
BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M TechnologyVehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
V8 high-performance engine
The high-performance V8 engine gets maxi‐
mum power of 423 kW and maximum torque of
750 Nm from a displacement of 4.4 liters. With
its spontaneous response behavior, a speed
range of wide utility results. The maximum en‐
gine speed is 6,800 rpm and is electronically
controlled. Because of the high engine dynam‐
ics, the maximum engine speed with the vehi‐
cle stationary is reduced.
Warm-up
During the engine warm-up phase, the V8 high-performance engine has a somewhat rougher running behavior because of the emis‐
sion controls.
When the engine is cold, the exhaust system
has a slightly metallic undertone due to the na‐
ture of the system.
For more information about the warm-up pro‐
cedure: Engine speed, refer to page 89, and
engine oil temperature, refer to page 89.
Compound brake
The high-performance braking system has
perforated compound brake discs.
Because of particular structural characteristics,
there may be operation-related noises during
braking. However, this has no effect on per‐formance, operational reliability and reliability
of the brake.
Correct braking To keep the brake system in optimum condi‐
tion, it is expedient to apply them at regular in‐
tervals corresponding to the vehicle character.
Drivetrain
The xDrive all-wheel-drive system establishes
a permanent variable torque distribution to the
front and rear axles. The combination of xDrive
and Dynamic Performance Control in this vehi‐
cle ensures a high degree of driving dynamics
typical for BMW M.
With the activation of the M Dynamic mode,
dynamics and steering precision can be in‐
creased even more in all speed ranges.
Driving on racetracks
Requirements Before driving on a racetrack:▷Participation in BMW Driver Experience
Training.▷Check engine oil fill level and replenish as
necessary.▷Have vehicle checked at a service center.
Hints
Racetrack operation leads to increased wear.
The vehicle is not designed for motorsports
competitive use. This wear is not covered by
the warranty.
The standard brake linings and the wear indi‐
cators are not designed for racetrack opera‐
tion. For more information and advice, contact
your service center.
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Driving in wet conditionsWhen roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
press brake pedal ever so gently every few
miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger
other traffic.
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 Avoid stressing the brakes
Avoid placing excessive stress on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brakes
wearing out 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 are un‐
available with the engine stopped.◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐
wise the brakes may overheat and reduce
brake efficiency.
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down in sequential mode, refer to
page 79.
Brake disc corrosion
Brake disc corrosion and contamination of the
brake pads are favored by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion will built up when the maximum
pressure applied to the brake pads during
braking is not reached - thus discs don't get
cleaned.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause
a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐
sponse - generally that cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked
vehicle
When using the automatic climate control,
condensation water develops collecting under‐
neath the vehicle.
These traces of water under the vehicle are
normal.
Ground clearance Ground clearance
Make sure that ground clearance is suffi‐
cient, e.g. when entering into underground car
parking garages, driving over curbs; otherwise
damage to the front or rear spoiler may oc‐
cur.◀
Driving on poor roads
The vehicle connects four wheel drive to the
advantages of a normal truck
Do not drive on unpaved terrain
Do not drive on unpaved terrain; other‐
wise, the vehicle may be damaged.◀
For your own safety, for the safety of passen‐
gers and of the vehicle, heed the following
points:▷Become familiar with the vehicle before
starting a trip; do not take risks in driving.▷Adjust the speed to the road surface con‐
ditions. The steeper and more uneven the
road surface, the slower the speed should
be.▷When driving on steep uphill or downhill
grades: add engine oil and coolant up to
near the MAX mark. Uphill and downhill
grades can be traveled up to no more than
50 %.Seite 179Things to remember when drivingDriving tips179
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BMW X5 M:BMW X6 M:▷Lashing eyes in the rails.▷Eyes on the cargo area wall.
The eyes are located on both sides of the
cargo area.
Securing cargo
▷Smaller and lighter items: secure with re‐
taining straps or with a cargo net or draw
straps.▷Larger and heavy objects: secure with
cargo straps.
Cargo straps, cargo netting, retaining
straps or draw straps on the lashing eyes in
the cargo area.
Securing cargo
Stow and secure the cargo as described
above; otherwise it may present a danger to
the occupants, e.g., during braking and evasive
maneuvers.◀
Roof-mounted luggage rack
Note Do not deactivate DSC when driving with
roof load
Do not deactivate Dynamic Stability Control
DSC when driving with roof load, e.g. roof-
mounted luggage rack.
Otherwise, driving safety is not given in driv‐
ing-critical situation due to the elevated center
of gravity.◀
Installation only possible with roof rack.
Roof racks are available as special accessories.
Securing Follow the installation instructions of the roof
rack.
Loading
Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained
for tilting and opening the glass sunroof.
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center
of gravity when loaded, they have a major ef‐
fect on vehicle handling and steering re‐
sponse.
Therefore, note the following when loading
and driving:▷Do not exceed the approved roof/axle
loads and the approved gross vehicle
weight.▷Distribute the roof load uniformly.▷The roof load should not extend past the
loading area.▷Always place the heaviest pieces on the
bottom.▷Secure the roof luggage firmly, e.g., tie
with ratchet straps.▷Do not let objects project into the opening
path of the tailgate.Seite 183LoadingDriving tips183
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Avoid high engine speeds
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Use 1st gear to get the vehicle moving. Start‐
ing with the 2nd gear, accelerate rapidly. When
accelerating, shift up before reaching high en‐
gine speeds.
When you reach the desired speed, shift into
the highest applicable gear and drive with the
engine speed as low as possible and at a con‐
stant speed.
If necessary, observe the gear shift indicator of
the vehicle, refer to page 93.
Use coasting
When approaching a red light, take your foot
off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to
a halt.
For going downhill take your foot off the accel‐
erator and let the vehicle roll.
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.
Switch off the engine during longer stops
Switch off the engine during longer stops, e.g.,
at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic
congestion.
Auto Start/Stop function The Auto Start/Stop function of your vehicle
automatically switches off the engine during a
stop.
If the engine is switched off and then restarted
rather than leaving the engine running con‐
stantly, fuel consumption and emissions are
reduced. Savings can begin within a few sec‐
onds of switching off the engine.
In addition, fuel consumption is also deter‐
mined by other factors, such as driving style,road conditions, maintenance or environmental
factors.
Switch off any functions that
are not currently needed
Functions such as seat heating and the rear
window defroster require a lot of energy and
reduce the range, especially in city and stop-
and-go traffic.
Reel off these functions if they are not needed.
Have maintenance carried
out
Have vehicles maintained regularly to achieve
optimal vehicle efficiency and operating life.
The maintenance should be carried out by
your service center.
Also note the BMW Maintenance System, refer
to page 211.Seite 186Driving tipsSaving fuel186
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Maximum speed of winter tiresIf the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then a respective symbol is displayed in your
field of vision. You can obtain this sign from the
tire specialist or from your service center.
Maximum speed for winter tires
Do not exceed the maximum speed for
the respective winter tires; otherwise, tire dam‐
age and accidents can occur.◀
Rotating wheels between axles The manufacturer of your vehicle advises
against switching wheels between the front
and rear axles. This can impair the handling
characteristics.
Rotating the tires is not permissible on vehi‐
cles with different tire sizes on the front and
rear axles, i.e. 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.
Repairing a flat tire Safety measures in case of a breakdown
Park the vehicle as far away as possible
from passing traffic and on solid ground.
Switch on the hazard warning system.
Secure the vehicle against rolling away by set‐
ting the parking brake.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehi‐
cle and ensure that they remain outside the
immediate area in a safe place, such as behind
a guardrail.If necessary, set up a warning triangle at an ap‐
propriate distance.
Comply with all safety guidelines and regula‐
tions.◀
Mobility System The conceptWith the Mobility System, minor tire damagecan be sealed quickly to enable continued
travel. To accomplish this, sealant is pumped
into the tires, which seals the damage from the inside.
The compressor can be used to check the tire
inflation pressure.
Hints▷Follow the instructions on using the Mobi‐
lity System found on the compressor and
sealant container.▷Use of the Mobility System may be ineffec‐
tive if the tire puncture measures approx.
1/8 in/4 mm or more.▷Contact the nearest service center if the
tire cannot be made drivable.▷If possible, do not remove foreign bodies
that have penetrated the tire.▷Pull the speed limit sticker off the sealant
container and apply it to the steering
wheel.▷The use of a sealant can damage the TPM
wheel electronics. In this case, have the
electronics checked at the next opportu‐
nity and have them replaced if needed.
Enclosed areas
Do not let the engine run in enclosed
areas, since breathing in exhaust fumes may
lead to loss of consciousness and death. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and colorless but highly toxic gas.◀
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CoolantVehicle features and optionsThis chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
General information
The vehicle has two coolant reservoirs that are
located in the engine compartment.
To ensure the operational reliability of the vehi‐
cle, always check the coolant level of both
coolant reservoirs.
Hints Danger of burns from hot engine
Do not open the cooling system while
the engine is hot; otherwise, esliding coolant
may cause burns.◀
Suitable additives
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may occur. The additives are
harmful to your health.◀
Coolant consists of water and additives.
Not all commercially available additives are
suitable for the vehicle. Information about the
suitable additives are available from the service
center.Coolant level
Checking1.Let the engine cool.2.Turn the lid of the coolant reservoir slightly
counterclockwise to allow any excess
pressure to dissipate, then open it.3.Open the coolant reservoir lid.4.The coolant level is correct if it lies be‐
tween the minimum and maximum marks
in the filler neck.Seite 209CoolantMobility209
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Adding1.Let the engine cool.2.Turn the lid of the coolant reservoir slightly
counterclockwise to allow any excess
pressure to dissipate, then open it.3.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up
to the specified level; do not overfill.4.Close cap.5.Have the cause of the coolant loss elimi‐
nated as soon as possible.
Disposal
Comply with the relevant environmen‐
tal protection regulations when dispos‐
ing of coolant and coolant additives.
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correspondingly trained personnel and other
authorized persons. Otherwise, use may result
in operating problems for the vehicle.◀
Position
There is an OBD socket on the driver's side for
checking the primary components in the vehi‐
cle's emissions.
Emissions
▷The warning lamp lights up:
Emissions are deteriorating. Have
the vehicle checked as soon as
possible.▷The warning lamp flashes under certain
circumstances:
This indicates that there is excessive mis‐
firing in the engine.
Reduce the vehicle speed and have the
system checked immediately; otherwise,
serious engine misfiring within a brief pe‐
riod can seriously damage emission con‐
trol components, in particular the catalytic
converter.Seite 212MobilityMaintenance212
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