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.<
Everything from A to Z
185n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
B
Backrests, refer to Adjusting
seats45,46
Backup lamps67
replacing bulbs161
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit24
Bar, towing173
Battery168
disposal168
indicator lamp19
jump starting171
power failure169
remote control30
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Beverage holder, refer to
Cup holders121
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning76
Blower
air conditioner108
automatic climate
control112
refer to Air
supply108,112
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil151
BMW Maintenance
System154Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders121
Brake fluid153
adding153
level153
replacing153
warning lamp19
Brake Force Display101
Brake hydraulic system140
warning lamp19,20
Brake lamps, replacing
bulbs161
Brake pads140
breaking-in136
warning lamp19,21
Brake rotors
brake system140
breaking-in136
Brake system
brake fluid153
brake fluid level140,153
brake pads140
breaking-in136
disc brakes140
warning lamp19
Brake wear warning
brake pads140
indicator lamp19,21Brakes140
ABS94
brake fluid153
brake pads140
breaking-in136
handbrake66
indicator/warning
lamp19,20
Breakdown assistance, refer
to Roadside
Assistance170
Breakdown, Flat Tire
Monitor101
Breaking-in136
Buttons on steering
wheel23
C
California Proposition
65 Warning9
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders121
Capacities181
cargo area180
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys30
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
ComputerCar telephone
preparation119
Car telephone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting, refer to
Power socket122
Car wash, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care of paintwork, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo area126
capacity180
cover, refer to Roll-up
cover126
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually35,36
floor cover129
increasing capacity126
lamps106
lid, refer to Liftgate/
tailgate35,36
opening, remote
control31
Cargo floor, pull-out130
Everything from A to Z
187n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant152
level152
temperature gage79
warning lamp79
Coolant temperature
gage79
Cooling, maximum113
Cooling, refer to
Air conditioning108,113
Temperature108,112
Copyright4
Cornering light, refer to
Adaptive Head Light104
Correct tires
wheel/tire
replacement146
winter tires146
Courtesy lighting106
Cruise control74
buttons on steering
wheel23
indicator lamp22
Cruising range83,90
Cup holders121
Curb weight, refer to
Weights180
Current consumption, refer
to Energy control77
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data178D
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting105
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit14
Data, technical178
dimensions179
engine178
filling capacities181
weights180
Date
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
calling up85
changing85
Daytime driving lamps103
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control94
indicator lamp21
Deactivating the alarm in an
emergency92
Defective lamp159
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting
windows109,112
Defrosting
windows109,112
air conditioner109
automatic climate
control112Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
air conditioner109
automatic climate
control112
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting
windows109,112
Digital clock85
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Dimensions179
Dipstick, engine oil150
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signals70
Disc brakes140
Displacement, refer to
Engine specifications178
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting105
Display, refer to Instrument
cluster15,17,18
Disposal, vehicle battery168
Distance to destination89
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control93
Divided rear seat backrest,
refer to Folding rear seat
back126
Door keys30Door lock33
DOT Quality Grades143
Draft-free
ventilation109,114
Driving lamps, refer to
Parking lamps/low
beams103
Driving notes
breaking-in136
driving hints137,138
Driving on poor roads138
Driving stability control95
Driving your X5138
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning108,113
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control95
warning lamp22
DVD changer, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC94
indicator lamp21
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC95
warning lamp22
Everything from A to Z
189n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
For information on breaking
in the differential, refer to
Engine and differential136
Front airbags57
Front fog lamps105
replacing bulbs161
Fuel
average
consumption83,90
display78
quality26
volume, refer to
Capacities181
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gage78
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gage78
Fuel filler door24
manual operation24
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities181
Fuel-saving driving, refer to
Energy control77
Fuses169
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal
remote control117
Gasoline display, refer to
Fuel gage78Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality26
Gear display67
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission66
General driving notes137
Glove compartment120
Grills, refer to
Ventilation109,114
Gross weight, refer to
Weights180
Ground clearance139
H
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable
flashlight120
Handbrake66
indicator lamp19,21
Hands-free microphone,
refer to Portable
phone119
Hands-free system119
Hazard warning flashers14
HDC Hill Descent Control97
Head airbags57
Head restraints47
Headlamp control,
automatic103
Headlamp cover, care, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochureHeadlamp flasher70
indicator lamp22
Headlamp washer
reservoir150
volume, refer to Filling
capacities181
Headlamp washing system
headlamp washing72
washer fluid150
Headlamps
care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
replacing bulbs159
Heated mirrors54
Heated rear window
air conditioner108
automatic climate
control113
Heated seats52
Heated steering wheel53
Heating
exterior mirror54
rear window108,113
seats52
steering wheel53
Heating and
ventilation107,110
Heating while stationary113
Heavy cargo, refer to
Loading132
Heavy-duty cargo straps,
refer to Cargo loading132Height adjustment
seats45,46
steering wheel52
Height, refer to
Dimensions179
High beams104
headlamp flasher70
indicator lamp22
replacing bulbs160
High temperatures137
Hill Descent Control HDC97
Hills138,140
Holder for cups121
Hood148
Horn14
Hot exhaust system137
Hotel function30
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC94
Hydraulic system, brakes19
Hydroplaning137,145
I
Ice warning76
Identification, tire143
Ignition64
Ignition key30
Ignition lock64
Immobilizer function91
Imprint4
Everything from A to ZIndependent ventilation116
activating/deactivating
switch-on times87
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
entering switch-on
times87
switching on and off
directly87
Indicating
elements15,17,18
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting105
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags59
alarm system38
automatic transmission
with Steptronic69
brakes153
coolant temperature79
DSC95
engine temperature79
fasten safety belts49
Flat Tire Monitor102
front fog lamps105
reserve78
self-leveling
suspension98
Indicator/warning lamps,
overview19Individual air distribution112
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory63
Inflation pressure
monitoring, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor101
Inflation pressure, tires141
INSPECTION79
Instrument cluster15,17,18
Instrument lighting105
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit14
Integrated universal remote
control117
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostics155
Interior lamps105
remote control31
Interior mirror, automatic
dimming feature138
Interior motion sensor39
switching off31,39
Interior rearview mirror55
compass55
Interlock, refer to Locking
steering64
Intermittent operation of
wipers71,73J
Jacking points167
Jump starting171
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting171
K
Key Memory63
Keys30
Kick-down68
L
Lamps and bulbs159
Lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams103
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing load132
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system62
LEDs light-emitting
diodes163
Length, refer to
Dimensions179
License plate lamp
replacing bulbs162
Liftgate35
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually35
opening, remote
control31
remote control31Liftgate/tailgate
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually35,36
opening from inside35
opening from outside35
unlocking manually35,36
Light switch103
Light-alloy wheels, care,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs163
Lighter122,123
Lighting of instruments105
Lights on warning103
Limit88
Limit speed, refer to Speed
limit88
Load, refer to Cargo
loading131
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking34
Locking
from inside34
from outside31
Locking and unlocking doors
from inside34
from outside31
Locking, vehicle
from inside34
from outside31
Everything from A to Z
191n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Low beams103
automatic103
replacing bulbs159
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support46
Low-fuel indicator lamp,
refer to Fuel gage78
Lug bolts167
torque168
Luggage compartment
capacity180
cover, refer to Roll-up
cover126
lamps, refer to Cargo area
lamps106
opening from inside35
opening from outside35
opening, with remote
control31
opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate35
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate36
refer to Cargo area126
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to
Liftgate35
Tailgate36
Luggage compartment
net37Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack133
Luggage straps37
Lumbar support46
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires146
Maintenance system154
Maintenance, refer to
Service Interval Display79
Malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic69
door lock33
fuel filler door24
liftgate35
panorama glass
sunroof42
tailgate36
Manual operation
door lock33
driver's door33
fuel filler door24
liftgate35
panorama glass
sunroof42
tailgate36
Manual transmission66
Master key30
with remote control30
Maximum cooling113Maximum roof weight180
Maximum speed with winter
tires146
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions179
Mechanical key, refer to
Door and ignition key30
Mechanical seats45
Memo86
Memory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory50
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory63
Microfilter
air conditioner109
automatic climate
control115
Microphone for telephone,
refer to Telephone119
MID Multi-Information
Display84
Mirror dimming feature138
Mirrors54
automatic curb monitor51
mirror heating54
mirror memory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory50
Mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's ManualMobile Service, refer to
Roadside Assistance170
Multifunction steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on
steering wheel23
Multifunction switch
turn signals/headlamp
flasher70
washer/wiper system71
Multi-Information Display
MID84
N
Navigation system, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer/Radio
and Navigation System
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints47
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation109,114
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing174
Everything from A to ZO
OBD interface socket155
Odometer76
Oil
additives, refer to
Specified engine oils151
consumption150
dipstick150
filling capacity181
specified engine oil
grades151
Oil change interval, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, US
models or Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet,
Canadian models
Oil consumption150
Oil level150
Oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp19
Oil temperature78
OILSERVICE79
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal168
Onboard computer, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Onboard tool kit158Opening and closing
from inside34
from outside31
using door lock33
using remote control31
Output, refer to Engine
specifications178
Outside air, automatic
climate control108
Outside temperature
display76
changing unit of
measure76,83
in computer83
P
Package shelf, refer to Roll-
up cover126
Panorama glass sunroof41
automatic opening and
closing41
closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction42
comfort operation33
comfort position41
initializing42
power failure42
remote control31
Park Distance Control
PDC93Parking aid, refer to PDC
Park Distance Control93
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake66
Parking lamps103
replacing bulbs160
Parking lamps/low
beams103
Parking, vehicle65
Parts and accessories, refer
to For your own safety9
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function51
Pathway lighting103
PDC Park Distance
Control93
Permissible axle load, refer
to Weights180
Permissible gross weight,
refer to Weights180
Plastic care, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Plastic, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter109
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter115
Portable phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Power electric seat46Power failure169
Power rear backrests48
Power socket122
Power windows39
safety switch40
Pressure monitoring, tires
Flat Tire Monitor101
Pressure, tires141
Programming settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory63
Protective function,
panorama glass
sunroof42
Pull-out cargo floor130
R
Radio navigation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Radio-control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control30
Rain sensor71
Reading lamps
front106
rear106
Real wood, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure