Practical interior accessories
134 1.Insert the brackets at the respective notch
in the rail on the cargo area 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 area
You can position the cargo as follows:
>Between the rear seat backrest and the
telescopic rail
>Between the telescopic rail and the retain-
ing strap
Positioning 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 area.
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 area.
Ski bag*
The ski bag is designed for safe, clean transport
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to
2snowboards.
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.<
Loading
1.Fold down the center armrest, press the
button and open the cover.
2.Press the button again; the cover in the
cargo area opens. If you press the button
firmly the first time, this cover also opens.
3.Extend the ski bag between the front seats
and fill it. The zipper facilitates access to the
stowed items and drying of the ski bag.
4.BMW X5: insert the latch plate of the ski bag
retaining strap into the center safety belt
buckle that is marked CENTER.
Things to remember when driving
140 planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between the tires and
the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, also refer to Mini-
mum tread depth on page248.
Driving through water
Maximum water depth:
>BMW X5 20 in/50 cm
>BMW X6 17 in/45 cm
Only drive through water up to the above-
mentioned depth at no greater than walk-
ing speed; otherwise, the engine, electrical sys-
tem, and transmission can be damaged.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake pedal
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting in the manual mode
of the automatic transmission, if necessary into
first gear, refer to page64. This prevents an
excessive strain on the brakes.
Do not drive in idle or with the engine
stopped, otherwise there will be no
engine braking action or support of the braking
force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic climate
control system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
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 blowout.<
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Make sure that no fluids leak in the cargo
area; 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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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 page283, 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 page55; 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 page283.
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
*/panoramic 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 page252.
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 page97.
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.
Mobility
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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 area
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.<
2.Guide the jack head into the rectangular
recess of the jacking point when cranking
up, refer to illustration detail.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised from the ground.
Mounting a wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Also clean the lug bolts.
Reference 283
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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 xDrive35iX5 xDrive50iX5 xDrive35d
Approved gross vehicle weight
without 3rd row seatslbs./kg
lbs./kg6,371/2,890
6,052/2,7456,669/3,025
6,327/2,8706,581/2,985
6,261/2,840
Load
without 3rd row seatsIbs./kg
Ibs./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./kg2,800/1,270
2,800/1,2703,020/1,370
3,020/1,3702,976/1,350
2,976/1,350
Approved rear axle weight
without 3rd row seatslbs./kg
lbs./kg3,792/1,720
3,439/1,5603,858/1,750
3,549/1,6103,858/1,750
3,483/1,580
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 220/100 220/100 220/100
Cargo area 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 weightIbs./kg 5,975/2,710 6,250/2,835
Load Ibs./kg 937/425 937/425
Approved front axle weightIbs./kg 2,800/1,270 3,020/1,370
Approved rear axle weight Ibs./kg 3,263/1,480 3,351/1,520
Approved roof load capacity Ibs./kg 220/100 220/100
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 20.1-51.1/
570-1,45020.1-51.1/
570-1,450
Everything from A - Z
294 Breaking-in rear axle
differential138
Break-in period138
Brightness
– of Control Display86
– on Head-up Display109
Button for starting engine58
Buttons on steering wheel11
C
Calibrating driver's seat49
California Proposition 65
Warning6
Call
– accepting215
– ending216
– rejecting216
Calling, refer to Phone
numbers, dialing216
Calling, refer to the telephone
owner's manual
Camera
– refer to Rear view camera93
– refer to Top View90
Camera, Side View93
Can holder, refer to
Cupholders128
Capacities284
Capacity of cargo area283
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery270Care258
– car-care products258
– carpets260
– car washes258
– CD/DVD-player261
– chrome components259
– displays260
– exterior258
– fine wooden
components260
– hand washing259
– headlamps259
– high-pressure cleaning
jets259
– interior260
– leather260
– light-alloy wheels259
– paint259
– plastic components260
– rubber gaskets259
– running boards260
– safety belts260
– sensors and cameras260
– upholstery materials and
cloth-covered paneling260
– windows259
Cargo
– refer to Loading140
– securing142
– securing with ski bag135
Cargo area
– capacity283
– emergency actuation, refer
to Manually opening or
closing34
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually31
– expanding132
– opening
33
– opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate30,33
– opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate32
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– opening with remote
control28
Cargo area, refer to Cargo
area131Cargo area cover, refer to
Luggage compartment
roller cover131
Caring for the vehicle
finish259
Car key, refer to Keys/remote
control26
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest, front128
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Car phone, refer to
Telephone212
Car radio, refer to Radio171
Car wash258
– before driving in59
– with Comfort Access36
Car washes258
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system139
CBC Cornering Brake
Control95
CBS Condition Based
Service256
CD, audio playback180
CD, refer to Playing audio
tracks, DVD system in
rear202
CD/DVD changer
– magazine, loading183
CD-/DVD player in rear197
CD changer179,183
– controls168
– fast forward/reverse181
– random play sequence180
– selecting a track180
– switching on/off168
– tone control168
– volume168
CD player179
– controls168
– fast forward/reverse181
– random play sequence180
– selecting a track180
– switching on/off168
– tone control168
– volume168
Everything from A - Z
300 LATCH child restraint fixing
system55
Leather care260
LEDs light-emitting
diodes263
Length, refer to
Dimensions281
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs265,268
Liftgate30,33
– adjusting opening
height31,33
– automatic operation31
– closing31,33
– locking and unlocking from
inside30
– manually opening or
closing34
– opening33
– opening from inside31
– opening from outside31
– opening manually31
Light
– refer to High-beam
Assistant113
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs263
Lighter130
Lighter socket130
Lighting
– instruments115
– lamps and bulbs262
– of the vehicle, refer to
Lamps111
Light switch111
Load141
Loading140
– securing cargo142
– stowing cargo142
– vehicle140
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo142
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking30Locking
– from inside30
– setting confirmation
signals28
– using remote control28
– without key, refer to Comfort
Access35
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside30
– setting confirmation
signals28
Locking without key, refer to
Comfort Access
35
Low beams111
– automatic111
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support44
Low-sulfur diesel235
Lug bolts269
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting270
– wrench269
Luggage compartment
capacity, refer to Cargo area
capacity283
Luggage compartment roller
cover131
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack143
Lumbar support44
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires250
Main menu, iDrive17
Maintenance
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models256
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models256
Maintenance, refer to Service
requirements79
Maintenance system256Malfunction
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap234
– liftgate31
– parking brake62
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control82
Manual air distribution118
Manual mode, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic64
Manual operation
– door lock29
– driver's door29
– fuel filler flap234
Manual operation, Side
View92
Map display160
Map for navigation
– changing scale161
– entering destination154
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Maximum cooling119
Maximum speed
– for winter tires250
– with compact wheel270
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory44
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Messages218
Messages from the concierge
service219
Microfilter121
Microphone
– for mobile phone14
– for telephone14
– for voice activation
system14
Mirror dimming feature52