106n
Air conditionerVentilation The air vents for the upper body region
are adjustable:
1 Knurled wheels for opening and
closing the vent outlets through an
infinitely-variable range
2 Levers for adjusting airflow direction
3 Use this knurled wheel to adjust the
temperature of the incoming air:
>Turn toward blue: colder
>Turn toward red: warmer. 530de270
Rear ventilation
*
1 Knurled wheel for opening and clos-
ing the vent outlets through an infi-
nitely-variable range
2 Levers for adjusting airflow direction
The air that flows out here is somewhat
cooler than the air delivered to the foot-
well. Microfilter The microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air and in the recircu-
lated-air mode. It is replaced by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
during regular maintenance. A substan-
tial reduction in air supply indicates that
the filter must be replaced before nor-
mal maintenance.530de271
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation 1. You can specify an interior tempera-
ture that is comfortable for you with
the rotary temperature dial. A good
starting point is 707/226
2. Set the air distribution rotary dial
to
3. Set the blower/air supply rotary dial
completely to the right
4. Close the vent outlets in the rear
seating area
5. Switch on the rear window defroster
to defrost the rear window. 530us149
109n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingFor nearly all conditions, AUTO pro-
gram 6 offers the optimal air distribution
and airflow volume. Select the interior
temperature that is comfortable for you.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center can program the settings of
your vehicle in such a manner that,
when you unlock the vehicle with your
individualized key, your own personal-
ized setting for the automatic climate
control is initiated.< Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program
adjusts the airflow and dis-
tribution patterns for you while also
using your preselected temperature
setting as the basis for adjusting the
interior climate to adapt to external
influences: summer, winter.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting spe-
cific air distribution patterns
for your personal comfort,
the automatic air supply
remains in operation. You can direct air
to flow onto the windows , toward
the upper body , and into the foot-
well . You can reactivate the auto-
matic air distribution mode by pressing
the AUTO button.
Temperature
Set the desired tempera-
ture individually on the
driver's and front passen-
ger side.
The automatic climate control adjusts
this temperature as quickly as possible
at any time of year, if necessary with the
maximum cooling or heating capacity,
and then keeps it constant.
When switching between differ-
ent temperature settings in rapid
succession, the automatic climate con-
trol does not have sufficient time to
adjust the set temperature.<
To change the units of measure in the
display 7/6, refer to page73 or80.Air supply
In the AUTO program,
the air supply is automati-
cally controlled, and AUTO appears on
the display 9, refer to overview on
page107. You can vary the air supply
by pressing the left or right half of the
button. When your setting is displayed
as bars, the automatic air supply is
switched off. Automatic air distribution
maintains its setting. You can reactivate
the automatic air supply by pressing the
AUTO button.
When you press the left side of the but-
ton during operation at minimum blower
speed, all displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off. The outside air supply is
closed. You can switch the system back
on by pressing any button of the auto-
matic climate control, except the MAX
button 16.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
Quickly remove ice and
condensation from the
windshield and front side windows.
140n
Safe braking Emergency stops You brake most effectively when you
apply maximum pedal pressure in situa-
tions requiring it: emergency stops.
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless
avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.Brake fluid level If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a malfunction in one of
the two brake system's hydraulic cir-
cuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.
In so doing, increased pressure on the
brake pedal may be required, and slight
pulling to the side and longer braking
distances may result. Please remember
to adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.<
Disk brakes When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to
form on rotors, while contaminants
accumulate on the brake pads. This
occurs because the minimal pressure
that the pads must exert to clean the
rotors during brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
application will fail to cure.
When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal from time
to time. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other road users. The heat
generated in this process helps dry the
pads and rotors to ensure that the brak-
ing force is then immediately available
when required.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain on the brakes and possible impairment
of braking action.
Do not drive with the clutch pedal
depressed, at idle or with the
engine switched off, as otherwise there
will be no engine braking effect or
power assistance for braking and steer-
ing.
BMW recommends having brake
inspections performed at a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center only. If
you do not, parts of the 4-wheel drive
system could be damaged.
No floor mats, carpets or other objects
may lie in the area of pedal travel, as
otherwise pedal operation may be
impaired.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
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.<
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.<
156n
The BMW Maintenance System helps
maintain the road and driving safety of
your BMW.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.
Service Interval Display Conventional systems rely solely on
distance traveled to determine when
service is due. The BMW Maintenance
System, on the other hand, began many
years ago to take the actual conditions
under which the vehicle is driven into
consideration. After all, different drivers
can accumulate mileage in very differ-
ent ways.390us008
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those who
drive only short distances, significantly
less than 6,000 miles/10,000 km annu-
ally, should have the engine oil changed
at least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use. Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models. As a precaution against corrosion, it is
advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center do the mainte-
nance and repair.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide Book-
let for Canadian models.
These entries will constitute your proof
that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also required for
warranty claims.<
Car careFor all information on this subject, refer
to the Caring for your vehicle brochure.
The BMW Maintenance System
157n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
OBD interface socketThe interface socket for the Onboard
Diagnostics is located on the left of the
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment cluster and under a cover. The
cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related
components and systems for deteriora-
tion and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator lamp
informs you of the need for ser-
vice, not of the need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle center at the earliest possi-
ble opportunity. 530us105
Display of the previously
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
lamp will blink or flash. This indicates a
rather severe level of engine misfire.
When this occurs, you should reduce
speed and consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center as soon
as possible. Severe engine misfire over
only a short period of time can seriously
damage emission control components,
especially the catalytic converter.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
lamp will light up. If the filler cap is sub-
sequently tightened, the indicator lamp
should extinguish within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders Your vehicle may be equipped with one
or more sensing and diagnostic mod-
ules or a recording device capable of
recording or transmitting certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you
have a Subscription Service Agree-
ment for the BMW Assist system, cer-
tain vehicle information may be trans-
mitted or recorded in order to provide
such services.
171n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Changing a wheel Vehicle battery
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. Wheels and tires of the
original size should be mounted again
as soon as possible.<
Driving with spare wheel
*
Do not exceed a speed of
130 mph/210 km/h, otherwise tire
damage could lead to accidents.<
With certain wheel-and-tire com-
binations the size of the spare
wheel differs from that of the other
wheels. To restore the original state,
the normal wheel should be remounted
as soon as possible.<
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
Battery care The battery is maintenance-free, that is,
the original electrolyte will normally last
for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center will
be glad to advise in all matters con-
cerning the battery.Charging battery Only charge the battery in the vehicle
via the terminals in the engine compart-
ment with the engine off. For correct
connections, refer to Jump starting on
page174. Disposal
Following replacement, have old
batteries disposed of by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or
turn them over to a recycling center.
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Always
restrain the battery to prevent it from
tipping over during transport.<
Power failure Following a temporary power failure,
e.g. in the case of a dead battery, some
equipment is subject to restricted use
and must be reinitialized. Individual set-
tings are also lost and must be updated
again:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory
The positions must be stored again,
refer to page50
>Time and date
Have to be updated again, refer to
page82
>Activation time for parked car
ventilation
Has to be updated again, refer to
page84.