Care
258
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
page281.
>If necessary, fold in exterior mirrors, refer to
page51.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher
than 4 in/10 cm as these may damage
parts of the vehicle body.<
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Deactivate the rain sensor to prevent
undesired wiper operation.
>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
page61.
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.<
Replacing components
264
Side marker lamps, rear
To replace, please go to a BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.
Tail lamps
>Turn signals, brake lamps: 21-watt bulb,
P21W
>Brake force display: 21-watt bulb, P21W
>Backup lamp: 16-watt bulb, W16W
>Rear lamp: LED technology.
In case of a defect, please go to a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a work-
shop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained
personnel.
Arrangement of tail lamps
1Rear lamp
2Brake force display
3Brake lamp
4Tail lamp/side marker lamp
5Backup lamp
6Turn signal
Turn signals, brake lamps and backup
lamps
The bulbs are integrated in a single bulb holder.1.Open the side panel in the cargo area.
2.Remove the first-aid kit
* and warning trian-
gle
* if necessary. Fold up the insulation.
3.Push the button, arrow1, down, press the
catches, arrows2, outward slightly and
remove the bulb holder.
4.P21W bulb:
Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left, remove the bulb and
replace it.
W16W bulb:
Take out the bulbs and replace them.
5.Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
6.Remount the side panel.
Brake force display
1.Carefully remove the cover in the liftgate
panel with a screwdriver.
2.Push the catch on the bulb holder to the left,
arrow, and remove it.
Mobility
267Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
3Backup lamp
4Turn signal
Brake lamps
1.Open the side panel in the cargo area.
2.Remove the first-aid kit
* and warning trian-
gle
* if necessary.
3.Rotate the relevant bulb socket to the left
and remove.
4.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
5.Install in the reverse order.
Turn signal
1.Open the side panel in the cargo area.
2.Remove the first-aid kit
* and warning trian-
gle
* if necessary.
3.Remove bulb holder along with bulb and
replace.
4.Install in the reverse order.
Backup lamp
1.Open the side panel in the cargo area.
2.Remove the first-aid kit
* and warning trian-
gle
* if necessary.3.Remove bulb holder along with bulb and
replace.
4.Install in the reverse order.
Brake force display
1.Carefully remove the cover in the liftgate
panel with a screwdriver.
2.Rotate the bulb socket to the left and
remove.
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
4.Insert the bulb socket in the liftgate and
engage it.
5.Replace the cover.
Replacing components
268
License plate lamp
5-Watt bulb, C5W
1.Slide the lamp to the right with a screw-
driver, refer to arrow1.
2.Remove the lamp, arrow2.
3.Replace the bulb.
4.Reinstall the lamp.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation.
In case of a defect, please go to a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as
standard. As a result, it is not necessary to
change the wheel immediately in the case of air
loss in the event of a breakdown.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of
a flat tire page100
>With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure
page103
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to Run-flat tires, page249.
When mounting new tires, or changing from
s u m m e r t o w i n t e r t i r e s o r v i c e v e r s a , u s e r u n - f l a t
tires for your own safety. No spare tire is avail-
able in case of a flat tire. Your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center will be happy to advise you. Also refer to New wheels and tires,
page249.
BMW X6: do not rotate the front wheels to
the rear or vice versa, as otherwise the
handling characteristics will be negatively
affected.<
Suitable tools for changing tires are avail-
able as accessories at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.<
Jacking points for vehicle jack
The jacking points for the vehicle jack are
located in the positions shown.
Compact wheel*
Safety precautions in the event of a flat
tire or wheel change: park the vehicle as
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid
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
Mobility
273Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Giving and receiving assistance
Emergency request
Conditions for an emergency request:
>Full preparation package mobile phone.
With this equipment, an emergency request
is still possible when no mobile phone is
paired in the vehicle.
>BMW Assist is activated.
Activating BMW Assist, refer to page228.
>Radio readiness is switched on.
>The BMW Assist system is logged in on a
wireless communications network.
>The emergency request system is opera-
ble.
When the contract of participation with BMW
Assist expires, the BMW Assist system can be
deactivated by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center without having to visit a workshop. Once
the BMW Assist system has been deactivated,
emergency requests are not possible. The
BMW Assist system be reactivated by a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center after signing a
new contract.
Initiating an emergency request
1.Briefly press protective cover to open.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the
arrangement of the switches and indicator
lamps may differ somewhat.
2.Press the SOS button until the LED in the
button lights up.As soon as the voice connection to the BMW
Assist Response Center has been established,
the LED flashes.
When the emergency request is received at the
BMW Assist Response Center, the BMW Assist
Response Center contacts you and takes fur-
ther steps to help you. Even if you are unable to
answer, the BMW Assist Response Center can
take further steps to help you under certain
conditions.
If conditions allow, remain in the vehicle until
the connection has been established. You will
then be able to provide a detailed description of
the situation.
Information for determining the required rescue
measures is transmitted to the BMW Assist
Response Center, e.g. the current position of
your vehicle, if this can be determined.
If the LED flashes, but you are unable to hear
the BMW Assist Response Center through the
hands-free system, this could indicate, for
instance, that the hands-free system is no
longer operational. The BMW Assist Response
Center may still be able to hear you, however.
Under certain conditions, an emergency
request is automatically initiated immediately
after a severe accident. An automatic collision
notification is not affected by the button being
pressed.
For technical reasons, the emergency
request cannot be guaranteed under
unfavorable conditions.<
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in the cargo
area.
First-aid kit*
Some of the articles contained in the first-aid kit
have a limited service life. Therefore, check the
Giving and receiving assistance
276 >Switch on the hazard warning flashers
depending on the local regulations.
>If the electrical system fails, mark the vehi-
cle to be towed, e.g. with a sign or warning
triangle in the rear window.
Towing methods when towing other
vehicles
Tow bar
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, observe the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
Tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on
vehicle components when towing, always use
nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fit-
ting; connecting it to other vehicle parts
may cause damage.<
Tow fitting
The screw-on tow-fitting must always be car-
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front or rear of the BMW.
It is located in the toolkit under the floor panel
flap in the cargo area, refer to page262.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing only on roads. Use the tow
fitting screwed in at the front for maneuvering
the vehicle only. Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the tow fit-
ting. Otherwise damage to the tow fitting and
the vehicle can occur.<
Access to screw thread
Cover panel on left/right side of bumper: press
on the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
BMW X5: front
BMW X6: front
Rear
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