
Under the hood
240
Engine compartment
BMW X5
1Filler neck for washer fluid of the headlamp 
and windshield cleaning systems, refer to 
page69
2Starting-aid terminal, refer to page262
3Expansion tank for coolant, refer to 
page243
4Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding 
engine oil on page242
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Mobility
 241Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
BMW X6
1Filler neck for washer fluid of the headlamp 
and windshield cleaning systems, refer to 
page69
2Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding 
engine oil on page2423Starting-aid terminal, refer to page262
4Expansion tank for coolant, refer to 
page243
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.1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
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Mobility
 247Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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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Mobility
 251Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Entertainment
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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Technical data
272
Capacities
BMW X5Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters approx. 22.5/85 Fuel grade: page225
of that reserve
X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35d
X5 xDrive48iUS gal/liters
US gal/litersapprox. 2.1/8
approx. 2.6/10
Windshield washer 
with headlamp washer system US quarts/liters approx. 6.9/6.5 For more details: page69
BMW X6Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters approx. 22.5/85 Fuel grade: page225
of that reserve
X6 xDrive35i
X6 xDrive50iUS gal/liters
US gal/litersapprox. 2.1/8
approx. 3.2/12
Windshield washer 
with headlamp washer system US quarts/liters approx. 6.9/6.5 For more details: page69
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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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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 281
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
C
Calibrating driver's seat50
California Proposition 65 
Warning6
Call
– accepting205
– ending205
– rejecting205
Calling, refer to Phone 
numbers, dialing206
Calling, refer to telephone 
operating instructions
Camera
– refer to Rear view camera86
– refer to Top View84
Can holder, refer to Cup 
holders119
Capacities272
Capacity of cargo bay271
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery258
Care246
– car-care products246
– carpets248
– car washes246
– CD/DVD-player249
– chrome components247
– displays249
– exterior246
– fine wooden 
components248
– hand washing247
– headlamps247
– high-pressure cleaning 
jets247
– interior248
– leather248
– light-alloy wheels247
– paint247
– plastic components248
– rubber gaskets247
– running boards248
– safety belts248
– sensors and cameras248
– upholstery materials and 
cloth-covered paneling248
– windows247Cargo
– refer to Loading133
– securing134
– securing with ski bag126
Cargo area, refer to Cargo 
bay122
Cargo area cover, refer to Roll-
up cover122
Cargo bay
– capacity271
– emergency actuation, refer 
to Manually opening or 
closing
34
– emergency operation, refer 
to Opening manually31
– expanding124
– opening33
– opening/closing, refer to 
Liftgate30,33
– opening/closing, refer to 
Tailgate33
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– opening with remote 
control28
Cargo bay cover, refer to Roll-
up cover122
Caring for the vehicle 
finish247
Car key, refer to Keys/remote 
control26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest, front119
– refer to separate operating 
instructions
– refer to Telephone202
Car radio, refer to Radio163
Car wash246
– before driving in60
– with comfort access37
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system131
CBC Cornering Brake 
Control88
CBS Condition Based 
Service244CD
– audio playback172
– refer to Playing audio tracks, 
DVD system in rear193
CD-/DVD player in rear188
CD changer171
– controls160
– fast forward/reverse173
– random play sequence172
– selecting a track172
– switching on/off160
– tone control160
– volume160
CD player171
– controls160
– fast forward/reverse173
– random play sequence172
– selecting a track172
– switching on/off160
– tone control160
– volume160
Cell phone, refer to Mobile 
phone
Center armrest
– front119
– rear122
Center brake lamp253,256
Center console14
Central locking system27
– comfort access35
– from inside vehicle30
Changes, technical
– refer to For your own 
safety5
– refer to Parts and 
accessories5
Changing gears using shift 
paddles65
Changing language on 
Control Display81
Changing tires237
Changing trips149
Changing units of measure on 
Control Display80
Changing wheels256
Check Control77
Checking the air pressure, 
refer to Tire inflation 
pressure229
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