2012 BMW X5 XDRIVE35D steering

the bend of the curve. Any deceleration of the
vehicle by the system can be compensated for
by briefly accelerating. After the accelerator
pedal is released, the system becomes active
again and independently controls the speed.
Driving away
In some situations, the vehicle cannot drive
away automatically, e.g., on steep inclines, with
a heavy trailer or behind bumps in the road.
Driver interventions and your
responsibility
Your
actions have priority at all times. When you
press on the accelerator pedal while driving, au‐
tomatic braking is not performed and the bars in
the distance display go out until you lift your foot
from the accelerator pedal. Once you release the
accelerator pedal, the desired speed is achieved
again on clear roads or the selected distance to
the vehicle ahead is maintained.
Making braking possible
Anytime the driver presses down on the
accelerator pedal, any braking action by the sys‐
tem is interrupted and the distance indicator
goes out until the pedal is fully released. As soon
as you fully release the accelerator, the system
will again control your cruising speed and dis‐
tance setting. While driving with the system ac‐
tivated, resting your foot on the acelerator pedal
will cause the system not to brake even if nec‐
essary. Be certain that floormats or other ob‐
jects on the vehicle floor do not interfere with
movement of the acccelerator pedal.◀
Limits of automatic braking
While active cruise control is capable of
braking your vehicle automatically when you ap‐
proach a slower vehicle ahead, it is important to
be aware that the ability of the system to apply
the brakes is also limited, e.g. when you reduce
your desired speed sharply. lt uses only a portion
of braking system capacity and does not utilize
the full capacity of the vehicle braking system.
Therefore, the system cannot decrease your
speed for large differences in speed between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Examples: when you approach a vehicle traveling at a much
lower speed than your own speed such as ap‐
proaching a toll booth or when a much slower
vehicle cuts in front of you at close range.◀
Cruise control*
The concept
The
system is functional at speeds beginning at
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.
The speed specified using the lever on the
steering column is maintained.
The system brakes on downhill gradients if en‐
gine braking action is insufficient.
Do not use cruise control
Do not use the system if unfavorable con‐
ditions make it impossible to drive at a constant
speed, for instance:
▷ On curvy roads.
▷ In heavy traffic.
▷ On slippery roads, in fog, snow or rain, or on
a loose road surface.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident.◀
One lever for all functions 1
Storing and maintaining speed or accelerat‐
ing
2 Storing and maintaining speed or deceler‐
ating
3 Interrupting and deactivating the system
4 Resuming a speed stored beforehand Seite 108
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Driving comfort

Assistance functions
Functional requirement
▷
Rear view camera is switched on.
▷ Tailgate is completely closed.
Pathway lines ▷
Can be displayed in the image of the rear
view
camera when the transmission is in re‐
verse.
▷ Help estimate the required amount of space
when

parking and maneuvering on a flat road
surface.
▷ Depend on the current steering angle and
are continuously adapted to movements of
the steering wheel.
Show the parking aid lines via the iDrive, refer to
page 114.
Turning lines ▷
Can be displayed in the image of the rear
view camera.
▷ Show the path of the smallest turning circle
on a flat road surface.
▷ When the steering wheel is turned, only one
turning line is displayed. Show the parking aid lines via the iDrive, refer to
page
114.
Parking using pathway and turning
lines
1. Position the vehicle so that the turning lines
lead into the margins of the parking space. 2.
Turn the steering wheel to the point where
the pathway line covers the corresponding
turning circle line. Obstacle marking
▷
Three-dimensionally shaped markings can
be displayed in the image of the rear view
camera.
Their color gradation corresponds to the mark‐
ings
in PDC. This helps estimate the distance to
the object pictured.
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

Displaying turning lines and pathway
lines
▷
The static, red turning line shows the lateral
space required when the wheel is fully
turned.
▷ The variable, green pathway lines assist you
in
estimating the amount of lateral space ac‐
tually required.
The pathway lines depend on the current
steering angle and are continuously
adapted to movements of the steering
wheel. "Parking aid lines"
Turning lines and pathway lines are displayed.
Cameras The lenses of the Top View cameras are on the
undersides of the exterior mirror housings.
The presence of dirt can impair image quality.
Clean the lens with a moist, nonabrasive cloth.
Side View*
The concept
Side View provides an early look at cross traffic
at

blind driveways and intersections. Road users
concealed by obstacles to the left and right of
the vehicle can only be detected from the driv‐
er's seat at the last minute. To improve visibility,
two cameras in the front of the vehicle record the
traffic situation on each side.
System limits
The cameras capture a maximum range of
330 ft/100 m. Display
The images from both cameras are shown si‐
multaneously on the Control Display.
Check the traffic situation as well
Check the traffic situation around the ve‐
hicle on blind driveways and intersections with
your

own eyes. Otherwise, an accident could re‐
sult from road users or objects located outside
the picture area of the Side View cameras.◀
Switching off automatically
System switches off: above approx. 9 mph/
15 km/h.
Switch on the system again if necessary.
Switching on/off manually Press the button.
Image on the Control Display
The traffic area to the left and right is displayed
on the Control Display.
Guidelines at the bottom of the image show the
position of the front of the vehicle.
Brightness
With the Side View switched on: Seite 116
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Driving comfort

Digital compass*
1
Adjustment button
2 Display
The display shows you the main or secondary
compass direction in which you are driving. Operating concept
Various functions can be called up by pressing
the adjustment button with a pointed object
such
as a pen. The following adjustment options
are displayed one after the other, depending on
how long the adjustment button is pressed:
▷ Press briefly: switch the display on/off.
▷ 3 to 6 seconds: set the compass zone.
▷ 6 to 9 seconds: calibrate the compass.
▷ 9 to 12 seconds: set left-hand/right hand
steering.
▷ 12 to 15 seconds: set the language.
Setting compass zones
Set the compass zone corresponding to the ve‐
hicle's
geographic location so that the compass can function correctly; refer to the world map
with compass zones.Press the adjustment button for 3‑4 seconds.
The number of the compass zone set is shown
in the display.
To change the zone setting, briefly press the
adjustment button repeatedly until the display
shows the number of the compass zone corre‐
sponding to the current location.
The compass is operational again after approx.
10 seconds.
Calibrating the digital compass
The digital compass must be calibrated in the
following situations:
▷
An incorrect compass direction is shown.
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

▷
The cardinal direction displayed does not
change even if the direction of travel
changes.
▷ Not all compass directions are shown.
Procedure
1. Make sure that there are no large metal ob‐
jects or overhead power lines in the vicinity
of
the vehicle and that there is enough space
to drive in a circle.
2. Set the currently valid compass zone.
3. Press the adjustment button for 6‑7 sec‐
onds

to call up C. Then drive at least one full
circle at a maximum speed of 4 mph/7 km/h.
When the system is calibrated, the C is re‐
placed by the compass directions.
Right-hand/left-hand steering
The
digital compass is set for right-hand or left-
hand steering at the factory.
Setting the language
Press the adjustment button for 12‑13 seconds.
Briefly press the adjustment button again to
switch between English "E" and German "O".
The setting is automatically saved after approx.
10 seconds.
Ashtray/cigarette lighter*
Opening
Front To open the cover, slide it forward. Rear
BMW X6
Slide the cover back.
Emptying
Take out the insert.
Lighter
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, press in the cigarette lighter.
The lighter can be removed as soon as it pops
back out.
Danger of burns
Only hold the hot lighter by its head; oth‐
erwise, there is the danger of getting burned.
Switch

off the ignition and take the remote con‐
trol with you when leaving the vehicle so that
children cannot use the lighter and burn them‐
selves.◀ Seite 130
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Interior equipment

Diesel particulate filter*
Soot particles are collected in the diesel partic‐
ulate filter and periodically burned away at high
temperatures.
During the cleaning period of several minutes:
▷
The engine may temporarily run less
smoothly.
▷ A somewhat higher engine speed may be
necessary to achieve the accustomed per‐
formance.
▷ Noises and a slight amount of smoke may
emerge from the exhaust, even for a short
period after the engine is switched off.
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is not recommended to use mobile phones,
such
as mobile phones without a direct connec‐
tion to an external aerial in the vehicle's passen‐
ger compartment. Otherwise, the vehicle elec‐
tronics and mobile communication devices can
interfere with each other. In addition, there is no
assurance that the radiation generated during
transmission will be discharged from the vehicle
interior.◀
Hydroplaning
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It 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.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.◀
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tire
tread depth decreases. Minimum tread depth,
refer to page 259. Driving through water
Maximum water depth:
▷
BMW X5: 20 inches/50 cm.
▷ BMW X6: 17 inches/45 cm.
Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐
tions
Only drive through water up to the above-men‐
tioned depth at no greater than walking speed;
otherwise, the engine, electrical system, and
transmission can be damaged.

◀
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsiveness.
You can still avoid any obstacles with a minimum
of steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode. Do not let your foot rest on the brake pedal
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.◀
Objects in the area around the pedals
No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be properly fixed in place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again when they are returned after being re‐
moved, such as for cleaning.◀ Seite 143
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation
Driving tips Controls At a glance

Driving in wet conditions
When
roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
road users.
The heat generated in this process helps dry the
brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear
in which the least braking is required. Otherwise,
the brake system may overheat, resulting in a
reduction in the brake system efficiency.
The engine braking action can be further en‐
hanced by shifting down during manual opera‐
tion of the automatic transmission, refer to
page 69, if necessary all the way down to first
gear.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos‐
sibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking. In
addition, steering and brake assist is unavailable
with the engine stopped.◀
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination
on the brake pads are furthered by:
▷ Low mileage.
▷ Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.
▷ Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached. Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
Condensation
under the parked vehicle
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops that exits underneath
the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are normal.
Loading
Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved carrying
capacity of the tires, never overload the vehicle.
Overloading can lead to overheating and in‐
creases the rate at which damage develops in‐
side the tires. This could result in a sudden loss
of tire inflation pressure.◀
No fluids in the cargo area
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
cargo area; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐
aged.◀
Determining the load limit 1.
Locate the following statement on your ve‐
hicle’s placard*:
▷The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to the ve‐ Seite 144
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Things to remember when driving

Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight
or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page 292, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola‐
tion of traffic safety laws.
Use only the lashing eyes pictured to fasten the
heavy-duty cargo straps. Do not secure cargo
using the upper top tether, refer to page 57,
mounting points; otherwise, these may become
damaged.◀
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
Special rack system as optional
accessory
A special rack system is available as an optional
accessory.
Follow the directions given in the installation in‐
structions.
Mounting
Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained
for raising and opening the glass sunroof*/pan‐
oramic glass sunroof*.
Loading
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
vehicle handling and steering response.
Therefore, note the following when loading and
driving:
▷ Do not exceed the approved roof/axle loads
and

the approved gross vehicle weight, refer
to page 292.
▷ Distribute the roof load uniformly.
▷ The roof load should not be too large in area.
▷ Always load the heaviest pieces on the bot‐
tom.
▷ Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely.
▷ Do not let objects project into the opening
path of the tailgate. ▷
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration
and braking maneuvers. Take corners gen‐
tly.
Driving on poor roads
Your vehicle combines an all-wheel drive sys‐
tem
with the advantages of a normal passenger
car.
Do not drive on unpaved terrain
Do not drive on unpaved terrain, as other‐
wise the vehicle may be damaged.◀
For your own safety and the safety of passen‐
gers and the vehicle, adhere to the following
points:
▷ Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
driving; never take risks.
▷ Adjust speeds according to road conditions.
The

steeper and rougher the road surface is,
the lower the speed should be.
▷ When driving on steep uphill and downhill
grades:

the engine oil and coolant should be
filled nearly to the MAX mark.
BMW X5: the vehicle can be driven on uphill
and downhill grades up to 50%.
▷ Use Hill Descent Control HDC, refer to
page 98, on steep downhill grades.
BMW

X5: the vehicle can be driven away on
uphill grades of up to 33%. The permissible
body roll is 50%.
▷ Watch for stones, holes, and other obstacles
and drive around these where possible.
▷ On bumps and rough roads, avoid contact
between the vehicle body and the ground.
The

maximum ground clearance is 8 inches/
20 cm and may vary with the loaded cargo.
▷ When driving through water, do not exceed
the maximum water height.
▷BMW X5: 20 inches/50 cm
▷ BMW X6: 17 inches/45 cm
Drive at walking speed only and do not stop
the vehicle. Seite 147
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation
Driving tips Controls At a glance