2005 BMW X5 4.8IS tow

172n
Jump starting Tow-starting and towing Your BMW is equipped with a special
nut on the left side panel as a body
ground or negative terminal, refer to
arrow in illustration.
4. Attach one end of the negative/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal
of the battery or to an engine or body
ground of the vehicle providing
assistance
5. Connect the second terminal clamp
of the negative/– jumper cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to
the engine or body ground of the
vehicle to be started.530us127
Starting engine1. Start the engine on the support vehi-
cle and allow it to run for several min-
utes at a fast idle
2. Start the engine on the other vehicle
in the usual way.
If the first start attempt is not suc-
cessful, wait a few minutes before
another attempt in order to allow the
discharged battery to recharge
3. Let the engines run for a few minutes
4. Disconnect the jumper cables by
reversing the connection sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault,
have the battery recharged by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
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. Use the tow fitting for
towing only on the roadway. Avoid lat-
eral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do
not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.<

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 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 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
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 Z
193n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Rear backrests, power48
Rear climate control114
air supply114
temperature115
Rear lamps
refer to Tail lamps161
replacing bulbs161
Rear seat back, folding126
Rear seat backrest,
electric48
Rear seats, heating52
Rear window blind, refer to
Roller sun blinds115
Rear window defroster
air conditioner108
automatic climate
control113
Rear window safety
switch40
Rear window wiper73
replacing bulbs158
Rear-seat backrest, folding
down126
Rearview mirror54
Recirculated-air mode
air conditioner108
automatic climate
control113
Refueling24
fuel filler door24Remaining distance for
service, refer to Service
Interval Display79
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range83,90
Remote control31
garage door opener, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control117
liftgate31
malfunction32
Removal aid for spare
wheel165
Removing condensation,
windows
air conditioner109
automatic climate
control112
Replacement fuses169
Replacement keys30
Replacement of tires, wheel
changes163
Replacement tire165
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs159
Replacing tires, tire
replacement143
Reporting safety defects11
Residual heat113
Restraint systems for
children59Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts49
Reverse gear
automatic transmission
with Steptronic68
manual transmission67
Roadside Assistance170
Roadside parking lamps104
replacing bulbs160
Roller sun blinds115
Roll-up cover126
Roof-mounted luggage
rack133
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing174
Rotating coin holder, refer to
Storage
compartments120
S
Safe braking140
Safety belt height
adjustment49
Safety belt tensioners, refer
to Safety belts50
Safety belts49
adjusting belt height49
care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
sitting safely43
warning lamp21,49Safety Defects11
Safety feature, power
windows40
Safety systems, refer to
Airbags57
Antilock Brake System94
Brake system140
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control95
xDrive97
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit158
Seat heating52
Seat memory, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel
memory50
Seats44
adjusting comfort seat46
adjusting electrically46
adjusting sports seat45
heating52
memory, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel
memory50
sitting safely43
storing adjustment50
Securing cargo, refer to
Cargo loading131
Securing load132
Selector lever interlock, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions68

Everything from A to Z
195n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Telephone119
Telephone provisions, refer
to Hands-free telephone
operation119
Telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Temperature
air conditioner108
automatic climate
control112
Temperature display
ice warning76
interior temperature112
outside
temperature76,83
setting the units76,83
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control.74
Thigh support adjustment45
Third brake lamp
refer to Center brake
lamp162
replacing bulbs162
Three-point seat belt, refer to
Safety belts49
Tightening torque of lug
bolts168
Tilt alarm sensor
remote control31
switching off39Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror51
Time of arrival90
Timer, refer to Stopwatch86
Tire Identification
Number143
Tire inflation pressure,
producing141
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire
Monitor101
Tire Quality Grading143
Tires
age143
breaking-in136
changing146,163
condition144
damage144
DOT Quality Grades143
flat163
inflation pressure141
size143
storage147
traction144
tread145
tread wear143
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading143
wear indicators, refer to
Tire tread145
winter tires146Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit158
Torque
engine178
lug bolts168
Tow bar173
Tow fitting172
Tow sockets for tow
fitting173
Towing the vehicle172,173
with automatic
transmission173
Tow-rope174
Tow-starting172
Track width, refer to
Dimensions179
Traction144
Traction aid, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control95
Traction control, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control95
Transmission
automatic transmission
with Steptronic67
manual transmission66
Transmission fault, refer to
Malfunction69
Transmission lockout, refer
to P Park68Transport securing device,
refer to Securing
cargo132
Transporting children
safely59
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread145
Tread wear143
Trip odometer76
Trip-distance counter, refer
to Trip odometer76
Trunk
opening from the inside35
opening from the
outside35
opening, with remote
control31
Trunk lamps, refer to Cargo
area lamps106
Trunk lid, refer to
Liftgate35
Tailgate36
Turn signals70
indicator lamp22
replacing bulbs160,161
Turn signals, side
replacing bulbs160
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions179
TV function, refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer