Controls
91Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Displays* in instrument panel
1Display for target speed
2HDC display
Malfunction
HDC is temporarily unavailable in the following
situations due to a high brake temperature:
>The LED in the button and the display HDC
go out during HDC operation.
>The LED in the button and the HDC display
do not light up when the button is pressed.
Malfunction of driving stability control
systems
When driving on poor roads, avoid using
full throttle or pressing the accelerator
beyond the kick-down point and also avoid
heavy braking. Otherwise, the drive train may be
damaged or accidents can occur.<
Adaptive Drive*
The concept
Adaptive Drive reduces the body roll which
occurs when cornering quickly or during fast
evasive maneuvers. In addition, Adaptive Drive
also reduces the steering angle requirement,
improves the running comfort and increases
the dynamic driving characteristics of your X5.
Chassis and suspension tuning
You can choose between two types of chassis
and suspension tuning.>Normal:
The comfortable basic setting offers opti-
mum comfort when traveling.
>Sport:
The sporty basic setting offers increased
driving agility.
Selecting chassis and suspension
tuning
Press the button.
The system switches between the two chassis
and suspension tuning settings.
>Sport:
The LED in the button lights up and SPORT
is displayed in the instrument panel.
>Normal:
The LED in the button goes out.
The selection of the chassis and suspension
tuning setting is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
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
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.
Driving tips
133Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Driving on poor roads
Your X5 is at home on all roads and surfaces.
It combines a 4-wheel drive system with the
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Do not drive on unpaved terrain, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged.<
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you should strictly observe for
your own safety, for that of your passengers,
and for the safety of the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
driving off and avoid taking risks at all costs.
>Adapt your driving speed to the road condi-
tions. The steeper and rougher the road
surface is, the lower the speed should be.
>You can operate your vehicle on uphill and
downhill gradients with a maximum slope of
50 %. If you want to drive on uphill or down-
hill gradients of this kind, make sure before-
hand that the engine oil and coolant levels
are near the MAX mark, refer to page242.
>Use the HDC Hill Descent Control when
driving down extremely steep grades, refer
to page90. It is possible to start off on
grades of up to 33 %.
The permissible body roll is 50 %.
>While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
>Please make sure that the undercarriage
does not touch the ground, for example on
crests and bumpy roads. The ground clear-
ance of the vehicle is a maximum of approx.
8 in/20 cm. Please note that the ground
clearance can vary depending on loading
and the driving conditions of the vehicle.
>Only drive through water on roads up to a
maximum depth of 20 in/50 cm and only at
walking speed, making sure not to stop in
the process.
>After driving through water at low speed,
lightly press the brake pedal several times
to dry the brakes and to prevent the braking
effect from being reduced by wetness.>Depending on the condition of the surface,
it may be practical to briefly activate DTC,
refer to DTC Dynamic Traction Control on
page89.
>If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress
the accelerator pedal sufficiently so that the
driving stability control systems can distrib-
ute the drive forces to the individual wheels.
Please note the following points after driving on
poor roads to maintain the driving safety of your
BMW:
>Clean the coarsest dirt from the body.
>Clean mud, snow, ice etc. from the wheels
and tires and check the tires for damage.
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.
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
Everything from A to Z
272 BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system245
"BMW Service settings"229
BMW website4
Body roll, refer to Driving on
poor roads133
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders120
Brake assistant89
Brake force display97
Brake lamps
– brake force display97
– replacing bulbs249
Brake rotors130
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System88
– brake assistant89
– brake force display97
– breaking-in128
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control88
– electronic brake-force
distribution88
– parking brake60
– refer to Braking safely129
– warning lamp13
Brake system128
– brake pads128
– breaking-in128
– disk brakes130
Braking safely129
Breakdown, Flat Tire
Monitor92
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance256
Breaking-in brake pads128
Breaking-in differential128
Break-in period128
"Brightness"82
– for DVD system in rear196
– in TV mode184
Brightness
– of Control Display82
– of the rear view camera88
– on Head-Up Display100
"Brightness / Position"100Button for starting engine59
Buttons on steering wheel11
Bypassing traffic
congestion157
C
Calibrating driver's seat49
California Proposition 65
Warning6
"Call"216,227
Call
– accepting214
– displaying accepted217
– ending215
– in absence217
– starting215
Calling
– from phone book216
– from Top 8 list217
– redialing217
– refer to telephone operating
instructions
Camera, refer to Rear view
camera86
"Camera picture and PDC"88
"Camera view
– full screen"88
– main window"88
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders120
Capacities264
Capacity of cargo bay264
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery253
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
"Car Data"73
Care246
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo
– refer to Loading131
– securing132
– securing with ski bag125Cargo area, refer to Cargo
bay122
Cargo area cover, refer to Roll-
up cover122
Cargo bay
– capacity264
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually33
– expanding123
– opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate33
– opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate35
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside33
– opening with remote
control30
Cargo bay cover, refer to Roll-
up cover122
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 phone208
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest119
– refer to Mobile phone208
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car radio, refer to Radio166
Car wash130
– also refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– before driving in60
– with comfort access37
Reference 273
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system129
"Categories", with satellite
radio173
CBC Cornering Brake
Control88
CBS Condition Based
Service245
"CD"163,175
– for DVD system in rear194
CD, refer to Playing audio
tracks, DVD system in
rear198
CD/DVD player, DVD system
in rear193
CD changer175
– compressed audio files175
– controls162
– fast forward/reverse178
– random sequence178
– repeating a track177
– sampling tracks177
– selecting a CD175
– selecting a track176
– switching on/off162
– tone control163
– volume163
CD player175
– compressed audio files175
– controls162
– fast forward/reverse178
– random sequence178
– repeating a track177
– sampling tracks177
– selecting a track176
– switching on/off162
– tone control163
– volume163
Cell phone, refer to Mobile
phone
Center armrest119
Center brake lamp250
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking system29
– comfort access36
– from inside vehicle32Changes, technical
– refer to For your own
safety5
– refer to Parts and
accessories6
Changing language on
Control Display83
Changing tires239
Changing units of measure on
Control Display
82
Changing wheels251
Check Control78
"Check Control
messages"79
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure234
Children, transporting55
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH56
Child restraint systems55
Child-safety locks58
Child seats55
Chime, refer to Check
Control78
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter121
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
"Climate"50
Clock71
– 12h/24h mode82
– setting time81
Closing
– from inside32
– using remote control29
Closing fuel filler cap232
Clothes hooks119
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine60
"Color" for DVD system in
rear196
Comfort access36
– observe in car wash37
– replacing battery38Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Comfort start, refer to Starting
engine60
"Communi-
cation"214,224,225,226
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer175
– refer to CD player175
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure235
– wheel change251
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock59
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments119
Compass, digital117
Computer73
– displays in instrument
panel73
– displays on Control
Display73
– trip computer74
"Concierge"226
Concierge service226
Condition Based Service
CBS245
"Confirmation"31
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices121
Connecting headphones193
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption73
Consumption indicator,
Energy Control72
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption73
"Continue guidance to
destination?"151
"Contrast"
– for DVD system in rear196
– in TV mode184
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Everything from A to Z
274 Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– setting brightness82
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Controls of DVD system in
rear192
Convenient operation
– panorama glass
sunroof30,32
– panorama glass sunroof with
comfort access37
– windows30,32
– windows with comfort
access37
– with comfort access37
Coolant244
– checking level244
– temperature72
Cooling, maximum109
Cornering Brake Control
CBC88
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps105
Cradle for telephone or mobile
phone119
Cruise control69
Cruising range73
Cup holders120
Curb weight, refer to
Weights264
Current fuel consumption72
"Current position"157
Current position
– displaying157
– entering146
– storing146
"Customer
Relations"218,226
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data262
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Data262
– capacities264
– dimensions263
– engine262
– technical data262
– weights264
"Date"82
Date71
– display format82
– retrieving71
– setting82
"Date format"82
"Daytime running lamps"103
Daytime running lamps103
"Deactivated"45
Decommissioning the vehicle,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Defrosting windows108
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation108
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows108
"Delete address book" for
navigation system147
"Delete all numbers" on the
mobile phone217
"Delete data" for navigation
system147
"Delete" for mobile
phone217
Destination address
– deleting147
– entering139,141
Destination for navigation
– destination list145
– entry138
– selecting from address
book147
– selecting using
information144
– selecting using voice141
– storing146Destination guidance150
– canceling voice
instructions54
– changing specified
route148
– displaying route151
– distance and arrival150
– ending/continuing150
– starting150
– voice instructions153
– volume of voice
instructions154
Destination list for navigation
system
145
Destinations recently driven
to145
"Details"
– DVD system in the rear200
– in audio mode190
"Dial" for mobile phone215
"Dial number"215
"Diamond button"54
Digital clock71
Digital compass117
Digital radio, refer to High
Definition Radio169
Dimensions263
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals66
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions153
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book146
Direct selection buttons21
Displacement, refer to Engine
data262
"Display"82
Display, refer to iDrive16
Displaying images200
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting105
"Display off"21
Displays, refer to Instrument
panel12
"Display settings"82,99
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up Display99