
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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Mobility
 247Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
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
 259Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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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Everything from A to Z
284 Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler door224
– liftgate31
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission66
Emergency request261
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance262
Engine
– breaking-in130
– data268
– oil temperature72
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature72
– speed268
– starting60
– starting, with comfort 
access36
– switching off60
Engine compartment240
Engine coolant243
Engine oil
– adding242
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils243
– approved engine oil243
– checking oil level241
– electronic oil level check241
– temperature72
Engine oil temperature72
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data268
Engine overheating, refer to 
Coolant temperature72
Engine speed268
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine60
Entering special destinations 
by name145
Entertainment sound output 
on/off160
Entry map for destination146
Equalizer, tone setting161ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control88
Event Data Recorders245
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system131
Extended connectivity of the 
music player in the mobile 
phone183
Exterior mirrors52
– adjusting52
– automatic dimming 
feature53
– automatic heating
52
– folding in and out52
– tilting down passenger-side 
exterior mirror53
External audio device119
Eye for tow-starting and 
towing, refer to Tow 
fitting263
F
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control77
False alarm, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms35
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts49
– warning lamp50
Fastest route for 
navigation150
Fast forward
– CD changer173
– CD player173
Fault displays, refer to Check 
Control77
Filler neck for washer fluid69
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit262
First-aid kit262
Fixing system, adaptive124
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting 
confirmation signals28Flat tire
– changing wheels256
– compact wheel256
– Flat Tire Monitor92
– run-flat tires93,95,237
– TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor94
Flat Tire Monitor FTM92
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler 
neck for washer fluid69
FM, waveband163
Fog lamps105
– indicator lamp13,105
Folding display screen open/
closed, DVD system in 
rear187
Folding rear seat backrest124
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely132
Footwell lamps106
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to 
xDrive90
Free memory capacity, music 
collection181
Front airbags98
Front passenger airbags98
– deactivating98
– refer to Exception of front 
passenger seat55
Front seat adjustment44
FTM Flat Tire Monitor92
– false alarms92
– indicating a flat tire93
– initializing the system93
– snow chains238
– system limits92
– warning lamp93
Fuel225
– capacity272
– display73
– high-quality brands225
– quality225
– saving130
– specifications225
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge73
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Reference 285
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Fuel consumption display, 
computer, average fuel 
consumption73
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge73
Fuel filler door224
– closing224
– opening224
– releasing manually224
Fuses259
G
Garage door opener, refer to 
Integrated universal remote 
control115
Gasoline, refer to Required 
fuel225
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel 
gauge73
Gearshifts, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic65
General driving 
notes130,131
Glass sunroof
– convenience operation from 
outside29
– convenience operation with 
comfort access36
– remote control28
Glass sunroof, electric40
– moving manually42
– opening, closing41
– power interruption42
– raising41
Glove compartment118
– lighting118
GPS navigation, refer to 
Navigation system140
Grills, refer to Ventilation111
Grills of the automatic climate 
control107
Gross vehicle weight, refer to 
Weights271
Guided Tours149
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking 
brake61
– Automatic Hold61
Hands-free system, refer to 
Microphone14
Hand washing247
Having diesel exhaust fluid 
refilled226
Hazard warning flashers15
HDC Hill Descent Control90
HD Radio164
Head airbags98
Headlamp control, 
automatic102
Headlamp flasher67
Headlamps102
– cleaning, refer to Washer/
wiper system67
– replacing bulbs250
Head Light, refer to Adaptive 
Head Light103
Head restraints46
– sitting safely43
Head-Up Display100
Heated
– mirrors52
– rear window109
– seats50,51
– steering wheel54
Heating107
– exterior mirrors52
– interior107
– rear window109
– residual heat110
– seats50,51
– steering wheel54
Heating with engine switched 
off, refer to Residual 
heat110
Heavy cargo, refer to Securing 
cargo134
Height
– on Head-Up Display100
– refer to Dimensions269
Height adjustment
– seats44
– steering wheel53High-beam assistant104
High beams67,104
– automatically switching on 
and off, refer to High-beam 
assistant104
– headlamp flasher67
– indicator lamp13
High-pressure cleaning 
jets247
High water, refer to Driving 
through water132
Highway, refer to Route 
criteria150
Hill Descent Control HDC90
Hills132
Holder for cups119
Homepage4
Hood239
Horn10
Hot exhaust system131
Hydraulic brake assistant, 
refer to Brake assistant88
Hydroplaning132
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio164
Ice, refer to Outside 
temperature warning71
Ice warning, refer to Outside 
temperature warning71
Identification, tire238
Identification mark, run-flat 
tires237
iDrive16
– changing language81
– changing settings79
– changing units of measure 
and display type80
– controller16
– controls16
– main menu17
– setting brightness80
– setting date80
– setting time79
– status information19
Ignition59
– switched off59
– switched on59
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Everything from A to Z
286 Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Ignition key position 1, refer to 
Radio readiness59
Ignition key position 2, refer to 
Ignition on59
Ignition lock59
– starting engine with comfort 
access36
Importing special 
destinations146
Importing trips149
Indicator/warning lamps13
– active steering97
– airbags99
– DSC13,89
– DTC89
– fasten safety belt50
– Flat Tire Monitor93
– fog lamps13
– TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor95
Individual settings, refer to 
Personal Profile26
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure229
Inflation pressure monitoring
– refer to FTM Flat Tire 
Monitor92
– refer to TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor94
Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor93
– radio, refer to Station, 
storing164
– refer to Power failure259
– refer to Setting date80
– refer to Setting time79
– seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory45
Installation location, mobile 
phone119
Instructions for navigation 
system, refer to Voice 
instructions152
Instrument cluster
– refer to Cockpit10
– refer to Instrument panel12Instrument illumination, refer 
to Instrument lighting105
Instrument lighting105
Instrument panel12
– refer to Cockpit10
Integrated key26
Integrated universal remote 
control115
Interactive map147
Interior lamps106
– switching on with remote 
control28
Interior motion sensor35
– switching off35
Interior rearview mirror53
– automatic dimming 
feature53
– compass116
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers68
Intersection, entering, 
navigation142
iPod, connecting, refer to 
AUX-IN connection183
iPod, connecting, refer to 
USB-audio interface183
J
Jacking points257
Joystick
– refer to iDrive16
– refer to Selector lever, 
selecting transmission 
positions64
Jump starting262
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort 
access35
Keyless opening and closing, 
refer to Comfort access35
Key Memory, refer to Personal 
Profile26
Keys26
– key-related settings, refer to 
Personal Profile26Kick-down, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic65
Knock control225
L
Lamps
– refer to High-beam 
assistant104
– refer to Parking lamps/low 
beams102
Lamps and bulbs250
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo134
Last destinations144
LATCH child restraint fixing 
system56
Leather care248
LEDs light-emitting 
diodes251
Length, refer to 
Dimensions269
License plate lamp, replacing 
bulbs253,256
Liftgate30,33
– adjusting opening 
height31,33
– automatic operation31
– closing31,34
– locking and unlocking from 
inside30
– manually opening or 
closing34
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– opening manually31
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs251
Lighter121
Lighter socket121
Lighting
– instruments105
– lamps and bulbs250
– of the vehicle, refer to 
Lamps102
Light switch102
Load133
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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
288 Music player
– connecting, refer to USB-
audio interface183
Music player, connecting
– refer to AUX-IN 
connection183
Music search179
My Info208
N
Navigation data140
Navigation destination
– entering manually141
– home address144
Navigation instructions, refer 
to Switching voice 
instructions on/off152
Navigation system140
– address book143
– bypassing a route 
section151
– continuing destination 
guidance150
– destination entry141
– entering a destination by 
voice147
– entering a destination 
manually141
– questions about system157
– route list151
– selecting destination via 
map146
– selecting route criteria150
– special destinations144
– starting destination 
guidance150
– terminating destination 
guidance150
– trip planner148
– voice instructions152
– volume adjustment152
Neck support, refer to Head 
restraints46
New remote control26
New wheels and tires237
North-facing map152Nozzles, refer to Windshield 
washer nozzles68
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing263
O
OBD socket245
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel 
specifications225
Odometer71
Oil
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils243
– approved engine oils243
– consumption, refer to 
Checking engine oil 
level241
– level241
– refilling, refer to Adding 
engine oil242
Oil change interval, refer to 
Service requirements74
Onboard computer, refer to 
iDrive16
Onboard toolkit250
Opening and closing
– comfort access35
– from inside30
– panorama glass sunroof39
– using remote control27
– using the door lock29
Opening liftgate33
Operation on poor roads135
Options, selecting for 
navigation150
Orientation menu, refer to 
Main menu17
Output, refer to Engine 
data268
Outside air, refer to AUC 
Automatic recirculated-air 
control110
Outside temperature 
display71
– changing unit of measure80
Outside temperature 
warning71
Overview, radio control160
P
Panic mode28
Panorama glass sunroof38
– moving manually40
– power failure40
– raising, opening, closing39
Park Distance Control PDC82
Parked-car ventilation114
– preselecting activation 
times114
– switching on and off 
directly114
Parking, vehicle60
Parking aid
– refer to PDC Park Distance 
Control82
– refer to Rear view camera86
Parking assistance
– refer to PDC Park Distance 
Control82
– refer to Top View84
Parking brake61
– Automatic Hold61
– indicator lamp13
– releasing manually61
– releasing manually in case of 
an electrical malfunction63
– setting manually61
Parking lamps102
Parking with Automatic 
Hold62
Particulate filter, refer to 
Diesel particulate filter131
Parts and accessories5
Passenger-side exterior 
mirror, tilting down53
Pathway lighting103
Paying attention to speed238
PDC Park Distance Control82
Personal Profile26
Phone book205
Phone numbers, dialing206
Pinch protection system
– glass sunroof, electric41
– panorama glass sunroof39
– power windows38
Plasters, refer to First-aid 
kit262
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