
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
92
Selecting chassis and suspension 
tuning
Press the button. 
The system switches between the two chassis 
and suspension tuning settings.
>Sport:
The LED in the button lights up and SPORT 
is displayed in the instrument panel.
>Normal:
The LED in the button goes out.
The selection of the chassis and suspension 
tuning setting is stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Starting assistant
The starting assistant enables you to start off 
conveniently on slopes. The parking brake is 
not required for this purpose.
1.Hold the vehicle with the footbrake.
2.Release the footbrake and immediately 
drive off quickly.
The starting assistant holds the vehicle 
for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the 
footbrake. Depending on the load, the vehicle 
may also roll back slightly during this time. 
After releasing the footbrake, immediately start 
quickly, otherwise the starting assistant no 
longer holds the vehicle after approx. 2 seconds 
and it begins to roll back.<
Self-leveling suspension*
The concept
The self-leveling suspension on the rear axle 
assures a continuous ground clearance.
To do so, the height of the vehicle is measured 
by sensors at both rear wheels.
If the actual height deviates from the defined 
height, e.g. due to loading of the vehicle, then 
this difference is compensated for very quickly. 
In addition, spring motions resulting from cor-
nering or irregularities in the road surface are 
reduced to a minimum.
The system functions automatically.
Malfunctions
Malfunctions are displayed via Check Control, 
refer to page77.
FTM Flat Tire Monitor*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects a pressure loss in 
one tire by comparing the speeds of the individ-
ual wheels during driving.
In the event of a pressure loss, there is a change 
in the rolling circumference and therefore the 
rotation speed of the corresponding wheel. The 
system detects this change and reports it as a 
flat tire.
Function requirements
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat 
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.
The initialization must be repeated after 
each time the tire inflation pressure is cor-
rected and after every tire or wheel change.<
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate 
sudden severe tire damage caused by 
outside factors and does not detect a natural, 
even pressure drop in all four tires.<
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Controls
 93Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
In the following situations, the system could be 
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
>Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels, 
high lateral acceleration
>Driving with snow chains
*
When you are driving with the compact wheel* 
the Flat Tire Monitor is unable to function.
Initializing system
The initialization finishes during driving, 
which can be interrupted at any time. 
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. Do not initialize the sys-
tem when driving with snow chains
* or with the 
compact wheel
*.<
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Reset"
4.Start the engine – do not drive away.
5.Start the initialization using "Reset".
6.Start to drive.
The initialization finishes during driving. "Sta-
tus: Flat Tire Monitor active " is displayed again 
on the Control Display.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal 
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation 
pressure loss.
If you have deactivated DSC, it will be activated 
automatically.1.Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h.
In case of further air loss of the defective 
wheel, its position will be indicated to you 
on the Control Display.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires as provided at the factory, 
refer to page237, do not continue driving. 
Continuing to drive with a flat tire could 
cause severe accidents.<
2.At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four 
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor 
may not have been initialized. The system 
must then be initialized.<
3.In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible 
distance for continued driving on the basis 
of the following guide values:
>With a light load: 
1 to 2 persons without luggage: 
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load: 
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 
4 persons without luggage: 
approx. 95 miles/150 km
>With a full load: 
4 or more persons, cargo bay full: 
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed 
speeds of 50 mph/80 km/h or else you 
run the risk of causing an accident. In the event 
of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This 
includes reduced tracking stability in braking, 
extended braking distance and altered natural 
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or loud noises occur while 
the vehicle is being driven, this can indicate final 
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and 
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible, 
otherwise pieces of the tire could become 
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact the BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.<
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Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
94
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can 
be displayed on the Control Display, e.g. 
whether or not the FTM is active.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed.
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor*
The concept
TPM checks the tire inflation pressure in the 
four mounted tires. The system reports when 
the tire inflation pressure has dropped consid-
erably in one or several tires.
Function requirements
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat 
tire, the system must have been reset with the 
correct tire inflation pressure.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics, oth-
erwise fault-free operation of the system is not 
ensured.
Reset the system again after each correc-
tion of the tire inflation pressure and after 
every tire or wheel change.<
System limits
TPM cannot announce sudden serious 
tire damage caused by external influ-
ences.<
The system does not function properly if it has 
n o t  b e e n  r e s e t ,  e . g .  a  f l a t  t i r e  i s  r e p o r t e d  d e s p i t e  
correct tire inflation pressures.The system is inactive and cannot display a flat 
tire if a wheel has been mounted without TPM 
electronics, e.g. a compact wheel
*, or if TPM is 
temporarily interfered with by other systems or 
devices which use the same radio frequency.
Status display on Control Display
The tire and system status is indicated by the 
color of the tires.
TPM takes the fact that the tire pressure 
changes during driving into account. A correc-
tion is only required if requested by TPM with 
the color.
Green
The tire pressure matches the learned set state.
"TPM active" is displayed on the Control Dis-
play.
One wheel is yellow
Flat tire or a major drop in inflation pressure in 
the indicated tire. A message appears on the 
Control Display.
All wheels are yellow
Flat tire or a major drop in inflation pressure in 
several tires. A message appears on the Control 
Display.
Gray
The system cannot detect a flat tire.
Reasons for this can be:
>TPM is being reset
>Temporary interference due to systems or 
devices which use the same radio fre-
quency
>Malfunction
Resetting system
Reset the system again after each correc-
tion of the tire inflation pressure and after 
every tire or wheel change.<
Resetting finishes during driving, which can be 
interrupted at any time. When driving resumes, 
resetting is continued automatically. 
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Controls
 95Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Do not reset the system when driving with a 
compact wheel
*.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Reset TPM"
4.Start the engine – do not drive away.
5.Start the initialization using "Reset TPM".
6.Start to drive.
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting 
TPM..." is displayed.
After a few minutes of driving, the set tire infla-
tion pressures in the tires are applied as the set 
values to be monitored. Resetting finishes dur-
ing driving. On the Control Display, the tires are 
shown in green and "Status: TPM active " is 
displayed again.
If a flat tire is detected during resetting 
and applying the tire inflation pressures, 
all tires are shown in yellow on the Control Dis-
play. The message "Low tire!" is shown.<
Message with low tire inflation 
pressure
The warning lamp lights up yellow. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal 
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation 
pressure loss.
1.Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h.
If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires as provided at the factory, 
refer to page237, do not continue driving. Continuing to drive with a flat tire could 
cause severe accidents.<
2.In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible 
distance for continued driving on the basis 
of the following guide values:
>With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 95 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
4 or more persons, cargo bay full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed 
speeds of 50 mph/80 km/h or else you 
run the risk of causing an accident. In the event 
of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This 
includes reduced tracking stability in braking, 
extended braking distance and altered natural 
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or loud noises occur while 
the vehicle is being driven, this can indicate final 
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and 
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible, 
otherwise pieces of the tire could become 
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact the BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.<
Status display
The current status of the TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor can be displayed on the Control Dis-
play, e.g. whether or not the TPM is active.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
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Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
96 3."Tire Pressure Monitor - TPM"
The status is displayed.
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and 
then lights up continuously. The tires 
are shown in gray on the Control Dis-
play and a message is displayed. No flat tire can 
be detected.
A message like this is displayed in the following 
situations:
>In case of a malfunction:
Have the system checked
>If a wheel without TPM electronics is 
mounted, e.g. a compact wheel
*
>If TPM is temporarily interfered with by 
other systems or devices which use the 
same radio frequency
Explanation according to the NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring 
Systems
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), 
should be checked monthly when cold and 
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended 
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle plac-
ard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehi-
cle has tires of a different size than the size indi-
cated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation 
pressure label, you should determine the 
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has 
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring 
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is 
significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when 
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as 
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire 
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire 
failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the 
vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute 
for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's 
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, 
even if underinflation has not reached the level 
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire 
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a 
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when 
the system is not operating properly. The 
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with 
the low tire pressure telltale. When the system 
detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for 
approximately one minute and then remain con-
tinuously illuminated. This sequence will con-
tinue upon subsequent vehicle startups as long 
as the malfunction exists. When the malfunc-
tion indicator is illuminated, the system may not 
be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as 
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a 
variety of reasons, including the installation of 
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the 
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning 
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction 
telltale after replacing one or more tires or 
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the 
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow 
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Active steering*
The concept
The active steering actively varies the steering 
angle of the front wheels in relation to the steer-
ing wheel movements. In addition, it also varies 
the steering force required for steering depend-
ing on the vehicle's speed.
When you are driving in the low road speed 
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle increases, i.e. the steering becomes 
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Things to remember when driving
130
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 rear axle differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at various engine and vehicle speeds, but 
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 not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after 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 increases 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 inflation 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 and 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 vehicle remains stationary. 
Instead, begin to drive at a moderate engine 
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Mobility
 229Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
The condition of the tires and the maintenance 
of the specified tire pressure are crucial not only 
to the tire's service life, but also to driving com-
fort and most importantly, driving safety.
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the tires 
are cold. This means after a maximum of 
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has 
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are 
warm, the tire inflation pressure increases.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly 
and correct it as needed, even on the 
compact tire
*: at least twice a month and before 
starting long trips. If you fail to observe this pre-
caution, you may be driving on tires with incor-
rect tire pressures, a condition that can not only 
compromise your vehicle's driving stability, but 
also lead to tire damage and the risk of an acci-
dent. Do not drive with depressurized, i.e. flat 
tires, except run-flat tires. A flat tire will seri-
ously impair your vehicle's handling and braking 
response. Attempts to drive on a flat tire can 
lead to a loss of control over the vehicle.<
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, 
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to 
page93, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, 
refer to page94.<
Pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation 
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient 
temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to the tire 
sizes and tire brands respectively 
approved and recommended by BMW; a list of 
these is available from your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle Center.
ing:
>Tire sizes of your vehicle
>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for speeds 
up to 100 mph/160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h, 
adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation 
pressures listed on the following pages in the 
column Traveling speeds up to max. of 
100 mph/160 km/h to achieve optimum driving 
comfort.
These pressure specifications can be found on 
the door post when you open the driver's door.
The permissible top speed for these tire 
inflation pressures is 100 mph/160 km/h. 
Do not exceed this speed, otherwise tire dam-
age and accidents may result.<
Tire inflation pressures for speeds 
above 100 mph/160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in 
excess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please 
observe, and, if necessary, adjust tire pressures 
for speeds exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h from 
the relevant table on the following pages. 
Otherwise tire damage and accidents could 
occur.<
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Mobility
 231Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Tire inflation pressures X5 xDrive30i/X5 xDrive48i/X5 xDrive35d with two rows of 
seats
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Traveling speeds 
up to a max. of
100 mph/160 km/hTraveling speeds 
including those exceeding 
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications 
in the table are indicated in 
psi/kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
Compact wheel
*:
T 155/90 D 18 113 M
T 155/80 R 19 114 M60/420 60/420 60/420 60/420
without sport package:
255/55 R 18 109 H M+S XL 32/220 35/240 35/240 41/280
255/50 R 19 107 H M+S XL 32/220 36/250 35/240 41/280
Front: 255/50 R 19 107 V XL 32/220 - 35/240 -
Rear: 285/45 R 19 111 V XL - 32/220 - 36/250
Front: 275/40 R 20 106 W XL 33/230 - 35/240 -
Rear: 315/35 R 20 110 W XL - 33/230 - 36/250
Front: 285/35 R 21 105 W XL 33/230 - 36/250 -
Rear: 325/30 R 21 108 W XL - 36/250 - 39/270
with sport package:
255/55 R 18 109 H M+S XL 32/220 35/240 35/240 41/280
255/50 R 19 107 H M+S XL 32/220 36/250 35/240 41/280
Front: 255/50 R 19 107 V XL 32/220 - 39/270 -
Rear: 285/45 R 19 111 V XL - 32/220 - 41/280
Front: 275/40 R 20 106 W XL 33/230 - 38/260 -
Rear: 315/35 R 20 110 W XL - 33/230 - 39/270
Front: 285/35 R 21 105 W XL 33/230 - 38/260 -
Rear: 325/30 R 21 108 W XL - 36/250 - 42/290
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page271.
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