
Controls
 125Reference
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Before using the adaptive fixing system, 
fold up and lock the rear seat backrest; 
otherwise, the cargo could be thrown into the 
vehicle interior in an accident.<
1Brackets
2Telescopic rail
3Notch in the cargo bay rail
Mounting brackets
The two brackets are connected with a tele-
scopic rail.
1.Insert the brackets at the respective notch 
in the rail on the cargo bay floor.
2.Press down the brackets to push them into 
the desired position.
3.Check the firm seating of the brackets. 
They must be clearly heard to engage.
Do not lay cargo on the brackets, as oth-
erwise they could be unlocked.<
Dividing up cargo bay
You can position the cargo as follows:
>between the rear seat backrest and the 
telescopic rail
>between the telescopic rail and the retain-
ing strapPositioning cargo between telescopic rail and 
retaining strap:
1.Lay the cargo on the telescopic rail. Press 
the button, arrow1, and route the retaining 
strap around the cargo, arrow2.
2.Hook the retaining strap into the mount3 
on the telescopic rail.
3.Press the button of the bracket, arrow1. 
The retaining strap is tensioned.
You can also hook both retaining straps 
into each other.<
When you are finished using the adaptive fixing 
system, unhook the retaining strap and guide it 
back into the bracket in order to prevent dam-
age and injury. 
Then slide the fastening system toward the 
front in order to permit the best possible use of 
the cargo bay.
Removing brackets
Press down the brackets, slide them up to the 
notches of the rails and remove them.
Depending on your vehicle's equipment pack-
age, you can store the adaptive fixing system 
under the floor panel in the cargo bay.
Ski bag*
The ski bag is designed for safe, clean transport 
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snow-
boards.
With the ski bag you can stow skis with a length 
of up to 6.9 ft/2.10 m. When skis of 6.9 ft/
2.10 m in length are loaded, the ski bag will tend 
to contract, reducing its overall capacity.
Before loading the ski bag, fold in the dis-
play screen of the DVD system in the 
rear
*, as otherwise the display screen could be 
damaged.<
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Driving tips
 133Reference
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Controls
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Mobility
Loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their 
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage 
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result 
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Make sure that no fluids leak in the cargo 
bay; otherwise the vehicle could be dam-
aged.<
Determining loading limit
1.Locate the following statement on your 
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants 
and cargo should never exceed 
YYY lbs. or XXX kg. Otherwise, this could 
damage the vehicle and produce unstable 
vehicle operating conditions.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver 
and passengers from YYY lbs. or XXX kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. 
For example, if the YYY amount equals 
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs. 
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of 
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 
650 lbs.: 
1,400 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 650 lbs.5.Determine the combined weight of luggage 
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That 
weight may not safely exceed the available 
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated 
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of 
the load from your trailer will be transferred 
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for 
transporting a trailer to determine how this 
may reduce the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
BMW X5:
BMW X6:
The permissible load is the total of the weight of 
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the 
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage 
can be transported.
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Driving tips
 135Reference
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Mobility
ger the car's occupants, for example if sudden 
braking or evasive maneuvers are necessary.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle 
weight or either of the approved axle weights, 
refer to page271, as excessive loads can pose 
a safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of traffic safety laws. 
You should never transport unsecured heavy or 
hard objects in the passenger compartment, as 
they could fly around and pose a safety hazard 
to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt brak-
ing or evasive maneuvers.
Use only the lashing eyes pictured to fasten the 
heavy-duty cargo straps. Do not secure cargo 
with the attachment points for the top tether, 
refer to page56; otherwise they could be dam-
aged.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an option 
for your BMW. Please comply with the precau-
tions included with the installation instructions.
Loading roof-mounted luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of 
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on 
its handling and steering response. You should 
therefore always remember not to exceed the 
approved roof load capacity, the approved 
gross vehicle weight or the axle weights when 
loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights under 
Weights on page271.
The load on the roof must be evenly distributed 
and must not extend outward beyond the limits 
of the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest 
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate 
clearance is maintained for raising the glass 
sunroof
*/panorama glass sunroof* and that 
objects do not project into the opening path of 
the liftgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and 
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off 
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and 
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Driving on poor roads
Y our B MW  is at hom e on a ll r oa ds a nd surfac e s. 
It combines a 4-wheel drive system with the 
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Do not drive on unpaved terrain, as other-
wise the vehicle may be damaged.<
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a 
few points which you should strictly observe for 
your own safety, for that of your passengers, 
and for the safety of the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before 
driving off and avoid taking risks at all costs.
>Adapt your driving speed to the road condi-
tions. The steeper and rougher the road 
surface is, the lower the speed should be.
>If you want to drive on very steep uphill or 
downhill gradients, make sure beforehand 
that the engine oil and coolant levels are 
near the MAX mark, refer to page240.
BMW X5: you can operate your vehicle on 
uphill and downhill gradients with a maxi-
mum slope of 50 %.
>On very steep downhill slopes, use Hill 
Descent Control HDC, refer to page90. 
BMW X5: it is possible to start off on inclines 
of up to 33 %. The permissible body roll is 
50 %.
>While driving, watch carefully for obstacles 
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these 
obstacles whenever possible.
>Make sure that the undercarriage does not 
touch the ground, for example on crests and 
bumpy roads. The ground clearance of the 
vehicle is a maximum of approx. 8 in/20 cm. 
Please note that the ground clearance can 
vary depending on loading and the driving 
conditions of the vehicle.
>Only drive through road surface water up to 
a maximum water depth of
>BMW X5 20 in/50 cm
>BMW X6 17 in/45 cm
and only drive at walking speed; do not 
remain stationary.
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Mobility
 257Reference
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Navigation
Entertainment
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Set the parking brake and engage transmission 
position P.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle 
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
diate area in a safe place, such as behind a 
guardrail. 
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard warning 
lamp
* is required, set it up on the roadside at an 
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations. 
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface 
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack 
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the 
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as 
snow, ice, tiles, etc. 
Position the jack on a firm support surface. 
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a 
support base for the jack, as this would prevent 
it from extending to its full support height and 
reduce its load-carrying capacity. 
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under 
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is 
supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises later on, note the posi-
tions of the tools before removing them, then 
return them to their initial positions after com-
pleting work.
The tools are located in the mount under the 
floor panel flap.
1Vehicle jack
*
2Vehicle jack crank*
3Lug wrench*
Removing compact wheel
The compact wheel is located in the cargo bay 
under the floor panel.
1.Remove the tool mount.
2.Unscrew the wing nut 1.
3.Remove the washer 2 laterally.
4.Remove the compact wheel.
Preparing wheel change
1.Observe the safety precautions above.
2.Loosen the lug bolts a half turn.
Jacking up vehicle
1.Position the vehicle jack at the jacking point 
closest to the wheel so that the entire sur-
face of the jack base rests on the ground 
perpendicularly beneath the jacking point.
The vehicle jack is designed for 
changing wheels only. Do not attempt 
to raise another vehicle model with it or to 
raise any load of any kind. To do so could 
cause accidents and personal injury.<
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Reference 271
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or 
the gross vehicle weight.
BMW X5X5 xDrive30iX5 xDrive48iX5 xDrive35d
Approved gross vehicle weight
without 3rd row seatslbs./kg
lbs./kg6,327/2,870
6,008/2,7256,537/2,965
6,173/2,8006,614/3,000
6,294/2,855
Load
without 3rd row seatslbs./kg
lbs./kg1,290/585
1,102/5001,290/585
1,102/5001,290/585
1,102/500
Approved front axle weight
without 3rd row seatslbs./kg
lbs./kg2,767/1,255
2,778/1,2603,020/1,370
3,020/1,3703,064/1,390
3,064/1,390
Approved rear axle weight
without 3rd row seatslbs./kg
lbs./kg3,803/1,725
3,395/1,5403,869/1,755
3,395/1,5403,858/1,750
3,395/1,540
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100 220/100
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 21.9-61.8/
620-1,75021.9-61.8/
620-1,75021.9-61.8/
620-1,750
BMW X6X6 xDrive35iX6 xDrive50i
Approved gross vehicle weightlbs./kg 6,085/2,760 6,294/2,855
Load lbs./kg 937/425 937/425
Approved front axle weightlbs./kg 2,910/1,320 3,175/1,440
Approved rear axle weight lbs./kg 3,241/1,470 3,219/1,460
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/l 25.6-59.7/
570-1,45025.6-59.7/
570-1,450
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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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Reference 287
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Loading133
– securing cargo134
– stowing cargo134
– vehicle133
Load securing equipment, 
refer to Securing cargo134
Lock buttons in the doors, 
refer to Locking30
Locking
– from inside30
– setting confirmation 
signals28
– using remote control27
– without key, refer to Comfort 
access35
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside30
– setting confirmation 
signals28
Locking without key, refer to 
Comfort access35
Low beams102
– automatic102
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support45
Low-sulfur diesel225
Lug bolts257
– tightening torque, refer to 
After mounting258
– wrench257
Luggage compartment 
capacity, refer to Cargo bay 
capacity271
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack135
Lumbar support45
LW, waveband163
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires238
Main menu, iDrive17Maintenance
– refer to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models244
– refer to Service 
requirements74
– refer to Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models244
Maintenance system244
Malfunction
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler door224
– glass sunroof, electric42
– liftgate31
– panorama glass sunroof40
– parking brake63
Malfunction warnings, refer to 
Check Control77
Manual air distribution110
Manually releasing 
transmission lock66
Manual mode, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic65
Manual operation
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler door224
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission66
Map display152
Map for navigation
– changing scale153
– entering destination146
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Maximum cooling110
Maximum speed
– for winter tires238
– with compact wheel258
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory45
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Messages208
Microfilter112Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for telephone14
– for voice activation 
system14
Mirror dimming feature53
Mirrors52
– automatic curb monitor53
– exterior mirrors52
– folding in and out52
– heating
52
– interior rearview mirror53
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory45
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume205
– connecting, refer to Mobile 
phone, pairing202
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest, front119
– operation via iDrive205
– pairing202
– refer to separate operating 
instructions
– refer to Telephone202
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring tire pressure, refer 
to FTM Flat Tire Monitor92
MP3 player, connecting
– refer to AUX-IN 
connection183
– refer to USB-audio 
interface183
Multifunction steering wheel, 
refer to Buttons on steering 
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher/high 
beams67
– refer to Washer/wiper 
system67
Music
– managing181
– playing179
– storing178
Music collection178
– backup181
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Everything from A to Z
290 Restraint systems
– for children55
– refer to Safety belts49
Retreaded tires237
Reverse
– CD changer173
– CD player173
Reverse gear, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic65
Road map152
Roadside Assistance262
Roadside assistance216
Roadside parking lamps104
Roller blinds, refer to Roller 
sun blinds118
Roller sun blinds118
Roll-up cover122
roll-up cover122
Roof load capacity271
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack135
Rope, refer to Tow-starting 
and towing263
Rotary pushbutton, refer to 
iDrive16
Route150,151
– bypassing sections151
– changing150,151
– changing criteria150
– displaying map view152
– displaying streets or towns/
cities151
– selecting150
Route instructions, refer to 
Destination guidance 
through voice 
instructions152
Route map, refer to Map 
display152
Route section, changing151
Route selection150
RSC Runflat System 
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires237Runflat System Component 
RSC, refer to Run-Flat 
Tires237
Run-flat tires237
– continuing driving with a 
damaged tire93,95
– flat tire93,95
– new wheels and tires237
– tire inflation 
pressure93,95
,229
– tire replacement237
S
Safety5
Safety belts49
– damage50
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp50
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags98
– refer to Safety belts49
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System88
– airbags98
– driving stability control 
systems88
– DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control88
– safety belts49
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat 
tires237
Satellite radio166
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow 
fitting263
SDARS, refer to Satellite 
radio166
Seat heating50,51Seats44
– adjusting44
– adjusting electrically44
– adjusting manually44
– backrest width45
– heating50,51
– in rear48
– lumbar support45
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory45
– 2nd row seats48
– shoulder support45
– sitting safely43
– storing the setting45
– thigh support44,45
– 3rd row seats49
– ventilation, refer to Active 
seat ventilation and Seat 
heating51
2nd row seats48
Securing load
– refer to Securing cargo134
– with ski bag, refer to 
Securing cargo126
Selecting new scale for 
navigation153
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic64
Selector lever lock, refer to 
Reverse gear65
Self-leveling suspension92
Service, refer to Roadside 
Assistance262
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for 
US models244
Service interval indicator, refer 
to Service requirements74
Service Request219
Service requirements74
– also refer to CBS Condition 
Based Service244
Service status220
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