2012 BMW X5 XDRIVE35D ESP

With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
Retreaded tires
Possibly substantial variations in the de‐
sign and age of the tire casing structures can
limit service life and have a negative impact on
road safety.◀
Winter tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
winter tires for winter roads or at temperatures
below +45 ℉/+7 ℃.
Although
so-called all-season M+S tires do pro‐
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Maximum speed of winter tires
If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then display a corresponding sign in the field of
vision. You can obtain this sign from the tire spe‐
cialist or from your service center.
Maximum speed for winter tires
Do not exceed the maximum speed for the
winter tires; otherwise, tire damage and acci‐
dents can occur.◀
Run-flat tires
For your own safety, only use run-flat tires. Your
service center will be glad to advise you.
Rotating wheels between axles
The manufacturer of your vehicle advises
against swapping wheels between the front and
rear axles.
This can impair the handling characteristics.
Rotating the tires is not permissible when using
different types of tires*. Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres‐
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Run-flat tires
Label
RSC label on the tire sidewall.
The wheels are composed of special rims and
tires that are self-supporting, to a limited de‐
gree.
The

support of the sidewall allows the tire to re‐
main drivable to a restricted degree in the event
of a pressure loss.
Driving with a damaged tire:
▷ Flat Tire Monitor FTM*, refer to page 88
▷ Tire Pressure Monitor TPM*, refer to
page 90
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your service center for
more information.
BMW X5: use only in pairs on the rear wheels,
equipped with tires of the following size:
▷ 255/55 R 18
▷ 255/50 R 19
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Adding engine oil
Filler neck
BMW X5
BMW X6
Add a maximum quantity of 1 US quart/1 liter of
oil only after the corresponding message ap‐
pears on the Control Display.
Add oil promptly
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km;
otherwise, engine damage could result.◀
Protect children
Keep oil, grease, etc., out of reach of chil‐
dren and heed the warnings on the containers
to prevent health risks.◀
Oil types for refilling
Notes
No oil additives
Do not use oil additives as these may
cause engine damage.◀ Viscosity classes of engine oils
When selecting an engine oil, ensure that
the engine oil belongs to one of the viscosity
classes SAE 0W-40, SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-40,
or SAE 5W-30, or malfunctions or engine dam‐
age may occur.◀
The
engine oil quality is critical for the life of the
engine.
Due to national regulations, some oil types are
not available in every country.
Approved oil types Gasoline engine
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30
BMW Longlife-01
BMW Longlife-01 FE
Diesel engine
BMW Longlife-04
Further information on approved oil types can be
obtained from the service center.
Alternative oil types
If the approved engine oils are not available, up
to 1 US quart/liter of an oil with the following
specification can be used:
Gasoline engine
API SM or higher
Diesel engine
API ILSAC GF-5
Oil change
An

oil change should be carried out by the serv‐
ice center only. Seite 266
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Engine compartment

Replacing components
Tool kit
The tool kit is stowed under the cargo floor panel
in the cargo area.
Wiper blade replacement
Do
not fold down the wipers without wiper
blades
Do not fold down the wipers if wiper blades have
not been installed; this may damage the wind‐
shield.◀
Front 1.
Fold up the wiper arm.
2. Fold the wiper blade upwards.
3. Remove the wiper blade toward the wind‐
shield, refer to arrow. BMW X5: rear
1.
Lift off the wiper arm completely and pull off
the wiper blade, refer to arrow.
2. Mount the new wiper blade and press on
until it is heard to engage.
Lamp and bulb replacement
General information
Lamps

and bulbs make an essential contribution
to vehicle safety.
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
that you entrust corresponding procedures to
your service center if you are unfamiliar with
them or they are not described here.
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your service center.
Danger of burns
Only change bulbs when they are cool;
otherwise, there is the danger of getting
burned.◀
Working on the lighting system
When working on the lighting system, you
should always switch off the lights affected to
prevent short circuits.
To avoid possible injury or equipment damage
when replacing bulbs, observe any instructions
provided by the bulb manufacturer.◀ Seite 270
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Replacing components

Breakdown assistance
Hazard warning flashers
The button for the hazard warning system is lo‐
cated on the center console.
Emergency Request
*
Requirements
▷ Equipment version with full preparation
package mobile phone.
An Emergency Request can be made, even
if no mobile phones are paired with the ve‐
hicle.
▷ BMW Assist is activated.
▷ Radio readiness is switched on.
▷ The BMW Assist system is logged in to a
wireless communications network sup‐
ported by BMW Assist.
▷ The Assist system is operable.
Only press the SOS button in an emergency.
Emergency Request not guaranteed
For

technical reasons, the Emergency Re‐
quest cannot be guaranteed under unfavorable
conditions.◀
Service contract
▷ After your contract with BMW Assist has ex‐
pired,

the BMW Assist system can be deac‐
tivated by the service center without you
having to visit a workshop. After deactivation, an Emergency Request
is no longer possible.
▷ Under certain circumstances, the system
can be reactivated by a service center after
you sign a new contract.
Initiating an Emergency Request
1. Press the cover briefly to open it. 2.
Press the SOS button until the LED in the
button lights up.
▷ The LED lights up: an Emergency Request
was initiated.
If

the circumstances allow this, remain in the
vehicle until the connection has been estab‐
lished.
▷ The LED flashes if the connection to the
BMW

Assist Response Center has been es‐
tablished.
Once the BMW Assist Response Center has
received your Emergency Request, the
BMW Assist Response Center contacts you
and takes further steps to help you.
Even if you are unable to respond, the BMW
Assist Response Center can take further
steps to help you under certain circumstan‐
ces.
For this purpose, data that are used to de‐
termine the necessary rescue measures,
such as the current position of the vehicle if
it can be established, are transmitted to the
BMW Assist Response Center.
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Breakdown assistance

▷
If the LED is flashing but the BMW Assist
Response Center cannot be heard on the
hands-free system, the hands-free system
may be malfunctioning. However, the BMW
Assist
Response Center may still be able to
hear you.
Initiating an Emergency Request
automatically
Under certain conditions, an Emergency Re‐
quest

is automatically initiated immediately after
a severe accident. Automatic Collision Notifica‐
tion is not affected by pressing the SOS button.
Roadside Assistance*
Service availability
Roadside Assistance can be reached around the
clock in many countries. You can obtain assis‐
tance there in the event of a vehicle breakdown.
Roadside Assistance
The Roadside Assistance, refer to page 238
phone number can be viewed on the iDrive or a
connection to Roadside Assistance* can be es‐
tablished directly.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is located in the cargo area.
First aid kit*
The first aid kit is located in a storage compart‐
ment on the right side in the cargo area.
Some of the articles contained in the first aid
pouch have a limited service life.
Check the expiration dates of the contents reg‐
ularly and replace any items promptly. Jump-starting
Notes
If the battery is discharged, an engine can be
started using the battery of another vehicle and
two jumper cables*. Only use jumper cables
with fully insulated clamp handles.
To prevent personal injury or damage to both
vehicles, adhere strictly to the following proce‐
dure.
Do not touch live parts
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury,
always avoid all contact with electrical compo‐
nents while the engine is running.◀
Preparation
1. Check whether the battery of the other ve‐
hicle has a voltage of 12 volts and approxi‐
mately

the same capacitance in Ah. This in‐
formation can be found on the battery.
2. Switch off the engine of the assisting vehi‐
cle.
3. Switch off any electronic systems/power
consumers in both vehicles.
Bodywork contact between vehicles
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise there
is a danger of shorting.◀
Starting aid terminals
Connecting order
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order; otherwise, there is the danger of injury
from sparking.◀ Seite 281
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

The so-called starting aid terminal in the engine
compartment acts as the battery's positive ter‐
minal.
Fold open the cover. To do so, pull the tab. The body ground or a special nut acts as the
negative terminal.
Connecting jumper cables
1.
Fold open the cover of the BMW starting-aid
terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
2. Attach one terminal clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery,

or to the corresponding starting aid
terminal of the vehicle providing assistance.
3. Attach the other end of the cable to the pos‐
itive terminal of the battery, or to the corre‐
sponding

starting aid terminal of the vehicle
to be started.
4. Attach one terminal clamp of the negative
jumper

cable to the negative terminal of the
battery, or to the corresponding engine or
body ground of the vehicle providing assis‐
tance.
5. Attach the other end of the cable to the neg‐
ative

terminal of the battery, or to the corre‐
sponding engine or body ground of the ve‐
hicle to be started. Starting the engine
Never use spray fluids to start the engine.
1.
Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let

it run for several minutes at an increased
idle speed.
If the vehicle being started has a diesel en‐
gine: let the engine of the assisting vehicle
run for approx. 10 minutes.
2. Start the engine of the vehicle being started
in the usual way.
If

the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before making another
attempt in order to allow the discharged bat‐
tery to recharge.
3. Let both engines run for several minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse
order.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Tow-starting and towing
Observe applicable laws and regulations
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing.◀
No additional passengers
Do not transport any passengers other
than

the driver in a vehicle that is being towed.◀
Transporting the vehicle
Note
Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Therefore, contact a service center in the event
of a breakdown. Do not have the vehicle towed
Have your vehicle transported on a loading
platform only; otherwise, damage may occur.◀ Seite 282
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Breakdown assistance

Tow truck
Do not tow with only the front or rear axle
raised
Do not tow the BMW with just the front or rear
axle
raised; otherwise, the wheels could lock up
and the transfer case could be damaged.◀
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage may
result.◀
Towing other vehicles
General information
Light towing vehicle
Your vehicle must not be lighter than the
vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will not be
possible to control vehicle response.◀
Attaching the tow bar/tow rope correctly
Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting; connecting it to other vehicle parts may
cause damage.◀
▷ Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.
▷ If the electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed by placing
a sign or a warning triangle in the rear win‐
dow. 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, please observe
the following:
▷
Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
▷ The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is attached offset.
Tow rope
When
starting to tow the vehicle, make sure that
the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on
the vehicle components when towing, always
use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fit‐
ting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is se‐
cured on other parts of the vehicle.◀
Tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front or rear of the BMW.
It is stored with the tool kit under the cargo floor
cover in the cargo area, refer to page 270.
Tow fitting, information on use
▷ Use only the tow fitting provided with
the vehicle and screw it all the way in.
▷ Use the tow fitting for towing on paved roads
only.
▷ Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g.,
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Otherwise, damage to the tow fitting and the ve‐
hicle can occur.◀ Seite 283
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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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Everything from A to Z