
Controls
 101Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "FTM" is  selected and press 
the controller.
6. Start the engine, but do not start driving.
7. Select "Reset" and press the controller.
8. Select "Yes" and press the controller. The 
message "resetting FTM …" is displayed.
9. Start to drive.
The initialization finishes during driving.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal 
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation 
pressure loss.
If you have deactivated DS C, it will be activated 
automatically.
1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h.
In case of further air loss of the defective 
wheel, its position will be indicated to you 
on the Control Display.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires as provided at the factory,  refer to page
256, do not continue driving. 
Continuing to drive with a flat tire could 
cause severe accidents. <
2. At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four 
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor 
may not have been initialized. The system 
must then be initialized. <
3. In the event of complete  tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible 
distance for continued driving on the basis 
of the following guide values:
> With a light load: 
1 to 2 persons without luggage: 
approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load: 
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 
4 persons without luggage: 
approx. 95 miles/150 km
> With a full load: 
4 or more persons, cargo bay full: 
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed 
speeds of 50 mph/80 km/h or else you 
run the risk of causing an accident. In the event 
of pressure loss, vehicl e handling changes. This 
includes reduced tracking stability in braking, 
extended braking distance and altered natural 
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or  loud noises occur while 
the vehicle is being driven , this can indicate final 
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and 
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible, 
otherwise pieces of the tire could become 
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact the BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. <
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor*
The concept
TPM checks the tire inflation pressure in the 
four mounted tires. The system reports when  

Controls
 103Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
6.Start the engine, but do not start driving.
7. Select "Reset" and press the controller.
8. Select "Yes" and press the controller.
9. Start to drive.
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting 
TPM..." is displayed.
After a few minutes of driving, the set tire infla-
tion pressures in the tire s are applied as the set 
values to be monitored.  Resetting finishes dur-
ing driving. The tires ar e shown in green on the 
Control Display.
If a flat tire is detected during resetting 
and applying the tire inflation pressures, 
all tires are shown in yellow on the Control Dis-
play. The message "Tir e low!" is displayed.<
Message with low tire inflation 
pressure
The warning lamp lights up yellow. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal 
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation 
pressure loss.
1. Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h. If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires as provided at the factory, 
refer to page 256, do not continue driving. 
Continuing to drive with a flat tire could 
cause severe accidents. <
2. In the event of complete  tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible 
distance for continued driving on the basis 
of the following guide values:
> With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
> With a medium load:
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 95 miles/150 km
> With a full load:
4 or more persons, cargo bay full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed 
speeds of 50 mph/80 km/h or else you 
run the risk of causing an accident. In the event 
of pressure loss, vehicl e handling changes. This 
includes reduced tracking stability in braking, 
extended braking distance and altered natural 
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or  loud noises occur while 
the vehicle is being driven , this can indicate final 
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and 
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible, 
otherwise pieces of the tire could become 
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact the BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. <
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and 
then lights up continuously. The tires 
are shown in gray on the Control Dis-
play and a message is displayed. No flat tire can 
be detected.
A message like this is displayed in the following 
situations:
> In case of a malfunction:
Have the system checked 

Practical interior accessories
124
The corresponding memory button 
1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the device when the engine is 
running or when the igni tion is switched on.
If the device cannot be used after 
repeated programming, check whether 
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the 
instructions for the original hand-held transmit-
ter or hold down the programmed memory but-
ton 1 of the integrated universal remote control. 
If the LED 2 on the integrated universal remote 
control flashes rapidly for a short time and then 
remains lit for approx. 2  seconds, this indicates 
that the original hand-h eld transmitter uses an 
alternating-code system. In the case of an alter-
nating-code system, program the memory but-
tons 1 as described at Alternating-code hand-
held transmitters. <
Alternating-code hand-held 
transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote 
control, consult the operating instructions for 
the equipment to be set. You will find informa-
tion there on the possibilities for synchroniza-
tion.
When programming hand-held transmitters 
that employ an alternating code, observe the 
following supplementary instructions:
Programming will be easi er with the aid of 
a second person. <
1. Park your vehicle within the range of the 
remote-controlled device.
2. Program the integrated  universal remote 
control as described above in the section 
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3. Locate the button on  the receiver of the 
device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit.
4. Press the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set. Af ter step 4, you have 
approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5. Press the programmed memory button 1 
of the integrated universal remote control 
three times. The corresponding memory button 
1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
Should you have questions, please con-
tact your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center. <
Deleting all stored programs
Press the left and right-hand memory button 1 
for approx. 20 seconds until the LED 2 flashes 
quickly:
All stored programs are deleted.
Reassigning individual programs
1. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at 
a distance of approx. 4 in/10 cm to 12 in/
30 cm from the  memory buttons 1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons 1 depends on the relevant sys-
tem of the original hand-held transmitter 
used. <
2. Press the desired memory button 1 of the 
integrated universal remote control.
3. When the LED  2 flashes slowly after approx. 
20 seconds, press the transmit button of 
the original hand-held transmitter. Release 
both buttons as soon as the LED 2 flashes 
rapidly. If the LED 2 does not flash rapidly 
after approx. 15 seconds, alter the distance 
and repeat the step.
Digital compass*
1 Adjustment button
2 Display 

Things to remember when driving
138
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to 
each other. To ensure that your vehicle contin-
ues to provide optimized economy of operation 
throughout an extended service life, we request 
that you devote careful  attention to the follow-
ing section.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at changing engine and vehicle speeds, 
however do not exceed:
> Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
> Diesel engine
3,500 rpm or 90 mph/150 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kick-down mode during these 
initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be 
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors  associated with their 
manufacture, tires do no t achieve their full trac-
tion potential until afte r an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive reservedly during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive in a reserved manner during 
this break-in period.
Following part replacement
Observe the break-in instructions again if com-
ponents mentioned above must be replaced 
after subsequent driving operation.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends 
on various factors. Through a few simple steps, 
your driving style, and  regular maintenance, you 
can have a positive influence on your fuel con-
sumption and environmental impact.
Removing unnecessary cargo
Additional weight incr eases fuel consumption.
Removing add-on parts after use
Remove unneeded auxiliary  mirrors, roof or rear 
luggage racks after use. Add-on parts attached 
to the vehicle impede the aerodynamics and 
increase the fuel consumption.
Closing windows and glass sunroof*/
panorama glass sunroof* 
An open glass sunroof/panorama glass sunroof 
or open windows likewise increase the drag 
coefficient and therefore the fuel consumption.
Checking tire in flation pressures 
regularly
Check and correct the tire  inflation pressure as 
needed at least twice a month and before long 
trips.
An insufficient tire inflation pressure increases 
the rolling resistance an d thus increases the 
fuel consumption and tire wear.
Driving off immediately
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it 
running while the vehicl e remains stationary. 
Instead, begin to drive  at a moderate engine  

Things to remember when driving
144
Driving on poor roads
Your BMW 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 shou ld strictly observe for 
your own safety, for that  of your passengers, 
and for the safety of the vehicle:
> Familiarize yourself wi th the vehicle before 
driving off and avoid taking risks at all costs.
> Adapt your driving spee d to the road condi-
tions. The steeper and rougher the road 
surface is, the lower  the speed should be.
> If you want to drive on very steep uphill or 
downhill gradients, ma ke sure beforehand 
that the engine oil and coolant levels are 
near the MAX mark, refer to page 259.
BMW X5: you can operate your vehicle on 
uphill and downhill gradients with a maxi-
mum slope of 50 %.
> On very steep downhill slopes, use Hill 
Descent Control HDC, refer to page 98. 
BMW X5: it is possible to start off on inclines 
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 whenev er possible.
> Make sure that the undercarriage does not 
touch the ground, for example on crests and 
bumpy roads. The ground clearance of the 
vehicle is a maximum of approx. 8 in/20 cm. 
Please note that the ground clearance can 
vary depending on lo ading and the driving 
conditions of the vehicle.
> Only drive through road  surface water up to 
a maximum water depth of
> BMW X5 20 in/50 cm
> BMW X6 17 in/45 cm
and only drive at walking speed; do not 
remain stationary. >
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 
page 97.
> If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress 
the accelerator pedal su fficiently 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. 

Telephoning
230
You can select the di
splayed service phone 
number if your mobile phone is paired in the 
vehicle:
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. Press the  button.
This opens the start menu.
2. Move the controller forward to select 
"Communication".
3. Select "BMW Contact" and press the con-
troller.
4. Select "BMW Contact Numbers" and press 
the controller.
5. Select one of the following menu items and 
press the controller:
>"Roadside Assistance"
> "Customer Relations"
> "Service Request"
6. Select "Call" and  press the controller.
Contact is established.
Transferring phone number via tone 
dialing method
The tone dialing method  is required for access 
to network services or  for controlling devices, 
e.g. remote checking of an answering machine. This function is ava
ilable when a connection 
has been established.
1. Establish connection.
2. With a single drive:
Press the controller.
Select "Keypad" and  press the controller.
With two drives:
Move the controller backwards until the 
bottom field is selected.
3. Select the desired character
 and press the 
controller.
Each character is sent immediately and 
confirmed by a tone depending on the 
mobile phone model.
Changing between mobile 
phone and hands-free system
From mobile phone to hands-free 
system*
You can continue calls  begun outside the Blue-
tooth range of the vehicle via the handsfree sys-
tem when the engine is running or the ignition is 
switched on. Depending on your mobile phone, 
the system automatically  switches over to the 
handsfree mode. 

Mobility
 245Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Fuel specifications
Gasoline engine: required fuel
Do not use leaded gasoline, otherwise 
damage to the catalytic converter will 
result.
Do not use E85, i.e. fuel that consists of 85 % 
ethanol, or Flex Fuel, otherwise permanent 
damage to the engine and the fuel supply sys-
tem will result. <
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is hi ghly recommended.
However, you may also  use gasoline with less 
AKI. The minimum AKI Rating is 87.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds 
when starting at high outside temperatures. 
This has no affect on the engine life.
Do not use gasoline below the specified 
minimum quality, otherwise engine dam-
age can result. <
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has in dicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition, 
additives, etc., among ga solines offered for sale 
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 % ethanol or other 
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight, 
that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an 
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void 
the applicable warranti es with respect to 
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in 
drivability, starting and stalling problems 
especially under certai n environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and 
high altitude. 
Should you encounter drivability problems 
which you suspect could be  related to the fuel 
you are using, we recommend that you respond 
by switching to a recognized high-quality brand 
such as gasoline that is  advertised as Top Tier 
Detergent Gasoline. 
Failure to comply with  these recommendations 
may also result in un scheduled maintenance. <
BMW X5 with BMW Advanced Diesel: 
Required fuel
Ultra-low sulfur diesel
The engine of your BMW is designed for diesel 
with a low sulfur content:
Ultra-low sulfur diesel ASTM D 975-07a.
Refuel only with ultra-low sulfur diesel. 
The percentage of biodiesel in the fuel 
must not exceed 5 Ξ, referred to as B5. Do not 
refuel with gasoline. If the vehicle has been 
refueled with incorrect fuel such as gasoline, do 
not start the engine; otherwise, there is a dan-
ger of engine damage. <
After incorrect refueling, contact a BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center.
The fuel filling neck is designed for refuel-
ing with diesel nozzles.
If the nozzle cannot be inserted into the fuel 
filler pipe of your BMW, please check to make 
sure that you are refueling with a diesel fuel 
pump and whether this is equipped with a diesel 
nozzle. <
Winter diesel
In order to assure the  operational reliability of 
the diesel engine, during cold seasons, please 
refuel with winter diesel, which is sold at fuel 
stations during this time of year. The standard 
fuel filter heating prevents the supply of fuel 
from stalling during driving.
Do not mix in any additives or gasoline; 
otherwise, there is the risk of engine dam-
age. <
BMW X5 with BMW Advanced 
Diesel
The concept
BMW Advanced Diesel reduces nitrogen oxides 
in the diesel exhaust of your vehicle by injecting 
the reducing agent diesel exhaust fluid into the 
exhaust line. In the cata lytic converter, a chem-
ical reaction occurs th at minimizes nitrogen 
oxides. 

Under the hood
260
BMW X6
1Filler neck for washer  fluid of the headlamp 
and windshield cleaning systems, refer to 
page 75
2 Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding 
engine oil on page 261 3
Starting-aid termin al, refer to page280
4 Expansion tank for  coolant, refer to 
page 262
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on 
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil 
level check.
The condition for the most accurate indication 
of the oil level possible is measurement with the 
engine at operating temperature, i.e. following 
an uninterrupted drive of at least 6 miles/10 km. 
You can display the oil  level while driving or 
when stopped on a level surface with the engine 
running.
iDrive, for operating pr inciple refer to page16.
1. Press the  button.
This opens the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the  menu. 3.
Select "Info sources" and press the control-
ler.
4. Select "Service Info" and press the control-
ler.