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
151n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
1Engine oil dipstick152
2 Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath
the microfilter cover1553 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting174
4 Coolant expansion tank1545 Engine oil filler neck152
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system152Engine compartment essentials
530de341
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
155n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant Brake fluid4. When necessary, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached; do
not overfill.
5. Close the cap and tighten snugly.
6. Have the cause of the coolant loss
corrected as soon as possible.
Brake fluid level
If the warning lamp lights up
or
the message CHECK BRAKE
FLUID appears in the Check
Control: stop immediately. The
brake fluid in the reservoir has
fallen to below the minimum
level.
Add brake fluid The brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing trim panel
on the driver's side of the vehicle. For
adding brake fluid or for determining
and correcting the cause of brake fluid
loss, consult your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center. Your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
DOT 4 brake fluids.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page140.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Refer also to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide Book-
let for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and also damages
vehicle paintwork. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original con-
tainers kept well away from the reach of
children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the
brake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Always observe all applicable
environmental rules and regula-
tions when disposing of used brake
fluid.<
Everything from A to ZA
Ability to climb, refer to
Driving on poor roads138
ABS Antilock Brake
System91
warning lamp20
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety9
Accident, refer to
Emergency call173
Roadside Assistance173
Activated-charcoal filter112
Adaptive Head Light101
Adjusting cooling capacity of
rear climate control112
Adjusting seats44
electric46
electric comfort seat46
mechanical45
mechanical sports seat45
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning105,110
Airbags55
sitting safely43
warning lamp21
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode105
Air conditioner104
Air conditioning
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control110Air distribution
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control109
individual109
Airing, refer to
Ventilation106,111
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation106,111
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure141
Air recirculation, refer to
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control110
Air supply
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control109
rear climate control112
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation104,107
Alarm system38
avoiding unintentional
alarms39
All-season tires, refer to
Special features of winter
tires149
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive94
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochureAntifreeze
coolant154
washer fluid152
Antilock Brake System
ABS91
warning lamp20
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system38
Anti-theft system30
Anti-trapping
mechanism40,42
panorama glass roof42
power windows40
Armrest, refer to Storage
compartments119
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Artificial wood trim, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray121
front121
rear121
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control110Automatic
air distribution109
air supply109
cruise control71
headlamp control100
recirculated-air control
AUC110
steering wheel
adjustment53
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control107
Automatic cruise control71
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic headlamp
control100
Automatic rear window
washer71
Automatic Soft Close
function, liftgate36
Automatic speed reduction
for descents, refer to HDC
Hill Descent Control94
Everything from A to Z
189n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Compartments, refer to
Storage
compartments119
Compass interior rearview
mirror117
Computer79,85
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Condensation, refer to
Air conditioning105,110
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Sockets121,128
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption80
Fuel consumption87
Consumption display, refer
to Energy control74
Consumption indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge75
Contents4
Controls, refer to Cockpit14
Convenience opening mode
panorama glass roof31
windows31
Convenience operation
from outside33
panorama glass roof33
windows33Coolant154
level154
temperature gauge76
warning lamp76
Coolant temperature76
Coolant temperature
gauge76
Cooling, maximum110
Cooling, refer to
Air conditioning105,110
Temperature105,109
Copyright4
Cornering light, refer to
Adaptive Head Light101
Correct tires
wheel/tire
replacement148
winter tires149
Courtesy illumination, refer
to Courtesy lighting103
Courtesy lighting103
Cruise control71
buttons on steering
wheel23
indicator lamp22
Cruising range80
,87
Cup holders120
Curb weight, refer to
Weights182
Current consumption, refer
to Energy control74Cylinders, refer to Engine
data180
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit14
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting102
Data, technical180
dimensions181
engine180
filling capacities183
weights182
Date
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
changing82
displaying82
Daytime driving lamps100
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control91
indicator lamp21
Deactivating the alarm in an
emergency89
Defective lamp161
Defrosting windows106,109
air conditioner106
automatic climate
control109Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
air conditioner106
automatic climate
control109
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting
windows106,109
Digital clock82
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Digital compass117
Dimensions181
Dimming feature, interior
mirror138
Dipstick, engine oil152
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signals68
Disk brakes140
Displacement, refer to
Engine specifications180
Display, refer to Instrument
cluster15,17,18
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting102
Disposal, vehicle battery171
Distance to destination86
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control90
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 ZHead restraints47
adjusting47
installing in front48
removing and installing in
rear48
removing in front48
sitting safely43
Heated mirrors54
Heated rear window
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control110
Heated seats52
Heated steering wheel53
Heater
rear window105,110
steering wheel53
Heating
exterior mirror54
residual heat
utilization110
seats52
Heating and
ventilation104,107
Heating while stationary110
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo
loading131
Heavy-duty cargo straps,
refer to Cargo loading131
Height, refer to
Dimensions181Height adjustment
seats45,46
steering wheel52
High beams101
headlamp flasher68
indicator lamp22
replacing bulbs162
High temperatures137
Hill Descent Control HDC94
Hills138,140
Holder for cups120
Hood150
Horn14
Hotel function30
Hot exhaust system137
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC91
Hydraulic system, brakes19
Hydroplaning137,147
I
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning
73
Identification, tire145
Ignition62
Ignition key30
Ignition key positions, refer
to Ignition lock62
Ignition lock62
Immobilizer function88
Imprint4Independent ventilation,
refer to Parked car
ventilation113
Indicating
elements15,17,18
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags57
alarm system38
automatic transmission
with Steptronic67
brakes155
coolant temperature76
DSC92
engine temperature76
fasten safety belts49
Flat Tire Monitor99
front fog lamps102
reserve75
self-leveling
suspension95
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview19
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting102
Individual air distribution109
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory61
Inflation pressure, tires, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure141Initializing, refer to Power
loss42
INSPECTION76
Instrument cluster15,17,18
refer to Cockpit14
Instrument lighting102
Instrument panel14
Integrated universal remote
control114
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostics157
Interior lamps103
remote control31
Interior mirror, automatic
dimming feature138
Interior motion sensor
39
switching off31,39
Interior rearview mirror54
compass117
Interlock, refer to Steering
lock engaged62
Intermittent operation of
wipers69,71
Interval Display, Service76
J
Jacking points for vehicle
jack170
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting174
Jump starting174