Under the hood
262
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil has critical signifi-
cance for the operation and service life of an
engine. BMW continuously approves specific
oils after confirming their suitability for use in its
vehicles with extensive testing.
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
will be happy to answer detailed ques-
tions on approved oils. <
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website at
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information. Do not use oil additives, as these may
result in engine damage.<
Alternative oil types
If none of the approved o ils is available, you can
also use other oils for adding small amounts
between oil changes. One of the following oil
specifications must be indicated on the pack-
aging:
Gasoline engines
> preferably: BMW Longlife-01,
BMW Longlife-01 FE, or
BMW Longlife-04
> alternatively: BMW Longlife-98, API SM
or higher
Diesel engines
>BMW Longlife-04
Viscosity grades
Viscosity is a measure of an oil's flow rating and
is specified in SAE grades.
The choice of the right SAE grade is based on
the climatic conditions in the region in which
you normally drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the SAE classifi-
cations 0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40 and
5W-30. <
These oils can be used for driving at all outside
temperatures.
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping coolant
can cause burns. <
Coolant is composed of equal parts water and a
coolant additive. Not all commercially available
additives are suitable for your BMW. Your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicl e Center can recommend
suitable additives.
Only use suitable ad ditives, otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard; observe the instruc-
tions on the containers. <
Comply with the appropriate environ-
mental protection regulations when dis-
posing of coolant additives. <
Checking coolant level
1.Do not open the hood until the engine has
cooled down.
2. Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
3. The coolant level is co rrect when the cool-
ant level is between the MIN and MAX
marks, refer to the di agram adjacent to the
filler neck.
4. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level; do not overfill.
5. Turn the cap until ther e is an audible click.
6. Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Mobility
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Maintenance
BMW maintenance system
The BMW maintenance system supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW. The service schedule also
includes operations related to the vehicle's
comfort and convenience features, such as
replacement of the filters for the inside air.
The ultimate objective is to ensure economical
maintenance by providing the ideal service for
your vehicle.
Should the day come when you decide to sell
your BMW, a complete dealer service history
will prove to be an asset of inestimable value.
CBS Condition Based Service
Sensors and special algo rithms take the differ-
ent driving conditions of your BMW into
account. Condition Based Service uses this to
determine the current and future service
requirements. By letting you define a service
and maintenance regimen that reflects your
own individual requirements, the system builds
the basis for trouble-free driving.
You can set the Contro l Display to show
remaining distances and times of selected
maintenance intervals and legally mandated
deadlines, refer to page 82:
> Engine oil
> Brake pads, front and rear separately
> Brake fluid
> Vehicle check >
Legally mandated inspections depending
on local regulations
Service data in remote control
Your vehicle stores the information required for
maintenance continuously in the remote con-
trol during driving. After accessing the data
stored in the remote co ntrol, your BMW Service
Advisor can suggest precisely the right array of
service procedures for yo ur own individual vehi-
cle. You should therefore hand over the remote
control you last used to drive to the BMW Ser-
vice Advisor when you take your vehicle in for
service.
Make sure the date is set correctly, refer
to page 89, otherwise the effectiveness
of CBS Condition Based Service is not
ensured. <
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<
Maintenance
264
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics interface
Components which are decisive for the
exhaust-gas composition can be checked via
the OBD socket with a device.
This socket is located to the left on the driver's
side, on the underside of the instrument cluster
under a cover.
Exhaust-gas values
The warning lamp lights up:
The vehicle is producing an elevated
amount of exhaust emissions. Contin-
ued driving is possible. Have it checked at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center as soon as
possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction in Canadian models.
The lamp flashes under ce rtain conditions. This
is a sign of excessive misfiring of the engine. In
this case, you should reduce your speed and
proceed to the nearest BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center. Heavy engine misfiring causes
serious damage to the emission-relevant com-
ponents, especially th e catalytic converter,
within a short time.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly tight-
ened, the OBD system will assume that
fuel vapor escapes. Then a display lights up. If
the cap is then tightened, the display will go out
within a few days. <
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or sev-
eral measuring and diagnosis modules, or with
a device for recording or transmitting certain
v e hi c l e d a t a o r i n f o r m a t i o n . I f y o u h a v e a l s o s u b -
scribed to BMW Assist, ce rtain vehicle data can
be transmitted or reco rded to enable corre-
sponding services.
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Care
Car-care products
For the cleaning and care of your vehicle, BMW
recommends using only products that BMW
has approved for this purpose.
Regular cleaning and care make a significant
contribution to retain ing your BMW's value.
The BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be
happy to consult you on products and services
for the cleaning and care of your BMW.
Genuine BMW Care Products are materi-
als tested, laboratory tested, and tested in
actual use. They offer optimum care and pro-
tection for your vehicle. <
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol
or solvents; they can damage your vehi-
cle. <
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or pose health risks.
You should therefore heed the warnings and
hazard indications on the packaging. Open the
doors or windows on your vehicle whenever
cleaning the interior. Make sure there is suffi-
cient ventilation in enclosed spaces. Use only
products that are formul ated for vehicle clean-
ing. <
Exterior care
Washing your vehicle
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Otherwise, signifi-
cant soiling and road salt can cause damage to
the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry th em. Failure to do so
may lead to a reduction in braking efficiency and
also to corrosion of the brake rotors. <
Car washes
Give preference to cloth car washes.
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
it is suitable for your BMW. Pay attention to the
following points:
> Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page 287.
> If necessary: fold in door mirror, refer to
page 57.
> Maximum permissible tire width.
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
> Deactivate rain sensor
* to prevent
unwanted wiper activation.
> BMW X5: deactivate rear window wiper and
protect it from damage. Take appropriate
protective measures; inquiring with the car
wash operator as needed.
> Remove additional add- on parts, e.g. spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be
damaged.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
Before driving into the car wash, observe the
following so that the vehicle is able to roll:
1. Insert the remote cont rol into the ignition
lock, even with comfort access.
2. Shift into transmission position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Deactivate Automatic Hold, refer to
page 68.
5. Switch off the engine.
6. Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
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Replacing components
Onboard toolkit
The onboard toolkit is located in the cargo bay
under the floor panel.
Replacing wiper blades
Front
1. Fold down the wiper arm.
2. Swing the wiper blade upward.
3. Remove the wiper blade toward the wind-
shield, refer to arrow.
BMW X5: rear
1.Lift off the wiper arm completely and pull off
the wiper blade, refer to arrow.
2. Mount the new wiper blade and press on
until it is heard to engage.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make an essential contribu-
tion to vehicle safety. You must be duly diligent
in replacing them. BMW recommends having
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center per-
form any work that you do not feel competent to
perform yourself or that is not described here.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean cloth, napkin, etc., or hold the bulb by its
metal socket. <
A replacement bulb set is available from your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Only replace bulbs when cool, as other-
wise you may be burned. <
Whenever you perform any work on the
electrical system, turn off the systems/
consumers involved to prevent short circuits
from occurring. To avoid possible injury or
equipment damage when replacing bulbs,
observe any instructions provided by the bulb
manufacturer. <
Replacing components
270
When performing care and maintenance on the
headlamps, please observe the information on
page
266.
For bulbs for which replacement is not
described and for checking and adjusting
headlamp aim, please contact your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. <
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a
concept similar to that applied in conventional
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfilter ed light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result. <
BMW X5: changing lamps
Xenon light
These bulbs have a very long service life and
the probability of a failure is very low. If one of
these bulbs should nevertheless fail, it is possi-
ble to continue driving with great caution using
the fog lamps, provided traffic laws in your area
do not prohibit this.
Have work on the xenon light unit includ-
ing changing the bulb carried out only by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Due to the high voltage present in the
system, there is a danger of fatal injuries when
work is carried out improperly.<
Halogen bulbs:
Parking lamps and roadside parking
lamps, daytime driving lamps
35-Watt bulb, H8
The bulb is pressurized. Therefore, wear
safety glasses and protective gloves.
Otherwise there is a danger of injuries if the bulb is accidentally
damaged during replace-
ment. <
1. Turn the cover to the left and remove.
2. Turn the bulbs to the left, pull off the con-
nector and replace.
3. Install in the reverse order.
Turn signals, front
24-Watt bulb, PY24W
1.Unscrew bulb holder with bulb to the left,
refer to arrow, and replace.
2. Install in the reverse order.
Side marker lamps, rear
To replace, please go to a BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.
Tail lamps
> Turn signals, brake lamps: 21-watt bulb,
P21W
> Backup lamps and brake force display: 16-
watt bulb, W16W
> Rear lamp: LE D technology.
In case of a defect, please go to a BMW
Replacing components
272
Brake force display
1.Carefully remove the cover in the liftgate
panel with a screwdriver.
2. Rotate the bulb socket to the left and
remove.
3. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
4. Insert the bulb socket in the liftgate and
engage it.
5. Before installing the cap, unclip the cargo
bay lamp.
Then lay the cap on its upper side and close
it, refer to arrow. 6.
Position the cargo bay lamp and clip it in,
refer to arrow.
License plate lamp
5-watt bulb, C11 12W
1.Slide the lamp to th e right with a screw-
driver, refer to arrow 1.
2. Remove the lamp, arrow 2.
3. Replace the bulb.
4. Reinstall the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation.
In case of a defect, please go to a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
BMW X6: changing lamps
Xenon lamps
These bulbs have a very long service life and
the probability of a failure is very low. If one of
these bulbs should nevertheless fail, it is possi-
ble to continue driving with great caution using
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Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency request
Conditions for an emergency request:
>Full preparation package mobile phone.
With this equipment, an emergency request
is still possible when no mobile phone is
paired in the vehicle.
> BMW Assist is activated.
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page 240.
> Radio readiness is switched on.
> The BMW Assist system is logged in on a
wireless communications network.
> The emergency request system is opera-
ble.
When the contract of participation with BMW
Assist expires, the BMW Assist system can be
deactivated by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center without having to visit a workshop. Once
the BMW Assist system has been deactivated,
emergency requests are not possible. The
BMW Assist system be reactivated by a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center after signing a
new contract.
Initiating an emergency request
1. Briefly press protective cover to open.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the
arrangement of the switches and indicator
lamps may differ somewhat.
2. Press the SOS button until the LED in the
button lights up. As soon as the voice connection to the BMW
Assist Response Center has been established,
the LED flashes.
When the emergency request is received at the
BMW Assist Response Center, the BMW Assist
Response Center contacts you and takes fur-
ther steps to help you. Even if you are unable to
answer, the BMW Assist Response Center can
take further steps to help you under certain
conditions.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until
the connection has been
established. You will
then be able to provide a detailed description of
the situation.
Information for determining the required rescue
measures is transmitted to the BMW Assist
Response Center, e.g. the current position of
your vehicle, if this can be determined.
If the LED flashes, but you are unable to hear
the BMW Assist Response Center through the
hands-free system, this could indicate, for
instance, that the hand s-free system is no
longer operational. The BMW Assist Response
Center may still be able to hear you, however.
Under certain conditions, an emergency
request is automatically initiated immediately
after a severe accident . An automatic collision
notification is not affected by the button being
pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency
request cannot be guaranteed under
unfavorable conditions. <
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in the cargo bay.
First-aid kit*
Some of the articles cont ained in the first-aid kit
have a limited service life. Therefore, check the
expiration dates of the contents regularly and