
Driving
74
Washer/wiper system
1Switching on wipers
2 Switching off wipers or brief wipe
3 Activating/deactivating intermittent wipe or 
rain sensor
*
4Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
5Setting interval for inte rmittent wipe or sen-
sitivity of the rain sensor
* 
Switching on wipers
Pull the lever upward, arrow 1.
The lever automatically retu rns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
Normal wiper speed
Press once. 
The system reverts to op eration in the intermit-
tent mode with the  vehicle stationary.
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance 
point. 
The system reverts to normal speed with the 
vehicle stationary.
Intermittent operation or rain sensor*
With the rain sensor, th e wiper operation is con-
trolled automatically as  a function of the rain 
intensity. The rain sensor is located on the 
windshield, directly in fr ont of the interior rear-
view mirror.
Activating intermittent operation or 
rain sensor
Press the button, arrow 3. The LED in the but-
ton lights up.
Setting interval for intermittent wipe or 
sensitivity of the rain sensor
Turn the serrated dial 5.
Deactivating intermittent operation or 
rain sensor
Press the button again, arrow 3. The LED goes 
out.
Deactivate the rain  sensor when passing 
through an automatic  car wash. Failure to 
do so could result in damage caused by undes-
ired wiper activation. <
Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
Pull the lever, arrow4.
The system sprays washer fluid against the 
windshield and ac tivates the wipers for a brief 
period.
When the vehicle lighting system is switched 
on, the headlamps are also cleaned at regular 
and appropriate intervals.
Do not use the washers if there is any 
danger that the fluid will freeze on the 
windshield. If you do so, your vision could be 
obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid 
antifreeze, refer to Wash er fluid. Do not use 
washing mechanisms when the washer fluid 
reservoir is empty, ot herwise you will damage 
the washer pump.< 

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
106
the upholstery in the center of the steering 
wheel, on the instrument cluster, the doors, and 
the roof pillars as well as
 the sides of the head-
liner. Do not attempt to  remove or dismantle the 
steering wheel. Do not  touch the individual 
components immediately after the system has 
been triggered, because there is a danger of 
burns. 
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or 
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have 
the testing, repair, remova l, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that 
works according to BMW repair procedures 
with correspondingly trained personnel and has 
the required explosives licenses. Otherwise 
unprofessional attempts  to service the system 
could lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag triggering, either of which could 
result in personal injury. <
Warnings and information on the airbags is also 
provided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front 
passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected by eval-
uating the impression on  the occupied seat sur-
face of the front passeng er seat. The front and 
side airbags on the front passenger side are 
activated or deactivated  accordingly by the sys-
tem.
The current status of the front passenger 
airbag, i.e. deactivated or activated, is 
indicated by the indicator  lamp over the interior 
rearview mirror, refer to Operating state of front 
passenger airbags in the following. <
Before transporting a child on the front 
passenger seat, read the safety informa-
tion and follow the inst ructions under Trans-
porting children safely, refer to page 61.
When teenagers and adults assume certain sit-
ting positions, this can cause the front and side 
airbags to deactivate. The indicator lamp for the 
front passenger airbags lights up when this 
occurs. In these cases, change the sitting posi-
tion so that the front passenger airbags are acti-
vated and the indicator la mp goes out. If the 
desired status cannot be  produced by changing  the sitting position, transport the correspond-
ing person on the rear se
at. Do not fit seat cov-
ers, seat cushion padding, ball mats or other 
items onto the front passenger seat unless they 
are specifically recomme nded by BMW. Do not 
lay objects under the seat which could press 
against the seat from below. Otherwise a cor-
rect evaluation of the occupied seat surface 
cannot be ensured. <
Operating state of front passenger 
airbags
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the 
arrangement of the switches and indicator 
lamps may differ somewhat.
The indicator lamp for  the front passenger air-
bags indicates the operating status of the front 
and side airbags on the front passenger side 
depending on the seat occupation. The indica-
tor lamp shows whether the front passenger 
airbags are activated or deactivated.
> The indicator lamp light s up when a child in 
a child restraint device  intended for the pur-
pose is properly detected on the seat.
The front and side airbags on the front pas-
senger side are not activated.
Most child's seats are detected by the 
system. Especially the child's seats 
required by the NHTSA at the time the vehi-
cle is manufactured. Af ter installing a child's 
seat, make sure that  the indicator lamp for 
the front passenger airbags lights up. This 
indicates that the child's seat has been 
detected and the front passenger airbags 
are not activated. <
> The indicator lamp does not light up when, 
for example, a correctly seated person of 
sufficient height is detected on the seat.  

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
140
planing, and is characterized by a partial or 
complete loss of contac
t between the tires and 
the road surface, ultima tely undermining your 
ability to steer and brake the vehicle. <
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread 
depth of the tires decreases, also refer to Mini-
mum tread depth on page 255.
Driving through water
Maximum water depth:
>BMW X5 20 in/50 cm
> BMW X6 17 in/45 cm
Only drive through water up to the above-
mentioned depth at no greater than walk-
ing speed; otherwise, the engine, electrical sys-
tem, and transmission can be damaged. <
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard 
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to 
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains 
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid 
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 pre ssure 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 br
aking 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 transmis sion, if necessary into 
first gear, refer to page 71. 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 op erating conditions where 
brake applications are less  frequent, there is an 
increased tendency for corrosion to form on 
rotors, while contaminan ts 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 re spond 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 page 57, 
otherwise they could be damaged due to the 
width of the vehicle.
Release the parking brake, particularly when 
you have activated Auto matic Hold, refer to 
page 67. 

Mobility
 265Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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. 

Care
266
Steam cleaners/high-pressure 
cleaning jets
When using steam cleaners or high-pres-
sure cleaning jets, make sure to maintain 
a sufficient distance and stay below a maximum 
temperature of 140 7/60 6.
Insufficient distance or excessive pressure or 
temperature can damage pa rts of the vehicle or 
can result in water pene tration. Follow the oper-
ating instructions for  the high-pressure clean-
ing jets. <
When using high-pressure cleaning jets, 
do not remain in one  place for a long time 
and be sure to maintain a distance of at least 
12 in/30 cm from sensors and cameras, e.g. 
Park Distance Control  sensors or rear view 
camera. <
Hand washing
When washing the vehicle by hand, use plenty 
of water and car washing shampoo. Clean the 
vehicle with gentle pressure using a sponge or a 
washing brush.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or  switch off the igni-
tion to prevent unwanted wiper operation. <
Follow local guidelines  for washing vehi-
cles by hand. <
Headlamps
Do not rub dry and never use abrasives or 
strong solvents to clean the covers.
Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or 
insect remover and wash away with plenty of 
water.
Use a window de-icer to remove accumulated 
ice and snow, not a scraper.
Windows
Use a glass cleaner to clean the inside and out-
side surfaces of the windows and the glass sur-
faces of the mirrors.
Do not use quartz-containing cleansers 
to clean glass surfaces of the mirrors. <
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to 
prevent streaking.
The presence of wax and sealant residues 
and dirt on the windows leads to streaking 
during wiper operation and results in premature 
wear on wiper blades as well as interference 
with the rain sensor. <
Caring for the vehicle finish
Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value 
and protects the paint from the long-term 
effects of aggressive substances.
Regionally occurring en vironmental factors can 
affect and damage vehicle  finish. It is therefore 
important to tailor the fr equency and extent of 
your car care accordingly.
Immediately remove particularly aggressive 
substances such as sp illed fuel, oil, grease, 
brake fluid, tree resin,  or bird droppings; other-
wise, they may damage your paint.
Repairing paint damage
Repair stone damage  or scratches imme-
diately, depending on  the severity of the 
damage, to prevent the formation of rust. <
BMW recommends having paint damage pro-
fessionally repaired us ing Genuine BMW finish 
materials in accordance  with factory guidelines.
Waxing
Sealant is required when  w a t e r  n o  l o ng e r  b e a ds  
on the clean surface of the paint. Use only prod-
ucts that contain carnauba wax or synthetic wax 
to seal your finish.
Rubber gaskets
Treat only with water or  a rubber care product.
To avoid noise or damage, do not use 
products that contain silicone to care for 
rubber gaskets. <
Chrome components
Particularly after exposure to road salt, thor-
oughly cleanse parts like  the radiator grille, door 
handles, or window frames with plenty of water  

Replacing components
278
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
Following a temporary power failure, e.g. due to 
a discharged battery, the use of some equip-
ment will be restricted,  requiring its reinitializa-
tion. In the same way, individual settings are lost 
and must be updated again:
> Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to 
page 50.
> Time and Date 
The values must be updated again, refer to 
pages 88, 89.
> Radio 
Radio stations must be stored again, refer 
to page 180.
> Navigation system 
You must wait until the system becomes 
functional again, refer to page 170.
> Glass sunroof/panorama glass sunroof
It may only be possible to raise the glass 
sunroof/panorama gl ass sunroof The sys-
tem must be initialized, refer to page 46.
> Digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to 
page 126.
Before removing the vehicle from stor-
age, consult your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center. <
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 circ uit overload, ultimately 
resulting in a fire in the vehicle. <
Spare fuses, a pair of plastic tweezers and infor-
mation on the fuse assi gnment are located near 
the fuses in the cargo bay.
In interior
The fuses are located in the front passenger 
footwell on the undersid e of the instrument 
cluster.
1. Unscrew screws, refer to arrows, of footwell 
trim panel.
2. Lay the trim panel in the footwell.
3. Unscrew the screw, arrow 1, and fold down 
the fuse carrier, arrow 2.
4. Replace the fuse concerned.
5. Installation is carrie d out in the reverse 
order of removal. Ensure correct and secure 
attachment of the foot well trim panel in the 
process.
In cargo bay
Open the right-hand side panel in the cargo 
bay. 

Everything from A to Z
302
Dynamic Performance 
Control 97
"Dynamic route" in  navigation 161
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC 96
Dynamic Traction Control  DTC 97
E
Easy entry/exit 58
Eject button, refer to Buttons 
on the CD player 174
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic 72
– door lock 32
– driver's door 32
– fuel filler door 244
– glass sunroof, electric 46
– liftgate 33
– panorama glass sunroof 44
– parking brake 69
Electric seat 49
Electronic brake-force  distribution 96
Electronic oil level check 260
Emergency operation, refer to  Manual operation
– door lock 32
– driver's door 32
– fuel filler door 244
– liftgate 33
– transmission lock, automatic  transmission 72
Emergency request 279
Emergency services, refer to  Roadside Assistance 280
"Enabled services" 241
"Enabled TeleServices" 238
"End call" 228 Engine
– breaking-in
138
– data 286
– oil temperature 79
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature 79
– speed 286
– starting 66
– starting, with comfort  access 40
– switching off 66
Engine compartment 259
Engine coolant 262
Engine oil
– adding 261
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils 262
– approved engine oil 262
– checking oil level 260
– electronic oil level check 260
– temperature 79
Engine oil temperature 79
Engine output, refer to Engine  data 286
Engine overheating, refer to 
Coolant temperature 79
Engine speed 286
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine 66
E
ntering country of  destination 151
Entering destination 151
Entering house number or  intersection 152
Entering intersection 152
Entering street 152
"Entertainment" 174
Entertainment sound output  on/off 175
"Equalizer", refer to Tone 
control 177
Equalizer, refer to Tone  control 177
"ESN" 184
ESP Electronic Stability  Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control 96 Event Data Recorders
264
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system 139
Exterior mirrors 57
– adjusting 57
– automatic dimming  feature 58
– automatic heating 58
– folding in and out 57
– tilting down passenger-side  exterior mirror 58
External audio device 127
– refer to AUX-In 
connection 200
Eye for tow-starting and  towing, refer to Tow 
fitting 281
F
Fader, refer to Tone 
control 176
Failure messages, refer to  Check Control 85
False alarm, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms 39
Fastening safety belts, refer to  Safety belts 54
– warning lamp 55
Fastest route for  navigation 160
Fast forward
– CD changer 190
– CD player 190
– DVD changer 195
"Fast route" in navigation 160
Fault displays, refer to Check 
Control 85
Filler neck for washer fluid 75
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit 279
First-aid kit 279
Fixing system, adaptive 133
Flashing during locking/ unlocking, refer to Setting 
confirmation signals 31