2005 BMW X5 4.4I ABS

20n
Indicator and warning lamps
Transmission temperature
* +
The transmission is overheated.
Reduce speed immediately and
stop at a suitable location so that the
system can cool down again. Have the
system checked immediately.
Yellow: stop immediately
Flat Tire Monitor
+
An acoustic signal also sounds:
there is a flat tire or extensive
inflation pressure loss. Reduce speed
immediately for stopping while avoiding
extreme braking and steering maneu-
vers.
For additional information, refer to
page102
Red or yellow: continue to drive
cautiously
The red brake warning lamp
lights up together with the warn-
ing lamps for ABS and DSC/
xDrive. In addition, a warning
signal sounds:
ABS, DSC, HDC and xDrive
have failed. Drive may then only
be carried out via the rear axle.
Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages94, 95
Proceed cautiously and defen-
sively. When driving on poor
roads, avoid using full throttle or press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kick-
down point and also avoid forceful
braking or full braking. Otherwise the
drive train may be damaged or acci-
dents can occur.<
If the brake warning lamp lights up yel-
low in the described combination, the
EBV Electronic brake-force distribution
is still available.
Indication of the above-
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.

21n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Indicator and warning lamps Red: an important reminder
Handbrake
*
Lights up with handbrake
engaged.
For additional information, refer to
page66
Handbrake warning lamp
* for
Canadian models
Please fasten safety belts +
Indicator lamp flashes or lights
up. In addition, a signal sounds
and, depending on the equipment, a
message* appears in the Check Con-
trol. Please check safety belts for cor-
rect placement.
The belt memory is activated when the
safety belt on the driver's side has not
yet been fastened.
The belt memory is also active from a
speed of approx. 5 mph/8 km/h when
the passenger belt has not yet been
fastened, heavy objects are placed on
the front passenger seat or passengers
sitting in the front remove their safety
belts.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page49
Airbags
+
Malfunction in airbag system.
Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page57
Yellow: check as soon as possible
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
+
Malfunction in the DBC system.
Please have the system
checked as soon as possible.
For details on DBC, refer to page94
Indication of the above-
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute minimum;
refill as soon as possible. Do not drive
more than approx. 30 miles/50 km until
you do.
For additional information, refer to
page150
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at your earliest opportunity, e.g.
when you stop to refuel.
For additional information, refer to
page150
Automatic transmission
*
The automatic transmission
switches into the emergency
program due to a fault. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page69
Brake pads
* +
Have the condition of the brake
pads checked.
For additional information, refer to
page140
Self-leveling suspension
* +
The self-leveling suspension is
inactive. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page98

81n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Check Control >CHECK BRAKE FLUID
Level has dropped approx. to mini-
mum. Have the brake fluid topped up
as soon as possible, refer to
page153. Have the reason for the
brake fluid loss eliminated by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
>DSC/4x4 INACTIVE
DSC and/or four-wheel drive system
xDrive has failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC
and/or the four-wheel drive system
xDrive are no longer available. Drive
may then only be carried out via the
rear axle.
Have the system checked at the
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.
For additional information, refer to
page97
>SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT
*
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center
>SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT*
MAX. 35 MPH/MAX. 60 KM/H
*
These messages are displayed con-
secutively.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
35 mph/60 km/h.
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center>TRANSMISS'N OVERHEAT
*
Reduce speed immediately and stop
at a suitable location so that the sys-
tem can cool down again. Please
contact the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.
>LIMIT
*
Display when the programmed road-
speed limit is exceeded, refer to
page88.
Priority 2
These displays appear for 20 seconds
as of ignition key position 2. The warn-
ing symbols remain after the message
disappears. You can open the mes-
sages again for display by pressing the
CHECK button.
>TRUNKLID OPEN
This message only appears when
starting off
>DOOR OPEN
This message appears after a minimal
defined road speed has been
exceeded
>FASTEN SEAT BELTS
*
In addition, the indicator lamp with
the belt symbol lights up and an
acoustic signal sounds
>WASHER FLUID LOW
Too low, top up at the next opportu-
nity, refer to page150>CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
The oil level is at the absolute mini-
mum point. Therefore, have the
engine oil topped up as soon as pos-
sible, refer to page150. Until then, do
not drive more than approx. 30 miles/
50 km.
>CHECK GAS CAP
Check to see whether the fuel filler
cap has been closed properly, refer
to page25
>OUTSIDE TEMP. +237/–56
This display is only an example. The
current temperature is displayed at
outside temperatures of +37.57/
+36 and below, refer also to
page76
>CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS
A lamp has failed or the electrical cir-
cuit has a fault, refer to page161 or
consult a BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle center
>CHECK LOWBEAM LIGHTS
CHECK SIDE LIGHTS
CHECK REAR LIGHTS
CHECK FRONT FOGLAMPS
CHECK LICPLATE LIGHT
CHECK HIGHBEAM LIGHT
CHECK BACK UP LIGHTS
The respective lamp may have failed
or the electrical circuit may be defec-
tive, refer to page159 or consult a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center

94n
PDC Park Distance Control
* Antilock Brake System
Signal tones The distance from an object is indicated
in front with a higher intermittent tone,
and at the rear with a lower intermittent
tone. As the distance between vehicle
and object decreases, the intervals
between the tones become shorter.
The signal tone becomes continuous
once the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. 3 seconds if you are moving
parallel to a wall. MalfunctionThe indicator lamp flashes and a short
steady signal tone is sounded
>if you activate PDC with the button
>when you select reverse for the first
time after switching on the ignition
>if a malfunction occurs while the PDC
system is active.
Switch the system off and have the
cause of the malfunction corrected by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility
for estimating the distance
between the vehicle and any obstruc-
tions always remains with the driver.
Even when sensors are involved, there
is a blind spot in which objects cannot
be detected. This applies especially
in those cases where the system
approaches the physical constraints of
ultrasonic measurement, as occurs with
tow bars and trailer couplings, and in
the vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped
objects. Low objects already displayed,
e.g. a curb, can also disappear from the
detection area of the sensors again
before a continuous tone sounds.
Loud sources of sound, inside and out-
side the vehicle, could drown out the
PDC signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice
or snow in order to ensure that they will
continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Keep the spray at least 4 in/10 cm away
from the sensors.
The concept The ABS Antilock Brake System pre-
vents the wheel brakes from locking
during braking. Safe steering response
is maintained even during full braking.
This increases active safety.
The ABS is operational every time you
start the engine. Safe braking, refer to
page 140.EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV controls the brake system's appli-
cation pressure at the rear wheels to
ensure stable deceleration.DBC Dynamic Brake Control When the brake pedal is depressed
rapidly, this system automatically gen-
erates a maximal boost of braking force
and thus aids in keeping braking dis-
tances as short as possible during full
braking. This system exploits all of the
benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. DBC is deactivated
when you release the brake pedal.

95n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Antilock Brake System DSC Dynamic Stability Control MalfunctionPlease be absolutely sure to follow
instructions regarding possible combi-
nations of indicator lights on page 20.
The concept DSC prevents the drive wheels from
slipping when starting off and acceler-
ating. DSC also identifies unstable driv-
ing conditions, such as a loss of trac-
tion at the rear of the vehicle or sliding
of the vehicle in its front wheels. Under
these circumstances, DSC helps the
vehicle maintain a safe course within
the physical limits by reducing the
engine output and by applying the
brakes in the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC.
An appropriate driving style always
remains the responsibility of the driver.
So please do not further limit the addi-
tional safety margin by risky driving.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out after the
engine is started.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is active and governs drive and
braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off using the
button and the stabilizing interventions
are no longer available.

101n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake Force Display Flat Tire MonitorThe Brake Force Display lights up in
two stages, depending on how force-
fully you apply the brakes.
The display has two levels:
>Normal braking:
The brake lamp 1 and the center
brake lamp light up
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
The brake lamps 1 and 2 light up
together with the center brake lamp.530de400
The concept The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in the four fitted tires
as you drive. The system provides an
alert whenever the inflation pressure
drops significantly in relation to the
pressure another tire.
The check of the tire inflation pressure
is based on monitoring the relative
speeds of the wheels. A flat is detected
and reported on the basis of a deviation
in certain speed ratios.Functional requirementTo ensure reliable operation, the sys-
tem should have been initialized with
the correct tire inflation pressure.
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indi-
cate sudden severe tire damage
caused by outside factors and does not
detect a natural, even pressure drop in
all four tires.<
In the following situations, the system
could be delayed or malfunction:
>When driving on snow-covered or
slippery road surfaces
>In the case of performance-oriented
driving: slip on the drive wheels, high
lateral acceleration
>False alarms and undetected loss of
pressure may occur when you are
driving with snow chains fitted.

137n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
General driving notesClosing liftgate/tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the
tailgate and liftgate are completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes
could enter into the passenger com-
partment.<
However, if special circumstances
should make it absolutely necessary
to operate the vehicle with the liftgate/
tailgate open:
1. Close all windows and the panorama
glass sunroof
2. Increase the air supply for the air
conditioner or automatic climate
control to a high level, refer to
page108 or112.
Hot 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.
Otherwise there is a danger of ignition
and of a fire with the risk of serious inju-
ries and damage. BMW advises against using
mobile radio devices such as por-
table phones inside the vehicle unless
they are directly connected to the
external antenna. Otherwise, it is
impossible to prevent a mutual interfer-
ence of the vehicle electronics with the
portable phone device. Also, there is no
guarantee that the radiation generated
by the transmission will be conveyed
out from the interior of the vehicle.<
When vehicle is parked Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of
water on the ground are therefore nor-
mal.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 oth-
erwise 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 page144.
Before driving into a car washFold in the exterior mirrors, refer to
page54, 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.<

140n
Safe braking Emergency stops You 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.<
Disc 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.<