Bmw 2006 X5 Owners Manual

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2015-09-07

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Owner's Manual
for Vehicle

Contents
The Ultimate
Driving Machine

A to Z

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

X5 3.0i
X5 4.4i
X5 4.8is
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with enhanced control and
security when you drive it. We therefore have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize yourself with the
information that we have compiled for you before starting off in your new BMW. The
manual contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in obtaining
maximum satisfaction from your BMW's unique array of advanced technical features. It also contains information on vehicle maintenance designed to enhance
operating safety while simultaneously helping you to maintain your BMW's value
throughout an extended service life. For additional information refer to the supplemental manuals.
This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of this vehicle. It
should stay with the vehicle when sold to provide the next owner with important
operating, safety and maintenance information.
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

© 2005 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts,
only with the written consent of
BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 159 867
US English VIII/05
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper,
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.

Cockpit 14
Instrument cluster 15
Indicator and warning lamps 19
Buttons on steering wheel 23
Warning triangle 24
First-aid kit 24
Refueling 24
Fuel specifications 26

Controls and features

About this Owner's Manual 8
Symbols used 8
Your individual vehicle 8
Status at time of printing 9
For your own safety 9
Symbol on vehicle parts 10
Service and Warranty 10
Reporting safety defects 11

Overview

Notes

Contents
Locks and security systems:
Keys 30
Central locking system 30
Opening and closing:
from outside 31
Opening and closing:
from inside 34
Liftgate 35
Tailgate 36
Alarm system 38
Windows 39
Panorama glass roof 41
Adjustments:
Sitting safely 43
Seats 44
Mechanical seat adjustment 45
Power seat adjustment 46
Head restraints 47
Power rear-seat backrest
adjustment 48
Safety belts 49
Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory 50
Heated seats 52
Steering wheel 52
Steering wheel heater 53
Mirrors 53

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything under control:
Odometer, outside temperature
display 73
Tachometer 74
Energy control 74
Engine oil temperature gauge 75
Fuel gauge 75
Coolant temperature gauge 76
Service Interval Display 76
Check Control 77
Computer 79
MID Multi-Information
Display 81

Lamps:
Parking lamps/low beams 100
Adaptive Head Light 101
High beams/roadside parking
lamps 101
Front fog lamps 102
Instrument lighting 102
Interior lamps 103
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Air conditioner 104
Automatic climate control 107
Roller sun blinds 113
Parked car ventilation 113

Loading and transporting:
Ski bag 123
Cargo area
Folding rear backrests
down 124
Roll-up cover 125
Partition net 125
Covers in cargo area 127
Sockets 128
Pull-out cargo floor 128
Cargo loading 130
Roof-mounted luggage rack 132

Overview
Controls
Maintenance

Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
PDC Park Distance Control 90
Antilock Brake System 91
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 92
xDrive 94
HDC Hill Descent Control 94
Self-leveling suspension 95
2-axle self-leveling
suspension 96
Brake force display 98
Flat Tire Monitor 98

Cabin convenience:
Integrated universal remote
control 114
Telephone 116
Interior rearview mirror with
digital compass 117
Glove compartment 119
Storage compartments 119
Cup holders 120
Ashtray, front 121
Ashtray, rear 121
Cigarette lighter, rear 122

Repairs

Driving:
Ignition lock 62
Starting engine 62
Switching off engine 63
Handbrake 64
Manual transmission 64
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 65
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher 68
Washer/wiper system/
rain sensor 69
Cruise control 71

Digital clock in MID 82
Computer in MID 85

Data

Passenger safety systems:
Airbags 55
Transporting children safely 57
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 61

Index

Controls and features

5n

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Special operating instructions:
Breaking-in 136
General driving notes 137
Driving your X5 138
Safe braking 140
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure 141
Tire identification marks 145
Wheel/tire condition 146
Replacing wheels/tires 148
Snow chains 149
Under the hood:
Hood 150
Engine compartment
essentials 151
Washer fluid 152
Engine oil 152
Coolant 154
Brake fluid 155

Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System 156
OBD interface socket 157

Owner service procedures

Operation, maintenance

Contents
Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit 160
Windshield wiper blades 160
Lamps and bulbs 161
Changing a wheel 165
Vehicle battery 171
Fuses 172
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Receiving assistance 173
Jump starting 174
Tow-starting and towing 175

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Data

Repairs

Maintenance

Controls

Overview

Everything from A to Z 186

Index

Engine specifications 180
Dimensions 181
Weights 182
Capacities 183

Index

Technical data

7n

Notes
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

8nNotes

About this Owner's Manual

Symbols used

Your individual vehicle

We have made every effort to ensure
that you are able to find what you need
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as
possible. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at
the end. If you desire an initial overview
of your vehicle, this can be found in the
first chapter.

Indicates precautions that must be
followed precisely in order to
avoid the possibility of personal injury
and serious damage to the vehicle.

On buying your BMW, you have
decided in favor of a model with individualized equipment and features. This
Owner's Manual describes all models
and equipment that BMW offers within
the same group.

Should you want to sell your BMW
some day, please remember to hand
over the Owner's Manual as well; it is
an important component of your vehicle.
Additional sources of information:
If you have any questions, your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center will be
glad to advise you.
You can find information on BMW, e.g.
technology, on the Internet at
www.bmwusa.com.

Indicates information that will
assist you in gaining the optimum
benefit from your vehicle and enable
you to care more effectively for your
vehicle.
Refers to measures that can be
taken to help protect the environment.
< Marks the end of a specific item of
information.

We hope you will understand that
equipment and features are included
that you might not have chosen for your
vehicle. Sections describing options
and special equipment are marked by
an asterisk * to assist you in identifying
possible differences between the
descriptions in this manual and your
own vehicle's equipment.

Should equipment of your BMW not be
described in this Owner's Manual,
* Indicates special equipment, country- please refer to the included Supplementary Owner's Manuals.
specific equipment and optional extras,
as well as equipment and functions not
yet available at the time of printing.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory,
refer to page 61. Identifies functions that can be specifically adapted
for a particular key or vehicle. These
adjustments can be performed by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Notes

Controls
Maintenance

cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related
Advanced technology, e.g. the
accessories contain lead and lead comuse of modern materials and highpounds. Batteries also contain other
performance electronics, requires spechemicals known to the State of Calicially adapted maintenance and repair
fornia to cause cancer. Wash your
methods. Therefore, only have correhands after handling.
sponding work on your BMW carried
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
out by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
have caused cancer in laboratory anicenter or a workshop that works
mals. Always protect your skin by
according to BMW repair procedures
washing thoroughly with soap and
with correspondingly trained personnel.
water.<
If work is carried out improperly, there
is a danger of consequential damage
Parts and accessories:
and the related safety risks.<
For your own safety, use genuine
parts and accessories approved
California Proposition 65 Warning:
by BMW.
California laws require us to state the
When you purchase accessories tested
following warning:
and approved by BMW and Genuine
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
Engine exhaust and a wide variety
the assurance that they have been thorof automobile components and
oughly tested by BMW to ensure optiparts, including components found in
mum performance when installed on
the interior furnishings in a vehicle, conyour vehicle.
tain or emit chemicals known to the
BMW warrants these parts to be free
State of California to cause cancer and
from defects in material and workmanbirth defects and reproductive harm.
ship.
In addition, certain fluids contained in
BMW will not accept any liability for
vehicles and certain products of comdamages resulting from installation of
ponent wear contain or emit chemicals
parts and accessories not approved
known to the State of California to
by BMW.

Repairs

Maintenance and repair:

Data

For your own safety

BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
ongoing development that is conceived
to ensure that our vehicles continue to
embody the highest quality and safety
standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. Thus in
rare circumstances, the features
described in this Owner's Manual may
differ from those of your vehicle.

Index

Status at time of printing

Overview

9n

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

10nNotes
BMW cannot test every product on the
market to determine whether it can be
used on a BMW safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its
occupants.
Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones – including
operation of any mobile phone from
within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna – or transceiver equipment such as CBs, walkietalkies, ham radios or similar accessories, may cause extensive damage to
the vehicle, compromise its safety,
interfere with the vehicle's electrical
system or affect the validity of the BMW
Limited Warranty. Refer to your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center for additional information.<

Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified automotive part.<

Symbol on vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.

Service and Warranty
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following
warranties:
> New Vehicle Limited Warranty
> Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
> Federal Emissions System Defect
Warranty
> Federal Emissions Performance
Warranty
> California Emissions Control System
Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Notes

If NHTSA receives similar complaints,
it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your
dealer, or BMW of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the
Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-800-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-4249153); go to http://www.safercar.gov;
or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC
20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov

Controls

If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA in addition to notifying BMW of
North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227,
Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227,
Telephone 800-831-1117.

Maintenance

The following only applies to vehicles
owned and operated in the US.

Repairs

Canadian customers who wish to report
a safety-related defect to Transport
Canada, Defect Investigations and
Recalls, may telephone the toll-free
hotline 1-800-333-0510, or contact
Transport Canada by mail at: Transport Canada, ASFAD, Place de Ville
Tower C, 330 Sparks Street, Ottawa
ON K1A 0N5.

Data

For Canadian customers:

For US customers:

Index

Reporting safety defects

Overview

11n

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12n

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13n

Overview

Overview

Operation, maintenance

Maintenance

Controls

Controls and features

Repairs

Owner service procedures

Data

Technical data

Index

Index

Overview
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

530de427

14nCockpit

1 Parking lamps/low beams 100

4 Washer/wiper system/rain sensor 69 7 Hazard warning flashers

2 Fog lamps 102

5 Rear window defroster 105, 110

8 Horn: the entire surface

3 > Turn signals 68
> Roadside parking lamps 101
> High beams 101
> Headlamp flasher 68
> Computer 79

6 Central locking system 30

9 Adjusting steering wheel 52

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Instrument cluster X5 3.0i, 4.4i

Repairs

530us233

Maintenance

Controls

Overview

15n

2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 22

4 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22

5 Tachometer 74
Energy control 74
6 Coolant temperature gauge 76

Data

3 Speedometer

Index

1 Fuel gauge 75

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cluster X5 3.0i, 4.4i

530us234

16nInstrument

7 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22
8 Reset button for trip odometer 73
9 Display for Check Control 77
10 Odometer and trip odometer 73

11 Display for computer; operation via
turn signal lever, refer to page 79:
> Outside temperature
> Average fuel consumption
> Cruising range
> Average speed

12 Service Interval Display 76
13 Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission* 65
14 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Instrument cluster* X5 3.0i, 4.4i

3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22
5 Tachometer 74
Energy control 74

11 Display for Check Control 77

7 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22

12 Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission* 65

8 Reset button for trip odometer 73

13 CHECK button 77

9 Service Interval Display 76

14 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22

10 Display for
> Trip odometer/odometer 73
> Outside temperature 73

Data

2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 22

6 Coolant temperature gauge 76

Index

1 Fuel gauge 75

Repairs

530us251

Maintenance

Controls

Overview

17n

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cluster X5 4.8is

530us252

18nInstrument

1 Fuel gauge 75

6 Coolant temperature gauge 76

11 Display for Check Control 77

3 Speedometer

7 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22

12 Selector lever and program display
for automatic transmission 65

4 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22

8 Reset button for trip odometer 73

13 CHECK button 77

9 Service Interval Display 76

14 Indicator and warning lamps 19
to 22

2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 22

5 Tachometer 74
Engine oil temperature gauge

10 Display for
> Trip odometer/odometer 73
> Outside temperature 73

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Indicator and warning lamps

Engine oil pressure +
Stop immediately and switch off
the engine. Check the engine oil
level; top up as required. If the oil level
is correct: have the system checked
immediately.
Do not continue driving. The
engine could be damaged due to
inadequate lubrication.<

During continued driving,
increased brake pedal pressure
may be necessary and considerably
longer braking distances may result.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<
Before continuing your journey, be sure
to read the notes on pages 140
and 155.
Also lights up in the Check Control with
the message CHECK BRAKE LININGS.
Display of the previously
described malfunction in Canadian models.

Overview
Controls

If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could
be damaged due to overheating. When
the drive belt is defective, you will also
have to exert increased steering
effort.<

Lights up although the handbrake is
released: stop immediately. The brake
fluid in the reservoir has fallen to below
the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel
may be noticeable. Have the system
checked immediately.

Maintenance

If a malfunction should occur in one of
the monitored systems, the corresponding lamp will not go out after the
engine is started or it will light up while
the vehicle is moving. The section
below will instruct you on what to do in
this situation.

Handbrake*/
brake hydraulic system +
Lights up with handbrake
engaged.
For additional information, refer to
page 64

Repairs

Battery charge current +
The battery is not being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Have
the system checked immediately.

Data

Red: stop immediately

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by + are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for different periods of time.

Index

Technology that monitors itself

19n

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20nIndicator

and warning lamps

Transmission temperature* +
The transmission is overheated.
Reduce speed immediately and
stop at a suitable location so that the
system can cool down again. Have the
system checked immediately.

Yellow: stop immediately
Flat Tire Monitor +
An acoustic signal also sounds:
there is a flat tire or extensive
inflation pressure loss. Reduce speed
immediately for stopping while avoiding
extreme braking and steering maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 99

Red or yellow: continue to drive
cautiously
The red brake warning lamp
lights up together with the warning lamps for ABS and DSC/
xDrive. In addition, a warning
signal sounds:
ABS, DSC, HDC and xDrive
have failed. Drive may be being
exerted exclusively via the rear
axle. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 91, 92

Display of the previously
described malfunction in Canadian models.

Proceed cautiously and defensively. When driving on poor
roads, avoid using full throttle or pressing the accelerator beyond the kickdown point and also avoid forceful
braking or full braking. Otherwise, the
drive train may be damaged or accidents can occur.<
If the brake warning lamp lights up in
yellow in the above-described combination, the EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution is still available.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Indicator and warning lamps

The belt reminder is activated when the
safety belt on the driver's side has not
yet been fastened.
The belt reminder is also active at
speeds greater than approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h when the passenger belt has
not yet been fastened, heavy objects
are placed on the front passenger seat,
or passengers sitting in the front
remove their safety belts.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 49

Display of the previously
described malfunction in Canadian models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute minimum;
refill as soon as possible. Do not drive
more than approx. 30 miles/50 km until
you do.
For additional information, refer to
page 152

Brake pads* +
Have the condition of the brake
pads checked.
For additional information, refer to
page 140
Self-leveling suspension* +
The self-leveling suspension
is inactive. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 95

Overview

Automatic transmission*
The automatic transmission
switches into the emergency
program due to a malfunction. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 67

DBC Dynamic Brake Control +
Malfunction in the DBC system.
Please have the system
checked as soon as possible.
For details on DBC, refer to page 91

Controls

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Maintenance

Please fasten safety belts +
Indicator lamp flashes or lights
up. In addition, a signal sounds
and, depending on the equipment, a
message* appears in the Check Control. Please check safety belts for correct placement.

Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been switched off: add engine
oil at your earliest opportunity, e.g.
when you stop to refuel.
For additional information, refer to
page 152

Repairs

Handbrake warning lamp* for
Canadian models

Airbags +
Malfunction in airbag system.
Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 55

Data

Handbrake*
Lights up with handbrake
engaged.
For additional information, refer to
page 64

Index

Red: an important reminder

21n

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22nIndicator

and warning lamps

DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive +
The warning lamp lights up continuously and a warning signal sounds:
DSC and HDC or the xDrive 4-wheel
drive system have failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC or
the xDrive 4-wheel drive system are no
longer available. Drive may be being
exerted exclusively via the rear axle.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 92
Proceed cautiously and defensively. When driving on poor
roads, avoid using full throttle or pressing the accelerator beyond the kickdown point and also avoid forceful
braking or full braking. Otherwise, the
drive train may be damaged or accidents can occur.<
Engine electronics*
Malfunction in the engine electronics. You can continue to
drive with reduced engine output or
engine speed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.

Service Engine Soon +
If the indicator lamp lights up
continuously or intermittently,
there is a malfunction in the exhaustrelevant electronic systems. Although
the vehicle remains operable, the system must be checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 157
Display of the previously
described malfunction in Canadian models.
Check Gas Cap* +
Warning lamp lights up. Fuel
filler cap is not properly closed
or is missing. Check whether the fuel
filler cap is properly closed. For additional information, refer to page 25

Green: for your information
Turn signals
Flashes when the turn signals
are operated. Rapid flashing
indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 68
Cruise control*
Lights up when system is
switched on: ready for operation
using the buttons on the steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page 71
Fog lamps
Lights up when fog lamps are
switched on. For additional
information, refer to page 102

Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages 68, 101

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Buttons on steering wheel*

Press briefly:
Accept incoming call, start dialing,
terminate call.
Extended pressure:
Switch voice command system on
and off

> Radio
Press briefly: next stored station
Extended pressure: station search
function
> CD
Press briefly: track search
Extended pressure: fast forward in
track
> Cassette
Press briefly: stop track search or
fast forward
Extended pressure: fast forward
> Telephone
Scroll through list of names

Reverse: functions the same as fast
forward

Cruise control: resume

Cruise control: store and accelerate +
as well as store and decelerate –
On the sports steering wheel*, there
are +/– buttons on the right side of the
steering wheel for the cruise control.

Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deactivate

Recirculated-air mode* and AUC automatic recirculated-air control or steering wheel heater*: switch on/off

Overview
Controls

Forward:

Maintenance

On the sports steering wheel*, there
are +/– buttons for volume on the left
side of the steering wheel.

Repairs

In order to operate a system, the
corresponding system must be
switched on.<

Volume

Data

> selected functions of the audio
sources*
> the recirculated-air mode of the air
conditioner* or the steering-wheel
heater*
> the cruise control
> selected phone functions* and
> the voice command system*.

Display/hide phonebook. Display the
entries consecutively with the buttons
for forward/back

Index

The buttons integrated into the steering
wheel are provided so that you can
operate a number of accessories
quickly and without being distracted
from traffic conditions. You may operate:

23n

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1. Open the cover on the left in the
cargo area by lifting the handle on
the cover
2. Pull the tab of the retaining strap,
refer to arrow, and remove the hazard warning triangle from the support
bracket
3. To install: slide the hazard warning
triangle into the support bracket and
press on the retaining strap.

The first-aid kit is located under the
front passenger's seat.
To open: pull the handle and fold the
cover down.
To close: fold the cover up.
Some of the articles in the first-aid kit
may be used within a limited time only.
Therefore, check the expiration dates of
the contents regularly and replace the
contents concerned in good time as
needed.

Refueling

530de243

First-aid kit*

530de242

triangle*

530us005

24nWarning

Fuel filler door
Before filling the tank, switch off
the engine. If you do not, fuel cannot be added to the tank and the Service Engine Soon lamp may come on.<
To open the fuel filler door, press on the
front edge.
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can also open the fuel filler door
manually:
1. Open the cover on the right in the
cargo area by lifting the handle on
the cover
2. Pull the knob with the fuel pump
symbol.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Refueling

Keep the filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.

> results in premature pump shutoff
> and will reduce the effect of the vapor
recovery system on the pump.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks off the first time.

Controls
Index

Never attempt to continue driving
until the tank is completely empty,
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
as engine functions could be affected,
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling
and the vehicle could sustain damage
the nozzle out of the pipe during refuel- as a result.<
ing

Maintenance

Open the filler cap carefully to
prevent fuel from spraying out.
Fuel spray may cause injury.
Do not top off. Topping off may cause
fuel spillage.<

Tank capacity:
approx. 24.6 gal./93 liters,
including a reserve of:
6-cylinder engine: approx. 2.0 gal./
8 liters:
8-cylinder engine: approx. 2.5 gal./
10 liters.

Repairs

Observe the following when
refueling

Close the filler cap carefully after
refueling until a click is heard.
While closing, be sure not to jam the
strap attached to the cap between the
gas cap and the vehicle. A loose or
missing cap will activate the message
CHECK GAS CAP in the Check Control* or the Check Gas Cap lamp*.<

Data

To close the fuel filler cap:
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until
you clearly hear a click.

530us008

When handling fuels, always
observe any safety guidelines
posted at the service station. Never
carry spare fuel containers in your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these containers can leak, cause an explosion, or
lead to fire in the event of a collision.<

Overview

25n

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26nFuel

specifications

The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.

Required fuel
Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
Minimum Octane Rating: 91.
Minimum Octane Rating corresponds to
the Anti Knock Index AKI and is determined according to the so-called
(R+M)/2 method.
Do not use leaded gasoline: use of
leaded fuel will permanently damage the lambda probe and catalytic
converter of your vehicle.<

Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant differences in fuel quality: volatility,
composition, additives, etc., among
gasolines offered for sale in the United
States and Canada. Fuels containing up
to and including 10% ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8% oxygen by
weight, that is, 15 % MTBE or 3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of cosolvent, will not void the applicable
warranties with respect to defects in
materials or workmanship.

The use of poor-quality fuels may
result in drivability, starting and
stalling problems, especially under certain environmental conditions such as
high ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems that you suspect could be related
to the fuel you are using, we recommend that you respond by switching to
a recognized high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recommendations may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<

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Index

Data

Repairs

Maintenance

Controls

Overview

27n

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28n

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29n

Overview

Overview

Operation, maintenance

Maintenance

Controls

Controls and features

Repairs

Owner service procedures

Data

Technical data

Index

Index

Controls
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30nKeys

Central locking system

530de367

2 Spare key for storage in a safe place,
such as in your wallet.
This key does not fit in the lock of the
glove compartment. This is an advantage in a hotel, for example. The key
is not intended for continuous use.

The key set
1 Each master key with remote control
contains a long-life battery as a
power supply, which is automatically
recharged in the ignition lock while
driving. It is therefore necessary to
use each master key at least twice
per year in order to maintain the
charge. Depending on which master
key the vehicle detects during
unlocking, different settings will be
requested and executed in the vehicle, refer to Vehicle and Key memory
on page 61.

Replacement keys
Additional or replacement keys are
available at your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center.

The concept
The central locking system is ready for
operation as soon as you close the front
doors. The system engages or releases
the locks on the
> doors
> liftgate/tailgate
> fuel filler door.
The central locking system can be
operated
> from outside via the remote control
as well as via the driver's door lock
> from inside via the button for the central locking system.
If the system is locked from inside, the
fuel filler door remains unlocked, refer
to page 34.
When the system is actuated from outside of the vehicle, the anti-theft system
is actuated simultaneously. This prevents the doors from being unlocked via
lock buttons or door handles. The alarm
system is also armed or disarmed.
In an accident of sufficient severity the
central locking system automatically
unlocks, but only doors which have not
been locked separately with the lock
buttons, refer to page 34. In addition,
the hazard warning flashers and the
interior lamps are switched on.

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Opening and closing: from outside

If the vehicle is locked, press the button.
With this function, you can also search
for your vehicle, e.g. when parked in an
underground garage.

You can find more detailed information
on the alarm system on page 38.
Since passengers or animals
remaining in the vehicle might be
able to lock the doors from the inside,
take the vehicle's keys with you so that
the vehicle can be opened again from
the outside at any time.<

Convenience opening mode

Switching off tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor

Press the button briefly and then hold
down.
The windows and the panorama glass
roof open.

Press the button once again immediately after locking.
For more detailed information, refer to
page 39.

Locking and securing

Opening liftgate

Press the button.

Briefly press the button.

As a confirmation that the vehicle is
correctly locked, the hazard warning
flashers light up.

The liftgate will open slightly, regardless
of whether it was previously locked or
unlocked.

If you so desire, you can have this
function deactivated if your vehicle is not equipped with an alarm system.<

Index

Protect the remote control against
unauthorized use by handing over
only the spare key, for example when
using hotel valet parking.<

Press the button once to unlock the
driver's door and the fuel filler door
only; press a second time to unlock all
remaining doors as well as the liftgate/
tailgate.

Controls

Press the button.

Maintenance

Switching on interior lamps

Repairs

Unlocking vehicle

When you engage/release the vehicle
locks, you also activate/deactivate the
anti-theft system, arm/disarm the alarm
system, and switch the interior lamps
on/off.

Data

Using remote control

Overview

31n

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32nOpening

and closing: from outside

If the vehicle is locked, the liftgate
is also locked again when closed.
Before and after a trip, be sure that the
liftgate was not opened unintentionally.<

Panic mode

When the alarm system is armed, you
can trigger an alarm in response to an
impending danger by pressing and
holding the button for more than two
seconds.
To switch off the alarm

Press the button.

Malfunction

For US owners only

The remote control can be subjected to
malfunctions by local radio waves.
Should the remote control fail to operate owing to interference of this kind,
unlock and lock the vehicle via the door
lock using the master key.

The transmitter and receiver units comply with part 15 of the FCC/Federal
Communication Commission regulations. Operation is governed by the following:

FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
If it is no longer possible to lock the
LX8FZVE
vehicle via the remote control, the battery is discharged. Use this remote con- Compliance statement:
trol during an extended drive; this will
This device complies with part 15 of the
recharge the battery, refer to page 30.
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
> This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
> this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications
to these devices could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.<

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Opening and closing: from outside

33n

As a confirmation that the vehicle is
correctly locked, the hazard warning
flashers light up.
If you so desire, you can deactivate this function if your vehicle is
not equipped with an alarm system.<

In the event of an electrical malfunction,
turn the key to the extreme left or right
to unlock/lock the door.

Controls
Maintenance

Manual operation

Repairs

One turn of the key in the driver's door
lock unlocks the driver's door only.
Turning the key a second time unlocks
all of the remaining doors, the liftgate/
tailgate and the fuel filler door.

Watch during the closing process
to be sure that no one is injured.
Releasing the key stops the operation.<

Data

Using door lock

> To open: with the door closed, turn
the key to the Unlock position and
hold it.
> To close: with the door closed, turn
the key to the Lock position and hold
it.

Index

530de244

You also have the option of operating
the windows and the panorama glass
roof from the door lock.

Overview

Convenience operation

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and closing: from inside

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34nOpening

This button serves to unlock or lock
doors and the liftgate, but does not
activate the anti-theft system. The fuel
filler door remains unlocked.
You have the option of setting the
central locking system to lock
automatically as soon as you begin to
drive. This can be set to be keyspecific.<

If only the driver's door was
unlocked from the outside and
you press the button
> all other doors, the liftgate/tailgate
and the fuel filler door will be
unlocked when the driver's door is
opened
> the driver's door will be locked again
when it is closed.<

Locking

Unlocking and opening doors

When the vehicle is moving, do
not lock the doors with the lock
buttons. Doors locked in this manner
would not unlock automatically in the
event of an accident.
Since passengers or animals remaining
in the vehicle might be able to lock the
doors from the inside, take the vehicle's
keys with you so that the vehicle can be
opened again from the outside at any
time.<

> Either unlock the doors together with
the button for the central locking system and then pull the door handle
above the armrest or
> pull the release handle for each door
twice: the first pull unlocks the door,
and the second one opens it.

> Use the central locking button to lock
all of the doors simultaneously, or
> press down the individual lock buttons. As an added design feature to
prevent the driver from being inadvertently locked out of the vehicle,
the driver's lock button will not
engage as long as the door is open.

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Liftgate

Opening from inside

Manual release

Press the button, refer to arrow:
The liftgate opens slightly.

Press this button to open the liftgate
when the vehicle is stationary.

In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can release the liftgate manually:

The cargo area is illuminated whenever
the liftgate is opened, refer also to
page 103.

1.
If pointed or sharp-edged objects
could strike the rear window while
driving, be sure to provide protection
around all edges. Failure to do so could 2.
result in damage to the heating conductors of the rear window.<

Data

For information on the cargo area cover
and on other details in the cargo area,
refer to Cargo area, beginning on
page 124.

Index

With the liftgate open, the distance from the ground to the
upper edge is more than 6.6 ft/2 m.
Please remember this, e.g. when opening the liftgate in a garage.<

Remove the plastic plug from inside
the cargo area and pull toward the
interior, refer to arrow. The liftgate
will be released
Reinstall the plug.

Repairs

Opening from outside

Maintenance

Controls

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530de415

530de245

Overview

35n

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530de317

Tailgate

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36nLiftgate

Closing

Opening

Manual release

You can pull the liftgate down by placing both hands in the handle recesses,
refer to arrows.

Press the button:
You can fold the tailgate down.

In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can release the tailgate manually:

Automatic Soft Close function
To close the liftgate, merely press it
down gently. The closing process will
then be carried out automatically.

When opened, the tailgate can
accept loads of up to 440 lbs./
200 kg. When the vehicle is stationary
you may, for example, utilize the tailgate as a seat or as a loading platform
for luggage or recreation gear.<

1. Unfasten the trim panel clip with the
vehicle key or with a screwdriver,
refer to arrow 1, and remove it
toward the top, refer to arrow 2

To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the liftgate is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures.<

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Tailgate

Use the luggage straps on the cargo
floor cover to secure smaller items of
luggage.

Controls
Maintenance

Luggage straps

Refer also to Cargo loading on
page 130.

Data

The lashing eyes located at the corners
of the cargo area provide you with a
convenient means of attaching luggage
nets* or flexible straps for securing luggage.

Repairs

Movement is reduced when objects are
placed on the straps.

Index

2. Using the same tool, press the latch
in the direction of the arrow; the tailgate is released
3. Reinstall the trim panel.

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Overview

37n

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system

The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
> When a door, the hood or the liftgate
is opened
> To movement in the vehicle interior:
interior protection, refer to Tilt alarm
sensor and Interior motion sensor
> To variations in the vehicle tilt angle
such as occur during attempts to
steal the wheels or tow the vehicle
> To interruption of battery voltage.
The system responds to unauthorized
vehicle entry and attempted theft by
simultaneously activating the following:
> An acoustical alarm, which sounds
for 30 seconds
> The hazard warning flashers, which
flash for approx. five minutes
> The high beams, which flash on and
off in the same rhythm as the hazard
warning flashers.

Arming and disarming alarm
system
When you lock or unlock the vehicle,
either with the remote control or at the
door lock, the alarm system is armed or
disarmed at the same time.
You can have different acknowledgment signals set to confirm
arming and disarming.<

530us241

38nAlarm

Indicator lamp displays
The liftgate can also be opened with the
system armed using the button on the
remote control, refer to page 31. The
liftgate is locked again when closed.
Pressing the button longer triggers the
alarm: panic mode, refer to page 32.

> The indicator lamp below the interior
rearview mirror flashes continuously:
the system is armed.
> The indicator lamp flashes when the
vehicle is locked: the doors 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 10 seconds. However, the interior motion sensor is not
activated.
> The indicator lamp goes out when the
vehicle is unlocked: no manipulation
or attempted intrusions have been
detected in the period since the system was armed.

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Windows

> In duplex garages
> When transporting on car-carrying
trains
> If animals are to remain in the vehicle.

Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to
function properly, the windows and
panorama glass roof must be completely closed.

To switch off the tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor:

Press the button on the remote control
twice consecutively.
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 unlocking
and locking actions are executed.

Overview
Controls

The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The
alarm system reacts, for example, if
someone attempts to steal the wheels
or tow the vehicle.

530us020

Tilt alarm sensor

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 ignition key when
you leave the vehicle, as otherwise children could, for example, operate the
windows and injure themselves.<

Opening and closing windows

Maintenance

Following triggering of an alarm, the
indicator lamp will flash continuously.

The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor may be switched off at the same
time. This prevents unintentional
alarms, e.g. in the following situations:

Repairs

Avoiding unintentional alarms

As of ignition key position 1:
> Press the switch up to the resistance
point:
The window continues to move
downward as long as you continue to
hold the switch
> Briefly press the switch beyond the
resistance point:
The window moves downward auto-

Data

> The indicator lamp flashes for 10 seconds after the vehicle is unlocked: an
attempted entry has been detected in
the period since the system was
armed.

39n

Index

Alarm system

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40nWindows
Despite the anti-trapping mechanism, be extremely careful that the
You can close the windows in the same closing path of the window is not
obstructed whenever it is closed.
manner by pulling the switch.
Otherwise, an object might not touch
After the ignition has been switched off:
the contact strip in some situations,
You can still operate the windows for
with very thin objects, for instance.
approx. 1 minute, as long as no door
You can disable the anti-trapping
has been opened.
mechanism by pulling the switch
beyond the resistance point and holdFor the convenience mode via the
remote control or the door lock, refer to ing it.
Because the power windows are sealed
pages 31, 33.
at high pressure to prevent wind noise
when closed, a powerful motor is
Anti-trapping mechanism
required for efficient closing. When
A contact strip is integrated into the
closing the windows, always ensure
inner side of each of the upper window
that they are not obstructed in any way.
frame sections. If pressure is exerted
Unsupervised use of these systems can
against this contact strip while a winresult in serious personal injury.
dow is being raised, the system will
Remove the ignition key to deactivate
respond by stopping the window and
the power windows whenever you leave
then retracting it a small distance.
the vehicle. Never leave the keys in the
vehicle with unsupervised children.
Never place anything that could
obstruct the driver's vision on or next to
the windows.<

530us209

matically. Briefly press the switch
again to stop the opening movement.

Safety switch
With the safety switch, you can prevent
the rear windows from being opened or
closed via the switches in the rear passenger area, by children, for example.
You can also prevent adjustments of
the power rear-seat backrests from the
rear passenger area, refer to page 48.
Always press the safety switch
when children ride in the rear, otherwise unchecked closing of the windows could lead to injuries.<

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Panorama glass roof*

Briefly press the switch beyond the
resistance point and then release it.
Briefly pressing the switch again stops
the motion.

Controls
Data

Opening and closing panorama glass
roof and sliding visor together:
The sliding visor is opened slightly
Briefly press the switch beyond the
when the panorama glass roof is raised. resistance point twice consecutively.
Briefly pressing the switch again stops
The panorama glass roof can be
the motion.
opened or closed independently with
the sliding visor open.

Maintenance

Press the switch or slide it in the
desired direction up to the resistance
point.
Release the switch to stop the motion.

Automatic opening and closing

Repairs

Raising, opening, closing

After the ignition has been switched off:
You can still operate the roof for
approx. 1 minute, as long as no door
has been opened.

Index

The panorama glass roof is operational
with the ignition key in position 2.

Ventilation setting:
The panorama glass roof is raised and
the sliding visor is opened slightly:
Briefly press the switch twice consecutively.

530ue262

To avoid bodily injuries, be sure to
watch the panorama glass roof
while closing. Always take along the
ignition key when you leave the vehicle,
as otherwise children could, for example, operate the roof and injure themselves.<

Overview

41n

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glass roof*

Comfort position

Following a power failure

Each time the panorama glass roof is
completely opened or closed, it stops in
the comfort position. Use the switch to
continue the motion after this if you
wish.

Following interruptions in electrical
power, for instance when the battery is
disconnected, it is possible that the
panorama glass roof will extend to its
tilt-up position, but fail to respond to
other commands. The system must be
initialized. BMW recommends having
this work carried out by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.

In the comfort position, the wind noises
in the interior are reduced.

Anti-trapping mechanism
If the panorama glass roof or sliding
visor encounter resistance when closing from roughly one third of the roof
opening or when closing from the
raised position, the closing action is
interrupted and the panorama glass
roof and sliding visor reopen a little.
Despite the anti-trapping mechanism, inspect the roof's travel path
prior to closing it, as the safety system
might fail to detect certain kinds of
obstructions, such as very thin objects,
and the roof would continue closing.
The anti-trapping mechanism for closing the panorama glass roof is deactivated if the switch is pressed beyond
the resistance point and held there. The
closing action is interrupted when you
release the switch.<

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42nPanorama

Manual operation
In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can operate the panorama glass
roof manually.
1. Take the Allen wrench and screwdriver from onboard tool kit, refer to
page 160
2. Remove the cover panel on the
headliner. To do so, insert the screwdriver from behind slightly off-center
and carefully pry the cover out
3. Insert the Allen wrench into the
opening provided and turn the panorama glass roof in the desired direction.

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Sitting safely

Always maintain an adequate distance between yourself and the
airbags. Always hold the steering wheel
by its rim, with hands at the 9 o'clock
and 3 o'clock positions to minimize the
risk of injuries to your hands and arms
in the event of airbag deployment.
No one and nothing is to come between
the airbags and the seat occupant. Do
not use the cover of the front airbag on
the front passenger side as a storage
area. Make sure that the front passenger is correctly seated and does not
rest feet or legs on the instrument
panel, as otherwise leg injuries can
occur if the front airbag is triggered.

Overview
Controls

Even if you adhere to all instructions,
injuries resulting from contact with airYour vehicle has five seats that are all
bags cannot be fully excluded, dependequipped with a safety belt.
ing on the circumstances. The ignition
and inflation noise may provoke a mild –
At all times, occupants should sit
usually temporary – hearing loss in
upright and be properly restrained
extremely sensitive individuals.
– infants and small children in appropriFor airbag locations and additional
ate child-restraint systems; larger chilinformation on airbags, refer to
dren and adults using the safety belts.
page 55.
Each safety belt should always be used
by only one person; babies and children
Head restraint
may not ride on the lap of another passenger.
A correctly adjusted head restraint
In addition, pregnant women should
reduces the risk of cervical injuries in
always wear a safety belt, making espeaccidents.
cially sure that the belt rests low on the
hips in the lap area, and does not press
Adjust the head restraint so that
against the abdomen.
its center is approximately at the
height of the ears, as otherwise there is Do not route the belt across your neck
or run it across sharp edges. Be sure
an increased risk of injury in an accithat the belt does not become caught
dent.<
or jammed. Wear the safety belt without
twisting, snugly across the lap and
shoulders, as close to the body as possible. Be sure not to route it over solid
or breakable objects, otherwise the belt
can slip over the hips in the lap area in a

Maintenance

For every trip, use the safety belt on all
occupied seats. Airbags complement
the safety belt as an additional safety
device, but they do not represent a substitute.

Repairs

Airbags

Safety belt

Data

For additional information on transporting children safely, refer to page 57.

Make sure that the occupants do not
rest their heads on side or head airbags, as otherwise injuries can occur if
the airbags are triggered.<

Index

The ideal sitting position can make a
vital contribution to relaxed driving that
is as fatigue-free as possible. In conjunction with the safety belts, the head
restraints and the airbags, the seat
position also plays an important role for
the passive safety of the occupants in
an accident. To ensure that the safety
systems operate with optimized efficiency, we strongly urge you to follow
the instructions contained in the section
below.

43n

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44nSitting

safely

frontal impact and injure the abdomen.
Avoid wearing clothing that prevents
the belt from fitting properly and pull
the belt in the upper body area periodically to readjust the tension in order to
avoid a reduction in the restraint of the
safety belt.<
If the middle safety belt in the rear is
used, the wider seatback must be
locked, refer to page 124, otherwise the
safety belt has no restraining action.
Fasten safety belt, refer to page 49.

Seats
Note before adjusting

Seat adjustment

Never try to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat
could respond with unexpected movement and the ensuing loss of vehicle
control could lead to an accident. On
the front passenger side as well, do not
tilt the backrest too far toward the rear
while driving. Failure to observe this
precaution can prevent the belt from
providing effective protection against
injury, as the passenger could slide
under the belt in an accident.<

> Mechanical seat adjustment, refer to
following columns
> Power seat adjustment, refer to
page 46
> Head restraints, refer to page 47
> Power rear-seat backrest adjustment,
refer to page 48

Also observe the information on the
safety belts on page 49 and on the
head restraints on page 47.

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Mechanical seat adjustment

Pull the lever and adjust the position of
the thigh support for your personal
comfort.

Maintenance

Controls

530de253

You can also adjust the thigh support:

Repairs

2 Height
Pull the lever and apply weight to or
remove weight from the seat as
needed.

Comply with the adjustment
instructions on page 43. Failure
to do so could result in diminished personal safety.<

Sports seat* adjustment

Data

1 Backward/forward
Pull the lever and slide the seat to the
desired position.
After you release the lever, move the
seat forward or backward slightly so
that it engages fully.

3 Backrest
Pull the lever and apply weight to or
remove weight from the backrest as
needed.

Index

Seat adjustment

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Overview

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46nPower

seat adjustment*

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530us024

> Increase or decrease curvature: push
switch forward or backward.
> Shift curvature up or down: push
switch up or down.

Seat adjustment

Comfort seat* adjustment

1 Angle
2 Backward/forward

This seat allows you to make additional
adjustments for

3 Cushion height

1 Lumbar support

4 Backrest angle

2 Shoulder support

Adjust the head restraint manually, refer
to page 47.

3 Head restraint height

Comply with the adjustment
instructions on page 43. Failure
to do so could result in diminished personal safety.<

Lumbar support:
You can also adjust the contours of the
backrest to obtain additional support in
the lumbar region.
The upper hips and spinal column
receive supplementary support to help
you maintain a relaxed, upright sitting
position.

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Head restraints

47n

You can use the adjustable upper back- Head restraint height:
rest for supplementary support in the
shoulder region. This provides a relaxed Move the switch in the desired direcsitting position and helps relieve stress tion.
on the shoulder muscles.
For optimum adjustment, the following
is recommended:
Driver and front passenger:
1. Adjust the upper backrest section to
its extreme rear position
2. Adjust for the optimal sitting position
as described on page 43
3. Bring the upper backrest section further forward until your shoulders are
well supported.

Overview
Controls

Adjust the head restraint so that
its center is approximately at the
height of the ears, as otherwise there is
an increased risk of injury in an accident.<

Maintenance

A correctly adjusted head restraint
reduces the risk of cervical injuries in
accidents.

Repairs

Move the switch in the direction of the
arrow to adjust the tilt angle of the
shoulder support.

Make corrections in the forward/
backward adjustment of the seat
to ensure that the safety belt still fits
firmly against your body. If you do not
do this, the protection provided by the
safety belt may be reduced.<

Adjustments
To adjust the angle of the front head
restraints, tilt the head restraint to the
desired angle.
To adjust the height of the front or rear
head restraints, pull the head restraint
up or push it down.
Power height adjustment, refer to
page 46.

Data

Shoulder support:

1. Adjust the upper backrest section to
its extreme rear position
2. Tilt the backrest down to a slightly
more horizontal angle
3. Bring the upper backrest section forward until your shoulders are well
supported.

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530de252

Front passenger's seat adjusted for
relaxed traveling:

Index

Power seat adjustment*

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Removal – front
1. Pull the head restraint upward to the
stop
2. Press the button, refer to arrow, and
remove the head restraint.

Installation – front
1. Press the button, refer to arrow, and
insert the head restraint into the
guides
2. Adjust the head restraint for your
personal comfort.

Removal and installation – rear
To remove the head restraint, pull it
outward with a firm movement. To
install it, press it down firmly.

You can make separate adjustments of
the backrest tilt angle on the right and
left sides.
You can select a comfortable sitting
position and also increase the capacity
of the cargo area by moving the backrests into their full, upright position.

530de224

Power rear-seat backrest adjustment*

530de422

restraints

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48nHead

From the cargo area: the switches are
located on both sides of the cargo area.

From the rear seats: press the corresponding switch.
You can prevent adjustments of
the power rear-seat backrest from
the rear passenger area with the safety
switch for the power windows, refer to
page 40.<

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Safety belts

49n

Fastening
Make sure you hear the latch plate
engage in the belt buckle.

Releasing
1. Press the red button in the belt
buckle
2. Hold the belt firmly
3. Guide the belt back into its reel.

Overview
Controls
Maintenance

You can adjust the safety belts to fit
your own physical dimensions by using
the safety belt height adjustment:
Slide the button up or down as
required.
Also observe the instructions on adjusting the seats on page 44.

Repairs

The belt reminder is activated when the
safety belt on the driver's side has not
yet been fastened.
The belt reminder is also active at
speeds greater than approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h when the passenger belt has
not yet been fastened, heavy objects
are placed on the front passenger seat,
or passengers sitting in the front
remove their safety belts.

Safety belt height adjustment

Data

Use the safety belts on all occupied
seats for every trip. Airbags complement the safety belt as an additional
safety device, but they do not represent
a substitute.

Indicator lamp flashes or lights
up. In addition, a signal sounds
and, depending on the equipment, a message* appears in the
Check Control. Please check to make
sure safety belts are correctly fastened.

Index

Comply with the instructions on
page 43. Failure to do so could
result in diminished personal safety.<

Safety belt reminder for front
seats

530de259

530us034

In the back, the middle safety belt
buckle is provided for use exclusively by the middle passenger.
If it is not possible to extract the center
belt, this indicates that the larger backrest is not securely locked, refer to
page 124.<

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50nSafety

belts

Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory*
Storing

If the safety belts are damaged or
stretched in an accident: have the
entire belt system, including the tensioning mechanisms, replaced at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or
at a workshop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. Have the
belt anchorage points inspected for
damage at the same time. Failure to
observe this precaution may prevent
the safety belts from effectively providing optimal protection when needed.
If a child-restraint system was in the
vehicle during an accident, consult the
manufacturer's instructions regarding
replacement.<

1. Turn the ignition key to position 1
or 2
2. Adjust the desired positions for the
seat, exterior mirror and steering
wheel
3. Press the MEMORY button: LED in
the button lights up
4. Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as
desired: LED goes out.

530us032

Damage to safety belts

You can store and recall three different
seat, exterior mirror and steering wheel
positions. The illustration shows the
buttons on the seat for making these
position adjustments.
The adjustment of the lumbar support is not stored in the memory.<

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Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory*

Security function:
1. With the driver's door closed and the
ignition key either removed or in
position 0 or 2
2. Maintain pressure on the desired
memory button 1, 2 or 3 until the
adjustment process is completed.
If you press the MEMORY button
accidentally: press the button
again – the LED goes out.<

Overview
Controls

Automatic curb monitor
Activating:
1. Select the driver's mirror with the
mirror selection switch
2. When you engage reverse gear or
selector-lever position R, the exterior
mirror glass on the front passenger
side tilts downward slightly. This
allows the driver to see the area
immediately adjacent to the vehicle –
such as a curb – when parking, etc.
Deactivating:

Maintenance

Passenger-side exterior mirror
tilt function

Repairs

1. Open the driver's door after unlocking the vehicle or place the ignition
key in position 1
2. Briefly press memory button 1, 2
or 3, as desired.
Movement stops immediately when
one of the seat-adjustment or memory buttons is activated during the
adjustment process.

If you make use of this function,
be sure that the footwell behind
the driver's seat is unobstructed before
unlocking the vehicle. If you fail to do
so, any persons or objects behind the
seat could be injured or damaged by a
rearward movement of the seat.<

Data

Convenience function:

You can have your vehicle programmed to automatically dial in
your own individual adjustment settings
for the seat, mirrors and steering wheel
whenever you use your personal
remote control to unlock the vehicle.<

Slide the mirror selection switch to the
passenger's side position.
Index

Do not call up a position from the
memory while the vehicle is moving. There is a risk of accident from
unexpected movement of the seat or
steering wheel.<

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Calling up a stored setting

51n

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530de255

Steering wheel

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seats*

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52nHeated

Front

Rear

Adjustments

The seat cushion and backrest can be
heated when the ignition key is in position 2.

The operating concept is the same as
for the front heated seats. You can
select between two heating modes.

The steering wheel can be moved in
any of four directions. Adjust the steering wheel by moving the control lever in
the desired direction.

You can call up different heating modes
by repeatedly pressing the button.
You can also switch off the higher heating modes directly:
Press the button and hold it slightly
longer.

Do not adjust the steering wheel
while the vehicle is moving. There
is a risk of accident from unexpected
movement.<
To store the steering wheel setting,
refer to Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory on page 50.

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Steering wheel heater*

Press the button to activate or deactivate this system.
The LED in the button lights up when
the steering wheel heater is switched
on.
If your vehicle is not equipped with
steering wheel heater, the button for
the recirculated-air mode is located
here, refer to page 23.

Controls
Maintenance

The steering wheel heater functions in
ignition key position 2.

Repairs

530de428

This automatic feature is influenced by
the position of the ignition key and by
the driver's door.

The mirror on the passenger's
side is more curved than the
driver's mirror. Objects reflected in the
mirror are closer than they appear. Do
not attempt to estimate the distance to
following traffic based on the view in
the mirrors, as otherwise an increased
accident risk will result.<

Overview

Exterior mirrors

only in conjunction with seat, mirror and
steering wheel memory
In order to make it easier to get into and
out of the vehicle, the steering wheel
automatically moves into the top position and returns to the driving or memory position.

53n

Data

Automatic steering wheel
adjustment

Mirrors

Index

Steering wheel

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54nMirrors

1 Adjustments
2 Switching to the other mirror or to the
automatic parking function*
3 Folding mirrors in and out*
To store the mirror settings, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
on page 50.

Pressing button 3 allows you to fold
mirrors in and out up to a speed of
6 mph/10 km/h. This is advantageous,
for example, in narrow streets or for
bringing mirrors that have been manually folded-in back into the correct position.
Before going through a car wash,
fold the exterior mirrors inward
manually or using button 3; otherwise
they could be damaged, depending on
the width of the car wash system.<

Automatic heating

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530de256

Folding mirrors in and out

Interior rearview mirror
To reduce glare from vehicles behind
you when you are driving at night, tilt
the mirror by turning the button.

Below a certain outdoor temperature,
both exterior mirrors are automatically
heated when the motor is running or the
ignition is switched on.

Adjusting manually
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually by pressing the edges of the mirror
glass.

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Airbags

Protective action
Comply with the instructions on
page 43. Failure to do so could
result in diminished personal safety.<

Do not apply adhesive materials to
the cover panels of the airbags,
cover them or modify them in any other
The front airbags supplement the safety way.
belts by helping to provide additional
Do not attempt to remove the airbag
protection for the front-seat occupants restraint system from the vehicle. Do
in the event of a severe frontal impact in not modify or tamper with either the
which the protection afforded by the
wiring or the individual components in
safety belts alone may no longer be suf- the airbag system. These include the
ficient. The head airbag and side airbag padded steering wheel hub, the instruhelp provide protection in the event of a ment cluster, the side trim panels, the
side impact. The respective side airbag doors and the roof pillars or the sides of
is designed to help support the body at the headliner. Do not remove or dis-

Warnings and information on the airbags is also provided on the sun visors.

Controls
Maintenance

3 Side airbags for front and rear*

Repairs

2 Head airbags

Data

1 Front airbags

mantle the steering wheel yourself.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been triggered, otherwise there is a danger of
The airbags are intentionally not triggered in every impact situation, e.g. not burns. If the airbag restraint system
malfunctions, needs to be decommisin minor accidents or rear-end collisioned, or has been triggered, only
sions.
entrust the necessary repair work to a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or a
Stickers on the rear door frame
indicate the status of the rear side workshop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with correairbags. If the status cannot be clearly
spondingly trained personnel and has
recognized, or if you want to have the
the required explosives permits for testairbags activated/deactivated, please
contact your BMW Sports Activity Vehi- ing, repair, dismantling or scrapping of
the airbag generators. Unprofessional
cle center.<
attempts to service the system could
lead to failure in an emergency or
For information on the correct sitting
undesired airbag activation, either of
position, refer to page 43.
which could result in personal injury.<

Index

530us035

the side of the chest region. The Side
Impact Head Protection System protects the head.

Overview

55n

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Automatically deactivating front
passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected
by evaluating the imprint on the occupied seat surface of the front passenger
seat. The front and side airbag on the
front passenger side are activated or
deactivated accordingly by the system.
The current status of the front
passenger airbag, i.e. deactivated
or activated, is indicated by the indicator lamp over the interior rearview mirror, refer to Status of front passenger
airbags in the following.<
Before transporting a child on the
front passenger seat, observe the
safety information and handling instructions under Transporting children
safely, refer to page 57.
The front and side airbag on the front
passenger side can be deactivated for
teenagers and adults in certain seat
positions; then the indicator lamp for
the front passenger airbags lights up. In
these cases, change the seat position
so that the front passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes
out. If the desired status cannot be produced by changing the seat position,
transport the corresponding person on

the rear seat. Do not install protective
covers, seat cushions, ball mats or
other objects on the front passenger
seat which are not specially recommended by BMW. Do not lay objects
under the seat which could press
against the seat from below. Otherwise
a correct evaluation of the occupied
seat surface cannot be ensured.<

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56nAirbags

Status of front passenger airbag
One of the illustrated indicator lamps is
located above the interior rearview mirror.
The indicator lamp for the front passenger airbags indicates the operating status of the front and side airbag on the
front passenger side depending on the
seat occupation. The indicator lamp
shows whether the front passenger airbags are activated or deactivated.
> The indicator lamp lights up when a
child in a child restraint system
intended for the purpose is properly
detected on the seat.
The front and side airbag on the front
passenger side are not activated

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Transporting children safely

> The indicator lamp does not light up
when, for example, a correctly seated
person of sufficient height is detected
on the seat. The front and side airbag
on the front passenger side are activated
> The indicator lamp does not light up
when the seat is empty.
The front and side airbag on the front
passenger side are not activated.

The right place for children

> Warning lamp does not light up as of
ignition key position 1
> Warning lamp lights up continuously.
Have the airbag system checked
immediately if a malfunction
occurs, as otherwise there is a danger
of the system failing to respond in the
expected manner in an accident of corresponding severity.<

Accident research shows that the safest place for children is on the back
seat.
Only transport children under
13 years of age or less than 5 ft/
150 cm tall in the rear in child restraint
systems intended for the respective
age, weight and height of the child.
Otherwise there is an increased danger
of injury in an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must
wear a safety belt as soon as a suitable
child restraint system can no longer be
used due to their age, size and weight.

More information on automatic deactivation of the front passenger airbags,
refer to page 56.

Controls
Maintenance

Children always in the rear:

Should it be necessary to use a
child-restraint system on the front
passenger seat, the front and side airbags must be deactivated. Otherwise,
there is an increased risk of injury for
the child when the airbags are triggered, even with a child-restraint system. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center will be happy to advise you.<

Repairs

Airbag system malfunction:

Exception for front passenger seat:
In principle, all seats in your BMW
except the driver's seat are suitable for
mounting universal child restraint systems for all ages which are approved
for the respective age group.

Data

As of ignition key position 1, the
warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up for a short time,
thus indicating the operational readiness of the entire airbag system and the
safety belt tensioners.

All rear seat positions in your vehicle
comply with the recommendations of
the standard SAE J1819 for the safe
securing of child restraint systems in
motor vehicles.

Index

Operational readiness of airbag
system

Do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, as otherwise they
could endanger themselves and other
persons, e.g. by opening the doors.<

57n

Overview

Airbags

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58nTransporting

children safely

Installing child-restraint systems

On front passenger seat:
Before mounting a child restraint
system on the front passenger
seat, make sure that the front and side
airbag on the front passenger side are
deactivated, as otherwise there is an
increased risk of injury if the airbags are
triggered.<
Before mounting a universal childrestraint system, move the front passenger seat into the highest position to
achieve the best possible belt routing.
Do not change this seat height.

Child-restraint system security
All rear safety belts and the safety belt
for the front passenger can be locked to
prevent them from being pulled out,
enabling them to be used for securing
child restraint systems.

530us037

Commercially available child restraint
systems are designed for securing with
a lap belt or with the lap belt section
of a three-point belt. Incorrectly or
improperly installed child restraint systems can increase the risk of injury for
children. Always follow the instructions
for installing the system exactly.

530us104

Follow the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions when
selecting, installing and using childrestraint systems. Otherwise the degree
of protection can be reduced.<

Child restraint system with tether
strap
There are three additional mounting
points for child restraint systems with a
tether strap, refer to arrows.

Locking safety belt:
1. Secure child restraint system with
the belt
2. Pull out belt webbing completely
3. Allow belt webbing to be pulled in
and pull taut against child restraint
system. The safety belt is locked.
Unlocking safety belt:
1. Open belt buckle
2. Remove child restraint system
3. Allow belt webbing to be pulled in
completely

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Transporting children safely

Routing of the tether strap:

LATCH: Lower Anchor and Tethers for
CHildren.

When using the cargo area roll-up
cover, also route the tether strap
between the rear backrest and the casing of the roll-up cover.

To attach a LATCH child's seat,
follow the operating and safety
instructions of the system manufacturer.<
The rear outer seating positions are
provided with anchors for a LATCH
child-restraint fixing system.
The illustration shows the left rear seat
as an example. The mounts for attachment of the LATCH child-restraint fixing
system are located behind the cover
panels.

Data

1. Push head restraint upward
2. Guide securing strap through head
restraint bracket
3. Slide the head restraint into the bottom position.

Repairs

LATCH child-restraint fixing
system

Maintenance

Controls

530us255

The illustration shows the fastening of
the tether strap for the middle seat.

Index

The illustration shows the fastening of
the tether strap for the outer seats.

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Overview

59n

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60nTransporting

children safely

Remove cover panels by pulling them
toward the front.
To remount, simply slide into place.

If the rear is equipped with side
airbags, make sure that children
do not lean out of the child's seat
towards the door panels. Otherwise
severe injuries can be caused if the side
airbags are triggered.<

530de226

On trips

Child-safety locks of rear doors:
Slide down the safety lever on the rear
doors:
The door can now be opened from the
outside only.
Safety switch for power windows:
Always press the safety switch for the
power windows, refer to page 40, when
children are riding in the rear of the
vehicle.

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Vehicle Memory, Key Memory
Examples for Key Memory:

Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center can provide you with details on the
capabilities of the Vehicle Memory and
Key Memory systems.

> Automatic adjustment of the driver's
seat, exterior mirror and steering
wheel with settings stored in the
memory for the individual driver when
the vehicle is unlocked, refer to
page 51
> Calling up customized settings for
the automatic climate control when
unlocking the vehicle, refer to
page 109.

In order for you to distinguish between
the master keys with remote control,
color-coded decals are supplied
together with the keys.

> Various signals that can serve as
acknowledgment for locking and
unlocking the vehicle, refer to
pages 31, 33
> Deactivating/activating the Pathway
lighting function, refer to page 100.

Repairs

Examples for Vehicle Memory:

Data

When your vehicle is unlocked with the
remote control, the vehicle recognizes
the individual user by means of a data
exchange with the key, and makes
adjustments accordingly.

Following configuration of the
memory functions, vehicle operation may differ from the description in
the Owner's Manual. Should you want
to sell your BMW some day, please
remember to have the memory functions reset to the default state.<

Index

There are vehicle and person-related
adjustments: Vehicle Memory and Key
Memory. You can have up to four different basic positions configured for four
different persons. The only requirement
is that each person uses his or her own
remote control key.

You will see this symbol throughout the Owner's Manual. It is to
remind you at appropriate places of the
settings that are available to you.<

Controls

What the system can do

You have probably frequently wished
that you could configure individual
functions of your vehicle meet your own
personal requirements. In developing
your vehicle, BMW has included several
user-defined functions in the vehicle's
design. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center can make these settings for
you.

Maintenance

How the system functions

Overview

61n

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62nIgnition

lock

Starting engine

390de010

Automatic transmission:
Only move the selector lever from
position P with the engine running.
To turn the key back to position 0 or to
remove it, first place the selector lever
in position P: interlock.<

Ignition key positions
0 Steering lock engaged
1 Steering lock disengaged
2 Ignition on
3 Starting engine

Steering lock engaged
The key can only be inserted or
removed in this position.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel slightly to the left or right until
you hear the lock engage.
If the key is not removed, an acoustic
signal sounds after the driver's door is
opened.

Steering lock disengaged
Slightly moving the steering often
makes it easier to turn the key from 0
to 1.
Individual electrical devices are ready
for operation.

Starting engine
Manual transmission:
Depress the clutch when starting
the engine. If you do not, a lock prevents the engine from starting.<

Before starting
> Engage the handbrake
> Be sure that the gearshift lever is in
Neutral or the selector lever in Park if
the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission
> Depress the clutch.
If the clutch is not depressed, the
engine cannot be started
> Press the footbrake with an automatic transmission.
Do not run the engine in closed
rooms, otherwise the inhalation of
toxic exhaust gases can cause unconsciousness and death. The exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide, 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 select neutral or the position P
and engage the handbrake before leaving the vehicle with the engine running.<
When starting the engine, do not press
the accelerator pedal.

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Switching off engine

> For the initial starting attempt, allow
the starter to remain engaged somewhat longer, approx. 10 seconds.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at startup are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from being
drained, always switch off electrical
devices that are not in use. Switch the
ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.
Extended starting attempts, characterized by excessively frequent
or long periods with the starter
engaged, can lead to damage of the
catalytic converter.<

1. Shift into selector lever position P
2. Turn the ignition key to position 1
or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key
when the vehicle is moving, otherwise, the steering could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and lock the
steering.
Manual transmission:
Always engage the handbrake when
parking on slopes and inclined surfaces. Even placing the gearshift lever
in 1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.
Automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in the P position.<
Automatic transmission:
The vehicle must be stationary and the
selector lever in Park before you can
remove the ignition key.

Overview

Automatic transmission:

Controls

Cold starts at altitudes above 3,300 ft/
1,000 meters and at very low temperatures, from approx. +57/–156:

1. Turn the ignition key to position 1
or 0
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.

Maintenance

X5 3.0i:
Do not end the starting procedure too
soon, but do not continue for longer
than approx. 20 seconds. Release the
ignition key immediately as soon as the
engine starts.
X5 4.4i, 4.8is:
Your BMW is equipped with the convenience starting feature. With this feature, it is sufficient to turn the ignition
key only briefly to position 3 'Start
engine' and to let go of it right away.
The starter actuation continues to operate automatically for a certain period of
time and is stopped automatically as
soon as the engine has started.
The automatic starting mode will not
operate or will be canceled if the battery voltage is insufficient. The engine
can be jump started, refer to page 174.

> Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.

Manual transmission:

Repairs

Should the engine fail to start on the
first attempt, if it is very hot or cold, for
instance:

Data

Do not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, begin to
drive immediately at a moderate engine
speed.

63n

Index

Starting engine

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

The handbrake is primarily intended to
prevent the vehicle from rolling while
parked; it brakes the rear wheels.

Engaging
The lever engages automatically when
you pull it up and the indicator lamp
comes on in the instrument cluster in
ignition key position 2, refer to
pages 19, 21.

Releasing
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the
button and lower the lever.

Manual transmission
If exceptional circumstances
should make it necessary to
engage the handbrake while the vehicle
is in motion, do not pull it too strongly.
In doing so, continuously press the button of the handbrake lever. Otherwise
strong application of the handbrake can
lead to overbraking of the rear axle and
associated 'fishtailing' of the vehicle
rear end.
Manual transmission:
Always engage the handbrake when
parking on slopes and inclined surfaces. Even placing the gearshift lever
in 1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.
Automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in Park.<
To prevent corrosion and onesided braking action, occasionally
apply the handbrake lightly when the
vehicle is slowly coming to a stop if the
traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when
the handbrake is applied.

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64nHandbrake

Press the clutch all the way down each
time you shift, pressing the gearshift
lever into its proper end position.
Depress the clutch when starting the
vehicle, too. If the clutch is not
depressed, the interlock will prevent the
engine from starting.
While shifting in the 5th/6th gear
slot, press the gearshift lever
toward the right, otherwise, accidental
shifting into the 3rd or 4th gear could
result in engine damage.<

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Manual transmission

Automatic transmission with Steptronic*

65n

Reverse

The engine can only be started in the
selector lever position Park or Neutral.

Maintenance

Controls

Starting engine

Repairs

P R N D M/S
The transmission range display varies in
accordance with the equipment of your
vehicle.

Data

Under normal operating conditions, fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in
position D.

Selector lever positions

Index

In addition to fully automatic operation,
you can also manually shift with the
Steptronic, refer to page 67.

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530us238

As you do this, the backup lamps will
turn on automatically when the ignition
key is in position 2.

Overview

Select only when the vehicle is stationary. Press the gearshift lever to the left
to overcome the resistance.

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Automatic transmission with Steptronic*
Range selection

D Drive, automatic driving
position

> The selector lever can be moved out
of the P position with the ignition
switched on or the engine running:
interlock

This position is designed for driving
under all normal operating conditions.
All forward gears are available.

> With the vehicle stationary, press the
footbrake before shifting out of P
or N, otherwise, the selector lever is
blocked: shiftlock.
Keep the brake pedal pressed down
until you start off. The vehicle will otherwise creep when a drive position is
A lock prevents accidentally shifting
engaged.
into the selector lever positions R
and P. To deactivate the lock, press
the button on the front of the selector
lever knob, refer to arrow.
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66n

Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum acceleration.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the fullthrottle position.

P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The transmission locks to prevent
the rear wheels from turning.

R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.

N Neutral, idle
For example, engage in automatic car
washes. The vehicle can roll.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Briefly pressing the selector lever
toward the front or rear activates manual operation and Steptronic changes
gears. The following display appears in
the instrument cluster, depending on
the model:
> 1 to 5 or 1 to 6
> M1 to M5 or M1 to M6.

Information on jump starting, towstarting and towing begins on
page 174.

Overview
Controls

Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to P. Set the
To return to automatic mode, move the parking brake and switch the engine off
selector lever toward the right into posi- by turning the ignition key to position 0.
tion D.
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission performance has been restored. You may
continue to drive as usual. If the indicator lamp does not go out, you can place
the selector lever in all positions, but
the vehicle will now only drive forward
with limited gear selection.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.

Maintenance

The warning lamp lights up or
the message TRANS.FAILSAFE
PROG appears in the Check
Control. A malfunction has occurred in
the transmission system. Avoid heavy
loads.

Repairs

Shift selector lever from position D
toward the left into the shifting slot M/S:
the Sport Program is activated and DS
appears in the instrument cluster. This
position is recommended for a performance-oriented driving style.

Malfunction

Data

Sport Program and manual
operation M/S

Upshifts and downshifts are executed
only when they will result in a plausible
combination of engine and vehicle
speed; thus, for example, a downshift
that would cause the engine to overrev
will not be executed by the system. The
gear selected will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster and then the current
gear will reappear.

67n

Index

530de264

Automatic transmission with Steptronic*

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Turn signals/headlamp flasher

530de265

68n

1 High beams
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Turn signals

Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold
for as long as you wish to signal.
Atypically rapid flashing of the turn
signal light indicates the failure of
a turn signal lamp and when towing a
trailer, may indicate the failure of one of
the trailer's turn signal lamps.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

3 Fast wipe
4 Brief wipe
5 Windshield washing
6 Special wash program*
7 Knurled wheel for control of the wipe
interval or the sensitivity of the rain
sensor

> With the lever in position 1, switch off
the ignition as soon as the wipers
come to a stop.
If equipped with a rain sensor:
1. Switch on the wipers with the lever in
position 1, 2 or 4
2. When the wipers are roughly vertical,
switch the ignition off.
For changing the wiper blades, refer to
page 160.
Fold the wipers back down onto
the windshield before you turn the
ignition key to position 1 or 2 again. If
you do not, they could be damaged.<

Rain sensor
The rain sensor automatically controls
the wiper operation as a function of the
rain intensity. It is located on the windshield, directly in front of the interior
rearview mirror.
To activate the rain sensor:
Move the lever to position 1 as of ignition key position 1. The wipers travel
once across the windshield, regardless
of the weather conditions.
You can leave the lever permanently in
position 1. It is then only necessary to
activate the rain sensor as of ignition
key position 1.
To do this, turn the knurled wheel 7
briefly.

Overview

You can set the wipe interval to four
stages with the knurled wheel 7.
In addition, the wipe interval is varied
automatically depending on road
speed.

Controls

Not provided in vehicles with rain sensor.

Maintenance

2 Normal wipe

Intermittent mode

The left wiper is partially concealed by
the hood. To bring the wipers to roughly
a vertical position, which is important
when changing the wiper blades or
when folding the wipers out during
frosty weather, for example, proceed as
follows:

Repairs

1 Intermittent mode or rain sensor

Fold-out position

Data

0 Wipers retracted

69n

Index

530de324

Washer/wiper system/rain sensor*

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70nWasher/wiper

system/rain sensor*

To adjust the sensitivity of the rain
sensor:
Turn the knurled wheel 7.
To deactivate the rain sensor:
Move the lever to position 0.
Deactivate the rain sensor when
passing through an automatic car
wash. Failure to do so could result in
damage caused by undesired wiper
activation.<

Normal wipe
The system switches automatically to
intermittent mode when the vehicle is
stationary, not on vehicles with rain
sensor.

Fast wipe
The wipers operate at normal speed
when the vehicle is not moving, not on
vehicles with rain sensor.

Windshield washing

Special wash program*

Windshield washer nozzles

As with 5; several additional wash
cycles are carried out and the headlamps are cleaned*.
This program is recommended after you
have driven on extremely dirty roads.

The windshield washer jets are heated
automatically when the ignition key is in
position 2.

Headlamp washing*
> With the special wash program 6
> At appropriate intervals, the headlamps will also be cleaned upon actuation of the windshield washer function 5 while the vehicle's headlamps
are switched on.
Do not use the washers if there
is any danger that the fluid will
freeze on the windshield. If you do so,
your vision could be obscured. Use
antifreeze to prevent this, refer to
page 152.
Do not actuate washer systems when
the fluid reservoir is empty, otherwise,
the washer pump will be damaged.<

The system sprays washer fluid against
the windshield and activates the wipers
for a brief period.

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530de266

Rear window wiper
0 Retracted position of the rear window
wiper
1 Rear window wiper in intermittent
mode. When the transmission is
shifted into reverse, continuous rear
wiper operation is switched on automatically
2 Cleaning rear window

You can use cruise control whenever
the system is active while the engine is
running.
On the sports steering wheel*, there
are +/– buttons on the right side of the
steering wheel for the cruise control.
Do not use the cruise control
when unfavorable conditions do
not permit driving at constant speed.
Otherwise you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident. These
unfavorable conditions include winding
roads, heavy traffic or poor road conditions, e.g. snow, rain, ice or a loose
road surface.<

Overview

For changing the wiper blade, refer to
page 160.

You can automatically maintain and
store any desired vehicle speed above
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.

Controls

> approximately 10 seconds after the
lever is placed in position 0 or
> after the engine is switched off.

71n

Maintenance

Programming is deleted:

Cruise control*

Repairs

Washer/wiper system/rain sensor*

Index

> Switch briefly from position 0 to position 1
> Wait the desired interval time and
then switch from position 0 to 1 again
to establish the programmed interval; max. 30 seconds.

Data

You can also program the interval:

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72nCruise

control*

As of ignition key position 2:
Press the button; the indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster comes on, refer
to page 22. Cruise control is ready to
use.

Press and hold button +:
Interrupting cruise control
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on the accelerator pedal. When
When the system is activated, press
you release the button, the system
maintains and stores the current speed. button 1. The indicator lamp stays on.
You can use the cruise control again
On downhill grades, the controlled
speed can be exceeded if the engine's whenever required by resuming the
braking action is insufficient. Speed can speed that was stored last.

Deactivating system

drop on uphill grades if the engine output is insufficient.

Activating system

Deceleration
Press the button repeatedly until the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out.
The cruise control is also deactivated
when the ignition key is turned to position 0.
The speed stored in the memory is
deleted.

Maintaining and storing speed or
accelerating
Briefly press button +:
The system maintains and stores the
current vehicle speed. Every time you
briefly press the button, the speed
increases by approx. 0.6 mph/1 km/h.

Briefly press button –:
When cruise control is active, every
brief touch of the button reduces the
speed by approx. 0.6 mph/1 km/h.
Press and hold button –:
With the cruise control active, the system automatically reduces the throttle
opening to slow the vehicle. When you
release the button, the system maintains and stores the current speed.

In addition, cruise control is interrupted
automatically:
> When you apply pressure to the
brake pedal
> When you apply pressure to the
clutch pedal or when you move the
automatic transmission selector lever
from Drive to Neutral
> If you exceed or fall below the controlled speed for an extended period,
by depressing the accelerator, for
example
> When DSC Dynamic Stability Control
is active.

Resuming stored setting

Press the button:
The vehicle accelerates to and maintains the last speed stored.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Odometer, outside temperature display

73n

Outside temperature display

2 Trip odometer
3 Outside temperature display

The outside temperature appears on
the display as of ignition key position 1.

Odometer

You can change the units of measure
7/6 by

You can activate the displays shown in
the illustration with the ignition key in
position 0 by pressing the button in the
instrument cluster, refer to arrow.
The range of available displays varies
according to your individual vehicle's
equipment.

Trip odometer

1. pressing and holding down the button, refer to arrow, with the ignition
key in position 1 and
2. then turning the ignition key to 0.
At the same time the units of measurement in the temperature display
of the automatic climate control will
be changed, refer to page 107.
Refer also to page 80.

Controls
Repairs

1 Odometer

Data

530us253

Even at temperatures above
+37.5 7/+3 6 ice can form.
Therefore, drive carefully, e.g. on
bridges and sections of road in the
shade, as otherwise there is an
increased accident risk.<

Maintenance

If the display drops to approx. +37.57/
+3 6, a signal sounds as a warning and
the display flashes for a brief period.
There is an increased danger of ice.

Overview

Outside temperature warning

Index

To reset the trip odometer to zero,
press the button, refer to arrow, with
the ignition key in position 1 or 2.

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390us005

Energy control

530us231

530us227

74nTachometer

X5 3.0i, 4.4i

X5 4.8is

X5 3.0i, 4.4i

Do not operate the engine with the
needle in the red overspeed zone of the
gauge, refer to arrow.

The orange warning sector gradually
moves upward as the engine warms to
its normal operating temperature. As
the engine temperature increases, an
increasing number of sectors in this
warning panel go out.

Shows the current fuel consumption.
This allows you to see whether your
current driving style is conducive to fuel
economy with minimum exhaust emissions.

In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the engine.

Avoid allowing the engine speed to rise
as far as the orange warning sector
whenever possible.
Do not operate the engine with the
needle in the red overspeed zone of the
gauge, refer to arrow.
In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the engine.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Fuel gauge

75n

Refuel well before the tank is
empty, otherwise engine functions
will not be ensured. Damage can occur
if you drive down to the last drop.<
When you switch on the ignition, the
LED lights up briefly to confirm that the
system is operational.

Maintenance

Controls

If the tilt of the vehicle varies, when you
are driving in mountainous areas, for
example, the indicator may fluctuate
slightly.

Repairs

Tank capacity: approx. 24.6 gal./
93 liters.

Data

The general operating temperature lies
between 176 7/80 6 and 2487/
1206. Do not exceed the maximum
value of 3027/1506.

If the LED comes on and stays on, there
are approx.
> 2.0 gal./8 liters, 6-cylinder engine
> 2.5 gal./10 liters, 8-cylinder engine
of fuel still in the tank.

Index

X5 4.8is

390us006

530us232

Overview

Engine oil temperature gauge

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76nCoolant

temperature gauge

Service Interval Display

Between blue and red zones

Blue

390us008

390de007

Normal operating range. The dial may
drift up to the red field.

The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate engine and vehicle speeds.

The range of available displays varies
according to your individual vehicle's
equipment.

Red

Green lamps

When you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp* comes on briefly to confirm that the system is operational.

The number of illuminated lamps
decreases as the time for your next
maintenance visit approaches.

If the warning lamp lights up during
driving or the message COOLANT
TEMPERATURE appears in the Check
Control; the engine is overheated.
Switch off the engine immediately and
allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to
page 154.

Yellow lamp
This field appears together with
OILSERVICE or INSPECTION.
Maintenance is due. Please contact
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center for an appointment.

Red lamp
The maintenance deadline has been
passed.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Check Control

Priority 1

The following alerts or status messages
are displayed with icons as of ignition
key position 2 until the defects are corrected:

Text messages are used to alert the
driver to system malfunctions as of ignition key position 2. The alert is accompanied by an acoustic signal.

1 Check low beams

1 Status messages symbol

2 Add washer fluid, goes out after
approx. 1 minute

2 Display

These defects are immediately indicated by an acoustic signal and a flashing warning symbol 1. Simultaneous
defects will be displayed consecutively.
These status messages remain on the
display until the defects are corrected.
They cannot be deleted by pressing the
CHECK button 3:

3 Door open

Messages concerning system defects
are differentiated based on two priorities:

5 Check brake and tail lamps. A defective center brake lamp is indicated by
the upper symbol.
When you open the door after stopping,
a warning signal sounds without a
visual indicator for:
> LIGHTS ON
> KEY IN IGNITION LOCK.

> RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE
> COOLANT TEMPERATURE
Temperature too high. Stop the vehicle immediately and switch off the
engine, refer to pages 76 and 154
> STOP! ENGINE OILPRESS
Oil pressure too low. Stop the vehicle
immediately and switch off the
engine, refer to pages 19 and 152

Index

4 Tailgate open

3 CHECK button

Repairs

Alphanumeric display*

Data

Graphic display*

Maintenance

Controls

530de254

390de121

Overview

77n

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78nCheck

Control

> CHECK BRAKE FLUID
Level has dropped approx. to minimum. Have the brake fluid replenished as soon as possible, refer to
page 155. Have the reason for the
brake fluid loss eliminated by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
> DSC/4x4 INACTIVE
DSC and/or four-wheel drive system
xDrive has failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC
and/or the four-wheel drive system
xDrive are no longer available. Drive
may be being exerted exclusively via
the rear axle.
Have the system checked at the
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 94
> SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT*
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center
> SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT*
MAX. 35 MPH/MAX. 60 KM/H*
These messages are displayed consecutively.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
35 mph/60 km/h.
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center

> TRANSMISS'N OVERHEAT*
Reduce speed immediately and stop
at a suitable location so that the system can cool down again. Please
contact the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.
> LIMIT*
Display when the programmed roadspeed limit is exceeded, refer to
page 85.
Priority 2
These displays appear for 20 seconds
as of ignition key position 2. The warning symbols remain after the message
disappears. You can open the messages again for display by pressing the
CHECK button.
> TRUNKLID OPEN
This message only appears when
starting off
> DOOR OPEN
This message appears after a minimal
defined road speed has been
exceeded
> FASTEN SEAT BELTS*
In addition, the indicator lamp with
the belt symbol lights up and an
acoustic signal sounds
> WASHER FLUID LOW
Too low, top up at the next opportunity, refer to page 152

> CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
The oil level is at the absolute minimum point. Therefore, have the
engine oil replenished as soon as
possible, refer to page 152. Until
then, do not drive more than approx.
30 miles/50 km.
> CHECK GAS CAP
Check to see whether the fuel filler
cap has been closed properly, refer
to page 25
> OUTSIDE TEMP. +23 7/–56
This display is only an example. The
current temperature is displayed at
outside temperatures of +37.57/
+3 6 and below, refer also to
page 73
> CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS
A lamp has failed or the electrical
circuit has a malfunction, refer to
page 163 or consult a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center
> CHECK LOWBEAM LIGHTS
CHECK SIDE LIGHTS
CHECK REAR LIGHTS
CHECK FRONT FOGLAMPS
CHECK LICPLATE LIGHT
CHECK HIGHBEAM LIGHT
CHECK BACK UP LIGHTS
The respective lamp may have failed
or the electrical circuit may be defective, refer to page 161 or consult a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

The following displays will appear when
appropriate:
> LIGHTS ON
> KEY IN IGNITION LOCK
> CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
Replenish engine oil at the next
opportunity, e.g. while refueling, refer
to page 152.

Overview
Controls

Mode selection
Checking Check Control
Press the CHECK button 3 with the
ignition key in position 2:
CHECK CONTROL OK appears on the
display.
No malfunctions are present in the
monitored systems.

Computer
You can find a description of the computer below and on page 85 as well as
in the Owner's Manual for Onboard
Computer.
You can have the Check Control
and computer messages displayed in a different language.<

As of ignition key position 1, you can
request information from the computer
using the computer button in the turn
signal lever.
A new function appears each time you
briefly press the computer button.
The display sequence:
> Outside temperature
> Average fuel consumption
> Cruising range
> Average speed.
As of ignition key position 1, the last
active setting is displayed.
The range of available displays varies
according to your individual vehicle's
equipment.

Maintenance

Status messages remain available with
the CHECK button 3 for a period of
approx. three minutes after the display
goes out and the key is removed from
the ignition lock. If there are multiple
messages, press the CHECK button
repeatedly to view them all in
sequence.

Repairs

All of the malfunctions registered during
the trip appear consecutively when the
ignition key is turned to position 0.

This display appears when you open
the driver's door after parking the vehicle. A supplementary acoustic signal
also sounds.

Data

Displays after completion of trip

79n

530de228

> TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG*
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center, refer to
page 67
> CHECK BRAKE LININGS
Have the brake pads inspected by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center, refer to page 140
> CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
Coolant too low, top off at the next
opportunity, refer to page 154
> ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG
Fault in the engine electronics.
You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine
speed.
Please have the system inspected by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.

Computer

Index

Check Control

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80nComputer

Cruising range and average speed Computer with alphanumeric
display*
Displays the estimated cruising range

390us126

available with the remaining fuel. The
fuel level is measured and the range is
calculated taking into account the driving style over the last 20 miles/30 km.
Periods with the vehicle parked and the
engine off are not included in the calculations of average speed.

If your vehicle has Check Control with
alphanumeric display, the system's
computer is described beginning on
page 85 and in the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer.

Canceling display
Outside temperature and
average fuel consumption
You can change the units of measure
7/6 for the outside temperature display by
1. pressing and holding the trip odometer reset button with the ignition key
in position 1 and
2. then turning the ignition key to 0.
At the same time the units of measurement in the temperature display
of the automatic climate control will
be changed, refer to page 107.

You can hide the computer display by
briefly pressing the button in the turn
signal lever while the average speed is
being displayed.

Restarting calculations
If you continue to press the computer
button in the turn signal lever, the average values which were just displayed
for fuel consumption and speed will be
recalculated from that point. The engine
must be running in order for this calculation to be executed.

Refer also to page 73.
The average fuel consumption is calculated for the time during which the
engine is running.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

MID Multi-Information Display

81n

Central display

Maintenance
Data

7 Entry and request buttons for operating the various onboard systems

Repairs

6 Display for the entry and request buttons. Depending on the operating
mode, the functions and options that
can be selected with the buttons are
displayed here

Index

You will find notes and instructions for
operating the digital clock and the computer on the following pages. Please
1 Function button for audio systems
refer to the separate Owner's Manuals
2 Function button for the telephone
for operating the audio systems, the
telephone and the onboard computer.
3 LED for parked car ventilation
> remains on if switch-on time is
Any unrealistic numerical entries
active
will not be accepted.
> flashes while operating
All stored data will be lost if the power
4 Function button for the digital clock
supply is interrupted. Time display,
and computer
switch-on times for parked car ventila5
Indicator display for the various
tion, distance and cruise control speed
onboard systems
limit may have to be reset once the
power supply has been reestablished.<

Controls

390us705

> Digital clock, e.g. time display, date
> Audio systems: radio, cassette, CD
> Computer, e.g. fuel consumption,
cruising range
> Telephone, e.g. dialing

Overview

The MID is used for centralized display
and operation for the following onboard
systems:

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82nDigital

clock in MID

To avoid endangering yourself or
other road users, only make
entries when the vehicle is stationary.<

Changing time

Changing date

Press the left side of the button.

Press the left side of the button.

Press the right side of the button:
The dots flash on the display.

Press the button.

Displaying time or date
Press the left side of the button.
Display shows:

To change the setting:
You can have the time displayed in
12 or 24 hours.
To change the display:

Press the left/right side of the button, or
hold the button down.

Press the right side of the button:
The dots and the DATE display flash.
To change the setting:

To store the entry:
Press the left side of the button.
If the 12-hour time display is in use,
AM or PM appears after the time.

Press the right side of the button.

Press the left/right side of the button, or
hold the button down.
To store the entry:

Press the right side of the button.
The clock takes leap years into account
and therefore does not have to be reset
manually.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Digital clock in MID
You can program a reminder signal –
memo – to be heard every hour, so that
you are sure not to miss a news broadcast.

Stopwatch

Press the left side of the button.

To start the stopwatch function:

Press the right side of the button.

Overview

Reminder signal

83n

A signal is then heard 15 seconds
before each hour.

Press the button:
The stopwatch display can be seen
counting up; the stopwatch continues
to run.
To halt the stopwatch:

Repairs

Press the button:
MEMO OFF appears on the display for
entry and request buttons, and the tone
symbol will appear in the upper right of
the display.

Press the button.

Press the right side of the button.
The stopwatch is halted when the
ignition key is turned back to 0,
but starts to run again when the ignition
key is turned to 1.<

Data

Display shows:

Maintenance

Press the button.

Index

Press the left side of the button.

Controls

To take an intermediate time reading:

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84nDigital

clock in MID

Entering switch-on times for
parked car ventilation
You can enter two different switch-on
times.
The ventilation will switch off automatically after 30 minutes.

To enter the time:

Press the left/right side of the button, or
hold the button down.

Switching parked car ventilation
on and off directly
The parked car ventilation function
can only be requested in ignition
key position 1.<

To confirm the entry:
Please follow the instructions for
operating the parked car ventilation that start on page 113.<

Press the left side of the button.
Press the right side of the button.

Press the left side of the button.

Press the left/right side of the button.
Display shows:

Press the right side of the button:
Display flashes, e.g. TIMER 1.

The activated time is marked with an
asterisk.

Press the button.

The switch-on times remain stored until
new entries are made.
You can change switch-on times that
have already been stored by making a
new time entry as described above.
When the switch-on time is active, the
LED comes on in the MID. During actual
operation of the ventilation, the LED
flashes. The LED goes out when the
system is switched off.
To activate/deactivate the time:

Press the button twice.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Computer* in MID

The speed limit reminder is only
repeated if road speed has fallen at
least 3 mph/5 km/h below the preset
speed limit since the last time the
speed limit reminder was triggered.

Press the right side of the button.

Press the left side of the button and
repeat the entry.
To store the entry:

Press the right side of the button.

Overview
Controls

To correct an entry:

Maintenance

You can enter the road speed at which
you wish to hear and see a reminder
signal: a signal will sound, the word
LIMIT will flash, and with the Check
Control with alphanumeric display*, the
speed limit warning stored in the memory will appear on the instrument cluster briefly: limit.

Enter the limit by pressing the function
buttons.

Repairs

Speed limit entry:

Press the button.

Press the right side of the button.

Data

Computer calculations begin at the
start of the journey.
Information can also be called up on the
display by the remote control, refer to
page 89.

Speed limit

Display shows:
Index

To avoid endangering yourself or
other road users, only make
entries when the vehicle is stationary.<

85n

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86nComputer*

in MID

To adopt the current speed as the
speed limit:
Press the right side of the button.

Distance to destination
The remaining distance to the destination will be displayed on the screen.
Enter the entire distance before starting
the journey.
To enter:

Press the button.

To correct an entry:

Press the left side of the button and
repeat the entry.
To store the entry:

Press the right side of the button.
Press the right side of the button.
To check a stored value:

Press the right side of the button twice.

Press the left side of the button.

To deactivate the speed limit:
Press the right side of the button.

Press the right side of the button.

Press the right side of the button.
Display shows:

Press the left side of the button.

Press the button.
The LIMIT display goes out, but the
stored value is not lost and can be
reactivated by pressing the LIMIT button.

You can enter the distance by pressing
the function buttons.

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Computer* in MID

Press the right side of the button.
Press the button:
The display shows the probable range.
Always refuel as soon as possible
once your cruising range falls to
below 30 miles/50 km, otherwise
engine functions are not ensured and
damage can occur.<

Press the left or right side of the button:
The display will show the average fuel
consumption.
To restart the fuel consumption calculation:

The computer will only register fuel
amounts over 1.8 gal/6 liters.
Press the left or right side of the button.

Press the right side of the button.

Index

Press the right side of the button:
The estimated time of arrival is displayed.

Overview

To start the calculation, select the function with the engine running:
Controls

Press the right side of the button.

You can have the average fuel consumption displayed for two different
distances, for example a complete journey and part of the journey.

Maintenance

Press the right side of the button.

Fuel consumption

Repairs

Cruising range

When you have entered the distance to The distance that the vehicle should
your destination, you can obtain an esti- cover on the remaining fuel in the tank
mated time of arrival display that is con- is displayed.
tinuously updated by the computer as
your average driving period varies.

Data

Estimated time of arrival

87n

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88nComputer*

in MID

Speed

Extended immobilizer function

You can establish a code that will prevent the engine from being started
To start the calculation, select the func- unless the code is entered.
If you do not have access to the code,
tion with the engine running:
the emergency deactivation procedure
will have to be carried out, refer to next
Press the right side of the button.
page.

To correct an entry:

You can open a display of the vehicle's
average speed.

Press the left side of the button and
repeat the entry.
To store the entry:

To establish and activate the code:

Press the button:
The display shows the average speed.

Press the right side of the button.

To deactivate the code:
When you are asked to enter the code
with the ignition key in position 1 or 2:

To recalculate the speed:
Press the left side of the button.
Press the right side of the button.

Press the right side of the button.
Turn the ignition key to position 0.

Display shows:

Enter the code with the function buttons.

> Enter the code at the function buttons.

Press the right side of the button.
After the code has been entered correctly and confirmed with the SET button, the time display appears.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Computer* in MID

To obtain individual items of information, briefly press the button as often as
necessary.

The computer button on the turn signal
lever can be used to select the items of
computer information to be displayed.
To do this, press:
> the button on the lever until PROG
shows on the display
> the MID buttons in the order in which
you wish the information to be displayed.
Each time an entry is stored, the program number appears on the display.
To terminate the selection procedure:

Repairs

If the code becomes available
again in the meantime, it can be
entered during the waiting period after
pressing the CODE button.<

Remote control

Data

1. Disconnect the battery, wait approx.
2 minutes, then reconnect it. Note
that on vehicles with an alarm system, the alarm will sound
2. Set the ignition key to position 1: the
time display will count down for the
next ten minutes
3. After ten minutes, start the engine.

Press the right side of the button.
Index

If you have forgotten the code, proceed
as follows:

Controls

Deactivating the alarm in an emergency:

Maintenance

To have all the available information
displayed, press
> the button on the lever until PROG
shows on the display
> the SET button.

530de228

After three incorrect code entries, or
three attempts to start the engine without a code entry, the alarm will sound
for 30 seconds on vehicles fitted with
an alarm system.

Overview

89n

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Park Distance Control*

The concept

Automatic operation

PDC provides extra safety and convenience during parking maneuvers. Signal tones indicate the current distance
to an object behind or in front of your
vehicle. To do this, four ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers each
measure the distance to the nearest
object. The detection range of the front
sensors and the two sensors located at
the ends of the rear bumper is approx.
2 ft/60 cm, while the rear center sensors can detect objects up to a distance
of approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.

When the engine is running or the ignition is switched on, the PDC system
starts to operate automatically approx.
one second after you shift into reverse
or move the selector lever into the R
position. Wait this short period before
backing up.

PDC is a parking aid that can
indicate objects when they are
approached slowly, as is usually the
case when parking. Avoid approaching
objects too quickly; otherwise the physical circumstances may cause the system to issue the warning too late.<

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90nPDC

Manual activation
Press the button; the LED lights up.

Manual deactivation
Press the button again; the LED goes
out.

Automatic deactivation
After driving a distance of more than
approx. 95 ft/30 m or exceeding a
speed of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the
system switches off and the LED goes
out. You may switch the system on
again manually as needed.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

The concept
The ABS Antilock Brake System prevents the wheel brakes from locking
during braking. Safe steering response
is maintained even during full braking.
This increases active safety.
The ABS is operational every time you
start the engine. Safe braking, refer to
page 140.

EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution
EBV controls the brake system's application pressure at the rear wheels to
ensure stable deceleration.

DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When the brake pedal is depressed
rapidly, this system automatically generates a maximum boost of braking
force and thus aids in keeping braking
distances as short as possible during
full braking. This system exploits all of
the benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. DBC is deactivated
when you release the brake pedal.

Repairs

Even with PDC, final responsibility
for estimating the distance
between the vehicle and any obstructions always remains with the driver.
Even when sensors are involved, there
is a blind spot in which objects cannot
be detected. This applies especially in
those cases where the system
approaches the physical constraints of
ultrasonic measurement, as occurs with
The warning signal is canceled after
tow bars and trailer couplings, and in
approx. 3 seconds if you are moving
the vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped
parallel to a wall.
objects. It is also possible that low
objects already displayed, such as curb
Malfunctions
edges, may come into the blind spot of
The LED flashes and a short steady sigthe sensors before a continuous signal
nal tone is sounded
sounds or that higher, protruding
> if you activate PDC with the button
objects, such as ledges, will not be
> when you select reverse for the first
detected.
time after switching on the ignition
Loud sources of sound, inside and out> if a malfunction occurs while the PDC side the vehicle, could drown out the
system is active.
PDC signal tone.<
Switch the system off and have the
Keep the sensors clean and free
cause of the malfunction corrected by
of ice or snow in order to ensure
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centhat they will continue to operate effecter.
tively.
When using high-pressure washers, do
not spray sensors for long periods and
keep the sprayer at least 4 in/10 cm
away from the sensors.<

Data

System limits

Index

The distance from an object is indicated
in front with a higher intermittent tone,
and at the rear with a lower intermittent
tone. As the distance between vehicle
and object decreases, the intervals
between the tones become shorter.
The signal tone becomes continuous
once the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm.

Overview

Signal tones

91n

Controls

Antilock Brake System

Maintenance

PDC Park Distance Control*

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92nAntilock

Brake System

DSC Dynamic Stability Control

Malfunctions

The concept

Please be absolutely sure to follow
instructions regarding possible combinations of indicator lights on page 20.

DSC prevents the drive wheels from
slipping when starting off and accelerating. DSC also identifies unstable driving conditions, such as a loss of traction at the rear of the vehicle or sliding
of the vehicle in its front wheels. Under
these circumstances, DSC helps the
vehicle maintain a safe course within
the physical limits by reducing the
engine output and by applying the
brakes in the individual wheels.

Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes out shortly
after the engine is started.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is active and is regulating drive
and braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off using the
button and the stabilizing interventions
are no longer available.

The DSC is operational every time you
start the engine.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An
appropriate driving style always
remains the responsibility of the driver.
So please do not further limit the additional safety margin by taking unnecessary risks.<

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DSC Dynamic Stability Control

93n

In the following exceptional circumstances, it may be effective to switch off
the DSC for a short period:
> When rocking a stuck vehicle free
and when starting off in deep snow or
on loose road surfaces
> On sandy road surfaces
> On poor surfaces with deep ruts

Overview
Controls
Maintenance

Malfunctions
Please be sure to read the information
on the DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive warning lamp on page 22 and on
the possible lamp combinations that
can light up on page 20.

Repairs

Stabilizing interventions of the chassis
control system DSC are no longer available. However, the braking interventions that simulate the function of the
differential lock continue to be active.

Press the button a second time – the
indicator lamp goes out. DSC is now
activated.

Data

Press the button; the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.

Switching DSC on

Index

Switching DSC off

When the DSC system is switched
off, braking maneuvers may subject the brakes to additional loads.
Automatic limitation of braking action
may briefly occur in order to limit brake
temperatures.
To maintain vehicle stability, always
drive with the system switched on when
possible.<

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530de414

> If the wheels churn on muddy surfaces
> When driving with snow chains.

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xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of
your X5. The combined effects of xDrive
and DSC further optimize the traction
and dynamic driving characteristics.
The 4-wheel drive system xDrive variably distributes the drive torque to the
front and rear axle depending on the
driving situation and prevailing road
conditions.

Malfunctions
Please be sure to read the information
on the DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive warning lamp on page 22 and on
the possible lamp combinations that
can light up on page 20.

HDC Hill Descent Control
The concept
HDC is a system for driving downhill in
steep terrain. This system reduces vehicle speed on steep downhill gradients,
thus allowing you to maintain even better control of your BMW under these
conditions.
The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active intervention from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h. When driving down steep hills
with a speed below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed
automatically down to slightly more
than walking speed, approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h, and then maintains this speed
at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes
to vary this automatically controlled
speed within a range extending from
approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to 15 mph/
25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within
the same range by using the +/– buttons of the cruise control.

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94nxDrive

Activating system
Press the button; the LED lights up.
The LED flashes when the brakes are
applied automatically.

Deactivating system
Press the button again; the LED goes
out.
HDC is deactivated automatically above
a road speed of approx. 35 mph/
60 km/h and when the ignition is
switched off.

HDC is automatically deactivated once
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.
35 mph/60 km/h.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

If the LED in the button goes out during
HDC operation or does not light up
when the HDC is activated:
HDC is temporarily unavailable due to
excessive brake temperature.

Even when the position of the vehicle is
normal, have the system checked as
soon as possible when a malfunction is
indicated.

Overview
Controls

In case of a malfunction

Stop and inspect the vehicle. If the rear
of the vehicle is visibly lower than the
front, possibly accompanied by a tilt
noticeable when you compare the left
rear with the right rear, please respond
by immediately proceeding to the nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Drive with appropriate caution in the
meantime. The vehicle has reduced
ground clearance and driving comfort
may be noticeably reduced.

Maintenance

With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in every drive position.

The warning lamp for the selfleveling suspension comes on,
or the message SELFLEVEL
SUSP.INACT appears in the Check
Control: there is a malfunction in the
self-leveling suspension.

Repairs

With manual transmission:
Use HDC in first gear and in Reverse
since the engine's braking action is
diminished in the higher gears.

Data

Using HDC

95n

Index

HDC Hill Descent Control Self-leveling suspension*

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self-leveling suspension*

The concept
Your vehicle is equipped with 2-axle
self-leveling suspension acting on both
the front and rear suspension. This system combines automatic self-leveling,
which compensates for variations in
front-to-rear load-distribution patterns,
with a selection feature allowing drivers
to choose from among several rideheight options.
You may choose from among the following ride heights:
> Normal
The standard setting is intended for
most operating conditions, including
trailer towing
> Off-Road
Increased level for more ground
clearance
> Access
Lowers vehicle for more convenient
cargo handling or easier passenger
entries and exits.
Changes in ride height are initiated
either manually, using the control button, refer to page 97, or automatically in
response to specific speeds. When the
ride height is selected manually, the
driver has the additional option of revising the ride-height selection by entering

a new command during the adjustment
process.
When the vehicle is stationary, the system executes ride-height changes in
both directions – up and down – whenever the doors are closed. The tailgate/
liftgate may be open. The system raises
the vehicle only when the engine is running.
The system's automatic self-leveling
feature automatically compensates for
variations in the vehicle's load.
The ground clearance of the vehicle
6.5-9 in/16.5-22 cm, depending on the
level selected.
Frequent changes in ride height
initiated at short intervals can
overheat the compressor, causing the
system to briefly suspend active operation.<

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96n2-axle

Self-leveling suspension display
1 Off-Road
2 Standard
3 Access
The LEDs not only show the current ride
height, but also indicate changes:
> LED on: indicates the vehicle's current ride height
> Ride-height LED flashes while the
LED for the earlier level remains on:
the ride height is being adjusted to a
new level, either automatically or in
response to driver input at the button.
When the suspension reaches the new
ride height the flashing LED reverts to
continuous operation, and the LED for
the earlier level goes out.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

2-axle self-leveling suspension*
> LED for current ride height flashes for
roughly 3 seconds when you press
the button: change in ride height is
not possible.

97n

From Standard to Off-Road:
Press button 1 while traveling at a
speed of less than approx. 30 mph/
50 km/h.
From Access to Standard:
> Press button 1 or
> automatically once the vehicle
exceeds a speed of approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h.

When you press button 2 at
speeds below approx. 15 mph/
25 km/h the system automatically lowers the vehicle to the Access level.<

Controls
Maintenance

Available only when the engine is running.

From Off-Road to Standard:
> Press button 2 or
> automatically once the vehicle
exceeds a speed of approx. 30 mph/
50 km/h.

Data

Raising

1. Press button 2 while traveling at less
than approx. 50 mph/80 km/h. The
system enters its preselection mode.
The preselection mode is canceled
> by pressing button 1
> automatically once the vehicle
exceeds a speed of approx.
50 mph/80 km/h or approx.
60 seconds after button 2 is
pressed
2. Reduce speed to below approx.
15 mph/25 km/h within approx.
60 seconds after pressing button 2.

Index

530de219

From Standard to Access:

Repairs

Available with ignition key in position 2.

Overview

Lowering

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force display

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98nBrake

The brake lamps light up in two stages,
depending on how forcefully you apply
the brakes.
> Normal braking:
The brake lamp 1 and the center
brake lamp light up
> Heavy braking:
The brake lamps 1 and 2 light up
together with the center brake lamp.

Flat Tire Monitor
The concept

System limits

The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in the four fitted tires
as you drive. The system provides an
alert whenever the inflation pressure in
one tire drops significantly in relation to
the pressure in another tire.

The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate sudden severe tire damage
caused by outside factors and does not
detect a natural, even pressure drop in
all four tires.<

The check of the tire inflation pressure
is based on monitoring the relative
speeds of the wheels. A flat is detected
and reported on the basis of a deviation
in certain speed ratios.

In the following situations, the system
could be delayed or malfunction:

Functional requirement
To ensure reliable operation, the system should have been initialized with
the correct tire inflation pressure.

> When driving on snow-covered or
slippery road surfaces
> In the case of performance-oriented
driving: slip in the drive wheels, high
lateral acceleration
> False alarms and undetected loss of
pressure may occur when you are
driving with snow chains fitted.

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Flat Tire Monitor

99n

1. Start the engine, but do not begin to
drive immediately.
2. Press the button until the yellow indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up for a few seconds.
3. Begin driving.

3. Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Changing a wheel on page 165.

Overview
Controls

If identification is not possible,
contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.<

Maintenance

Perform the initialization immediately every time you correct the
inflation pressure, change a tire or
change a wheel or all wheels. The vehicle must be driven during initialization.<

1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2. Identify damaged tire

Repairs

Initializing system

The warning lamp lights up yellow. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation pressure loss.

Data

530de419

When driving with snow chains,
do not initialize the system.<

Indication of a flat tire

Index

It takes a few minutes of driving before
the Flat Tire Monitor can detect and
report a flat tire.

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100nParking

lamps/low beams

530us215

Pathway lighting:
When you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle and
switching off the lamps, the low beams
will come on for a brief period. You may
also have this function deactivated if
you wish.<

Parking lamps/side marker lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on. You can
use the parking lamps for parking. For lighting on one side for parking
as an additional feature, refer to
page 101.

Low beams
When the ignition is switched off
and the low beams are on, only
the parking lamps/side marker
lamps remain on.

Lights on warning

Automatic headlamp control*
When you set the switch to this
position, the system activates
and switches on and off the low
beams in response to changes in ambient light conditions, for instance, in tunnels, at dawn and dusk, and in rain and
snow.

Whenever you open the driver's door,
after having turned the ignition key to
position 0, an acoustic signal will sound
for a few seconds to remind you that
the lamps have not been switched off.

The low beams remain switched
on regardless of the ambient light
when you switch on the front fog
lamps.<

Alphanumeric Check Control*:
The reminder is given through the
Check Control.

Automatic headlamp control cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver's judgment in determining when
the vehicle lamps should be switched
on. For example, the system cannot
detect fog. To avoid safety risks, you
should always switch on the lamps
manually under these conditions.<

Daytime driving lamps*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daytime driving at ignition key position 2.

You can have the sensitivity of the
headlamp control system adjusted
on your vehicle.<

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Adaptive Head Light*

High beams/roadside parking lamps

101n

3 Roadside parking lamps

> is not active when driving in reverse
> is active only when pointing toward
the passenger side.

Roadside parking lamps, left or
right*

Malfunctions
The LED next to the symbol for automatic headlamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is faulty or has failed.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.

As an additional feature, you can illuminate your vehicle on either side for
parking, if you wish:

Controls
Maintenance

2 Headlamp flasher

To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the
Adaptive Head Light

Repairs

1 High beams

With the ignition key in position 0,
engage the lever in the appropriate turn
signal position.
The roadside parking lamps
drain the battery. Avoid use for
extended periods of time, otherwise, it
will no longer be possible to start the
engine.<

Data

In ignition key position 2, turn
the light switch to the position
'Automatic headlamp control',
refer to page 100.

Index

Activating Adaptive Head Light

530de265

Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp control system that enables better
illumination of the road surface.
Depending on the steering angle and
other assumptions, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the
road.

Overview

The concept

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Briefly press the button to switch on/off.
The parking lamps or low beams
must be switched on for the fog
lamps to operate. A green indicator lamp appears in the instrument
cluster to indicate that the front fog
lamps are on.

Instrument lighting

530us216

fog lamps

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102nFront

Turn the knurled wheel to adjust the
illumination intensity.

If the high beams are switched on, the
front fog lamps go out.
If the automatic headlamp control
is activated, the low beams will
automatically be switched on when the
front fog lamps are switched on.<

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Interior lamps

103n

Briefly press button 1.
If you want the interior lamps to remain
off all the time, press and hold the button for approx. 3 seconds.

This lighting system in the two exterior
mirrors illuminates the ground in the
area near the two front doors. It is also
controlled in the same manner as the
front interior lamps, but it does not
function while the vehicle is moving.

In order to prevent battery discharge, all of the lamps in the
Briefly press the button to revert to nor- vehicle are switched off automatically
approx. 15 minutes after the ignition
mal operation.
key is turned to position 0.<
The button for the interior lamps in the
rear passenger area only switches
these lamps on and off.

Controls
Maintenance

Courtesy lighting*

Repairs

Switching interior lamps on and
off manually

The lamps are controlled in the same
manner as the front interior lamps.

Data

The interior lamps operate automatically.

Footwell and cargo area lamps

Index

530ue263

Reading lamps are located at the front
and in the rear next to the dome light.
They can be switched on and off with
the respective buttons 2 located next to
them.

Overview

Reading lamps*

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conditioner

530ue258

104nAir

1 Airflow directed toward the windshield and side windows

4 Rear footwell ventilation

8 Air supply 105

2 Airflow for the upper body 106

5 Airflow for the upper body in the
rear seat 106

10 Air conditioning 105

9 Rear window defroster 105

3 Front footwell ventilation

6 Temperature 105

11 Recirculated-air mode 105

7 Air distribution 105

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Air conditioner
Recirculated-air mode

When the rear window
defroster is activated, the
LED lights up. The rear window
defroster switches off automatically.

You can respond to unpleasant odors outside the vehicle
by temporarily switching off the outside
air supply. The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.

Air conditioning

You can also use the button on the
steering wheel to switch over to the
recirculated-air mode, refer to page 23.

You can adjust the air supply
through an infinitely-variable
range. The heating and ventilation become more and more
effective as the air supply settings are
increased. In the 0 setting, the blower
and climate control are switched off
and the outside air supply is blocked.

Repairs

Air supply

During air conditioning, condensation forms, which then exits under
the vehicle. Traces of water on the
ground are therefore normal.<

Data

You can direct air to flow onto
the windows
, toward the
upper body
and into the
footwell
. All intermediate
settings are possible. In the
setting,
there is a low flow of air onto the windows to keep them free of condensation.

If the windows fog over in the
recirculated-air mode, switch the
recirculated-air mode off and increase
the air supply as required.<

Index

Air distribution

The air is cooled and dehumidified and — depending on
the temperature setting — warmed
again. Depending on the weather, the
windshield may fog over briefly when
the engine is started. You can reduce
condensation forming on the windows
by switching on the air conditioning.

Controls

Rear window defroster

The graduations on the dial
provide general reference values for the interior temperature. 707/22 6 is recommended as a comfortable setting. After
driving begins, the selected temperature is reached as quickly as possible
and kept constant by the control system.

Maintenance

Temperature

Overview

105n

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Ventilation

Rear ventilation*

The air vents for the upper body region
are adjustable:

1 Knurled wheel for opening and closing the vent outlets through an infinitely-variable range

1 Knurled wheels for opening and
closing the vent outlets through an
infinitely-variable range
2 Levers for adjusting airflow direction
3 Use this knurled wheel to adjust the
temperature of the incoming air:
> Turn toward blue: colder
> Turn toward red: warmer.

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530de271

conditioner

530de270

106nAir

Defrosting windows and removing
condensation

1. You can specify an interior temperature that is comfortable for you with
the rotary temperature dial. A good
2 Levers for adjusting airflow direction
starting point is 707/22 6
The air that flows out here is somewhat
2. Set the air distribution rotary dial
cooler than the air delivered to the footto
well.
3. Set the blower/air supply rotary dial
completely to the right
Microfilter
4. Close the vent outlets in the rear
The microfilter removes dust and pollen
seating area
from the incoming air and in the recircu- 5. Switch on the rear window defroster
lated-air mode. It is replaced by your
to defrost the rear window.
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
during regular maintenance. A substantial reduction in air supply indicates that
the filter must be replaced before normal maintenance.

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Automatic climate control*

3 Airflow for the footwell

7 Individual air distribution 109

5 Airflow for the upper body in the
rear seat 111

8 Temperature, left side of passenger
compartment 109

6 Automatic air distribution and
supply 109

9 Display for temperature and air
supply 109

Data

2 Airflow for the upper body 111

4 Rear footwell ventilation

Index

1 Airflow directed toward the windshield and side windows

Repairs

530ue259

Maintenance

Controls

Overview

107n

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climate control*

530ue259

108nAutomatic

10 Temperature, right side of passenger compartment 109

13 AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control 110

16 Maximum cooling 110
or residual heat utilization 110

11 Defrosting windows and removing
condensation 109

14 Rear window defroster 110

17 Air grill for interior temperature
sensor – please keep clear and
unobstructed

12 Air conditioning 110

15 Air supply 109

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Automatic climate control*

Temperature
Set the desired temperature individually on the
driver's and front passen-

Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program
adjusts the airflow and distribution patterns for you while also
using your preselected temperature
setting as the basis for adjusting the
interior climate to adapt to external
influences: summer, winter.

ger side.
The automatic climate control adjusts
this temperature as quickly as possible
at any time of year, if necessary with the
maximum cooling or heating capacity,
and then keeps it constant.
When switching between different temperature settings in rapid
succession, the automatic climate control does not have sufficient time to
adjust the set temperature.<

In the AUTO program,
the air supply is automatically controlled, and AUTO appears on
the display 9, refer to overview on
page 107. You can vary the air supply
by pressing the left or right half of the
button. When your setting is displayed
as bars, the automatic air supply is
switched off. Automatic air distribution
maintains its setting. You can reactivate
the automatic air supply by pressing the
AUTO button.
When you press the left side of the button during operation at minimum blower
speed, all displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off. The outside air supply is
closed. You can switch the system back
on by pressing any button of the automatic climate control, except the MAX
button 16.

Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
Quickly remove ice and
condensation from the
windshield and front side windows.

Controls

Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center can program the settings of
your vehicle in such a manner that,
when you unlock the vehicle with your
individualized key, your own personalized setting for the automatic climate
control is initiated.<

Air supply

Maintenance

Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.

To change the units of measure in the
display 7/6, refer to page 73 or 80.

Repairs

You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting specific air distribution patterns
for your personal comfort,
the automatic air supply
remains in operation. You can direct air
to flow onto the windows
, toward
the upper body
, and into the footwell
. You can reactivate the automatic air distribution mode by pressing
the AUTO button.

Data

Individual air distribution

For nearly all conditions, AUTO program 6 offers the optimal air distribution
and airflow volume. Select the interior
temperature that is comfortable for you.

Index

Tips for pleasant driving

Overview

109n

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110nAutomatic

climate control*

Air conditioning
The air is cooled and
dehumidified and —
depending on the temperature setting —
warmed again. Depending on the
weather, the windshield may fog over
briefly when the engine is started. You
can reduce condensation forming on
the windows by switching on the air
conditioning.

AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control

You can also use the button on the
steering wheel to switch between Off
and recirculated-air mode or between
You can respond to
unpleasant odors or pollut- AUC and recirculated-air mode, refer to
page 23.
ants in the immediate environment by
shutting off the supply of outside air.
If the windows fog over in the
The system then recirculates the air
recirculated-air mode, switch the
currently within the vehicle. In AUC
recirculated-air
mode off and increase
operating mode, a sensor detects polthe air supply as required.<
lutants in the external air and controls

the shut-off automatically.
During air conditioning, condensa- Press the button repeatedly to run
tion forms, which then exits under through the following control sequence
the vehicle. That traces of water on the
> LEDs off: outside air supply operaground are therefore normal.<
tional
> Left LED on, AUC mode: the system
Maximum cooling
detects pollutants in the outside air
Maximally cooled air is
and blocks the flow of air when necobtained as quickly as possiessary. The system then recirculates
ble from an outside temperature above
the air currently within the vehicle.
32 7/0 6 and with the engine running.
Depending on the air quality, the
The automatic climate control changes
automatic system then switches back
over to the lowest temperature and
and forth between outside air supply
switches into the recirculated-air mode.
and recirculation of the air within the
The maximum air quantity only flows
vehicle
out of the vents for the upper body.
> Right LED on: the outside air supply
Therefore, open these vents for maxiinto the vehicle is shut off continumum cooling.
ously. The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.

Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated, the
LED lights up. The rear window
defroster switches off automatically
after a while.

Residual heat
Press the button when the
motor is switched off, but
warm.
The heat stored in the engine is utilized
for heating the interior when the engine
has been switched off – while waiting at
a railroad crossing, for instance.
This function may be activated when
the outside temperature is below
approx. 59 7/15 6, the engine is at
operating temperature, and the battery

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Automatic climate control*

111n

Ventilation

Rear climate control*

The air vents for the upper body region
are adjustable:

1 Air supply

Data

3 Use this knurled wheel to control the
temperature of the airflow:
> Turn toward blue: colder
> Turn toward red: warmer.

Index

2 Selector levers for airflow direction

Repairs

2 Temperature
1 Knurled wheels for opening and clos- 3 Adjusting the direction of the airflow
ing the vent outlets through an infinitely-variable range

Maintenance

Controls

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Overview

is adequately charged. The LED on the
button will light up when all conditions
have been met.

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112nAutomatic

climate control*

530de274

530de273

Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter

Air supply

Temperature

0 Blower off

Passengers in the rear seating area can
adjust their own temperature for the
vent outlets:

I Maximum blower speed
You can adjust the air supply for the
vent outlets through an infinitely-variable range between the 0 and I settings.
In the 0 setting, the blower is switched
off and the supply of air through the
vent outlets is blocked.
Individual adjustments on the front-seat
control elements influence the air supply for rear passenger area climate control.

The microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air. The activatedcharcoal filter provides additional protection by filtering gaseous pollutants
from the outside air. Your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center replaces this
combined filter as a standard part of
your scheduled maintenance. A substantial reduction in air supply indicates
that the filter must be replaced before
normal maintenance.

> Turn toward blue: colder
> Turn toward red: warmer.
When you start the vehicle, this system
ensures that the selected temperature
is achieved as quickly as possible.
It then maintains this temperature,
regardless of the season.
It is only possible to adjust the
temperature when the blower is
switched on, not in the 0 setting.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

You can set two different times for the
system to start; it will remain active for
30 minutes. You can also switch it on
and off directly. Since the system uses
a substantial amount of electrical current, you should refrain from switching
it on twice in succession without allowing the battery to be recharged in normal operation between uses.

The air enters the passenger compartment through the vent outlets in the
instrument cluster, which can be
adjusted for both direction and airflow.
The vent outlets must therefore be open
for the system to operate.

Overview

The parked car ventilation is operated
via the MID Multi-Information Display,
refer to page 84 or via the onboard
computer, refer to the separate
Owner's Manual.

Controls

With roller sun blinds attached,
do not open the windows during
travel. The blinds may otherwise be
damaged by the wind.<

When a preselected activation time is
set, the parked car ventilation is operational at outside temperatures above
approx. 607/166, or by direct switch
activation.

Maintenance

Use the strap to pull out the blinds, then
hook them in the attachment provided.

You can use this system to ventilate the
interior and lower its temperature, using
the blower of the parked car ventilation
or of the automatic climate control.

Repairs

Roller sun blinds for rear side
windows*

113n

Data

Parked car ventilation*

Index

Roller sun blinds*

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114nIntegrated

universal remote control*

The concept
The integrated universal remote control
can replace as many as three handheld transmitters for various remotecontrolled accessories, such as door
openers and house alarm systems. The
integrated universal remote control recognizes and learns the transmitted signal of each of the original hand-held
transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held
transmitter can be programmed on one
of the three memory buttons 1. Following that, each of the devices can be
actuated with the appropriately-programmed memory button 1. The LED 2
flashes to confirm transmission of the
signal.
Should you sell your vehicle one day,
be sure to delete the stored programs
beforehand for your safety, refer to
page 116.

To prevent possible damage or
injury, before programming or
using the integrated universal remote
control, always inspect the immediate
area to make certain that no people,
animals or objects are within the travel
range of the device. Also, comply with
the safety precautions of the original
hand-held transmitter.<
To Canadian residents:
During programming, your handheld transmitter may automatically stop
transmitting after two seconds, which
may not be long enough to program the
integrated universal remote control. If
you are programming from one of these
hand-held transmitters, the Universal
Transmitter's light may begin to flash in
a series of double-blinks. If this occurs,
continue to hold the button of the integrated universal remote control while
you reactivate your hand-held transmitter. You may have to repeat this function several times while programming.<

Checking compatibility
If you see this symbol on the
packaging or in the manual supplied with the original hand-held
transmitter, it is safe to assume that it is
compatible with the integrated universal
remote control.
A list of compatible hand transmitters
is available via fax polling by calling
+49 (0)6838 907283 3333. For details,
please call the toll-free HomeLink
Hotline at +49 (0)6838 907 277 or
0800 0466 35465 in Germany.
HomeLink is a registered trademark of
Johnson Controls.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Integrated universal remote control*

Fixed-code hand-held transmitter
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. For initial use: press both outer
buttons 1 for approx. 20 seconds
until the LED 2 flashes. The three
memory buttons 1 are cleared.
3. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a distance of approx. 2 to 8 in/
5 to 20 cm from the memory buttons 1.
The required distance between
the hand-held transmitter and
memory buttons 1 depends on the
relevant system of the original handheld transmitter used.<

You can operate the system when the
engine is running or when the ignition is
switched on.
If the system cannot be operated
after repeated programming,
check whether the original hand-held
transmitter uses an alternating-code
system. To do so, either read the
instructions of the original hand-held
transmitter or press and hold down the
programmed memory button 1 of the
integrated universal remote control.

Alternating-code hand-held
transmitter
To program the integrated universal
remote control, consult the Owner's
Manuals for the equipment to be set.
You will find information there on the
possibilities for synchronization.
When programming alternating-code
hand-held transmitters, please follow
the supplementary instructions below:

Overview
Controls
Maintenance

2 LED

Repairs

1 Memory buttons

The corresponding memory button 1 is
now programmed with the signal of the
original hand-held transmitter.

Data

Programming

If the LED 2 on the integrated universal
remote control flashes quickly for a
brief period and then remains lit up for
approx. two seconds, this indicates that
the original hand-held transmitter is
equipped with an alternating code. In
the case of an alternating-code system,
program the memory buttons 1 as
described in the section on alternatingcode hand-held transmitters.
If you have additional questions, please
consult your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or call 1-800-355-3515.
You can also visit our website
www.bmwusa.com.<

Programming will be easier with
the aid of a second person.<
Index

530ue264

4. Simultaneously press the transmit
button on the original hand-held
transmitter and the desired memory
button 1 of the integrated universal
remote control. The LED 2 flashes
slowly at first. As soon as the LED 2
flashes rapidly, release both buttons.
If the LED 2 does not flash rapidly
after approx. 15 seconds, alter the
distance.
5. To program other original hand-held
transmitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.

115n

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universal remote control*

1. Park your vehicle within the range of
the remote-controlled device
2. Program the integrated universal
remote control as described at the
section on fixed-code hand-held
transmitters
3. Locate the button on the receiver of
the device you want to set up, e.g. on
the upper section of the motor
4. Press the button on the receiver of
the device you want to set up. After
step 4, you have approx. 30 seconds
for step 5
5. Press the programmed memory
button 1 on the integrated universal
remote control three times.
The corresponding memory button 1 is
now programmed with the signal of the
original hand-held transmitter.

Car phone*

Clearing memory buttons
It is not possible to clear memory buttons 1 individually. To clear all three
memory buttons 1, proceed as follows:
Press both outer buttons 1 of the integrated universal remote control for
approx. 20 seconds, maintaining pressure until the LED 2 starts to flash.

530ue265

116nIntegrated

Hands-free system
On vehicles with telephone provisions*,
the hands-free microphone is located in
the headliner.
For further information on the telephone, refer to the telephone Owner's
Manual.

If you have any additional questions, please contact your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Interior rearview mirror with digital compass*

The display indicates the cardinal and/
or intercardinal direction in which you
are currently driving.

In the following situations, the digital
compass must be calibrated:

> C or CAL appears on the display
> The wrong cardinal direction appears
on the display
> The cardinal direction displayed does
Setting compass zones
not change despite a change in the
direction of travel
Depending on where you and your vehi> Not all cardinal directions are discle are located, it is necessary to set
played.
the appropriate compass zone, refer to
world map with compass zones,
page 118.
To set the compass zone, press the
adjusting button in the mirror frame for
approx. 3-4 seconds with a sharp
object, e.g. a ball-point pen or the like.
The display indicates the number of the
currently set compass zone.

Overview
Controls
Maintenance

2 Display

Calibrating digital compass

Repairs

1 Adjusting knob for compass zones

For automatic dimming action, refer to
Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic
dimming feature on page 138.

1. Make sure that there are no large
metal objects or overhead power
lines in the vicinity of your vehicle
and that you have enough space to
drive in a circle
2. Input the currently applicable compass zone
3. Press the adjustment button to bring
up C or CAL. Then drive in a complete circle at a maximum speed of
4 mph/7 km/h.
If the calibration was successful, the
displays C or CAL are replaced with
the points of the compass.

Data

530de425

The compass will be operational again
after approximately 10 seconds.

How to correct this:

Index

To change the zone setting, press the
adjusting button repeatedly until the
number of the compass zone that
applies to your current position is displayed.

117n

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rearview mirror with digital compass*

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118nInterior

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Glove compartment

Storage compartments

119n

Locking

Closing
Fold the cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an
accident, close the glove compartment immediately after use.<

To avoid completely discharging
and possibly damaging the lamp,
always ensure that it is switched off
before inserting it into the socket.<

Overview
Controls

To open the top compartment:
Press the button, refer to arrow 1.
A built-in phone* is located in this compartment.
To move the armrest or open the lower
compartment:
Pull the handle, refer to arrow 2.
This compartment contains a coin tray
and a storage compartment* for cassettes or CDs.
You will find additional storage compartments in all of the doors as well as
on the backrests of the front seats.

Maintenance

You will find two storage compartments
in the armrest between the front seats.

Repairs

Located on the left-hand side of the
glove compartment.
Features integral overload-protection,
so it can be left in its holder continuously.

Data

Pull the handle. The lamp inside the
glove compartment comes on.

Rechargeable flashlight

Index

Opening

If you turn over only your spare
key for valet parking, for example,
refer to page 30, this prevents unauthorized access to the glove compartment.<

530de276

530de275

Use one of the master keys. A master
key is also required for unlocking.

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120nStorage

compartments

Cup holders

Front

530de278

When suspending clothing from
the hooks, ensure that it will not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do
so, they could cause endanger passengers during braking or evasive maneuvers.<

530de277

Clothes hooks

Rear

Below the sliding cover, refer to illustra- At the end of the center console under
tion.
the lighter.
Briefly press to open; push back inward
to close.
Do not place glass containers in
the cup holders, otherwise there is
a danger of injury in an accident.<

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Ashtray, front

Ashtray, rear

121n

Socket
Overview
Controls

Emptying

Emptying

Press the edge of the lid, refer to arrow:
the ashtray moves up and can be
removed.

Remove the insert tray.

Maintenance

Additional sockets are located in the
cargo area, refer to page 128, and in
the front passenger footwell.

530de282

530de338

The cigarette lighter socket can be
used to plug in hand flashlights, car
vacuum cleaners etc., with power ratings of up to approx. 200 W at 12 V.
Be careful not to damage the socket
with unsuitable plugs.

Data

Hold or briefly press the hot cigarette lighter by the knob only.
Holding or touching it in other areas
could result in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains operational when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, do not leave
unsupervised children in the vehicle.<

Index

Press the lighter 1 in.
The lighter can be removed as soon as
it pops out.

Repairs

Cigarette lighter, front

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lighter, rear

530de239

122nCigarette

Press the lighter in.
The lighter can be removed as soon as
it pops out.
Hold or briefly press the hot cigarette lighter by the knob only.
Holding or touching it in other areas
could result in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains operational when the ignition key has been
removed. For this reason, do not leave
unsupervised children in the vehicle.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Ski bag*

123n

Repairs

Maintenance

Controls

Make sure that only clean skis are
loaded into the ski bag. Wrap sharp
edges so that no damage occurs.

Data

1. Fold down the center armrest.
Loosen the trim from the upper
Velcro® fastener and place it onto the
armrest

2. Press button 1 downward and swing
the cover forward
3. Press button 2: the cover in the
cargo area is unlocked.
With pull-out cargo floor, refer to
page 128: pull out floor, release
cover and push back floor again; the
floor then conceals the cover
4. Place ski bag between the front
seats and load. The zip fastener facilitates access to the stowed items.

Index

Loading

530de283

530us077

With the length of the ski bag and the
additional space in the cargo area, you
can store skis up to 6.8 ft/2.1 m length.
Because stowing skis of this maximum
length causes the ski bag to narrow, it
can only accommodate two pairs of
skis with a length of 6.8 ft/2.1 m.

Overview

The ski bag allows the safe and clean
transport of up to four pairs of standard
skis or up to two snowboards.

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124nSki

bag*

Cargo area

530de285

530de284

If the cover in the cargo area is
concealed by the pull-out cargo
floor, do not fold the larger rear backrest down. If you do so, it will damage
the cover.<

Securing load

Folding rear backrests down

After loading, secure the ski bag and its
contents. To do so, tighten the retaining
belt at the buckle.

Reach into the recess and pull forward,
refer to arrow.

Secure the ski bag in this way. If
you fail to do so, it could endanger
occupants during braking or evasive
maneuvers.<
When stowing the ski bag, proceed in
the reverse order from loading.

When you fold back the backrest,
be sure that the catch engages
securely. The red warning indicator disappears in the recess when the catch is
engaged.
The center safety belt can only be
pulled out when the larger backrest is
locked.<

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Cargo area

Removing roll-up cover

Partition net*

Pull out the roll-up cover and hook it
into the brackets at the rear.

1. Unlock the case with the button,
refer to arrow 1, lift it out of the
bracket on the side and hold it in
place on the opposite side with the
other hand
2. Then push the case toward the side
window, refer to arrow 2. This pulls it
out of the second bracket and it can
be removed.

1. Remove the bag with the partition
net from the retainer by releasing the
hooks from the lashing eyes on both
sides

Installation
Lay the case in the two side brackets
and then press down until it engages.

Data

Do not place heavy or hard
objects on the roll-up cover. If you
do so, they could pose a danger to
vehicle occupants during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Do not allow the roll-up cover to snap
back, otherwise it could be damaged.<

Index

You can carry light objects such as
items of clothing on the roll-up cover.

Repairs

Roll-up cover

Maintenance

Controls

530de028

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530de348

Overview

125n

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2. Remove the partition net from the
bag, unroll it half way and hook it into
the retaining strap on both sides,
refer to arrow
Note how the partition net is
stored in the bag and secured
in the vehicle so that you can return
everything to its proper place again
after use.
If your vehicle has a pull-out cargo
floor, follow the instructions on
page 128.<

3. Slide back the covers on the retainers for the partition net on both sides
of the roof, refer to arrow
4. Insert the curved ends of the partition
net rod into the retainers on both
sides
5. Now you can slide the covers toward
the front again, refer to arrow

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area

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126nCargo

6. Pull the partition net down by the
loop on both sides, refer to arrow,
and hook the hook into the eye on
the backrest
The case with the roll-up cover is
not shown in the illustration. With
the case removed, it is easier to hook
the hooks of the partition net onto the
backrest.<

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Cargo area

Controls

530de291

Floor cover

Pull the handle to open the side covers. To access the spare wheel.

Data

Repairs

To open: press the recess in the handle, refer to arrow, and raise the cover
with the handle.

Maintenance

Side covers

Index

7. When the rear backrests are folded
down, you can unhook the partition
net from the retaining straps, completely unroll it, insert it in the front
retainers on the roof and attach the
three hooks into the eyes on the
backrests.
The illustration shows securing at the
bottom right as an example.

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Overview

127n

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530de292

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area

530de355

128nCargo

Folding floor cover up

Sockets

Pull-out cargo floor*

Disengage the loop end on the underside of the floor cover and hook it in
with the catch on the upper frame of the
liftgate cutout.

When you fold the cover caps up, you
have access to additional sockets.

To release, pull the handle recess
upward. Then pull the floor out.

Before swinging down the floor cover,
reengage the loop end in the retainer
on the underside of the floor cover.

You can use the sockets for flashlights,
car vacuum cleaners or other automotive appliances with up to approx.
200 watts at 12 volts. Be careful not to
damage the socket with unsuitable
plugs.
Also refer to page 121.

Do not drive when the cargo floor
is pulled out.
Do not release the cargo floor on steep
grades. If you do, it could extend automatically and cause personal injuries.
A load which is not properly secured
could slide if the floor extends automatically and then drop to the ground as a
result of the rapid braking of the cargo
floor at the limit stop.<

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Cargo area

129n

If your vehicle has a partition net:
Take the bag with the partition net
out of the retainer, refer to page 125,
before you raise the cargo floor. Otherwise, the bag could slide downward.<

Maintenance

Swing the cargo floor up and secure it
with the rod, refer to illustration.

Repairs

For access to the spare wheel or other
stored items:

Data

Raising cargo floor

Index

Do not overload the cargo floor
when it is extended. If you do so, it
could cause damage.
When sliding the cargo floor back in, do
not reach under the floor. Otherwise
there is a risk of injury.<

530de240

> With up to 990 lbs./450 kg, distributed evenly across the entire surface
> With up to 330 lbs./150 kg on the
rear edge.

Controls

Overview

When it is extended, you can load the
cargo floor:

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

loading

Avoid overloading the vehicle
so that the permissible loading
capacity of the tires is not exceeded.
Overloading can lead to overheating
and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate
result can assume the form of a sudden
air loss.<

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130nCargo

Determining loading limit
1. Locate the following statement on
your vehicle's placard*:
The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX lbs. or YYY kg, otherwise the vehicle may be damaged
and unstable driving conditions may
result.<
2. Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle
3. Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX lbs.
or YYY kg

4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount
equals 1,350 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lbs. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is
600 lbs.:
1,350 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 600 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded into
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult the
manual for transporting a trailer to
determine how this may reduce the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.

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Cargo loading

The permitted load is the total of the
weight of occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage can be
transported.

> Use the partition net to protect the
occupants, refer to page 125
> Position heavy cargo as far forward
as possible directly behind the backrests and as low as possible
> Cover sharp edges and corners
> Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest
> Appropriately wrap objects that could
strike the rear window while driving
> If you are transporting very heavy
loads when the rear seat is not occupied, secure the outer safety belts in
the opposite buckles.

> Secure smaller, light pieces with the
retaining straps or a luggage net*, or
use elastic straps, refer to page 37
> Heavy-duty cargo straps* for securing larger and heavier objects are
available at your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center. The lashing eyes provided at the corners of the cargo area
serve for mounting these heavy-duty
cargo straps
> Read and comply with the information enclosed with the heavy-duty
cargo straps.

Repairs

Securing load

Data

Stowing cargo

Index

Load:

Maintenance

Controls

530us090

530de426

530us249

Overview

131n

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loading

Always position and secure the
load as described above. If you do
not, it can endanger the passengers
during braking or evasive maneuvers.
Do not exceed the permissible gross
vehicle weight and the permissible axle
loads, refer to page 182. If you do, the
operating safety of the vehicle is no
longer ensured and you are in violation
of the law.
You should never transport heavy or
hard objects unsecured in the passenger compartment, as they could fly
around and pose a safety hazard to the
vehicle's occupants even during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.<

Roof-mounted luggage rack*
Loading luggage rack
Roof-mounted luggage racks raise the
center of gravity of the vehicle when
they are loaded and therefore significantly effect the vehicle's handling and
steering response.
530de293

132nCargo

A special rack system is available as an
option for your BMW. Please comply
with the precautions included with the
installation instructions.

Mounting points
Access to the mounting points:
To fold up the cover, refer to arrow,
please use the tool which is provided
with the rack system.

It is thus crucial never to exceed the
approved roof weight, the approved
gross vehicle weight or the axle loads
when loading the rack.
You will find the specifications under
Technical data on page 182.
Make sure that the load is distributed
evenly, and that it does not extend outward to beyond the limits of the loading
surface. Always load the heaviest
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained for raising the panorama glass roof, and that
objects do not project into the opening
path of the liftgate.
Always ensure that roof-mounted
loads are tightly secured, as loose
loads can shift or even fly off the roof,
posing a serious hazard for following
traffic.<
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Index

Data

Repairs

Maintenance

Controls

Overview

133n

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134n

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135n

Overview

Overview

Operation, maintenance

Maintenance

Controls

Controls and features

Repairs

Owner service procedures

Data

Technical data

Index

Index

Maintena
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

136nBreaking-in
Moving parts should be allowed to
break in. To ensure that your vehicle
provides maximum economy throughout a long service life, we request that
you comply with the following instructions:

Engine and differential
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4,500 rpm and the following road
speeds during this initial period:
> 6-cylinder engine
100 mph/160 km/h
> 8-cylinder engine
106 mph/170 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of
the transmission's kick-down mode
during these 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 break-in period. Therefore, drive
reservedly during the first 200 miles/
300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle control and braking effectiveness. Reduce your speed on wet
roads.<

Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period
of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve
optimal contact and wear patterns
between brake pads and rotors.
To break in the separate handbrake
drums, apply the handbrake lightly
when coasting to a standstill at a traffic
signal, for instance, provided that traffic
conditions allow you to do so.

To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the handbrake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine switched off,
when towing, for instance, substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.<

Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its
optimized level after a distance driven
of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During
this break-in period, engage the clutch
gently.

Following component
replacements
Observe the break-in instructions again
if previously addressed components
must be replaced again during subsequent driving.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

General driving notes

2. Increase the air supply for the air
conditioner or automatic climate
control to a high level, refer to
page 105 or 109.

Hot exhaust system
Extreme temperatures occur on
the exhaust system on any vehicle. Do not remove the heat shields
installed adjacent to it, and never apply
undercoating to them. When driving,
standing at idle and while parking, take
care to avoid possible contact between
a hot exhaust system and any highly
flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass etc. Otherwise, there is a
danger of ignition and fire, with the risk
of serious injuries and damage.<

When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner system during operation and then
exits under the vehicle. Traces of water
on the ground are therefore normal.

Brakes
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
excessively high temperatures, brake
wear and possibly even brake failure.<

For more information on wheels and
tires, refer to page 146.

Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to
page 53, otherwise they could be damaged due to the width of the vehicle.

Overview
Controls

If road hazards, obstacles or curbs
are unavoidable, only drive over
them very slowly and carefully, otherwise the wheels and suspension parts,
especially on vehicles fitted with low
profile tires, can be damaged.<

Maintenance

BMW advises against using
mobile communications devices
such as mobile phones inside the vehicle unless they are directly connected
to the external antenna. Otherwise, it is
impossible to prevent a mutual interferHowever, if special circumstances
should make it absolutely necessary to ence of the vehicle electronics with the
operate the vehicle with the liftgate/tail- mobile phone device. Also, there is no
guarantee that the radiation generated
gate open:
1. Close all windows and the panorama by the transmission will be conveyed
out from the interior of the vehicle.<
glass roof

Road hazards

Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy
roads, reduce road speed. If you
do not, a wedge of water can form
between tires and road surface. This
state can cause a partial or total loss
of contact with the road surface, of
braking control and of control over the
vehicle.<

Repairs

Mobile communications devices
in vehicle

Data

Operate the vehicle only when the
tailgate and liftgate are completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes
could enter into the passenger compartment.<

Index

Closing liftgate/tailgate

137n

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138nGeneral

driving notes

Driving your X5
On poor roads

Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 20 in/
50 cm, and then only at walking speed
at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. When
equipped with 2-axle self leveling suspension*, switch the vehicle into the
Off-Road setting before driving through,
refer to page 97.<

When you are driving on poor roads,
there are a few points which you should
strictly observe — for your own safety,
for that of your passengers, and for the
safety of the vehicle:
530us245

Driving through water

Interior and exterior mirrors,
Do not hold the vehicle in place on automatic dimming feature*

Using handbrake on slopes

Two photocells serve to control the
slopes by slipping or riding the
clutch; use the handbrake instead. Oth- automatic dimming of the interior and
erwise, severe clutch wear will result.< exterior rearview mirrors. One photocell
is in the mirror glass, refer to arrow,
while the other is on the back of the
mirror, offset somewhat from the first.
For trouble-free operation, keep the
photocells clean and do not cover the
area between the interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do not attach
any kind of stickers to the windshield in
front of the mirror either.

Driving on unpaved terrain can
cause damage to the vehicle.<
> Always adapt the driving speed to the
road conditions. The rougher or
steeper the road surface is, the lower
the speed should be
> You can operate your vehicle on
uphill and downhill gradients with a
maximum slope of 50%. If you want
to drive on uphill or downhill gradients of this kind, make sure beforehand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the max mark, refer to
pages 152 and 154.
Use the HDC Hill Descent Control
when driving down steep grades,
refer to page 94.
It is possible to start off on grades of
up to 33%.
The permissible body roll is also 50 %
> While driving, watch carefully for
obstacles such as rocks or holes. Try
to avoid these obstacles whenever
possible

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Driving your X5

Controls
Maintenance
Repairs

> Clean the worst of the dirt from the
body and inspect the undercarriage
for damage.
> Clean mud, snow, ice etc. from the
wheels and tires and check the
wheels for damage.
> Check to determine whether rocks,
gravel or accumulations of dirt on the
brake rotors and calipers could influence braking performance. Remove
all such foreign objects.
> In order to clean the brake rotors,
apply the footbrake gently several
times while driving at a low speed.
Be sure that following traffic is not
endangered by this.
> For cleaning the handbrake, apply the
lever slightly at approx. 25 mph/
40 km/h and continue to drive for
approx. 200 yards/200 meters, provided that traffic conditions allow you
to do so.

Data

Our recommendation that you observe
the following points after driving on
adverse road surfaces is not intended
as a beauty treatment for your BMW.
Instead, it is intended to maintain driving safety:

Overview

Back onto paved road

Index

> Please note that it is possible for the
undercarriage to touch the ground,
for example on crests and bumpy
roads. The ground clearance of the
vehicle is:
– without self-leveling suspension
X5 3.0i, 4.4i: 8 in/20 cm
X5 3.0d: 7 in/17.5 cm
– with 2-axle self-leveling suspension*
6.5-9 in/16.5-22 cm, depending on
the level selected.
> Only drive through water up to a maximum depth of 20 in/50 cm and only
at walking speed, making sure not to
stop in the process. When equipped
with 2-axle self leveling suspension*,
switch the vehicle to the Off-Road
setting before driving through, refer
to page 97.
After leaving the water, apply the
footbrake lightly several times while
driving at low speeds so as to dry the
brakes by braking and to prevent
decreased braking action due to wetness.

139n

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140nSafe

braking

Emergency stops

Disk brakes

You brake most effectively when you
apply maximum pedal pressure in situations requiring it: emergency stops.
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless
avoid possible obstacles with a minimum of steering effort.

When the vehicle is driven only occasionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to
form on rotors, while contaminants
accumulate on the brake pads. This
occurs because the minimal pressure
that the pads must exert to clean the
rotors during brake applications is not
reached.

Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.

Brake fluid level
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a malfunction in one of
the two brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.
In so doing, increased pressure on the
brake pedal may be required, and slight
pulling to the side and longer braking
distances may result. Please remember
to adapt your driving style accordingly.<

If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
application will fail to cure.
When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal from time
to time. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other road users. The heat
generated in this process helps dry the
pads and rotors to ensure that the braking force is then immediately available
when required.

on the brakes and possible impairment
of braking action.
Do not drive with the clutch pedal
depressed, at idle or with the
engine switched off, as otherwise there
will be no engine braking effect or
power assistance for braking and steering.
BMW recommends having brake
inspections performed at a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center only. If
you do not, parts of the 4-wheel drive
system could be damaged.
No floor mats, carpets or other objects
may lie in the area of pedal travel, as
otherwise pedal operation may be
impaired.<

Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate nonapproved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<

Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Tire inflation pressure

Overview
Controls

The tire inflation pressure specifications
for your factory-installed tires at ambient temperature are listed on the edge
of the driver's door and can be consulted when the door is open.

Inflation pressures
The tire pressure tables in the following
pages give all of the pressure specifications for the tire sizes indicated at ambient temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to
the tire sizes and tire brands
respectively approved and recommended by BMW; a list of these is available from your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center.<

Maintenance

Check the tire inflation pressure
regularly and correct it as needed,
even on the spare wheel: at least twice
a month and before starting long trips. If
you fail to observe this precaution, you
may be driving on tires with incorrect
tire pressures, a condition that can not
only compromise your vehicle's driving
stability, but also lead to tire damage
and the risk of an accident. Do not drive
with deflated, i.e. flat, tires. A flat tire
will seriously impairs your vehicle's
handling and braking response.
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead
to loss of control over the vehicle.<

Inflation pressures for factoryinstalled tires

Repairs

Only check tire inflation pressure when
the tires are cold. This means after a
maximum of 1.25 miles/2 km driving or
when the vehicle has been parked for at
least 2 hours. When tires are warm, the
tire inflation pressure increases.

Data

Checking pressure

After correcting the inflation pressure(s), always reinitialize the Flat
Tire Monitor, refer to page 99.<

Index

The condition of the tires and the maintenance of the specified tire pressure
are crucial not only to the tire's service
life, but also to driving comfort and
most importantly, driving safety.

530de225

Information for your safety

141n

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142nTire

inflation pressure

For correct identification of the right tire
inflation pressure for your tires, observe
the following:
> Tire sizes for your vehicle
> Load conditions
> Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to
100 mph or 160 km/h:
For normal driving up to 100 mph or
160 km/h adjust pressures to the
respective tire inflation pressures listed
on the following page in the traveling
speeds column for normal driving at
speeds up to a maximum of 100 mph or
160 km/h to achieve optimum driving
comfort.

Tire inflation pressures for driving
above 100 mph or 160 km/h:
In order to drive at maximum
speeds in excess of 100 mph or
160 km/h, please observe, and, if necessary, adjust tire pressures for speeds
exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h from
the relevant table on the following
pages. Otherwise tire damage and accidents could occur.<

The permissible top speed for
these tire inflation pressures is
100 mph or 160 km/h. Do not exceed
this speed, as otherwise tire damage
and accidents may result.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Tire inflation pressure
Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Traveling speeds
Traveling speeds
including those exceeding
up to a max. of
100 mph/160 km/h
100 mph/160 km/h

Overview

Tire size

33/230

32/220

32/220

32/220

39/270

32/220
–
32/220
–

–
32/220
–
32/220

32/220
–
32/220
–

–
32/220
–
32/220

32/220
–
32/220
–

–
39/270
–
39/270

Data

You will find more information on permissible loads and weights on page 182.

Repairs

32/220

Index

X5 3.0i

235/65 R 17 104 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
Front: 255/50 R 19 103 V
Rear: 285/45 R 19 107 V
Front: 275/40 R 20 102 W
Rear: 315/35 R 20 106 W

Controls

All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires,
cold = ambient temperature

Maintenance

BMW

143n

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144nTire
BMW

inflation pressure
Tire size

Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Traveling speeds
Traveling speeds
including those exceeding
up to a max. of
100 mph/160 km/h
100 mph/160 km/h

All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires,
cold = ambient temperature
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
X5 4.4i Front: 255/50 R 19 103 V
Rear: 285/45 R 19 107 V
Front: 275/40 R 20 102 W
Rear: 315/35 R 20 106 W
Front: 275/40 R 20 102 W
Rear: 315/35 R 20 106 W
X5 4.8is 255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
Compact wheel:
T 155/80 R 19 114 M

32/220

33/230

32/220

33/230

32/220

39/270

32/220
–
32/220
–
32/220
–
32/220

–
32/220
–
32/220
–
35/240
35/240

32/220
–
32/220
–
32/220
–
32/220
61/420

–
32/220
–
32/220
–
35/240
35/240

32/220
–
32/220
–
33/230
–
33/230

–
39/270
–
39/270
–
39/270
39/270

You will find more information on permissible loads and weights on page 182.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Tire identification marks

Rim diameter in inches
Load index,
not with ZR tires

The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on the sidewall:
DOT... 2605 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 26 of 2005.

Speed code letter,
with ZR tires before the R
Speed code letter:
=
=
=
=
=

up
up
up
up
up

to
to
to
to
to

105
118
131
150
167

mph/160
mph/190
mph/210
mph/240
mph/270

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
km/h
km/h
km/h
km/h
km/h

Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:

All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.<

Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half, 1 γ, times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

Overview

Temperature A B C

Controls

Tire age

The manufacturer of your BMW recommends that all tires, i.e. including the
spare wheel, be replaced regardless of
the actual wear after 6 years at the latest.

Belted construction
radial

Traction AA A B C

Tire size and tire model

Tire age

Cross-sectional ratio
in Ξ

Q
T
H
V
W

Manufacturer's code
for tire brand

Tread wear

Maintenance

235/65 R 17 104 H

Nominal width
in mm

DOT xxxx xxx 2605

Repairs

e.g.

e.g.

Data

Tire size

DOT Quality Grades

DOT code:

Index

Knowledge of the labeling on the side
of the tire makes it easier to identify and
choose the right tires.

145n

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146nTire

identification marks

Traction
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.<

Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the
highest, B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.

Wheel/tire condition
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to a sudden flat tire.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible a tire failure.<

M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties
than summer tires.

Wheel/tire damage
Inspect your wheels and tires frequently
for tread wear, signs of damage and for
foreign objects lodged in the tread.
Check the tread pattern depth.
Please note that low-profile tires
make your wheels, tires and suspension parts more susceptible to road
hazard and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle malfunction. This can, for example, be
caused by driving over curbs. This is
also true for irregularities in the vehicle's handling characteristics, such as a
pronounced tendency to pull to the left
or right. Should this occur, respond by
immediately reducing your speed.
Carefully proceed – or have your vehicle
towed – to the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center or tire dealer to
have the wheels or tires inspected.
Tire damage, extending to sudden and
complete loss of pressure in extreme
cases, can pose a potentially lethal
safety hazard for the vehicle's occupants and other road users alike.<

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Wheel/tire condition

147n

Tire tread

Controls
Maintenance
Repairs
Data

Wear indicators at the tread-groove
base are distributed over the tire's circumference and are marked on the side
of the tire with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread has worn down
to the wear indicators, then the legally
permissible tread depth limit of
0.063 in/1.6 mm has been reached.

Index

As winter tires display a noticeable
loss in their ability to cope with coldweather driving conditions once the
tread wears to below 0.16 in/4 mm, you
should always have such tires replaced
to ensure continued safety.

530de423

At tread depths below 0.12 in/3 mm,
there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small
amounts of water are present on the
road surface.

Overview

The tread depth should not fall below
0.12 in/3 mm although, for example,
European regulations only require a
minimum tread depth of 0.063 in/
1.6 mm.

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wheels/tires

Have new wheels and tires
installed only by your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent damage and related safety hazards.<

The right wheels and tires

BMW recommends that you use
only wheel and tire combinations
that BMW has tested and approved for
your particular vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufacturing tolerances
mean that even wheels and tires with
identical official size ratings could actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences
Retreaded tires
could lead to body contact, and with it
BMW does not recommend the
the risk of severe accidents. If nonuse of retreaded tires, otherwise
approved wheels and tires are used,
driving safety may be reduced. The rea- BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
son for this is that possible variations in and therefore cannot be held liable for
the design and aging – which could be
driving safety.<
substantial – of the tire casing can
result in a limited service life.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center for the correct wheel/tire
combination.

530de424

148nReplacing

Recommended tire brands:
BMW recommends particular tire
brands for each tire size. You will recognize them by the clearly visible BMW
identification on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the
highest standards for safety and handling characteristics.

The correct wheel/tire combination also
affects various systems whose function
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS,
DSC, xDrive.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manufacturer. After tire damage, always
remember to have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the
vehicle as soon as possible.

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When switching to winter tires, observe
the description under Tire condition,
page 146, and Replacing wheels/tires.
Observing speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated. Unprofessional attempts by
laymen to service tires can lead to damage and accidents. Have this work performed by skilled professionals only.
The technicians at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center will be glad to
assist you with the required professional knowledge and specialized
equipment.<

X5 4.8is: 255/55 R 18
All other models: 235/65 R 17
Follow the manufacturer's instructions
when installing snow chains. Do not
exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after mounting snow chains, as
the monitor may then incorrectly indicate flat tires.
When you are driving with snow chains,
it can be beneficial to switch off DSC
briefly, refer to page 93.<

Overview

Only certain fine-link snow chains are
tested, classified as road-safe, and recommended by BMW. Consult your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center for
details. Use is only permitted in pairs on
the rear wheels with the following tire
sizes:

Controls

Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry
place, protecting them against light
whenever possible. Always protect tires
against all contact with oil, grease and
fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure indicated on the side wall
of the tire.

Maintenance

Storage

BMW recommends winter tires for use
in cold winter driving conditions.
Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than summer
tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as winter tires.

Data

Special features of winter tires

149n

Repairs

Snow chains*

Index

Replacing wheels/tires

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530de369

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150nHood

Unlocking

Opening

Closing

Pull the lever located under the left side
of the instrument cluster.

Pull the release handle and open the
hood.

Allow the hood to fall from a height of
about 12 in/30 cm so that it audibly
engages.

Never attempt to perform any service or repair operations on your
vehicle without the required professional technical training. If you are not
familiar with the regulations to be
observed, only have work on your vehicle carried out by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or a workshop that
uses personnel trained in accordance
with BMW requirements. If this work is
not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.<

Observe the same precautions
that apply to all closing operations
by ensuring that the hood's travel range
is clear and unobstructed before allowing the hood to fall into position.
If you discover that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.<

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Engine compartment essentials

4 Coolant expansion tank 154

5 Engine oil filler neck 152
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system 152

Data

2 Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath
the microfilter cover 155

3 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting 174

Index

1 Engine oil dipstick 152

Repairs

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Maintenance

Controls

Overview

151n

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152nWasher

fluid

Engine oil

Windshield and headlamp washer
system
Approximate capacity is 8.2 US quarts/
7.8 liters.
Fill with water and — if required — with
the addition of a washer antifreeze,
according to manufacturer's recommendations.
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<

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4. Slide the dipstick carefully all the way
into the dipstick tube and pull it out
again.
The oil level should be in between
the two marks on the dipstick
5. Slide the dipstick all the way into the
dipstick tube again.

Checking oil level
Oil consumption depends on driving
style and operating conditions.
1. With the engine at operating temperature, i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km
of continuous driving, park the vehicle in a horizontal position
2. Switch off the engine
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material

Antifreeze agent for the washer
systems is flammable. For this
reason, keep it away from sources of
flame and store it only in its original
containers. Store it so that it is inaccessible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.<

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Engine oil

153n

Add oil within the next 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise, the engine
could be damaged.<
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach
of children and heed warnings on
the containers to avoid health risks.<
Oil change:
Have oil changed only by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center or by a
repair shop that works according to
BMW guidelines with appropriately
trained personnel.

You can also call BMW of North America at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this website: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this
information.
Never use oil additives as they can
damage your engine under some
circumstances.<

Controls
Maintenance

Ask your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center for details concerning the specific BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils which
have been approved.<

Repairs

X5 4.8is:
With a very sporty driving style, the
engine oil level should be at the upper
mark on the dipstick.

Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark on the dipstick
before adding oil.

If you are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, you can add
small amounts of other synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Only use oils with
the API SH specification or higher.

Data

Do not fill beyond the upper mark
on the dipstick. Excess oil will
damage the engine.<

Adding engine oil

Only use approved BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil.

Index

The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts/1 liter.

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The quality of the engine oil selected
has critical significance for the operation and service life of an engine.
Based on extensive testing, BMW has
approved only certain engine oils.

Overview

Specified engine oils

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oil

Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as established in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you typically drive your
BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.

Coolant
Do not open the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.<
Coolant is comprised of water and
coolant additive. Not all commercially
available additives are suitable for your
BMW. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center knows which additives are
suitable.

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154nEngine

Use only suitable additives, otherwise you could damage your
Checking coolant level
engine. The additives can be harmful to
1. The engine must be at ambient temyour health.<
perature.
2. Start by turning the cap of the expanAlways observe all applicable
sion tank counterclockwise. Pause to
environmental rules and regulaallow any accumulated pressure to
tions when disposing of coolant addiescape, then open.
tives.<
3. The coolant level is correct when the
end of the red float is aligned with
the upper edge of the filler opening,
refer to the arrow in the illustration,
or max. 0.8 in/2 cm higher, i. e. up to
the mark on the float, refer also to the
schematic diagram, next to the cap.

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Overview
Index

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reliability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Refer also to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide BookAdd brake fluid
let for Canadian models.
The brake fluid reservoir is located
Brake fluid is toxic and also damages
under the microfilter housing trim panel
vehicle paintwork. Always store these
on the driver's side of the vehicle. For
agents in tightly-closed original conadding brake fluid or for determining
tainers kept well away from the reach of
and correcting the cause of brake fluid
children.
loss, consult your BMW Sports Activity
Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the
Vehicle center. Your BMW Sports Activbrake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX
ity Vehicle center is familiar with the
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
specifications for factory-approved
contact with hot engine parts and cause
DOT 4 brake fluids.
serious burns.<
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
Always observe all applicable
refer to the notes on page 140.
environmental rules and regulations when disposing of used brake
fluid.<
If the warning lamp lights up or
the message CHECK BRAKE
FLUID appears in the Check
Control: stop immediately. The
brake fluid in the reservoir has
fallen to below the minimum
level.

Controls

Brake fluid level

Maintenance

4. When necessary, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached; do
not overfill.
5. Close the cap and tighten snugly.
6. Have the cause of the coolant loss
corrected as soon as possible.

155n

Repairs

Brake fluid

Data

Coolant

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BMW Maintenance System

390us008

156nThe

The BMW Maintenance System helps
maintain the road and driving safety of
your BMW.
Please keep in mind that regular maintenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.

Service Interval Display
Conventional systems rely solely on
distance traveled to determine when
service is due. The BMW Maintenance
System, on the other hand, began many
years ago to take the actual conditions
under which the vehicle is driven into
consideration. After all, different drivers
can accumulate mileage in very different ways.

From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in longdistance highway travel.

As a precaution against corrosion, it is
advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.

The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.

Have your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center do the maintenance and repair.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
These entries will constitute your proof
that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also required for
warranty claims.<

Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those who
drive only short distances, significantly
less than 6,000 miles/10,000 km annually, should have the engine oil changed
at least every 2 years since oil deteriorates over time, regardless of use.

Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models

Car care
For all information on this subject, refer
to the Caring for your vehicle brochure.

For additional information on maintenance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.

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OBD interface socket

157n

The system monitors emission-related
components and systems for deterioration and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator lamp
informs you of the need for service, not of the need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center at the earliest possible opportunity.

Overview
Controls
Maintenance
Repairs

The interface socket for the Onboard
Diagnostics is located on the left of the
When the filler cap is not properly
driver's side at the bottom of the instrutightened, the OBD system can
ment cluster and under a cover. The
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
cover has the letters OBD on it.
lamp will light up. If the filler cap is subThe purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission sequently tightened, the indicator lamp
control system for the vehicle's lifetime. should extinguish within a few days.<

Your vehicle may be equipped with one
or more sensing and diagnostic modules or a recording device capable of
recording or transmitting certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you
have a Subscription Service Agreement for the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle information may be transmitted or recorded in order to provide
such services.

Data

Under certain conditions, the indicator
lamp will blink or flash. This indicates a
rather severe level of engine misfire.
When this occurs, you should reduce
speed and consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center as soon
as possible. Severe engine misfire over
only a short period of time can seriously
damage emission control components,
especially the catalytic converter.

Event Data Recorders

Index

530us105

Display of the previously
described malfunction in Canadian models.

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158n

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159n

Overview

Overview

Operation, maintenance

Maintenance

Controls

Controls and features

Repairs

Owner service procedures

Data

Technical data

Index

Index

Repairs
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Windshield wiper blades

Under the cargo floor cover in a pocket. Front
1. Move the wiper to a fold-out position,
refer to page 69
2. Lift the wiper arm and press the
securing spring, refer to arrow
3. Pull the wiper blade off toward the
wiper arm
4. Insert the new blade and snap it into
place.

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tool kit

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160nOnboard

Rear
1. Hold the wiper blade on the window
and remove/unclip the wiper arm at
the articulated joint, refer to arrow
2. Insert a new wiper blade and press it
on/clip it into the wiper arm.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<

Fold the wipers back down onto
the windshield before you turn the
ignition key to position 1 or 2 again. If
you do not, they could be damaged.<

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Lamps and bulbs

161n

H7 bulb, 55 watts

1 Halogen low beams
Turn cover cap to left, refer to arrow

The bulb is pressurized. Therefore, wear safety glasses and protective gloves. Otherwise there is a
danger of injury if the bulb is accidentally damaged during replacement.<

2 High beams and parking lamps
Press tab downward, refer to arrow
For checking and adjusting headlamp aim, please contact your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.<

1. Remove the cover
2. Turn the bulb holder to the left and
remove
3. Pull bulb out of bulb holder by base
and replace.

Repairs

The illustration shows the right-hand
side of the engine compartment.

Maintenance

Controls

530de358

1 Halogen low beams

Data

To prevent short circuits, before
working on any electrical system,
equipment or accessory you should
always switch it off and disconnect the
cable from the battery's negative terminal before starting.
To avoid possible injury or equipment
damage when replacing bulbs, follow
any instructions provided by the bulb
manufacturer.<

Releasing lamp cover

Index

A replacement bulb set is available from
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.

530de357

Never touch the glass on new
bulbs with your bare fingers, as
even minute amounts of contamination
will burn into the bulb's surface and
reduce its service life. Use a clean
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar material, or hold the bulb by its metallic
base.<

Overview

The lamps and bulbs make essential
contributions to the safety of your vehicle. For this reason, follow the instructions below carefully when replacing a
bulb. If you are not familiar with any of
the procedures, consult your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.

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162nLamps

and bulbs
3 Parking lamps and roadside
parking lamps

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1. Remove the cover
2. Disconnect the plug
3. Turn reflector module with bulb to
left and remove
4. Replace module with bulb.

Xenon lamps*

2 Halogen high beams
H1 bulb, 55 watts
The bulb is pressurized. Therefore, wear safety glasses and protective gloves. Otherwise there is a
danger of injury if the bulb is accidentally damaged during replacement.<
1.
2.
3.
4.

Remove the cover
Disconnect the plug
Unhook wire spring
Remove and replace the bulb.

The operating life of these lamp units
is extremely long and the likelihood of
failure very low, provided that they are
not switched on and off a very great
number of times. If one of these bulbs
should nevertheless fail, it is possible to
continue driving with great caution
using the fog lamps, provided traffic
laws in your area do not prohibit this.
To avoid risk of potentially fatal
injuries: owing to the extremely
high voltages at which these units operate, service work should always be
entrusted to qualified personnel.<

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10 watt bulb: H 10 W

Side turn signals
5 watt bulb: WY 5 W
1. Use finger pressure against the rear
end of the lamp, refer to arrow, to
press it forward for removal
2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
while turning it to the left and pull it
out
3. Replace the bulb.

Front turn signals/side-marker
lamps
Bulb S8 yellow
Please contact a BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center in case of a malfunction.

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Lamps and bulbs

163n

Overview

Front fog lamps

Tail lamps

H11 bulb, 55 watts

21 watt bulbs: P 21 W and PY 21 W,
recommendation: BMW special bulbs
with neutral coloration
1 Turn signal
2 Rear lamp/side marker lamp
3 Backup lamp
4 Brake lamp

Data

5 Reflector

Index

1. Pull the cover in front of the fog lamp
forward.
2. Loosen the two screws, refer to
arrows, and remove the fog lamp.
When pulling out, overcome initial
resistance and turn the headlamp
slightly to the left.
3. Pull the cable connector off the bulb.
4. Turn the bulb to the left and remove.

Repairs

The bulb is pressurized. Therefore, wear safety glasses and protective gloves. Otherwise there is a
danger of injury if the bulb is accidentally damaged during replacement.<

Maintenance

Controls

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5. Insert a new bulb in the headlamp
and turn as far to the right as possible.
6. Connect the plug connector to the
bulb, ensuring proper engagement.

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and bulbs

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164nLamps

Lamps in the side panel:

Lamps in the tailgate:

License plate lamps

1. Open the cover in the side panel
2. Lift the side panel if necessary
3. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
holder while turning it to the left for
removal and replacement
4. Remove the bulb.

1. Unclip the trim panel in the tailgate
with a screwdriver
2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
holder while turning it to the left for
removal and replacement
3. Remove the bulb.

5 watt bulb
1. Press the lamp out to the side with a
screwdriver
2. Remove the lamp and replace the
bulb.

Center brake lamp
LED strip in the rear spoiler: please
contact a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center in case of a malfunction.

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Your BMW has either a compact wheel
for temporary use to ensure your mobility, or a spare wheel of the size 235/
65 R 17. Please observe the differences
in handling when removing the wheel
from the cargo area.

Overview
Controls

Do not remove the covers, and
never stare into the unfiltered light
several hours, as irritation of the retina
could result.<

Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height. To avoid serious or fatal
injury: never lie under the vehicle, and
never start the engine while it is supported by the jack.<

Maintenance

Safety precautions to observe in
the event of a flat and during all
tire changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, surface. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straightahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse, selector lever in Park with
automatic transmission, and engage the
handbrake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your immediate working area, behind a guardrail,
for instance.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface that is not slippery. The vehicle
or the jack could slip to the side if you
attempt to raise the vehicle on a soft
or slippery surface such as snow, ice,
tiles, etc.

Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and displays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers.

Repairs

Light-emitting diodes LEDs

165n

Data

Changing a wheel

Index

Lamps and bulbs

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

What you will need
In order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.

> Lug wrench
Located beside the spare wheel

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a wheel

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166nChanging

> Handle for the jack
Remove from its holder

> Two wheel chocks
Open liftgate and tailgate.
Raise the floor panel flap or pull-out
cargo floor in the cargo area, refer to
page 128 or 129. On vehicles with a
compact wheel, remove the cover,
refer to page 167.
Remove the wheel chocks, refer to
arrow, next to the spare wheel

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Changing a wheel

Remove the cover under the floor panel
flap.
Vehicles with pull-out cargo floor: the
cover is secured at the rear on both
sides with quick-release locks.

1. Loosen the wing nut 1
2. Remove the plate 2 to the side
3. Unscrew the threaded rod 3 completely.

Data

1. Loosen the wing nut 1
2. Remove the plate 2 to the side
3. Remove the wheel.

Repairs

Spare wheel*

Maintenance

Controls

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Compact wheel

Index

> Jack
Remove the rubber band from the
holder, refer to arrow, and take out
the jack.
Following use, crank down the vehicle jack completely again and clip in
the crank.

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Overview

167n

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Removal aid for spare wheel
By using this device, you do not have to
lift the spare wheel out of the recess by
hand.
Its task is to help you to move the wheel
onto the tailgate, from where you can
easily lift it off.

3. Hook both buckles into the latch of
the tailgate, refer to arrow; the tailgate is released.

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a wheel

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168nChanging

4. Remove the support rod from the
bracket.

1. Close the tailgate again
2. Grasp the handle of the removal aid
behind the spare wheel with both
hands and pull upward over the tailgate, refer to arrow.

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Changing a wheel

169n

Make sure that the support rod is
locked firmly in place. If you fail to
do so, the tailgate could move upward
quickly and cause personal injury and
vehicle damage.<
7. You can now release the locked tailgate and take down the spare wheel.
It is recommended that you leave the
tailgate locked into place until you
have completed the wheel change
and placed the wheel with the defective tire into the removal aid.

Overview
Controls
Maintenance

Hold the tailgate in the opened
position and do not allow it to
spring upward abruptly. If you do so,
there is a risk of vehicle damage and
injury.<

Repairs

6. Insert the support rod in the tailgate
lock and press down until it engages,
refer to arrow 1; then lock hook of
rod in striker, refer to arrow 2.

Data

5. Press the tailgate down and hold it
there. The spare wheel is now pulled
by means of the removal aid onto the
tailgate.

1. Read carefully and comply with the
safety precautions on page 165.
2. Secure the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling:
Place the wedges – chocks – behind
the wheels on the side opposite the
side you are lifting. If the vehicle is
parked on a downward slope, place
the wedges securely in front of the
wheels. If the wheel must be
changed on a surface with a more
severe slope, take additional precautions to secure the vehicle from rolling.
3. Loosen the lug bolts 1/2-turn.
4. Insert the jack handle into the jack,
refer to the illustration in the next column.

Index

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Procedure

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a wheel

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170nChanging

5. Position the jack at the jacking point
closest to the flat tire so that the jack
base is vertically below the jacking
point and the entire surface of the
head of the jack will move into the
square recess of the jacking point,
refer to the illustration detail, when
the jack is cranked.
6. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel
you are changing is raised from the
ground.
7. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove
the wheel.
8. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt
from the mounting surfaces of the
wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts.
9. Move the spare wheel into position.
Secure the wheel by turning at least
two lug bolts into opposite bolt
holes.

10. Screw in the remaining lug bolts.
Tighten all the bolts securely in a
diagonal pattern.
11. Lower the jack and remove it from
beneath the vehicle.
12. Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal
pattern.
13. Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
After mounting the spare wheel or
correcting the inflation pressure,
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,
refer to page 99.
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in
the valve stems frequently leads to slow
leaks.
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not
attempt to raise another vehicle model
with it or to raise any load of any kind.
To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.
To ensure safety, always have the lug
bolts checked with a calibrated torque
wrench as soon as possible to ensure
that they are tightened to the specified
torque. The tightening torque is
101 lb ft/140 Nm.<

Store the wheel and the tools in the
order opposite that for removal.
Before removing the support rod,
be sure that the tailgate is held
down firmly. If you fail to do so, it could
spring upward abruptly and cause personal injury and vehicle damage.
After you remove the rod, close the tailgate carefully. Continue to hold it firmly
until it is completely closed.<
If light-alloy wheels other than Genuine
BMW light-alloy wheels have been
mounted, it may be necessary to use
different lug bolts for those wheels.
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel/tire
balanced.

Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a
maximum speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
Altered handling characteristics, such
as reduced track stability during braking, longer braking distances and
altered self-steering properties at the
driving limit can occur. These properties are more apparent in conjunction
with winter tires.

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Driving with spare wheel*

Battery care

Do not exceed a speed of
130 mph/210 km/h, otherwise tire
damage could lead to accidents.<

The battery is maintenance-free, that is,
the original electrolyte will normally last
for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center will
be glad to advise in all matters concerning the battery.

Following a temporary power failure,
e.g. in the case of a dead battery, some
equipment is subject to restricted use
and must be reinitialized. Individual settings are also lost and must be updated
again:

Disposal
Following replacement, have old
batteries disposed of by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or
turn them over to a recycling center.
Maintain the battery in an upright position for transport and storage. Always
restrain the battery to prevent it from
tipping over during transport.<

Data

> Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory
The positions must be stored again,
refer to page 50
> Time and date
Have to be updated again, refer to
page 82
Charging battery
> Activation time for parked car
Only charge the battery in the vehicle
ventilation
via the terminals in the engine compartHas to be updated again, refer to
ment with the engine off. For correct
page 84.
connections, refer to Jump starting on
page 174.

Index

With certain wheel-and-tire combinations the size of the spare
wheel differs from that of the other
wheels. To restore the original state,
the normal wheel should be remounted
as soon as possible.<

Power failure
Overview

Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<

Controls

Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. Wheels and tires of the
original size should be mounted again
as soon as possible.<

171n

Maintenance

Vehicle battery

Repairs

Changing a wheel

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172nFuses

In glove compartment

In cargo area

Open the fuse cover in the glove compartment by the indentations on the
right and left.

Open the right cover by pulling the
handle.
Never attempt to repair a blown
fuse, and do not replace a defective fuse with a substitute of another
color or amperage rating, as this could
lead to a circuit overload, ultimately
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Receiving assistance

In vehicles with activated BMW Assist,
if the current position of your vehicle
can be determined, it is transmitted to
the BMW Assist response center.

2 Establishing contact to Roadside
Assistance

With the BMW Assist activated, the current position of your vehicle will be
transmitted in the specific country.

Controls
Maintenance

Press button 2 for at least 2 seconds.

Initiating an emergency call*

Press button 1 for at least 2 seconds.
The LED in the button lights up. As
soon as the voice connection to the
BMW Assist response center has been
The requirements for initiating an emerestablished, the LED flashes. If the LED
gency call or contacting Roadside
flashes, but you are unable to hear the
Assistance:
response center, you can still be heard
> Ignition key in position 1
by the response center.
> The car phone is logged on to a
mobile telephone network
> The emergency call system is operable.

Repairs

When the emergency call is initiated, a
telephone connection with the BMW
Assist response center is established.

Roadside Assistance*
1 Initiating an emergency call

Data

In the case of vehicles with the corresponding equipment, you can use buttons in the headliner to contact Roadside Assistance or initiate an
emergency call.

Under certain conditions, an emergency call is initiated automatically
immediately after a severe accident.
The automatic emergency call is not
affected by the button being pressed.

Index

The phone numbers of the Roadside
Assistance control center in your home
country can be found in the BMW
Dealer Directory.

For technical reasons, the emergency call cannot be guaranteed
under the most unfavorable conditions.<

530ue261

The Roadside Assistance of the BMW
Group offers you assistance in the
event of a breakdown around the clock,
also on weekends and public holidays.

Overview

173n

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starting

When your battery is discharged, you
Preparing
can use two jumper cables to start your 1. Check whether the battery of the
vehicle with power from the battery in a
other vehicle has a voltage of
second vehicle. You can also use the
12 Volts and approximately the same
same method to help start another vehicapacitance in Ah. This information
cle. Use only jumper cables with fullycan be found on the battery.
insulated clamp handles.
2. Switch off the engine of the support
vehicle.
To avoid the risk of potentially
3. Switch off any electrical systems and
fatal injury, always avoid all concomponents in both vehicles.
tact with electrical components while
the engine is running. Carefully observe
Ensure that no contact exists
the following instructions to avoid perbetween the bodywork on the two
sonal injury and/or damage to one or
vehicles, otherwise there is a danger of
both vehicles.<
short circuits.<

Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from
sparks, always follow this
sequence when connecting jumper
cables.<

530de325

174nJump

On your BMW the so-called jump-start
connection point in the engine compartment acts as the battery positive
terminal, also refer to the engine compartment overview on page 151. The
cover cap is marked with +.
1. Fold up the cap of the BMW jumpstart connection point, refer to arrow.
2. Attach one end of the positive/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a jump-start connection point of the vehicle providing
assistance.
3. Connect the second terminal clamp
of the positive/+ jumper cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or a
jump-start connection point of the
vehicle to be started.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Depending on the cause of the malfunction, have the battery recharged by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<

Only use the tow fitting that
comes with the vehicle and screw
it in as far as it will go. Use the tow fitting for towing only on the roadway.
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting,
e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise damage to the tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.<

Overview
Controls

The screw-in tow fitting is stored
beneath the cargo floor cover. Carry it
with you at all times. It can be screwed
in at the front or rear of the vehicle.

Maintenance

Using tow fitting

1. Start the engine on the support vehicle and allow it to run for several minutes at a fast idle.
2. Start the engine on the other vehicle
in the usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful, wait a few minutes before
another attempt in order to allow the
discharged battery to recharge.
3. Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables by
reversing the connection sequence.

Repairs

4. Attach one end of the negative/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal
of the battery or to an engine or body
ground of the vehicle providing
assistance.
5. Connect the second terminal clamp
of the negative/– jumper cable to the
negative terminal of the battery or to
the engine or body ground of the
vehicle to be started.

Starting engine

Data

Your BMW is equipped with a special
nut on the left side panel as a body
ground or negative terminal, refer to
arrow in illustration.

Tow-starting and towing 175n

Index

530us127

Jump starting

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176nTow-starting

and towing

530de318

530de370

Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h and a towing distance of 95 miles/150 km, otherwise
the automatic transmission may be
damaged.<
Manual transmission:
Gearshift lever in idle position
Automatic transmission:
Selector lever in N.

Towing methods
Access to screw thread
Front:
Use a screwdriver to press the right or
left cover out, refer to arrows.

Rear:
Pull the cover off.

Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, otherwise the steering lock could engage and it would not
be possible to steer the vehicle. When
the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. This requires increased
braking and steering effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers
depending on the local regulations.
If the electrical system fails, mark the
vehicle to be towed, e.g. with a sign or
warning triangle in the rear window.

In some countries, towing with a tow
bar or rope on public roads is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with all regulations
on towing in the respective country.
With tow bar:
The towing vehicle may not be
lighter than the vehicle to be
towed, otherwise handling will be
uncontrollable.<
The tow fitting of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If an angled position of the bar cannot be avoided, be
aware of the following:

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Tow-starting and towing

177n

> The freedom of movement is
restricted during cornering
> The angled position of the tow bar
creates lateral forces.

Do not activate the HDC Hill
Descent Control during towstarting, refer to page 94.<

Overview
Controls
Maintenance
Repairs

1. Switch on the hazard warning flashers and observe local regulations.
With tow truck:
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2.
Do not tow the X5 with the front or 3. Shift into 3rd gear.
rear axle raised individually, other- 4. Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the
wise the wheels may lock and the
clutch. After the engine starts, immetransfer case may be damaged.<
diately depress the clutch again
completely.
The X5 may only be transported on a
5. Stop at a suitable location, remove
flat bed.
the tow bar or rope and switch off the
hazard warning flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.

Data

Use nylon ropes or nylon straps
for towing, and avoid all excessively sudden jerking movements. Only
attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<

Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic
converter with the engine cold. It is better to jump start the engine, refer to
page 174.

Index

With tow-rope:
When starting off in the towing vehicle,
make sure that the tow-rope is taut.

Do not tow-start vehicles with an
automatic transmission.
For information on jump starting, refer
to page 174.<

530de403

Only attach the tow bar to the tow
fittings, as attachment to other
vehicle parts can lead to damage.<

Tow-starting

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178n

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

179n

Overview

Overview

Operation, maintenance

Maintenance

Controls

Controls and features

Repairs

Owner service procedures

Data

Technical data

Index

Index

Data
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

180nEngine

specifications
in/cm3

X5 3.0i

X5 4.4i

X5 4.8is

181.8/2,979
6

268.4/4,398
8

292.9/4,799
8

Displacement
Number of cylinders

cu

Maximum output
at engine speed

hp
rpm

225
5,900

315
5,400

355
6,200

Maximum torque
at engine speed

Ib ft/Nm
rpm

214/290
3,500

324/440
3,600

369/500
3,500

An engine performance test is authorized only on an appropriate chassis dynamometer.

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Dimensions

Controls

67.2/1,707

Overview

181n

85.8/2,180

111.0/2,820
183.7/4,667
All dimensions are given in inches/mm. Height: with self-leveling suspension 67.2/1,707; without self-leveling
suspension 67.5/1,715; X5 4.8is 66.4-67.8/1,668-1,723. Height with roof-mounted luggage rack: with self-leveling
suspension 68.5/1,740; without self-leveling suspension 68.9/1,750. Track width: X5 3.0i 62.0/1,576;
X5 4.8is front 61.7/1,566, rear 62.8/1,596. Min. turning circle dia.: 39.7 ft/12.1 meters.

Index

530de368
530de210

Data

81.7/2,076

73.7/1,872

Repairs

Maintenance

61.4/1,560

61.4/1,560

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182nWeights
X5 3.0i

X5 4.4i

X5 4.8is

Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission

lbs./kg
lbs./kg

4,652/2,110
4,696/2,130

–
4,927/2,235

–
5,016/2,275

Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission

lbs./kg
lbs./kg

6,008/2,725
6,008/2,725

–
6,008/2,725

–
6,008/2,725

Load
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission

lbs./kg
lbs./kg

1,356/615
1,312/595

–
1,080/490

–
992/450

Approved front axle load

lbs./kg

2,712/1,230

2,789/1,265

2,789/1,265

Approved rear axle load

lbs./kg

3,307/1,500

3,307/1,500

3,307/1,500

Approved roof load capacity
lbs./kg
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
Cargo area capacity

cu ft/l

220/100

16.4/465, according to DIN
69.01/1,955, according to SAE

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Capacities

183n

approx. 24.6/approx. 93

gal./liters
gal./liters

approx. 2.1/approx. 8
approx. 2.6/approx. 10

Windshield washer system
with headlamp washer system

quarts/liters

approx. 8.2/approx. 7.8

For details: page 152

quarts/liters
quarts/liters

8.0/7.5
8.5/8.0

BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
For details: page 153

Repairs
Data
Index

Engine with oil filter change
X5 3.0i
X5 4.4i, 4.8is

Fuel specification: page 26

Controls

gal./liters

Maintenance

Fuel tank
including a reserve of:
X5 3.0i
X5 4.4i, 4.8is

Overview

Notes

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184

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185n

Overview

Overview

Operation, maintenance

Maintenance

Controls

Controls and features

Repairs

Owner service procedures

Data

Technical data

Index

Index

Index
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z
A
Ability to climb, refer to
Driving on poor roads 138
ABS Antilock Brake
System 91
warning lamp 20
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 9
Accident, refer to
Emergency call 173
Roadside Assistance 173
Activated-charcoal filter 112
Adaptive Head Light 101
Adjusting cooling capacity of
rear climate control 112
Adjusting seats 44
electric 46
electric comfort seat 46
mechanical 45
mechanical sports seat 45
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning 105, 110
Airbags 55
sitting safely 43
warning lamp 21
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 105
Air conditioner 104
Air conditioning
air conditioner 105
automatic climate
control 110

Air distribution
air conditioner 105
automatic climate
control 109
individual 109
Airing, refer to
Ventilation 106, 111
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation 106, 111
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 141
Air recirculation, refer to
AUC Automatic recirculated-air control 110
Air supply
air conditioner 105
automatic climate
control 109
rear climate control 112
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation 104, 107
Alarm system 38
avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
All-season tires, refer to
Special features of winter
tires 149
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive 94
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure

Antifreeze
coolant 154
washer fluid 152
Antilock Brake System
ABS 91
warning lamp 20
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 38
Anti-theft system 30
Anti-trapping
mechanism 40, 42
panorama glass roof 42
power windows 40
Armrest, refer to Storage
compartments 119
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Artificial wood trim, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray 121
front 121
rear 121
AUC Automatic recirculatedair control 110

Automatic
air distribution 109
air supply 109
cruise control 71
headlamp control 100
recirculated-air control
AUC 110
steering wheel
adjustment 53
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 107
Automatic cruise control 71
Automatic curb monitor 51
Automatic headlamp
control 100
Automatic rear window
washer 71
Automatic Soft Close
function, liftgate 36
Automatic speed reduction
for descents, refer to HDC
Hill Descent Control 94

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z

Overview
Controls

C
California Proposition
65 Warning 9
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders 120
Capacities 183
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Care of paintwork, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure

Maintenance

Break wear warning, refer to
Brake pads 140
Buttons on steering wheel 23

Repairs

Brake lights, refer to Brake
lamps 163
Brake pads 140
breaking-in 136
warning lamp 19, 21
Brake rotors
brake system 140
breaking-in 136
Brakes 140
ABS 91
brake fluid 155
brake pads 140
breaking-in 136
handbrake 64
indicator/warning
lamp 19, 20
Brake system
brake fluid 155
brake fluid level 140, 155
brake pads 140
breaking-in 136
disk brakes 140
warning lamp 19
Brake wear warning
warning lamp 19, 21
Breakdown, Flat Tire
Monitor 98
Breakdown assistance,
refer to Roadside
Assistance 173
Breaking-in 136

Data

B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support 46
Backrests, refer to Adjusting
seats 45, 46
Backup lamps 65
replacing bulbs 163
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 24
Bar, towing 176

Battery 171
disposal 171
indicator lamp 19
jump starting 174
power failure 171
remote control 30
Belts, refer to Safety belts 49
Beverage can holders, refer
to Cup holders 120
Beverage holder, refer to
Cup holders 120
Blower
air conditioner 105
automatic climate
control 109
refer to Air supply 105, 109
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil 153
BMW Maintenance
System 156
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders 120
Brake fluid 155
adding 155
level 155
replacing 155
warning lamp 19
Brake force display 98
Brake hydraulic system 140
warning lamp 19, 20
Brake lamps, replacing
bulbs 163

Index

Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 65
interlock 62
selector lever interlock 66
shiftlock 66
towing 176
tow-starting 176
warning lamp 20, 21
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
and supply 109
Average fuel
consumption 80, 87
Average speed 80, 88
Avoiding alarms 39
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 182

187n

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Everything from A to Z
Cargo area 124
capacity 182
cover, refer to Roll-up
cover 125
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually 35, 36
enlarging 124
floor cover 127
lamps 103
lid, refer to Liftgate/
tailgate 35, 36
opening, remote control 31
opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate 35
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate 36
opening from inside 35
opening from outside 35
Cargo-area partition net 125
Cargo bay, refer to Cargo
area 124
Cargo floor, pull-out 128
Cargo loading 130
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 30

Car phone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car phone provision 116
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Car wash, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
CD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
CD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Center armrest, refer to
Storage
compartments 119
Center brake lamp, replacing
bulbs 164
Central locking system 30
interior 34
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety 9
Changing a wheel 165
Changing gears with
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 66
Changing tires 145

Changing wheels
compact wheel 167
spare wheel 167
Charge-current indicator
lamp 19
Charging battery 171
CHECK button 77
Check Control 77
Child's seat, refer to Childrestraint systems 57
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH 59
Child-restraint systems 57
Child-safety locks 60
Chocks 166
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter 121, 122
Cigarette lighter socket, refer
to Socket 121
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 105, 110
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning rear window 71
Climate control in the rear
passenger area 111

Clock 82
12 or 24-hour mode 82
hour signal 83
setting 82
setting, also refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
setting time and date 82
Closing
from inside 34
from outside 31
Clothes hooks 120
Clutch 136
breaking-in 136
Cockpit 14
Code
activating 88
deactivating 89
establishing 88
Cold starting, refer to
Starting engine 63
Combination of wheels/
tires 148
Comfort seat 46
Comfort starting, refer to
Starting engine 63
Compact Disc operation,
refer to Owner's Manual
for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compact wheel, changing
wheels 167

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z

Overview
Controls
Maintenance

D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 14
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 102
Data, technical 180
dimensions 181
engine 180
filling capacities 183
weights 182
Date
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
changing 82
displaying 82
Daytime driving lamps 100
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 91
indicator lamp 21
Deactivating the alarm in an
emergency 89
Defective lamp 161
Defrosting windows 106, 109
air conditioner 106
automatic climate
control 109

Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
air conditioner 106
automatic climate
control 109
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting
windows 106, 109
Digital clock 82
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Digital compass 117
Dimensions 181
Dimming feature, interior
mirror 138
Dipstick, engine oil 152
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signals 68
Disk brakes 140
Displacement, refer to
Engine specifications 180
Display, refer to Instrument
cluster 15, 17, 18
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 102
Disposal, vehicle battery 171
Distance to destination 86
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control 90

Repairs

Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 180

Data

Coolant 154
level 154
temperature gauge 76
warning lamp 76
Coolant temperature 76
Coolant temperature
gauge 76
Cooling, maximum 110
Cooling, refer to
Air conditioning 105, 110
Temperature 105, 109
Copyright 4
Cornering light, refer to
Adaptive Head Light 101
Correct tires
wheel/tire
replacement 148
winter tires 149
Courtesy illumination, refer
to Courtesy lighting 103
Courtesy lighting 103
Cruise control 71
buttons on steering
wheel 23
indicator lamp 22
Cruising range 80, 87
Cup holders 120
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 182
Current consumption, refer
to Energy control 74

Index

Compartments, refer to
Storage
compartments 119
Compass interior rearview
mirror 117
Computer 79, 85
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Condensation, refer to
Air conditioning 105, 110
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Sockets 121, 128
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption 80
Fuel consumption 87
Consumption display, refer
to Energy control 74
Consumption indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 75
Contents 4
Controls, refer to Cockpit 14
Convenience opening mode
panorama glass roof 31
windows 31
Convenience operation
from outside 33
panorama glass roof 33
windows 33

189n

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z
Divided rear seat backrest,
refer to Folding rear seat
back 124
Door keys 30
Door lock 33
DOT Quality Grades 145
Draft-free
ventilation 106, 111
Driving lamps, refer to
Parking lamps/low
beams 100
Driving notes
breaking-in 136
driving hints 137, 138
Driving on poor roads 138
Driving stability control 92
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 137
Driving your X5 138
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning 105, 110
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 92
warning lamp 22
DVD changer, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC 91
indicator lamp 21

Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 92
warning lamp 22
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution 91
Electrical defect
liftgate 35
tailgate 36
Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 67
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
panorama glass roof 42
Electric steering wheel
adjustment 52
Electronic brake-force distribution EBV 91
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control 92
Emergency call 173
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 36

Emergency Service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 173
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy control 74
Energy control 74
Engine
breaking-in 136
data 180
electronic circuitry 22
overheated, refer to
Coolant temperature
gauge 76
speed 74
starting 62
switching off 63
Engine compartment 151
Engine coolant 154
Engine oil 152
additives, refer to
Specified engine oils 153
filling capacity 183
indicator/warning lamp 19
specified engine oils 153
Engine oil level 152
indicator/warning lamp 21
Engine oil pressure,
indicator/warning lamp 19
Engine oil temperature
gauge 75
Engine output, refer to
Engine specifications 180

Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature
gauge 76
Engine specifications 180
Engine speed, refer to
Engine specifications 180
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control 74
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control 92
Event Data Recorders 157
Exhaust system 137
Extended immobilizer
function 88
Exterior mirrors 53
automatic dimming
feature 138
folding in and out 54
External air, automatic
climate control 110
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 77
Failure of a current
consumer 172
False alarms, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z

Overview
Controls
Maintenance

G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal
remote control 114
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality 26
Gasoline display, refer to
Fuel gauge 75
Gear display 65
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission 64
General driving notes 137
Glove box, refer to Glove
compartment 119
Glove compartment 119
Grills, refer to
Ventilation 106, 111
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 182
Ground clearance 139

H
Handbrake 64
indicator lamp 19, 21
Hand lamp, refer to
Rechargeable
flashlight 119
Hands-free microphone,
refer to Telephone 116
Hands-free system 116
refer to Microphone 116
Hazard warning flashers 14
HDC Hill Descent Control 94
Head airbags 55
Headlamp control,
automatic 100
Headlamp cover, care, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Headlamp flasher 68
indicator lamp 22
Headlamps
care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
replacing bulbs 161
Headlamp washer
reservoir 152
volume, refer to Filling
capacities 183
Headlamp washer system
headlamp washing 70
washer fluid 152

Repairs

Fuel-saving driving, refer to
Energy control 74
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities 183
Full preparation package
mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Fuses 172

Data

Floor mats, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Fluid level, indicator lamp 21
Fog lamps, indicator lamp 22
Folding floor cover up 128
Folding rear backrest 124
Folding rear seat back 124
Footbrake, refer to General
driving notes 137
Footwell lamps 103
For information on breaking
in the differential, refer to
Engine and differential 136
Four-wheel drive system,
refer to xDrive 94
Front airbags 55
Front fog lamps 102
replacing bulbs 163
Fuel
average
consumption 80, 87
display 75
quality 26
volume, refer to
Capacities 183
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 75
Fuel filler door 24
manual operation 24
Fuel gauge 75

Index

Fastening seat belts
refer to Safety belts 49
Fasten safety belts
warning lamp 21, 49
Fault displays, refer to Check
Control 77
Filter, refer to
Microfilter 106
Microfilter/activatedcharcoal filter 112
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 24
First-aid kit 24
Flashlight 119
Flat, compact wheel 167
Flat tire 165
compact wheel 167
Flat Tire Monitor 98
refer to Changing a
wheel 165
refer to Tire inflation
pressure 141
spare wheel 167
Flat Tire Monitor 98
false alarms 98
initializing system 99
limits of system 98
show chains 149
warning lamp 99
Flooding, refer to Driving
through water 138

191n

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z
Head restraints 47
adjusting 47
installing in front 48
removing and installing in
rear 48
removing in front 48
sitting safely 43
Heated mirrors 54
Heated rear window
air conditioner 105
automatic climate
control 110
Heated seats 52
Heated steering wheel 53
Heater
rear window 105, 110
steering wheel 53
Heating
exterior mirror 54
residual heat
utilization 110
seats 52
Heating and
ventilation 104, 107
Heating while stationary 110
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo
loading 131
Heavy-duty cargo straps,
refer to Cargo loading 131
Height, refer to
Dimensions 181

Height adjustment
seats 45, 46
steering wheel 52
High beams 101
headlamp flasher 68
indicator lamp 22
replacing bulbs 162
High temperatures 137
Hill Descent Control HDC 94
Hills 138, 140
Holder for cups 120
Hood 150
Horn 14
Hotel function 30
Hot exhaust system 137
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 91
Hydraulic system, brakes 19
Hydroplaning 137, 147
I
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning 73
Identification, tire 145
Ignition 62
Ignition key 30
Ignition key positions, refer
to Ignition lock 62
Ignition lock 62
Immobilizer function 88
Imprint 4

Independent ventilation,
refer to Parked car
ventilation 113
Indicating
elements 15, 17, 18
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 57
alarm system 38
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 67
brakes 155
coolant temperature 76
DSC 92
engine temperature 76
fasten safety belts 49
Flat Tire Monitor 99
front fog lamps 102
reserve 75
self-leveling
suspension 95
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview 19
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 102
Individual air distribution 109
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 61
Inflation pressure, tires, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure 141

Initializing, refer to Power
loss 42
INSPECTION 76
Instrument cluster 15, 17, 18
refer to Cockpit 14
Instrument lighting 102
Instrument panel 14
Integrated universal remote
control 114
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostics 157
Interior lamps 103
remote control 31
Interior mirror, automatic
dimming feature 138
Interior motion sensor 39
switching off 31, 39
Interior rearview mirror 54
compass 117
Interlock, refer to Steering
lock engaged 62
Intermittent operation of
wipers 69, 71
Interval Display, Service 76
J
Jacking points for vehicle
jack 170
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting 174
Jump starting 174

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z

M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 149
Maintenance, refer to
Service Interval Display 76
Maintenance system 156

Overview
Controls
Maintenance

Malfunction
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 67
door lock 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 36
Manual operation
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 36
Manual transmission 64
Master key 30
with remote control 30
Maximum cooling 110
Maximum roof weight 182
Maximum speed with winter
tires 149
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions 181
Mechanical key, refer to
Door and ignition key 30
Mechanical seats 45
Memo 83

Repairs

Low-fuel indicator lamp,
refer to Fuel gauge 75
Lug bolts 169
torque 170
Luggage compartment
capacity 182
opening from inside 35
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo area 124
Luggage compartment
cover, refer to Roll-up
cover 125
Luggage compartment
lamps, refer to Cargo area
lamps 103
Luggage compartment lid
refer to Liftgate 35
refer to Tailgate 36
Luggage net, refer to
Partition net 125
Luggage rack, refer to Roofmounted luggage rack 132
Luggage straps 37
Lumbar support 46

Data

L
Lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 100
Lamps and bulbs 161
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing load 131
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system 59
Length, refer to
Dimensions 181
License plate lamp,
replacing bulbs 164
Liftgate 35
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually 35
opening, remote control 31
Liftgate/tailgate
opening from inside 35
opening from the
outside 35
unlocking manually 35, 36

Light-alloy wheels, care,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs 165
Lighter 121, 122
Lighting of instruments 102
Lights on warning 100
Light switch 100
Limit 85
Limit speed, refer to Speed
limit 85
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 130
Loading, securing load 131
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking 34
Locking
from inside 34
from outside 31
Locking, vehicle
from inside 34
from outside 31
Locking and unlocking doors
from inside 34
from outside 31
Low beams 100
automatic 100
replacing bulbs 161
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support 46

Index

K
Key Memory 61
Keys 30
key-related settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 61
Kick-down 66

193n

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z
Memory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory 50
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 61
Microfilter
air conditioner 106
automatic climate
control 112
Microphone for telephone,
refer to Car phone 116
MID Multi-Information
Display
displays and controls 81
information display 81
Mirror dimming feature 138
Mirrors 53
automatic curb monitor 51
mirror heating 54
mirror memory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory 50
Mobile communications
devices in vehicle 137
Mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Monitoring pressure of tires,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor 98
Multi-function steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
steering wheel 23

Multifunction switch
turn signals/headlamp
flasher 68
washer/wiper system 69
Multi-Information Display
MID 81
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 47
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 106, 111
Nylon rope, refer to Towstarting and towing 177
O
OBD interface socket 157
Odometer 73
Oil
additives, refer to
Specified engine oils 153
consumption 152
consumption, refer to
Engine oil, checking 152
dipstick 152
filling capacity 183
level 152
refilling, refer to Engine oil,
adding 153
specified engine oils 153

Oil change interval, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, US
models or Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet,
Canadian models
Oil consumption 152
Oil level 152
checking 152
Oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp 19
OILSERVICE 76
Oil temperature 75
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 171
Onboard tool kit 160
Opening and closing
from inside 34
from outside 31
using the door lock 33
using the remote
control 31
Output, refer to Engine
specifications 180
Outside air, air
conditioner 105
Outside temperature
display 73
changing unit of
measure 73, 80
on onboard computer 80

P
Package shelf, refer to Rollup cover 125
Panorama glass roof 41
automatic opening and
closing 41
closing in the event of an
electrical malfunction 42
comfort operation 33
comfort position 42
initializing 42
power failure 42
remote control 31
Park Distance Control
PDC 90
Parked car ventilation 113
activating/deactivating
switch-on times 84
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
entering switch-on
times 84
switching on and off
directly 84
Parking, vehicle 63
Parking aid, refer to PDC
Park Distance Control 90
Parking assistant, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control 90

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z

Overview
Controls
Maintenance

Remote control 31
garage door opener, refer
to Integrated universal
remote control 114
liftgate 31
malfunction 32
Removal aid for spare
wheel 168
Removing condensation,
windows
air conditioner 106
automatic climate
control 109
Replacement fuses 172
Replacement keys 30
Replacement tire 167
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 161
Replacing light bulbs 161
Replacing tires
changing a wheel 165
tire replacement 145
Reporting an accident, refer
to Initiating an emergency
call 173
Reporting safety defects 11
Residual heat 110
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts 49
Restraint systems for
children 57

Repairs

R
Radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Radio-control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control 30
Radio navigation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Rain sensor 69
Reading lamps
front 103
rear 103
Real wood, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Rear backrests, power 48
Rear climate control 111
air supply 112
temperature 112
Rear lamps
refer to Tail lamps 163
replacing bulbs 163
Rear seat back, folding 124

Rear seat backrest,
electric 48
Rear-seat backrest, folding
down 124
Rear seats, heating 52
Rearview mirror 53
Rear window blinds, refer to
Roller sun blinds 113
Rear window defroster
air conditioner 105
automatic climate
control 110
Rear window safety
switch 40
Rear window wiper 71
replacing bulbs 160
Rechargeable flashlight 119
Recirculated-air mode
air conditioner 105
automatic climate
control 110
Reflectors, refer to Tail
lamps 163
Refueling 24
fuel filler door 24
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range 80, 87
Remaining distance for
service, refer to Service
Interval Display 76

Data

Programming settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 61
Protective function,
panorama glass roof 42
Pull-out cargo floor 128

Index

Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake 64
Parking lamps 100
replacing bulbs 162
Parking lamps/low
beams 100
Parts and accessories, refer
to For your own safety 9
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function 51
Pathway lighting 100
PDC Park Distance
Control 90
Permissible axle load, refer
to Weights 182
Permissible gross weight,
refer to Weights 182
Plastic, care, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter 106
Microfilter/activatedcharcoal filter 112
Power electric seat 46
Power failure 171
Power rear seat backrest 48
Power windows 39
safety switch 40
Pressure, tires 141
Pressure monitoring, tires 98
Flat Tire Monitor 98

195n

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z
Reverse gear
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 66
manual transmission 65
Roadside Assistance 173
Roadside parking lamps 101
replacing bulbs 162
Roller blind for cargo area,
refer to Roll-up cover 125
Roller sun blinds 113
Roll-up cover 125
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 132
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing 177
Rotating coin holder, refer to
Storage
compartments 119
S
Safe braking 140
Safety belt height
adjustment 49
Safety belts 49
adjusting belt height 49
care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
sitting safely 43
warning lamp 21, 49
Safety belt tensioners, refer
to Safety belts 50
Safety defects 11

Safety feature, power
windows 40
Safety systems, refer to
Airbags 55
Antilock Brake System 91
Brake system 140
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 92
xDrive 94
Screw thread for tow
fitting 176
Seat heating 52
Seat memory, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel
memory 50
Seats 44
adjusting comfort seat 46
adjusting electrically 46
adjusting sports seat 45
heating 52
memory, refer to Seat,
mirror and steering wheel
memory 50
sitting safely 43
storing adjustment 50
Securing cargo, refer to
Cargo loading 130
Securing load 131
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 66

Selector lever interlock, refer
to Changing selector lever
positions 66
Selector lever positions,
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 65
Self-leveling suspension 95
2-axle self-leveling
suspension 96
inactive 95
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance 173
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US
models 156
Service Interval
Display 76, 156
Setting interior
temperature 105, 109
Setting time, refer to Preselecting switch-on times 84
Shifting
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 66
manual transmission 64
Shiftlock 66
Shoulder support 47
Side airbags 55
Side Impact Head Protection
System 55
Side tilt, permissible 138

Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs 162
Side window blinds, refer to
Roller sun blinds 113
Signal horn, refer to Horn 14
Signaling briefly 68
Sitting safely 43
with airbags 43
with head restraint 43
with safety belts 43
Ski bag 123
Sliding sunroof, refer to
Panorama glass roof 41
Snow chains 149
Sockets 121
Sockets in cargo area 128
Soft closure aid for liftgate,
refer to Automatic Soft
Close function 36
Spare fuses 172
Spare key 30
Spare wheel 167
removal aid 168
Special wash program 70
Specified engine oils 153
Speed
with compact wheel 170
with spare wheel 171
with winter tires 149
Speed limit 85

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z

T
Tachometer 74

Overview
Controls
Maintenance

Temperature of coolant,
refer to Coolant temperature gauge 76
Temperature warning 73
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 71
Thigh support adjustment 45
Third brake lamp
refer to Center brake
lamp 164
replacing bulbs 164
Three-point belt 49
Tightening torque of lug
bolts 170
Tilt alarm sensor 39
remote control 31
switching off 39
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror 51
Time of arrival 87
Timer, refer to Stopwatch 83
Tire Identification
Number 145
Tire inflation pressure 141
producing 141
Tire inflation pressure
monitoring, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor 98
Tire Quality Grading 145

Repairs

Tailgate 36
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually 35, 36
opening, remote control 31
remote control 31
unlocking manually 36
Tail lamps, replacing
bulbs 163
Taking time, refer to
Stopwatch 83
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity 183
Technical data 180
Technical modifications 9
Telephone 116
refer to separate Owner’s
Manual
Telephone provisions, refer
to Hands-free telephone
operation 116
Temperature
air conditioner 105
automatic climate
control 109
Temperature display
interior temperature 109
outside temperature 73, 80
outside temperature
warning 73
setting the units 73, 80

Data

Steering wheel memory 50
Steering wheel with multifunction buttons 23
Steptronic, refer to Manual
operation 67
Stopwatch 83
Storage compartments 119
Storage compartments in
cargo area 127
Storage space, refer to
Cargo area 124
Storing desired speed, refer
to Cruise control 71
Storing seat adjustment 50
Storing sitting position, refer
to Seat, mirror and
steering wheel memory 50
Storing tires 149
Supply reservoir, washer
systems 152
Switches, refer to Cockpit 14
Switching air conditioner
mode on and off
manually 105, 110
Switching off engine 63
Switching on hour signal 83
Switch-on times, entering 84
Symbols 8
Synthetic oil 153

Index

Speedometer 15, 17, 18
refer to Instrument
cluster 15, 17, 18
Sport Program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 67
Sports seat 45
Stability control, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 92
xDrive 94
Starting, refer to Starting
engine 62
Starting engine 62
Starting problems
at very low
temperatures 63
jump starting 174
Status of this Owner's
Manual at time of printing 9
Steering lock 62
Steering wheel
adjustment 52
buttons on steering
wheel 23
entry/exit aid 53
heating 53
lock 62
memory 50
Steering wheel adjustment,
automatic 53
Steering wheel heater 53

197n

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z
Tires
age 145
breaking-in 136
changing 148, 165
condition 146
damage 146
DOT Quality Grades 145
flat 165
inflation pressure 141
size 145
storage 149
traction 146
tread 147
tread wear 145
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 145
wear indicators, refer to
Tire tread 147
winter tires 149
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit 160
Torque
engine 180
lug bolts 170
Tow bar 176
Tow fittings 175
Towing the vehicle 175, 176
with automatic
transmission 176
Tow-rope 177
Tow sockets for tow
fitting 176

Tow-starting 175
Track width, refer to
Dimensions 181
Traction 146
Traction aid, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control 92
Traction control, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 92
Transmission
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 65
manual transmission 64
Transmission lockout, refer
to P Park 66
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction 67
Transporting children
safely 57
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing load 131
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 147
Tread wear 145
Trip-distance counter, refer
to Trip odometer 73
Trip odometer 73
Trunk lamps, refer to Cargo
area lamps 103

Trunk lid, refer to
Liftgate 35
Tailgate 36
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 181
Turn signals 68
indicator lamp 22
replacing bulbs 162, 163
Turn signals, side, replacing
bulbs 162
TV function, refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
TV set, refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Two-axle self-leveling
suspension
display 96
lowering 97
raising 97
U
Underbody protection, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 145
Units,
temperature 73, 80, 109

Universal garage door
control, refer to Integrated
universal remote
control 114
Universal remote control 114
Unlocking
from inside 34
from outside 31
hood 150
Using antifreeze 152, 154
V
Vacuum cleaner,
connecting, refer to
Sockets 121, 128
Valve
inserts 170
screw caps 170
Vehicle
battery 171
breaking-in 136
care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
cargo loading 130
measurements, refer to
Dimensions 181
parking 63
storage, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
weight 182

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Everything from A to Z

Overview
Controls

Y
Your individual vehicle 8

Maintenance

X
xDrive 94
Xenon lamps, replacing
bulbs 162

Repairs

Windshield cleaner reservoir
volume, refer to Filling
capacities 183
Windshield washer, washer
fluid 152
Windshield washer fluid
reservoir 152
Windshield washer
nozzles 70
Windshield washer system,
washer/wiper system 69
Windshield wiper blades
care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
replacement 160
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper/washer system 69
Winter tires 149
changing 149
condition 146
storage 149
Wiper blade
replacement 160
Wiper system 69
Working in the engine
compartment 150
Wrenches/screwdrivers,
refer to Onboard
toolkit 160

Data

W
Warning and indicator
lamps 19
Warnings, refer to Check
Control 77
Warning triangle 24
Warranty 10
refer also to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models 156
Washer fluid 152
Washer fluid reservoir,
content 183

Washer jets, refer to
Windshield washer
nozzles 70
Washer reservoir, refer to
Windshield and headlamp
washer system 152
Waste container, refer to
Ashtray 121
Water on roads, flooding 138
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Tire tread 147
Weights 182
Wheel/tire combinations 148
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions 181
Wheel bolts, wrench 166
Wheel replacement 148
Width, refer to
Dimensions 181
Windows 39
convenience operation 33
defrosting, refer to
Defrosting
windows 106, 109
safety switch 40
Windshield
defrosting, refer to
Defrosting
windshield 106, 109
washing 70

Index

Vehicle battery 171
Vehicle jack 167
jacking points 170
Vehicle Memory 61
Ventilation 106, 111
Ventilation in the rear 106
Ventilation while parked 113
Viscosity 154
Voice command system 23
Voice control, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Volume, cargo area 182

199n

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

Refueling
So that you will have important specifications available when you stop to
refuel, we recommend that you fill in
this table with data which apply to your
vehicle.
Consult the index for individual specifications.

Fuel
Designation
Please enter your preferred fuel here.

Engine oil
Quality
The oil volume between the two marks
on the oil dipstick corresponds to
approx. 1.1 US quarts/1 liter.

Tire inflation pressures

Summer tires
Front

Rear

Winter tires
Front

Rear

4 persons
5 persons or 4 plus luggage

Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG

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