2006 BMW X5 3.0I automatic transmission

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 page97.<
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 on the back of the
mirror, offset somewhat from the first.
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 to 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
pages152 and154.
Use the HDC Hill Descent Control
when driving down steep grades,
refer to page94.
It is possible to start off 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 whenever
possible

165n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbs Changing a wheel Light-emitting diodes LEDs Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and dis-
plays 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 retina
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 that is not slippery. The vehicle
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.<
Your BMW has either a compact wheel
for temporary use to ensure your mobil-
ity, or a spare wheel of the size 235/
65 R 17. Please observe the differences
in handling when removing the wheel
from the cargo area.

176n
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, otherwise
the automatic transmission may be
damaged.<
Manual transmission:
Gearshift lever in idle position
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, 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, be
aware of the following:

177n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tow-starting and towing>The freedom of movement is
restricted during cornering
>The angled position of the tow bar
creates lateral forces.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow
fittings, as attachment to other
vehicle parts can lead to damage.<
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 exces-
sively sudden jerking movements. Only
attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
With tow truck:
Do not tow the X5 with the front or
rear axle raised individually, other-
wise the wheels may lock and the
transfer case may be damaged.<
The X5 may only be transported on a
flat bed.530de403
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an
automatic transmission.
For information on jump starting, refer
to page174.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic
converter with the engine cold. It is bet-
ter to jump start the engine, refer to
page174.
1. Switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers and observe local regulations.
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the
clutch. After the engine starts, imme-
diately depress the clutch 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 page94.<

182n
Weights X5 3.0i X5 4.4i X5 4.8is
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission lbs./kg
lbs./kg4,652/2,110
4,696/2,130 –
4,927/2,235 –
5,016/2,275
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission lbs./kg
lbs./kg6,008/2,725
6,008/2,725 –
6,008/2,725 –
6,008/2,725
Load
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg1,356/615
1,312/595–
1,080/490–
992/450
Approved front axle load lbs./kg
2,712/1,230 2,789/1,265 2,789/1,265
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 3,307/1,500 3,307/1,500 3,307/1,500
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 16.4/465, according to DIN
69.01/1,955, according to SAE

Everything from A to Z
187n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
interlock62
selector lever interlock66
shiftlock66
towing176
tow-starting176
warning lamp20,21
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
and supply109
Average fuel
consumption80,87
Average speed80,88
Avoiding alarms39
Axle loads, refer to
Weights182
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support46
Backrests, refer to Adjusting
seats45,46
Backup lamps65
replacing bulbs163
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit24
Bar, towing176Battery171
disposal171
indicator lamp19
jump starting174
power failure171
remote control30
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Beverage can holders, refer
to Cup holders120
Beverage holder, refer to
Cup holders120
Blower
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control109
refer to Air supply105,109
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil153
BMW Maintenance
System156
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders120
Brake fluid155
adding155
level155
replacing155
warning lamp
19
Brake force display98
Brake hydraulic system140
warning lamp19,20
Brake lamps, replacing
bulbs163Brake lights, refer to Brake
lamps163
Brake pads140
breaking-in136
warning lamp19,21
Brake rotors
brake system140
breaking-in136
Brakes140
ABS91
brake fluid155
brake pads140
breaking-in136
handbrake64
indicator/warning
lamp19,20
Brake system
brake fluid155
brake fluid level140,155
brake pads140
breaking-in136
disk brakes140
warning lamp19
Brake wear warning
warning lamp19,21
Breakdown, Flat Tire
Monitor98
Breakdown assistance,
refer to Roadside
Assistance173
Breaking-in136Break wear warning, refer to
Brake pads140
Buttons on steering wheel23
C
California Proposition
65 Warning9
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders120
Capacities183
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Care of paintwork, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure

Everything from A to ZCargo area124
capacity182
cover, refer to Roll-up
cover125
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually35,36
enlarging124
floor cover127
lamps103
lid, refer to Liftgate/
tailgate35,36
opening, remote control31
opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate35
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate36
opening from inside35
opening from outside35
Cargo-area partition net125
Cargo bay, refer to Cargo
area124
Cargo floor, pull-out128
Cargo loading130
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys30Car phone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car phone provision116
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Car wash, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
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
compartments119
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulbs164
Central locking system30
interior34
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety9
Changing a wheel165
Changing gears with
automatic transmission
with Steptronic66
Changing tires145Changing wheels
compact wheel167
spare wheel167
Charge-current indicator
lamp19
Charging battery171
CHECK button77
Check Control77
Child's seat, refer to Child-
restraint systems57
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH59
Child-restraint systems57
Child-safety locks60
Chocks166
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter121,122
Cigarette lighter socket, refer
to Socket121
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode105,110
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning rear window71
Climate control in the rear
passenger area111Clock82
12 or 24-hour mode82
hour signal83
setting82
setting, also refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
setting time and date82
Closing
from inside34
from outside31
Clothes hooks120
Clutch136
breaking-in136
Cockpit14
Code
activating88
deactivating89
establishing88
Cold starting, refer to
Starting engine63
Combination of wheels/
tires148
Comfort seat46
Comfort starting, refer to
Starting engine63
Compact Disc operation,
refer to Owner's Manual
for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compact wheel, changing
wheels167

Everything from A to ZDivided rear seat backrest,
refer to Folding rear seat
back124
Door keys30
Door lock33
DOT Quality Grades145
Draft-free
ventilation106,111
Driving lamps, refer to
Parking lamps/low
beams100
Driving notes
breaking-in136
driving hints137,138
Driving on poor roads138
Driving stability control92
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes137
Driving your X5138
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning105,110
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control92
warning lamp22
DVD changer, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC91
indicator lamp21Dynamic Stability Control
DSC92
warning lamp22
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution91
Electrical defect
liftgate35
tailgate36
Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic67
door lock33
driver's door33
fuel filler door24
panorama glass roof42
Electric steering wheel
adjustment52
Electronic brake-force distri-
bution EBV91
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control92
Emergency call173
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation
driver's door33
fuel filler door24
liftgate35
panorama glass roof42
tailgate36Emergency Service, refer to
Roadside Assistance173
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy control74
Energy control74
Engine
breaking-in136
data180
electronic circuitry22
overheated, refer to
Coolant temperature
gauge76
speed74
starting62
switching off63
Engine compartment151
Engine coolant154
Engine oil152
additives, refer to
Specified engine oils153
filling capacity183
indicator/warning lamp19
specified engine oils153
Engine oil level152
indicator/warning lamp21
Engine oil pressure,
indicator/warning lamp19
Engine oil temperature
gauge75
Engine output, refer to
Engine specifications180Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature
gauge76
Engine specifications180
Engine speed, refer to
Engine specifications180
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control74
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control92
Event Data Recorders157
Exhaust system137
Extended immobilizer
function88
Exterior mirrors53
automatic dimming
feature138
folding in and out54
External air, automatic
climate control110
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control77
Failure of a current
consumer172
False alarms, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms39