2008 BMW X5 3.0Si winter tires

Wheels and tires
238
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page239.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Indicates specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. For the sake of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread
has been driven down to the wear indicators, a
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been
reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazards and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These
kinds of problems may also be signaled by other
changes in vehicle response, such as a strong
tendency to pull to the left or right.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or
tire shop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. If necessary, have the vehicle towed
there. Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely
dangerous to vehicle occupants and other road
users.<

Mobility
239Reference
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Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by the circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire.
Run-flat tires consist of partially self-contained
tires and special rims. The sidewall reinforce-
ment ensures that the tire retains some residual
safety in the event of pressure drop and driving
remains possible to a restricted degree.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of
a flat tire page93
>With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure page95
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center or a tire shop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend that you use
retreaded tires, as driving safety may be
impaired. The causes for this include the possi-
bly different tire casing structures and the often
wide variations in their age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be
happy to advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that you do not have damaged run-flat
tires repaired; they should be replaced. Other-
wise it is not possible to rule out occurrences of
consequential damage.<
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
When changing to larger wheels and tires,
it may be necessary to make changes to
the wheel-well trim piece, as otherwise road
users could be endangered or the vehicle could
be damaged. Only have this work carried out by
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a
workshop that works in accordance with BMW
guidelines and uses appropriately trained per-
sonnel.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for the correct wheel/tire combination.
The correct wheel/tire combination also affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC, xDrive or Flat
Tire Monitor.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. Following
tire damage, have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon
as possible.

Wheels and tires
240
Wheels with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When mounting new tires or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics, otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor cannot detect a flat tire,
refer to page94. Your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center will be happy to advise you on
this subject.
Recommended tire brands
Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW
depending on the tire size. You can recognize
these from the clearly visible BMW marking on
the tire sidewall.
When used properly, these tires comply with
the most demanding standards for safety and
vehicle response.
Special characteristics 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 performance as
winter tires.
Paying attention to speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Always
protect tires against all contact with oil, grease
and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum tire
inflation pressure indicated on the side wall of
the tire.
Rotating wheels between axles
BMW does not recommend moving the front
wheels to the rear or vice versa, as otherwise
the handling characteristics may be impaired.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and recommends
them. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
can provide you with this information.
Use is only permissible in pairs on the rear
wheels.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
After mounting snow chains, do not ini-
tialize the Flat Tire Monitor
*, as otherwise
incorrect displays can occur.
When you are driving with snow chains, it can
be beneficial to activate DTC briefly, refer to
page89.<

Mobility
251Reference
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Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as
standard. As a result, it is not necessary to
change the wheel immediately in the case of air
loss in the event of a breakdown.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of
a flat tire page93
>With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure page95
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to Run-flat tires, page239.
When mounting new tires, or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-flat
tires for your own safety. No spare tire is avail-
able in case of a flat tire. Your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center will be happy to advise
you. Also refer to New wheels and tires,
page239.
Suitable tools for changing tires are avail-
able as accessories at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.<
Jacking points for vehicle jack
The jacking points for the vehicle jack are
located in the positions shown.
Compact wheel*
Safety precautions in the event of a flat
tire or wheel change: park the vehicle as
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Set the parking brake and engage transmission
position P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
diate area in a safe place, such as behind a
guardrail.
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard warning
lamp
* is r e q u ir e d , s et i t up o n t h e ro a d s id e a t a n
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is
supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises later on, note the posi-
tions of the tools before removing them, then
return them to their initial positions after com-
pleting work.
The tools are located in the mount under the
floor panel flap.
1Vehicle jack
*
2Vehicle jack crank*
3Lug wrench*

Mobility
253Reference
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3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems with valve screw
caps against dirt and contamination.
Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source of
gradual air loss.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page92, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page94.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
The driving characteristics change, for example
reduced track stability on braking, extended
braking distance, and altered self-steering
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction
with winter tires, these characteristics are more
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. Restore the wheels and tires to
their original size as quickly as possible. Failure
to do so is a safety risk.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
will be glad to advise in all matters concerning
the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine switched off. Connections, refer to
Jump starting on page256.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of following
replacement at your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or bring them to a collection
point. Maintain the battery in an upright position
for transport and storage. Always restrain the
battery to prevent it from tipping over during
transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings are also lost
and must be updated:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page44.
>Time and Date
The values must be updated, refer to
pages81, 82.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again if necessary,
refer to page168.
>Navigation system
Wait until the system starts, refer to
page159.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, as
this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
Spare fuses, a pair of plastic tweezers and infor-
mation on the fuse assignment are located near
the fuses in the cargo bay.

Everything from A to Z
270
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions, and
indicates where to find them
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System88
Accessories6
Access to 3rd row seats48
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control78
Activated-charcoal filter111
"Activation time" for parked
car ventilation114
Active seat51
Active seat ventilation50
Active steering96
– warning lamp96
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display97
Adaptive Drive91
Adaptive fastening
system124
Adaptive Head Light104
"Add digits" for mobile
phone216
"Address book" for navigation
system146
Address for navigation
– deleting147
– entering139,146
– selecting147
– storing146
– storing current position146
"Add to destination
list"141,143
Adjusting confirmation signals
for locking and unlocking31Adjusting temperature with
expanded-scope automatic
climate control108
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control163
Adjusting thigh
support43,44
"After door opened"45
"After unlocking"45
Airbags97
– sitting safely42
– warning lamp99
Air circulation, refer to Air
recirculation109
Air distribution
– automatic107,112
– manual108
Airing, refer to Ventilation110
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control109
– recirculated-air mode109
"Air recirculation on / off"
53
Air vents106
– refer to Ventilation110
Air vents of automatic climate
control106
Air volume108,112
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications233
Alarm system35
– avoiding unintentional
alarms36
– interior motion sensor36
– switching off alarm35
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor36
– tilt alarm sensor36
"All channels", with satellite
radio173
"All doors"30All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires240
"All stations", displaying with
radio166
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive90
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
"AM", reception
range163,166
"Angle of view" for DVD
system in rear185,197
Antenna for mobile phone208
Antifreeze
– coolant244
– washer fluid68
Antilock Brake System
ABS88
Anti-theft system
– refer to Alarm system35
– refer to Central locking
system29
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights264
Approved engine oils243
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights264
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest119
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer73
– refer to Starting destination
guidance150
"Arrow display" for navigation
system151
Arrow view for navigation
system151
Ashtray
– front120
– rear121

Reference 279
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Liftgate33
– automatic operation34
– closing33
– locking and unlocking from
inside32
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening manually33
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs248
Lighter121
Lighter socket121
"Lighting"67,103
Lighting
– instruments105
– lamps and bulbs247
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps102
Light switch102
"Limit"80
Loading
– securing cargo132
– stowing cargo131
– vehicle131
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo132
"Lock after driving"32
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking32
Locking
– from inside32
– setting confirmation
signals31
– using remote control29
– without key, refer to Comfort
access36
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside32
– setting confirmation
signals31
Locking without key, refer to
Comfort access36
Low beams102
– automatic102
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44Lows, refer to Treble and
bass163
Lug bolts252
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting252
– wrench251
Luggage compartment
capacity, refer to Cargo bay
capacity264
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack132
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires240
"Main menu" for DVD system
in rear197
Maintenance
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models245
– refer to Service
requirements75
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models245
Maintenance system245
Malfunction
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door232
– liftgate33
– panorama glass sunroof40
– parking brake63
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control78
Manual air distribution108
Manually releasing
transmission lock65
Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic65
"Manual" on the radio167Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door232
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission65
Map
– changing scale152
– destination entry143
"Map direction of travel"152
"Map facing north"152
Map facing north152
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling109
Maximum speed
– for winter tires240
– with compact wheel253
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory44
"Menu"
– for DVD system in
rear185,197
– with rear
entertainment183,195
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Message list for traffic
information155
Microfilter111
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for telephone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature52
Mirrors51
– automatic curb monitor52
– exterior mirrors51
– folding in and out51
– heating52
– interior rearview mirror52
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory44
"Missed calls"216
Missed calls217

Everything from A to Z
284 "Service Request"218,225
"Service
requirements"76,225,243
Service requirements75
– also refer to CBS Condition
Based Service245
"Set date"82
"Set" on trip computer74
"Set service date"77
"Set time"81
"Settings"229
– for unlocking30
Settings
– changing on Control
Display81
– clock, 12h/24h mode82
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile28
Setting speed limit80
Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
times114
"SET" with rear
entertainment183,195
Shifting, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic65
Short commands of voice
command system265
Shortest route in navigation,
refer to Selecting route148
"Short route" for
navigation148
Shoulder support44
"Show current position"143
"Show destination
position"143
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer178
– CD player178
Side airbags97
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs248
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely42
– with airbags42
– with head restraint42
– with safety belts42
Ski bag125Slide show, refer to Displaying
images200
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Panorama glass sunroof39
Slope assistant, refer to
Starting assistant91
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray120
Snow chains240
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics interface246
Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock59
Sockets, refer to Connecting
electrical devices121
Soft closure aid, refer to
Automatic soft closing33
Song search, refer to
Sampling tracks177
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency request255
Spare fuses253
Spare remote control28
Spare wheel
– refer to Changing
wheels251
– refer to Compact wheel251
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils243
Specified oil grades, refer to
Approved engine oils243
Speed
– with compact wheel253
– with winter tires240
Speed-dependent
volume164
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit80
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", refer to Tone
control164
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic65
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems88
"Standard" for DVD system in
rear197,204"Star button"54
Star button53
Start/Stop button59
"Start" for stopwatch80
"Start guidance"141
Starting, refer to Starting
engine60
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting256
Starting assistant91
Starting difficulties, jump
starting256
Starting off on slopes, refer to
Starting assistant91
Start menu, iDrive17
"Start service"224
"Start Service" with
BMW Assist226
"State / Province" for
destination entry139
"State inspection"77
Station, refer to Radio
166
"Status"77
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steering wheel
– adjusting52
– automatic adjustment, refer
to Steering wheel
memory44
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– easy entry/exit53
– heating53
– memory44
– programmable buttons53
"Steering wheel buttons"53
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering96
Steptronic, refer to Sport
program and manual mode
M/S65
"Stop" for stopwatch80
"Stopwatch"80
Stopwatch80
Storage compartments119
"Store"
– on the radio168
– with satellite radio174