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cruise control will, within limits, adjust your
vehicle's speed automatically so that you can
flow with the traffic without having to make con-
stant adjustments. If, for example, while cruis-
ing at the selected speed, you begin to
approach a slower vehicle ahead of you in the
same lane, the system will reduce your vehicle's
speed to the same as that of the vehicle ahead
to maintain your selected distance setting. You
can vary the following 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 addition, if the vehicle ahead of
you slows to a complete 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 braking, your vehicle brake
lamps will automatically illuminate to alert a fol-
lowing driver to take action. In addition, it may
be necessary for your vehicle to downshift the
automatic transmission to maintain the dis-
tance setting selected. As soon as the road in
front of you has no moving vehicles, the system
will accelerate to your desired 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 out-
put is not sufficient.
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 differently from con-
ventional cruise control systems 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 limitations beginning
on page73 to obtain a good command of the
system and its range of applications.
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
acceleration and deceleration behavior of the
vehicle to the road on which you are currently
driving.
To ensure that the system has the latest
information 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
during normal traffic.
As with conventional cruise control systems,
active cruise control in no way reduces or sub-
stitutes for the driver's own personal experi-
ence, responsibility, alertness and awareness in
adjusting speed, braking or otherwise control-
ling the vehicle. The driver should decide when
to use the system on the basis of road, traffic,
visibility, and weather conditions. Active cruise
control is intended for use on highway-type
roadways where traffic is moving relatively
smoothly as well as in slow-moving traffic con-
gestion. Do not use the system in city driving; in
complex driving situations; heavy traffic such as
during rush hour; on curvy, winding roads, slip-
pery roads or roads with sharp curves such as
highway off-ramps; during inclement weather
such as snow, strong rain or fog; or when enter-
ing interchanges, service/parking areas or toll
booths. It is also important to regulate your
vehicle's speed and distance setting within
applicable legal limits. Always be ready to take

Controls
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The selected distance is displayed in the instru-
ment panel.
Use good judgement to select the appro-
priate following distance given road con-
ditions, traffic, applicable laws and State driving
recommendations for safe following distance.
Otherwise, a violation of the law or risk of an
accident could result.<
Interrupting the system
Press the lever up or down and additionally
depress the brake if the vehicle is stationary.
The mark in the speedometer changes color
and the distance indicator goes out.
In addition, the system is interrupted:
>When the brakes are applied
>When transmission position D is disen-
gaged>When DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>When DSC is activated
>When the safety belt is unbuckled and the
driver's door is opened while the vehicle is
stationary
>When the system has not detected objects
for an extended period, e. g. on a road with
very little traffic without road edge mark-
ings, or if the radar sensors are dirty, refer to
page72
If the system is interrupted, actively inter-
vene by braking and, if necessary, with
evasive maneuvers; otherwise, there is the dan-
ger of an accident occurring.<
Calling up the stored desired speed and
distance
While driving
Press button4, refer to page68.
All of the displays in the instrument panel lights
up.
While standing
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, engage position P of the auto-
matic transmission and apply the parking brake.
Otherwise, the vehicle may begin to roll.<
If a vehicle detected ahead of you slows to a halt
and your vehicle is also brought to a halt by the
system:
>If the vehicle ahead of you drives away, your
vehicle accelerates automatically as long as
mark 1 for the desired speed in the speed-
ometer is green.
>If the vehicle ahead of you drives away when
mark 1 is orange, depress the accelerator
briefly or press button 4.
Rolling bars in the distance indicator 3
mean that the vehicle ahead of you has
driven away.
If you are standing behind a vehicle with your
brake pedal depressed and the system is deac-
tivated or interrupted: Distance 1, closest
Distance 2
Distance 3
Distance 4, furthest
This distance is set when you acti-
vate the system.

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reduces the steering angle requirement,
improves the running comfort and increases
the dynamic driving characteristics of your
BMW.
Chassis and suspension tuning
You can choose between two types of chassis
and suspension tuning.
>Normal:
The comfortable basic setting offers opti-
mum comfort when traveling.
>Sport:
The sporty basic setting offers increased
driving agility.
Selecting chassis and suspension
tuning
Press the button.
The system switches between the two chassis
and suspension tuning settings.
>Sport:
The LED in the button lights up and SPORT
is displayed in the instrument panel.
>Normal:
The LED in the button goes out.
The selection of the chassis and suspension
tuning setting is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to start off
conveniently on slopes. The parking brake is
not required for this purpose.1.Hold the vehicle with the brake pedal.
2.Release the brake pedal and immediately
drive off quickly.
The drive-off assistant holds the vehicle
for approx. 2 seconds after releasing the
brake pedal. Depending on the load, the vehicle
may also roll back slightly during this time.
After releasing the brake pedal, immediately
start quickly, otherwise the drive-off assistant
no longer holds the vehicle after approx.
2 seconds and it begins to roll back.<
Self-leveling suspension*
The concept
The self-leveling suspension on the rear axle
assures a continuous ground clearance.
To do so, the height of the vehicle is measured
by sensors at both rear wheels.
If the actual height deviates from the defined
height, e.g. due to loading of the vehicle, then
this difference is compensated for very quickly.
In addition, spring motions resulting from cor-
nering or irregularities in the road surface are
reduced to a minimum.
The system functions automatically.
Malfunctions
Malfunctions are displayed via Check Control,
refer to page82.
FTM Flat Tire Monitor*
The concept
The system does not measure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pressure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the individ-
ual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter and
therefore the rotational speed of the corre-
sponding wheel change. This is detected and
reported as a flat tire.

Things to remember when driving
140 planing, and 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.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, also refer to Mini-
mum tread depth on page248.
Driving through water
Maximum water depth:
>BMW X5 20 in/50 cm
>BMW X6 17 in/45 cm
Only drive through water up to the above-
mentioned depth at no greater than walk-
ing speed; otherwise, the engine, electrical sys-
tem, and transmission can be damaged.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
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.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake pedal
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting in the manual mode
of the automatic transmission, if necessary into
first gear, refer to page64. This prevents an
excessive strain on the brakes.
Do not drive in idle or with the engine
stopped, otherwise there will be no
engine braking action or support of the braking
force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic climate
control system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blowout.<

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5."Random"
CDs/DVDs with compressed audio files: the
directories and the tracks contained therein are
played back in random sequence.
Random mode is switched off when the audio
source is changed or the ignition is switched off.
Fast forward/reverse
Press and hold the button for the corre-
sponding direction.
Automatic replay*
Selected tracks, directories, or CDs/DVDs are
automatically replayed.
Video playback*
Country codes
Only DVDs with the code of the home region
can be played back; also refer to the information
on your DVD.
Starting playback
For your own safety, the video image is only dis-
played up to approx. 2 mph/3 km/h, and in some
countries only with the parking brake applied or
in transmission position P.
DVD video
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."CD/DVD"
3.Select a DVD with video content.
4. "DVD menu"
5.Start the DVD via the DVD menu.
VCD/SVCD
1."CD/Multimedia"
2."CD/DVD"
3.Select a CD/DVD with video content.
4."Select track"
5.Select the desired track.
The CD/DVD starts to play.
Video menu
To open the Video menu:
1.Turn the controller during playback.
2.Press the controller when "Back" is dis-
played.
The Video menu is displayed:
CodeRegion
1USA, Canada
2 Japan, Europe, Middle East, South
Africa
3 Southeast Asia
4 Australia, Central and South Amer-
ica, New Zealand
5 Northwest Asia, North Africa
6China
0 All regions
SymbolFunction
Open the DVD menu
*
Starting playback
Pause

BMW Assist
228 3."Start service"
Teleservice Diagnosis*
Teleservice Diagnosis enables the wireless
transmission of detailed vehicle data that are
important for vehicle diagnosis. Teleservice
Diagnosis can be started after a prompt by
Roadside Assistance and termination of the
voice connection.
Teleservice Help*
Teleservice Help enables an in-depth diagnosis
of the vehicle by Roadside Assistance via wire-
less transmission. Teleservice Help can be
started after a prompt by Roadside Assistance
and termination of the voice connection.
Starting Teleservice Help
1.Park the vehicle in a safe place.
2.Set the parking brake.
3.The engine is running.
4."TeleService Help"
After completion of Teleservice Help, a voice
connection is established to Roadside Assis-
tance.
Activating BMW Assist*
If the services included in a valid BMW Assist
subscription are not displayed, they may need
to be activated.
1.Make sure that the vehicle can determine its
current position. Reception is usually best
when you have an unobstructed view to the
sky.
2.Switch on the ignition.3."Activate BMW Assist"
Activation may take several minutes. If another
menu is opened, activation continues running in
the background.
BMW Search*
BMW Search is an online portal that makes cer-
tain services available for use in your vehicle,
e.g. information on restaurants along your
route.
License conditions:
This product contains NetFront Browser soft-
ware of ACCESS CO., LTD. Copyright © 2007
ACCESS CO., LTD. All rights reserved. Net-
Front is a trademark or registered trademark of
ACCESS CO., LTD., in Japan and other coun-
tries.
T h i s s o f t w a r e i s b a s e d i n p a r t o n t h e w o r k o f t h e
Independent JPEG Group.
Requirements
>Subscription to the optional Convenience
Plan.
>The vehicle is located within wireless net-
work coverage.
>The date setting on the Control Display is
current.
Starting BMW Search
1."BMW Assist"
2."BMW Search"
3.Select "OK", if necessary.
The BMW Search start page is displayed.

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.<

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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.