2012 BMW X5 XDRIVE 35I SPORT ACTIVITY auto lock when driving off

Driving
Automatic
Hold is activated: the vehicle is auto‐
matically secured against rolling when it stops.
The indicator lamp lights up in green.
Indicator lamp in Canadian models.
Step on the accelerator pedal to drive off.
The brake is released automatically.
The indicator lamp goes out. Before driving into a car wash
Deactivate Automatic Hold; otherwise, the
parking brake will be set when the vehicle is sta‐
tionary and the vehicle will no longer be able to
roll.◀
Parking
The parking brake is automatically set if the en‐
gine is switched off while the vehicle is being
held by Automatic Hold.
The indicator lamp changes from green
to red.
Indicator lamp in Canadian models.
The parking brake is not set if the engine is
switched off while the vehicle is coasting to a
halt. Automatic Hold is deactivated. Take the remote control with you
Take the remote control with you when
leaving the vehicle so that children, for example,
cannot release the parking brake.◀
Malfunction
In the event of a failure or malfunction of the
parking brake, secure the vehicle against rolling
using a wheel chock, for example, when leaving
it. Releasing the parking brake manually
In the event of an electrical power loss or elec‐
trical malfunction, you can release the parking
brake manually.
Secure the vehicle against rolling
Before releasing the parking brake man‐
ually,
and whenever you park the vehicle with the
parking brake released, ensure that position P of
the automatic transmission is engaged. Note
the display in the instrument cluster.
In addition, secure the vehicle against rolling,
e.g. with a wheel chock. Otherwise there is a
danger that the vehicle could roll if parked on a
steep slope.◀
Jump-starting and towing, refer to page 282.
Unlocking
1. Open the left-hand side panel in the cargo
area.
2. Remove the first aid kit* and the warning tri‐
angle*.

Close the bracket of the warning tri‐
angle.
3. Insert the releasing tool or screwdriver, con‐
tained in the tool kit under the cargo floor
panel, refer to page 270, at the releasing
point. 4.
Firmly pull the releasing tool or screwdriver
upward against the mechanical resistance,
refer to arrow, until a considerable increase
in force is felt and the parking brake is then
clearly heard to release.
5. Stow the releasing tool or screwdriver,
warning

triangle*, and first aid kit* and close
the left side panel in the cargo area. Seite 65
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
Transmission positions
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for‐
ward gears are available.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con‐
sumption is lowest when you are driving in po‐
sition D.
Kickdown
Kickdown is used to achieve maximum driving
performance. Press on the accelerator beyond
the resistance point at the full throttle position.
R is Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N is Neutral
Use in automatic car washes, for example. The
vehicle can roll.
When the ignition is switched off, refer to
page
61, position P is engaged automatically.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
drive wheels are blocked.
P is engaged automatically as soon as the en‐
gine
is switched off unless N is engaged and, in
vehicles with Comfort Access, the remote con‐
trol is inserted in the ignition lock, refer to
page 61. Before leaving the vehicle, ensure that
the transmission position P is engaged; other‐
wise, the vehicle may begin to roll.
Engaging transmission position
▷ Transmission position P can only be disen‐
gaged

if the engine is running and the brake
pedal is pressed.
▷ With the vehicle stationary, press on the
brake pedal before shifting out of P or N;
otherwise, the shift command will not be
executed: shift lock. Press on the brake pedal until you start
driving
To prevent the vehicle from creeping after you
select a driving position, maintain pressure on
the brake pedal until you are ready to start.

◀
Shifting into D, R, N Briefly push the selector lever in the desired di‐
rection, beyond a resistance point if necessary.
When

shifting out of P or into R, simultaneously
push the unlock button 1.
The engaged transmission position is displayed
on the selector lever.
After releasing the selector lever, it returns to its
center position.
Engaging P Press button P.
P

is engaged if the driver's safety belt is unbuck‐
led and the driver's door is opened while the ve‐
hicle is stationary and transmission position R or
D is engaged. Before leaving the vehicle, ensure
that the transmission position P is engaged; oth‐
erwise, the vehicle may begin to roll. Seite 69
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

Lamps
At a glance
0
Lamps off and daytime running lights*
1 Parking lamps and daytime running lights*
2 Low-beam headlamps and welcome lamps
3 Automatic headlamp control*, daytime run‐
ning lights*, welcome lamps,
adaptive light
control* and High-beam Assistant*
Parking lamps/low beams,
headlamp control*
Parking lamps
Switch position : the vehicle lamps light
up on all sides, e.g., for parking.
Do not use the parking lamps for extended pe‐
riods; otherwise, the battery may become dis‐
charged

and it would then be impossible to start
the engine.
When parking, it is preferable to switch on the
one-sided roadside parking lamps, refer to
page 83.
When the driver's door is opened with the igni‐
tion switched off: the exterior lighting is auto‐
matically switched off when the light switch is in
position 0, 2 or 3.
Switch on the parking lamps if necessary, switch
position 1.
Low beams
Switch position with the ignition switched
on: the low beams light up. Welcome lamps
When parking the vehicle, leave the switch in
position or : the parking and interior
lamps light up briefly when the vehicle is un‐
locked.
Activating/deactivating the welcome
lamps
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
3. "Welcome light" The setting is stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
Headlamp courtesy delay feature
The

low beams stay lit for a short while after the
ignition is switched off, if the lamps are switched
off and the headlamp flasher is switched on.
Setting the duration
1. "Settings"
2. "Lighting"
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

Driving stability control systems
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS
prevents locking of the wheels during brak‐
ing.
The vehicle remains steerable even during full
brake applications, thus increasing active
safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking during curves or when braking
during a lane change, driving stability and steer‐
ing response are improved further.
Electronic brake-force
distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the maximum braking
force boost. It thus helps to achieve the shortest
possible braking distance during full braking.
This system utilizes all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the full braking.
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
The concept
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when driving away and accelerating. DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions,
such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Subject
to physical limits, DSC helps to keep the vehicle
on a steady course by reducing engine speed
and by applying brakes to the individual wheels.
Adjust your driving style to the situation
An appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even
with DSC.
Do not reduce the additional safety margin with
a risky driving style, as otherwise there is a risk
of an accident.◀
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF
When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is re‐
duced during acceleration and when driving in
bends.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC Press and hold the button, but not longer than
approx. 10 seconds, until the indicator lamp for
DSC

lights up in the instrument cluster and DSC
OFF is displayed. DTC Dynamic Traction Con‐
trol and DSC are deactivated together.
A message appears on the Control Display.
Please note any supplementary information that
appears there. Seite 96
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Driving stability control systems

Driving comfort
Active cruise control*
With active cruise control you can select a de‐
sired speed which is then automatically main‐
tained when driving on open roadways and is
varied
to maintain a selected distance setting to
slower moving vehicles ahead.
Active cruise control represents a technological
advance over the familiar cruise control and is a
welcome relief from the constant adjustment of
speed that can accompany driving in traffic on
highways or other high-speed thoroughfares.
Especially on longer trips and in traffic conges‐
tion, the system can reduce fatigue and tension,
while increasing your enjoyment of driving.
Please use it safely and responsibly.
In addition to holding a steady cruising speed, if
you encounter slower vehicles ahead, active
cruise control will, within limits, adjust your ve‐
hicle's speed automatically so that you can flow
with the traffic without having to make constant
adjustments. If, for example, while cruising at the
selected speed, you begin to approach a slower
vehicle ahead of you in the same lane, the sys‐
tem will reduce your vehicle's speed to the same
as that of the vehicle ahead to maintain your se‐
lected distance setting. You can vary the follow‐
ing distance, which will vary with speed. Based
on your selected distance setting, the system
automatically decreases the throttle setting and
lightly applies the brakes if necessary. In addi‐
tion, if the vehicle ahead of you slows to a com‐
plete stop, the system can follow this action
within the given scope and can also accelerate
from a complete stop if the vehicle ahead of you
drives off again shortly thereafter. During brak‐
ing, your vehicle brake lamps will automatically
illuminate to alert a following driver to take ac‐
tion. In addition, it may be necessary for your
vehicle to downshift the automatic transmission
to maintain the distance setting selected. As
soon as the road in front of you has no moving
vehicles, the system will accelerate to your de‐
sired speed. This set speed is also maintained
on downhill grades, however the vehicle speed can drop below the set speed when driving uphill
if the engine output is not sufficient.
Personal responsibility
Active cruise control cannot detect stop
signs,
red lights, or any object that is stopped or
is blocking the road. Active cruise control is not
and must not be used as a collision avoidance/
warning system. Since this active cruise control
system is a new technology and operates dif‐
ferently from conventional cruise control sys‐
tems to which you may be accustomed, it is
necessary that you read all of the pages relating
to this system before use. Carefully read and
observe the information on the system limita‐
tions, refer to page 106, to obtain a good com‐
mand of the system and its range of applica‐
tions.◀
Brake pedal feel
When the system brakes and you also depress
the brake pedal, a somewhat different braking
feel results.
Professional navigation system*
If the vehicle is equipped with a Professional
navigation system, the system adapts the ac‐
celeration and deceleration behavior of the ve‐
hicle to the road on which you are currently driv‐
ing.
To ensure that the system has the latest infor‐
mation on the course of the road, use the most
recent version of the navigation data.
If the vehicle position is unknown, e.g., if you
have left the region covered by the map, the
navigation system ceases to influence vehicle
behavior.
Applications
Please try the system first during sparse traffic
and clear road conditions so that you can get
used to the system. After you have experience
and understand the system, only then use it dur‐
ing normal traffic. Seite 102
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Driving comfort

ConnectedDrive*
BMW Assist*
General information
BMW
Assist provides you with certain services,
e.g., transmission of the position data of your
vehicle to the BMW Assist Response Center if
an Emergency Request* has been initiated.
Many BMW Assist services depend on the indi‐
vidually agreed upon contract.
After your contract has expired, the BMW Assist
system will be deactivated by the BMW Assist
Response Center without your having to visit a
service center. After the BMW Assist system
has been deactivated, no BMW Assist services
will be available. The BMW Assist system can be
reactivated by a service center after you sign a
new contract.
Requirements
▷ The installed BMW Assist system is logged
in to a wireless communications network.
This network must be capable of transmit‐
ting the services.
▷ To transmit position data, the vehicle must
be able to determine the current position.
▷ The BMW Assist service contract was
signed with your service center or with the
BMW Assist Response Center. Enabling
must have been completed.
▷ BMW Assist is activated.
Services offered
▷ Emergency Request: when you press the
SOS button, a connection to the BMW As‐
sist Response Center is established. The
BMW Assist Response Center then speaks
with

you and takes further steps to help you.
▷ Automatic Collision Notification: under cer‐
tain conditions, a connection is established
to

the BMW Assist Response Center after a
serious accident. If possible, the BMW As‐ sist Response Center then speaks with you
and takes further steps to help you.
▷ Enhanced Roadside Assistance: BMW
Roadside Assistance* can be contacted if
assistance

is needed in the event of a break‐
down. If possible, the vehicle and position
data are transmitted in the process.
▷ Customer Relations: connection with Cus‐
tomer Relations for information on all as‐
pects of your vehicle.
▷ TeleService: data on your vehicle's service
status or required inspections are transmit‐
ted to your service center, either automati‐
cally before a service due date or when you
request a BMW service appointment.
▷ Remote Door Unlock: the BMW Assist Re‐
sponse

Center provides assistance if, for ex‐
ample, the remote control is not available
and the vehicle needs to be opened.
▷ Stolen Vehicle Recovery: after you report
that

your vehicle was stolen to the police, the
BMW Assist Response Center can deter‐
mine its position.
▷ In addition to these services, the optional
Convenience Plan offers Concierge service
and information for route planning, traffic,
and weather. A limited number of calls can
be made via the BMW Assist Response
Center with Critical Calling if, for example,
the mobile phone is not available or dis‐
charged.
Press the SOS button to contact the BMW
Assist Response Center.
TeleService*
General information
TeleService

supports communication with your
service center.
▷ Data on the vehicle's service requirements
can

be sent directly to the service center. In
this way, the service center can plan its work
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Reference Mobility
Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Care
Car washes
Notes
Steam jets or high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, hold them a sufficient distance away
and use a maximum temperature of 140 ℉/
60 ℃.
Holding them too close or using excessively
high
pressures or temperatures can cause dam‐
age or preliminary damage that may then lead to
long-term damage.
Follow the operating instructions for the high-
pressure washer.◀
Cleaning sensors/cameras with high-
pressure washers
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the exterior sensors and cameras, for Park
Distance Control* or the backup camera*, for
instance, for extended periods of time and only
from a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.◀
Wash your vehicle frequently, particularly in win‐
ter.
Intense soiling and road salt can damage the ve‐
hicle.
Washing in automatic car washes
Your vehicle can be washed in automatic car
washes right from the start.
Give preference to cloth car washes or those
that use soft brushes in order to avoid paint
damage.
Notes
Note the following:
▷ Make sure that the wheels and tires are not
damaged by the transport mechanisms.
▷ Fold in the exterior mirrors; otherwise, they
may

be damaged, depending on the width of
the vehicle. ▷
Deactivate rain sensor, refer to page 67, to
prevent unintentional wiper action.
▷ BMW X5: deactivate the rear window wiper
and protect it from damage. Ask the car
wash

operator about any necessary protec‐
tive measures.
▷ Remove additional attachments, for in‐
stance a spoiler or telephone antenna, if
there is a risk that these may be damaged.
Guide rails in car washes
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher
than 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the vehicle body
could be damaged.

◀
Before driving into a car wash
The vehicle is able to roll if the following steps
are taken.
1. Insert the remote control into the ignition
lock, even with Comfort Access.
2. Engage transmission position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Deactivating Automatic Hold, refer to
page 64.
5. Switch the engine off.
6. Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Mixed tires* Note the vehicle width
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.◀
Headlamps
▷ Do not rub dry and do not use abrasive or
caustic cleansers.
▷ Soak areas that have been soiled e.g. due to
insects, with shampoo and wash off with
water. Seite 285
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

DTC Dynamic Traction Con‐
trol 97
DTMF suffix dialing 222
DVD/CD 181
DVDs, storing 188
DVD system in rear 200
DVD, video 183
Dynamic destination guid‐ ance 167
Dynamic Performance Con‐ trol 98
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 96
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 97
E
Easy entry/exit 55
EfficientDynamics, refer to Saving fuel 148
Electrical malfunction
– Door lock 32
– Driver's door 32
– Fuel filler flap 246
Electrical malfunction of upper
tailgate 34
Electrical malfunction, parking brake 65
Electric seat adjustment 46
Electric
steering wheel adjust‐
ment 55
Electronic brake-force distri‐ bution 96
Electronic engine oil level check 265
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic Stabil‐
ity Control DSC 96
Emergency operation
– Door lock, refer to Manual operation 32
Emergency operation, fuel
filler flap, unlocking man‐
ually 246
Emergency Request 280
Emergency service, refer to Roadside Assistance 281 Energy-conscious driving, re‐
fer to Current fuel consump‐
tion 72
Energy,

saving, refer to Saving
fuel 148
Engine, breaking in 142
Engine compartment 263
Engine coolant, refer to Cool‐ ant 267
Engine oil, adding 266
Engine oil, additives, refer to Approved engine oils 266
Engine oil, alternative oil types 266
Engine oil, BMW maintenance system 268
Engine oil change intervals, re‐ fer to Service require‐
ments 75
Engine oil, checking the level 265
Engine oil, filling capacity 293
Engine oil temperature 72
Engine oil types, alterna‐ tive 266
Engine oil types, ap‐ proved 266
Engine, overheating, refer to Coolant temperature 72
Engine power, refer to Engine data 290
Engine, RPM 290
Engine start, assistance 281
Engine, starting 62
Engine, starting
– Comfort Access 37
Engine, starting, Start/Stop
button 61
Engine, stopping, Start/Stop button 61
Engine, switching off 62
Entry lamps, refer to Interior lamps 84
Environmentally friendly driv‐ ing,

refer to Current fuel con‐
sumption 72
Equalizer 172
Equipment, interior 127 ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐
gram, refer to Dynamic Sta‐
bility Control DSC 96
Exchanging wheels/tires 260
Exhaust system 142
Exterior mirrors 53
Exterior mirrors, adjusting 53
Exterior mirrors, automatic dimming 55
Exterior mirrors, automatic heating 54
Exterior mirrors, folding in and out 54
External audio device 134
External devices 192
External temperature dis‐ play 71
External temperature display, changing the units of meas‐
ure, changing the units of
measure on the Control Dis‐
play 80
External temperature warn‐ ing 71
Eyes for securing cargo 146
F
Fader 172
Failure messages, refer to Check Control 76
False alarm
– Avoiding unintentional alarms 40
– Ending an alarm 39
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts 50
Fault messages, refer to Check Control 76
Filling capacities 293
Filter, refer to Microfilter/acti‐ vated-charcoal filter 124
Fine wood, care 287
First aid kit 281
Fitting for towing 283
Fixing system, adaptive 137
Flashing

when locking/unlock‐
ing 31
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 88
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