Telephone 236VolumeActivate/deactivate the voice acti‐
vation system 2517Releasing the hood 289
Instrument cluster
1Turn signal indicator lamp2Speedometer3Indicator/warning lamps 154Active Cruise Control 1115Tachometer 806BMW X5: current fuel consumption 80
BMW X6: engine oil temperature 80 or
current fuel consumption 807Display for▷Clock 79▷External temperature 79▷Indicator/warning lamps 15▷Cruise control 118▷Active Cruise Control 111▷BMW X5: reserve display for diesel ex‐
haust fluid 2718Display for▷Automatic transmission position 75▷HDC Hill Descent Control 108▷Computer 81▷Date of next scheduled service, and re‐
maining distance to be driven 83Seite 14At a glanceCockpit14
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 918 395 - III/13
Ignition onAll electrical consumers can operate. The od‐
ometer and trip odometer are displayed in the
instrument cluster.
To save battery power when the engine is off,
switch off the ignition and any unnecessary
electronic systems/power consumers.
Radio ready state and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps as well as dis‐
plays in the instrument cluster go out.
Transmission position P with the ignition
off
When the ignition is switched off, position P is
engaged automatically. When in an automatic
car wash, for example, ensure that the ignition
is not switched off accidentally.◀
For example, the ignition is not switched off in
the following situations:▷The brake is applied.▷The low beams are switched on
Starting the engine
General information Enclosed areas
Do not let the engine run in enclosed
areas; otherwise, breathing of exhaust fumes
may lead to loss of consciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless but highly toxic
gas.◀
Unattended vehicle
Do not leave the car unattended with the
engine running; otherwise, it presents a poten‐
tial source of danger.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine run‐
ning, set the parking brake and engage trans‐
mission position P; otherwise, the vehicle may
begin to roll.◀
Frequent starting in quick succession
Avoid repeated futile attempts at starting
the car and avoid starting the car frequently in
quick succession. Otherwise, the fuel is not
burned or is inadequately burned, and there is
the danger of overheating and damaging the
catalytic converter.◀
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Starting the engine
Remote control in the ignition lock or, with
Comfort Access, inside the vehicle, refer to
page 40.
1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
The starter operates automatically for a certain
time, and stops automatically as soon as the
engine has started.
Diesel engine
If the engine is cold and temperatures are be‐
low approx. 32 ℉/0 ℃, the start process may
be delayed somewhat due to automatic pre‐
heating.
A message is displayed.
Seite 68ControlsDriving68
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 918 395 - III/13
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
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 918 395 - III/13
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.
Seite 157Things to remember when drivingDriving tips157
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 918 395 - III/13
RefuelingVehicle 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.
General information Refuel promptly
At the latest, refuel at a range below
30 miles/50 km; otherwise, the engine function
is not ensured and damage may occur.◀
For Diesel engines
The filler neck is designed for refueling at die‐
sel fuel pumps.
Notes Switch off the engine before refuelingAlways switch off the engine before refu‐
eling; otherwise, fuel cannot be added to the tank and a message will be displayed.◀
Observe when handling fuel▷Take all precautionary measures and
observe all applicable regulations
when handling fuel.▷Do not carry any spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. They can develop a leak and
cause an explosion or cause a fire in the
event of an accident.◀Fuel cap
Opening1.Briefly press the rear edge of the fuel filler
flap.2.Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise.3.Place the fuel cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler flap.
Closing
1.Fit the fuel cap and turn it clockwise until
you clearly hear a click.2.Close the fuel filler flap.
Do not pinch the retaining strap
Do not pinch the retaining strap attached
to the cap; otherwise, the cap cannot be
closed properly and fuel vapors can escape.◀
A message is displayed if the cap is loose or missing.
Manually unlocking fuel filler flap
In the event of a malfunction, the fuel filler flap
can be released manually:
1.Open the right-hand side panel in the
cargo area.Seite 268MobilityRefueling268
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 918 395 - III/13
FuelVehicle equipmentThis 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.
Fuel quality
Gasoline For the best fuel economy, the gasoline should
be sulfur-free or very low in sulfur content.
Do not use fuels that are labeled at the fuel
pump as containing metals.
Only refuel with lead-free gasoline with‐
out metal additives
Do not refuel with leaded gasoline or gasoline
with metal additives, e. g., manganese or iron;
otherwise, the catalytic converter and other
components will be permanently damaged.◀
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of
10 %, i.e., E10, may be used for refueling.
The ethanol should fulfill the following quality
standards:
US: ASTM 4806–xx
CAN: CGSB-3.511–xx
xx: always adhere to the currently applicable
standard.
Do not refuel with ethanol E85
Do not refuel with E85, i.e., fuel with an
ethanol content of 85 %, or with Flex Fuel, as
this would damage the engine and fuel supply
system.◀The engine is knock controlled. Therefore, you
can refuel with different gasoline qualities.
Recommended fuel quality
BMW recommends AKI 91.
Minimum fuel grade
BMW recommends AKI 89.
Minimum fuel grade
Do not fill up with fuel below the speci‐
fied minimum quality; otherwise, the engine
may not run properly.◀
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI Rat‐
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no effect on the engine life.
Minimum fuel grade
The use of poor-quality fuels may result
in harmful engine deposits or damage. Addi‐
tionally, problems relating to drivability, start‐
ing and stalling, especially under certain envi‐
ronmental conditions such as high ambient
temperature and high altitude, may occur.
If drivability problems are encountered, we rec‐
ommend switching to a high quality gasoline
brand and a higher octane grade — AKI num‐
ber — for a few tank fills. To avoid harmful en‐
gine deposits, it is highly recommended to
purchase gasoline from BP or Top Tier retail‐
ers.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may result in the need for unscheduled main‐
tenance.◀
Diesel
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel
The engine of your BMW is designed for diesel
with a low sulfur content:Seite 270MobilityFuel270
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 918 395 - III/13
Ultra-low sulfur diesel ASTM D 975-xx.
xx: always adhere to the currently applicable
standard.
Only refuel with ultra-low sulfur diesel.
The percentage of biodiesel in the fuel
must not exceed 5%, referred to as B5. Do not
refuel with gasoline. If the vehicle has been re‐
fueled with incorrect fuel such as gasoline, do
not start the engine; otherwise, there is a dan‐
ger of engine damage.◀
If you added the wrong fuel, contact the serv‐
ice center.
If the nozzle cannot be inserted into the fuel
filler pipe of your BMW, please check to make
sure that you are refueling with a diesel fuel
pump and whether this is equipped with a die‐
sel nozzle.
In the event the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel fuel
cannot be fully inserted into the fuel filler neck,
please contact BMW Roadside Assistance for
instructions on how to add fuel. For more infor‐
mation on BMW Roadside Assistance, refer to
page 308.
Winter diesel To ensure that the diesel engine remains op‐
erational in the winter, use winter diesel.
It is available at gas stations during winter
months.
The standard fuel filter heating prevents the
supply of fuel from stalling during driving.
Do not use diesel additives
Do not use additives, including gasoline;
otherwise, engine damage may occur.◀BMW X5 with BMW
Advanced Diesel
The concept
BMW Advanced Diesel reduces nitrogen ox‐
ides in the diesel exhaust of your vehicle by in‐
jecting the reducing agent diesel exhaust fluid
into the exhaust line. In the catalytic converter,
a chemical reaction occurs that minimizes ni‐
trogen oxides.
In order to be able to start the engine in the
usual way, there must be a sufficient supply of
diesel exhaust fluid in the separate reservoir.
System heating
In order to bring the system to operating tem‐
perature after a cold start of the engine, the au‐
tomatic transmission shifts into the next higher
gear at a later point.
Reserve display
A display in the instrument panel informs you
about the remaining distance can be covered
with the amount of fuel currently in the tank.
The reserve display appears approx.
1,000 miles/1,600 km before the tank is empty.
As soon as the reserve display has appeared in
the instrument panel, have the diesel exhaust
fluid refilled to prevent the engine from being
unable to restart.
Seite 271FuelMobility271
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 918 395 - III/13
Diesel exhaust fluid at minimum
Even with a display of -- mls, the engine will
continue to run, provided that it is not switched
off, and all other operating requirements are
met, e.g. sufficient fuel.
No engine start
Do not drive until the displayed remain‐
ing distance runs out. Otherwise, it may not be
possible to restart the engine.◀
Incorrect fueling The warning lamp lights up:
The reservoir has been filled with an in‐
correct fluid.
Please contact your service center.
Have diesel exhaust fluid refilled This exhaust fluid is refilled by your service
center during regular maintenance. If you ad‐
here to this maintenance schedule, it is usually
not necessary to refill any fluids between the
maintenance dates.
Under certain circumstances, for example, due
to a particularly sporty driving style or opera‐
tion of the vehicle at high altitudes, it may be
necessary to refill fluids between maintenance
dates.
As soon as the reserve display has appeared in
the instrument panel, have the diesel exhaust
fluid refilled to prevent the engine from being
unable to restart.
You can have the fluid refilled by a service cen‐
ter.
Diesel exhaust fluid at low
temperatures
Due to its physical properties, it may be neces‐
sary to replenish the level of diesel exhaust
fluid at temperatures below +23 ℉/ -5 ℃, even
between the regular maintenance dates.
If the fluid needs to be refilled, this will be indi‐
cated with the reserve display in the instru‐
ment cluster, refer to page 271.
Only refill the diesel exhaust fluid
yourself in exceptional circumstances
To be able to reach the nearest service center
with your vehicle, you may refill the diesel ex‐
haust fluid yourself, making sure to heed the
warning notices specified below.
Handling diesel exhaust fluid
Do not allow diesel exhaust fluid to come
into contact with you. This can lead to skin and
eye irritation. Wear protective goggles and
gloves as needed. Follow the safety instruc‐
tions on the bottle. When opening the bottle or
reservoir, pungent smelling vapors can escape.
Before refilling, close the vehicle completely so
that the vapors do not get into the interior of
the vehicle. When handling diesel exhaust fluid
in enclosed spaces, make sure to have suffi‐
cient ventilation. After handling diesel exhaust
fluid, wash hands thoroughly. Failure to do so
may lead to irritation, for instance, due to inad‐
vertent contact with the eyes. If eye irritation
occurs, immediately rinse eyes with ample wa‐
ter and contact a doctor if necessary. If diesel
exhaust fluid comes into contact with surfaces
of your vehicle, rinse the affected surfaces with
water or else damage may occur. Keep diesel
exhaust fluid out of reach of children.◀
Suitable diesel exhaust fluid▷Preferred: BMW Diesel Exhaust Fluid. This
bottle and its special adapter permit con‐
venient refilling with diesel exhaust fluid.▷Alternative: NOx reduction agent AUS 32Seite 272MobilityFuel272
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 918 395 - III/13