ContentsOperation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Special operating instructions:
Breaking-in136
General driving notes137
Driving your X5138
Safe braking140
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure141
Tire identification marks145
Wheel/tire condition146
Replacing wheels/tires148
Snow chains149
Under the hood:
Hood150
Engine compartment
essentials151
Washer fluid152
Engine oil152
Coolant154
Brake fluid155Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System156
OBD interface socket157Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit160
Windshield wiper blades160
Lamps and bulbs161
Changing a wheel165
Vehicle battery171
Fuses172
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Receiving assistance173
Jump starting174
Tow-starting and towing175
19n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Indicator and warning lamps Technology that monitors itself Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by
+ are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
If a malfunction should occur in one of
the monitored systems, the corre-
sponding lamp will not go out after the
engine is started or it will light up while
the vehicle is moving. The section
below will instruct you on what to do in
this situation.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
+
The battery is not being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Have
the system checked immediately.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. When
the drive belt is defective, you will also
have to exert increased steering
effort.<
Engine oil pressure
+
Stop immediately and switch off
the engine. Check the engine oil
level; top up as required. If the oil level
is correct: have the system checked
immediately.
Do not continue driving. The
engine could be damaged due to
inadequate lubrication.<
Handbrake
*/
brake hydraulic system
+
Lights up with handbrake
engaged.
For additional information, refer to
page64
Lights up although the handbrake is
released: stop immediately. The brake
fluid in the reservoir has fallen to below
the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel
may be noticeable. Have the system
checked immediately.
During continued driving,
increased brake pedal pressure
may be necessary and considerably
longer braking distances may result.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<
Before continuing your journey, be sure
to read the notes on pages140
and155.
Also lights up in the Check Control with
the message CHECK BRAKE LININGS.
Display of the previously
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
77n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Check Control Graphic display
*
The following alerts or status messages
are displayed with icons as of ignition
key position 2 until the defects are cor-
rected:
1 Check low beams
2 Add washer fluid, goes out after
approx. 1 minute
3Door open
4 Tailgate open
5 Check brake and tail lamps. A defec-
tive center brake lamp is indicated by
the upper symbol.
When you open the door after stopping,
a warning signal sounds without a
visual indicator for:
>LIGHTS ON
>KEY IN IGNITION LOCK. 390de121
Alphanumeric display
*
Text messages are used to alert the
driver to system malfunctions as of igni-
tion key position 2. The alert is accom-
panied by an acoustic signal.
1 Status messages symbol
2Display
3CHECK button
Messages concerning system defects
are differentiated based on two priori-
ties: 530de254
Priority 1
These defects are immediately indi-
cated by an acoustic signal and a flash-
ing warning symbol 1. Simultaneous
defects will be displayed consecutively.
These status messages remain on the
display until the defects are corrected.
They cannot be deleted by pressing the
CHECK button 3:
>RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE
>COOLANT TEMPERATURE
Temperature too high. Stop the vehi-
cle immediately and switch off the
engine, refer to pages76 and154
>STOP! ENGINE OILPRESS
Oil pressure too low. Stop the vehicle
immediately and switch off the
engine, refer to pages19 and152
149n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Replacing wheels/tires Snow chains
*
Special features of winter tires BMW recommends winter tires for use
in cold winter driving conditions.
Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than summer
tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather perfor-
mance as winter tires.
When switching to winter tires, observe
the description under Tire condition,
page146, and Replacing wheels/tires.
Observing speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated. Unprofessional attempts by
laymen to service tires can lead to dam-
age and accidents. Have this work per-
formed by skilled professionals only.
The technicians at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center will be glad to
assist you with the required profes-
sional knowledge and specialized
equipment.<
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 fine-link snow chains are
tested, classified as road-safe, and rec-
ommended by BMW. Consult your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center for
details. 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
Follow the manufacturer's instructions
when installing snow chains. Do not
exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Moni-
tor after mounting snow chains, as
the monitor may then incorrectly indi-
cate flat tires.
When you are driving with snow chains,
it can be beneficial to switch off DSC
briefly, refer to page93.<
154n
Engine oil Coolant Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you typically drive your
BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.
Do not open the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.<
Coolant is comprised of water and
coolant additive. Not all commercially
available additives are suitable for your
BMW. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle center knows which additives are
suitable.
Use only suitable additives, other-
wise you could damage your
engine. The additives can be harmful to
your health.<
Always observe all applicable
environmental rules and regula-
tions when disposing of coolant addi-
tives.<
Checking coolant level 1. The engine must be at ambient tem-
perature.
2. Start by turning the cap of the expan-
sion tank counterclockwise. Pause to
allow any accumulated pressure to
escape, then open.
3. The coolant level is correct when the
end of the red float is aligned with
the upper edge of the filler opening,
refer to the arrow in the illustration,
or max. 0.8 in/2 cm higher, i. e. up to
the mark on the float, refer also to the
schematic diagram, next to the cap.530us102
164n
Lamps and bulbs Lamps in the side panel:
1. Open the cover in the side panel
2. Lift the side panel if necessary
3. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
holder while turning it to the left for
removal and replacement
4. Remove the bulb. 530de305
Lamps in the tailgate:
1. Unclip the trim panel in the tailgate
with a screwdriver
2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
holder while turning it to the left for
removal and replacement
3. Remove the bulb. Center brake lamp LED strip in the rear spoiler: please
contact a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center in case of a malfunction. 530de306
License plate lamps 5 watt bulb
1. Press the lamp out to the side with a
screwdriver
2. Remove the lamp and replace the
bulb. 530de307
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
Everything from A to ZMemory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory50
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory61
Microfilter
air conditioner106
automatic climate
control112
Microphone for telephone,
refer to Car phone116
MID Multi-Information
Display
displays and controls81
information display81
Mirror dimming feature138
Mirrors53
automatic curb monitor51
mirror heating54
mirror memory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory50
Mobile communications
devices in vehicle137
Mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Monitoring pressure of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor98
Multi-function steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
steering wheel23Multifunction switch
turn signals/headlamp
flasher68
washer/wiper system69
Multi-Information Display
MID81
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints47
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation106,111
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing177
O
OBD interface socket157
Odometer73
Oil
additives, refer to
Specified engine oils153
consumption152
consumption, refer to
Engine oil, checking152
dipstick152
filling capacity183
level152
refilling, refer to Engine oil,
adding153
specified engine oils153Oil change interval, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, US
models or Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet,
Canadian models
Oil consumption
152
Oil level152
checking152
Oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp19
OILSERVICE76
Oil temperature75
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal171
Onboard tool kit160
Opening and closing
from inside34
from outside31
using the door lock33
using the remote
control31
Output, refer to Engine
specifications180
Outside air, air
conditioner105
Outside temperature
display73
changing unit of
measure73,80
on onboard computer80P
Package shelf, refer to Roll-
up cover125
Panorama glass roof41
automatic opening and
closing41
closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction42
comfort operation33
comfort position42
initializing42
power failure42
remote control31
Park Distance Control
PDC90
Parked car ventilation113
activating/deactivating
switch-on times84
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
entering switch-on
times84
switching on and off
directly84
Parking, vehicle63
Parking aid, refer to PDC
Park Distance Control90
Parking assistant, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control90