
Under the hood
252
Engine compartment
BMW X5
1Filler neck for washer fluid of the headlamp 
and windshield cleaning systems, refer to 
page67
2Starting-aid terminal, refer to page274
3Expansion tank for coolant, refer to 
page255
4Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding 
engine oil on page254 

Mobility
 253Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
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Navigation
Entertainment
BMW X6
1Filler neck for washer fluid of the headlamp 
and windshield cleaning systems, refer to 
page67
2Filler neck for engine oil, refer to Adding 
engine oil on page2543Starting-aid terminal, refer to page274
4Expansion tank for coolant, refer to 
page255
Engine oil
The engine oil consumption is dependent on 
driving style and driving conditions.
Checking engine oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil 
level check.
The condition for the most accurate indication 
of the oil level possible is measurement with the 
engine at operating temperature, i.e. following 
an uninterrupted drive of at least 6 miles/10 km. 
You can display the oil level while driving or 
when stopped on a level surface with the engine 
running.1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status" 

Mobility
 259Reference
At a glance
Controls
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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. 

Mobility
 263Reference
At a glance
Controls
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Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
When performing care and maintenance on the 
headlamps, please observe the information on 
page259.
For bulbs for which replacement is not 
described and for checking and adjusting 
headlamp aim, please contact your BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
c e n t  l e n s e s  s e r v e  a s  t h e  l i g h t  s o u r c e  f o r  m a n y  o f  
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These 
light-emitting diodes, which operate using a 
concept similar to that applied in conventional 
lasers, are officially designated as Class 1 light-
emitting diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never 
stare into the unfiltered light for several 
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Headlamp glass
Condensation can form on the inside of the 
external lamps in cool or humid weather. When 
the light is switched on, the condensation evap-
orates after a short time. The headlamp glasses 
do not need to be changed.
If there is a large amount of moisture, for exam-
ple if water droplets form in the lamp, have it 
checked by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center.
BMW X5: changing lamps
Xenon lamps
These bulbs have a very long service life and 
the probability of a failure is very low. If a lamp 
should nevertheless fail, you can continue driv-
ing cautiously with fog lamps
* provided that 
this is permitted by the country-specific laws.
Have work on the xenon light unit includ-
ing changing the bulb carried out only by 
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a 
workshop that works according to BMW repair 
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Due to the high voltage present in the system, there is a danger of fatal injuries when 
work is carried out improperly.<
Halogen bulbs:
Parking lamps and roadside parking 
lamps, daytime driving lamps
35-Watt bulb, H8
The bulb is pressurized. Therefore, wear 
safety glasses and protective gloves. 
Otherwise there is a danger of injuries if the 
bulb is accidentally damaged during replace-
ment.<
1.Turn the cover to the left and remove.
2.Turn the bulbs to the left, pull off the con-
nector and replace.
3.Install in the reverse order.
Turn signals, front
24-Watt bulb, PY24W
1.Rotate bulb holder to the left and remove it 
along with the bulb.
2.Rotate the bulb to the right along with the 
socket and replace.
3.Install in the reverse order. 

Technical data
284
Capacities
BMW X5Notes
Fuel tank gal/liters approx. 22.5/85 Fuel grade: page235
of that reserve
X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive35d
X5 xDrive50igal/liters
gal/litersapprox. 2.1/8
approx. 2.6/10
Windshield washer with 
headlamp washer system US quarts/liters approx. 6.9/6.5For more details: page67
BMW X6Notes
Fuel tank gal/liters approx. 22.5/85 Fuel grade: page235
of that reserve
X6 xDrive35i
X6 xDrive50igal/liters
gal/litersapprox. 2.1/8
approx. 3.2/12
Windshield washer with 
headlamp washer system US quarts/liters approx. 6.9/6.5For more details: page67 

Everything from A - Z
292
Everything from A - Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System95
ACC, refer to Active cruise 
control68
Accessories5
Access to 3rd row seats47
Acoustic signal, refer to Check 
Control82
Activated-charcoal filter121
Active cruise control68
– distance, selecting70
– indicator lamp72
– radar sensor72
– warning lamps72
Active seat51
Active seat ventilation50
Active steering105
– malfunction105
– warning lamp105
Adaptive brake lamp
– brake force display106
Adaptive Drive98
Adaptive fixing system133
Adaptive Light Control112
Address, entering149,155
Address for navigation
– entering149
Adjusting opening 
height31,33
Adjusting temperature with 
expanded-scope automatic 
climate control118
Adjusting the tone during 
audio operation, refer to 
Tone control168
Adjusting thigh 
support43,44
Airbags107
– sitting safely42
– warning lamp108Air distribution
– automatic117,121
– manual118
Airing, refer to Ventilation120
Air recirculation119
– AUC Automatic 
recirculated-air control119
– recirculated-air mode119
Air vents116
– refer to Ventilation120
Air vents of automatic climate 
control116
Air volume118,
122
AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications235
Alarm system34
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off alarm34
– switching off tilt alarm 
sensor and interior motion 
sensor35
– tilt alarm sensor35
Albums of music 
collection189
Alloy wheels259
All-season tires, refer to 
Winter tires250
All-wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive97
Alterations, technical, refer to 
For your own safety5
AM, waveband171
Antenna for mobile phone212
Antifreeze
– coolant255
– washer fluid67
Antilock Brake System 
ABS95
Anti-theft system, refer to 
Alarm system34Anti-theft system, refer to 
Central locking system27
Approved axle weights, refer 
to Weights283
Approved engine oils255
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights283
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest, front128
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time, refer to 
Computer79
Ashtray
– front129
– rear129
Assist, refer to separate 
operating instructions
Assistance systems, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems95
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control119
Audio168
– controls168
– switching on/off168
– tone control168
– volume168
Audio CDs, DVD system in 
rear202
Audio device, external128
Automatic
– air distribution117,121
– air volume
117,121
– cruise control68
– headlamp control111
– liftgate operation31
– steering wheel adjustment, 
refer to Easy entry/exit53
Automatically switching high-
beams on and off, refer to 
High-beam Assistant113
Automatic car washes258 

Reference 293
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic climate control
– automatic air 
distribution117,121
– in rear121
– switching off120,122
– ventilation in rear120
– with 2-zone control117
– with 4-zone control121
Automatic climate control in 
rear
– activating on Control 
Display121
– deactivating on Control 
Display121
Automatic closing of doors, 
refer to Automatic soft 
closing30
Automatic curb monitor52
Automatic garage door 
opener124
Automatic headlamps
– refer to High-beam 
Assistant113
Automatic Hold61
– activating61
– deactivating61
– parking61
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp 
control111
– refer to Daytime driving 
lamps112
– refer to Interior lamps115
– refer to Pathway lighting112
Automatic low-beams, refer to 
High-beam Assistant113
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC119
Automatic Service 
Request230
Automatic soft closing30
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic63
– deactivating selector lever 
interlock64
– kickdown64
– with Comfort Access36AUTO program of the 
automatic climate 
control117,121
AUX-IN connection128,192
Available services230
Average fuel consumption78
– setting units86
Average speed, refer to 
Computer78
Avoiding highways for 
navigation158
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms35
Axle weights, refer to 
Weights283
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support44
Backrests, refer to Seats43
Backrest width adjustment44
Backup lamps, replacing 
bulbs264,266
Band-aids, refer to First-aid 
kit273
Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter222
Bass, tone setting168
Battery
– charging270
– jump starting274
– power failure270
Battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery270
Battery disposal
– remote control with Comfort 
Access37
– vehicle battery270
Battery for mobile phone223
Battery replacement
– remote control for DVD 
system in rear198
– remote control with Comfort 
Access37
Belts, refer to Safety belts48
Beverage holder, refer to 
Cupholders128Blower, refer to Air 
volume118,122
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating214
BMW Assist, 
activating228,230
BMW Advanced Diesel236
BMW Assist226
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance 
system256
BMW Search228
BMW TeleService226
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to 
Cupholders128
Brake assistant95
Brake force display106
Brake lamps
– brake force display106
– replacing bulbs264,266
Brake pedal, refer to Braking 
safely140
Brake rotors140
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System95
– brake assistant95
– brake force display106
– breaking-in138
– CBC Cornering Brake 
Control95
– electronic brake-force 
distribution95
– parking brake60
– refer to Braking safely140
– warning lamp13
Brake system138
– brake pads138
– breaking-in138
– disc brakes140
Braking safely140
Breakdown
– Flat Tire Monitor99
Breakdown, transporting your 
vehicle275
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance274
Breaking-in brake pads138 

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