2008 BMW 4.8I automatic transmission

Driving
70
Accelerating with lever
Accelerate slightly:
Press the lever up to the resistance point,
arrow1, until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerate more rapidly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
arrow1, until the desired speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores the
setting and maintains the set speed.
Reducing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever up to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow2, until the desired
speed is displayed.
>Each time the lever is pulled up to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed decreases
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
decreased by a maximum of 5 mph or
10 km/h until the minimum speed of
20 mph or 30 km/h is reached.
The system stores the setting and maintains
the set speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Briefly press the lever up or down, arrow3.
The displays in the speedometer go out.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>when braking
>when transmission position N is engaged
>when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>when HDC is activated
>when the parking brake is set
>when driving stability control systems inter-
vene
Accelerating does not deactivate the cruise
control. After releasing the accelerator pedal,
the stored speed is reached and maintained
again.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up if the
cruise control has been deactivated
automatically, e.g. by a control inter-
vention of the DSC. A message appears on the
Control Display.
Resuming stored speed
Briefly press the button, arrow4. The stored
speed is resumed and maintained.
With the ignition switched off, the stored speed
value is deleted and cannot be resumed again.
Displays in instrument panel
1Stored desired speed
2Selected desired speed appears briefly
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears
in the instrument panel display, it is possi-
ble that the system prerequisites for operation
are currently not met.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up if the sys-
tem has failed. A message appears on
the Control Display. Detailed informa-
tion is provided from page78.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
90
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes:
DTC controls the drive forces and
brake forces.
The indicator lamps light up:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp
in the instrument panel goes out.
xDrive
xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of your X5.
The combined effects of xDrive and DSC fur-
ther optimize the traction and dynamic driving
characteristics. The 4-wheel drive system
xDrive variably distributes the drive forces to
the front and rear axle depending on the driving
situation and prevailing road conditions.
HDC Hill Descent Control
The concept
HDC is a system for driving downhill in steep
terrain. This system reduces vehicle speed on
steep downhill gradients, thus allowing you to
maintain even better control of your BMW
under these conditions. The vehicle moves at
approximately walking speed without active
intervention from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds
below approx. 22 mph/35 km/h. When driving
down steep hills with a speed below approx.
22 mph/35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed
automatically down to approximately walking
speed, approx. 5 mph/8 km/h, and then main-
tains this speed at a constant.
Only use HDC in transmission positions D or R.
Increasing or reducing speed
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary
this automatically controlled speed within a
range extending from approx. 4 mph/6 km/h to
15 mph/25 km/h.You can specify a target speed within the same
range by using the lever of the cruise control.
With downhill grade over 10Ξ you can reduce
the speed to approx. 3 mph/4 km/h. Pull the
lever of the cruise control beyond the resis-
tance point, arrow3.
1Increasing speed
2Pull to the resistance point:
Reduce speed to approx. 4 mph/6 km/h
3Pull beyond the resistance point:
With downhill grade over 10Ξ, reduce
speed to approx. 3 mph/4 km/h.
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED lights up.
The HDC display is shown in the instrument
panel.
The LED flashes when the brakes are applied
automatically.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again. The LED and the HDC
display go out.
HDC is also deactivated at speeds over approx.
37 mph/60 km/h.

Driving tips
129Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
and smooth driving style reduces fuel con-
sumption.
Avoiding high engine speeds
Driving at a low engine speed reduces fuel con-
sumption and minimizes wear.
Taking advantage of coasting
The flow of fuel is interrupted when coasting.
Switching off engine during longer
stops
Switch off the engine at longer stops such as
traffic signals, railroad crossings, or in traffic
jams. Even having the engine switched off for
approx. 4 seconds results in fuel savings.
Switching off functions currently not
required
Functions such as air conditioning, seat heat-
ing, or rear window defrosting consume a lot of
energy and require additional fuel. Their influ-
ence is particularly pronounced in city traffic
and stop & go operation. For this reason, it is a
good idea to switch these functions off when
they are not really needed.
Having maintenance carried out
Have the vehicle serviced regularly in order to
achieve the optimum economy and service life
of your vehicle. BMW recommends having the
maintenance performed by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center. Also please pay atten-
tion to the BMW maintenance system, refer to
page245.
General driving notes
Closing liftgate/tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the tail-
gate and liftgate are completely closed.
Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter into the
passenger compartment. gate open:
1.Close all windows and the panorama glass
sunroof.
2.Increase the air volume of the automatic
climate control to a high level, refer to
page108.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high temper-
atures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to it, and never apply undercoating to
them. When driving, standing at idle and while
parking take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay, leaves, grass,
etc. Such contact could lead to a fire, and with it
the risk of serious property damage as well as
personal injury. Do not touch hot tailpipes, as
otherwise there is a danger of burns.<
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, also refer to Mini-
mum tread depth on page238.
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.<
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

Things to remember when driving
130 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 page65. 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.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic climate
control system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page51,
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
Release the parking brake, particularly when
you have activated Automatic Hold, refer to
page61.
General information on the care and mainte-
nance of your BMW is contained in the Caring
for your vehicle brochure.
Mixed tires*
Before driving into a car wash, make sure
that the vehicle width is not too large for
the car wash, as otherwise the vehicle and the
car wash could be damaged.<
Rear window wiper
The rear window wiper can be damaged in car
washes. Take appropriate protective measures;
ask the car wash operator if necessary.
With comfort access*
Insert the remote control into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off in transmission
position N, also refer to page37.

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
167Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
To change the selection criterion:
1.Change into the second field from the top.
2.Select the selection criterion and press the
controller.
Sampling stations, scan
The system automatically plays a brief sample
from each of the stations on the current wave-
band.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
"Set" is selected.
2.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
The stations are sampled.
To end sampling:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
This cancels sampling of the stations, and the
radio remains on the current station.
Buttons on CD player
To sample the stations, press and hold the
button for the corresponding direction.
To end scanning, press the button again.
Selecting frequency manually
With "Manual" you can select stations that can
be received in addition to those displayed.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Change into the second field from the top.
3.Select "Manual" and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller to set a certain fre-
quency.
Updating stations with best reception
If you are on a longer journey and leave the
transmission range of the stations originally set,
you can update the list of stations in the AM
range with the best reception.
1.Select "AM" and press the controller.
2.Change into the second field from the top.
3.Select "Autostore" and press the controller.
"Set" is selected.
4.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.

Giving and receiving assistance
258
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page59, 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.
If transmission position N cannot be engaged,
manually release the transmission lock, refer to
page65.
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
page256.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties elimi-
nated.

Reference 271
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Assist, refer to separate
operating instructions
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems88
Assistance window20
"Assist. window off"21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control109
"Audio"165,169
– for DVD system in rear204
Audio162
– controls162
– switching on/off162
– tone control163
– volume163
Audio CD for DVD system in
rear198
Audio device, external119
Automatic
– air distribution107,112
– air volume107,112
– headlamp control102
– liftgate operation34
– service notification225
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit53
– storing stations167
Automatic car washes130
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Automatic climate control107
– automatic air
distribution107,112
– in rear111
– switching off110,112
– ventilation in rear111
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing33
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic garage door
opener115
Automatic Hold61
– activating62
– deactivating62
– parking62Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control102
– refer to Daytime running
lamps103
– refer to Interior lamps105
– refer to Pathway lighting103
"Automatic programs"
108
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC109
Automatic soft closing33
Automatic station search167
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– deactivating selector lever
interlock64
– kick-down65
– manually releasing
transmission lock65
– tow-starting258
– with comfort access37
"Automatic ventilation"113
AUTO program for automatic
climate control107,112
"Auto Request"225
"Autostore" on the radio168
"AUX"163,188,190
– AUX-In connection188
– for DVD system in rear203
– USB audio interface189
"AUX / Rear"194
AUX-In connection119,188
Average fuel consumption73
– setting units82
Average speed, refer to
Computer73
"Avoid ferries" for navigation
system149
"Avoid highways" for
navigation system148
Avoiding highways for
navigation148
Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" for
navigation system149
Axle loads, refer to
Weights264
"A - Z"216
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seats43
Backrest width adjustment44
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs249
Balance, refer to Tone
control164
"Balance" for DVD system in
rear197
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit256
Bass, refer to Tone
control163
Battery
– charging253
– jump starting256
– power failure253
– refer to Vehicle battery253
Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort
access38
– vehicle battery253
Battery replacement
– remote control for DVD
system in rear194
– remote control with comfort
access38
Being towed258
Belts, refer to Safety belts48
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders120
Blower, refer to Air
volume108,112
"BMW Assist"224,225,226
BMW Assist
– activating228
– concierge service226
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations226
– offered services223
– roadside assistance224
– TeleService225
"BMW Contact"218
"BMW Contact
Numbers"218

Reference 275
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with comfort access38
– remote control battery194
– vehicle battery253
Distance, refer to
Computer73
"Distance to dest."74
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer73
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control84
Door entry lighting105
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock31
Door locking, confirmation
signals31
"Door locks"30,31,76
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control29
DOT Quality Grades237
Downhill driving assistance,
refer to HDC90
Draft-free ventilation110
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders120
"Driver's door only"30
Driver's seat, calibrating49
"Driver's seat climate"51
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams102
Driving on poor roads133
Driving route, refer to
Displaying route151
Driving stability control
systems88
Driving through water129
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes128
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function109
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function109DSC Dynamic Stability
Control89
– indicator lamp13,89
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control89
– activating89
– indicator lamp90
"DVD"182
– for DVD system in rear194
DVD changer
– fast forward183
– reverse
183
– skip chapter183
"DVD format" for DVD system
in rear197
DVD for navigation136
DVD system in rear192
– CD/DVD player193
– connecting headphones193
– controls192
– displaying images from CD/
DVD200
– DVD country codes195
– external device203
– information on CD/DVD
player202
– playing audio tracks from
CD/DVD198
– playing video from CD/
DVD195
– remote control193
– switching on/off194
"Dynamic route" for
navigation149
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC89
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC89
E
Easy entry/exit53
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door232
– liftgate33
– panorama glass sunroof40
– parking brake63
Electric seat43
Electric steering wheel
adjustment52
Electronic brake-force
distribution88
Electronic oil level check242
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door232
– liftgate33
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission65
Emergency request255
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance256
"Enabled services"229
"Enable services"229
"End call"216
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control72
Energy Control72
Engine
– breaking-in128
– data262
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature72
– speed262
– starting60
– starting, with comfort
access37
– switching off60
Engine compartment242
Engine coolant244