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.<
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
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
Everything from A to Z
193n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
K
Key Memory61
Keys30
key-related settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory61
Kick-down66
L
Lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams100
Lamps and bulbs161
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing load131
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system59
Length, refer to
Dimensions181
License plate lamp,
replacing bulbs164
Liftgate35
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually35
opening, remote control31
Liftgate/tailgate
opening from inside35
opening from the
outside35
unlocking manually35,36Light-alloy wheels, care,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs165
Lighter121,122
Lighting of instruments102
Lights on warning100
Light switch100
Limit85
Limit speed, refer to Speed
limit85
Load, refer to Cargo
loading130
Loading, securing load131
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking34
Locking
from inside34
from outside31
Locking, vehicle
from inside34
from outside31
Locking and unlocking doors
from inside34
from outside31
Low beams100
automatic100
replacing bulbs161
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support46Low-fuel indicator lamp,
refer to Fuel gauge75
Lug bolts169
torque170
Luggage compartment
capacity182
opening from inside35
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo area124
Luggage compartment
cover, refer to Roll-up
cover125
Luggage compartment
lamps, refer to Cargo area
lamps103
Luggage compartment lid
refer to Liftgate35
refer to Tailgate36
Luggage net, refer to
Partition net125
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack132
Luggage straps37
Lumbar support46
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires149
Maintenance, refer to
Service Interval Display76
Maintenance system156Malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic67
door lock33
fuel filler door24
liftgate35
panorama glass roof42
tailgate36
Manual operation
door lock33
driver's door33
fuel filler door24
liftgate35
panorama glass roof42
tailgate36
Manual transmission64
Master key30
with remote control30
Maximum cooling110
Maximum roof weight182
Maximum speed with winter
tires149
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions181
Mechanical key, refer to
Door and ignition key30
Mechanical seats45
Memo83
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
Everything from A to Z
195n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake64
Parking lamps100
replacing bulbs162
Parking lamps/low
beams100
Parts and accessories, refer
to For your own safety9
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function51
Pathway lighting100
PDC Park Distance
Control90
Permissible axle load, refer
to Weights182
Permissible gross weight,
refer to Weights182
Plastic, care, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter106
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter112
Power electric seat46
Power failure171
Power rear seat backrest48
Power windows39
safety switch40
Pressure, tires141
Pressure monitoring, tires98
Flat Tire Monitor98Programming settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory61
Protective function,
panorama glass roof42
Pull-out cargo floor128
R
Radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Radio-control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control30
Radio navigation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Rain sensor69
Reading lamps
front103
rear103
Real wood, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Rear backrests, power48
Rear climate control111
air supply112
temperature112
Rear lamps
refer to Tail lamps163
replacing bulbs163
Rear seat back, folding124Rear seat backrest,
electric48
Rear-seat backrest, folding
down124
Rear seats, heating
52
Rearview mirror53
Rear window blinds, refer to
Roller sun blinds113
Rear window defroster
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control110
Rear window safety
switch40
Rear window wiper71
replacing bulbs160
Rechargeable flashlight119
Recirculated-air mode
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control110
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps163
Refueling24
fuel filler door24
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range80,87
Remaining distance for
service, refer to Service
Interval Display76Remote control31
garage door opener, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control114
liftgate31
malfunction32
Removal aid for spare
wheel168
Removing condensation,
windows
air conditioner106
automatic climate
control109
Replacement fuses172
Replacement keys30
Replacement tire167
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs161
Replacing light bulbs161
Replacing tires
changing a wheel165
tire replacement145
Reporting an accident, refer
to Initiating an emergency
call173
Reporting safety defects11
Residual heat110
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts49
Restraint systems for
children57
Everything from A to ZReverse gear
automatic transmission
with Steptronic66
manual transmission65
Roadside Assistance173
Roadside parking lamps101
replacing bulbs162
Roller blind for cargo area,
refer to Roll-up cover125
Roller sun blinds113
Roll-up cover125
Roof-mounted luggage
rack132
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing177
Rotating coin holder, refer to
Storage
compartments119
S
Safe braking140
Safety belt height
adjustment49
Safety belts49
adjusting belt height49
care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
sitting safely43
warning lamp21,49
Safety belt tensioners, refer
to Safety belts50
Safety defects11Safety feature, power
windows40
Safety systems, refer to
Airbags55
Antilock Brake System91
Brake system140
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control92
xDrive94
Screw thread for tow
fitting176
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 loading130
Securing load131
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic66Selector lever interlock, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions66
Selector lever positions,
automatic transmission
with Steptronic65
Self-leveling suspension95
2-axle self-leveling
suspension96
inactive95
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance173
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US
models156
Service Interval
Display76,156
Setting interior
temperature105,109
Setting time, refer to Prese-
lecting switch-on times84
Shifting
automatic transmission
with Steptronic66
manual transmission64
Shiftlock66
Shoulder support47
Side airbags55
Side Impact Head Protection
System55
Side tilt, permissible138Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs162
Side window blinds, refer to
Roller sun blinds113
Signal horn, refer to Horn14
Signaling briefly68
Sitting safely43
with airbags43
with head restraint43
with safety belts43
Ski bag123
Sliding sunroof, refer to
Panorama glass roof41
Snow chains149
Sockets121
Sockets in cargo area128
Soft closure aid for liftgate,
refer to Automatic Soft
Close function36
Spare fuses172
Spare key30
Spare wheel167
removal aid168
Special wash program70
Specified engine oils153
Speed
with compact wheel
170
with spare wheel171
with winter tires149
Speed limit85