parking lamps/side marker lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on. You can
use the parking lamps for park-
ing. For lighting on one side for parking
as an additional feature, refer to
page 103.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off
and the low beams are on, only
the parking lamps/side marker
lamps remain on.
530us215
Pathway lighting:
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 warning Whenever 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 daytime driving lamps are automat-
ically switched on at ignition key posi-
tion 2.
Automatic headlamp control
*
When you set the switch to this
position, the system activates
and switches on and off the low
beams in response to changes in ambi-
ent light conditions, for instance, in tun-
nels, at dawn and dusk, and in rain and
snow.
The low beams remain switched
on regardless of the ambient light
when you switch on the front fog
lamps.<
Automatic headlamp control can-
not serve as a substitute for the
driver's judgment in determining when
the vehicle lamps should be switched
on. For example, the system cannot
detect fog. To avoid safety risks, you
should always switch on the lamps
manually under these conditions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the
headlamp control system adjusted
on your vehicle.<
Parking lamps/low beams

124n
Ski bag
*
Cargo area
Securing load After loading, secure the ski bag and its
contents. To do so, tighten the retaining
belt at the buckle.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If
you fail to do so, it could endanger
occupants during braking or evasive
maneuvers.<
Please be sure that the skis are clean
before loading them into the bag. Be
careful to avoid damage from sharp
edges. 530de284
If the cover in the cargo area is
concealed by the pull-out cargo
floor, do not fold the larger rear back-
rest down. If you do so, it will damage
the cover.<
Folding rear backrests down Reach into the recess and pull forward,
refer to arrow.
When you fold back the backrest,
be sure that the catch engages
securely. The red warning indicator dis-
appears in the recess when the catch is
engaged.
The center safety belt can be retracted
only when the larger backrest is
engaged.<530de285

149n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine oil Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, any skin areas
that come into contact with oil should
be thoroughly washed with soap and
water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.< 530de326
Specified engine oils The quality of the engine oil selected
has critical significance for the opera-
tion and service life of an engine.
Based on extensive testing, BMW has
approved only certain engine oils.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, you can add
small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Use only oils with
the API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center for details concern-
ing the specific BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils
which have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this web-
site: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this
information.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without additives, and
their use could even lead to damage in
some cases.<
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you typically drive your
BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.

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.<

153n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Proposition 65 Warning California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety
of automobile components and
parts, including components found in
the interior furnishings in a vehicle, con-
tain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of com-
ponent wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Battery posts, ter-
minals and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds. Wash your
hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
water.<
Event Data Recorders Your vehicle may be equipped with one
or more sensing and diagnostic mod-
ules or a recording device capable of
recording or transmitting certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you
have a Subscription Service Agreement
for the BMW Assist system, certain
vehicle information may be transmitted
or recorded in order to provide such
services.
The interface socket for the Onboard
Diagnostic is located on the left of the
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment cluster and under a cover. The
cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system for the vehicle's
lifetime. The system monitors emission-
related components and systems for
deterioration and malfunction.
530us105
California laws OBD interface socket

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.<

173n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Towing and tow-starting vehicle Using tow fitting The screw-in tow fitting is stored
beneath the cargo floor cover. Carry it
with you at all times. It can be screwed
in at the front or rear of the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the tow fit-
ting and the vehicle, observe the
following: only use the tow fitting that
comes with the vehicle and screw it in
as far as it will go. Only use the tow fit-
ting to tow on roads. Avoid lateral load-
ing of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the
vehicle by the tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread Front:
Use a screwdriver to press the right or
left cover out, refer to arrows. 530de370
Rear:
Pull the cover off. Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, as otherwise the
steering lock will engage, making it
impossible to steer the vehicle. When
the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. This requires increased
braking and steering effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers
depending on the local regulations.
If the electrical system fails, mark the
vehicle to be towed, e.g. with a sign or
warning triangle in the rear window.
530de318

175n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Towing and tow-starting vehicleTow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an
automatic transmission.
For information on jump-starting, refer
to page 171.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic
converter with the engine cold. It is bet-
ter to jump-start the engine, refer to
page 171.
1. Switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers and observe local regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Tow-start with the clutch pedal com-
pletely depressed and slowly release
the clutch pedal. After the engine
starts, immediately depress the
clutch pedal completely again
5. Stop at a suitable location, remove
the tow bar or rope and switch off
the hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Do not activate the HDC Hill
Descent Control during tow-
starting, refer to page 96.<