At a glance
17Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Menu overview
Communication
>Telephone*
>BMW Assist* or TeleService*
Navigation or onboard information
>Navigation system*
>Onboard information, e.g. for displaying
the average fuel consumption
Entertainment
>Radio
>CD player and CD changer
*
>External audio device
Climate
>Vent settings
>Seat heater distribution
*
>Automatic programs
>Parked car ventilation
*
menu
>Switching off Control Display
>Tone and display settings
>Settings for traffic information
*
>Settings for your vehicle, e.g. for the central
locking system
>Display of maintenance intervals and dead-
lines for legally mandated inspections
>Settings for telephone
*
Operating principle
From radio readiness, refer to page56, the fol-
lowing message is shown on the Control Dis-
play:
To hide the message:
Press the controller.
This displays the start menu.
On vehicles with a single drive, the message
automatically disappears after approx. 10 sec-
onds.
Start menu
You can call up all the functions of iDrive using
five menu items.
Opening start menu
Press the button.
To open the start menu from the menu:
Press the button twice.
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
80
Technology for comfort, convenience and
safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you are parking.
Acoustic signals and an optical display
* alert
you to the approach of an object from behind
your vehicle. To measure the distance, there
are four ultrasonic sensors in each bumper.
The range of these sensors is approx. 7 ft/2 m.
However, an acoustic warning first sounds for
the sensors at the front and at the two rear cor-
ners at approx. 24 in/60 cm, and for the center
rear sensors at approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching an object at high speed, oth-
erwise the physical circumstances would mean
that the system warning was too late.<
Automatic activation
Whenever the engine is running or the ignition
is on, each time you move the selector lever into
position R, the PDC system is activated after
approx.1 second.
Wait this short period before driving off.
Manual activation
Press the button, the LED lights up.
Manual deactivation
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
Automatic deactivation
After driving approx. 165 ft/50 m or at over
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the system is
switched off and the LED goes out. You can
reactivate the system manually as needed.
Warning tones
When nearing an object, the position is corre-
spondingly indicated by an interval tone.
As a result, an object detected, for example,
to the left rear of the vehicle will be indicated
by a warning tone from the left rear speaker.
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. If the distance to the nearest
object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a
continuous tone sounds.
An intermittent tone is interrupted after approx.
3seconds:
>if you remain in front of an object that was
only detected by one of the corner sensors
>if you drive parallel to a wall
Adjusting
You can adjust the volume of the warning tones
if the vehicle is equipped with a single drive,
refer to page79.
Malfunction
The LED in the button flashes and a message
appears on the Control Display. PDC is mal-
functioning. Have the system checked.
To prevent this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively. Do
not spray the sensors with high-pressure clean-
ers for long periods and maintain a distance of
at least 4 in/10 cm to them.
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
82
Switching off
Automatically
When driving forward from a speed of approx.
12 mph/20 km/h or from a driven distance of
approx. 164 ft/50 m.
Manually
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
Driver assistance functions
The following functions can improve the effect
of the backup camera depending on the situa-
tion.
They can only be activated when the tailgates
are completely closed.
Lane lines
The lane lines are shown in the picture of the
backup camera. They help you to estimate the
space required when parking and maneuvering
on level roads.
To estimate the space required, turn the steer-
ing wheel so that the lane lines guide into the
parking space or the maneuvering area you
have chosen.
The lane lines are dependent on the current
steering angle and are continuously adjusted to
the steering wheel movements.
Turning circle lines
The static turning circle lines are displayed in
the picture of the backup camera and show you
the course of the smallest possible turning cir-
cle on level roads.
Using lane and turning circle lines
1.Position the vehicle so that the turning cir-
cle line guide within the limits of the parking
space.
2.Turn the steering wheel so that the lane
lines cover the corresponding turning circle
line.
This results in a steering wheel adjustment that
makes full use of the smallest possible turning
circle of the vehicle when parking.
Virtual camera pan
The picture area is dependent on the current
speed:
At low speeds, the camera view is panned
toward the street, and at higher speeds toward
the horizon.
This enables the currently relevant picture area
to be shown enlarged on the Control Display.
To activate the virtual camera pan, select the
camera view "Camera view: full screen".
Obstacle marking
Spatially shaped markings are shown in the pic-
ture of the backup camera. Their stepped col-
ors correspond to the markings of the Park Dis-
tance Control and support you in estimating the
distance to the object shown.
The obstacle marking is deactivated when driv-
ing in reverse from approx. 12 mph/20 km/h.
Controls
83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Activating driver assistance functions
With backup camera switched on
iDrive, for explanation of concept, refer to
page16.
1.Press the controller.
2.Select the desired function and press the
controller.
With backup camera switched off
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "Maneuvering aids" is
selected and press the controller.
6.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
7.Select the desired functions and press the
controller.
You can also adjust the brightness of the
camera view.
The settings are used for the remote control
currently in use.
Displays
You can display the picture of the backup cam-
era in various ways.
In addition, you can also display the PDC Park
Distance Control, refer to page81.
>"Camera view: full screen"
The picture of the backup camera is shown
on the entire Control Display.
>"Camera view: main window"
The picture of the backup camera is shown
in the main window of the Control Display.
>"PDC in main window only"
PDC is shown in the main window of the
Control Display.
Selecting displays
1.Select "Maneuvering aids" and press the
controller, refer to Activating functions.
2.Turn the controller until "View selection" is
selected and press the controller.
3.Select the desired display and press the
controller. The setting is used for the
remote control currently in use.
Cleaning backup camera
The lens of the backup camera is located in the
liftgate over the license plate.
The picture quality of the backup camera may
be impaired by dirt. Clean the lens with a moist,
non-abrasive cloth.
In case of frost, a heater in the lens is switched
on automatically.
Driving tips
123Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between the tires and
the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, refer also to Mini-
mum tread depth on page219.
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.<
Starting assistant
The starting assistant enables you to start off
conveniently on slopes. The parking brake is
not required for this purpose.
1.Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.
2.Release the footbrake and immediately
drive off quickly.
The starting assistant holds the vehicle
for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the
footbrake. Depending on the load, the vehicle
may also roll back slightly during this time.
After releasing the footbrake, immediately start
quickly, otherwise the starting assistant no
longer holds the vehicle after approx. 2 seconds
and it begins to roll back.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. 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 full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake pedal
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting in the manual mode
of the automatic transmission, if necessary into
first gear, refer to page61. This prevents an
excessive strain on the brakes.
Do not drive in idle or with the engine
stopped, otherwise there will be no
engine braking action or support of the braking
force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications 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 minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Mobility
237Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
First-aid kit*
Some of the articles contained in the first-aid kit
have a limited service life. Therefore, check the
expiration dates of the contents regularly and
replace the contents concerned in good time if
necessary.
The first-aid kit is located in the cargo bay.
Open the left-hand side panel.
Roadside Assistance*
The Roadside Assistance of the BMW Group
offers you assistance in the event of a break-
down around the clock, including on weekends
and public holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance in your home country can be found in the
Contact brochure.
With BMW Assist or TeleService, you can con-
tact the Roadside Assistance of the BMW
Group for assistance in the event of a break-
down directly via iDrive, refer to page203.
Jump starting
When your battery is discharged, you can use
two jumper cables to start your BMW with
power from the battery in a second vehicle.
You can also use the same method to help start
another vehicle. Use only jumper cables with
fully-insulated clamp handles.
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury,
always avoid all contact with electrical
components while the engine is running. Care-
fully adhere to the following sequence, both to prevent damage to one or both vehicles, and to
guard against possible personal injuries.<
Preparation
1.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 bat-
tery.
2.Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi-
cle.
3.Switch off any electrical systems and com-
ponents in both vehicles.
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks,
follow this sequence when connecting
jumper cables.<
On your BMW the so-called starting-aid termi-
nal in the engine compartment acts as the bat-
tery positive terminal, also refer to the engine
compartment overview on page223. The cover
cap is marked with +.
1.Fold open the cover of the BMW starting-
aid terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
2.Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+
to the positive terminal of the battery or a
starting-aid terminal of the vehicle provid-
ing assistance.
3.Attach the second end of the cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or to a start-
ing-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started.
Mobility
239Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page56, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. When the engine
is stopped, there is no power assist. This then
requires increased effort for braking and steer-
ing. Active steering is deactivated and larger
steering wheel movements are required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Engage transmission position N and release the
parking brake before towing.
Manually releasing transmission lock, refer to
page61.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.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.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
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, otherwise the
wheels may lock and the transfer case may be
damaged.<
The X5 may only be transported on a flat bed.
Tow-starting
The engine cannot be started by tow-starting.
Start the engine by jump starting it, refer to
page237.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties elimi-
nated.
Everything from A to Z
252 BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system226
"BMW Services"206,208
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Brackets, adaptive fixing
system118
Brake Assistant, refer to DBC
Dynamic Brake Control84
Brake force display92
Brake lamps
– brake force display92
– replacing bulbs230
Brake pads, breaking-in122
Brake rotors123
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System84
– brake force display92
– breaking-in122
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control84
– DBC Dynamic Brake
Control84
– electronic brake-force
distribution84
– parking brake57
– refer to Braking safely123
– warning lamp13
Brake system122
– brake pads122
– breaking-in122
– disc brakes123
Braking safely123
Breakdown assistance203
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance237
Breaking-in the
differential122
Break-in period122
"Brightness"78,95
– for DVD system in rear176
Brightness of Control
Display78
Button for starting engine56Buttons on steering wheel11
Bypassing traffic
congestion149
C
Calibrating driver's seat46
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"195,206
Call
– accepting193
– displaying accepted195
– ending194
– in absence195
– starting193
Calling
– from phone book194
– from Top 8 list195
– redialing195
– refer to telephone operating
instructions
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders114
Capacities244
Capacity of cargo bay244
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery234
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car data"69
Care227
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo
– refer to Loading124
– securing125
– securing with ski bag119
Cargo area, refer to Cargo
bay116
Cargo area cover, refer to Roll-
up cover116Cargo bay
– capacity244
– dividing up118
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually33
– expanding117
– opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate33
– opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate34
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening with remote
control30
Cargo bay cover, refer to Roll-
up cover116
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for light-alloy wheels,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control28
Car phone188
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest113
– refer to Mobile phone188
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio158
Car wash124
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– with comfort access36
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system122