2008 BMW X5 3.0Si rear axle

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.

Things to remember when driving
132 >Cover sharp edges and corners.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
>Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrest.
>Wrap sharp-edged or pointed objects
which could strike the rear window while
driving.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net*, retaining straps*, or
securing straps to hold down small and
lightweight luggage and cargo.
>For larger and heavier pieces, heavy-duty
cargo straps
* are available from your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. Four lashing
eyes mounted in the cargo bay are used to
secure these heavy-duty cargo straps, refer
to illustration.
>Please observe the special instructions
supplied with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Position and secure the cargo as
described above, so that it cannot endan-
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden
braking or evasive maneuvers are necessary.
Use only the lashing eyes to secure heavy-duty
cargo straps, refer to illustration, otherwise the
cargo straps could become detached or the
vehicle could be damaged.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page264, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws. You should never transport unsecured heavy or
hard objects in the passenger compartment, as
they could fly around and pose a safety hazard
to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response. You should
therefore always remember not to exceed the
approved roof load capacity, the approved
gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when
loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under
Weights on page264.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed
and must not extend outward beyond the limits
of the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the pan-
orama glass sunroof, and that objects do not
project into the opening path of the liftgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

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.<

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.

Technical data
264
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
X5 3.0siX5 4.8i
Curb weight with 3rd row seats
lbs./kg 4,916/2,230 5,247/2,380
Approved gross vehicle weight
without 3rd row seatslbs./kg
lbs./kg6,327/2,870
6,008/2,7256,537/2,965
6,173/2,800
Load
without 3rd row seatslbs./kg
lbs./kg1,411/640
1,268/5751,290/585
1,102/500
Approved front axle load
without 3rd row seatslbs./kg
lbs./kg2,767/1,255
2,778/1,2603,020/1,370
3,020/1,370
Approved rear axle load
without 3rd row seatslbs./kg
lbs./kg3,803/1,725
3,395/1,5403,869/1,755
3,395/1,540
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 21.9-61.8/620-1,750 21.9-61.8/620-1,750
Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters approx. 22.5/85 Fuel grade: page233
of that reserve
X5 3.0si
X5 4.8iUS gal/liters
US gal/litersapprox. 2.1/8
approx. 2.6/10
Windshield washer with
headlamp washer system US quarts/liters approx. 6.9/6.5For more details: page68

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 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