100n
2-axle self-leveling suspension
*
>LED for current ride height flashes for
roughly 3 seconds when you press
the button: change in ride height is
not possible.
Raising Available only when the engine is run-
ning.
From Standard to Off-Road:
Press button 1 while traveling at a
speed of less than approx. 30 mph/
50 km/h.
From Access to Standard:
>Press button 1 or
>the setting automatically reverts to
the standard setting once the vehicle
exceeds a speed of approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h.530de219
Lowering Available with ignition key in position 2.
From Standard to Access:
1. Press button 2 while traveling at less
than approx. 50 mph/80 km/h. The
system enters its preselection mode.
The preselection mode is canceled
>by pressing button 1
>automatically once the vehicle
exceeds a speed of approx.
50 mph/80 km/h or approx.
60 seconds after button 2 is
pressed
2. Reduce speed to below approx.
15 mph/25 km/h within approx.
60 seconds after pressing button 2.
When you press button 2 at
speeds below approx. 15 mph/
25 km/h the system automatically low-
ers the vehicle to the Access level.<
From Off-Road to Standard:
>Press button 2 or
>automatically once you exceed a
speed of approx. 30 mph/50 km/h.
108n
Air conditioner Temperature
The graduations on the dial
provide general reference val-
ues for the interior tempera-
ture. 707/226 is recom-
mended as a comfortable setting. After
the start of driving the selected temper-
ature is reached as quickly as possible
and held constant by the control sys-
tem.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the
footwell . All intermediate
settings are possible. In the setting,
there is a low flow of air onto the win-
dows to keep them free of condensa-
tion.
Air supply
You can adjust the air supply
through an infinitely-variable
range. The heating and venti-
lation become more and more
effective as the air supply settings are
increased. In the 0 setting, the blower
and climate control are switched off
and the outside air supply is blocked.
Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated, the
indicator lamp comes on. The rear win-
dow defroster switches off automati-
cally.
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehu-
midified and — depending on
the temperature setting — warmed
again. Depending on the weather, the
windshield may fog over briefly when
the engine is started. You can reduce
condensation forming on the windows
by switching on the air conditioning.
During air conditioning condensa-
tion forms, which then exits under
the vehicle. Traces of water on the
ground are therefore normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleas-
ant odors outside the vehicle
by temporarily switching off the outside
air supply. The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.
With the button on the steering wheel
you can also switch over to the recircu-
lated-air mode, refer to page 23.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated-air mode, switch the
recirculated-air mode off and increase
the air supply as required.<
112n
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingFor nearly all conditions, AUTO pro-
gram 6 offers the optimal air distribution
and airflow volume. Select the interior
temperature that is comfortable for you.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center can program the settings
of your vehicle in such a manner that,
when you unlock the vehicle with your
individualized key, your own personal-
ized setting for the automatic climate
control is initiated.< Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program
adjusts the airflow and
distribution patterns for you while also
using your preselected temperature
setting as the basis for adjusting the
interior climate to adapt to external
influences: summer, winter.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting spe-
cific air distribution patterns
for your personal comfort,
the automatic air supply
remains in operation. You can direct air
to flow onto the windows , toward
the upper body , and into the foot-
well . You can reactivate the auto-
matic air distribution mode by selecting
the AUTO button.
Temperature
You can make individual
temperature settings on the
driver's side or the front
passenger side. Your specifications
appear in the display 9. The displayed
temperature values are reference val-
ues for the interior temperature. We
recommend 727/226 as a comfort-
able setting, whether the air conditioner
is operating or not. When you start the
vehicle, the AUTO program ensures
that the selected temperature is
achieved as quickly as possible. It then
maintains this temperature, regardless
of the season.
To change the units of measurement
of the display 7/6, refer to page76
or83.
Air supply
In the AUTO program
the air supply is automati-
cally controlled, and AUTO appears in
the display 9, refer to overview on
page110. You can vary the air supply
by pressing the left or right half of the
button. When your setting is displayed
by bars, the automatic air supply is
switched off. Automatic air distribution
maintains its setting. You can reactivate
the automatic air supply by pressing the
AUTO button.
When you press the left side of the but-
ton during operation at minimum blower
speed all displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off. The outside air supply is
closed. You can switch the system back
on by pressing any button of the auto-
matic climate control, except the MAX
button 16.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly
removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and the side
windows.
113n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and
dehumidified and —
depending on the temperature setting —
warmed again. Depending on the
weather, the windshield may fog over
briefly when the engine is started. You
can reduce condensation forming on
the windows by switching on the air
conditioning.
During air conditioning condensa-
tion forms, which then exits under
the vehicle. That traces of water on the
ground are therefore normal.<
Maximum cooling
You will get maximum cool-
ing capacity using this pro-
gram if the engine is running and the
outside temperature is above approx.
417/56.
The temperature display 9 jumps to
607/166, the system switches over
to the recirculated-air mode, and the
maximum air supply flows from the ven-
tilation grills only. That is why you need
to keep these open if you select this
program.
AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control
You can respond to
unpleasant odors or pollut-
ants in the immediate environment by
shutting off the supply of outside air.
The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle. In AUC
operating mode, a sensor detects pol-
lutants in the external air and controls
the shut-off automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run
through the following control sequence
>Indicator lamps off: outside air supply
operational
>Left indicator lamp on, AUC mode:
the system recognizes pollutants in
the outside air and blocks the flow of
air when necessary. The system then
recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
Depending on the air quality, the
automatic system then switches back
and forth between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
outside air supply into the vehicle is
completely blocked. The system then
recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
With the button on the steering wheel
you can also switch between Off and
recirculated-air mode or AUC and recir-
culated-air mode, refer to page23.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated-air mode, switch the
recirculated-air mode off and increase
the air supply as required.< Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated, the
indicator lamp comes on. The rear win-
dow defroster switches off automati-
cally.
Residual heat
Press button when the motor
is switched off, but warm.
The heat which is stored in the engine
is utilized for heating the interior when
the engine has been switched off –
while waiting at a railroad crossing, for
instance.
This function may be activated when
the outside temperature is below
approx. 597/156, the engine is at
operating temperature, and the battery
is adequately charged. The LED on the
button will light up when all conditions
have been met.
136n
Moving parts should be allowed to
break in. To ensure that your vehicle
provides maximum economy through-
out a long service life, we request that
you observe the following instructions:
Engine and differential Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4,500 rpm and the following road
speeds during this initial period:
6-cylinder engines: 100 mph/160 km/h
8-cylinder engines: 106 mph/170 km/h
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of
the transmission's kick-down mode
during these initial miles.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/
2,000 km, the engine and vehicle
speeds can be gradually increased.Tires Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until after an
initial break-in period. Therefore, drive
reservedly during the first 200 miles/
300 km. Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of trac-
tion, vehicle control and braking effec-
tiveness. Reduce your speed on wet
roads.<
Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period
of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve
optimal contact and wear patterns
between brake pads and rotors.
To break in the separate handbrake
drums, apply the handbrake lightly
when coasting to a standstill at a traffic
signal, for instance, provided that traffic
conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the handbrake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine switched off,
when towing, for instance, substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.<
ClutchThe function of the clutch is only at its
optimized level after a distance driven
of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During
this break-in period, engage the clutch
gently.Following component
replacementsObserve the break-in instructions again
if previously addressed components
must be replaced again during driving
later.
Breaking-in
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.<
143n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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 ratio
in Ξ
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, 1γ, 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.
147n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Replacing wheels/tires Snow chains
*
Storage Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry
place, protecting them against light
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 page96.<