The radio-ready state remains active if, e.g.,
the ignition is automatically switched off for the
following reasons:▷Opening or closing the driver's door.▷Unfastening of the driver's safety belt.▷When automatically switching from low
beams to parking lights.
If the engine is switched off and the ignition is
switched on, the system automatically
switches to the radio-ready state if the lights
are turned off or, if correspondingly equipped,
the daytime running lights are activated.
Starting the engine
Information DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or ventila‐
tion is insufficient, harmful exhaust gases can
enter into the vehicle. The exhaust gases con‐
tain carbon monoxide, an odorless and color‐
less but highly toxic gas. In enclosed areas, ex‐
haust gases can also accumulate outside of
the vehicle. There is danger to life. Keep the
exhaust pipe free and ensure sufficient ventila‐
tion.◀
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can put itself into
motion and roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, turn the
front wheels in the direction of the curb.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, also secure
the vehicle, e.g. with a wheel chock.◀CAUTION
In the case of repeated starting attempts
or repeated starting in quick succession, the
fuel is not burned or is inadequately burned.
The catalytic converter can overheat. There is
risk of property damage. Avoid repeated start‐
ing in quick succession.◀
M Steptronic Sport transmission
Starting the engine1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
The ignition is activated automatically for a
certain time and is stopped as soon as the en‐
gine starts.
Engine stop
Information WARNING
Unattended children or animals can
move the vehicle and endanger themselves
and traffic, e.g. with the following actions:
▷Pressing the Start/Stop button.▷Releasing the parking brake.▷Opening and closing of doors or windows.▷Shifting the selector lever into neutral.▷Using vehicle equipment.
There is risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Carry remote control along when exiting
and lock the vehicle.◀
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can put itself into
motion and roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
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▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, turn the
front wheels in the direction of the curb.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, also secure
the vehicle, e.g. with a wheel chock.◀
Before driving into a car wash
So that the vehicle can roll into a car wash ob‐
serve instructions for going into an automatic
car wash, refer to page 233.
M Steptronic Sport transmission
Switching off the engine
1.Apply the brakes until the vehicle comes to
a stop.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
The engine is switched off.
The radio-ready state is switched on.3.Set the parking brake.
Auto Start/Stop function
The concept The Auto Start/Stop function helps save fuel.
The system switches off the engine during a
stop, e.g., in traffic congestion or at traffic lights. The ignition remains switched on. The
engine starts again automatically for driving
off.
Semi-automatic mode After every start of the engine using the Start/
Stop button, the Auto Start/Stop function is in
the last selected state, refer to page 72.
When the Auto Start/Stop function is active, it
is available when the vehicle is traveling faster
than about 3 mph, approx. 5 km/h.
Engine stop The engine is switched off automatically dur‐
ing a stop under the following conditions:
▷The selector lever is in selector lever posi‐
tion D.▷The brake pedal remains pressed while the
vehicle is stationary or the vehicle is held
by Automatic Hold.▷The driver's safety belt is buckled or the
driver's door is closed.
The air flow from the air conditioner is reduced
when the engine is switched off.
Displays in the instrument cluster The display indicates that the
Auto Start/Stop function is
ready for an Automatic engine
start.
The display indicates that the conditions for an automatic en‐
gine stop have not been met.
Functional limitations The engine is not switched off automatically in
the following situations:
▷External temperature too low.▷The external temperature is high and auto‐
matic climate control is running.▷The car's interior has not yet been heated
or cooled to the required level.▷The engine is not yet at operating temper‐
ature.▷The wheels are at a sharp angle or the
steering wheel is being turned.▷After driving in reverse.▷Fogging of the windows when the auto‐
matic climate control is switched on.▷Vehicle battery is heavily discharged.▷At higher elevations.▷The engine compartment lid is unlocked.▷HDC Hill Descent Control is activated.Seite 71DrivingControls71
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Switching off the vehicle during an
automatic engine stop
During an automatic engine stop, the vehicle
can be switched off permanently, e. g., when
leaving it.1.Press the Start/Stop button. The ignition is
switched off. The Auto Start/Stop function
is deactivated.
P is engaged automatically.2.Set the parking brake.
Engine start as usual via Start/Stop button.
Automatic deactivation
In certain situations, Auto Start/Stop function
is deactivated automatically for safety reasons
as if the driver were absent.
Malfunction
The Auto Start/Stop function no longer
switches off the engine automatically. A Check
Control message is displayed. It is possible to
continue driving. Have the system checked.
Parking brake The concept
The parking brake is used to prevent the vehi‐
cle from rolling when it is parked.
Overview
Parking brake
Setting WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can put itself into
motion and roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, turn the
front wheels in the direction of the curb.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, also secure
the vehicle, e.g. with a wheel chock.◀
WARNING
Unattended children or animals can
move the vehicle and endanger themselves
and traffic, e.g. with the following actions:
▷Pressing the Start/Stop button.▷Releasing the parking brake.▷Opening and closing of doors or windows.▷Shifting the selector lever into neutral.▷Using vehicle equipment.
There is risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Carry remote control along when exiting
and lock the vehicle.◀
Pull the switch.
The LED lights up.
The indicator lamp lights up red. The
parking brake is set.
While driving
Use as emergency brake while driving:
Pull the switch and hold it. The vehicle brakes
hard while the switch is being pulled.
The indicator lamp lights up red, a sig‐
nal sounds and the brake lights light
up.
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A Check Control message is displayed.
If the vehicle is slowed down to a speed of ap‐
prox. 2 mph/3 km/h the parking brake is set.
Releasing
With the ignition switched on:
Press the switch while pressing on the
brake pedal.
The LED and indicator lamp go out.
The parking brake is released.
Automatic release For automatic release, step on the accelerator
pedal.
The LED and indicator lamp go out.
The parking brake is automatically released
when you step on the accelerator:▷Engine on.▷Drive mode engaged.▷Driver buckled in and doors closed.
Automatic Hold
The concept This system assists the driver by automatically
setting and releasing the brake, such as when
moving in stop-and-go traffic.
The vehicle is automatically held in place when
it is stationary.
On inclines, the system prevents the vehicle
from rolling backward when driving off.
Overview
Automatic Hold
Safety information WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can put itself into
motion and roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, turn the
front wheels in the direction of the curb.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, also secure
the vehicle, e.g. with a wheel chock.◀
Under the following conditions, Automatic
Hold is automatically deactivated and the park‐
ing brake is set:
▷The engine is switched off.▷A door is opened and driver's safety belt is
unbuckled while the vehicle is stationary.▷The moving vehicle is brought to a stand‐
still using the parking brake.
The indicator lamp switches from
green to red and the letters AUTO H go out.
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▷On uphill grades or on a slope, turn the
front wheels in the direction of the curb.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, also secure
the vehicle, e.g. with a wheel chock.◀
The parking brake can be released manually in
the event of a power failure or electrical fault.
Unlocking If the parking brake has been released man‐
ually in response to a malfunction, only quali‐
fied technicians should return it to operation.
1.Open the left side trim in the trunk.2.Remove the first-aid kit and warning trian‐
gle.3.Insert the screwdriver from the onboard
vehicle tool kit under the cargo floor panel
into the strap of the release point, see ar‐
row.4.Forcefully pull the screwdriver up against
the mechanical resistance until you notice
a marked increase in the resistance and
the parking brake releases audibly.5.Stow the screwdriver, warning triangle and
first-aid kit, and close the left side trim in
the trunk.
After a power failure
WARNING
The function of the parking brake is not
ensured if it was unlocked manually without
power loss. There is risk of an accident. Only
operate the parking brake if it was unlocked
manually due to a power loss.◀
Putting the parking brake into
operation1.Switch on the ignition.2. Press the switch while stepping on
the brake pedal or transmission position P
is set.
It may take several seconds for the brake to be
put into operation. Any sounds associated with
this are normal.
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out as soon as the parking
brake is ready for operation.
Turn signal, high beams,
headlight flasher
Turn signal
Turn signal in exterior mirror When driving and during operation of the turn
signals or hazard warning system, do not fold
in the exterior mirrors, so that the signal lights on the exterior mirror are easy to see.
Using turn signals
Press the lever beyond the resistance point.
The turn signal lever returns into is starting po‐
sition after actuation.
To switch off manually, slightly tap the lever to
the resistance point.
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Down: long interval or low sensitivity of the rain
sensor.
Clean the windshield, headlights
Pull the wiper lever towards you.
The system sprays washer fluid on the wind‐
shield and activates the wipers briefly.
In addition, the headlights are cleaned at regu‐
lar intervals when the vehicle's lights are acti‐
vated.
WARNING
The washer fluid can freeze onto the win‐
dow at low temperatures and obstruct the
view. There is risk of an accident. Only use the
washer systems, if the washer fluid cannot
freeze. Use antifreeze if needed.◀
CAUTION
When the wiper water container is
empty, the wash pump cannot work as in‐
tended. There is risk of property damage. Do
not use the washer system when the wash wa‐
ter container is empty.◀
Windshield washer nozzles
The windshield washer nozzles are automati‐
cally heated while the ignition is switched on.
BMW X5 M: rear window wiper
Switching on the rear window wiper
Turn the switch from idle position 0 upward,
arrow 1: interval mode. When reverse gear is
engaged, the system switches to continuous
operation.
Cleaning rear window
In interval mode: turn the switch further, ar‐
row 2. The switch automatically returns to its
interval position when released.
In idle position: turn switch downward, arrow 3.
The switch automatically returns to its idle po‐
sition when released.
Fold-out position of the wipers
Fold wipers back when you want to change the
blades or with pending low temperatures.
WARNING
If the wipers start moving in the folded
away state, damage may occur to parts of the
vehicle or body parts can be jammed. There is
risk of injuries or risk of property damage.
Make sure that the vehicle is switched off
when the wipers are in the folded away state
and the wipers are folded in when switching
on.◀
1.Switch the ignition on and off again.2.With icy conditions make sure that blades
are not frozen to the windshield.3.Press the wiper lever up beyond the point
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onds, until the wiper remains in a nearly
vertical position.
After the wipers are folded back down, the
wiper system must be reactivated.
1.Switch on the ignition.2.Push wiper lever down. Wipers move to
their resting position and are ready again
for operation.
Washer fluid
Information WARNING
Some antifreeze agents can contain
harmful substances and are flammable. There
is risk of fire and risk of injuries. Observe the
instructions on the containers. Keep antifreeze
away from ignition sources. Do not refill oper‐
ating materials into different bottles. Store op‐
erating materials out of reach of children.
United States: The washer fluid mixture ratio is
regulated by the U.S. EPA and many individual
states; do not exceed the allowable washer
fluid dilution ratio limits that apply. Follow the
usage instructions on the washer fluid con‐
tainer.
Use of BMW’s Windshield Washer Concen‐
trate or the equivalent is recommended.◀
WARNING
Improperly executed work under the
hood can damage components and lead to a
safety risk. There is risk of accidents or risk of
property damage. Have work under the hood
be executed by a dealer’s service center or an‐
other qualified service center or repair shop.◀
Washer fluid reservoir
All washer nozzles are supplied from one res‐
ervoir in the engine compartment.
Fill with a mixture of windshield washer con‐
centrate and tap water and – if required – with a
washer antifreeze, according to the manufac‐
turer's recommendations.
Mix the washer fluid before adding to find the
right mixture.
Do not add windshield washer concentrate and
antifreeze undiluted and do not fill with pure
water; this could damage the wiper system.
Do not mix window washer concentrates of dif‐
ferent manufacturers because they can clog
the windshield washer nozzles.
Recommended minimum fill quantity:
0.2 US gal/1 liter.
M Steptronic Sport
transmission
General information
The M Steptronic Sport transmission is oper‐
ated via the selector lever or two shift paddles
on the steering wheel.
Functions
▷Drive mode or Sequential mode.▷Various drive programs, Drivelogic.▷Upshifting display, Shift point indicator, re‐
fer to page 102.Seite 80ControlsDriving80
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▷Maximum speed: once maximum engine
speed is attained, upshifting is not auto‐
matically performed in sequential mode. In
addition, the kickdown is deactivated.▷Shortly before falling below a gear-de‐
pendent minimum speed, the transmission
is automatically downshifted.▷Upshifting or downshifting is done only if
the rpm and vehicle speed are appropriate.
For example, there is no downshifting if the
engine speed is too high.▷Kickdown: the lowest possible gear is se‐
lected by simultaneously operating the
kickdown and the left shift paddle or selec‐
tor lever.▷It is also possible to start out in 2nd gear,
e. g. on icy roads.
Switch to Drive mode: push selector lever in
D/S direction.
R is Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
It is also possible to rock the vehicle up to
6 mph/10 km/h. To do this, switch between
forward gear and reverse gear without step‐
ping on the brakes in the process.
N is NeutralUse in automatic car washes, e.g. The vehicle
can then roll, refer to page 233.
P Park The drive wheels are blocked.
P is engaged automatically:
▷After the engine is switched off when the
vehicle is in radio-ready state, refer to
page 69, or when the ignition is switched
off, refer to page 69, and when position R
or D is set.▷With the ignition is off, if position N is set.▷If the safety belt is unbuckled, the driver's
door is opened, and the brake is releasedwhile the vehicle is stationary and position
D or R is set.
Displays in the instrument cluster
Drive mode
▷Engaged gear together with
a D, arrow 1.▷Selected driving program,
Drivelogic, refer to
page 83, arrow 2.
Sequential mode
▷Engaged gear, arrow 1.▷Selected driving program,
Drivelogic, refer to
page 83, arrow 2.▷Gear shift indicator, refer to
page 95
Information
When the external temperature is very low, the
display may not work. Current driving direction
is recognizable at the engaged selector lever
position.
Gear change
Shifting in Sequential mode possible.
A shift in Drive mode causes a switch to Se‐
quential mode.
Using the selector lever
▷To shift up: pull the selector lever rear‐
wards.▷To shift down: press the selector lever for‐
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