138n
General driving notes Driving your X5 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. When
equipped with 2-axle self leveling sus-
pension
*, switch the vehicle into the
Off-Road setting before driving through,
refer to page100.<
Using handbrake on slopes
Do not hold the vehicle in place on
slopes by slipping or riding the
clutch; use the handbrake instead. Oth-
erwise, severe clutch wear will result.<
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature
*
Two photocells serve to control the
automatic dimming of the interior and
exterior rearview mirrors. One photocell
is in the mirror glass, refer to arrow,
while the other is offset somewhat on
the back of the mirror.
For trouble-free operation, keep the
photocells clean and do not cover the
area between the interior rearview mir-
ror and the windshield. Do not attach
any kind of stickers on the windshield
in front of the mirror, either. 530us245
On poor roads When you are driving on poor roads,
there are a few points which you should
strictly observe — for your own safety,
for that of your passengers, and for the
safety of the vehicle:
Driving on unpaved terrain can
cause damage to the vehicle.<
>Always adapt the driving speed to the
road conditions. The rougher or
steeper the road surface is, the lower
the speed should be
>You can operate your vehicle on
uphill and downhill gradients with a
maximum slope of 50 %. If you want
to drive on uphill or downhill gradi-
ents of this kind, make sure before-
hand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the max mark, refer to
pages150 and152.
Use the HDC Hill Descent Control
when driving down steep grades,
refer to page97.
Starting off is possible on grades of
up to 33 %.
The permissible body roll is also 50 %
>While driving, watch carefully for
obstacles such as rocks or holes.
Try to avoid these obstacles when-
ever possible
163n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbs Changing a tire LEDs light-emitting diodes Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays 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
Tow-starting and towingAccess 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, otherwise the steer-
ing lock could engage and it would not
be possible 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
Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h and a towing dis-
tance of 95 miles/150 km, as otherwise
the automatic transmission may be
damaged.<
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Gearshift lever in idle position
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Selector lever in N.
Towing methodsIn some countries, towing with a tow
bar or rope on public roads is not per-
mitted.
Familiarize yourself with all regulations
on towing in the respective country.
With tow bar:
The towing vehicle may not be
lighter than the vehicle to be
towed, as otherwise handling will be
uncontrollable.<
The tow fitting of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If an angled posi-
tion of the bar cannot be avoided,
observe the following:
174n
Tow-starting and towing>The freedom of movement is
restricted during cornering
>The angled position of the tow bar
creates lateral forces.
Only secure the tow bar on the
tow fittings. Otherwise, damage
could result on other vehicle compo-
nent.<
With tow-rope:
When starting off in the towing vehicle,
make sure that the tow-rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or nylon straps
for towing, and avoid all too sud-
den jerking movements. Only secure
tow-ropes on the tow fitting. Otherwise,
damage could result on other vehicle
component.<
With tow truck:
Do not tow the X5 with the front
or rear axle raised individually, as
otherwise the wheels may block and
the transfer case may be damaged.<
The X5 may only be transported on a
truck bed.530de403
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an
automatic transmission.
For information on jump starting, refer
to page171.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic
converter with the engine cold. It is bet-
ter to jump start the engine, refer to
page171.
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 again completely
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 page97.<
180n
Weights X5 3.0i X5 4.4i X5 4.8is
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission Ibs./kg
Ibs./kg4,652/2,110
4,696/2,130 –
4,927/2,235 –
5,016/2275
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission Ibs./kg
Ibs./kg6,008/2,725
6,008/2,725 –
6,008/2,725 –
6,008/2,725
Load
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionIbs./kg
Ibs./kg1,356/615
1,312/595–
1,080/490–
992/450
Approved front axle load Ibs./kg 2,712/1,230 2,789/1,265 2,789/1,265
Approved rear axle load Ibs./kg 3,307/1,500 3,307/1,500 3,307/1,500
Approved roof load capacity Ibs./kg 220/100
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 16.4 – 54.4/465 – 1,540, according to DIN
69.04/1,955, according to SAE
Everything from A to ZA
Ability to climb, refer to
Driving on poor roads138
ABS Antilock Brake
System94
warning lamp20
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety9
Accident, refer to
Emergency call170
Roadside Assistance170
Activated-charcoal filter115
Adaptive Head Light104
Adjusting cooling capacity of
rear climate control115
Adjusting seats44
electric46
electric comfort seat46
mechanical45
mechanical sports seat45
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode108
Air conditioner107
Air conditioning
air conditioner108
automatic climate
control113
Air distribution
air conditioner108
automatic climate
control112
individual112Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation109,114
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure141
Air recirculation, refer to
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC113
Air supply
air conditioner108
automatic climate
control112
rear climate control114
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation107,110
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning108,113
Airbags57
sitting safely43
warning lamp21
Airing, refer to
Ventilation109,114
Alarm system38
avoiding unintentional
alarms39
All-season tires, refer to
Special features of winter
tires146
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antifreeze
coolant152
washer fluid150Antilock Brake System
ABS94
warning lamp20
Anti-theft alarm system30
refer to Alarm system38
Anti-trapping mechanism
panorama glass
sunroof42
power windows40
Armrest, refer to Storage
compartments120
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Artificial wood trim, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front122
rear122
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control113
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
and air flow112
Automatic
air distribution112
air supply112
cruise control74
headlamp control103
steering wheel
adjustment53Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control110
Automatic cruise control74
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic headlamp
control103
Automatic rear window
washer73
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC113
Automatic Soft Close
function, liftgate36
Automatic speed reduction
for descents, refer to HDC
Hill Descent Control97
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic67
interlock64
selector lever interlock68
shiftlock68
towing173
tow-starting173
warning lamp20,21
Average fuel
consumption83,90
Average speed83,91
Avoiding alarms39
Axle loads, refer to
Weights180
Everything from A to ZCargo loading131
Cargo-area partition net127
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring 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 system137
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
compartments120
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulbs162
Central locking system30
interior34
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety9
Changing a wheel163
Changing gears with
automatic transmission
with Steptronic68Changing tires143
Charge-current indicator
lamp19
Charging battery168
CHECK button80
Check Control80
Checking oil level150
Child's seat, refer to Child-
restraint systems59
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH62
Child-restraint systems59
Child-safety locks62
Chocks164
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Chrome parts, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter122,123
Cigarette lighter socket, refer
to Power socket122
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode108,113
Cleaning rear window73
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Climate control in the rear
passenger area114Clock85
12 or 24-hour mode85
hour signal86
setting85
setting time and date85
setting, also refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Closing
from inside34
from outside31
Clothes hooks121
Clutch136
breaking-in136
Cockpit14
Code
activating91
deactivating92
establishing91
Cold starting, refer to
Starting engine65
Combination of wheels/
tires146
Comfort seat46
Comfort starting, refer to
Starting engine65
Compact Disc operation,
refer to Owner's Manual
for Radio/Onboard
ComputerCompartments, refer to
Storage
compartments120
Compass interior rearview
mirror55
Computer82,88
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Condensation, refer to
Air conditioning108,113
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Power sockets129
Consumption display, refer
to Energy control77
Consumption indicator, refer
to Fuel gage78
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption83
Fuel consumption90
Contents4
Controls, refer to Cockpit14
Convenience opening mode
panorama glass
sunroof31
windows31
Convenience operation
from outside33
panorama glass
sunroof33
windows33
Everything from A to ZE
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution94
Electric steering wheel
adjustment52
Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic69
door lock33
driver's door33
fuel filler door24
liftgate35
panorama glass
sunroof42
tailgate36
Electronic brake-force distri-
bution EBV94
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control95
Emergency call170
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation
driver's door33
fuel filler door24
liftgate35
panorama glass
sunroof42
tailgate36
Emergency Service, refer to
Roadside Assistance170Energy control77
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy control77
Engine
breaking-in136
data178
electronic circuitry22
speed77
switching off65
Engine compartment149
Engine coolant152
Engine oil150
additives, refer to
Specified engine oils151
filling capacity181
indicator/warning lamp19
specified engine oils151
Engine oil level150
indicator/warning lamp21
Engine oil pressure,
indicator/warning lamp19
Engine oil thermometer78
Engine output, refer to
Engine specifications178
Engine specifications178
Engine speed, refer to
Engine specifications178
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control77ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control95
Event Data Recorders155
Exhaust system137
Extended immobilizer
function91
Exterior mirrors54
automatic dimming
feature138
folding in and out54
External air, automatic
climate control113
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control80
Failure of a current
consumer169
False alarms, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms39
Fasten safety belts
refer to Safety belts49
warning lamp21,49
Fault displays, refer to Check
Control80
Fill pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure141Filter, refer to
Microfilter109
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter115
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit24
First-aid kit24
Flashlight120
Flat tire163
Flat Tire Monitor101
refer to Tire inflation
pressure141
refer to Wheel
changes163
spare wheel165
Flat Tire Monitor101
initializing102
warning lamp102
Flooding, refer to Driving
through water138
Floor mats, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Fluid level, indicator lamp21
Fog lamps, indicator lamp22
Folding floor cover up129
Folding rear backrest126
Folding rear seat back126
Footbrake, refer to General
driving notes137
Footwell lamps106