2006 BMW X5 4.8IS check engine

152n
Washer fluid Engine oilWindshield and headlamp washer
system Approximate capacity is 8.2 US quarts/
7.8 liters.
Fill with water and — if required — with
the addition of a washer antifreeze,
according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agent for the washer
systems is flammable. For this
reason, keep it away from sources of
flame and store it only in its original
containers. Store it so that it is inacces-
sible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.< 530de298
Checking oil level Oil consumption depends on driving
style and operating conditions.
1. With the engine at operating temper-
ature, i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km
of continuous driving, park the vehi-
cle in a horizontal position
2. Switch off the engine
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material 530us100
4. Slide the dipstick carefully all the way
into the dipstick tube and pull it out
again.
The oil level should be in between
the two marks on the dipstick
5. Slide the dipstick all the way into the
dipstick tube again.

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.<

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

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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.

161n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbs The lamps and bulbs make essential
contributions to the safety of your vehi-
cle. For this reason, follow the instruc-
tions below carefully when replacing a
bulb. If you are not familiar with any of
the procedures, consult your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Never touch the glass on new
bulbs with your bare fingers, as
even minute amounts of contamination
will burn into the bulb's surface and
reduce its service life. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic
base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter.
To prevent short circuits, before
working on any electrical system,
equipment or accessory you should
always switch it off and disconnect the
cable from the battery's negative termi-
nal before starting.
To avoid possible injury or equipment
damage when replacing bulbs, follow
any instructions provided by the bulb
manufacturer.<
Releasing lamp cover The illustration shows the right-hand
side of the engine compartment.
1 Halogen low beams
Turn cover cap to left, refer to arrow
2 High beams and parking lamps
Press tab downward, refer to arrow
For checking and adjusting head-
lamp aim, please contact your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.< 530de357
1 Halogen low beams H7 bulb, 55 watts
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-
tective gloves. Otherwise there is a
danger of injury if the bulb is acciden-
tally damaged during replacement.<
1. Remove the cover
2. Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove
3. Pull bulb out of bulb holder by base
and replace.530de358

174n
Jump starting When your battery is discharged, you
can use two jumper cables to start your
vehicle with power from the battery in a
second vehicle. You can also use the
same method to help start another vehi-
cle. Use only jumper cables with fully-
insulated clamp handles.
To avoid the risk of potentially
fatal injury, always avoid all con-
tact with electrical components while
the engine is running. Carefully observe
the following instructions to avoid per-
sonal injury and/or damage to one or
both vehicles.<
Preparing1. Check whether the battery of the
other vehicle has a voltage of
12 Volts and approximately the same
capacitance in Ah. This information
can be found on the battery.
2. Switch off the engine of the support
vehicle.
3. Switch off any electrical systems and
components in both vehicles.
Ensure that no contact exists
between the bodywork on the two
vehicles, otherwise there is a danger of
short circuits. To avoid personal injury from
sparks, always follow this
sequence when connecting jumper
cables.<
On your BMW the so-called jump-start
connection point in the engine com-
partment acts as the battery positive
terminal, also refer to the engine com-
partment overview on page151. The
cover cap is marked with +.
1. Fold up the cap of the BMW jump-
start connection point, refer to arrow.
2. Attach one end of the positive/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a jump-start connec-
tion point of the vehicle providing
assistance.
3. Connect the second terminal clamp
of the positive/+ jumper cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or a
jump-start connection point of the
vehicle to be started.530de325

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.<