
Controls
 35Reference
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Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp under the interior rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after locking: the 
doors, hood, or liftgate are not properly 
closed. Even if you do not close the alerted 
area, the system begins to monitor the 
remaining areas, and the indicator lamp 
flashes continuously after approx. 
10 seconds. However, the interior motion 
sensor is not activated.
>The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking: 
your vehicle has not been disturbed while 
you were away.
>The indicator lamp flashes after unlocking 
until the remote control is inserted into the 
ignition lock, however for a maximum of 
approx. 5 minutes: your vehicle has been 
disturbed while you were away.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm 
system reacts, e.g. in case of an attempted 
wheel theft or towing.
Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and glass sunroof
*/
panoramic glass sunroof
* must be completely 
closed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor 
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following 
situations:>In stacking garages
>When transporting on car-carrying trains, 
by sea or on a trailer
>When animals are to remain in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and 
interior motion sensor
Press the  button on the remote control 
again as soon as the vehicle is locked.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and then 
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor and 
the interior motion sensor are switched off until 
the next time the vehicle is unlocked and subse-
quently locked again.
Comfort Access*
Comfort Access enables you to access your 
vehicle without having to hold the remote con-
trol in your hand. It is sufficient to carry the 
remote control with you, e.g. in your jacket 
pocket. The vehicle automatically detects the 
related remote control in the immediate vicinity 
or in the interior.
Comfort Access supports the following func-
tions:
>Unlocking/locking vehicle
>Convenient closing
>Opening liftgate
>Starting engine
Functional requirements
>The vehicle can only be unlocked if the 
vehicle detects that the remote control car-
ried is not located in the vehicle interior.
>The next unlocking and locking cycle is not 
possible until after approx. 2 seconds.
>The engine can only be started if the vehicle 
detects that the remote control is located in 
the vehicle. 

Controls
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3.Engage transmission position N.
4.Release the parking brake.
5.Switch off the engine.
6.Leave the remote control in the ignition 
lock.
Malfunction
The Comfort Access function may malfunction 
due to local radio waves. Then open or close the 
vehicle with the buttons on the remote control 
or with a key. To start the engine following this, 
insert the remote control in the ignition lock.
The warning lamp in the instrument 
panel lights up when an attempt is 
made to start the engine: starting the 
engine is not possible. The remote control is 
not in the vehicle or has a malfunction. Take 
along the remote control into the vehicle or 
have it checked. Insert another remote control 
into the ignition lock if necessary.
The warning lamp in the instrument 
panel lights up when the engine is 
running: the remote control is no 
longer in the vehicle. After switching off the 
engine, the engine can only be started again 
within approx. 10 seconds if no door has been 
opened.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
panel lights up and a message 
appears on the Control Display: 
replace the battery of the remote control.
Replacing battery
The remote control for Comfort Access con-
tains a battery which must be replaced if neces-
sary.1.Remove integrated key from remote con-
trol, refer to page26.
2.Remove cover.
3.Lay in new battery with positive side facing 
upward.
4.Press cover closed.
Dispose of used batteries at a recycling 
center or at your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center.<
Windows
To prevent injuries, exercise care when 
closing the windows and keep them in 
your field of vision until they are shut. 
Always take along the remote control when you 
leave the vehicle, otherwise children could, for 
example, operate the windows and injure them-
selves.<
Opening, closing
>Press switch to resistance point: 
The window continues to open as long as 
you keep the switch pressed.
>Press switch beyond resistance point: 
The window opens automatically. Pressing  

Adjusting
48 3rd row seats could be injured or objects dam-
aged.<
Warning lamp for 2nd row seats: 
lights up when the 2nd row seats are 
not locked. A message also appears 
on the Control Display.
3rd row seats*
The 3rd row seats are divided and offer space 
for two persons.
Folding up backrest
Before folding the seats up, remove the lug-
gage compartment roller cover, refer to 
page131, and if need be, slide the 2nd row 
seats slightly forward.
1.Pull the lever, refer to arrow. The backrest is 
unlocked.
2.Fold up and engage the backrest.
Make sure that the catch engages 
securely. If it is not properly engaged, 
transported cargo could enter the passen-
ger compartment during braking or evasive 
maneuvers and endanger the vehicle occu-
pants.<
3.Push the head restraints into the top posi-
tion.
Folding backrest down
1.Push down the head restraint, refer to 
page47.
2.Pull the lever, refer to arrows. The backrests 
are released.
3.Fold the backrest down.
Safety belts
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, 
observe the adjustment instructions on 
page42.<
Before every drive, make sure that safety belts 
are being worn at all of the occupied seats. Air-
bags complement the safety belt as an addi-
tional safety device, but they do not represent a 
substitute.
Fastening
Make sure you hear the latch plate engage in 
the belt buckle.
Safety belt reminder for driver's seat 
and passenger seat
The indicator lamp lights up and a 
signal sounds. A message also  

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appears on the Control Display. Please check 
whether the safety belt is correctly fastened.
The safety belt reminder is operative at speeds 
above approx. 5 mph/8 km/h. It can also be acti-
vated if objects are placed on the passenger 
seat.
Releasing
1.Grasp the belt firmly.
2.Press the red button in the buckle.
3.Guide the belt into its reel.
The shoulder strap's anchorage point will be 
correct for adult seat occupants of every build if 
the seat is correctly adjusted, refer to page43.
BMW X5: the two rear safety belt buckles inte-
grated into the rear seat are for passengers sit-
ting on the left and right. The belt buckle 
embossed with the word CENTER is intended 
exclusively for use by passengers riding in the 
center position.
Damage to safety belts
In the event of loads caused by accidents 
or other damage: replace the belt system 
including the safety belt tensioners and any 
child restraint devices, and have the belt anchor 
points checked. Only have this work carried out 
at a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or at a 
workshop that works according to BMW repair 
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. Otherwise correct operation of this 
safety equipment is not guaranteed.<
Belt-force limiter
The effect of the belt-force limiter on the 
driver's seat is dependent on the position of the 
driver's seat.
To maintain the long-term accuracy of this 
function, the driver's seat must be calibrated if a 
corresponding message is displayed on the 
Control Display.
Calibrating driver's seat
The warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage also appears on the Control Dis-play. Please calibrate the driver's seat.
1.Move the driver's seat forward until it stops.
2.Move the driver's seat forward again. It 
briefly moves toward the front in the pro-
cess.
3.Set the desired seating position again.
The calibration is completed when the message 
on the Control Display disappears. Should this 
message continue to be displayed, repeat the 
calibration. If the message does not disappear 
even after repeated calibration, have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible.
Never carry out calibration while the vehi-
cle is moving, as this can cause accidents.
Make sure that no persons or objects become 
wedged during the calibration process, as this 
can cause injuries or damage.<
Seat heating*
Front
The temperature setting progresses one step 
through its control sequence each time you 
press the button. The maximum temperature is 
supplied when three LEDs are lit.
To switch off: press the button longer.
T h e  t e m p e r a t u r e  i s  r e d u c e d ,  i f  n e e d  b e ,  d o w n  t o  
no heat in order to reduce the load on the bat-
tery. The LEDs remain lit. 

Adjusting
50
Rear
Operation similar to front seat heating; without 
temperature distribution.
Active seat ventilation* and 
seat heating*
Front
1Seat heating
2Active seat ventilation
Press button1 or 2 once depending on the 
temperature or ventilation position. The LED in 
the respective button lights up.
The temperature and ventilation levels are dis-
played in bar form on the Control Display. A dis-
play of three bars indicates the highest level of 
seat heating or seat ventilation.
The air quantity is reduced and if need be, the 
ventilation is switched off in order to reduce the 
load on the battery. The LEDs remain lit.
To switch off: press button1 or 2 longer.
Temperature distribution without 
active seat ventilation
The heat output can be distributed variously in 
the seat cushion and the backrest.1.Press the button1.
2.Select "Seat heating distribution" and 
press the controller.
3.Turn the controller to adjust the distribu-
tion.
The setting is applied.
Temperature distribution with active 
seat ventilation
The heat output can be distributed variously in 
the seat cushion and the backrest.
1.Press button1.
2.Select "Seat heating distribution" and 
press the controller.
3.Turn the controller to adjust the distribu-
tion.
The setting is applied.
Heated rear seats
Operation similar to front seat heating; without 
temperature distribution, refer to page49. 

Driving
58
Driving
Ignition lock
Inserting remote control into ignition 
lock
Insert the remote control as far as possible into 
the ignition lock.
Radio readiness switches on. Some electronic 
systems/consumers are ready for operation.
Comfort Access*
With Comfort Access, only insert the remote 
control into the ignition lock in exceptional 
cases, refer to page35.
Removing remote control from ignition 
lock
Do not pull the remote control out of the 
ignition lock using force, as otherwise 
damage may result.<
Before removing the remote control, first press 
it in as far as possible to release the locking 
device.
The ignition is switched off if it was still 
switched on.
Start/Stop button
Pressing the Start/Stop button switches the 
radio readiness or the ignition on and off.
Pressing the Start/Stop button with the 
brake pedal depressed starts the 
engine.<
Radio readiness
Some electronic systems/consumers are ready 
for operation. The time and outside tempera-
ture are displayed in the instrument panel.
Radio readiness is automatically switched off:
>When the remote control is removed from 
the ignition lock
>With Comfort Access
* by touching the sen-
sitive surface above the door lock, refer to 
Locking on page36
Ignition on
All electronic systems/consumers are ready for 
operation. The odometer and the trip odometer 
are displayed in the instrument panel, refer to 
page76.
Please switch off the ignition and the 
electronic systems/consumers which are 
not required when the engine is not running to 
save the battery.<
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator lamps, warning lamps, and displays 
in the instrument panel go out. 

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The ignition switches off automatically* if the 
driver's door is opened. Pressing the Start/Stop 
button again switches the ignition back on.
For example, the ignition is not switched off in 
the following situations:
>The brakes are actuated
>The low beams are switched on
Starting engine
Do not run the engine in enclosed areas, 
otherwise the inhalation of toxic exhaust 
gases can cause loss of consciousness and 
death. The exhaust gases contain carbon mon-
oxide, an odorless and colorless, but highly 
toxic gas. 
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the 
engine running, as such a vehicle represents a 
potential safety hazard. 
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always 
engage transmission position N or P and set the 
parking brake before leaving the vehicle with 
the engine running.<
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it 
running while the vehicle remains stationary. 
Instead, begin to drive at a moderate engine 
speed.
The engine starts when you depress the 
brake pedal while pressing the Start/Stop 
button.<
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated starting attempts in 
which the engine does not start. Otherwise, the 
fuel is not burned or inadequately burned and 
there is a danger of overheating and damaging 
the catalytic converter.
1.Depress brake pedal.
2.Press the Start/Stop button.
The system responds by automatically engag-
ing the starter for a certain period and automat-
ically disengaging it as soon as the engine 
starts.
Diesel engine
When the engine is cold and at temperatures 
below approx. 327/06 the starting process 
may be somewhat delayed due to automatic 
preglowing. The preglowing indicator lamp in 
the instrument panel lights up. A message 
appears on the Control Display.
Switching off engine
When leaving the vehicle, always take 
along the remote control. 
Set the parking brake firmly when parking; oth-
erwise, the vehicle could roll.<
Procedure
1.Engage transmission position P with the 
vehicle stationary.
2.Press the Start/Stop button.
3.Set the parking brake.
4.Remove the remote control from the igni-
tion lock, refer to page58.
Before driving into a car wash
The vehicle can roll if you proceed according to 
the following steps: 

Driving
62
For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deactivated 
when:
>The engine is switched off
>The driver's door is open and the safety belt 
of the driver is disconnected
>The vehicle is braked to a stop during driv-
ing
In the instrument panel, the indicator 
lamp changes from green to red and 
the indication AUTO H goes out.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
Before you start to drive, either release the 
parking brake manually, refer to page60, or 
reactivate Automatic Hold, refer to page61.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine 
running, shift the selector lever into posi-
tion P of the automatic transmission and make 
sure that the parking brake is set. Otherwise, 
the vehicle may begin to roll.<
Malfunction
If the parking brake fails or malfunctions, secure 
the vehicle against rolling, e.g. with a wheel 
chock, if you leave the vehicle.
Releasing parking brake manually
In the event of an electrical power loss or elec-
trical malfunction, you can release the parking 
brake manually.
Before manually releasing the parking 
brake and each time you park the vehicle 
without setting the parking brake, make sure 
that the automatic transmission is in position P, 
refer to page64. Be sure to pay attention to the 
information in the instrument panel. 
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 information 
starting on page274.
Releasing
1.Open the left-hand side panel in the cargo 
area.
2.Remove the first-aid kit
* and warning trian-
gle
* if necessary. Close the bracket of the 
warning triangle.
3.Insert the releasing tool, contained in the 
onboard tool kit under the floor panel, refer 
to page262, at the releasing point.
4.Firmly pull the releasing tool 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, warning triangle
* 
and first-aid kit* and close the left side 
panel in the cargo area.
Only have a malfunction corrected by the 
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center or a workshop that works in accordance 
with BMW guidelines and uses appropriately 
trained personnel. If the parking brake has been 
released manually in response to a malfunction, 
only technicians can return it to operation.<
Following manual release, the actual sta-
tus of the parking brake may deviate from 
that displayed by the indicator lamp.<
Operation after interruptions in power 
supply
The parking brake can only be used again 
if it was manually released due to an inter-
ruption in the supply of electrical power. Other-
wise the operation of the parking brake is not 
ensured and there is a danger of the vehicle roll-
ing despite the parking brake being set.<