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130nCargo area
Pull-out cargo floor* To release, pull the handle recess upward. Then pull the floor out.
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 auto- matically and cause personal injuries. A load which is not properly secured could begin to 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.<
When it is extended, you can load the cargo floor: > With up to 990 Ibs./450 kg, distrib-
uted evenly across the entire surface
> With up to 330 Ibs./150 kg on the
rear edge.
Do not overload the cargo floor when it is extended. If you do so,
it could cause damage. When you slide the cargo floor back in, do not grasp it on the bottom. If you do so, there is a risk of personal injury.< Raising cargo floor
For access to the spare wheel or other stored items: Swing the cargo floor up and secure it with the rod, refer to illustration.
If your vehicle has a partition net: Take the bag with the partition net
out of the retainer, refer to page 127, before you raise the cargo floor. Other- wise, the bag could slide downward.<
Cargo 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.<
Determining loading limit 1. Locate the following statement on
your vehicle's placard*:
The combined weight of occu- pants and cargo should never exceed XXX Ibs. or YYY kg, as other- wise 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 Ibs. or YYY kg
131n
4. The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the XXX amount equals 1350 Ibs. and there will be five 150 Ibs. passengers in your vehi- cle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 600 Ibs.: 1350 Ibs. minus 750 Ibs. = 600 Ibs. 5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on 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 trans- ferred 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.
132nCargo loading
Load: The permitted load is the total of the weight of occupants and cargo/lug- gage. The greater the weight of occu- pants, the less cargo/luggage can be transported.
Stowing cargo > Position heavy cargo as far forward as possible directly behind the back- rests and as low as possible
> Cover sharp edges and corners > Do not pile objects higher than the
top edge of the backrest
> Fasten the partition net, refer to
page 127, and ensure that carried items cannot pass through the parti- tion net
> Wrap objects which could strike the rear window while driving accordingly
> If you are transporting very heavy
loads when the rear seat is not occu- pied, secure the outer safety belts in the opposite buckles.
Securing load > 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 secur-
ing larger and heavier objects are available at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center. The lashing eyes pro- vided at the corners of the cargo area serve for mounting these heavy-duty cargo straps
> Read and comply with the informa- tion enclosed with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Cargo loading
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
133n
Always position and secure the load as described above. If you do
not, it can even endanger the passen- gers during braking or evasive maneu- vers. Do not exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight and the permissible axle loads, refer to page 180. 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 passen- ger compartment, as they could fly around and pose a safety hazard to the vehicle's occupants even during abrupt braking or evasive maneuvers.<
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.
Loading luggage rack Roof-mounted luggage racks raise the center of gravity of the vehicle when they are loaded. For this reason, they exercise a major effect on the vehicle's handling and steering response. You should therefore always remember not 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 180. Make sure that the load is distributed evenly, and that it does not extend out- ward to beyond the limits of the loading surface. Always load the heaviest pieces on the bottom. Be sure that ade- quate clearance is maintained for rais- ing the panorama glass sunroof, 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 accelera- tion and braking maneuvers. Take cor- ners gently.
134n
135n
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
Mainte-
136n
Breaking-in
Moving parts should be allowed to break in. To ensure that your vehicle provides maximum economy through- out a long service life, we request that you observe the following instructions:
Engine and differential 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 engines: 100 mph/160 km/h 8-cylinder engines: 106 mph/170 km/h Obey your local and state maximum speed limits. Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the transmission's kick-down mode during these initial miles. Once you have driven 1,200 miles/ 2,000 km, the engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually 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 trac- tion, vehicle control and braking effec- tiveness. 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 proce- dure 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 driving later.
General driving notes
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Closing liftgate/tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the tailgate and liftgate are completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could enter into the passenger com- partment.<
However, if special circumstances should make it absolutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the liftgate/ tailgate open: 1. Close all windows and the panorama
glass sunroof
2. Increase the air supply for the air conditioner or automatic climate control to a high level, refer to page 108 or 112.
Hot exhaust system
Extreme temperatures occur at the catalytic converter on this and every catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not remove the heat shields installed adja- cent to various sections of the exhaust system, 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 mate- rials such as hay, leaves, grass etc.
Otherwise there is a danger of ignition and of a fire with the risk of serious inju- ries and damage.<
Portable phone in vehicle
BMW advises against using mobile radio devices such as por- table phones inside the vehicle unless they are directly connected to the external antenna. Otherwise, it is impossible to prevent a mutual interfer- ence of the vehicle electronics with the portable phone device. Also, there is no guarantee that the radiation generated by the transmission will be conveyed out from the interior of the vehicle.<
When vehicle is parked Condensation forms in the air condi- tioner system during operation, and then exits under the vehicle. Traces of water on the ground are therefore nor- mal.
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.<
Road hazards
If road hazards, obstacles or curbs are unavoidable, only drive over them very slowly and carefully, as oth- erwise the wheels and suspension parts, especially on vehicles fitted with low profile tires, can be damaged.<
For more information on wheels and tires, refer to page 144.
Before driving into a car wash Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page 54, as otherwise they could be damaged due to the width of the vehi- cle.
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 brak- ing control and of control over the vehi- cle.<
138nGeneral driving notes
Driving through water
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 sus- pension*, switch the vehicle into the Off-Road setting before driving through, refer to page 100.<
Using handbrake on slopes
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes by slipping or riding the
clutch; use the handbrake instead. Oth- erwise, severe clutch wear will result.<
Interior and exterior mirrors, automatic dimming feature* Two photocells serve to control the automatic dimming of the interior and exterior rearview mirrors. One photocell is in the mirror glass, refer to arrow, while the other is offset somewhat on the back of the mirror. For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells clean and do not cover the area between the interior rearview mir- ror and the windshield. Do not attach any kind of stickers on the windshield in front of the mirror, either.
Driving your X5
On poor roads 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:
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 gradi- ents of this kind, make sure before- hand that the engine oil and coolant levels are near the max mark, refer to pages 150 and 152. Use the HDC Hill Descent Control when driving down steep grades, refer to page 97. Starting off is possible 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 when- ever possible
Driving your X5
> Please note that, for example on
crests and bumpy roads, the body can make ground contact. The ground clearance of the vehicle is: – 8 in/20 cm with up to four persons – 7 in/18 cm fully loaded, without
level control
> Only drive through water up to a max- imum 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 100. 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 wet- ness.
Back onto paved road In recommending that you observe the following points after driving on adverse road surfaces, it is not as a beauty treatment for your BMW. Instead, it is intended for the maintenance of driving safety: > 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 influ- ence 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, pro- vided that traffic conditions allow you to do so.
139n
140nSafe braking
Emergency stops You brake most effectively when you apply maximum pedal pressure in situa- tions requiring it: emergency stops. Since the vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you can nevertheless avoid possible obstacles with a mini- mum of steering effort. 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 defect in one of the two brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Here increased pressure on the brake pedal may be required, and slight pull- ing to the side and longer braking dis- tances may result. Please remember to adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Disc brakes When the vehicle is driven only occa- sionally, during extended periods when the vehicle is not used at all, and in operating conditions where brake appli- cations 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 which must be exerted by the pads dur- ing brake applications to clean the rotors is not reached. If the brake rotors are corroded, they will tend to respond to braking with a pulsating effect which 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 brak- ing force is then immediately available when required. Extended or steep mountain descents should be driven in the gear in which only minimal periodic brake application is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible impairment of the braking effect.
Do not coast with the clutch depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in neutral. Do not drive with the engine switched off. The engine provides no braking effect when the clutch is depressed or the transmis- sion is in neutral, and there is no power- assist for braking or steering when the engine is not running. 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. Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other objects to protrude into the area around the accelerator, clutch and brake pedals and obstruct their move- ment.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only brake pads that BMW has
released for your particular vehicle model. BMW cannot evaluate non- approved brake pads to determine if they are suited for use, and therefore cannot ensure the operating safety of the vehicle if they are installed.<
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety It is not merely the tire's service life, but also driving comfort and – to a great extent – driving safety that depend on the condition of the tires and the main- tenance of the specified tire pressure.
Checking inflation pressure Only check tire inflation pressure when the tires are cold. i.e. after driving a maximum of 1.25 miles/2 km or when the vehicle has been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are warm, the tire inflation pressure increases.
Regularly check the tire inflation pressure and correct as needed, including the spare tire: at least every two weeks and before beginning a longer trip. If this is not done, incorrect tire pressures can cause driving insta- bility and tire damage, ultimately result- ing in an accident. Do not drive with a depressurized, i.e. flat, tire. A flat tire greatly impairs steering and braking response, and can lead to complete loss of control over the vehicle.<
After correcting the inflation pres- sure(s), always reinitialize the Flat
Tire Monitor, refer to page 102.<
141n
Inflation pressure for original equipment tires You will find tire inflation pressures on the inside door pillar.
Inflation pressure for other tire sizes The tire pressure table below gives all of the tire pressure specifications for the tire sizes indicated, with the ambi- ent temperature.
In order to clearly identify the cor- rect tire inflation pressure for your tires, be sure to note the specifications for the appropriate tire sizes.<
142nTire inflation pressure
BMW
Tires
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 255/55 R 18 105 V 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 235/65 R 17 104 H M+S 255/55 R 18 105 H M+S 255/55 R 18 105 V 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 Front: 275/40 R 20 102 W Rear: 315/35 R 20 106 W 255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
X5 3.0i
X5 4.4i
X5 4.8is
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
33/230–
32/220
–
32/220
–
35/240
35/24032/220
–
32/220
–
32/220
32/220
–
32/220
–
33/230
–
33/230
–
39/270
–
39/270
39/270–
39/270
–
39/270
–
39/270
39/270You will find more information about permissible loads and weights on page 180.
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire makes it easier to identify and choose the right tires.
235/65 R 17 104 H
Tire size e.g. Nominal width in mm Cross-sectional ratio in Ξ Belted construction radial Rim diameter in inches Load index, not with ZR tires Speed code letter, with ZR tires before the R
Speed code letter: Q = up to 105 mph/160 km/h T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Tire Identification Number Tires with DOT codes meet the guide- lines of the U.S. Department of Trans- port.
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DOT xxxx xxx 3603
DOT code: e.g. Manufacturer's code for tire brand Tire size and tire model Tire age
Tire age The manufacturer of your BMW recom- mends that all tires, i.e. including the spare wheel, be replaced regardless of the actual wear after 6 years at the lat- est. The tire's date of manufacture is indi- cated on the sidewall: DOT... 3603 indicates that the tire was manufactured in week 36 of 2003.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:
DOT Quality Grades Tread wear Traction AA A B C Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must con- form to Federal Safety Require- ments 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 condi- tions 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 condi- tions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road char- acteristics and climate.
144nTire 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 speci- fied 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, hydro- planing, or peak traction characteris- tics.<
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 condi- tions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive tem- perature 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 condition
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 sus-
pension parts more susceptible to road hazard and consequential damages. Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or some other vehicle defect. 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 immedi- ately 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 occu- pants and other road users alike.<
Wheel/tire condition
Tire tread 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. 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. As winter tires display a noticeable loss in their ability to cope with cold- weather driving conditions once the tread wears to below 0.16 in/4 mm, you should always have such tires replaced to ensure continued safety.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circumference and are marked on the side of the tire with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. These indica- tors signal at a tread depth of 0.063 in/ 1.6 mm that the legally permitted wear limit has been reached.
145n
146nReplacing wheels/tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or a tire special- ist workshop that works according to BMW guidelines with appropriately trained personnel. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent damage and related safety hazards.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of retread tires, as otherwise driving safety may be reduced. The rea- son for this is that possible variations in the design and aging – which could be substantial – of the tire casing can result in a limited service life.<
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 fac- tors such as manufacturing tolerances mean that even wheels and tires with identical official size ratings could actu- ally have different dimensions than the approved units – these differences could lead to body contact, and with it the risk of severe accidents. If non- approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, and therefore cannot be held liable for driving safety.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center for the correct wheel/tire combination. 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 manu- facturer. After a flat tire, always remem- ber to have the original wheel and tire combination remounted on the vehicle as soon as possible. Recommended tire sizes and makes: For each tire size, certain tire makes have been tested by BMW and classi- fied and approved as safe. You can find out about them at a specialized store, preferably your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center. Follow any national reg- ulations, e.g. listed in the vehicle docu- ments. The factory-approved radial ply tires are matched to your vehicle and with proper use, offer both optimal driving safety and the desired driving comfort.
Special features of winter tires 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 perfor- mance as winter tires. When switching to winter tires, observe the description under Tire condition, page 144, 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 dam- age and accidents. Have this work per- formed by skilled professionals only. The technicians at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center will be glad to assist you with the required profes- sional knowledge and specialized equipment.<
Replacing wheels/tires
Snow chains*
147n
Storage 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 infla- tion pressure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Only certain snow chains have been tested by BMW and classified and approved as safe. Consult your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center for details. BMW recommends only using these approved, narrow-link snow chains. Use is only permitted in pairs on the rear wheels with the following tire sizes: X5 4.8is: 255/55 R 18
All other models: 235/65 R 17
Observe the manufacturer's instruc- tions when installing snow chains. Do not exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph/50 km/h.After mounting snow chains, do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor. When you are driving with snow chains, it can be beneficial to switch off DSC briefly, refer to page 96.<
148nHood
Unlocking Pull the lever located under the left side of the instrument panel.
Opening Pull the release handle and open the hood.
Never attempt to perform any ser- vice or repair operations on your
vehicle without the required profes- sional technical training. If you are not familiar with the regulations to be observed, only have work on your vehi- cle carried out by a BMW Sports Activ- ity 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 dan- ger of subsequent damage and related safety hazards.<
Closing Allow the hood to fall from a height of about 12 in/30 cm so that it audibly engages.
Observe the same precautions that apply to all closing operations by ensuring that the hood's travel range is clear and unobstructed before allow- ing the hood to fall into position. If it is determined that the hood is not completely closed while driving, stop immediately and close it securely.<
Engine compartment essentials
149n
1 Engine oil dipstick 150
2 Brake fluid reservoir, located3 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting 171
beneath the microfilter cover 153
4 Coolant expansion tank 152
5 Engine oil filler neck 150
6 Reservoir for windshield andheadlamp washer system 150
150nWasher fluid
Engine oil
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.
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 recom- mendations.
We recommend that you mix the washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Checking oil level Oil consumption depends on driving style and operating conditions. 1. With the engine at operating temper- ature, i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km of continuous driving, park the vehi- cle in a horizontal position
2. Switch off the engine 3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip- stick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar material
Antifreeze agent for the washer systems is inflammable. For this reason, keep it away from sources of flame and store it only in its original containers. Store it so that it is inacces- sible to children. Comply with the instructions on the containers.<
Engine oil
The oil volume between the two marks on the dipstick corresponds to approx. 1.1 US quarts/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil will
damage the engine.<
X5 4.8is: With a very sporty driving style, the engine oil level should be at the upper mark on the dipstick.
Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just above the lower mark on the dipstick before adding oil.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/ 50 km, otherwise, the engine
could be damaged.<
Always store oils, grease and similar materials so that they are inaccessible to children. Comply with warning labels and information on con- tainers.<
Oil change: Have oil changed only by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or by a repair shop that works according to
151n
BMW guidelines with appropriately trained personnel.
Specified engine oils The quality of the engine oil selected has critical significance for the opera- tion and service life of an engine. Based on extensive testing, BMW has approved only certain engine oils. Use only approved BMW High Perfor- mance Synthetic Oil. If you are unable to obtain BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil, you can add small amounts of synthetic oil in between oil changes. Use only oils with the API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center for details concern- ing the specific BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils which have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer- ica at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this web- site: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
BMW engines are designed to operate without additives, and their use could even lead to damage in some cases.<
152nEngine oil
Coolant
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab- lished 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.
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 Vehi- cle center knows which additives are suitable.
Use only suitable additives, other- wise you could damage your
engine. The additives can be harmful to your health.<
Always observe all applicable environmental rules and regula- tions when disposing of coolant addi- tives.<
Checking coolant level 1. The engine must be at ambient tem-
perature
2. Start by turning the cap of the expan- sion tank counterclockwise. Pause to allow any accumulated pressure to escape, then open
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
Coolant
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.
Brake fluid
Brake fluid level
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.
Add brake fluid The brake fluid reservoir is located under the microfilter housing trim panel on the driver's side of the vehicle. For adding brake fluid or for determining and correcting the cause of brake fluid loss, consult your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center. Your BMW Sports Activ- ity Vehicle center is familiar with the specifications for factory-approved DOT 4 brake fluids. Brake fluid loss may result in extended brake pedal travel. For this situation, refer to the notes on page 140.
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Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it absorbs moisture from the air
over time. In order to ensure the safety and reli- ability 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 Book- let for Canadian models. Brake fluid is toxic and also damages vehicle paintwork. Always store these agents in tightly-closed original con- tainers kept well away from the reach of children. Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the brake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon contact with hot engine parts and cause serious burns.<
Always observe all applicable environmental rules and regula- tions when disposing of used brake fluid.<
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The BMW Maintenance System
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.
Have your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center do the mainte-
nance 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 Book- let for Canadian models. These entries will constitute your proof that the vehicle has received regular maintenance. They are also required for warranty claims.<
Car care For all information on this subject, refer to the Caring for your vehicle brochure.
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 long- distance highway travel. The BMW Maintenance System includes the Engine Oil Service and Inspections I and II. 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 annu- ally, should have the engine oil changed at least every 2 years since oil deterio- rates over time, regardless of use.
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models/ Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models For additional information on mainte- nance intervals and procedures, please refer to the Service and Warranty Infor- mation Booklet for US models or the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
The BMW Maintenance System helps maintain the road and driving safety of your BMW. Please keep in mind that regular main- tenance 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 differ- ent ways.
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Event Data Recorders Your vehicle may be equipped with one or more sensing and diagnostic mod- ules or a recording device capable of recording or transmitting certain vehicle data or information. In addition, if you have a Subscription Service Agree- ment for the BMW Assist system, cer- tain vehicle information may be trans- mitted or recorded in order to provide such services.
Indication of the above- described malfunction in Cana- dian models.
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.
When the filler cap is not properly tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator will light up. If the filler cap is subse- quently tightened, the indicator lamp should extinguish within a few days.<
OBD interface socket
The interface socket for the Onboard Diagnostic is located on the left of the driver's side at the bottom of the instru- ment panel and under a cover. The cover has the letters OBD on it. The purpose of the OBD system is to ensure proper operation of the emission control system for the vehicle's lifetime. The system monitors emission-related components and systems for deteriora- tion and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator lamp informs you of the need for ser- vice, not of the need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should be checked by your BMW Sports Activ- ity Vehicle center at the earliest possi- ble opportunity.
