system activated, resting your foot on the acel‐
erator pedal will cause the system not to brake
even if necessary. Be certain that floormats or
other objects on the vehicle floor do not inter‐
fere with movement of the acccelerator
pedal.◀
Limits of automatic braking
While active cruise control is capable of
braking your vehicle automatically when you
approach a slower vehicle ahead, it is impor‐
tant 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 approaching a toll booth or
when a much slower vehicle cuts in front of
you at close range.◀
Cruise controlThe 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
conditions make it impossible to drive at a con‐
stant 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 vehi‐
cle and cause an accident.◀
One lever for all functions1Storing and maintaining speed or acceler‐
ating2Storing and maintaining speed or deceler‐
ating3Interrupting and deactivating the system4Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Maintaining current speed
Push, arrow 1, or pull, arrow 2, the lever to the
resistance point.
The car's current speed is stored and main‐ tained. It is displayed on the speedometer and
briefly in the instrument cluster.
On uphill gradients, it may prove impossible to
maintain the set speed if current engine power
output is insufficient. If the engine braking ef‐
fect is insufficient on downhill slopes, the sys‐
tem will brake the vehicle slightly.
Increasing desired speed
Repeatedly press the lever to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow 1, until the desired
speed is reached.
▷Each time the lever is pressed to the point
of resistance, the desired speed increases
by approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.▷Each time the lever is pressed beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is in‐
creased by up to 5 mph/10 km/h.Seite 118ControlsDriving comfort118
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The system stores and maintains the speed.
Accelerating using the lever Accelerating slightly:
Press the lever to the resistance point, arrow 1,
until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerating significantly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
arrow 1, until the desired speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores and
maintains the speed.
Decreasing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired
speed is displayed.▷Each time the lever is pulled to the resist‐
ance point, the desired speed is decreased
by approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.▷Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is re‐
duced by up to 5 mph/10 km/h until the
minimum speed of 20 mph/30 km/h is ach‐
ieved.
The system stores and maintains the speed.
Interrupting the system
Press the lever up or down, arrow 3: dis‐
play 1 in the speedometer changes color, refer
to page 119.
In addition, the system is interrupted:
▷When the brakes are applied.▷When the transmission position D is disen‐
gaged.▷When DTC is activated or DSC is deacti‐
vated.▷When DSC or ABS is intervening.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up if cruise
control has been deactivated auto‐
matically, e.g., by a control intervention of the
DSC. A message appears on the Control Dis‐
play.
Resuming cruising speed
Press button 4:
The stored speed is resumed and maintained.
Deactivating the system▷Press the lever upward or downward twice,
arrow 3.▷Switch off the ignition.
The stored speed is cleared.
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored desired speed▷Green: the system is active.▷Orange: the system is interrupted.2Selected desired speed appears briefly
If the display --- mph or --- km/h appears
briefly, conditions may not be adequate to op‐
erate the system.
Call up Check Control messages, refer to
page 86.
Malfunction The warning lamp lights up. The sys‐
tem is malfunctioning or has failed.
A message appears on the Control
Display. More information, refer to page 85.
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Things to remember when drivingVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
Breaking-in period
General information Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to
each other.
The following instructions will help achieve a
long vehicle life and good economy.
Engine and differential Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speeds:▷For a gasoline engine, 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.▷For a diesel engine, 3,500 rpm and
93 mph/150 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode for the initial
miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full
traction potential until after an initial breaking-
in period.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-
in period.
Following part replacement
The same breaking in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Closing tailgate Drive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, passengers and other road users may be
endangered or the vehicle may be damaged if
an accident occurs or during braking or evasive
maneuvers. In addition, exhaust fumes may
enter the passenger compartment.◀
If, despite this, the vehicle must be driven with
the tailgate open:▷Drive moderately.▷Close all windows and the glass sunroof/
panoramic glass sunroof.▷Greatly increase the blower speed.Seite 156Driving tipsThings to remember when driving156
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Hot exhaust systemHot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves,
grass, etc. do not come in contact with the hot
exhaust system during driving, while in idle po‐
sition mode, or when parked. Such contact
could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of seri‐
ous personal injury as well as property dam‐
age.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise,
there is the danger of getting burned.◀
Diesel particulate filter Soot particles are collected in the diesel partic‐
ulate filter and periodically burned away at high
temperatures.
The following may occur during the cleaning
period, which lasts several minutes:▷The engine temporarily runs somewhat
more roughly.▷A slightly higher engine speed is necessary
to achieve the accustomed performance.▷Noises occur and a minimal amount of
smoke emerges from the exhaust until
shortly 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 con‐
nection to an external aerial in the vehicle's
passenger compartment. Otherwise, the vehi‐
cle electronics and mobile communication de‐
vices can interfere with each other. In addition,
there is no assurance that the radiation gener‐
ated 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 284.
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
Do not exceed this water depth and walking
speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission may
be damaged.◀
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stand‐ ard feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsive‐
ness. 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.
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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 fas‐
tened again when they are returned after being removed, such as for cleaning.◀
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, re‐
sulting in a reduction in the brake system effi‐
ciency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down in the manual mode of the au‐
tomatic transmission, refer to page 75.Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear
and possibly 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 un‐
available with the engine stopped.◀
Brake disc corrosion Corrosion on the brake discs and contamina‐
tion 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,
condensation water develops that exits under‐
neath the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under
the vehicle are normal.
Driving on poor roads Your vehicle combines an all-wheel drive sys‐
tem with the advantages of a normal passen‐
ger car.
Do not drive on unpaved terrain
Do not drive on unpaved terrain, as oth‐
erwise the vehicle may be damaged.◀
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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 condi‐
tions. 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 up‐
hill and downhill grades up to 50 %.▷Use Hill Descent Control HDC, refer to
page 108, on steep downhill grades.
BMW X5: the vehicle can be driven away
on uphill grades of up to 33 %. The per‐
missible body roll is 50 %.▷Watch for stones, holes, and other obsta‐
cles and drive around these where possi‐
ble.▷On bumps and rough roads, avoid contact
between the vehicle body and the ground.
The maximum ground clearance is 8 in‐
ches/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.
▷After driving through water, press on the
brake pedal several times at low speeds to
dry the brakes.▷Depending on the prevailing terrain, acti‐
vate Dynamic Traction Control DTC, refer
to page 106, briefly.▷When the wheels spin, accelerate to ena‐
ble the driving stability control systems to
distribute the drive force to the individual
wheels.▷The stone chip guard reduces the risk of
damage to painted vehicle components,
such as in the area of the side skirts and
wheel arches. Your service center will be
glad to advise you.
After driving on poor roads
Adhere to the following points to ensure vehi‐
cle safety:
▷Remove excessive accumulations of dirt
and mud from the vehicle body.▷Clear mud, snow, ice, etc., from the wheels
and tires and check for damage.Seite 159Things to remember when drivingDriving tips159
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Transmission position P will be engaged:▷Automatically after approx. 30 minutes.▷When the remote control is removed from
the ignition lock.
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.▷Thaw ice with de-icing spray; do not use an
ice scraper.
After washing the vehicle
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them; otherwise, braking action
can be reduced and corrosion of the brake
discs can occur.
Fully remove any residue from the windows to
prevent obstruction of view from streaking,
wiping noises, and wiper wear.
Vehicle careCar care productsBMW recommends using cleaning and care
products from BMW, since these have been
tested and approved.
Car care and cleaning products
Follow the instructions on the container.
When cleaning the interior, open the doors or
windows.
Only use products intended for cleaning vehi‐
cles.
Cleansers can contain substances that are
dangerous and harmful to your health.◀
Vehicle paint
Regular care contributes to driving safety and value retention. Environmental influences in
areas with high air pollution or natural contami‐
nants, such as tree resin or pollen, can have an
impact on the vehicle paint. Tailor the fre‐
quency and extent of your car care to these in‐
fluences.
Immediately remove aggressive substances,
such as spilled fuel, oil, grease, or bird drop‐
pings, to prevent damage to or discoloration of
the paintwork.
Leather care
Remove dust from the leather often, using a
cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Otherwise, particles of dust and road grime
chafe in pores and folds, and lead to increased
wear and premature degradation of the leather
surface.
To guard against discoloration, such as from
clothing, provide leather care roughly every
two months.
Clean light-colored leather more frequently as
dust and dirt are more noticeable.
Use leather care products; otherwise, dirt and
grease will gradually break down the protective
layer of the leather surface.
Suitable care products are available from the
service center.
Upholstery material care Vacuum regularly with a vacuum cleaner.
If they are very dirty, e.g., beverage stains, use
a soft sponge or microfiber cloth with a suita‐
ble interior cleaner.Seite 313CareMobility313
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Automatic climate control,automatic air distribu‐
tion 131, 136
Automatic climate control, in rear 135
Automatic climate control in rear, activating on Control
Display 136
Automatic climate control in rear, air supply 136
Automatic climate control in rear, deactivating on Control
Display 136
Automatic climate control in rear, switching off 136
Automatic climate control, switching off 134, 136
Automatic climate control, ventilation in rear 135
Automatic climate control, with 2-zone control 131
Automatic climate control, with 4-zone control 135
Automatic, cruise control 118
Automatic Cruise Con‐ trol 111
Automatic Curb Monitor 58
Automatic headlamp con‐ trol 90, 91
Automatic Hold 70
Automatic Hold, activating 70
Automatic Hold, deactivat‐ ing 70
Automatic Hold, parking 71
Automatic recirculated air control 133
Automatic Soft Closing, doors 35
Automatic Soft Closing, tail‐ gate 36
Automatic tailgate opera‐ tion 37, 38
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 75
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic– Kickdown 75AUTO program with auto‐
matic climate con‐
trol 131 , 136
AUX-IN port 148, 212
Average fuel consumption 82
Average fuel consumption, setting the units 88
Average speed 81
Average speed, refer to Com‐ puter 81
Axle loads, refer to Weights 320
B
Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 50
Backrest width 50
Back seats, adjusting the head restraints 57
Backup camera 122
Backup camera, cleaning 124
Backup camera, obstacle marking 124
Backup camera, pathway lines 123
Backup camera, turning lines 123
Balance 190
Band-aids, refer to First aid kit 308
Bass 190
Battery– Remote control 30
Battery change, remote con‐
trol for rear DVD sys‐
tem 222
Battery disposal 305
Battery, refer to Vehicle bat‐ tery 304
Battery replacement, remote control for vehicle 42
Before entering the car wash 312
Belts, refer to Safety belts 54
Belt tensioners, refer to Safety belts 54
Beverage holder, refer to Cu‐
pholder 149
Black and white map dis‐ play 184
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 132
Bluetooth audio 215
Bluetooth connection, acti‐ vating/deactivating 237
BMW Advanced Diesel 271
BMW Apps 265
BMW EfficientDynamics, re‐ fer to Saving fuel 164
BMW Homepage 6
BMW Internet page 6
BMW maintenance sys‐ tem 293
BMW Online 262
Bottle holder, refer to Cu‐ pholder 149
Brake assistant 105
Brake discs, breaking in 156
Brake fluid, refer to Service requirements 83
Brake force display 104
Brake force distribution, elec‐ tronic 105
Brake lamps, brake force dis‐ play 104
Brake lights, adaptive 104
Brake pads, breaking in 156
Brakes, BMW maintenance system 293
Brakes, parking brake 69
Brakes, service require‐ ments 83
Brake system, BMW mainte‐ nance system 293
Braking, notes 157
Breakdown assistance 308
Breakdown, transporting the vehicle 310
Breaking in 156
Brightness, on the Control Display 88 Seite 331Everything from A to ZReference331
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