Controls
107Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
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Mobility
Airbags
The following airbags are located under the
marked covers:
1Front airbags
2Head airbags
3Side airbags
Protective action
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection,
observe the adjustment instructions on
page42.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
head air bag supports the head.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered in
every impact situation, e.g. less severe acci-
dents or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Keep the instrument cluster and window in the
region of the passenger seat free of foreign
materials, i.e. do not cover them with adhesive
film or covers and do not attach mounts, e.g. for
a navigation device or mobile phone to them.
Do not install cosmetic covers, seat cushions,
or other items on the front seats that are not
especially approved for seats with integrated
side airbags. Do not hang articles of clothing
such as jackets over the backrests.Do not attempt to remove the airbag restraint
system from the vehicle. Do not modify or
tamper with either the wiring or the individual
components in the airbag system. This includes
the upholstery in the center of the steering
wheel, on the instrument cluster, the doors, and
the roof pillars as well as the sides of the head-
liner. Do not attempt to remove or dismantle the
steering wheel. Do not touch the individual
components immediately after the system has
been triggered, because there is a danger of
burns.
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel and has
the required explosives licenses. Otherwise
unprofessional attempts to service the system
could lead to failure in an emergency or undes-
ired airbag triggering, either of which could
result in personal injury.<
Warnings and information on the airbags is also
provided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front
passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected by eval-
uating the impression on the occupied seat sur-
face of the front passenger seat. The front and
side airbags on the front passenger side are
activated or deactivated accordingly by the sys-
tem.
The current status of the front passenger
airbag, i.e. deactivated or activated, is
Controls
113Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking.
Switching on
After parking the vehicle, press the lever up or
down beyond the resistance point for approx.
1 second, arrow3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Do not leave them switched on for
long periods of time, otherwise it may no longer
be possible to start the engine.<
Switching off
Briefly press the lever in the opposite direction
up to the resistance point, arrow 3.
High-beam Assistant*
The concept
This system automatically switches the high
beams on and off again. The process is con-
trolled by a sensor on the front side of the inte-
rior rearview mirror. The Assistant makes sure
that the high beams are switched on whenever
the traffic situation permits. This relieves you of
eyestrain and at the same time offers you the
best possible visibility. Naturally, you can inter-vene at any time and switch the high beams on
and off as usual.
Activating system
1.Turn the light switch to position3, refer to
page111.
2.With the low beams on, briefly press the
turn signal lever toward the high-beam set-
ting.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
panel lights up when the high-beam
assistant is activated. The system
automatically switches the high beams on and
off, reacting not only to oncoming traffic and
traffic ahead, but also to sufficient illumination,
e.g. in built-up areas.
Switching high beams on and off
manually
If you wish or the situation requires it, you can
intervene at any time:
>If the high-beam assistant has switched on
the high beams, but you want to use low
beams, simply switch them on using the
turn signal lever. This deactivates the high-
beam assistant.
To reactivate the system, briefly press the
turn signal lever toward the high-beam
position.
>If the high-beam assistant has switched on
the low beams, but you want to use high
beams, simply switch them on in the usual
way. This deactivates the system and you
must switch to low beams manually.
To reactivate the system, briefly press the
turn signal lever toward the high-beam
position.
Refueling
236 Do not mix in any additives or gasoline;
otherwise, there is the risk of engine dam-
age.<
BMW X5 with BMW Advanced
Diesel
The concept
BMW Advanced Diesel reduces nitrogen oxides
in the diesel exhaust of your vehicle by injecting
the reducing agent diesel exhaust fluid into the
exhaust line. In the catalytic converter, a chem-
ical reaction occurs that minimizes nitrogen
oxides.
In order to be able to start the engine in the
usual way, there must be a sufficient supply of
diesel exhaust fluid in the separate reservoir.
System heating
In order to bring the system to operating tem-
perature after a cold start of the engine, the
automatic transmission shifts into the next
higher gear at a later point.
Reserve display
A display in the instrument panel informs you
about the remaining distance can be covered
with the amount of fuel currently in the tank.
The reserve display appears approx.
1,000 miles/1,600 km before the end of the
tank.
As soon as the reserve display has
appeared in the instrument panel, have
the diesel exhaust fluid refilled to prevent the
engine from being unable to restart.<
Diesel exhaust fluid at minimum
Even with a display of -- mls, the engine will
continue to run, provided that it is not switched
off, and all other operating requirements are
met, e.g. sufficient fuel.
Do not drive until the displayed remaining
distance runs out. Otherwise, it may not
be possible to restart the engine.<
Incorrect fueling
The warning lamp lights up:
The reservoir has been filled with an
incorrect fluid.
Please contact your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center.
Mobility
237Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Have diesel exhaust fluid refilled
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center refills
the diesel exhaust fluid as part of the regular
maintenance. If you adhere to this maintenance
schedule, it is usually not necessary to refill any
fluids between the maintenance dates.
Under certain circumstances, e.g. due to a par-
ticularly sporty driving style or operation of the
vehicle at high altitudes, it may be necessary to
refill fluids between maintenance dates.
As soon as the reserve display has appeared in
the instrument panel, have the diesel exhaust
fluid refilled to prevent the engine from being
unable to restart.
You can have the fluid refilled by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.
Diesel exhaust fluid at low
temperatures
Due to its physical properties, it may be
necessary to replenish the level of diesel
exhaust fluid at temperatures below +237/
-56 even between the regular maintenance
intervals.
If the fluid needs to be refilled, this will be indi-
cated with the reserve display in the instrument
panel, refer to page236.<
Only refill the diesel exhaust fluid
yourself in exceptional circumstances
In order to get your vehicle to reach the nearest
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center, you may
refill the diesel exhaust fluid yourself, making
sure to heed the warning notices.
Do not allow diesel exhaust fluid to come
into contact with you. This can lead to
skin and eye irritation. Wear protective goggles
and gloves as needed. Follow the safety
instructions on the bottle.
When opening the bottle or reservoir, pungent
smelling vapors can escape. Before refilling,
close the vehicle completely so that the vapors
do not get into the interior of the vehicle. When
handling diesel exhaust fluid in enclosed
spaces, make sure to have sufficient ventilation.
After handling diesel exhaust fluid, wash hands
thoroughly. Failure to do so may lead to irrita-tion, e.g. due to inadvertent contact with the
eyes.
If eye irritation occurs, immediately rinse eyes
with ample water and contact a doctor if neces-
sary.
If diesel exhaust fluid comes into contact with
surfaces of your vehicle, rinse the affected sur-
faces with water or else damage may occur.
Keep diesel exhaust fluid out of reach of chil-
dren.<
Suitable diesel exhaust fluid
>Preferred: BMW Diesel Exhaust Fluid.
This bottle and its special adapter permit
convenient refilling with diesel exhaust
fluid.
>Alternative: NOx reduction agent AUS 32
You can get diesel exhaust fluid at your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Refilling quantity
Refilling quantity at the start of the reserve dis-
play: approx. 0.75 gallons/2.7 liters
Open reservoir for diesel exhaust fluid
1.Open hood, refer to page251.
2.Fit releasing tool from onboard tool kit, refer
to page262 into place and open the lock,
refer to arrow.
Care
260 Do not use aggressive, acid-containing,
strongly alkaline, or coarse cleansers and
do not use steam cleaners at temperatures
greater than 1407/606; otherwise you may
damage your vehicle.<
Aluminum running boards
A rust film on the aluminum running boards can
be removed with a special cleaning agent.
Outside sensors/cameras
Make sure that sensors and cameras out-
side the vehicle, e.g. Park Distance Con-
trol, Top View, or rear view camera, are kept
clean and free of ice in order to assure full func-
tionality.<
Interior care
Upholstery materials/cloth-covered
paneling
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in order
to remove surface dirt.
In the event of more serious soiling such as bev-
erage stains, use a soft sponge or a lint-free
microfiber cloth in combination with suitable
interior cleaners. Follow the instructions on the
packaging.
Clean upholstery material over a large
area extending out to the seams. Avoid
intense friction.<
Open Velcro fasteners on pants or other
items of clothing can cause damage to
the seat covering. Make sure that the Velcro
fasteners are closed.<
Leather/leather-covered paneling
The leather used by BMW is a high quality
natural product. Slight patterns in the
grain are part of the typical properties of a natu-
ral leather.<
Dust and dirt from the road chafe in pores and
folds and result in considerable wear and cause
the leather surface to become prematurely brit-
tle. We therefore suggest that you clean the leather with a dust cloth or vacuum cleaner at
regular intervals.
Particularly with light-colored leather, make
sure to clean it regularly since it has a greater
tendency to become soiled.
Treat the leather twice a year with a leather
lotion since dirt and grease harm the protective
layer of the leather.
Carpeting/floor mats*
Floor mats can be removed for cleaning.
If the carpets are very dirty, clean with a microfi-
ber cloth and water or an interior cleaner. To
prevent matting of the carpet, rub back and
forth in the direction of travel only.
Plastic components inside
>Vinyl upholstery surfaces
>Lamp lenses
>Cover glass of instrument cluster
>Matte parts
Should be cleaned with water and, if necessary,
solvent-free plastic cleaner.
Fine wooden components
Use a damp cloth to clean fine wooden trim
panels and components. Follow up by drying
with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Soiled seatbelt straps hinder the reeling, thus
reducing safety.
Do not use chemical cleansers as they
can destroy the webbing.<
Inside sensors/cameras
Clean inside sensors and cameras, such as
those of the high-beam assistant, using a lint-
free cloth moistened with glass cleaner.
Displays
Clean displays like the radio or the instrument
cluster using a display-cleaning cloth or a soft,
nonabrasive lint-free cloth.
Mobility
271Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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
page44.
>Time and Date
The values must be updated again, refer to
pages85, 85.
>Radio
Radio stations must be stored again, refer
to page171.
>Navigation system
You must wait until the system becomes
functional again, refer to page165.
>Glass sunroof/panoramic glass sunroof
It may only be possible to raise the glass
sunroof/panoramic glass sunroof. The sys-
tem must be initialized, refer to page41.
>Digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to
page126.
>Active steering
The system automatically initializes for a
short time as you drive. During this time, the
system is deactivated, refer to page106.
>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 area.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.
Reference 295
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Cell phone
– refer to Mobile phone
Center armrest
– front128
– rear131
Center brake lamp265,268
Center console14
Central locking system27
– Comfort Access35
– from inside vehicle30
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changes, technical, refer to
Parts and accessories5
Changing gears
– using shift paddles64
Changing language on
Control Display86
Changing tires249
Changing trips157
Changing units of measure on
Control Display86
Changing wheels268
Check Control82
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure239
Children, transporting54
Child restraint devices54
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH55
Child restraint systems54
Child-safety locks57
Child seats54
Chime, refer to Check
Control82
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter130
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care258
Clock76
– 12h/24h mode85
– setting time85
Closing
– from inside30
– using remote control28
Closing fuel filler cap234
Clothes hooks128
Cockpit10Cold start, refer to Starting
engine59
Combination instrument, refer
to Instrument panel12
Comfort Access35
– observe in car wash36
– replacing battery37
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Comfort start, refer to Starting
engine59
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure241
– wheel change268
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock58
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments128
Compass, digital125
Computer78
– displaying information78
– opening via iDrive79
Concierge service227
Condition Based Service
CBS256
Confirmation signals,
adjusting for locking and
unlocking28
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices130
Connecting headphones197
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption78
Consumption indicator
– energy control77
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption78
Contacts
– creating224
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– setting brightness86
– switching on/off19Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Controls DVD system in
rear196
Convenient opening and
closing
– glass sunroof28,29
– glass sunroof with Comfort
Access36
– windows28,29
– windows with Comfort
Access36
– with Comfort Access36
Coolant255
– checking level255
– temperature77
Cooling, maximum119
Copyright2
Cornering Brake Control
CBC95
Country codes DVD181
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps115
Cradle for telephone or mobile
phone128
Criteria for route158
Cruise control67
– active cruise control68
Cruising range78
Cupholders128
Current playback
– external devices194
– of music collection189
Customer Relations229
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data280
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting115
Data280
– capacities284
– dimensions281
– engine280
– technical data280
– weights283
Everything from A - Z
296 Data memory257
Data transfer230
Date76
– display format85
– retrieving76
– setting85
Daytime driving lamps112
Defrosting windows118
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation118
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows118
Deleting a trip157
Destination, entering by town/
city name149
Destination address
– entering149,155
Destination entry using BMW
Assist153
Destination for navigation
– entering149
– entering by voice155
– entering via map154
Destination guidance158
– bypassing a route
section159
– changing specified
route158
– continuing158
– starting158
– voice instructions160
– volume of voice
instructions160
Diesel exhaust fluid
– at low temperatures237
– at minimum236
– refilling yourself237
Diesel particulate filter139
Digital clock76
Digital compass125
Digital radio, refer to HD
Radio172
Dimensions281
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals65
Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions160Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book151
Displacement, refer to Engine
data280
Display, refer to iDrive16
Displaying images204
Displaying special
destinations154
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting115
Displays, refer to Instrument
panel12
Displays on the windshield,
refer to Head-up
Display109
Disposal
– battery of remote control
with Comfort Access37
– battery of the remote
control, DVD system in
rear198
– vehicle battery270
Distance, refer to
Computer79
Distance, selecting for active
cruise control70
Distance control, refer to
Active cruise control68
Distance to destination, refer
to Computer79
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control88
Door entry lighting115
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control26
Door lock29
Door locking, confirmation
signals28
Doors
– manual operation29
– remote control28
DOT Quality Grades247
Downhill driving assistance,
refer to HDC97
Draft-free ventilation120
Drinks holder, refer to
Cupholders128
Drive-off assistant99Driver's seat, calibrating49
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams111
Driving on poor roads143
Driving stability control
systems95
Driving through water140
Driving tips, refer to General
driving notes138
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function119
Drying the air, refer to Cooling
function119
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control95
– indicator lamp13,96
DSC OFF, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control95
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control96
– activating96
– indicator lamp97
DVD
– country codes181
– settings182
– video playback181
DVD changer183
– malfunctions184
DVD changer, refer to CD
changer179
DVD menu182
DVD player, refer to CD
player179
DVD system in rear196
– CD/DVD player197
– connecting headphones197
– controls196
– displaying images from CD/
DVD204
– DVD country codes199
– external device207
– information on CD/DVD
player205
– playing audio tracks from
CD/DVD202
– playing video from CD/
DVD199
– remote control197
– switching on/off198