Things to remember when driving
132
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between the tires and
the road surface, ultimately 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 page236.
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 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.
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External devices
184 which audio devices/mobile phones are com-
patible.
Audio files
Standard audio formats, e.g. MP3, WMA, WAV
(PCM) and AAC, and playlists in the M3U format
can be played.
Connecting via USB-audio interface
Open the lid of the center armrest.
1AUX-IN connection for audio playback:
TRS connector 1/8 in/3.5 mm
2USB interface
Apple iPod/iPhone
Use the special cable adapter for Apple iPods/
iPhones, which you can obtain from your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. The cable
adapter is required for a proper connection.
Connect the Apple iPod/iPhone to the AUX-IN
connection and USB interface1 using the cable
adapter for Apple iPod/iPhone.
The menu structure of the Apple iPod/iPhone is
supported by the USB audio interface.
USB device
When connecting the device use a flexi-
ble adapter cable, to protect the USB
interface and your USB device against physical
damage.<
Connect the USB device to connector 2, using
a flexible adapter cable.
When the device is connected for the first time,
the information on all tracks (e.g. artist, type of
music) and the playlists are transferred from the
USB device to the vehicle. This process can take some time. The time required is dependent
on the USB device and on the number of tracks.
During transmission, the tracks can be
accessed via the file directory.
Information from up to four USB devices can be
stored in the vehicle, or a total of about
16,000 tracks.
I f a f i f t h U S B d e v i c e i s c o n n e c t e d o r i f m o r e t h a n
16,000 tracks are stored, information on exist-
ing tracks may be deleted.
Music tracks with integrated Digital
Rights Management (DRM) cannot be
played.<
Starting audio playback
If the audio device has a device name, this will
be displayed if possible.
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."External devices"
3.Select the symbol.
The name of the audio device may appear.
The playback starts with the first track. If an
Apple iPhone is connected via the snap-in
adapter while an audio device is connected to
the AUX-IN connection at the same time, the
audio signal of the AUX-IN connection will be
played.
Information about the track
If information about a track has been stored, it is
displayed automatically:
>Artist
>Album title
>Number of tracks
>Track file name
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Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
189Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
>Press the arrow buttons:
To switch between windows.
>Press the button:
To activate the menu item.
The transmission time of the remote control is
limited in accordance with legal guidelines. A
function can be repeated by pressing or turning
the appropriate button or knob.
Changing batteries
1.Press the detent and remove the cover.
2.Change the batteries. The type and installa-
tion position are marked on the bottom of
the battery compartment.
3.Close the cover.
Return old batteries to a collection point
or to your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center.<
Setting the language of the
DVD system
1.Select a CD/DVD track.
2.Press the button.
3.Select "Tone".
4.Press the button.
5.Switch to the top window.
6.Select "Language".
7.Press the button.
8.Select the desired language.
9.Press the button.
Sound output via speakers
In addition to the headphones, you can also play
the sound via the vehicle speakers.
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."External devices"
3."AUX/rear"
Switching DVD system on/off
Press the button on the CD-/DVD player or
under the desired screen.
The DVD system switches on automatically
when a CD or DVD is inserted.
Playing CD/DVD
Use the following menu items to access data
from a CD/DVD:
>Video data via "DVD"
>Audio data via "CD"
>Pictures via "Photo".
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Refueling
226
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 catalytic converter, a chem-
ical reaction occurs that minimizes nitrogen
oxides.
In order to be able to start the engine in the
usual way, there must be a sufficient supply of
diesel exhaust fluid in the separate reservoir.
System heating
In order to bring the system to operating tem-
perature after a cold start of the engine, the
automatic transmission shifts into the next
higher gear at a later point.
Reserve display
A display in the instrument panel informs you
about the remaining distance can be covered
with the amount of fuel currently in the tank.
The reserve display appears approx.
1,000 miles/1,600 km before the end of the
tank.
As soon as the reserve display has
appeared in the instrument panel, have
the diesel exhaust fluid refilled to prevent the
engine from being unable to restart.<
Diesel exhaust fluid at minimum
Even with a display of -- mls, the engine will
continue to run, provided that it is not switched
off, and all other operating requirements are
met, e.g. sufficient fuel.
Do not drive until the displayed remaining
distance runs out. Otherwise, it may not
be possible to restart the engine.<
Incorrect fueling
The warning lamp lights up:
The reservoir has been filled with an
incorrect fluid.
Please contact your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center.
Having diesel exhaust fluid refilled
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center refills
the diesel exhaust fluid as part of the regular
maintenance. If you adhere to this maintenance
schedule, it is usually not necessary to refill any
fluids between the maintenance dates.
Under certain circumstances, e.g. due to a par-
ticularly sporty driving style or operation of the
vehicle at high altitudes, it may be necessary to
refill fluids between maintenance dates.
As soon as the reserve display has appeared in
the instrument panel, have the diesel exhaust
fluid refilled to prevent the engine from being
unable to restart.
You can have the fluid refilled by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.
Diesel exhaust fluid at low
temperatures
Due to its physical properties, it may be
necessary to replenish the level of diesel
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Care
246
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 retaining 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 formulated 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 them. 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
page269.
>If necessary, fold in exterior mirrors, refer to
page52.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rail heights
over 4 in/10 cm, otherwise there is dan-
ger of damaging chassis parts.<
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 add-on parts such as spoilers or
phone antennas if they risk being damaged.
Before driving into the car wash, observe the
following so that the vehicle is able to roll:
1.Insert the remote control 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
page62.
5.Switch off the engine.
6.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
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.<
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Giving and receiving assistance
264 tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Before towing, manually unlock the trans-
mission lock, refer to page66; failure to
do so can result in damage to the transmis-
sion.<
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, 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 your BMW with the front or
rear axle raised individually; otherwise,
the wheels may lock and the transfer case may
be damaged.<
Have the BMW transported only on a flatbed
surface.
Tow-starting
The engine cannot be started by tow-starting.
Start the engine by jump starting it, refer to
page262.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties elimi-
nated.
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Everything from A to Z
280 Automatic climate control in
rear
– activating on Control
Display112
– deactivating on Control
Display112
Automatic closing of doors,
refer to Automatic soft
closing30
Automatic curb monitor53
Automatic garage door
opener115
Automatic headlamps, refer to
High-beam assistant104
Automatic Hold61
– activating62
– deactivating62
– parking62
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp
control102
– refer to Daytime driving
lamps103
– refer to Interior lamps106
– refer to Pathway lighting103
Automatic low-beams, refer to
High-beam assistant104
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC110
Automatic Service
Request219
Automatic soft closing30
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic64
– deactivating selector lever
interlock65
– kick-down65
– manually releasing
transmission lock66
– tow-starting264
– with comfort access36
AUTO program for automatic
climate control108,113
AUX-IN connection119,183
Average fuel consumption73
– setting units80
Average speed, refer to
Computer73Avoiding highways for
navigation150
Avoiding unintentional
alarms35
Axle weights, refer to
Weights271
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support45
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backrest width adjustment45
Backup lamps, replacing
bulbs251,254
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
kit262
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone, refer to Snap-
in adapter212
Bass, tone setting160
Battery
– charging258
– jump starting262
– power failure259
– refer to Vehicle battery258
Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort
access37
– vehicle battery258
Battery for mobile phone212
Battery replacement
– remote control for DVD
system in rear189
– remote control with comfort
access37
Being towed263
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders119
Blower, refer to Air
volume109,113
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating204
BMW Advanced Diesel226
BMW Assist215
– activating217
BMW homepage4BMW maintenance
system244
BMW Search217
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center219
BMW TeleServices216
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders119
Brake assistant88
Brake force display97
Brake lamps
– brake force display97
– replacing bulbs251,254
Brake rotors132
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake
System88
– brake assistant88
– brake force display97
– breaking-in130
– CBC Cornering Brake
Control88
– electronic brake-force
distribution88
– parking brake61
– refer to Braking safely132
– warning lamp13
Brake system130
– brake pads130
– breaking-in130
– disk brakes132
Braking safely132
Breakdown, Flat Tire
Monitor92
Breakdown services, refer to
Roadside Assistance262
Breaking-in brake pads130
Breaking-in rear axle
differential130
Break-in period130
Brightness
– of Control Display80
– on Head-Up Display100
Button for starting engine59
Buttons on steering wheel11
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Reference 283
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Diesel exhaust fluid
– at low temperatures226
– at minimum226
– refilling yourself227
Diesel particulate filter131
Digital clock71
Digital compass116
Digital radio, refer to HD
Radio164
Dimensions269
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals67
Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions152
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions152
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book143
Displacement, refer to Engine
data268
Display, refer to iDrive16
Displaying images195
Displaying special
destinations146
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting105
Displays, refer to Instrument
panel12
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-Up
Display100
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with comfort access37
– battery of the remote
control, DVD system in
rear189
– vehicle battery258
Distance, refer to
Computer74
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer74
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control82
Door entry lighting106Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Door lock29
Door locking, confirmation
signals28
Doors
– manual operation29
– remote control27
DOT Quality Grades235
Downhill driving assistance,
refer to HDC90
Draft-free ventilation111
Drinks holder, refer to Cup
holders119
Driver's seat, calibrating50
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams102
Driving on poor roads135
Driving stability control
systems88
Driving through water132
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes130
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function110
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function110
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control88
– indicator lamp13,89
DSC OFF, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control88
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control89
– activating89
– indicator lamp89
DVD
– country codes173
– settings174
– video playback173
DVD changer, refer to CD
changer171
DVD menu174
DVD player, refer to CD
player171DVD system in rear187
– CD/DVD player188
– connecting headphones188
– controls187
– displaying images from CD/
DVD195
– DVD country codes190
– external device198
– information on CD/DVD
player196
– playing audio tracks from
CD/DVD193
– playing video from CD/
DVD190
– remote control188
– switching on/off189
DVD video173
Dynamic Performance
Control90
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC88
Dynamic Traction, refer to
Dynamic Traction
Control89
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC89
E
Easy entry/exit54
Eject button, refer to Buttons
on the CD/DVD player160
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic66
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler door224
– glass sunroof, electric42
– liftgate31
– panorama glass sunroof40
– parking brake63
Electric seat44
Electronic brake-force
distribution88
Electronic oil level check241
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