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Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
will be happy to answer more detailed
questions about 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 grades
If none of the approved oils is available at a
given time, you can also use smaller quantities
of other oils between oil changes. The packag-
ing must include one of the following indica-
tions of oil specifications.
Gasoline engines
>Preferred: BMW Longlife-01,
BMW Longlife-01 FE
>Alternative: 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 classi-
fications 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 Vehicle Center can recommend
suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, 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 correct when the cool-
ant level is between the MIN and MAX
marks, refer to the diagram 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 there is an audible click.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
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Mobility
245Reference
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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 the vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
The lamp flashes under certain 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 the catalytic converter,
within a short time.
The warning lamp lights up if the fuel
cap has not been properly tightened
and the OBD system detects the
escape of fuel vapors. Check that the fuel cap is
correctly seated and tighten it until you hear a
clearly audible click.
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
vehicle data or information. If you have also sub-
scribed to BMW Assist, certain vehicle data can
be transmitted or recorded to enable corre-
sponding services.
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Mobility
247Reference
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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 1407/606.
Insufficient distance or excessive pressure or
temperature can damage parts of the vehicle or
can result in water penetration. Follow the oper-
ating instructions for the high-pressure clean-
ing jets.<
Do not spray the sensors and cameras,
e.g. of Park Distance Control, Top View,
or rear view camera, with high-pressure clean-
ers for long periods and keep the spray nozzle
at least 12 in/30 cm away from them.<
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.<
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 environmental factors can
affect and damage vehicle finish. It is therefore
important to tailor the frequency and extent of
your car care accordingly.
Immediately remove particularly aggressive
substances such as spilled 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 using Genuine BMW finish
materials in accordance with factory guidelines.
Waxing
Sealant is required when water no longer beads
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
with shampoo added to it. For additional treat-
ment, use chrome polish.
Alloy wheels
Depending on your system, braking can gener-
ate dust, which settles on the light-alloy wheels.
Remove this dust regularly with acid-free wheel
cleaner.
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When performing care and maintenance on the
headlamps, please observe the information on
page247.
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-
c e n t l e n s e s s e r v e a s t h e l i g h t s o u r c e f o r m a n y o f
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 unfiltered light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
BMW X5: changing lamps
Xenon lamps
These bulbs have a very long service life and
the probability of a failure is very low. If a lamp
should nevertheless fail, you can continue driv-
ing cautiously with fog lamps
* provided that
this is permitted by the country-specific laws.
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: LED technology.
In case of a defect, please go to a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a work-
shop that works according to BMW repair
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Mobility
259Reference
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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
page45.
>Time and Date
The values must be updated again, refer to
pages79, 80.
>Radio
Radio stations must be stored again, refer
to page164.
>Navigation system
You must wait until the system becomes
functional again, refer to page157.
>Glass sunroof/panorama glass sunroof
It may only be possible to raise the glass
sunroof/panorama glass sunroof The sys-
tem must be initialized, refer to page42.
>Digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to
page118.
>Active steering
The system automatically initializes for a
short time as you drive. During this time, the
system is deactivated, refer to page97.
>xDrive
The system automatically initializes as you
drive. During this time, indicator lamps light
up. If the lamps do not disappear during the
current trip, have the system checked.
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 circuit overload, ultimately
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
A pair of plastic tweezers and instructions for
fuse allocation is stored with the fuses in the
cargo bay.
Spare fuses can be obtained from your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle.
In interior
The fuses are located in the front passenger
footwell on the underside 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, arrow1, and fold down
the fuse carrier, arrow2.
4.Replace the fuse concerned.
5.Installation is carried out in the reverse
order of removal. Ensure correct and secure
attachment of the footwell trim panel in the
process.
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261Reference
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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 page215.
>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 hands-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.
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Reference 273
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Mobility
Short commands of voice activation
system
With short commands you can carry out certain
functions directly, regardless of which menu item is selected. Here are the important short
commands for the voice activation system.
Useful short commands
CD/Multimedia
CD/DVD drive
Music collection
*
FunctionCommand
Accessing a music collection{Music collection}
Accessing tone control{Tone}
Accessing settings{Settings}
Accessing the computer{Onboard info}
Accessing contacts
*{Contacts}
Displaying the phone book
*{Phonebook}
Accessing BMW Assist
*{B M W Assist}
Retrieving home address
*{Home address}
Selecting destination entry
*{Enter address}
FunctionCommand
Playing a CD{C D on}
Selecting a CD{Select C D}
Selecting a CD and track{C D ... track ...} e.g. CD 3 track 5
Selecting a track{C D track ...} e.g. track 5
Opening the CD and Multimedia menu{C D and multimedia}
CD and DVD
*{C D and D V D}
Displaying entertainment details in split screen
*{Entertainment details}
FunctionCommand
Displaying current playback{Current playback}
Accessing a music collection{Music collection}
Playing a music collection{Music collection on}
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Everything from A to Z
279
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System88
Accessories5
Access to 3rd row seats48
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control77
Activated-charcoal filter112
Active seat52
Active seat ventilation51
Active steering96
– malfunction97
– warning lamp97
Adaptive brake lamp, brake
force display97
Adaptive Drive91
Adaptive fixing system124
Adaptive Head Light103
Address for navigation,
entering141,147
Adjusting confirmation signals
for locking and unlocking28
Adjusting opening
height31,33
Adjusting temperature with
expanded-scope automatic
climate control109
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control160
Adjusting thigh
support44,45
Airbags98
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp99
Air distribution
– automatic108,113
– manual110
Air recirculation110
– AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control110
– recirculated-air mode110Air vents107
– refer to Ventilation111
Air vents of automatic climate
control107
Air volume109,113
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications225
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off alarm34
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor35
– tilt alarm sensor35
Albums of music
collection180
Alloy wheels247
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires238
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive90
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
AM, waveband163
Antenna for mobile phone202
Antifreeze
– coolant243
– washer fluid69
Antilock Brake System
ABS88
Anti-theft system
– refer to Alarm system34
– refer to Central locking
system27
Approved axle weights, refer
to Weights271
Approved engine oils243
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights271
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, front119Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time, refer to
Computer74
Ashtray
– front120
– rear120
Assist, refer to separate
operating instructions
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems88
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control110
Audio160
– controls160
– switching on/off160
– tone control160
– volume160
Audio CDs, DVD system in
rear193
Audio device, external119
Automatic
– air distribution108,113
– air volume108,113
– headlamp control102
– liftgate operation31
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit54
Automatically switching high-
beams on and off, refer to
High-beam assistant104
Automatic car washes246
Automatic climate control
– automatic air
distribution108,113
– in rear112
– switching off111,113
– ventilation in rear111
– with 2-zone control108
– with 4-zone control112
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