BMW Automobile BMW AG X5 44i User Manual
Contents  
A - Z  
Owner’s Manual for the Vehicle.  
With a quick reference guide  
for your convenience.  
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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 vehicle.  
It contains important data and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maxi-  
mum use and satisfaction from the unique range of technical features on your BMW.  
The manual also contains information on care and maintenance designed to en-  
hance operating safety and contribute to maintaining the value of your BMW  
throughout an extended service life.  
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.  
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Information Booklet  
(US models) or a Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).  
We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.  
Your BMW is covered by the following warranties:  
– New Vehicle Limited Warranty  
– Limited Warranty Rust Perforation  
– Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty  
– Federal Emissions Performance Warranty  
– California Emission Control System Limited Warranty  
Detailed information about these warranties is listed in the Service and Warranty  
Information Booklet (US models) or in the Warranty and Service Guide Booklet  
(Canadian models).  
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.  
BMW AG  
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4n  
Notes on the Owner's Manual  
Symbols used  
The individual vehicle  
These sections contain vital infor-  
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. The detailed list of con-  
tents that directly follows the summary  
of contents is intended to stimulate  
your curiosity regarding your BMW and  
to encourage you to read the manual.  
On buying your BMW, you have de-  
cided in favor of a model with individu-  
alized equipment and features. This  
Owner's Manual describes all models  
and equipment that BMW offers within  
the same group.  
mation – please read the accom-  
panying text passages carefully, both  
for your own safety and to prevent  
damage to your BMW.<  
These passages contain informa-  
tion on special and unique fea-  
tures of your vehicle.<  
We hope you will understand that  
equipment and features are included  
that you might not have chosen for your  
vehicle. Any differences can easily be  
identified, since all optional accessories  
and special equipment are marked with  
an asterisk *.  
Indicates special information on  
recycling.<  
Should you wish to sell your BMW at  
some time in the future, please remem-  
ber to hand over the Owner's Manual to  
the new owner; it is part of the vehicle.  
< Indicates the end of a note.  
If your BMW features equipment which  
is not described in this Owner's Manual  
(car radio or telephone, for instance),  
Supplementary Owner's Manuals are  
enclosed. We ask you to read these  
manuals as well.  
* Indicates special equipment, country-  
specific equipment and optional extras.  
If you have any questions, an autho-  
rized BMW center will be glad to advise  
you.  
Alerts you to functions which can  
be adjusted by your authorized  
BMW center ("Car Memory" or "Key  
Memory"). Refer to page 55.<  
© 1999 BMW AG  
Munich, Germany  
Reprinting, including excerpts,  
only with the written consent of  
BMW AG, Munich.  
Order no. 01 41 0 155 303  
US English X/1999  
Printed in Germany  
Printed on environmentally friendly paper  
(bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling).  
Notes  
Symbols  
The individual vehicle  
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5n  
Status at time of printing  
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. For this  
reason, it is possible that the features  
described in this Owner's Manual could  
differ from those on your vehicle. Nor  
can errors and omissions be entirely  
ruled out. You are therefore asked to  
appreciate that no legal claims can be  
entertained on the basis of the data,  
illustrations or descriptions in this  
manual.  
Status at time of printing  
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6n  
Important safety information.  
Installation and operation of non-BMW  
approved accessories such as alarms,  
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,  
wheels, suspension components, brake  
dust shields, telephones (including op-  
eration of any portable cellular phone  
from within the vehicle without using an  
externally mounted antenna) or trans-  
ceiver equipment (for instance, CBs,  
walkie-talkie, ham radio or similar ac-  
cessories) may cause extensive dam-  
age to the vehicle, compromise its  
safety, interfere with the vehicle's elec-  
trical system or affect the validity of the  
BMW Limited Warranty. See your au-  
thorized BMW center for additional in-  
formation.<  
For your own safety  
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels  
containing up to and including  
For your own safety, use genuine parts  
and accessories approved by BMW.  
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 co-solvent) will  
not void the applicable warranties re-  
specting defects in materials or work-  
manship. Field experience has indi-  
cated significant differences in fuel  
quality (volatility, composition, addi-  
tives, etc.) among gasolines offered for  
sale in the United States and Canada.  
The use of poor quality fuels may result  
in driveability, starting and stalling  
problems especially under certain envi-  
ronmental conditions such as high am-  
bient temperature and high altitude.  
Should you encounter driveability prob-  
lems which you suspect could be re-  
lated to the fuel you are using, we rec-  
ommend that you respond by switching  
to a recognized high-quality brand.  
Failure to comply with these recom-  
mendations may result in unscheduled  
maintenance.  
When you purchase accessories tested  
and approved by BMW and Original  
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire  
the assurance that they have been thor-  
oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti-  
mum performance when installed on  
your vehicle.  
BMW warrants these parts to be free  
from defects in material and workman-  
ship.  
BMW will not accept any liability for  
damage resulting from installation of  
parts and accessories not approved by  
BMW.  
Maintenance, replacement, or  
repair of the emission control de-  
vices and systems may be performed  
by any automotive repair establishment  
or individual using any certified auto-  
motive part.<  
BMW cannot test every product from  
other manufacturers to verify if it can be  
used on a BMW safely and without risk  
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its  
occupants.  
Original BMW Parts, BMW Accessories  
and other products approved by BMW,  
together with professional advice on  
using these items, are available from all  
BMW centers.  
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.  
Follow the relevant safety rules when  
you are handling gasoline.<  
For your own safety  
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7n  
The following applies only to vehicles owned and operated in the US.  
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS  
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that 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, Inc., P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone (201) 307-4000.  
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, Inc.  
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in  
Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590.  
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.  
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8n  
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9n  
Overview  
Controls and features  
Operation, care  
and maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Advanced technology  
Technical data  
Index  
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Contents  
Cockpit 16  
Instrument cluster 18  
Locks and security systems:  
Keys 34  
Electronic vehicle  
Driving:  
Steering/Ignition lock 63  
Starting the engine 64  
Switching off the engine 65  
Parking brake 65  
Automatic transmission with  
Steptronic 66  
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp  
flasher 69  
Washer/Wiper system/Rain  
sensor 69  
Indicator and warning lamps 22  
Multifunction steering wheel 26  
Sports steering wheel 27  
Hazard warning flashers 28  
Warning triangle 28  
First-aid kit 28  
Refueling 29  
Fuel specifications 30  
Tire inflation pressure 30  
immobilizer 35  
Central locking system 36  
Opening and closing  
– from the outside 36  
Using the key 36  
Using the remote control 37  
Opening and closing  
– from the inside 40  
Liftgate 41  
Rear window defroster 71  
Cruise control 72  
Tailgate 41  
Alarm system 43  
Everything under control:  
Odometer, outside temperature  
display 74  
Electric power windows 45  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof with glass  
moonroof 46  
Tachometer 75  
Adjustments:  
Energy control 75  
Seats 48  
Fuel gauge 75  
Steering wheel 51  
Mirrors 52  
Seat, mirror and steering wheel  
memory 54  
Coolant temperature gauge 76  
Service Interval Display 76  
Check Control 77  
Onboard computer 80  
Car Memory, Key Memory 55  
Technology for safety and  
driving convenience:  
Park Distance Control (PDC) 82  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) 83  
Passenger safety systems:  
Safety belts 56  
Airbags 57  
Child restraints 60  
Child seat security 61  
Child-safety locks 62  
Hill Descent Control (HDC) 84  
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11n  
Lamps:  
Loading and transporting:  
Ski bag 105  
Cargo area  
Fold the rear backrests  
down 107  
Cargo area cover 107  
Partition net 108  
Special operating instructions:  
Break-in procedures 116  
Driving your BMW X5 117  
General driving notes 118  
Catalytic converter 118  
Antilock Brake System  
(ABS) 119  
Side lamps/Low beams 86  
Instrument lightning 86  
High beams/Parking lamps 87  
Fog lamps 87  
Interior lamps 87  
Reading lamps 88  
Cover panels in the cargo  
area 109  
Power outlets 110  
Pull-out cargo floor 111  
Cargo loading 112  
Roof-mounted luggage rack 113  
Disc brakes 122  
Brake system 123  
Winter operation 123  
Power steering 125  
Level control system 125  
Cellular phone 126  
Controlling the climate for  
pleasant driving:  
Automatic climate control 90  
Seat heating 96  
Steering wheel heating 96  
Roller sun blind 97  
Independent ventilation  
system 97  
Radio reception 126  
Wheels and tires:  
Tire inflation pressure 127  
Tire condition 127  
Tire replacement 128  
Tire rotation 129  
Wheel and tire  
combinations 130  
Winter tires 131  
Cabin convenience:  
BMW Universal Transmitter 98  
Glove compartment 101  
Storage compartments 101  
Cellular phone 102  
Cup holders 102  
Ashtray, front 103  
Cigarette lighter 103  
Ashtray, rear 104  
Snow chains 131  
Approved wheel and tire  
specifications 132  
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Contents  
Under the hood:  
Hood 133  
Engine compartment 134  
Washer fluid 136  
Washer nozzles 136  
Engine oil 137  
Replacement procedures:  
Onboard tool kit 154  
Wiper blades 154  
Lamps and bulbs 155  
Changing a wheel 160  
Battery 165  
Airbags 176  
Adaptive Transmission Control  
(ATC) 176  
Four-wheel drive 177  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) 177  
Coolant 140  
Brake fluid 141  
Vehicle Identification No. 141  
Fuses 167  
Radio reception 178  
Safety belt tensioner 178  
DSP sound system 179  
Rearview mirrors with automatic  
dimmer 179  
In case of electrical  
malfunction:  
Fuel filler door 168  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 168  
Liftgate 168  
Care and maintenance:  
The BMW Maintenance  
System 142  
Caring for your vehicle 143  
Airbags 148  
Rain sensor 180  
Integrated rear suspension 180  
Level control system 181  
Xenon lamps 181  
Tailgate 169  
Assistance, giving and  
receiving:  
Vehicle storage 148  
Laws and regulations:  
Technical modifications 149  
OBD interface socket 150  
Jump-starting 170  
Towing the vehicle 171  
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13n  
Engine specifications 184  
Dimensions 185  
Weights 186  
Everything from A to Z 192  
Owner service procedures 198  
Capacities 187  
Electrical system 188  
Drive belts 188  
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14n  
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15n  
Cockpit 16  
Overview  
Instrument cluster 18  
Indicator and warning lamps 22  
Multifunction steering wheel 26  
Sports steering wheel 27  
Hazard warning flashers 28  
Warning triangle 28  
Controls and features  
First-aid kit 28  
Refueling 29  
Fuel specifications 30  
Tire inflation pressure 30  
Operation, care  
and maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Advanced technology  
Technical data  
Index  
Overview  
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16nCockpit  
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Cockpit  
17n  
1 Parking lamps/Low beams 86  
2 Fog lamps 87  
3 > Turn signal indicator 69  
> Parking lamp 87  
> High beam 87  
> Headlamp flasher 69  
> Onboard computer 80  
4 Wiper/Washer system 69  
5 Rear window defroster 71  
6 Central locking system 36  
7 Hazard warning flashers 28  
8 Horn 26  
9 Adjusting steering wheel 51  
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18nInstrument cluster  
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Instrument cluster  
19n  
There are two versions, depending on  
the equipment on your vehicle.  
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for  
fuel reserve 75  
10 Onboard computer display –  
Operation via the turn signal lever:  
Refer to page 80:  
> Outside temperature  
> Average fuel consumption  
> Cruising range  
2 Indicator lamp for turn signal  
indicator 24  
> Average speed  
3 Speedometer  
11 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability  
Control (DSC) 24  
4 Indicator lamp for high beams 24  
5 Tachometer and Energy Control 75  
12 Indicator lamp for level control  
system 24  
6 Engine coolant thermometer with  
"Coolant temperature too high"  
indicator 76  
13 Odometer and trip odometer 74  
14 Indicator for Check Control 77  
15 Reset button for trip odometer 74  
7 Indicator and warning lamps (clock-  
wise) for:  
> Parking brake/Brake hydraulic  
system, Dynamic Brake Control  
(DBC) 22, 24  
16 Indicator and warning lamps  
(clockwise) for:  
> Fog lamps 25  
> Antilock Brake System (ABS) 23  
> Brake pads 24  
> Airbags 23  
> Battery charge current 22  
> Engine oil level/Engine oil  
pressure 24, 22  
> Automatic transmission 24  
> Please fasten safety belts 23  
> Cruise control 25  
> Engine Power Control 24  
> Service Engine Soon 24  
8 Selector lever and program display  
for automatic transmission 66  
9 Service Interval Display 76  
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20nInstrument cluster*  
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Instrument cluster*  
21n  
There are two versions, depending on  
the equipment on your vehicle  
1 Fuel gauge with indicator lamp for  
fuel reserve 75  
10 Outside temperature display 74  
11 Indicator lamp for Dynamic Stability  
Control (DSC) 24  
12 Trip odometer 74  
2 Indicator lamp for turn signal  
indicator 25  
13 Indicator for Check Control* 77  
14 Odometer 74  
3 Speedometer  
15 Service Interval Display 76  
16 Reset button for trip odometer 74  
4 Indicator lamp for high beams 25  
5 Tachometer and Energy Control 75  
17 Indicator and warning lamps  
(clockwise) for:  
6 Engine coolant temperature  
gauge 76  
> Fog lamps 25  
7 Indicator and warning lamps  
(clockwise) for:  
> Battery charge current 22  
> Engine oil pressure 22  
> Service Engine Soon 24  
> Parking brake 23  
> Brake hydraulic system/Dynamic  
Brake Control (DBC) 22, 24  
> Antilock Brake System (ABS) 23  
> Airbags 23  
> Please fasten safety belts 23  
> Cruise control 25  
8 CHECK button 77  
9 Selector lever and program display  
for automatic transmission 66  
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22nIndicator and warning lamps  
Parking brake*/  
Technology that monitors itself  
Red: stop immediately  
Brake hydraulic system ●  
Comes on when you engage the  
parking brake.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 65.  
Many of the systems of your BMW  
monitor themselves automatically, both  
during engine starts and while you are  
driving. Indicator and warning lamps  
Battery charge current ●  
The battery is no longer being  
charged. There is a malfunction  
of the alternator V-belt or in the charg-  
that are identified by "●" are tested for ing circuit of the alternator. Please  
proper functioning whenever the igni-  
tion key is turned. They each light up  
once for different periods of time.  
contact the nearest BMW center.  
If the V-belt is defective, do not  
Comes on although the parking brake  
is released: have the brake fluid level  
checked. Before continuing your jour-  
continue driving. The engine could ney, be sure to read the notes on  
If a fault should occur in one of these  
systems, the corresponding lamp does  
not go out after the engine is started or  
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.  
You will see how to react to this below.  
be damaged due to overheating. If the  
V-belt is defective, increased steering  
effort is also required.<  
pages 123 and 141.  
Also comes on in the Check Control  
with the message "CHECK BRAKE  
LININGS."  
Engine oil pressure ●  
Parking brake warning lamp*/  
Brake hydraulic system for  
Canadian models.  
Stop the vehicle immediately  
and switch off the engine.  
Check the engine oil level; top up as re-  
quired. If the oil level is correct: please  
contact the nearest BMW center.  
Do not continue driving. The en-  
gine could be damaged because  
of inadequate lubrication.<  
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Indicator and warning lamps  
23n  
Yellow: stop immediately  
Red or yellow: continue to drive;  
drive cautiously  
Red: an important reminder  
Engine oil level  
Parking brake*  
Comes on when you engage the  
parking brake.  
Comes on while driving:  
Stop the vehicle immediately  
and switch off the engine. The oil level  
is at the absolute minimum.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 137.  
If the brake warning lamp  
comes on red together with the  
yellow warning lamps for ABS  
and DSC:  
ABS, CBC, DSC, DBC, EBV and  
HDC have failed. Continue to  
drive; drive cautiously and de-  
fensively and avoid full brake  
For additional information: refer to  
page 65.  
Parking brake warning lamp* for  
Canadian models.  
Do not drive the vehicle until you  
have topped up the engine oil. If  
you do, the engine could be damaged  
because of inadequate lubrication.<  
Please fasten safety belts ●  
Together with an acoustic signal  
or a message* in the Check  
Control. Comes on until the safety belts  
are fastened.  
applications.  
Have the system checked by the  
nearest BMW center.  
For additional information: refer to  
pages 83 and 121.  
For additional information on safety  
belts: refer to page 56.  
If all all three warning lamps come on  
yellow:  
Airbags ●  
ABS, CBC, DSC, DBC and HDC have  
failed. Continue to drive; drive cau-  
tiously and defensively and avoid full  
brake applications.  
Please have the system in-  
spected by your authorized  
BMW center.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 57.  
Have the system checked by your  
authorized BMW center as soon as  
possible.  
Warning lamps for Canadian  
models.  
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24nIndicator and warning lamps  
Level control system* ●  
The level control system is inac-  
tive. Please consult the nearest  
Service Engine Soon ●  
If the indicator lamp comes on  
either continuously or intermit-  
tently, this indicates a fault in the  
emissions-related electronic systems.  
Although the vehicle remains opera-  
tional, you should have the systems  
checked by your BMW center at the  
earliest possible opportunity.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 150.  
Yellow: check as soon as possible  
Engine oil level  
Comes on after the engine has  
been shut off: check the engine  
oil level.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 137.  
authorized BMW center.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 125.  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) ●  
DSC has been switched off with  
the button; the traction intervention  
system is still active.  
In the event of a malfunction the indica-  
tor lamp comes on continiuosly and  
can't be swiched off with the button:  
DSC and HDC are inactive. Please have  
the system checked by the nearest  
BMW center.  
Automatic transmission*  
Because of a malfunction, the  
automatic transmission shifts  
only in the emergency program. Please  
consult the nearest authorized BMW  
center.  
Warning lamp, Service Engine  
Soon for Canadian models  
For additional information: refer to  
page 68.  
Brake pads* ●  
Have the brake pads checked.  
For additional information: refer  
to page 123.  
For additional information: refer to  
pages 83 and 85.  
Engine Power Control*  
There is a malfunction in the  
Engine Power Control. When  
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) ●  
Fault in the DBC system. Please  
have the system inspected by  
your authorized BMW center.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 120.  
braking, higher brake application pres-  
sure may be necessary and brake pedal  
travel may be significantly longer.  
Please have the system inspected by  
your authorized BMW center.  
Warning lamp, Dynamic Brake  
Control (DBC) for Canadian  
models  
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Indicator and warning lamps  
25n  
Green: for your information  
Blue: for your information  
Turn signal indicator  
Flashes when the turn signals  
are operated. Rapid flashing  
indicates a system malfunction.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 69.  
High beam  
Lights up when the high beams  
are on or the headlamp flasher  
is actuated.  
For additional information: refer to  
pages 69 and 87.  
Cruise control  
Comes on when the cruise con-  
trol is activated: available for  
operation via the multifunction steering  
wheel.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 72.  
Fog lamps  
Lights up whenever you switch  
on the fog lamps.  
For additional information: refer to  
page 87.  
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26nMultifunction steering wheel  
The controls integrated in the multi-  
function steering wheel (MFL) are pro-  
vided so that you can operate a number  
of accessories quickly and without  
being distracted from traffic conditions.  
You may operate:  
> selected radio functions,  
> recirculated air control of the air  
condition system  
or  
> the steering wheel heating,  
> the cruise control and  
> selected cellular phone functions.  
1 Telephone: receive a call, initiate  
6 Horn: the entire surface.  
dialing, terminate a call.  
2 Radio/Telephone: select.  
7 Cruise control: activate stored  
setting (resume).  
In order to operate a system  
via the MFL, the corresponding  
system controls must be activated.<  
3 Radio/Telephone: scan backward or  
scan station keys or scroll in the  
phone listings.  
8 Cruise control: store and accel-  
erate (+); decelerate and store (–).  
The illustration shows the maximum  
possible number of controls, corre-  
sponding to a full range of optional  
equipment. Refer to the individual ac-  
cessory manuals for more detailed de-  
scriptions.  
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/  
deactivate.  
4 Radio/Telephone: volume.  
5 Radio/Telephone: scan forward or  
scan station keys or scroll in the  
phone listings.  
10 Recirculated air mode and AUC or  
steering wheel heating: activate and  
deactivate.  
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Sports steering wheel*  
27n  
The controls integrated in the sports  
steering wheel (not released at this  
time) are provided so that you can  
operate a number of accessories  
quickly and without being distracted  
from traffic conditions. You may  
operate:  
> selected radio functions,  
> the cruise control and  
> selected cellular phone functions.  
In order to operate a system via  
the sport steering wheel, the cor-  
responding system controls must be  
activated.<  
6 Horn: the entire surface.  
1 Radio/Telephone: select.  
7 Cruise control: activate stored setting  
(resume).  
2 Telephone: receive a call, initiate  
dialing, terminate a call.  
8 Cruise control: store and accel-  
erate (+); decelerate and store (–).  
3 Radio/Telephone: volume.  
Refer to the individual accessory manu-  
als for more detailed descriptions.  
4 Radio/Telephone: scan backward or  
scan station keys or scroll in the  
phone listings.  
9 Cruise control: activate/interrupt/  
deactivate.  
5 Radio/Telephone: scan forward or  
scan station keys or scroll in the  
phone listings.  
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28nHazard warning flashers  
Warning triangle*  
First-aid kit*  
The button flashes intermittently when  
the hazard warning flashers are on.  
1 Open the cover on the left in the  
cargo area: lift the handle on the  
cover.  
2 Pull the tab of the retaining strap  
(arrow) and remove the hazard warn-  
ing 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 help you locate the switch in an  
emergency, the button is also illumi-  
nated whenever the vehicle's lamps are  
on.  
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. For this reason, check the  
expiration dates of each of the items  
regularly, and replace any whose  
expiration dates have passed. You can  
acquire replacements in any drugstore  
or pharmacy.  
Comply with legal requirements  
which cover the availability of a  
hazard warning triangle in the vehicle.<  
Comply with legal requirements that  
cover availability of a first-aid kit in the  
vehicle.<  
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Refueling  
29n  
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle  
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling  
the nozzle out of the pipe during refu-  
eling  
> results in premature pump shutoff  
> and will reduce the effect of the  
vapor recovery system on the pump.  
If the filler nozzle is used correctly, the  
fuel tank is full when it shuts off for the  
first time.  
Tank capacity: refer to page 187  
Fuel filler door  
Simple and environmentally  
friendly  
Close the fuel cap carefully after  
refueling. A loose or missing cap  
Before filling the tank, shut off the  
engine. If you do not, fuel cannot  
be filled into the tank and the "Service  
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<  
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.<  
will activate the Check Engine lamp.<  
To open the filler door, press on the  
front edge.  
Keep the filler cap in the bracket  
attached to the fuel filler door.  
To unlock the fuel filler door if the cen-  
tral locking system malfunctions, refer  
to page 168.  
When handling fuels, comply with  
all of the applicable safety precau-  
tions and regulations pertaining to  
fuels. 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.<  
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30nFuel specifications  
Tire inflation pressure  
The engine uses lead-free gasoline  
only. However, you can refuel with dif-  
ferent fuel qualities since the engine is  
equipped with knock sensors.  
Check tire inflation pressures reg-  
ularly — at least every two weeks  
and before beginning a longer trip. In-  
correct tire pressure can otherwise lead  
to tire damage and accidents.  
Check the tire inflation pressure of the  
spare wheel. Inflate the spare tire to the  
highest inflation of any tire on your vehi-  
cle.<  
In order to achieve rated values for  
engine performance and fuel consump-  
tion:  
> Super lead-free premium gasoline  
(91 AKI).  
AKI = Anti Knock Index  
Comply with tire approval  
specifications  
The minimum fuel quality is:  
The inflation pressures in the table ap-  
ply to tires from BMW-approved manu-  
facturers. Your BMW center is familiar  
with these pressures. Higher pressures  
may be specified for tires from other  
manufacturers. You will find a list of  
approved tires beginning on page 132.  
You will find tire inflation pressures on  
the inside door pillar.  
> Regular lead-free gasoline (87 AKI).  
Because of the engine’s design, you  
should refuel with this gasoline only  
as an exception.  
Check tire pressures  
All pressure specifications are indicated  
in psi (kilopascal) for tires at ambient  
temperature (refer also to the next  
page).  
Do not use leaded fuels. The use  
of leaded fuels will cause perma-  
nent damage to the system's oxygen  
sensor and the catalytic converter.<  
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that  
not only meet US standards, but also  
European standards. We recommend  
the exclusive use of BMW approved  
tires.  
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Tire inflation pressure  
31n  
BMW  
Tires  
All pressure specifications  
in the table are indicated in  
psi (kilopascal) with cold tires  
(cold = ambient temperature)  
X5  
All sizes  
32 (220) 32 (220) 36 (250) 39 (270)  
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32n  
Locks and security systems:  
Keys 34  
Electronic vehicle  
Driving:  
Steering/Ignition lock 63  
Starting the engine 64  
Switching off the engine 65  
Parking brake 65  
Automatic transmission with  
Steptronic 66  
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp  
flasher 69  
Washer/Wiper system/Rain  
sensor 69  
immobilizer 35  
Central locking system 36  
Opening and closing  
– from the outside 36  
Using the key 36  
Using the remote control 37  
Opening and closing  
– from the inside 40  
Liftgate 41  
Rear window defroster 71  
Cruise control 72  
Tailgate 41  
Alarm system 43  
Everything under control:  
Odometer, outside temperature  
display 74  
Electric power windows 45  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof with glass  
moonroof 46  
Tachometer 75  
Adjustments:  
Energy control 75  
Seats 48  
Fuel gauge 75  
Steering wheel 51  
Mirrors 52  
Seat, mirror and steering wheel  
memory 54  
Coolant temperature gauge 76  
Service Interval Display 76  
Check Control 77  
Onboard computer 80  
Car Memory, Key Memory 55  
Technology for safety and  
driving convenience:  
Park Distance Control (PDC) 82  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) 83  
Passenger safety systems:  
Safety belts 56  
Airbags 57  
Child restraints 60  
Child seat security 61  
Child-safety locks 62  
Hill Descent Control (HDC) 84  
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33n  
Lamps:  
Loading and transporting:  
Ski bag 105  
Cargo area  
Fold the rear backrests  
down 107  
Overview  
Side lamps/Low beams 86  
Instrument lightning 86  
High beams/Parking lamps 87  
Fog lamps 87  
Controls and features  
Interior lamps 87  
Reading lamps 88  
Cargo area cover 107  
Partition net 108  
Cover panels in the cargo  
area 109  
Power outlets 110  
Pull-out cargo floor 111  
Cargo loading 112  
Roof-mounted luggage rack 113  
Controlling the climate for  
pleasant driving:  
Automatic climate control 90  
Seat heating 96  
Steering wheel heating 96  
Roller sun blind 97  
Independent ventilation  
system 97  
Operation, care  
and maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Advanced technology  
Technical data  
Cabin convenience:  
BMW Universal Transmitter 98  
Glove compartment 101  
Storage compartments 101  
Cellular phone 102  
Cup holders 102  
Glasses compartment 102  
Ashtray, front 103  
Cigarette lighter 103  
Ashtray, rear 104  
Index  
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34nKeys  
3 Door and ignition key  
Replacement keys  
The lock for the glove compartment  
cannot be operated with this key.  
This is recommended for valet park-  
ing, for instance.  
Replacement keys are available exclu-  
sively through your authorized BMW  
center. Since the keys belong to a se-  
curity system, your BMW center is obli-  
gated to ensure that a person request-  
ing a key is authorized to do so (refer to  
"Electronic vehicle immobilizer" on the  
following page).  
If possible, take all of the master  
keys that belong to the vehicle  
with you when you pick up your  
replacement key.  
Whenever you receive a new replace-  
ment key, turn that key to position 2 in  
the ignition lock once (ignition switched  
on) and then back. This allows the elec-  
tronic vehicle immobilizer to "learn" the  
new key.<  
1 The master keys with remote control  
determine the functions of the Key  
Memory. Refer to page 55.  
There is an extended-life battery  
in every master key which is  
charged automatically in the steering  
lock as you drive.  
For this reason, if you have a master  
key that is otherwise not used, use that  
key approximately once every year  
while driving for an extended period.  
This will charge the battery. Refer also  
to page 37.<  
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place,  
such as in your wallet. This key is not  
intended for continuous use.  
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Electronic vehicle immobilizer  
35n  
How the electronics work  
At the heart of this system is an  
electronic chip that is integrated into  
the key. The lock mechanism itself is  
actually a dual-function device, simulta-  
neously serving as a communications  
interface designed to allow the security  
system to maintain a continuous stream  
of variable, vehicle-specific signals with  
the electronic circuitry in the key. The  
system will not release the ignition, fuel  
injection and starter unless it recog-  
nizes an "authorized" key.  
The key to security  
Your BMW is equipped with a passive  
anti-theft system. This electronic immo-  
bilization system is designed to reduce  
the susceptibility of the vehicle to theft  
by making it impossible to start the  
engine using any means other than the  
special keys furnished with the vehicle.  
Your BMW center can cancel the elec-  
tronic system authorization for individ-  
ual keys (in the event of loss, for in-  
stance). A deactivated key can no  
Force applied to the key can  
damage the integrated electronic  
circuitry. A damaged key can no longer  
be used to start the engine.<  
longer be used to start the engine.  
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36nCentral locking system  
Opening and closing – from the outside  
The concept  
Convenience operation  
The central locking system is ready for  
operation as soon as you close the front  
doors. The system engages and re-  
leases the locks on the  
You can also operate the windows and  
sliding/tilt sunroof via the door lock.  
> To open: with the door closed, turn  
the key to the "Unlock" position and  
hold it.  
> doors  
> liftgate  
> fuel filler door.  
> To close: with the door closed, turn  
the key to the "Lock" position and  
hold it.  
The central locking system can be  
operated  
Watch during the closing process  
to be sure that no one is inadvert-  
enly injured. Releasing the key stops  
the operation.<  
> from outside via the driver's door lock  
as well as via the remote control.  
> from inside via the button for the  
central locking system.  
Using the key  
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 tailgate  
and the fuel filler door.  
If the system is locked from inside, the  
fuel filler door remains unlocked. Refer  
to page 40.  
Manual operation  
(in the event of an electrical malfunction)  
Turn the key to the extreme left or right  
to unlock/lock the door.  
When the system is actuated from out-  
side of the vehicle, the anti-theft pro-  
tection is actuated simultaneously. The  
alarm system is also activated or  
deactivated.  
You can have an acknowledgment  
signal set to confirm that the vehi-  
cle is correctly closed.<  
In the event of an accident, the central  
locking system unlocks automatically  
(only those doors which were not  
locked separately with the safety lock  
buttons). Refer to page 40. In addition,  
the hazard warning flashers and interior  
lamps come on.  
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Opening and closing – from the outside  
37n  
Master keys that are used repeat-  
Using the remote control  
edly are always ready for opera-  
tion since the battery in the key is  
charged automatically in the steering  
lock as you drive.  
If it is no longer possible to lock the  
vehicle via the remote control, the bat-  
tery is discharged. Use this key while  
driving for an extended period in order  
to charge the battery. Refer also to  
page 34.  
To prevent unauthorized use of the  
remote control, surrender only the door  
and ignition key 3 or the spare key 2  
(refer to page 34) when leaving the  
vehicle for valet parking, for example.  
In the event of a system malfunction,  
please contact your authorized BMW  
center. You can also obtain replace-  
ment keys there.<  
The remote control makes opening and  
locking the doors of your vehicle very  
convenient. Furthermore, it provides  
three additional functions that you can  
only execute by means of the remote  
control:  
> Switch on the interior lamps  
With this function, you can also  
"search for" your vehicle — when  
parked in an underground garage, for  
instance.  
Master keys  
Keys with remote control are master  
keys. Refer to page 34.  
> Open the liftgate  
The liftgate will open slightly, regard-  
less of whether it was previously  
locked or unlocked.  
> Panic Mode  
In case of danger, you can trigger an  
alarm.  
Children might be able to lock the  
doors from the inside. For this rea-  
son, always take the vehicle's keys with  
you so that the vehicle can be opened  
again from the outside at any time.<  
When the vehicle is unlocked, the anti-  
theft protection is deactivated and the  
alarm system is disarmed; when the  
vehicle is locked, the systems are acti-  
vated or armed.  
The interior lamps are switched on  
when the vehicle is unlocked.  
You can have an acknowledgment  
signal set to confirm that the vehi-  
cle is correctly closed.<  
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38nOpening and closing – from the outside  
To unlock  
To lock and secure:  
To switch on the interior lamps  
Press button 1.  
Press button 2.  
After locking the vehicle, press button 2  
again.  
Press the button once to unlock the  
driver's door only; press a second time  
to unlock all remaining doors as well as  
the tailgate and fuel filler door.  
Deactivate the tilt sensor alarm  
system and interior motion sensor  
Press button 2 a second time immedi-  
ately after locking.  
Convenience opening mode  
For additional information: refer to  
page 43.  
Press and hold button 1. The power  
windows and sliding/tilt sunroof are  
opened.  
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Opening and closing – from the outside  
39n  
System interference  
For US owners only  
The remote control system's function-  
The transmitter and receiver units com-  
ply with part 15 of the FCC (Federal  
Communication Commission) regula-  
tions. Operation is governed by the  
ing may be affected by other units or  
equipment operating in the immediate  
vicinity of your vehicle.  
If this should occur, you can unlock and following:  
lock the vehicle via the door lock with a  
FCC ID: LX8EWS  
master key.  
LX8FZVS  
LX8FZVE  
Compliance statement:  
This device complies with part 15 of the  
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions:  
To open the liftgate  
Press button 3.  
> This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and  
> this device must accept any interfer-  
ence received, including interference  
that may cause undesired operation.  
Before and after a trip, be sure  
that the liftgate was not opened  
unintentionally.<  
Panic Mode  
Any unauthorized modifications or  
changes to these devices could  
void the user’s authority to operate this  
equipment.<  
By pressing and holding button 3 for  
more than two seconds, you can trigger  
the alarm system if there is an impend-  
ing danger (the alarm system must be  
armed).  
To switch off the alarm: press button 1.  
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40nOpening and closing – from the inside  
To unlock and open the doors  
To engage the locks  
> Either unlock the doors together with > Use the central locking button to lock  
the button for the central locking all of the doors simultaneously, or  
system and then pull the door handle > press down the individual door lock  
above the armrest or  
buttons. The fuel filler door remains  
unlocked. As an added design fea-  
ture to prevent the driver from being  
inadvertently locked out of the vehi-  
cle, the driver's door lock button will  
not engage as long as the door is  
open.  
> pull the release handle for each door  
twice: the first pull unlocks the door,  
and the second one opens it.  
When the vehicle is moving, do  
not lock the doors with the safety  
lock buttons. Doors locked in this man-  
ner would not open automatically in the  
event of an accident.  
Children might be able to lock the  
doors from the inside. For this reason,  
you should always remove the key and  
take it with you to be sure that you will  
be able to unlock the vehicle from the  
outside at all times.<  
You can operate the central locking  
system with this button (arrow) when  
the driver's door is closed. The doors  
and liftgate are unlocked or locked  
only. However, the antitheft alarm  
system is not activated. Also, the fuel  
filler door remains unlocked to allow  
refueling.  
If only the driver's door was un-  
locked from the outside and you  
press the button  
> all other doors, the liftgate 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.<  
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Liftgate  
Tailgate  
41n  
To open from the outside  
Opening from inside the vehicle  
Press the button:  
You can fold the tailgate down.  
Press the button (arrow): the liftgate  
opens slightly.  
Press this button to open the liftgate  
when the vehicle is stationary.  
When opened, the tailgate can  
accept loads of up to 440 lbs  
(200 kg). When the vehicle is parked,  
you may utilize the tailgate as a seat or  
as a loading platform for luggage or  
recreation gear, for example.<  
If pointed or sharp-edged objects  
could strike the rear window while  
driving, be sure to provide protection  
around all edges. If you do not do this,  
the heating conductors of the rear win-  
dow could be damaged.<  
Manual operation  
(in the event of an electrical malfunction)  
Refer to page 168.  
Manual operation  
(in the event of an electrical malfunction)  
Refer to page 169.  
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42nLiftgate  
When the liftgate is open, the  
dimension from the ground to the  
upper edge is more than 6.5 feet (two  
meters). Please keep this in mind when  
opening the liftgate (in a garage, for  
example).<  
Operate the vehicle only when  
both gates are completely closed.  
Otherwise, exhaust fumes could pene-  
trate the interior of the vehicle. Should it  
be absolutely necessary to operate the  
vehicle with an open gate:  
> Close all windows. Shut the sliding/  
tilt sunroof.  
> Increase the air supply for automatic  
climate control to a high level. Refer  
to page 93.<  
To close  
Luggage straps  
You can pull the liftgate down by plac-  
ing both hands in the handle recesses  
(arrows).  
Use the retaining straps on the cargo  
area floor to secure smaller items of  
luggage.  
Movement is reduced when objects are  
placed on the straps.  
To avoid injuries, be sure that the  
travel path of the liftgate is clear  
when it is closed, as with all closing  
procedures.<  
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  
suitcases and luggage.  
Refer also to "Cargo loading" on  
page 112.  
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Alarm system  
43n  
The concept  
The vehicle alarm system responds:  
To activate and deactivate the  
alarm system  
When the vehicle is locked or unlocked  
with the key or the remote control, the  
alarm system is also simultaneously  
armed or disarmed.  
The interior motion sensor is activated  
approx. 30 seconds after you have fin-  
ished locking the vehicle.  
> When a door, the hood, or the liftgate  
is opened.  
> To movement inside the vehicle (inte-  
rior motion sensor).  
> To variations in the vehicle tilt sensor  
such as occur during attempts to  
steal the wheels or tow the vehicle.  
> To interruption of battery voltage.  
The system indicates that it has been  
correctly armed by switching on the  
hazard flashers for a single cycle and  
by emitting an acoustical signal.  
The system responds to unauthorized  
vehicle entry and attempted theft by  
simultaneously activating the following:  
Indicator lamp displays  
> The indicator lamp below the interior  
rearview mirror flashes continuously:  
the system is armed.  
> Sounding an acoustical alarm for  
30 seconds.  
> The hazard warning flashers are acti-  
vated for approx. five minutes.  
> The high beams flash on and off in  
the same rhythm.  
You can have different acknowl-  
edgment signals set to confirm  
system arming and disarming.<  
> The indicator lamp flashes during  
arming: a door(s), the hood or liftgate  
are not completely closed. Even if  
you do not close the alerted area, the  
system begins to monitor the remain-  
ing areas, and the indicator lamp  
flashes continuously after 10 sec-  
onds. However, the interior motion  
sensor is not activated.  
You can still open the liftgate after the  
system has been armed by pressing  
button 3 of the remote control. Refer to  
page 39. When you close the liftgate,  
the system is secured again.  
> If the indicator lamp goes out when  
the system is disarmed: no manipula-  
tion or attempted intrusions have  
been detected in the period since the  
system was armed.  
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44nAlarm system  
> If the indicator lamp flashes for 10  
seconds when the system is dis-  
armed: an attempted entry has been  
detected in the period since the  
system was armed.  
Following triggering of an alarm, the  
indicator lamp will flash continuously.  
Avoiding unintentional alarms  
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion  
sensor may be switched off at the same  
time. To prevent a false alarm from be-  
ing triggered (in garages with elevator  
ramps, for instance), or when the vehi-  
cle is transported by trailer or train:  
Interior motion sensor  
The illustration depicts the transmitter  
and receiver of the interior motion  
sensor.  
Actuate the lock (= arm the system)  
twice; in other words, press button 2 of  
the remote control twice in succession  
(refer to page 38). You may also actuate  
the locks twice with the key (refer to  
page 36).  
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and  
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm  
sensor and the interior motion sensor  
are deactivated as long as the system is  
armed.  
In order for the interior motion sensor to  
function properly, the windows and  
sliding/tilt sunroof must be completely  
closed.  
However, be sure to deactivate the in-  
terior motion sensor (see the previous  
column) when you wish to leave the  
windows or sliding/tilt sunroof open.  
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Electric power windows  
45n  
After the ignition has been switched off:  
Despite this safety feature, be  
> You can still operate the windows as  
extremely careful that the closing  
long as neither of the front doors has path of the window is not obstructed  
been opened. To open the windows, whenever it is closed. Otherwise, an  
press the switch beyond the resis-  
tance point.  
object might not touch the contact strip  
in some situations (with very thin ob-  
jects, for instance).  
Remove the key from the ignition  
You can override this safety feature by  
when you leave the vehicle so that pressing the switch beyond the resis-  
children cannot operate the power win- tance point and holding it.  
dows and possibly injure themselves. < Because the power windows are sealed  
at high pressure to prevent wind noise  
For the convenience mode via the door when closed, a powerful motor is re-  
Open and close windows  
From ignition key position 1:  
lock or the remote control, refer to  
page 36 or page 38.  
quired for efficient closing. When clos-  
ing the windows, always ensure that  
they are not obstructed in any way.  
Unsupervised use of these systems can  
result in serious personal injury.  
> Press the switch until you feel resis-  
tance:  
The window continues to move as  
long as you continue to hold the  
switch.  
> Press the switch beyond the resis-  
tance point:  
The window moves downward auto-  
matically. Touch the switch again to  
stop the opening movement.  
Safety feature  
A contact strip is integrated into the  
inner side of each of the upper window  
frame sections. If pressure is exerted  
against this contact strip while a win-  
dow is being raised, the system will  
respond by stopping the window and  
then retracting it a small distance.  
Remove the ignition key to deactivate  
the electric power windows whenever  
you leave 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.<  
You can close the windows in the same  
manner by pulling the switch.  
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46nElectric power windows  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof with glass moonroof*  
To prevent injuries, exercise care  
when closing the sliding/tilt sun-  
roof and keep it in your field of vision  
until it is shut.  
Before leaving the vehicle, switch off  
the electric sunroof mechanism by  
taking out the ignition key. Do not leave  
children unattended in the vehicle with  
access to vehicle keys. Use of the key  
can result in starting of the engine and  
operation of vehicle systems such as  
the power sunroof, etc. Unsupervised  
use of these systems can result in seri-  
Safety switch  
Lifting – Opening – Closing  
ous personal injury.<  
With the safety switch, you can prevent  
the rear windows from being opened or  
closed via the switch in the rear pas-  
senger area (by children, for example).  
You can also prevent adjustments of  
the power rear-seat backrests from the  
rear passenger area (refer to page 51).  
With the ignition key in position 1 or  
higher, press the switch or slide it in the  
desired direction until you feel resis-  
tance.  
You can avoid pressure or drafts in the  
passenger compartment when the sun-  
roof is open or lifted by opening the air  
vents in the dashboard and increasing  
the air supply as required. Refer to  
pages 93.  
If the sunroof is completely open, air  
disturbances may be caused in the  
vehicle when you are driving at higher  
speeds. Close the roof as far as is nec-  
essary until this natural phenomenon  
ceases.  
The headliner insert slides back some-  
what when you raise the sunroof. When  
the sunroof is opened, the headliner  
retracts with it. The headliner will then  
automatically remain in its retracted  
position, but can be repositioned as  
desired.  
Press the safety switch whenever  
children are riding in the rear of  
the vehicle. Careless use of the power  
windows can lead to injury.<  
After the ignition has been switched off,  
you can still operate the sliding/tilt  
sunroof as long as neither of the front  
doors has been opened.  
For the convenience mode via the door  
lock or the remote control, refer to  
page 36 or 38.  
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Sliding/Tilt sunroof with glass moonroof*  
47n  
Despite this safety feature, be  
Automatic* opening and closing  
extremely careful that the closing  
path of the sunroof is not obstructed  
whenever it is closed. Otherwise, trig-  
gering the closing-force limitation may  
not be ensured in some situations (with  
very thin objects, for instance). You can  
disable this safety feature by pressing  
the switch beyond the pressure point  
and holding it.<  
Press the switch past the resistance  
point and then release it.  
Other automatic operations are:  
> With the sunroof open, press the  
switch briefly toward "Lift:" the sun-  
roof automatically extends to its fully  
raised position.  
> With the sunroof raised, hold the  
control switch toward "Open" until  
the roof has reached the desired  
position.  
Power loss or malfunction  
Pressing the switch again briefly stops  
the motion.  
After interruptions in the electrical sup-  
ply (when the battery is disconnected,  
for instance), the sunroof may only lift.  
To reinitialize the mechanism:  
Safety feature  
If the sliding/tilt sunroof encounters  
resistance at a point roughly past the  
middle of its travel when it is closing,  
the closing cycle is interrupted and the  
sliding/tilt sunroof will open again  
slightly.  
1 Raise the sliding/tilt sunroof fully.  
2 Press and hold the switch for approx-  
imately twenty seconds.  
3 In the event of an electrical malfunc-  
tion, you can also operate the sliding/  
tilt sunroof manually. Refer to  
page 168.  
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48nSeat adjustment  
Power seats  
For maximum safety when adjusting the  
seat position, please observe the fol-  
lowing:  
Correct sitting posture  
To reduce strain on the spinal column,  
sit all the way back in the seat and rest  
your back fully against the backrest.  
The ideal sitting posture is achieved  
with your head extending from your  
spine in a straight line.  
For long-distance driving, you may wish  
to angle the backrest slightly to reduce  
muscular tension. You should be able  
to reach the highest point on the steer-  
ing wheel without straightening your  
arms.  
Never try to adjust your seat while  
driving the vehicle. The seat could  
respond with unexpected movement,  
and the ensuing loss of vehicle control  
could lead to an accident.  
Be sure that the safety belt remains  
firmly against your body at all times. In  
the event of a frontal impact, a loose lap  
belt could slide over your hips, leading  
to abdominal injury. In addition, the  
safety belt's restraint effectiveness is  
reduced if the belt is worn loosely.  
Never ride with the backrest reclined to  
an extreme angle (especially important  
for the front passenger to remember).  
If you do so, there is a risk that you will  
slide under the safety belt in an acci-  
dent, thus reducing the protection  
provided by the safety belt.<  
1 Tilt angle (driver's seat only)  
2 Backward/Forward adjustment  
3 Cushion height  
4 Backrest angle  
Adjust the head restraint manually.  
Comply with the adjustment in-  
structions in the preceding col-  
umn. Failure to do so could result in  
diminished personal safety.<  
Lumbar support*  
Refer to the BMW comfort seat on  
page 49.  
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Head restraints  
BMW comfort seat*  
49n  
This seat allows you to make additional  
adjustments for:  
Adjustments  
Removal - front  
1 Pull the head restraint upward to the  
stop.  
2 Press the button (arrow) and remove  
the head restraint.  
To adjust the angle of the front head  
restraints, tilt the head restraint to the  
desired angle.  
1 Lumbar support  
2 Shoulder support  
3 Head restraint height  
To adjust the height of the front or rear  
head restraints, pull the head restraint  
up or push it down.  
Installation - rear  
Comply with the adjustment in-  
structions on page 48. Failure to  
do so could result in diminished per-  
sonal safety.<  
1 Press the button (arrow) and insert  
the head restraint into the guides.  
2 Adjust the head restraint for your  
personal comfort.  
Head restraints reduce the risk of  
spinal injury in the event of an  
accident. Adjust the head restraint so  
that its center is approximately level  
with your ears.<  
1 Lumbar support  
Removal and installation - rear  
You can adjust the backrest's contour  
for additional support in the curvature  
of your spine's lumbar region.  
To remove the head restraint, pull it  
outward with a firm movement. To  
install it, press it down firmly.  
The upper hips and spinal column  
receive supplementary support to help  
you maintain a relaxed, upright posture.  
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50nBMW comfort seat*  
BMW sports seat*  
To obtain the optimal shoulder support  
position, we recommend:  
Driver and front passenger:  
1 Adjust the upper backrest section  
to its extreme rear position.  
2 Adjust for the optimal seating posture  
as described on page 48.  
3 Bring the upper backrest section for-  
ward until your shoulders enjoy firm  
support.  
Front passenger's seat adjusted for  
relaxed traveling:  
> Press the front/rear of the switch:  
Increase/Decrease curvature.  
> Press the upper/lower end of the  
switch:  
Thigh support  
1 Adjust the upper backrest section to  
its extreme rear position.  
2 Increase the seat cushion tilt.  
3 Tilt the backrest slightly further.  
4 Bring the upper backrest section  
forward.  
Pull the lever and adjust the position  
of the thigh support for your personal  
comfort.  
Increase the upper/lower curvature.  
2 Shoulder support  
Move the rocker 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.<  
You can use the adjustable upper back-  
rest for supplementary support in the  
shoulder region. This provides a re-  
laxed driving position and helps relieve  
stress on the shoulder muscles.  
3 Head restraint height  
Move the switch in the desired direc-  
tion.  
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Power rear-seat backrests*  
Adjusting steering wheel 51n  
You can make separate adjustments of From the cargo area: the switches are  
The steering wheel can be moved in  
the backrest tilt angle on the right and  
left sides.  
located on both sides of the cargo area. any of four directions. Adjust the wheel  
by moving the control lever in the de-  
You can select a comfortable seating  
position and also increase the capacity  
of the cargo area by moving the back-  
rests into their most upright position.  
sired direction.  
Do not adjust the steering wheel  
while the vehicle is moving. If you  
do so, there is a risk of accident from  
unexpected movement.<  
From the rear seats: press the corre-  
sponding switch.  
To store the steering wheel setting, re-  
fer to "Seat, mirror and steering wheel  
memory" on page 54.  
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 46).<  
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52nAdjusting steering wheel Mirrors  
The mirror on the passenger's  
side features a lens with a more  
convex surface than the mirror installed  
on the driver's side. When estimating  
the distance between yourself and  
other traffic, bear in mind that the ob-  
jects reflected in the mirror are closer  
than they appear. This means that esti-  
mations of the distance to following  
traffic should not be regarded as pre-  
cise.<  
Automatic steering wheel  
adjustment  
In order to make it easier to get into and  
out of the vehicle, the steering wheel  
automatically moves into the top posi-  
tion and returns to the driving (memory)  
position.  
This automatic feature is controlled by  
the position of the ignition key and by  
the driver's door.  
Self-defrosting mirrors  
Exterior mirrors  
1 Mirror switch for 4-way adjustment  
2 Left/Right selection switch.  
Both mirrors are defrosted automati-  
cally when the ignition key is in  
position 2.  
You can also adjust the mirrors manu-  
ally by pressing against the outer edges  
of their lenses.  
To store the mirror settings, refer to  
"Seat, mirror and steering wheel mem-  
ory" on page 54.  
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Mirrors  
53n  
For an explanation of the electro-chro-  
mic technology used in these mirrors,  
refer to page 179.  
Interior rearview mirror  
Interior and exterior rearview  
mirror with automatic dimmer*  
By responding to the effects of ambient  
light and the glare from following traffic,  
these mirrors automatically dim through  
an infinitely-variable range.  
To reduce glare from vehicles behind  
you when you are driving at night, tilt  
the mirror by turning the button.  
Lighted vanity mirror  
Fold down the sun visor and slide the  
cover panel to the side as required.  
The mirrors automatically revert to their  
clear, undimmed setting whenever you  
select "Reverse."  
The mirror lamps operate from ignition  
key position 1 and up.  
To ensure that the mirrors continue to  
operate properly, keep the two photo-  
cells on the interior mirror clean and un-  
obstructed. One photocell (arrow) is in  
the mirror glass, while the other is offset  
somewhat on the opposite side of the  
mirror.  
Sun visors  
These can be folded down toward the  
windshield or swiveled out against the  
side windows.  
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54nSeat, mirror and steering wheel memory  
To select a stored setting  
Convenience function:  
1 Open the driver's door after unlock-  
ing 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 mem-  
ory buttons is activated during the  
adjustment process.  
Security function:  
You can store and call up three different  
seat, exterior mirror and steering wheel  
positions. The illustration shows the  
buttons on the seat for making these  
position adjustments.  
Passenger side exterior mirror tilt  
function  
(automatic curb monitor)  
1 With the driver's door closed and the  
ignition key either removed or in posi-  
tion 0 or 2.  
2 Maintain pressure on the desired  
memory button (1, 2 or 3) until the ad-  
justment process is completed.  
1 Move the mirror selector switch (ar-  
row) to the "driver's mirror" position.  
2 When the selector lever is placed in  
"Reverse," the passenger-side mirror  
tilts downward to help the driver  
monitor the area directly adjacent to  
the vehicle during parking (curbs,  
etc.).  
The adjustment of the lumbar support is  
not stored in the memory.  
If you press the MEMORY button acci-  
dentally: press the button a second  
time — the indicator lamp goes out.  
To store  
1 Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 2.  
2 Adjust the desired positions for the  
seat, door mirror and steering wheel.  
3 Press the MEMORY button: the indi-  
cator lamp in the button comes on.  
4 Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as  
desired: the indicator lamp goes out.  
Do not call up a position from the  
memory while the vehicle is mov-  
ing. There is a risk of accident from  
unexpected movement of the seat or  
steering wheel.<  
You can deactivate this automatic fea-  
ture by setting the mirror selection  
switch to the "passenger side" position.  
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Car Memory, Key Memory  
55n  
When your vehicle is unlocked with the  
Your BMW center can adjust your  
vehicle's systems in such a man-  
ner that your personalized settings are  
automatically called up for the seat,  
mirror and steering wheel positions  
when you unlock the vehicle with your  
personal remote control.<  
remote control, the vehicle recognizes  
the individual user by means of a data  
exchange with the key, and makes ad-  
justments accordingly.  
In order for you to distinguish between  
different keys, colored decals are sup-  
plied together with the keys.  
If you make use of the Key Mem-  
ory, be sure that the footwell  
What the system can do  
behind the driver's seat is unobstructed  
before unlocking the vehicle. If you fail  
to do so, persons or objects could be  
injured or damaged if the seat should  
move backward.<  
Your authorized BMW center can pro-  
vide you with details on the capabilities  
of the Car Memory and Key Memory  
systems.  
How the system functions  
You have probably frequently wished  
that you could configure individual  
functions of your vehicles to reflect your  
own personal requirements. In engi-  
neering your vehicle, BMW has in-  
cluded several user-defined functions  
in the vehicle's design. Your authorized  
BMW center can make these settings  
for you.  
Memory functions are possible for the  
> driver's seat  
> steering wheel  
> exterior mirrors  
> automatic climate control.  
You will see this symbol through-  
out the Owner's Manual. It is to  
There are settings related to the vehicle  
("Car Memory") and settings related to  
individuals ("Key Memory"). You can  
configure up to four different basic po-  
sitions for four different persons. The  
only requirement is that each person  
uses his or her own remote control key.  
remind you at appropriate places of the  
settings that are available to you.<  
An example of Key Memory is the auto-  
matic adjustment of the driver's power  
seat with settings stored in the memory  
for the individual person when the vehi-  
cle is unlocked.  
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56n Safety belts  
For your safety, comply with the  
following instructions for wearing  
safety belts. If you do not, the safety  
belts may not be able to provide their  
maximum protection. The following in-  
formation also applies to your passen-  
gers: never allow more than one person  
to wear a single safety belt. Never allow  
infants or small children to ride in a  
passenger's lap. Avoid twisting the belt  
while routing it firmly across the hips  
and shoulder. Do not allow the belt to  
rest against hard or fragile objects in  
your pockets. Never route the belt  
across your neck, do not run it across  
sharp edges and ensure that the belt  
does not become caught or jammed.  
Be sure that the safety belt fits snugly  
against your body at all times, and  
avoid wearing clothing that prevents  
the belt from fitting properly. Pull on the  
belt periodically to readjust the tension  
over your shoulder. In the event of a  
frontal impact, a loose lap belt could  
slide over your hips, leading to abdomi-  
nal injury. In addition, the safety belt's  
restraint effectiveness is reduced if the  
belt is worn loosely. Expectant mothers  
should always wear their safety belts,  
taking care to position the lap belt  
against the lower hips, where it will not  
exert pressure against the abdominal  
area.<  
Safety belt height adjustment  
Fasten your safety belt at the beginning  
of every trip.  
You can adjust the front and rear safety  
belts to fit each passenger correctly  
with the safety belt height adjustment.  
To fasten: make sure you hear the lock  
engage in the belt buckle.  
Press the button up or down as re-  
quired.  
To release: press the red button in the  
buckle. Hold the belt and guide it back  
into its reel.  
Rear safety belt buckles  
The two safety belt buckles which are  
integrated in the rear seat are for pas-  
sengers sitting on the left and right. The  
belt buckle with the word "CENTER" is  
intended exclusively for a passenger  
sitting in the middle.  
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Safety belts  
Airbags  
57n  
For cleaning and care instructions, refer  
to "Car care" on page 146.  
If the center safety belt cannot be  
pulled out, the larger rear backrest  
section is not engaged. Refer to  
page 107.<  
If the safety belt system has been  
subjected to the stresses in-  
volved in an accident or otherwise  
damaged: have the entire safety belt  
system replaced by your BMW center,  
including the safety belt tensioner and  
the child restraint system*. Have the  
safety belt anchors checked also.c  
1 Front airbag for driver and front  
passenger  
The side airbags in the rear pas-  
senger area* of your vehicle may  
already have been deactivated either at  
the time of manufacture or by a BMW  
center. You may have them activated if  
you desire to do so. Please contact  
your authorized BMW center for addi-  
tional information.<  
2 Side Impact Head Protection System  
(front and rear side*)  
3 Side airbags (front and rear side*)  
Child restraint systems*  
Never install a rear-facing child re-  
straint system in the front passen-  
ger seat. If you do so, the child could  
be injured in an accident when the air-  
bag is triggered. Do not modify the  
child restraint system in any way. If you  
do so, it will not provide your child with  
maximum protection.<  
Protective effect  
The front airbags supplement the three-  
point safety belts by providing addi-  
tional protection for the front-seat  
The illustration depicts schematically  
the primary directions of vehicle impact  
that initiate an airbag deployment.  
occupants in the event of a severe  
frontal collision in which the protection  
afforded by the belts alone may no  
longer be sufficient. The head protec-  
tion and side airbags help provide pro-  
tection in the event of a collision from  
the side. Each of the side airbags is de-  
signed to help support the upper body.  
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58n Airbags  
the rim with the hands at the 9 and  
3 o'clock positions. Do not place your  
hands on the center pad.  
Never allow any objects to obstruct the  
area between the airbag and an occu-  
pant.  
Do not use the cover panel above the  
passenger-side airbag as a storage  
area.  
Do not apply adhesive materials to the  
cover panels of the airbags, cover them  
or modify them in any other way.  
Do not install a rear-facing child re-  
straint system in the front passenger  
seat of this vehicle.  
Children under 13 years of age and  
children less than 5 feet (150 cm) tall  
should ride only in the rear seat.  
Infants or small children should never  
be held on the lap of a passenger.  
If your vehicle is equipped with side air-  
bags in the rear passenger area, be  
sure that child restraints are mounted  
correctly and provided with the great-  
est-possible distance between the air-  
bags in the side trim panels. Do not al-  
low children to lean out of the child's  
seat in the direction of the side trim  
panels. If they do so, serious injuries  
can occur if the airbag is triggered.<  
Indicator lamp  
Sitting correctly with airbags  
The indicator lamp displays the  
operational status of the airbag  
system from ignition key posi-  
For your safety, comply with the  
following instructions for the air-  
bags. If you do not, the airbags may not  
be able to provide their maximum pro-  
tection. All passengers in the vehicle  
should be aware of and comply with  
this information:  
The airbags are supplemental restraint  
devices designed to provide extra pro-  
tection; they are not a substitute for  
safety belts. Wear your safety belt at all  
times. The airbags will not be triggered  
in the event of a minor accident, a vehi-  
cle roll-over, or collisions from the rear.  
In these instances, the safety belt pro-  
vides optimal protection.  
Airbags are located under cover panels  
in the steering wheel, in the dashboard,  
in the side trim panels in the front and  
rear*, and in the windshield pillars and  
the sides of the headliner.  
Adjust your seat to a position that pro-  
vides maximum distance between you  
and the steering wheel, the instrument  
panel and the door while still allowing  
comfortable and safe access to all  
vehicle controls.  
tion 1 and up.  
System operational:  
> The indicator lamp comes on briefly  
then goes out.  
System malfunction:  
> The indicator lamp fails to come on.  
> The indicator lamp comes on briefly  
before going out and then lighting up  
again.  
A system malfunction could prevent the  
system from responding to an impact  
occurring within its normal response  
range.  
Please have your authorized BMW cen-  
ter inspect and repair the system as  
soon as possible.  
To avoid sustaining hand and arm inju-  
ries, always grasp the steering wheel  
on  
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Airbags  
59n  
At all times, occupants should sit  
opening should indicate the status of  
upright and be properly restrained your rear seat side airbags. If you are  
(infants and small children in appropri-  
ate child restraint systems; larger chil-  
uncertain of their status, or wish to have  
the airbags activated or deactivated,  
dren and adults using the safety belts). please contact your BMW center.<  
Never let an occupant's head rest near  
or on a side airbag because the inflating Even when all these guidelines are ob-  
airbag could cause a serious or fatal in- served, there is still a small residual risk  
jury. Please note that the word "Airbag" of injuries to the face, hands and arms  
imprinted on the door trim panel indi-  
cates the airbag's location.  
Accident research shows that the saf-  
est place for children in an automobile  
occurring from airbag deployment in  
isolated instances. The ignition and  
inflation noise may provoke a mild  
temporary hearing loss in extremely  
This is the right way for a child to sit in a  
child restraint when rear side airbags  
(arrow) are provided.  
is in the rear seat. However, a child sit- sensitive individuals.  
ting in the rear seat and not properly re-  
Airbag warning information is also pro-  
strained may place his or her head on  
or near the airbag, if so equipped. For  
example, a child — even though belted  
— may fall asleep with his or her head  
against the side airbag. It may be diffi-  
cult for a driver to ensure that children  
in the rear seat will remain properly po-  
sitioned at all times and not place their  
heads on or near the side airbag.  
Therefore, we recommend that the rear  
seat side airbags, if so equipped, be  
deactivated if children will travel in the  
rear seat.  
vided on the sun visors.  
For additional information concerning  
the airbag system, refer to page 148  
and 176.  
The rear seat side airbags may already  
have been deactivated, either at the  
time of manufacture or by a  
BMW center. Labels in the rear door  
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60n Airbags  
Child restraints*  
Commercially-available child restraint  
systems are designed to be secured  
with a lap belt or with the lap belt por-  
tion of a combination lap/shoulder belt.  
Improperly or inadequately installed  
restraint systems can increase the risk  
of injury to children. Always read and  
follow the instructions that come with  
the system.  
This is the right way for a larger child to  
sit wearing the safety belt when rear  
side airbags (arrow) are provided.  
If you use a child restraint system with a  
tether strap, three additional tether an-  
chorage points (refer to the arrows in  
the illustration) have been provided.  
Depending on the location selected for  
seating in the rear passenger area, at-  
tach the tether strap to the correspond-  
ing anchorage point to secure the child  
restraint system. Remove the cover first  
on the middle location.  
If the respective seating position is fit-  
ted with a headrest lift the headrest and  
pass the tether strap between the  
headrest and the seat back.  
Adjust the tether strap according to the  
child restraint manufacturer's instruc-  
tions.  
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Child restraints*  
Child seat security  
61n  
Before installing any child restraint We strongly urge you to carefully read  
device or child seat, please read  
the following:  
and comply with the instructions for in-  
stallation and use provided by the child  
Never install a rear-facing child restraint restraint's manufacturer whenever you  
system in the front passenger seat of  
this vehicle.  
use such a device.  
Be sure that all occupants (of all ages)  
Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag remain properly and securely restrained  
supplemental restraint system for the  
front passenger. Because the backrest  
on any rear-facing child restraint sys-  
tem (of the kind designed for infants  
at all times.<  
All rear seating positions in your vehicle  
meet the recommendations of SAE  
under 1 year and 20 Ibs./9 kg) would be J1819, an industry-recommended prac-  
within the airbag's deployment range,  
you should never mount such a device  
in the front passenger seat, since the  
impact of the airbag against the child  
restraint's backrest could lead to seri-  
ous or fatal injuries.  
tice for securing child restraint systems  
in motor vehicles.  
All of the rear belt retractors and the  
front passenger's safety belt can be  
locked for mounting and securing child  
restraint systems.  
Information regarding this is located  
near the buckle latch of each safety  
belt.  
If it is necessary for a child (not an in-  
fant) to ride in the front seat, certain  
precautions should be taken. First,  
move the passenger seat as far away  
from the dashboard as possible. This  
important precaution is intended to  
maximize the distance between the  
airbag and the child. Older children  
should be tightly secured with a safety  
belt. Younger children should be se-  
cured in an appropriate forward-facing  
child restraint system that has first been  
properly secured with a safety belt.  
Never install a rear-facing child restraint  
system in the front passenger seat.  
To lock the belt  
Pull the entire length of the belt from  
the belt retractor. Allow the reel to re-  
tract the belt somewhat and engage the  
buckle, then tighten the belt against the  
child restraint system. The retraction  
mechanism is now locked.  
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62nChild seat security  
Child-safety locks  
To release the belt  
Release the buckle, remove the child-  
restraint device and allow the belt  
retractor to reel the belt completely in.  
Slide the safety lever on the rear doors  
downward:  
The door can now be opened from the  
outside only.  
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Steering/Ignition lock  
63n  
1 Steering lock disengaged  
You will find that it is often easier to turn  
the ignition key from position 0 to posi-  
tion 1 when you move the steering  
wheel slightly to help disengage the  
lock.  
2 Ignition on  
All electrical equipment and accesso-  
ries are available for use.  
3 Starting the engine  
0 Steering lock engaged  
The key can only be inserted and  
removed in this position.  
After removing the key, turn the steer-  
ing wheel slightly to the left or right until  
you hear the lock engage.  
An acoustic warning is sounded when  
you fail to remove the ignition key after  
opening the driver's door.  
Do not move the selector lever  
from the "Park" position until the  
engine is running (ignition key in posi-  
tion 2).  
In order to turn the key to position 0 or  
to remove it, first move the selector  
lever to the "Park" position (Interlock).<  
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64nStarting the engine  
Do not press the accelerator pedal  
while starting the engine.  
Should the engine fail to start on the  
first attempt (if it is very hot or cold, for  
instance):  
> Press the accelerator pedal halfway  
down while the starter is engaged.  
Before starting  
> Engage the parking brake.  
> Be sure that the selector lever is in  
"Park" position.  
Your BMW is equipped with the  
convenience starting feature. Sim-  
ply turn the key to position 3 (starter)  
and then release it immediately. The  
starter continues to operate automati-  
Do not allow the engine to run in  
enclosed spaces. The exhaust  
gases contain carbon monoxide, an  
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.  
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic cally.  
gas. Breathing the exhaust gases poses The automatic starting mode will not  
an extreme health risk, and can lead to operate if the battery voltage is low.  
unconsciousness and death.  
The engine can be started by means of  
jump-starting (refer to page 170).<  
To prevent the battery from discharg-  
ing, always deactivate electrical de-  
vices that are not in use. Switch the ig-  
nition off when the vehicle is not being  
driven.  
Do not leave the vehicle unattended  
with the engine running. An unattended  
vehicle with a running engine repre-  
sents a potential safety hazard.<  
Do not allow the engine to warm up by  
leaving it running while the vehicle re-  
mains stationary. Instead, begin to drive  
immediately at a moderate engine  
speed.  
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Switching off the engine Parking brake  
65n  
If, in exceptional circumstances, it  
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.  
should be necessary to engage  
the parking brake while the vehicle is in  
motion, do not pull it with excessive  
pressure. Keep your thumb pressed  
against the release button while care-  
fully pulling up the lever to apply mod-  
erate pressure.  
Excessive pressure can lead to over-  
braking and loss of traction (fishtailing)  
at the rear axle.  
The brake lamps do not come on when  
the parking brake is applied.  
Always engage the parking brake and  
place the selector lever in "Park" when  
parking on slopes and inclined sur-  
faces.<  
Never remove the ignition key  
while the vehicle is rolling. If you  
did so, the ignition lock would engage  
when the steering wheel is turned.  
Always remove the ignition key and en-  
gage the steering lock before leaving  
the vehicle.  
Always engage the parking brake and  
place the selector lever in "Park" when  
parking on slopes and inclined sur-  
faces.<  
To engage  
The lever engages automatically and  
the "PARK BRAKE" or "BRAKE" (in  
Canada "P") indicator lamp comes on in  
the instrument cluster in ignition key  
position 2. Refer to pages 22 and 23.  
The vehicle must be stationary and the  
selector lever in "Park" before you can  
remove the ignition key.  
To avoid corrosion, apply the parking  
brake lightly from time to time when  
coasting to a standstill (at a traffic sig-  
nal, for instance), provided that it is safe  
to do so.  
To release  
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the  
button and lower the lever.  
The parking brake is primarily designed  
to prevent the vehicle from rolling while  
parked. It operates against the rear  
wheels.  
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66n Automatic transmission with Steptronic  
Range selection  
You can drive as with a normal auto-  
matic transmission. In addition, you can  
also shift manually.  
To achieve this, different shift programs  
are automatically engaged.  
A detent prevents inadvertent shifts to  
the "Reverse" or "Park" selector lever  
positions. To disengage the detent,  
press the button on the front side of the  
shift knob (arrow).  
For additional details concerning the  
ATC, please refer to the chapter de-  
scribing "Advanced technology" on  
page 176.  
When you move the selector lever from  
the "D" position to the left into the M/S  
range, the performance-oriented shift  
programs of the automatic transmission  
are engaged. As soon as you briefly  
touch the selector lever in the "+" or "–"  
direction, Steptronic changes the gear.  
The manual mode is engaged. When  
you wish to use the automatic transmis-  
sion mode again, move the selector  
lever to the right into the "D" position.  
While the vehicle is stationary and  
before shifting out of "Park" or  
"Neutral," depress the footbrake in  
order to disengage the selector lever's  
lock mechanism (Shiftlock).  
Hold the footbrake down until starting  
off. The vehicle will otherwise "creep"  
when a drive position is engaged.<  
Selector lever positions  
P R N D M/S  
The transmission range display varies  
according to the equipment of your ve-  
hicle (refer to the illustrations).  
Starting the engine  
The automatic transmission of your  
BMW is equipped with Adaptive Trans-  
mission Control (ATC), a system which  
reacts with precision to your individual  
driving style and the driving conditions.  
The engine can only be started in selec-  
tor lever positions P ("Park") or N ("Neu-  
tral").  
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Automatic transmission with Steptronic  
67n  
If you leave the vehicle with the  
engine running, move the selector  
lever to the "Park" or "Neutral" position  
and apply the parking brake. If you fail  
to do this, the vehicle could move.  
Do not leave the vehicle unattended  
with the engine running. An unattended  
vehicle with a running engine repre-  
sents a potential safety hazard.<  
D — Drive  
(automatic shift program)  
This position is designed for driving  
under all normal operating conditions.  
All forward gears are available.  
"Kickdown"  
In the "Kickdown" mode, you achieve  
maximum performance.  
Depress the accelerator pedal past the  
increased resistance point at the full-  
throttle position.  
P — Park  
Select "Park" only when the vehicle is  
completely stopped. The transmission  
locks to prevent the rear wheels from  
turning.  
M/S Manual mode and  
Sport Program  
When you change from D to M/S, the  
Sport Program is activated. This is indi-  
cated by "D S" in the gear selection  
display. The Sport Program is designed  
for performance-oriented driving.  
R — Reverse  
Select "Reverse" only when the vehicle  
is completely stopped.  
When you select "Reverse", the backup  
lamps will turn on automatically when  
the ignition key is in position 2.  
With the first brief touch, the automatic  
transmission shifts from the Sport Pro-  
gram to the manual mode. When you  
move the selector lever forward in the  
"+" direction, the transmission shifts up.  
When the lever is moved back in the "–"  
direction, the transmission shifts down.  
Depending on the equipment version,  
1 to 5 or M1 to M5 is indicated in the  
transmission range display.  
N — Neutral  
Select "Neutral" only if your journey is  
interrupted for a longer period.  
Upshifts or downshifts will only be  
carried out by the ATC at appropriate  
engine speeds and road speeds. If the  
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68nAutomatic transmission w ith Steptronic  
engine speed is too high, for instance,  
the downshift will not be executed. The  
gear selected will appear briefly in the  
instrument cluster followed by the  
current gear.  
Do not work in the engine com-  
partment when a drive gear (for-  
ward or reverse) is engaged. If you do  
this, the vehicle could move.<  
Electronic transmission control  
module  
If the indicator lamp comes on  
or the message "TRANS.FAIL-  
SAFE PROG" appears in the  
Check Control*, there is a fault in the  
transmission system.  
Information on jump-starting, tow-start-  
ing and towing begins on page 170.  
If you are driving in the manual  
mode and wish to accelerate rap-  
idly – to pass another vehicle, for exam-  
ple – shift down manually or with the  
kickdown function.<  
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the  
transmission selector lever to "P." Set  
the parking brake and turn the engine  
off (ignition key to position 0).  
Wait a few seconds, then start the en-  
gine.  
You can only change from M/S to se-  
lector lever positions "P," "R" and "N"  
via the "D" position.  
If the indicator lamp goes out after a  
few seconds, normal transmission per-  
formance has been restored. You may  
continue to drive as usual. If the indica-  
tor lamp does not go out, you can place  
the selector lever in all positions. How-  
ever, the vehicle will now only drive for-  
ward with limited gear selection.  
In the following situations, the Step-  
tronic "thinks" for you in the manual  
mode:  
> In order to prevent engine over-  
speeding, the transmission shifts  
automatically to the next higher gear  
shortly before the RPM cutoff point.  
> At low speeds, the transmission  
shifts down automatically – you do  
not have to act.  
If this should occur, avoid extreme en-  
gine loads and consult the nearest au-  
thorized BMW center.  
> In the "Kickdown" mode, the trans-  
mission shifts down to the lowest  
possible gear based on the engine  
speed.  
> Depending on the situation – when  
driving in adverse winter conditions,  
for example – you may also start out  
in 2nd or 3rd gear.  
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Indicator/Headlamp flasher Washer/Wiper system  
69n  
0 Wipers retracted (home  
position)  
The left wiper is partially concealed by  
the hood. In order to bring the wipers to  
roughly a vertical position (this is impor-  
tant for changing the wiper blades or to  
fold the wipers out during frosty  
weather, for example):  
> 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 High beams (blue indicator)  
0 Wipers retracted  
1 Switch on the wipers with the lever in  
position 1, 2 or 4.  
2 When the wipers are approximately  
vertical, switch the ignition off.  
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator)  
1 Intermittent wipe or rain sensor*  
3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator 2 Normal wipe  
accompanied by periodic clicking  
sound from the relay).  
4 Brief wipe  
If the indicator lamp and the clicking  
from the relay are both faster than  
normal, one of the turn indicators has  
failed.  
3 Fast wipe  
For changing the wiper blades, refer to  
page 154.  
5 Clean the windshield  
6 Special wash program*  
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.<  
7 Rotary dial for control of the wipe  
interval or the sensitivity of the rain  
sensor*.  
To signal briefly  
Press the lever up to but not beyond  
the detent. It then returns to the center  
position when released.  
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70nWasher/Wiper system  
You can leave the lever permanently in If you pull the lever only briefly, the sys-  
1 Intermittent wipe or rain  
position 1. It is then only necessary to  
activate the rain sensor from ignition  
key position 1 and up. To do this,  
tem sprays washer fluid onto the wind-  
shield without activating the wipers.  
sensor*  
Intermittent wipe:  
You can set the wipe interval to four  
stages with rotary dial 7.  
In addition, the wipe interval is varied  
automatically depending on road  
speed.  
6 Special wash program*  
> turn rotary dial 7 briefly or  
> clean the windshield 5 or use the  
special wash program 6.  
As at 5; there are also several additional  
wash cycles, and the headlamps are  
cleaned*.  
This program is recommended after you  
have driven on extremely dirty roads.  
To adjust the sensitivity of the rain  
sensor:  
Turn rotary dial 7.  
Rain sensor:  
When the rain sensor is activated, the  
windshield wiper is controlled automati-  
cally, depending on the degree of wet-  
ness of the windshield (in both snow  
and rain). You do not have to be con-  
cerned with switching the windshield  
wiper on or off or adjusting the wipe  
interval between intermittent and full  
wipe. Instead, you can concentrate fully  
on the traffic conditions. This is espe-  
cially important under adverse weather  
conditions.  
Headlamp washers*  
> With the Special wash program 6  
damage may occur if the wipers switch > With every fifth actuation of Clean  
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-  
matic car washes. If you do not,  
on unintentionally.<  
windshield 5 when the vehicle's  
lighting is switched on.  
2 Normal wiper speed  
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. For this  
reason, use an antifreeze agent. Refer  
to page 136.  
Do not use the washers when the reser-  
voir is empty. This could cause damage  
to the washer pump.<  
The system switches automatically to  
intermittent operation when the vehicle  
is not moving (not on vehicles with the  
rain sensor*).  
The rain sensor is positioned on the  
windshield, directly in front of the inte-  
rior rearview mirror.  
3 Fast wiper speed  
The wipers operate at normal speed  
when the vehicle is not moving (not on  
vehicles with the rain sensor*).  
To activate the rain sensor:  
Move the lever to position 1 with the  
ignition key in position 1 or higher. The  
wipers travel once across the wind-  
shield, regardless of the weather condi- The system sprays washer fluid against  
tions.  
Windshield washer jets  
5 Clean the windshield  
The windshield washer jets are warmed  
automatically when the ignition key is in  
position 2.  
the windshield and activates the wipers  
for a brief period.  
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Washer/Wiper system  
Rear window defroster 71n  
Programming is deleted:  
> Approx. 10 seconds after the lever is  
placed in position 0 or  
> after the engine is switched off.  
For changing the wiper blade, refer to  
page 154.  
Rear window wiper  
To activate  
0 Retracted (home) position of the rear  
window wiper.  
Press the button: as long as the indica-  
tor lamp remains on, the rear window  
defroster continues at high-output  
(rapid thaw).  
1 Rear window wiper in intermittent  
operation. When "Reverse" is se-  
lected, continuous operation is  
switched on automatically.  
After the indicator lamp goes out, the  
defroster continues operating at re-  
duced power for a limited period before  
deactivating automatically.  
2 Clean the rear window.  
You can also program the interval:  
> Switch briefly from position 0 to posi-  
tion 1.  
> The time until reactivation (from posi-  
tion 0 to 1) is the programmed inter-  
val (max. 30 seconds).  
To deactivate  
Press the button if the indicator lamp  
lights up.  
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72nCruise control  
To store and maintain speed or to To decelerate  
accelerate  
Press button 2 briefly:  
Press button 1 briefly:  
When cruise control is active, every  
The system registers and maintains the briefly touch of the button reduces the  
current vehicle speed. Every time you  
briefly touch the button, the speed in-  
creases by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h).  
speed by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h).  
Press and hold button 2:  
With the cruise control active, the sys-  
tem automatically reduces the throttle  
opening to slow the vehicle. When you  
release the button, the system registers  
Press and hold button 1:  
The vehicle accelerates without pres-  
sure on the accelerator pedal. When  
you release the button, the system reg- and maintains the current speed.  
isters and maintains the current speed.  
You can store and automatically main-  
tain any desired vehicle speed above  
approx. 20 mph (30 km/h).  
If, on a downhill gradient, the  
engine's braking effect is not suffi-  
cient, the controlled speed can be  
exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill  
grades if the engine output is insuffi-  
cient.<  
To activate the system  
In ignition key position 1 or 2:  
Press button 4, the indicator lamp in the  
instrument cluster comes on. You can  
now use the cruise control.  
For the arrangement of the buttons in  
the Sports steering wheel*: refer to  
page 27.  
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Cruise control  
73n  
Do not use cruise control on  
twisting roads, when high traffic  
density prevents driving at a constant  
speed, when the road surface is slick  
(snow, rain, ice), or when the road sur-  
face is loose (rocks or gravel, sand).<  
To interrupt the cruise control  
When the system is activated, press  
and hold button 4. The indicator lamp  
stays on. You can use the cruise control tains the last speed stored. When you  
again as required.  
To resume the stored setting  
Press button 3:  
The vehicle accelerates to and main-  
turn the ignition key to position 0, the  
stored speed is deleted and the system  
is deactivated.  
In addition, the system is also automati-  
cally deactivated in response to the fol-  
lowing conditions:  
To deactivate the system  
> When you apply pressure to the  
brake pedal.  
> When you move the automatic trans-  
mission selector lever from "Drive" to  
"Neutral".  
When the cruise control has been can-  
celed, press button 4 again. The indica-  
tor lamp goes off and the stored speed  
is canceled.  
> If you exceed or fall below the pro-  
grammed speed for an extended pe-  
riod (by depressing the accelerator,  
for example).  
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74nOdometer, outside temperature display  
Ice warning  
If the outside temperature drops to ap-  
prox. +37.5 7 (+3 6), a signal sounds  
as a warning and the display flashes for  
a brief period.  
The warning is repeated whenever the  
temperature climbs to at least +43 7  
(+6 6) following the last warning and  
then drops back to +37.5 7 (+3 6).  
The ice warning does not alter the  
fact that surface ice can form at  
temperatures above +37.5 7 (+3 6),  
on bridges or shaded road surfaces, for  
instance.<  
3 Outside temperature display  
1 Odometer  
The outside temperature appears in the  
display panel from ignition key position  
1 and higher.  
You can activate the displays shown in  
the illustration with the ignition key in  
position 0 by pressing the button in the  
instrument cluster (arrow).  
You can change the units of measure-  
ment (6/7) by  
The range of available displays varies  
according to your individual vehicle's  
equipment.  
1 pressing and holding down the  
button (arrow) with the ignition key  
in position 1.  
2 Trip odometer  
2 and then turning the ignition key to 0.  
To reset the trip odometer to zero,  
press the button (arrow) with the igni-  
tion key in position 1 or 2.  
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Tachometer  
Energy control  
Fuel gauge  
75n  
Do not operate the engine with the  
needle in the red overspeed zone of the in mpg (in liters/100 km on Canadian  
gauge.  
Indicates the current fuel consumption  
When you switch on the ignition, the in-  
dicator lamp comes on briefly to con-  
firm that the system is operational.  
vehicles). This allows you to see  
whether your current driving style is  
conducive to fuel economy with mini-  
mum exhaust emissions.  
To protect the engine, the engine-man-  
agement system automatically inter-  
rupts the fuel supply in this range; the  
resulting effect resembles that associ-  
ated with a sudden loss of power.  
If the indicator lamp comes on and  
stays on, there are approx.  
> 2.6 gallons (10 liters)  
When the vehicle is stationary, the  
display goes to "Maximum" (zero on  
Canadian models).  
of fuel still in the tank.  
Tank capacity: refer to page 187.  
Certain operating conditions (such as  
those encountered in mountainous ar-  
eas) may cause the needle to fluctuate  
slightly.  
Please refuel early, as driving to  
the last drop of fuel can result in  
damage to the engine and/or catalytic  
converter.<  
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76nCoolant temperature gauge  
Service Interval Display  
Between the blue and red zones  
Normal operating range. It is not un-  
usual for the needle to rise as far as the  
edge of the red zone in response to  
high outside temperatures or severe  
operating conditions.  
Checking coolant level: refer to  
page 140.  
Blue  
The range of available displays varies  
according to your individual vehicle's  
equipment.  
The engine is still cold. Drive at moder-  
ate engine and vehicle speeds.  
Red  
Green lamps  
When you switch on the ignition, the  
warning lamp comes on briefly to con-  
firm that the system is operational.  
The number of illuminated lamps  
decreases as the time for your next  
maintenance visit approaches.  
Comes on while driving and the mes-  
sage "COOLANT TEMPERATURE" ap-  
pears in the Check-Control*: the engine  
is overheated. Shut off the engine im-  
mediately and allow it to cool down.  
Yellow lamp  
This field appears together with  
OILSERVICE or INSPECTION.  
Maintenance is due. Please contact  
your BMW center for an appointment.  
Red lamp  
The maintenance deadline has been  
passed.  
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Check Control  
77n  
Priority 1  
Alphanumeric display*  
Graphic display*  
Text messages are used to alert the  
driver to system malfunctions when the  
ignition key is turned to position 2. The  
alert is accompanied by a gong.  
These defects are immediately indi-  
The following alerts or status messages  
are displayed with icons from ignition  
key position 2 and up until the defects  
are corrected:  
cated by a gong and a flashing warning  
symbol 1. Simultaneous defects will be  
displayed consecutively. These status  
messages remain in the display until the  
defects are corrected. They cannot be  
deleted by pressing the CHECK  
button 3:  
1 Status report symbol  
2 Display  
1 Check low beams.  
2 Add washer fluid (goes out after ap-  
prox. 1 minute).  
3 CHECK button  
Messages concerning system faults are  
differentiated based on two priorities:  
3 Door open.  
> RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE  
> COOLANT TEMPERATURE  
The coolant is overheated. Stop the  
vehicle immediately and switch off  
the engine. Refer to pages 76  
and 140.  
4 Tailgate open.  
5 Check brake and tail lamps.  
A defective center brake lamp is indi-  
cated by the upper symbol.  
When you open the door after stopping,  
a warning signal sounds without a vi-  
sual indicator for:  
> STOP! ENGINE OILPRESS  
The oil pressure is too low. Stop the  
vehicle immediately and switch off  
the engine. Refer to page 22.  
> LIGHTS ON and  
> KEY IN IGNITION LOCK.  
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78nCheck Control  
> CHECK BRAKE FLUID  
Priority 2  
> OUTSIDE TEMP. +23 7 (–5 6)  
This display is only an example. The  
current temperature is displayed at  
outside temperatures of +37.5 7  
(+3 6) and below. Refer also to  
page 74.  
> CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS  
A lamp has failed or the electrical  
circuit has a fault. Refer to pages 157  
and 158 or consult an authorized  
BMW center.  
> CHECK LOWBEAM LIGHTS  
CHECK SIDE LIGHTS  
CHECK REAR LIGHTS  
CHECK FRONT FOGLAMPS  
CHECK LICPLATE LIGHTS  
CHECK HIGHBEAM LIGHTS  
CHECK BACK UP LIGHTS  
Defective bulb or circuit. Refer to  
page 155 or consult an authorized  
BMW center.  
Indicates that brake fluid is down to  
approximately the minimum level.  
Top up the brake fluid at the next op-  
portunity. Refer to page 141. Have  
the cause of the brake fluid loss diag-  
nosed and corrected by your BMW  
center.  
> SELFLEVEL. SUSP. INACT  
Please consult the nearest authorized  
BMW center. Refer to page 125.  
> SPEED LIMIT*  
These displays appear for 20 seconds  
when the ignition key is turned to posi-  
tion 2. The warning symbols remain  
after the message disappears. You can  
call up the messages again for display  
by pressing the CHECK button.  
> TRUNKLID OPEN  
This message appears only at the  
start of a trip.  
> DOOR OPEN  
This message appears after a mini-  
mal defined road speed has been  
exceeded.  
> FASTEN SEAT BELTS*  
In addition to this message, an indi-  
cator lamp with the safety belt icon  
appears and an acoustical signal is  
sounded.  
> WASHER FLUID LOW  
The fluid level is too low; top up at  
the next opportunity. Refer to  
page 136.  
You will see this message if the pro-  
grammed speed limit has been ex-  
ceeded.  
> CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV  
Add engine oil as soon as possible.  
Refer to page 137.  
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Check Control  
79n  
> TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG  
Displays after completion of trip  
To check the Check Control  
Please consult the nearest authorized  
BMW center. Refer to page 68.  
> CHECK BRAKE LININGS  
Have the brake linings inspected by  
your BMW center. Refer to page 123.  
> CHECK COOLANT LEVEL  
Coolant too low, top up at the next  
opportunity. Refer to page 140.  
> ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG  
There is a fault in the engine's elec-  
tronic control system. When braking,  
higher brake application pressure  
may be necessary and brake pedal  
travel may be significantly longer.  
Have the fault checked by your  
authorized BMW center.  
All of the malfunctions registered during Press the CHECK button 3 with the  
the trip appear consecutively when the ignition key in position 2: CHECK  
key is turned to position 0.  
CONTROL OK appears in the display.  
The following displays will appear when No malfunctions are present in the  
appropriate:  
monitored systems.  
> LIGHTS ON  
> KEY IN IGNITION LOCK  
> CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV  
Onboard computer*  
You will find a description of the  
Add engine oil at the next opportunity onboard computer in the Owner's  
(next stop for fuel). Refer to  
page 137.  
Manual for the Radio and Information  
System or the Owner's Manual for the  
onboard monitor.  
These displays appear when you open  
the driver's door after parking the vehi-  
cle. A supplementary gong is also  
heard.  
You can have the Check Control  
and onboard computer messages  
displayed in a different language.<  
Status reports remain available for a  
period of approx. three minutes after  
the display goes out and the key is  
removed from the ignition. Press the  
CHECK button 3. If there were multiple  
reports, press the CHECK button re-  
peatedly to view them all in sequence.  
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80nOnboard computer  
Mode selection  
Outside temperature and average Operating range and average  
fuel consumption  
speed  
From ignition key position 1 and up, you  
can call up information from the  
onboard computer using the button in  
the turn signal lever. By pressing the  
button briefly in the direction of the  
steering column, you can call up a new  
function for display.  
You can change the units of measure-  
ment (6/7) for the outside tempera-  
ture display by  
The computer bases its calculations of  
the cruising range on the previous driv-  
ing style and conditions.  
1 pressing and holding the trip odome- This computer ignores any time spent  
ter reset button (in ignition key posi-  
tion 1).  
when the vehicle is stationary and the  
engine is not running in its average  
The displays appear in the following  
order: outside temperature, average  
fuel consumption, cruising range,  
average speed.  
2 and then turning the ignition key to 0. speed calculations.  
Refer also to page 74.  
Starting with ignition key position 1, the  
last active setting is displayed.  
The range of available displays varies  
according to your individual vehicle's  
equipment.  
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Onboard computer  
81n  
To cancel the display  
If the button in the turn-signal lever is  
Onboard computer with  
alphanumeric display*  
pressed briefly while the average speed If your vehicle has Check Control with  
is displayed, the onboard computer  
display can be masked out.  
alphanumeric display, the system's  
onboard computer is described in the  
Owner's Manual for the Radio and  
Information System or the Owner's  
Manual for the onboard monitor.  
To restart calculations  
If you continue to press the button in  
the turn signal lever, the average values  
which were just displayed for fuel con-  
sumption and speed will be recalcu-  
lated from that point. The engine must  
be running for this calculation.  
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82nPark Distance Control (PDC)*  
The concept  
Acoustical signals  
The PDC assists you when you are  
parking. Acoustical signals inform you  
of the distance to an obstacle. To do  
this, four ultrasonic sensors in the front  
and rear bumpers measure the distance  
to the nearest object. The monitoring  
range for the front sensors as well as  
the two rear corner sensors ends ap-  
prox. 2 feet (60 cm) behind the respec-  
tive bumper. The center sensors in the  
rear have a range of approx. 5 feet  
The distance to the nearest object is  
indicated by a tone sounding at various  
intervals. As the distance between vehi-  
cle and object decreases, the intervals  
between the tones become shorter.  
A continuous tone indicates the pres-  
ence of an object less than approx.  
1 foot (30 cm) away.  
The warning signal is canceled after  
approx. three seconds if you are mov-  
ing parallel to a wall.  
(1.50 meters).  
Manual activation  
Press the button (arrow); the indicator  
lamp comes on.  
If there is a malfunction of the system:  
The indicator lamp flashes and a short  
steady signal tone is sounded  
Automatic function  
The system starts to operate auto-  
matically about one second after you  
select “Reverse“ with the ignition key in  
position 2.  
After driving a distance of more than ap-  
prox. 160 feet (50 meters) or exceeding  
a speed of approx. 20 mph (30 km/h),  
the system switches off and the indica-  
tor lamp goes out. Switch the system on  
again as required.  
> if you activate PDC with the button.  
> when you select “Reverse“ for the  
first time after switching on the igni-  
tion.  
> if a malfunction occurs while the PDC  
system is active.  
Switch the system off and have the  
cause of the malfunction corrected by  
your BMW center.  
Manual deactivation  
Press the button again.  
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PDC*  
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)  
83n  
The PDC system does not remove  
The concept  
the driver's personal responsibility  
for evaluating the distance between the  
vehicle and any obstacles. Even when  
sensors are involved, there is a blind  
spot in which objects cannot be de-  
tected. This applies especially in those  
cases where the system approaches  
the physical constraints of ultrasonic  
measurement, as occurs with tow bars  
and trailer couplings, and in the vicinity  
of thin and painted objects.  
DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in  
critical driving situations.  
The system optimizes vehicle stability  
during acceleration and when starting  
from a full stop, as well as optimizing  
traction. In addition, the system recog-  
nizes unstable vehicle conditions (un-  
dersteering or oversteering, for exam-  
ple) and helps to keep the vehicle on a  
sure course by intervening via the en-  
gine and by braking intervention at the  
Certain sources of sound, such as a  
loud radio, could drown out the PDC  
signal tone.<  
individual wheels.  
The system starts up automatically  
each time you start the engine.  
To deactivate the system  
Press the button (arrow); the indicator  
lamp comes on and stays on.  
Traction intervention remains active;  
that is, braking intervention will con-  
tinue. Refer also to Four-wheel drive on  
page 177.  
Keep the sensors clean and free  
of ice or snow in order to ensure  
Indicator lamp  
The indicator lamp in the instru-  
ment cluster goes out shortly  
after you switch on the ignition.  
Refer to page 24.  
that they continue to operate effectively.  
Do not apply high pressure spray to the  
sensors for a prolonged period of time.  
Maintain an adequate distance of more  
than 4 inches (10 cm).<  
In the following exceptional circum-  
stances, it may be effective to deacti-  
vate the DSC for a short period:  
Indicator lamp flashes:  
The system is active and governs drive  
force and braking force.  
> when rocking the vehicle or starting  
off in deep snow or on loose  
surfaces.  
> on sandy road surfaces.  
> on poor surfaces with deep ruts.  
> if the wheels "churn" on muddy  
surfaces.  
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after  
the engine is started, or comes on dur-  
ing normal driving and stays on:  
There is a system malfunction or the  
system was deactivated with the but-  
ton.You can continue to drive the vehi-  
cle normally, but without DSC. Consult  
your authorized BMW center to have  
the system repaired.  
> or when driving with snow chains.  
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84nDSC  
Hill Descent Control (HDC)  
As a result of the traction interven-  
The concept  
tion, the brakes may be subjected  
to additional loads when the system is  
deactivated. For this reason, it is possi-  
ble that the braking intervention will be  
disabled automatically for a brief period  
in order to limit brake temperature.  
To maintain vehicle stability, always  
drive with the system switched on when  
possible.<  
HDC is a system for driving downhill on  
steep roads. This system reduces  
vehicle speed on steep downgrades,  
thus allowing you to maintain control of  
your BMW under these conditions.  
The vehicle moves at slightly more than  
walking speed without active interven-  
tion from the driver.  
You can activate HDC below approx.  
20 mph (35 km/h). When driving down  
steep roads, 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.  
To reactivate the system  
Press the button again; the indicator  
lamp goes out.  
To activate the system  
Press the button. The  
green indicator lamp illumi-  
The laws of physics cannot be re-  
pealed, even with DSC. An appro-  
priate driving style always remains the  
responsibility of the driver. We there-  
fore urge you to avoid using the addi-  
tional safety margin of the system as an  
excuse for taking risks.<  
nates.  
The indicator lamp flashes when the  
brakes are applied automatically.  
By applications of the brakes or accel-  
erator, you can alter this speed in the  
range of approx. 3 mph (5 km/h) to ap-  
prox. 20 mph (35 km/h).  
HDC is deactivated automatically if you  
exceed approx. 35 mph (60 km/h).  
To deactivate the system  
Press the button again; the indicator  
lamp goes out.  
For additional details concerning DSC,  
please refer to the chapter describing  
"Advanced technology" on page 177.  
HDC is deactivated automatically above  
a road speed of approx. 35 mph  
(60 km/h) and when the ignition is  
switched off.  
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HDC  
85n  
To use HDC  
You can use HDC in every drive  
position.  
In the event of a fault  
The indicator lamp goes out in the HDC  
mode or does not come on when HDC  
is activated:  
HDC is temporarily not available if  
brake temperature is too high.  
If the DSC indicator lamp also  
lights up:  
There is a fault in the HDC and  
DSC systems. Have your BMW center  
inspect this system as soon as possi-  
ble.  
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86nSide lamps/Low beams  
Instrument lightning  
LIGHTS ON warning  
In ignition key position 0, a buzzer  
sounds for a few seconds after the  
driver's door is opened if the head-  
lamps have not been switched off.  
On vehicles with alphanumeric Check  
Control*:  
The reminder is given through the  
Check Control.  
Daytime-driving lamp*  
The headlamps are automatically  
switched on for daylight driving at  
ignition key position 2.  
Side lamps (side marker lamps)  
Turn the rotary dial to adjust the illumi-  
nation intensity.  
With the switch in this position,  
the front, rear and side vehicle  
lighting is switched on. For  
lighting on one side for parking: refer to  
page 87.  
Low beams  
When the ignition is switched off  
and the low beams are on, only  
the side lamps (side marker  
lamps) remain on.  
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High beams/Parking lamp Fog lamps  
Interior lamps  
87n  
Fog lamps  
1 High beam (blue indicator lamp)  
The interior lamps operate automati-  
cally.  
A green indicator lamp appears  
in the instrument cluster to indi-  
cate that the front fog lamps are  
2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator  
lamp)  
Switching the interior lamps on  
and off manually  
3 Parking lamp  
on.  
Press the button (arrow).  
If the high beam is switched on, the fog  
lamps go out.  
Parking lamp, left or right*  
If you want the interior lamps to remain  
off all the times, press and hold the but-  
ton for approximately 3 seconds.  
With the ignition key in position 0,  
engage the lever in the appropriate  
turn-signal position.  
Press the button briefly to revert to  
normal operation.  
The cargo area lamps function in the  
same manner.  
The button for the interior lamps in the  
rear passenger area only switches  
these lights on and off.  
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88nInterior lamps  
Reading lamps  
Footwell lamps  
The footwell lamps are controlled in the  
same manner as the front interior light-  
ing.  
Front area lighting*  
This lighting system in the two exterior  
mirrors lights the ground in the area  
near the two front doors. It is also con-  
trolled in the same manner as the front  
interior lighting, but it does not function  
while the vehicle is moving.  
Reading lamps are provided in the front  
and rear* near the interior lamp. They  
can be switched on and off with the  
button (arrows) next to each lamp.  
In order to prevent battery dis-  
charge, all of the lamps in the  
vehicle are switched off automatically  
approx. 15 minutes after the ignition  
key is turned to position 0.<  
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89n  
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90nAutomatic climate control  
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Automatic climate control  
91n  
1 Air flow directed toward the wind-  
shield and side windows  
10 Temperature control –  
right-hand side 92  
2 Air flow for the upper body  
11 To defrost windshield and side  
windows 93  
The side rotary dials provide infi-  
nitely-variable regulation of the air  
supply, while the levers change the  
airflow direction. The center rotary  
dial controls the temperature of the  
air as it flows out. Refer to page 94  
12 Air conditioner 93  
13 Automatic recirculated air control  
(AUC) 93  
14 Rear window defroster 71, 94  
15 Air supply 93  
3 Front footwell ventilation  
4 Rear footwell ventilation  
16 Residual heat mode 94  
17 Air grille for interior temperature  
sensor – please keep clear and un-  
obstructed  
5 Air flow for the upper body in the  
rear seat 94  
6 Automatic air distribution 92  
7 Individual air distribution 92  
8 Temperature control –  
left-hand side 92  
9 Display for temperature and air  
supply 93  
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92nAutomatic climate control  
Tips for pleasant driving  
Automatic air distribution  
Temperature  
Use the automatic system (that is press  
AUTO button 6). Select an interior tem-  
perature that is comfortable for you —  
we recommend 72 7 (22 6). When  
The AUTO program as-  
sumes the adjustment of  
the air distribution and the air supply for  
you and also adapts the temperature to passenger side. Your settings will be  
You can make individual  
temperature adjustments on  
the driver's side or the front  
the outside temperature is above 41 7 external influences (summer, winter) to shown in the display 9. The displayed  
(5 6), you can also use the air condi- meet preferences you can specify. This temperatures are reference values for  
tioner 12. This will dry the air as well as program maintains a comfortable in-car the interior temperature. We recom-  
preventing condensation on the win- climate regardless of the season. Select mend 72 7 (22 6) as a comfortable  
dow surfaces — if there are passengers an interior temperature that is comfort- setting, whether the air conditioner is  
with damp clothing, for example. Set  
the air outlets 2 so that the air flows  
past you and is not directed straight at  
you. Set the rotary dial between the  
able for you — we recommend 72 7  
(22 6).  
The selected temperature and AUTO  
for the air flow appear in the display 9.  
operating or not. When you start the  
vehicle, this system ensures that the  
selected temperature is achieved as  
quickly as possible. It then maintains  
outlets 2 for the upper body to a central Refer to the overview on page 90. Open this temperature, regardless of the  
position so that cooler air will help to  
prevent fatigue during the journey.  
the ventilation outlets for the upper  
body. Switch on the air conditioner 12  
in warm weather. The maximum cooling  
capacity is achieved when you set ro-  
tary dial 3 (refer to page 94) to cold.  
season.  
Set the rotary dial 3 (refer to "Draft-free  
ventilation" on page 94) to a medium  
position to provide somewhat cooler  
air. This helps to promote driving with-  
out fatigue. Utilize this method of mix-  
ing air especially for making minor  
adjustments for personal comfort.  
Detailed setting options are described  
for you in the following section.  
Your vehicle is set in such a man-  
ner that, when you unlock the ve-  
hicle via remote control with your per-  
sonalized key, your own setting for the  
automatic climate control is initiated.<  
Individual air distribution  
You can cancel the AUTO  
program by selecting spe-  
cific air distribution patterns  
for your personal comfort.  
You can direct air to flow  
You can set uncontrolled heater  
output up to 90 7 (32 6). Full  
cooling output is available from the air  
onto the windows  
body  
, toward the upper conditioner down to 60 7 (16 6).<  
, and into the footwell  
.
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Automatic climate control  
93n  
Air conditioner  
Press the button repeatedly to run  
Air supply  
through the following control sequence:  
> Indicator lamps off: outside air flow  
operational.  
> Left-hand indicator lamp on – AUC  
mode: the system recognizes pollut-  
ants in the outside air and blocks the  
flow of air when necessary. The sys-  
tem then recirculates the air currently  
within the vehicle.  
In the "AUTO" program,  
the air flow is controlled  
The air is cooled and de-  
humidified and — depend-  
ing on the temperature setting —  
automatically. AUTO will appear in the  
display 9 (refer to the overview on  
warmed again when the air conditioner  
page 90). Use "+" and "-" to vary the air system is switched on. Depending on  
flow. When your setting is displayed by the weather, the windshield may fog  
bars, the automatic air flow is switched over briefly when the engine is started.  
off. Automatic air distribution maintains Use the button to switch the air condi-  
its setting. You can reactivate the auto- tioner off at outside temperatures be-  
Depending on the air quality, the  
automatic system then switches back  
and forth between outside air supply  
and recirculation of the air within the  
vehicle.  
> Right-hand indicator lamp on: the  
flow of external air into the vehicle is  
completely blocked. The system then  
recirculates the air currently within  
the vehicle.  
matic air supply by pressing the  
"AUTO" button.  
low approx. 41 7 (5 6). This will help  
to prevent the windows from fogging  
up.  
If the windows fog over after switching  
the air conditioner off, switch it back  
on.  
When you press "–" during operation at  
minimum blower speed all displays are  
canceled: the blower, heating and air  
conditioner are switched off. The out-  
side air supply is closed. You can  
switch the system back on by pressing  
any button of the automatic climate  
control (except the REST button 16).  
Condensation forms in the air  
conditioner system during opera-  
tion, which then exits under the vehicle.  
Traces of condensed water of this kind If you have a multifunction steering  
are thus normal.<  
wheel with the button for recirculated  
air (refer to page 26), you can also use  
this button to switch between "Off" and  
the recirculated air mode or AUC and  
the recirculated air mode.  
To defrost the windshield and  
door windows  
This program quickly re-  
moves ice and condensa-  
tion from the windshield and the side  
windows.  
Automatic recirculated air  
control (AUC)  
If there are unpleasant  
odors or pollutants in the  
outside air, you can temporarily block  
the air flow from the outside. The sys-  
tem then recirculates the air currently  
within the vehicle.  
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94nAutomatic climate control  
If the windows fog over in the  
recirculated air mode, switch the  
recirculated air off and increase the air  
supply as required.<  
Rear window defroster  
When the rear window de-  
froster is activated, the in-  
dicator lamp comes on. The rear win-  
dow defroster switches off  
automatically.  
Draft-free ventilation  
Rear passenger area climate  
control  
1 Air supply  
Residual heat mode  
You can adjust the blower controls for  
the upper body area to select the opti-  
mum airflow rates and directions for  
your personal comfort:  
The heat which is 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). In  
ignition key position 1, you can alter the  
settings of the automatic climate con-  
trol. With the ignition key in position 0,  
the system automatically directs heated  
air to the windshield, side windows and  
footwells.  
2 Temperature  
3 Adjusting the direction of the airflow  
Use rotary dials 1 to open and close the  
air outlets through an infinitely-variable  
range. You can adjust the direction of  
the airflow with levers 2.  
Set the outlets so that the air flows past  
you and does not flow directly on you.  
Rotary dial 3 allows you to control the  
temperature of the air flow from these  
air outlets as desired:  
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 is adequately charged.<  
> Turn toward blue – colder  
> Turn toward red – warmer  
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Automatic climate control  
95n  
Microfilter, activated-charcoal  
filter  
The microfilter removes dust and pollen  
from the incoming air. The activated-  
charcoal filter provides additional pro-  
tection by filtering gaseous pollutants  
from the outside air. Your BMW center  
replaces this combined filter as a stan-  
dard part of your scheduled mainte-  
nance. A substantial reduction in air  
flow indicates that the filter needs to be  
replaced early.  
Air supply  
Temperature  
0 Blower off  
Passengers in the rear seating area can  
adjust their own temperature for the air  
outlets:  
I Maximum blower speed  
You can adjust the air supply for the air  
outlets through an infinitely-variable  
range between the "0" and "I" settings.  
> 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, re-  
gardless of the season.  
In the "0" setting, the blower is  
switched off and the supply of air  
through the air outlets is blocked.  
Individual adjustments on the front-seat  
control elements influence the air sup-  
ply for rear passenger area climate con-  
trol.  
A temperature adjustment is only  
possible when the blower is  
switched on (not in the "0" setting).<  
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96nSeat heating*  
Steering wheel heating*  
Front  
Rear  
Steering wheel heating functions in  
ignition key position 2.  
The seat cushion and backrest can be  
The function is the same as for front  
heated when the ignition key is in posi- seat heating. You can select between  
Press the button (arrow) to activate or  
deactivate this system.  
tion 2.  
two heating modes.  
You can call up different heating modes  
by repeatedly pressing the keys.  
The lamp within the button lights up  
when the steering wheel heater is in  
operation.  
When the three indicator lamps are illu-  
minated, the highest heating mode is  
activated. One lamp indicates the low-  
est heating mode. The temperature is  
regulated with a thermostat in each  
mode.  
If you have a multifunction steering  
wheel without steering wheel heating,  
the button for the recirculated air mode  
is in this location (refer to page 26).  
You can also switch the higher heating  
modes off directly:  
Press the button and hold it slightly  
longer.  
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Roller sun blind*  
Independent ventilation system*  
97n  
You can use this system to ventilate the When a preselected activation time is  
interior and lower its temperature, using set, the independent ventilation system  
Roller sun blinds for rear side  
windows*  
Use the strap to pull out the blinds, then  
hook them in the provided attachment.  
the blower of the automatic climate  
control.  
is operational at outside temperatures  
above 60 7 (16 6), or by direct switch  
activation. It cannot be switched on  
when the vehicle is moving.  
The independent ventilation system is  
operated via the multi-information  
display (MID) or the onboard monitor.  
The air emerges via the air outlets for  
Refer to the separate Owner's Manual. the upper body. Therefore, the air out-  
lets must be open for the system to  
operate.  
You can set two different times for the  
system to start; it will remain active for  
30 minutes. You can also turn it on and  
off directly. Since the system uses a  
substantial amount of electrical current,  
you should refrain from activating it  
twice in succession without allowing  
the battery to be recharged in normal  
operation between use.  
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98nBMW Universal Transmitter  
To Canadian residents:  
The concept  
Checking for the conversion code  
During programming, your hand-  
held transmitter may automatically stop  
transmitting after two seconds. This  
may not be long enough to program the  
BMW Universal Transmitter. If you are  
programming from one of these hand-  
held transmitters, the Universal Trans-  
mitter's light may begin to flash in a  
series of double-blinks. If this occurs,  
continue to hold the button of the Uni-  
versal Transmitter while you reactivate  
your hand-held transmitter. You may  
have to repeat this function several  
times while programming.<  
The BMW Universal Transmitter re-  
places up to three hand-held transmit-  
ters of different devices such as  
garage-door openers, alarm systems,  
or door locking systems. The BMW  
Universal Transmitter recognizes and  
"learns" the transmitted signal of each  
of the original hand-held transmitters.  
To determine whether the original  
hand-held transmitter is provided with a  
conversion-code system, you may ei-  
ther read the instructions for the origi-  
nal hand-held transmitter or program a  
channel key as described on the next  
page (left-hand column under "Pro-  
gramming").  
The signal of an original hand-held  
transmitter can be programmed on one  
of the three channel keys. Following  
that, each of the devices can be actu-  
ated with the appropriately-pro-  
grammed channel key. The indicator  
lamp flashes to confirm transmission of  
the signal.  
Then press and hold the programmed  
channel key of the BMW Universal  
Transmitter. If the indicator lamp of the  
BMW Universal Transmitter flashes for  
two seconds and then comes on  
steadily, the original hand-held trans-  
mitter is provided with a conversion-  
code system. With a conversion-code  
system, program the channel keys as  
described on the next page (right-hand  
column under "Programming a hand-  
held transmitter with conversion code").  
Before programming, read the  
"User information" section on  
page 100.<  
If the vehicle is sold, the memory of the  
channel keys should be cleared as de-  
scribed on page 100.  
Original hand-held transmitter  
If this symbol is present on the  
packaging or in the instructions  
of the original hand-held trans-  
During programming and before  
every remote actuation of a  
If you have additional questions,  
please consult your BMW center  
or call 1-800-355-3515.  
You can also visit this website  
www.bmwusa.com.<  
programmed device by the BMW  
Universal Transmitter, check to be sure  
that there are no persons, animals or  
objects within the actuation range of  
the device in order to prevent possible  
injuries or damage. Also, comply with  
the safety precautions of the original  
hand-held transmitter.<  
mitter, it may be assumed that this  
hand-held transmitter is compatible  
with the BMW Universal Transmitter.  
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BMW Universal Transmitter  
99n  
Programming a hand-held  
transmitter with conversion code  
Read and comply with the safety  
precautions on previous page.<  
When programming the BMW Universal  
Transmitter, consult the instructions for  
the specific device. For using the BMW  
Universal Transmitter with a conver-  
sion-code system, note the following  
supplemental programming instruc-  
tions:  
Programming  
1 Channel keys  
3 Hold the original hand-held transmit-  
ter toward the receiver 3 a maximum  
of 2 inches (5 cm) away.  
4 Press the transmission key of the  
original hand-held transmitter  
A second person facilitates  
programming of the BMW  
Universal Transmitter.<  
2 Indicator lamp  
3 Receiver for programming  
(arrow 2) and the desired channel key  
of the Integrated Universal Remote  
Control (arrow 1) simultaneously. Re-  
lease both keys as soon as the indi-  
cator lamp flashes rapidly.  
1 Program the BMW Universal  
Transmitter as described previously  
under "Programming."  
2 Press and hold the programming key  
on the receiver of the device for ap-  
proximately two seconds until the  
programming lamp on the device  
comes on.  
Read and comply with the safety  
precautions on the previous  
page.<  
1 Turn the ignition key to position 2.  
2 For initial use: press and hold both  
outside keys 1 until the indicator  
lamp 2 flashes, and then release  
them. The three channel keys are  
cleared.  
5 To program other original hand-held  
transmitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.  
The corresponding channel key is now  
programmed with the signal of the orig-  
inal hand-held transmitter.  
3 Press the desired channel key of the  
BMW Universal Transmitter three  
times.  
If you have additional questions,  
please consult your BMW cen-  
ter.<  
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100nBMW Universal Transmitter  
Clearing the channel keys  
User information  
Do not use this BMW Universal Trans-  
mitter with any garage door opener that  
lacks safety "stop" and "reverse" fea-  
tures as required by federal safety stan-  
dards (this includes any garage door  
opener model manufactured before  
April 1, 1982).  
Read and comply with the safety  
precautions on page 98.<  
The memory of individual channel keys  
cannot be deleted. However, the three  
channel keys can be cleared together  
as follows:  
This device complies with Section 15 of  
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to  
the following two conditions: as defined  
in the regulations, this device must not  
emit harmful interference, and must be  
shielded against interference from ex-  
ternal sources to prevent unauthorized  
or inadvertent activation.  
> Press and hold both outside keys of  
the BMW Universal Transmitter until  
the indicator lamp flashes, and then  
release them.  
All of the channel keys are cleared.  
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Glove compartment  
Storage compartments 101n  
To prevent injury in the event of a  
crash, close the glove compart-  
ment immediately after use.<  
Rechargeable flashlight*  
Located on the left-hand side of the  
glove compartment.  
Features integral overload-protection,  
so it can be left in its holder continu-  
ously.  
Be sure that the flashlight is  
switched off when it is inserted  
into its holder. Failure to comply with  
this precaution could lead to over-  
charging and damage.<  
To open  
You will find two storage compartments  
in the armrest between the front seats.  
Pull the handle and the lamp comes on.  
To open the top compartment:  
Press the button (arrow 1).  
You will find a cellular phone* in this  
compartment.  
To close  
Fold the cover up.  
To lock  
To move the armrest or open the lower  
compartment:  
Pull the handle (arrow 2).  
Use one of the master keys. A master  
key is also required for unlocking.  
In this compartment, you will find a coin  
tray and a storage compartment* for  
cassettes or CDs.  
If you turn over only your door and  
ignition key 3 for valet parking  
(refer to page 34), for example, access  
to the glove compartment is not possi-  
ble.<  
You will find additional storage com-  
partments in all of the doors as well as  
on the backrests of the front seats.  
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102nCellular phone*  
Cup holders  
Glasses compartment  
Handsfree system  
On vehicles with a telephone hookup*, Below the sliding cover (illustration).  
Front  
Press the button to open; fold upward  
to close.  
the handsfree speaker is positioned in  
the headliner.  
Remove the insert which is a compart-  
ment for storing pens.  
For further information on the cellular  
phone, refer to the separate Owner's  
Manual.  
Rear  
A the end of the center console under  
the lighter.  
Press to open; push back inward to  
close.  
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Ashtray, front  
Cigarette lighter  
103n  
To open  
To empty  
Press the lighter in.  
Remove the lighter as soon as it  
retracts.  
Press briefly in the direction indicated  
by the arrow.  
Press the edge of the lid (arrow):  
You can now pull the ashtray upwards  
for removal.  
To extinguish a cigarette, tap off the  
ash and gently press the tip into the  
funnel.  
Hold or touch the hot cigarette  
lighter by the knob only. Holding  
or touching it in other areas could result  
in burns.  
The cigarette lighter remains opera-  
tional when the ignition key has been  
removed.  
For this reason, do not leave unsuper-  
vised children in the vehicle.<  
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104nCigarette lighter  
Ashtray, rear  
Lighter, rear  
Cigarette lighter socket  
This socket is suitable for attaching  
power supplies for flashlights, car vac-  
uum cleaners and other appliances up  
to a rating of approx. 200 watts at  
12 volts. Avoid damage to the socket  
caused by inserting plugs of a different  
shape or size.  
You will find additional power outlets in  
the cargo area. Refer to page 110.  
To open  
Rotate the cover upward.  
Press the lighter in.  
Remove the lighter as soon as it  
retracts.  
To empty  
Remove the insert tray.  
Hold or touch the hot cigarette  
lighter by the knob only. Holding  
or touching it in other areas could result  
in burns.  
The cigarette lighter remains opera-  
tional when the ignition key has been  
removed.  
For this reason, do not leave unsuper-  
vised children in the vehicle.<  
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Ski bag*  
105n  
Designed for safe, convenient transport  
of 3 to 4 pairs of skis or two snow-  
boards.  
With the length of the ski bag and the  
additional space in the cargo area, you  
can store skis with a length of up to  
6.8 feet (2.10 meters). Because of the  
tapered shape of the bag, the ski bag  
can only accommodate two pairs of  
skis with a length of 6.8 feet (2.10  
meters).  
Loading  
2 Press button 1 downward and swing  
the cover forward.  
3 Press the button: the cover in the  
cargo area is unlocked.  
Together with the pull-out cargo  
floor* (refer to page 110): pull the  
floor out, release the cover and slide  
the floor back in – the floor then con-  
ceals the cover.  
1 Fold the center armrest outward.  
Loosen the trim from the upper  
Velcro® fastener and place it on the  
armrest.  
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106nSki bag*  
4 Extend the ski bag between the front  
If the cover is concealed in the  
cargo area by the pull-out cargo  
floor, do not fold the larger rear back-  
rest down. If you do so, it will damage  
the cover.<  
seats. The zipper provides conve-  
nient access to the inside of the bag,  
and can also be left open to promote  
drying.  
Please be sure that the skis are clean  
before loading them into the bag. Be  
careful to avoid damage from sharp  
edges.  
Secure the bag's contents by  
tightening down the retaining  
strap at the buckle.<  
To store the ski bag, perform the above  
steps in reverse sequence.  
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Cargo area  
107n  
Fold the rear backrests down  
Cargo area cover  
When the cover is pulled out, it can be  
opened behind the rear-seat backrest  
to gain access to the cargo area from  
the rear seats during a trip, for example.  
Reach into the recess and pull forward Pull the cover out by the handle and  
(arrow ).  
hook it in the rear holders.  
The rear backrest is divided into two  
sections (one-third and two-thirds of  
the width of the seat). You can fold  
either section of the backrest down  
separately in order to increase the  
capacity of the cargo area.  
You can carry light objects such as arti-  
cles of clothing on the cover.  
For removing the cover: refer to the  
next page.  
Do not place heavy or hard ob-  
jects on the cover. If you do so,  
they could pose a danger to vehicle  
occupants during a braking or evasive  
maneuver.<  
When you close the backrest, be  
sure that the catch engages se-  
curely. The red warning indicator disap- Before you slide it back into position,  
pears in the recess when the retainer is place the grip in the rear fold of the  
locked.  
cover.  
The center safety belt can be retracted  
only when the larger backrest is en-  
gaged.<  
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108nCargo area  
Removing the cover  
Partition net*  
3 Slide back the covers on the brackets  
for the partition net on both sides of  
the roof (arrow).  
4 Insert the curved ends of the partition  
net rod in the brackets on both sides.  
5 Now you can slide the covers toward  
the front again (arrow).  
1 Use both hands to press the cover  
together on both sides and slide it  
forward (arrow 1).  
2 Lift the cover upward from the rear on  
both sides (arrow 2) and remove it.  
1 Remove the bag with the partition net  
from the vehicle by releasing the  
hooks from the lashing eyes on both  
sides.  
2 Remove the partition net from the  
bag and unroll it half way.  
Installation  
Note how the bag with the parti-  
tion net is secured in the vehicle  
and how the partition net is rolled up  
and stored in the bag so that you can  
return everything to its place after  
use.<  
Slide the cover into the retainers on  
both sides and then press it down at  
the rear until it engages.  
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Cargo area  
109n  
Side covers  
Pull the handle to open the side covers.  
6 Attach the hooks on the bottom of  
the partition net into the eyes on both  
sides.  
7 When the seatbacks are folded over,  
you can open the Velcro strips, com-  
pletely unroll the partition net, insert it  
in the front brackets on the roof and  
attach the three hooks into the eyes.  
The illustration shows securing at the  
bottom right as an example.  
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110nCargo area  
Floor cover  
Fold the floor cover up  
Power outlets  
To release: press the recess in the han- Lift up the black retainer on the lower  
dle (arrow) and raise the cover with the side of the panel and hook it into the  
When you fold the cover cap up, you  
have access to additional power out-  
lets.  
handle.  
upper frame of the liftgate cutout.  
Before you fold the floor cover down,  
return the retainer to its original posi-  
tion.  
You can use the power outlets for flash-  
lights, car vacuum cleaners or other au-  
tomotive appliances with up to approx.  
200 watts at 12 volts. Avoid damage to  
the socket caused by inserting plugs of  
a different shape or size.  
Refer also to page 104.  
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Cargo area  
111n  
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.<  
Pull-out cargo floor*  
Raise the cargo floor  
To release, pull the handle recess  
upward. Then pull the floor out.  
For access to the spare wheel or other  
stored items:  
Swing the cargo floor up and secure it  
with the rod (see detail).  
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.<  
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112nCargo loading  
Always position and secure the  
load correctly. If you do not, it can  
endanger the passengers during brak-  
ing or evasive maneuvers.  
Do not exceed the permissible gross  
vehicle weight and the permissible axle  
loads (refer to page 186). If you do, the  
operating safety of the vehicle is no  
longer ensured and you are in violation  
of the law.  
Do not carry hard or heavy objects un-  
secured in the passenger compartment.  
If you do so, they may be projected  
through the air during braking and  
evasive maneuvers, thus endangering  
vehicle occupants.<  
Stowing cargo  
Securing the load  
When transporting cargo in your BMW: > Secure smaller, light pieces with the  
retaining straps or a luggage net*, or  
> Load heavy cargo as far forward as  
use elastic straps (refer to page 42).  
possible – directly behind the back-  
rests – and as low as possible.  
> Cover sharp edges and corners.  
vices*. The lashing eyes provided at  
> Do not pile objects higher than the  
top edge of the backrest.  
> Fasten the partition net* (refer to  
page 108) and ensure that carried  
items cannot pass through the parti-  
tion net.  
> For large, heavy pieces, see your  
BMW center for load-securing de-  
the corners of the cargo area serve  
for mounting these load-securing  
devices.  
> Read and comply with the informa-  
tion enclosed with the load-securing  
devices.  
> If you are transporting very heavy  
loads when the rear seat is not occu-  
pied, secure the outer safety belts in  
the opposite buckles.  
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Roof-mounted luggage rack*  
113n  
Roof-mounted luggage racks raise the  
center of gravity of the vehicle when  
they are loaded. For this reason, they  
Secure the roof luggage correctly and  
securely to prevent it from shifting or  
being lost during driving (danger to  
exercise a major effect on the vehicle's following traffic).  
handling and steering response.  
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden accelera-  
tion and braking maneuvers. Take cor-  
ners gently.  
You should therefore always remember  
not to exceed the approved roof  
weight, the approved gross vehicle  
weight or the axle weights when load-  
ing the rack. You will find the specifica-  
tions under "Technical Data" on  
page 186.  
The roof load increases the aerody-  
namic resistance. Increased fuel con-  
sumption is the immediate results.  
Make sure that the load is not too  
heavy, and attempt to distribute it  
evenly. Always load the heaviest pieces  
first (on the bottom). Be sure that ade-  
quate clearance is maintained for rais-  
ing the sliding/tilt sunroof, and that ob-  
jects do not project into the opening  
path of the liftgate.  
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114n  
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115n  
Special operating instructions:  
Break-in procedures 116  
Driving your BMW X5 117  
General driving notes 118  
Catalytic converter 118  
Antilock Brake System  
(ABS) 119  
Under the hood:  
Hood 133  
Engine compartment 134  
Washer fluid 136  
Washer nozzles 136  
Engine oil 137  
Overview  
Controls and features  
Coolant 140  
Disc brakes 122  
Brake fluid 141  
Brake system 123  
Vehicle Identification No. 141  
Winter operation 123  
Power steering 125  
Level control system 125  
Cellular phone 126  
Care and maintenance:  
The BMW Maintenance  
System 142  
Caring for your vehicle 143  
Airbags 148  
Operation, care  
and maintenance  
Radio reception 126  
Owner service procedures  
Advanced technology  
Technical data  
Wheels and tires:  
Tire inflation pressure 127  
Tire condition 127  
Tire replacement 128  
Tire rotation 129  
Wheel and tire  
combinations 130  
Winter tires 131  
Vehicle storage 148  
Laws and regulations:  
Technical modifications 149  
OBD interface socket 150  
Snow chains 131  
Approved wheel and tire  
specifications 132  
Index  
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116nBreak-in procedures  
To ensure that your vehicle provides  
maximum economy throughout a long  
service life, we request that you ob-  
serve the following suggestions:  
Tires  
Brake system  
Approximately 300 miles (500 km) must  
elapse before the brake pads and ro-  
Due to technical factors associated  
with their manufacture, tires do not  
achieve their full traction potential until tors achieve the optimal pad-surface  
an initial break-in period has elapsed.  
For this reason, drive with extra care  
during the initial 200 miles (300 km).  
and wear patterns required for trouble-  
free operation and long service life later  
on.  
Engine and axle drive  
Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km):  
Drive at varying engine speeds and  
road speeds, but do not exceed  
4,500 rpm and a road speed of  
106 mph (170 km/h) during this initial  
period:  
Obey your local and state maximum  
speed limits.  
To break in the separate parking brake  
drums, apply the parking brake lightly  
when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic  
signal, for instance), provided that traf-  
fic conditions allow you to do so.  
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-  
dure from time to time.  
When the vehicle is operated on  
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of  
Obey your local and state maximum  
speed limits.  
water may form between the tire and  
the road surface. This phenomenon is  
referred to as aquaplaning, or hydro-  
planing, and can lead to partial or com-  
plete loss of traction, vehicle control  
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid  
pressing the accelerator beyond the  
kickdown point.  
The brake lamps do not light up  
when the parking brake is applied.  
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your Vacuum for the brake system servo unit  
speed on wet roads.<  
Once you have driven 1,200 miles  
(2,000 km), engine and vehicle speeds  
can gradually be increased.  
on your BMW is available only when the  
engine is running. When you move the  
vehicle with the engine shut off – when  
towing, for instance – substantially  
higher levels of pedal force will be re-  
quired to brake the vehicle.<  
You should also comply with these  
break-in procedures if the engine or  
one of the axle drives is replaced later  
in the course of the vehicle service life.  
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Driving your BMW X5  
117n  
Your BMW is right at home on all roads  
and byways – even where the pavement  
ends. It combines permanent four-  
wheel drive with the agility of a typical  
passenger car.  
Starting from a full stop is possible on  
uphill gradients of up to 32 %.  
The permitted side tilt is also 50 %.  
> While driving, watch carefully for ob-  
stacles such as rocks or holes. Try to  
avoid these obstacles whenever pos-  
sible.  
Back onto the 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:  
On bad roads  
> On hill crests and bumpy roads, for  
example, be careful to prevent the  
body from "bottoming" (contact be-  
tween the body and the ground).  
The ground clearance of the vehicle  
is:  
When you are driving on bad roads,  
there are a few points which you should  
strictly heed — for your own safety, for  
that of your passengers, and for the  
safekeeping of the vehicle:  
> Clean accumulations of dirt from the  
body and check the undercarriage for  
damage.  
> Clean mud, snow, ice and other ma-  
terials from the wheels and tires.  
Check the tires 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 en-  
dangered by this.  
> Familiarize yourself with the vehicle  
before you begin driving. Do not take  
risks with the vehicle under any cir-  
cumstances.  
– 8 inches (200 mm) with up to four  
passengers  
– 7 inches (180 mm) fully loaded.  
> Do not drive in water that is deeper  
than 20 inches (50 cm). If you must  
drive through water up to that depth,  
drive at a walking speed and do not  
stop.  
After leaving the water, press on the  
footbrake gently several times while  
driving at a low speed. The brake ap-  
plications will help to dry the brakes,  
thus preventing a reduction in brak-  
ing performance caused by the mois-  
ture.  
> Always adapt vehicle speed to road  
conditions – the steeper and more  
uneven the road surface is, the  
slower the vehicle's speed should be.  
> You can operate your vehicle on up-  
hill and downhill gradients with a  
maximum slope of 50 %. If you intend  
to drive on either an uphill or downhill  
gradient of this steepness, check to  
be sure in advance that the engine oil  
and coolant levels are both near the  
"max" mark. Refer to page 137  
and 140.  
> For cleaning the parking brake, 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.  
When driving down steep slopes, use  
the Hill Descent Control (HDC). Refer  
to page 84.  
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118nGeneral driving notes  
Catalytic converter  
Brakes:  
Cargo area cover:  
The catalytic converter reduces harmful  
exhaust emissions.  
Do not drive with your foot resting Do not place heavy or hard objects on  
on the brake pedal. Even light but con- the cargo area cover. These objects  
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high could endanger vehicle occupants dur-  
temperatures, brake wear and possibly ing heavy brake applications or evasive  
even brake failure.  
Aquaplaning:  
It is designed for use with unleaded fuel  
only. Even minute quantities of lead  
would be enough to permanently dam-  
age both the catalytic converter and the  
system oxygen sensor.  
maneuvers.  
Clothes hooks:  
When driving on wet or slushy roads,  
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a  
wedge of water may form between the  
tires and the road surface. This phe-  
nomenon is referred to as aquaplaning  
When suspending articles of clothing  
from the hooks, be sure that they will  
not obstruct the driver's vision. Do not  
hang heavy objects on the hooks. If you  
do so, they could cause personal injury  
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine  
operation and avoid potential damage:  
> Be sure to comply with the scheduled  
maintenance requirements.  
> Fill the fuel tank well before it is  
empty.  
or hydroplaning. It is characterized by a during braking or evasive maneuvers.<  
partial or complete loss of contact be-  
> When the battery is discharged, start  
the engine with an outside starting  
aid.  
tween the tires and the road surface.  
The ultimate results are loss of steering  
and braking control.  
> Avoid other situations in which the  
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-  
pletely, such as engaging the starter  
frequently or for extended periods, or  
repeated start attempts in which the  
engine does not start (stopping and  
restarting an engine which is running  
properly does not present a problem).  
Never allow the engine to run with  
any of the spark plug cables discon-  
nected.  
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Catalytic converter  
Antilock Brake System (ABS)  
119n  
Be sure to comply with the in-  
structions above to prevent un-  
The concept  
Braking with ABS  
ABS enhances active safety by helping The system becomes operative once  
burned fuel from reaching the catalytic  
converter. Otherwise, the catalytic con-  
verter could respond by overheating,  
leading to serious damage.  
to prevent the wheels from locking un-  
der braking. This is because: locked  
wheels are dangerous. When the front  
wheels slide, the driver loses steering  
the vehicle exceeds a speed of approx.  
6 mph (10 km/h).The ABS is deactivated  
whenever the vehicle's speed drops  
back below approx. 4 mph  
Extreme temperatures occur at the cat-  
alytic converter on this and every cata-  
lyst-equipped vehicle. Heat shields are  
installed adjacent to some sections of  
the exhaust system. Never remove  
these shields; do not apply undercoat-  
ing to their surfaces. When driving,  
standing at idle, and parking the vehi-  
cle, take care to avoid contact between  
the exhaust system and flammable ma-  
terials (grass, hay, leaves, etc.). Such  
contact could lead to a fire, resulting in  
serious personal injury and property  
damage.<  
control over the vehicle. Traction loss at (6 km/h).  
the rear wheels can cause the rear end  
To shorten the braking distance — espe-  
to break into an uncontrolled skid.  
cially on steep, poor road surfaces when  
With ABS, you will achieve the shortest- driving slowly straight ahead — the sys-  
possible braking distances under all  
given conditions (braking while driving  
straight ahead or in curves, different  
road surfaces).  
tem allows one or both front wheels to  
lock for a short time. Nevertheless, the  
vehicle still retains steering response  
since this "poor road logic" is deacti-  
vated again automatically as you steer.  
ABS is designed to meet two essential  
requirements during every brake appli- If you are in a situation that requires full  
cation:  
braking, you will exploit the full benefits  
of the ABS system if you apply maxi-  
mum brake pressure ("panic stop").  
Since the vehicle maintains steering  
responsiveness, you can avoid possible  
obstacles with a minimum of steering  
effort, despite the full brake application.  
> To help provide vehicle stability.  
> To help retain steering and maneu-  
vering capability on all types of road  
surfaces (asphalt, cement, dirt, wet  
surfaces, snow and ice).  
The ABS system's closed-loop control  
circuit cycles in fractions of a second.  
A pulsation at the brake pedal, together  
with the sounds associated with the  
hydraulic controls, tells you that the  
brake system is within its maximum  
limit range and reminds you that you  
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120nAntilock Brake System (ABS)  
should adapt road speed to the road  
conditions.  
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)  
CBC is an advanced engineering de-  
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)  
If you apply the brakes rapidly, this sys-  
tem automatically produces the maxi-  
mum braking force boost and thus  
helps to achieve the shortest possible  
braking distance during "panic stops."  
All of the benefits of the ABS system  
are exploited under these circum-  
stances.  
On road surfaces that have a loose sur- sign of the ABS. When braking during  
face layer on a firm base with good cornering with high lateral accelera-  
traction (on gravel, deep sand or snow, tion, or when braking during a lane  
for example), braking distances may be change, vehicle stability is further im-  
longer than with locked wheels.This is  
also true if snow chains are mounted.  
However, ABS continues to provide en-  
hanced vehicle stability and steering re-  
sponse under these conditions.  
proved and the steering response is  
enhanced.  
Electronic Brake Force Distribu-  
tion (EBV)  
EBV governs brake application pres-  
sure at the rear wheels to achieve sta-  
Do not reduce the pressure on the  
brake pedal for the duration of the  
brake application. When the brake  
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-  
vated.  
Information for your safety  
Not even ABS can suspend the laws of ble brake response.  
physics. ABS alone cannot prevent  
accidents when the brakes are applied  
without an adequate safety distance  
between vehicles, if the vehicle is  
driven with excessive speed, or if aqua- cations can result in overbraking at the  
planing occurs. Responsibility for these rear axle, and braking stability is no  
types of situations remains in the hands longer ensured.<  
(and at the feet) of the driver. You  
should never allow the added safety of  
ABS to lull you into a false sense of  
security, or mislead you into taking  
If the EBV fails (refer to the next  
page), avoid full or "panic" brake  
applications. Full or panic brake appli-  
In the event of a malfunction,  
the yellow warning lamp comes  
on. Have the system checked  
and repaired at your BMW cen-  
ter as soon as possible.  
Refer to the "Information for your  
safety" covering the ABS system.  
This information also applies in general  
for DBC.<  
increased risks that could affect your  
own safety and that of others.  
Do not make any modifications to  
the ABS system.  
Service procedures on ABS are to be  
performed by authorized technicians  
only.<  
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Antilock Brake System (ABS)  
121n  
Following an interruption in bat-  
tery power, the ABS, CBC, DSC,  
In the event of a fault  
If the brake warning lamp  
DBC and HDC systems are no longer  
available. After you drive for only a few  
yards or meters or if you turn the steer-  
ing wheel from stop to stop while the  
vehicle is stationary and the engine is  
running, the functions are activated  
again and the three warning lamps will  
go out.<  
comes on red together with the  
yellow indicator lamps for ABS  
and DSC (refer to pages 22  
and 24), ABS, CBC, DSC, DBC,  
EBV and HDC have failed. You  
may continue driving, but drive  
defensively and with extra cau-  
tion. Avoid full brake applications be-  
cause the vehicle could become unsta-  
ble and go out of control.  
Warning lamps for Canadian  
models.  
Have the system checked by the near-  
est BMW center.  
If all all three warning lamps come on  
yellow:  
ABS, CBC, DSC, DBC and HDC have  
failed. The effect of the EBV Brake  
Force Distribution at the rear wheels,  
which achieves stable brake response,  
is largely preserved. Optimum brake  
force and braking stability are no longer  
assured. Continue to drive; drive cau-  
tiously and defensively and avoid full  
brake applications.  
Have the system checked by your  
authorized BMW center as soon as  
possible.  
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122nDisc brakes  
Disc brakes furnish optimum decelera-  
tion and braking control and greater  
fade resistance under heavy use.  
If engine braking should prove to be in-  
adequate, you should still avoid ex-  
tended, continuous braking. Instead of  
maintaining low to moderate pressure  
over an extended period of time, you  
should decelerate by applying more  
substantial pressure to the brake pedal  
(watch for following traffic), then releas-  
ing the pedal, then repeating the appli-  
cation. This staggered braking tech-  
nique allows the brakes to cool in the  
intervals between active braking  
Driving notes  
When driving in wet conditions and in  
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light  
pressure to the brake pedal every few  
When the vehicle is driven only occa-  
sionally, during extended periods when miles (kilometers). Watch traffic condi-  
the vehicle is not used at all, and in op- tions to ensure that this maneuver does  
erating conditions where brake applica- not endanger other road users. The  
tions are less frequent, there is an in-  
creased tendency for corrosion of the  
rotors and accumulation of contamina- pads and rotors.  
tion on the brake pads. This occurs be-  
cause the minimal pressure which must  
be exerted by the pads to clean the ro-  
tors by brake applications is not  
reached.  
heat which is generated by the brake  
applications helps to dry the brake  
Maximum braking force is obtained  
while the wheels continue to rotate,  
peaking when the wheels remain on the  
verge of locking without actually doing  
so. ABS maintains this state automati-  
cally. If the ABS fails, you should revert  
to the staggered braking technique  
(refer to page 124).  
phases, preventing overheating and en-  
suring that full braking capacity remains  
available at all times.  
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.  
Do not coast with the selector le-  
ver in “Neutral“. Do not drive with  
the engine shut off. The engine pro-  
vides no braking effect when the trans-  
mission is in “Neutral“, and there is no  
power-assist for braking or steering  
when the engine is not running.  
Have brake inspections performed at  
an authorized BMW center only. If you  
do not, parts of the four-wheel drive  
system could be damaged.  
Extended or steep mountain descents  
do not necessarily have to lead to re-  
duced braking efficiency. Move the se-  
lector lever to the appropriate lower  
range in which only minimal periodic  
brake applications are required.  
For your own safety: use only  
brake pads that BMW has re-  
leased for your particular vehicle  
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-ap-  
proved brake pads to determine if they  
are suited for use, and therefore cannot  
ensure the operating safety of the vehi-  
cle if they are installed.<  
You can increase the engine's braking  
effect by selecting progressively lower  
gears, downshifting as far as 1st gear,  
on steep descents.  
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any  
other objects to protrude into the area  
around the accelerator and brake ped-  
als and obstruct their movement.<  
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Brake system  
Winter operation  
123n  
The onset of winter is often accompa-  
nied by rapid changes in weather. Ad-  
aptations in driving style should be  
accompanied by preparations on the  
vehicle itself to ensure that your  
progress through the winter remains  
safe and trouble-free.  
Brake fluid level  
Brake pads  
The warning lamp for the brake  
hydraulic system comes on, or  
the CHECK BRAKE FLUID mes-  
sage appears in the Check Con- pears in the Check Control*:  
trol*.  
The warning lamp for the brake  
pads comes on, or the CHECK  
BRAKE LININGS message ap-  
The brake pads have reached their min-  
imum pad thickness. Proceed to the  
nearest authorized BMW center as  
soon as possible to have the pads re-  
placed.  
The brake fluid level is too low in the  
reservoir (refer to page 141).  
Coolant  
If the brake fluid level is too low and  
brake pedal travel has become notice-  
ably longer, there may be a defect in  
one of the brake system's hydraulic  
circuits.  
Be sure that the coolant mixture  
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50  
water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-  
tion. This mixture provides protection  
against freezing down to approx. -347  
(-376). Replace the coolant every four  
years.  
For your own safety: use only  
brake pads that BMW has re-  
leased for your particular vehicle  
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-ap-  
proved brake pads to determine if they  
are suited for use, and therefore cannot  
ensure the operating safety of the vehi-  
cle if they are installed.<  
Proceed to the nearest autho-  
rized BMW center. Higher brake  
application pressure may be necessary  
under these conditions, and brake  
pedal travel may be significantly longer.  
Please remember to adapt your driving  
style accordingly.<  
Locks  
BMW door lock deicer can be used to  
free locks if they are frozen. This deicer  
also contains lubricant.  
After using the deicer, treatment with  
BMW lock barrel grease is recom-  
mended.  
The warning lamp also comes on when  
the CHECK BRAKE LININGS message  
appears in the Check Control.  
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124nWinter operation  
If the ABS does not respond in a critical  
braking situation and the wheels lock:  
Reduce the pressure on the brake  
pedal until the wheels just start to roll  
again while still maintaining enough  
force to continue braking. Following  
that, increase pedal pressure again.  
Reduce the pressure as the wheels  
lock, then reapply pressure. Repeat this  
braking sequence.  
This type of staggered braking will re-  
duce the braking distance, and the ve-  
hicle still remains responsive to steer-  
ing.  
You can then attempt to steer around  
hazards after you have reduced pres-  
sure on the brake pedal.  
Rubber seals and components  
In order to prevent the weather-strip-  
ping from freezing, apply BMW rubber  
treatment or silicone spray to the seals the accelerator pedal and avoid exces-  
on the doors, hood and tailgate.  
Driving on low-traction road  
surfaces  
Use smooth, gentle pressure to control  
sive engine speeds. Maintain an ade-  
quate distance between yourself and  
A full range of car care products is the car ahead.  
available from your BMW center.<  
Braking  
Snow chains  
Mount BMW snow chains* only on tire  
size 235/65 R 17. Always mount chains between the tires and the road surface.  
in pairs and on the rear wheels only. The resulting increases in braking dis-  
Read and comply with the chain manu- tance are considerable and should be  
facturer's safety precautions. Do not  
exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph  
(50 km/h).  
Winter road conditions substantially re-  
duce the amount of traction available  
kept in mind at all times.  
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels  
from locking during brake applications,  
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability  
and steering response.  
Do not shift down on slick road  
surfaces if you want to decelerate.  
Doing so could cause the wheels to  
lose traction and skid, thus resulting in  
the loss of vehicle control.<  
Starting off  
When starting in deep snow or "rock-  
ing" the vehicle free, it may be advis-  
able to deactivate the DSC system  
briefly. Refer to page 83.  
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Winter operation  
Power steering  
Level control system  
125n  
If there is a change in steering response  
(difficult steering, for example) or, espe-  
cially on vehicles with Servotronic*, if  
the steering "drifts" or "floats" at in-  
creasing speeds:  
The warning lamp for the level  
control system comes on, or the  
message LEVEL CONTROL IN-  
ACTIVE appears in the Check Control*:  
There is a malfunction in the level con-  
trol system.  
Skid control  
Release the accelerator pedal. Coun-  
tersteer carefully and attempt to regain  
control of the vehicle.  
Have your authorized BMW center in-  
spect this system as soon as possible.  
Parking  
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If it is  
riding significantly lower in the rear than  
in the front, or if it is sitting at an incline  
(left rear compared to right rear), con-  
sult the nearest authorized BMW cen-  
ter. Drive with appropriate caution in  
the meantime, especially if you are driv-  
ing under poor road-surface conditions.  
The vehicle has reduced ground clear-  
ance or driving comfort is noticeably re-  
duced.  
Place the selector lever in "Park." and  
apply the parking brake when parking  
on inclined surfaces. In order to prevent  
the parking brake linings from locking  
due to frost or corrosion, dry them by  
gently applying the parking brake as the  
vehicle is coming to a stop. Make sure  
that following traffic is not endangered.  
If the power steering fails, in-  
creased effort will be required to  
steer the vehicle.<  
The brake lamps do not light up  
when the parking brake is ap-  
plied.<  
Even if the attitude of the vehicle is nor-  
mal, you should consult the nearest au-  
thorized BMW center if the warning  
lamp indicates a system fault.  
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126nCellular phone*  
Radio reception  
Mobile communications systems (cellu- The reception and sound quality  
lar phone, radio, etc.) are only allowed a obtained from mobile radios vary  
power output of up to 10 Watts. Mobile according to a variety of factors, includ-  
communications devices not specifi-  
cally designed for use in your vehicle  
ing the broadcast range of the transmit-  
ter and the directional orientation of the  
may trigger malfunctions during vehicle antenna. Interference factors such as  
operation. BMW can neither test nor high-tension power lines, buildings and  
assume responsibility for every individ- natural obstructions can all lead to un-  
ual product being offered on the mar-  
ket. We recommend that you consult  
your BMW center before purchasing  
any device of this kind.  
avoidable reception interference, re-  
gardless of how well the vehicle sound  
system is operating. Climatic factors  
such as intense solar radiation, fog, rain  
and snow can also interfere with recep-  
tion.  
To ensure that your BMW continues to  
provide reliable and trouble-free opera-  
tion, do not use a cellular phone or  
other radio device with an antenna lo-  
cated inside the passenger compart-  
ment. The antenna should always be  
mounted on the outside of the vehicle.  
Cellular phones without formal BMW  
approval can also generate interfer-  
ence. This phenomenon assumes the  
form of a low-pitched hum emanating  
from the speaker system.  
Please refer to the Owner's Manual  
provided with your sound system for  
detailed information on its use.  
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Tire inflation pressure  
Tire condition  
127n  
Do not drive on a deflated (flat)  
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs  
steering and braking response, and can  
lead to complete loss of control over  
the vehicle.  
Information for your safety  
The factory-approved radial tires are  
matched to the vehicle and have been  
selected to provide optimum safety and  
driving comfort on your vehicle.  
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that  
the permitted load on the tires is not ex-  
ceeded. Overloading can lead to over-  
heating and increases the rate at which  
damage develops inside the tires. The  
ultimate result can assume the form of a  
sudden air loss.  
Unusual vibrations encountered during  
normal vehicle operation can indicate  
tire failure or some other vehicle defect,  
as can variations in normal vehicle re-  
sponse, such as a pronounced ten-  
dency to pull to the left or right. Should  
this occur, respond by immediately re-  
ducing your speed and carefully pro-  
ceeding to the nearest BMW center or  
professional tire center, or having the  
vehicle towed in to have it and its tires  
inspected.  
It is not merely the tire's service life, but  
also driving comfort and – above all else  
– driving safety which depend on the  
condition of the tires and the mainte-  
nance of the specified tire pressure.  
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent  
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-  
cantly influences the roadholding ability  
of your BMW.  
Tire tread – Tire damage  
Inspect your tires frequently for tread  
wear, signs of damage and for foreign  
objects lodged in the tread. Check the  
tread depth.  
Check tire inflation pressures –  
including the spare wheel – regu-  
larly, at least every two weeks and  
before beginning a longer trip. If this is  
not done, incorrect tire pressures can  
cause driving instability and tire  
damage, ultimately resulting in an  
accident.<  
Tread depth should not be allowed to  
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though  
the legally specified minimum tread  
depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At a  
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread  
depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-  
groove base indicate that the legally-  
permissible wear limit has been  
reached. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread  
depth, there is an increased risk of  
aquaplaning, even at relatively moder-  
ate speeds and with only small amounts  
of water on the road.  
Tire damage (up to and including blow-  
outs) can endanger the lives of both the  
vehicle occupants and other road  
users.<  
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128n Tire replacement  
To maintain good handling and vehicle  
response, use only tires of a single  
tread configuration from a single manu-  
facturer. BMW tests and approves  
wheel/tire combinations. Refer to  
page 130.  
tor 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.  
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 as-  
phalt and concrete. A tire marked C  
may have poor traction performance.  
The temperature grade for this tire  
is established for a tire that is  
DOT Quality Grades  
Treadwear  
Traction AA A B C  
Temperature A B C  
properly inflated and not overloaded.  
Excessive speed, underinflation, or ex-  
cessive loading, either separately or in  
combination, can cause heat buildup  
and possible tire failure.<  
The traction grade assigned to  
this tire is based on straight-  
ahead braking traction tests, and does  
not include acceleration, cornering, hy-  
droplaning, or peak traction character-  
istics.<  
All passenger car tires must con-  
form to Federal Safety Require-  
ments in addition to these grades.<  
Uniform Tire Quality Grading  
Quality grades can be found where ap-  
plicable on the tire sidewall between  
tread shoulder and maximum section  
width. For example:  
Treadwear  
The treadwear grade is a comparative  
rating based on the wear rate of the tire The temperature grades are A (the  
Temperature  
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 1/2) times as  
well on the government course as a tire test wheel.  
graded 100. The relative performance  
of tires depends upon the actual condi- the material of the tire to degenerate  
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  
Treadwear 200 Traction AA  
Temperature A  
Do not use retreaded tires, since  
driving safety may be impaired by  
their use. This is due to the possible  
variations in casing structures and, in  
some cases, to their extreme age,  
Sustained high temperature can cause  
tions of their use, however, and may  
depart significantly from the norm due  
to variations in driving habits, service  
and reduce tire life, and excessive tem- which can lead to a decrease in their  
perature can lead to sudden tire failure. durability.<  
The grade C corresponds to a level of  
practices and differences in road char- performance which all passenger car  
acteristics and climate.  
tires must meet under the Federal Mo-  
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Tire replacement  
Tire rotation  
129n  
If different tire sizes are mounted  
Tire age  
Between the axles  
on the front and rear axles (refer to  
page 132), the wheels may not be ro-  
tated from one axle to the other.<  
The date on which the tire was manu-  
factured is indicated by the code on the differ from those at the rear — the actual  
sidewall:  
DOT ... 419 indicates that the tire was  
manufactured in Week 41 of 1999.  
The tread wear patterns at the front end  
patterns will vary according to individ-  
ual driving conditions. In the interests of  
safety and maintaining optimal handling  
characteristics, tire rotation is not rec-  
ommended.  
BMW recommends the replacement of  
all tires when the tires are no more than  
6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years When considering the potential eco-  
is possible.  
nomic benefits of interaxle tire rotation,  
you must decide whether the expense  
of having the tires rotated is likely to be  
amortized during the anticipated exten-  
sion in tire life. In principle, interaxle tire  
rotation should be performed at short  
intervals, with a maximum of  
Spare tires over 6 years old should be  
used only in case of emergency. Such a  
tire should be replaced by a new tire  
immediately, and should not be  
mounted together with new tires.  
3,000 miles (5,000 km). Consult your  
authorized BMW center for more infor-  
mation.  
Should you decide to rotate the tires, it  
is essential that you comply with the  
following:  
Rotate tires on the same side only,  
since braking characteristics and road  
grip could otherwise be adversely af-  
fected.  
Following tire rotation, correct the tire  
inflation pressure.  
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130nWheel and tire combinations  
All-Season, All-Terrain and Winter tires:  
The right choice  
Codes on the tires and wheels  
Use only tires approved by BMW. Refer The tire codes will aid you in selecting  
Q M+S  
M+S  
H M+S  
=
=
=
up to 100 mph (160 km/h)  
up to 118 mph (190 km/h)  
up to 130 mph (210 km/h)  
to page 132.  
the correct tire.  
T
Due to the high speeds this vehicle can Codes on radial tires:  
reach, the use of specific brands, spec-  
Codes stamped on light-alloy wheels:  
Example:  
235/65 R 17 104 H  
ifications and sizes is mandatory. Con-  
sult any BMW center for details.  
Comply with all local/national regula-  
tions.  
7.5 J x 17SEH2  
Rim width  
in inches  
Code letter for  
flange type  
Symbol for full-drop  
center rim  
Rim diameter in inches  
Special Extended Hump  
on the 2 rim shoulders  
Nominal width  
in mm  
Aspect ratio in X  
Belt rating code for  
radial tires  
Rim diameter in inches  
Load rating  
Speed rating  
The correct wheel-tire combina-  
tion affects different systems such  
as ABS, ATC and DSC. The function of  
these systems is impaired if improper  
wheel-tire combinations are used.  
For this reason, use only tires of the  
same brand and tread pattern. If you  
have mounted winter tires and must use  
the spare wheel following a flat tire, for  
example, remount the approved wheel-  
tire combination as soon as possible.<  
The speed rating indicates the ap-  
proved maximum speed for the tire.  
Protect valve stems from dirt by using  
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the  
valves frequently leads to slow leaks.  
Summer tires:  
S
T
=
=
up to 112 mph (180 km/h)  
up to 118 mph (190 km/h)  
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)  
up to 150 mph (240 km/h)  
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)  
up to 186 mph (300 km/h)  
ZR= over 150 mph (240 km/h)  
V
=
Y
=
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Winter tires  
Snow chains*  
131n  
The use of narrow-link BMW snow  
Choosing the right tire  
Do not exceed specified  
maximum speeds  
chains is approved only in pairs on the  
rear wheels and only with tire size  
235/65 R 17. Comply with all manufac-  
turer's safety precautions when mount-  
ing the chains.  
BMW recommends special winter tires  
(M+S radial tires) for driving in adverse  
winter road conditions. While the All-  
Season tires with M+S designation that rated.  
are mounted as standard equipment  
Never exceed the maximum  
speed for which winter tires are  
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to  
provide better winter traction than sum- service tires can lead to damage and  
mer tires, they generally do not achieve accidents.  
the performance of winter tires.  
Have this work performed by skilled  
professionals only. Any BMW center  
has the required technical knowledge  
and the proper equipment and will be  
happy to assist you.<  
For safe tracking and steering re-  
sponse, install winter tires made by the  
same manufacturer having the same  
tread configuration on all four wheels.  
Mount only winter tires approved by  
BMW. Any BMW center will be glad to  
provide you with information for select-  
ing the best winter tires for your partic-  
ular driving conditions.  
Tire condition, tire pressure  
Once winter tires wear to a tread depth  
below 0.16 in (4 mm), their performance  
under winter driving conditions deterio-  
rates noticeably. Worn tires should  
therefore be replaced for safety consid-  
erations.  
Comply with the specified tire inflation  
pressures — and be sure to have the  
wheel and tire assemblies balanced  
every time you change the tires.  
Storage  
Store tires in a cool, dry place, away  
from light whenever possible. Protect  
the tires against contact with oil, grease  
and fuel.  
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132nApproved wheel and tire specifications  
The use of rims and lug bolts that  
do not meet the specifications of  
the original factory-installed equipment  
will affect the safe operation of your ve-  
hicle and may cause an accident and  
personal injury.  
Never mix tires of different design, such  
as steel-belted radials with radial bias  
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire  
types will adversely affect roadholding  
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-  
trol.<  
Tire specifications  
BMW X5 4.4i  
Light-alloy wheels  
All-Season/All-Terrain  
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S  
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S  
Summer  
7.5J x 17 SEH2  
8.5J x 18 EH2  
255/55 R 18 105 V  
8.5J x 18 EH2  
Front: 255/50 R 19 103 V  
Rear: 285/45 R 19 107 V  
9J x 19 EH2  
10J x 19 EH2  
Winter  
235/65 R 17 104 Q/T/H M+S  
7.5J x 17 SEH2  
Observe the specifications for tires and  
wheels in the vehicle's manuals. If sizes  
not approved by the manufacturer are  
mounted, an entry in the vehicle's doc-  
uments may be necessary.  
Snow chains*  
It is only possible to mount snow chains  
on the rear wheels with tire size  
235/65 R 17.  
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Hood  
133n  
To unlock  
To open  
To close  
Pull the lever located under the left-  
hand side of the instrument panel.  
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.  
Do not work on your vehicle with-  
out appropriate skills. Switch off  
To avoid injuries, be sure that the  
travel path of the hood is clear  
when it is closed, as with all closing  
procedures.  
If it is determined that the hood is not  
completely closed while driving, stop  
immediately and close it securely.<  
the engine and allow it to cool down  
before working in the engine compart-  
ment. Always disconnect the battery be-  
fore working on any electrical systems  
or equipment, especially when these  
are located within the engine compart-  
ment. Comply with all applicable in-  
structions and warnings. Failure to work  
in an informed, professional manner  
when servicing components and mate-  
rials constitutes a safety hazard for vehi-  
cle occupants and other road users. If  
you are not familiar with the guidelines,  
please have the operations performed  
by your authorized BMW center.<  
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134nEngine compartment – BMW X5 4.4i  
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Engine compartment – BMW X5 4.4i  
135n  
1 Reservoir for brake fluid  
(under the microfilter  
trim panel) 141  
2 Auxiliary terminal for jump  
starting 170  
3 Coolant expansion tank 140  
4 Engine oil dipstick 137  
5 Engine oil filler neck 137  
6 Reservoir for windshield and  
headlamp washer system* 136  
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136nWasher fluid  
Washer nozzles  
Windshield washer  
Windshield:  
The nozzles are directed so as to  
ensure effective cleaning, even at high  
speeds.  
Rear window:  
Have this system adjusted by your  
BMW center as required.  
Headlamp washer*  
Have the nozzles adjusted by your  
BMW center as required.  
Headlamp* and windshield  
washer system  
Capacity in US quarts (liters).  
Approx. 8.2 (7.8)  
Fill with water and — if required — with a  
washer antifreeze (according to manu-  
facturer's recommendations).  
It is more convenient to mix the  
washer fluid before adding it to  
the reservoir.<  
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Engine oil  
137n  
Checking oil level  
Adding 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.  
1 Park the vehicle on a level surface.  
2 Shut the engine off after it has  
reached normal operating tempera-  
ture.  
Wait until the level has dropped to just  
above the lower mark before adding oil.  
However, do not wait until the oil level  
drops below the lower mark.  
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.  
4 Push the dipstick carefully all the way  
into the guide tube and pull it out  
again.  
BMW engines are designed to op-  
erate without oil additives; the use  
of additives could lead to damage in  
some cases. This is also true for the au-  
tomatic transmission, the transfer box,  
the differential, and the power steering  
system.<  
5 The oil level should be in between the  
two graduations on the dipstick.  
As with fuel economy, oil consumption  
is directly influenced by your driving  
style and vehicle operating conditions.  
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138nEngine oil  
Specified engine oils  
Viscosity ratings  
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 recom-  
mends only certain types of engine oil.  
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  
Use only approved "BMW High Perfor- BMW.  
mance Synthetic Oil."  
Approved oils are in SAE classes  
5W-40 and 5W-30.<  
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.  
These oils may be used for driving in all  
ambient temperatures.  
Ask your authorized BMW center  
for details concerning the specific  
"BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil"  
or "synthetic oils" which have been ap-  
proved.<  
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.  
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Engine oil  
139n  
Comply with the applicable envi-  
ronmental laws regulating the dis-  
posal of used oil.<  
Recommendation: have the oil changed  
by your BMW center.  
Continuous exposure to used oil  
has caused cancer in laboratory  
testing. For this reason, any skin areas  
that come into contact with oil should  
be thoroughly washed with soap and  
water.  
Always store oils, grease and similar  
materials so that they are inaccessible  
to children. Comply with warning labels  
and information on containers.<  
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140nCoolant  
Do not add coolant to the cooling  
Adding coolant  
system when the engine is hot. If  
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant  
can cause burns.  
To avoid the possibility of damage later  
on, never use anything other than fac-  
tory-approved, nitrite and amino-free  
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion  
inhibitor. Your authorized BMW center  
is familiar with the factory specifica-  
tions.  
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are  
hazardous to health. You should always  
store them in their original container  
and in a location which is inaccessible  
to children.  
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-  
sion inhibitor contains the flammable  
substance ethylene–glycol. For this rea-  
son, do not spill antifreeze with corro-  
sion inhibitor on hot engine parts. It  
could ignite and cause serious burns.<  
Wait until the engine cools before re-  
moving the cap from the expansion  
tank. The needle of the coolant gauge  
in the instrument cluster must be lo-  
cated in the blue zone. If it is not, there  
is a danger of scalding.  
1 Start by turning the cap counter-  
clockwise. Pause to allow any accu-  
mulated pressure to escape, then  
open the cap.  
2 If the coolant is low, slowly add  
coolant until the correct level is  
reached — do not overfill.  
Checking coolant level  
Correct coolant level when the engine  
is cold approx. 68 7/20 6:  
The coolant is a mixture of water and  
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion  
inhibitor. Always maintain the pre-  
scribed all-season 50:50 mixture ratio  
for year-round protection against inter-  
nal corrosion. No other additives are re-  
quired.  
Unscrew the cap from the expansion  
tank.  
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 (see also the schematic  
diagramm next to the cap).  
Replace the coolant every four years.  
Comply with the applicable envi-  
ronmental laws regulating the dis-  
posal of extended-duty antifreeze with  
corrosion inhibitor.<  
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Brake fluid  
Vehicle Identification No.141n  
If the indicator lamp for the  
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,  
it absorbs moisture from the air  
over time.  
In order to ensure the safety and reli-  
brake hydraulic system appears  
or if the CHECK BRAKE FLUID  
warning appears in the Check  
Control*: the brake fluid level is ability of the brake system, have the  
too low in the reservoir.  
brake fluid changed every two years by  
an authorized BMW center. Refer also  
to the Service and Warranty Information  
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty  
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian  
models).  
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the  
vehicle's paint. You should always store  
it in its original container and in a loca-  
tion which is out of reach of children.  
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the  
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"  
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon  
contact with hot engine parts and  
cause serious burns.<  
The brake fluid reservoir is located un-  
der 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 center. Your  
BMW center is familiar with the specifi-  
cations for factory-approved brake  
fluids (DOT 4).  
In the engine compartment, stamped  
on the right-hand strut dome (arrow)  
and on the upper edge of the instru-  
ment panel on the left-hand side.  
Brake fluid loss may result in extended  
brake pedal travel. For this situation,  
refer to the notes on page 123.  
Comply with the applicable envi-  
ronmental laws regulating the dis-  
posal of brake fluid.<  
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142nThe BMW Maintenance System  
other hand, began many years ago to  
mation Booklet (US models) or the  
take the actual conditions under which Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian  
the vehicle is driven into consideration. models).  
After all, different drivers can accumu-  
late mileage in very different ways.  
As a precaution against corrosion, it  
might be a good idea to have the body  
From the point of view of maintenance, checked for damage from rocks or  
62,000 miles (100,000 km) accumulated gravel at the same time, depending  
in short-distance urban driving are not  
the equivalent of the same distance  
covered at moderate speeds in long-  
distance highway travel.  
upon operating conditions.  
Have your BMW center do the  
maintenance and repair.  
Your BMW center is always informed on  
the latest maintenance work and repair  
techniques and equipped with the re-  
quired special tools. In addition, check-  
ing parts known from experience to be  
subject to wear is a permanent part of  
the maintenance specifications.  
Be sure that all maintenance work is  
confirmed in the Service and Warranty  
Information Booklet (US models) or the  
Warranty and Service Guide (Canadian  
models).  
The BMW Maintenance System in-  
cludes the Engine Oil Service and In-  
spections I and II.  
The BMW Maintenance System has  
been designed as a reliable means of  
providing maximum driving and operat-  
ing safety – and as cost-effectively as  
possible for you.  
Determining the maintenance intervals  
according to the actual loads on the ve-  
hicle covers every kind of operating sit-  
uation. 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 deterio-  
rates over time, regardless of use.  
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.  
These entries will constitute your proof  
that the vehicle has received regular  
maintenance. They are also required for  
warranty claims.<  
Service Interval Display  
Advanced technology is employed to  
calculate the optimal maintenance in-  
Service and Warranty Information  
Booklet (US models)/Warranty  
tervals, which are then indicated in the and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-  
Service Interval Display. Conventional  
systems rely solely on distance traveled  
to determine when service is due. The  
BMW maintenance system, on the  
dian models)  
For additional information on mainte-  
nance intervals and procedures, please  
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-  
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Caring for your vehicle  
143n  
> The vehicle is cleaned with minimum subsequent attack. In addition, mois-  
brush pressure, and that ample water ture could penetrate to vehicle compo-  
Washing your vehicle  
You can have your new BMW washed  
in an automatic car wash. Car wash  
systems that do not employ brushes  
are preferable.  
is available for washing and rinsing.  
nents, leading to long-term damage.<  
Vehicles with rain sensor*:  
When cleaning the headlamps,  
please observe the following:  
> Do not clean by wiping with a dry  
cloth. Never use abrasives or strong  
solvents to clean the covers.  
> Remove dirt and contamination (such  
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car  
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty  
of water.  
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax  
from automatic car washes or insects,  
for example, can cause malfunctions in  
the function of the rain sensor.  
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and  
remove dead insects before washing  
the vehicle.  
To prevent spots, avoid washing when  
the hood is still warm, or immediately  
after and during exposure to strong  
sunlight.  
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-  
matic car washes. If you do not,  
damage may occur if the wipers switch  
on unintentionally.<  
> Always use a deicer spray to remove  
accumulated ice and snow – never  
use a scraper.<  
When using an automatic car wash, be  
sure that:  
Parts of the vehicle that are inaccessi-  
ble to the automatic washer — such as  
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. —  
should be cleaned by hand.  
> The car wash system is suited for the  
dimensions of your vehicle.  
After washing the vehicle, apply  
the brakes briefly to dry them.  
Braking efficiency might otherwise be  
reduced by the moisture and the brake  
rotors could also be corroded.<  
Before washing the vehicle in a  
car wash, fold in the exterior mir-  
rors manually, otherwise they may be  
damaged on account of the width of the  
vehicle.<  
In the winter months, it is especially  
important to ensure that the vehicle is  
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-  
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to  
remove, and they also cause damage to  
the vehicle.  
> No damage will occur on vehicles  
with attached body accessories (such  
as spoilers or antennas). If you are  
uncertain, consult the manager of the  
car wash.  
> The wheels and tires of your vehicle  
cannot be damaged by the convey-  
ance devices of the car wash system.  
If spray wands or high-pressure  
washers are used, be sure to  
maintain an adequate distance between  
the spray source and the vehicle's sur-  
face. Inadequate distance and exces-  
sive pressure can damage or weaken  
the finish, making it more susceptible to  
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144nCaring for your vehicle  
Depending upon material and type  
of impact (perforation of paint layer),  
physical stresses from sand, road salt,  
gravel, etc., can cause corrosion to  
start extending beneath the finish, start-  
ing at the point of impact.  
In coastal regions, high levels of atmo-  
spheric salt and humidity promote cor-  
rosion.  
Exterior finish  
To provide effective corrosion protec-  
tion, multilayer paintwork is applied at  
the factory. Cataphoretic immersion  
priming techniques are supplemented  
using special body-cavity protectants,  
with the application of specially-devel-  
oped and extensively tested materials.  
In tropical zones, temperatures of over  
105 7 (40 6) in the shade prevail, in  
addition to heavy ultraviolet radiation  
and high humidity. Under those condi-  
Road dirt, tar spots, dead insects, ani-  
mal droppings (strong alkali effect) and tions, light paints can reach tempera-  
tures up to 175 7 (80 6) and dark  
A layer of flexible PVC is first applied to tree excretions (resins and pollen) all  
the undercarriage. Following this, a  
comprehensive undercoating treat-  
ment with a wax-based protectant is  
applied.  
contain substances capable of causing paints up to 250 7 (120 6).  
damage when allowed to remain on the  
finish of your vehicle for any period of  
time (spots, etching, flaking, separation  
in the top coat).  
Regular maintenance makes an impor-  
tant contribution to maintaining the  
safety and value of your vehicle.  
In industrial areas, deposits from fly  
ash, lime, oil deposits, sulfur-dioxide in  
precipitation (acid rain) and other envi-  
ronmental pollutants will all damage the  
surface of the vehicle unless adequate  
protection is provided.  
Increasing awareness of the effects of  
harmful environmental factors on vehi-  
cle finishes have led paint and vehicle  
manufacturers to initiate ongoing pro-  
grams designed to further improve the  
durability of their finishes. Despite this,  
environmental factors that occur locally  
or regionally can have negative effects  
on the finish of your vehicle. These  
should guide you in determining the fre-  
quency and extent of your efforts to  
maintain the vehicle finish.  
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Caring for your vehicle  
145n  
Caring for the vehicle finish  
Waxing your vehicle  
Paint damage  
Regular washing is a preventive mea-  
sure against long-term effects from  
substances that are harmful to the vehi-  
cle's finish, especially if you drive your  
vehicle in areas with high levels of air  
pollution or aggressive natural sub-  
stances (tree resins, pollen).  
Protect the finish using carnauba or  
synthetic-based waxes only.  
You can touch up small areas of dam-  
age with BMW spray paint or a BMW  
touchup stick.  
The best way to determine when the  
finish needs to be waxed is by noting  
when water stops beading on the sur-  
face.  
The color code of your vehicle is pro-  
vided on a tag on the right-hand panel  
under the hood and on the first page of  
the Service and Warranty Information  
Booklet.  
You can use a glass cleaner to remove  
any wax or silicone that may have been  
left on the windows during waxing.  
Nevertheless, you should immediately  
remove especially aggressive sub-  
stances. Failure to do so can lead to  
changes in the paint's chemical struc-  
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled  
during refueling, oil, grease and brake  
fluid should always be cleaned away  
immediately, as should bird droppings  
(finish damage).  
Damage caused by flying stones,  
scratches, etc., must be touched up  
without delay to prevent rust from  
forming.  
If corrosion has started to form in an  
area with paint damage, remove all rust  
and clean the area. Then prime the area  
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply  
the finish coat. After a few days, polish  
and protect the touched-in areas.  
Any contamination remaining on the  
surface of the vehicle will be especially  
conspicuous after washing. Use clean-  
ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or  
cotton pad to remove these stains. Re-  
move tar spots with tar remover. After  
cleaning, the affected areas should be  
waxed to ensure continued protection.  
More extensive paint damage should  
be professionally repaired in accor-  
dance with the manufacturer's instruc-  
tions. Your BMW center uses original  
BMW finish materials in accordance  
with factory repair procedures.  
A full range of car-care products is  
available from your BMW center.<  
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146n Caring for your vehicle  
Rubber components should be cleaned  
with water only; a rubber treatment or  
silicone spray may also be applied.  
Window care  
You can use window and glass cleaner  
to clean inside window surfaces and  
Caring for other vehicle  
components and materials  
Light-alloy wheels should be treated  
mirrors without smearing and streaking. with alloy wheel cleaner, especially dur- The safety belts should be cleaned with  
Never use polishing pastes or abrasive ing the winter months. However, do not a mild soap and water solution without  
(quartz) cleansers on mirror lenses.  
use aggressive products containing  
acids, strong alkalis or abrasives. Do  
not use steam cleaners operating at  
temperatures above 140 7 (60 6).  
Follow the manufacturer's instructions.  
being removed from the vehicle. Never  
attempt chemical or dry cleaning, as  
damage to the belt fabric could result.  
Clean the wiper blades with soapy wa-  
ter. The wiper blades should be re-  
placed twice a year, before and after  
the cold season.  
After cleaning, never allow the inertia  
reel to retract the belts until they are  
If your vehicle has chrome parts* such completely dry. Dirty safety belts pre-  
as window moldings, door handles or vent the inertia reel mechanism from re-  
other items, clean these parts carefully tracting the strap properly, and thus  
Use only wiper blades that have  
been approved by BMW.<  
with ample clean water, especially if  
they have an accumulation of road salt.  
Use chrome polish as an additional  
treatment.  
constitute a safety hazard.  
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats*  
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.  
The floor mats can be removed from  
the vehicle for cleaning.  
Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,  
headliners, lamp lenses, the clear cover  
of the instrument panel and compo-  
nents with a sprayed dull black surface  
can be cleaned with water (add plastic  
cleaner as required). Do not allow mois-  
ture to soak through the seats or head-  
liner. Never use solvents such as lac-  
quer thinner, heavy-duty grease  
Please use only a damp cloth to clean  
wooden fascia panels and components.  
Follow up by drying with a soft cloth.  
A full range of car-care products is  
available from your BMW center.<  
remover, fuels, etc.  
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Caring for your vehicle  
147n  
Cleaning agents can contain sub-  
stances that are dangerous or  
pose health risks. For this reason, al-  
ways read and comply with the warn-  
ings and danger notices on the pack-  
age.  
Open the doors or windows on your ve-  
hicle before cleaning the interior. Never  
clean your vehicle with cleaning agents  
(or solvents) not specifically intended  
for this purpose.<  
For protection against dampness or  
moisture, treat the leather with a BMW  
impregnating agent.  
Leather care  
The leather upholstery* used by BMW  
is a natural product of the highest qual-  
ity, processed using state-of-the-art  
methods to ensure that it will maintain  
its high quality for years to come, pro-  
vided that it is properly cared for.  
We recommend that you perform this  
procedure twice a year on leather ex-  
posed to normal use.  
Spills should be wiped up immediately.  
Remove grease and oil stains without  
Because this product is manufactured  
using natural materials, you must make rubbing, but rather by dabbing with  
allowance for its special characteristics spot remover.  
as well as for the peculiarities of its use  
and care.  
If the upholstery is to be exposed to in-  
tense sunlight or if the vehicle is to be  
Regular periodic cleaning and care are stored for an extended period, cover all  
essential, as dust and road dirt act as  
abrasives in the pores and creases of  
the material. This leads to wear spots  
and premature brittleness on the sur-  
face of the leather. We therefore sug-  
gest that you clean the leather with a  
vacuum cleaner or dust cloth at fre-  
quent intervals.  
leather surfaces (or, better yet, the win-  
dows) to prevent fading.  
A full range of car-care products is  
available from your BMW center.<  
For cleaning use BMW leather cleaning  
foam.  
Since dirt and grease gradually affect  
the protective surface layer of the  
leather, the cleaned surfaces should be  
treated with a BMW leather care agent.  
This also acts as an antistatic agent.  
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148nAirbags  
Vehicle storage  
Do not modify or tamper with either the Consult your BMW center regarding the  
wiring or the individual components in  
the airbag system. These include the  
required special procedures if you in-  
tend to store the vehicle for longer than  
padded steering wheel hub, the instru- three months.  
ment panel, the side trim panels of the  
front or rear doors and the roof pillars or  
the sides of the headliner. Never apply  
adhesive materials to these compo-  
nents or cover or modify them in any  
way. Do not remove or dismantle the  
steering wheel yourself.  
To ensure compliance with applicable  
safety regulations, have an authorized  
BMW center dispose of airbag genera-  
tors.  
Unprofessional attempts to service the  
system could lead to failure in an emer-  
gency or undesired airbag activation,  
either of which could result in personal  
injury.<  
1 Front airbags for driver and front  
passenger  
2 Side Impact Head Protection System  
(front and rear*)  
3 Side airbags (front and rear*)  
Important safety notices  
Do not attempt to remove the gas  
generators of the airbag restraint  
system from the vehicle. Testing and  
servicing are to be performed only by  
trained technicians. In the event of a  
malfunction, deactivation, or triggered  
actuation (as a response to an accident)  
of the airbag restraint system, consult  
your authorized BMW center for repairs  
or service operations.  
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Technical modifications  
149n  
Any authorized BMW center will be glad  
to inform you of the advisability, legal  
requirements and factory recommenda-  
tions with regard to technical modifica-  
tions on the vehicle. For this purpose,  
the BMW center will require the Vehicle  
Identification Number and, in some  
cases, also the engine number.  
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)  
Light-emitting diodes installed behind  
translucent lenses serve as the light  
source for many of the controls and dis-  
plays in your vehicle. The concept be-  
hind their operation is related to that  
employed for lasers, and they are for-  
mally designated as Class 1 light-emit-  
ting diodes.  
Do not remove the protective lens  
and avoid staring directly at the  
unfiltered beam for extended periods  
(several hours), as inflammation of the  
iris could result.<  
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150nOBD interface socket  
An illuminated lamp informs you  
of the need for service, not of  
When the filler cap is not properly  
tightened, the OBD system can  
the need to stop the vehicle.  
detect the vapor leak and the indicator  
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-  
quently tightened, the indicator should  
go out within a few days.<  
However, the systems should be  
checked by your BMW center at the  
earliest possible opportunity.  
Under certain conditions, the indicator  
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 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.  
The Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) inter-  
face socket 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.  
Warning lamp, Service Engine  
Soon for Canadian models.  
The purpose of the OBD system is to  
ensure proper operation of the emis-  
sion control system for the vehicle's  
lifetime. The system monitors emission-  
related components and systems for  
deterioration and malfunction.  
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151n  
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152n  
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153n  
Replacement procedures:  
Onboard tool kit 154  
Wiper blades 154  
Lamps and bulbs 155  
Changing a wheel 161  
Battery 165  
Overview  
Controls and features  
Fuses 167  
In case of electrical  
malfunction:  
Fuel filler door 168  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 168  
Liftgate 168  
Operation, care  
and maintenance  
Tailgate 169  
Assistance, giving and  
receiving:  
Jump-starting 170  
Towing the vehicle 171  
Owner service procedures  
Advanced technology  
Technical data  
Index  
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154nOnboard tool kit  
Wiper blades  
Front  
Rear  
Under the cargo area floor in a pocket.  
1 Move the wiper to a fold-out position 1 Hold the wiper blade on the window  
(refer to page 69).  
2 Lift the wiper arm and press the se-  
curing spring (arrow).  
3 Pull the wiper blade off toward the  
wiper arm.  
and remove/unclip the wiper arm at  
the articulated joint (arrow).  
2 Insert a new wiper blade and press it  
on/clip it into the wiper arm.  
4 Insert the new blade and snap it into  
place.  
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  
155n  
The lamps and bulbs are essential fac-  
tors contributing to the safety of your  
vehicle. For this reason, follow the in-  
structions below carefully when replac-  
ing a bulb. If you are not familiar with  
any of the procedures, consult your au-  
thorized BMW center.  
2 High beams  
HB3 bulb, 60 watts  
The bulb is pressurized. There-  
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-  
tective gloves. Failure to comply with  
this precaution could lead to injury if the  
bulb is accidentally damaged during re-  
placement.<  
Do not touch the glass portion of a  
new bulb with your bare hands  
since even small amounts of impurities  
burn into the surface and reduce the  
service life of the bulb. Use a clean  
cloth, paper napkin, or a similar mate-  
rial, or hold the bulb by its metallic  
base.<  
1 Turn the bulb holder to the left and  
remove.  
2 Disconnect the plug.  
3 Plug the new bulb holder with bulb  
into the plug connector. Be sure that  
it is securely engaged.  
The illustration shows the right-hand  
engine compartment.  
For checking and adjusting head-  
lamp aim, please contact your  
BMW center.<  
4 Install in the opposite order.  
A replacement bulb set is available from  
your BMW center.  
When cleaning the headlamps,  
please observe the following:  
> Do not clean by wiping with a dry  
cloth (scratches). Never use abra-  
sives or strong solvents to clean the  
covers.  
> Remove dirt and contamination (such  
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car  
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty  
of water.  
1 Low beams  
H7 bulb, 55 watts  
Whenever working on the electri-  
cal system, switch off the electri-  
cal accessory you are working on or  
disconnect the cable from the negative  
terminal of the battery. Failure to do this  
could result in short circuits.  
To prevent injuries and damage, com-  
ply with any instructions provided by  
the bulb manufacturer.<  
The bulb is pressurized. There-  
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-  
tective gloves. Failure to comply with  
this precaution could lead to injury if the  
bulb is accidentally damaged during re-  
placement.<  
> Always use a deicer spray to remove  
accumulated ice and snow – never  
use a scraper.<  
1 Turn the bulb holder to the left (arrow)  
and remove.  
2 Remove and replace the bulb.  
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156nLamps and bulbs  
Xenon lamps*  
The operating life of these lamp units is  
extremely long and the likelihood of fail-  
ure very low, provided that they are not  
switched on and off a very great num-  
ber of times. If one of these bulbs  
should nevertheless fail, it is possible to  
continue driving with great caution us-  
ing the fog lamps, provided traffic laws  
in your area do not prohibit this.  
Because of the extremely high  
voltages involved, any work on the  
lighting system should be carried out by  
technically-qualified personnel only.  
Failure to comply with this creates a  
risk of fatal injury.<  
Side turn signals  
5 watt bulb  
Front fog lamps  
H1 bulb, 55 watts  
1 Use finger pressure against the rear  
end of the lens (arrow) to press it for-  
ward for removal.  
2 Press gently on the bulb and turn it to  
the left to remove it.  
The bulb is pressurized. There-  
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-  
tective gloves. Failure to comply with  
this precaution could lead to injury if the  
bulb is damaged during replacement.<  
Turn signal indicator/Parking  
lamp (side marker lamps), front  
Dual-filament bulb, 28/8 watts  
1 Pull the cover in front of the foglamp  
forward.  
2 Loosen the two screws (arrows) and  
remove the foglamp.  
Please contact a BMW center in case of  
a malfunction.  
3 Turn the cover cap on the rear of the  
foglamp to the left and remove.  
4 Unhook the wire clamp, remove the  
contact base and replace the bulb.  
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Lamps and bulbs  
157n  
Tail lamp assembly  
Lamps in the side panel:  
Lamps in the tailgate:  
1 Open the cover in the side panel.  
2 Lift the side panel if necessary.  
3 Press gently on the lamp holder and  
turn it to the left to remove it.  
4 Remove the bulb.  
1 Unclip the trim panel in the lower tail-  
gate with a screwdriver.  
2 Press gently on the lamp holder and  
turn it to the left to remove it.  
3 Remove the bulb.  
Tail lamp 2: 21/5 watt bulb  
Remaining bulbs: 21 watts  
1 Turn signal  
indicator  
yellow or white  
2 Rear lamps/  
Side marker lamps  
red  
white  
red  
Center (high-mount) brake lamp  
3 Backup lamps  
4 Brake lamps  
5 Reflector  
LED strip in the rear spoiler: please  
contact a BMW center in case of a  
malfunction.  
red  
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158nLamps and bulbs  
Cargo area lamps  
Two lamps in the trim panel of the  
upper tailgate:  
6 watt bulbs  
1 Apply a screwdriver in the recess to  
press the lens out.  
2 Replace the bulb.  
Footwell lamps, front  
5 watt bulb  
1 Press the lamp out with a screw-  
driver.  
2 Replace the bulb.  
License plate lamps  
5 watt bulb  
Interior lamps  
Front and rear*  
1 Press the lamp out to the side with a Interior lamp (6 watt bulb) with reading  
Footwell lamps in the rear  
passenger area  
5 watt bulb  
screwdriver.  
lamps (two 6 watt bulbs)  
2 Remove the lamp and replace the  
bulb.  
1 Press the lamp out to the side with a  
screwdriver.  
1 Use a screwdriver to press the lens  
out to the side.  
2 Replace the bulb.  
2 Turn the bulb holder to the left and  
remove.  
3 Remove and replace the bulb.  
Rear  
Interior lamp (2 x 5 watt bulb)  
1 Press the lamp out to the front with a  
screwdriver.  
2 Take off the lens and pull the lamp  
out of the contact tab.  
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Lamps and bulbs  
159n  
Glove compartment lamp  
Exit lamps  
5 watt bulb  
Lamp in the lower door trim panel:  
5 watt bulb  
1 Apply a screwdriver in the recess to  
press the lamp out.  
2 Remove the reflector.  
3 Replace the bulb.  
1 Press the lamp out with a screw-  
driver.  
2 Replace the bulb.  
Lighted vanity mirror  
Front area lighting*  
10 watt bulb  
6 watt Xenon bulb  
1 Remove the bulb housing. Use a  
screwdriver if necessary.  
2 Replace the bulb.  
Please contact a BMW center in case of  
a malfunction.  
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160nChanging a wheel  
Safety measures in the event of a  
flat tire or wheel change:  
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from  
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur-  
face. Switch on the hazard flashers.  
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-  
ahead position, remove the key and en-  
gage the steering lock. Select “Park“ po-  
sition and engage the parking brake. All  
passengers should be outside the vehi-  
cle and well away from your immediate  
working area (behind a guardrail, for in-  
stance). If a warning triangle or portable  
hazard warning lamp is available, 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 which is not slippery.  
Avoid jacking the vehicle up on a soft or  
slippery surface (snow, ice, very smooth  
surfaces, etc.), since it could slide side-  
ways. 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. Do not lie under  
the vehicle or start the engine when the  
vehicle is supported by the jack. Failure  
to comply with this creates a risk of fatal  
injury.<  
What you will need  
> Lug wrench  
Is located next to the spare wheel.  
> Vehicle jack  
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.  
Refer to page 162.  
> Two wedges (wheel chocks)  
Open the liftgate and tailgate.  
In the cargo area, fold up the floor  
cover or pull-out cargo floor (refer to  
page 110 or 111).  
Take out the wedges (arrow) next to  
the spare wheel.  
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Changing a wheel  
161n  
Spare wheel  
Removal aid for the spare wheel  
3 Hook both buckles into the latch of  
the tailgate (arrow); the tailgate is  
released.  
1 Loosen the wing nut 1.  
2 Remove the plate 2 to the side.  
3 Unscrew the threaded rod 3 com-  
pletely.  
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.  
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 (arrow).  
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162nChanging a wheel  
4 Remove support rod from bracket.  
5 Press the tailgate down and hold it  
there. The spare wheel is now pulled  
by means of the removal aid onto the  
tailgate.  
6 Insert support rod in tailgate lock and  
press down until it engages (arrow 1);  
then lock hook of rod in striker  
(arrow 2).  
Hold the tailgate in the opened  
position and do not allow it to re-  
Be sure that the support rod is  
locked firmly in place. If you fail to  
tract sharply upward. If you do so, there do so, it could retract sharply upward  
is a risk of personal injury and vehicle  
and cause personal injury and vehicle  
damage.<  
damage.<  
7 You can now release the locked tail-  
gate and take the spare wheel down  
from the tailgate. 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 re-  
moval aid.  
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Changing a wheel  
163n  
Procedure  
1 Read carefully and comply with the  
safety precautions on page 160.  
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 pre-  
cautions to secure the vehicle from  
rolling.  
> Vehicle jack  
Unscrew the wing screw (arrow) and  
remove the jack.  
When you have completed work,  
screw the jack all the way back  
down. Fold the handle back and in-  
sert it into its holder.  
4 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.  
3 Loosen the lug bolts 1/2-turn.  
5 Jack the vehicle up until the wheel  
you are changing is raised from the  
ground.  
6 Unscrew the lug bolts and remove  
the wheel.  
7 Remove accumulations of mud or  
dirt from the mounting surfaces of  
the wheel and hub. Clean the lug  
bolts.  
8 Position the spare wheel. Secure  
the wheel by turning at least two lug  
bolts into opposite bolt holes.  
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164nChanging a wheel  
9 Screw in the remaining lug bolts.  
Tighten all the bolts securely.  
10 Lower the jack and remove it from  
beneath the vehicle.  
11 Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal  
pattern.  
Store the wheel and the tools in the or-  
der opposite that for removal. Be sure  
that the jack is first placed back into its mounted tires on your vehicle with a  
The spare wheel has a size  
235/65 R 17 tire. If you have  
original position.  
different size, have wheels and tires of  
the same size and specification rein-  
Before removing the support rod, stalled as soon as possible.  
be sure that the tailgate is held When the spare wheel is mounted, the  
12 Check and correct the tire inflation  
pressure at the earliest opportunity. down firmly. If you fail to do so, it could maximum speed rating is 130 mph  
retract sharply upward and cause per-  
sonal injury and vehicle damage.  
After you remove the rod, close the tail-  
gate carefully. Continue to hold it firmly  
until it is completely closed.<  
(210 km/h).<  
The vehicle jack is designed for  
changing wheels only. Do not at-  
tempt to raise another vehicle model  
with it or to raise any load of any kind.  
To do so could cause accidents and  
personal injury.  
If light-alloy wheels other than original  
BMW light-alloy wheels have been  
To ensure continued safety, have the  
tightness of the lug bolts checked with mounted, it may be necessary to use  
a calibrated lug wrench [torque specifi- different lug bolts for those wheels.  
cation: 94 ft-lb (130 Nm)] at the earliest  
opportunity.<  
Replace the defective tire as soon as  
possible and have the new wheel/tire  
balanced.  
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Battery  
165n  
Never allow sparks or open  
flame near the battery. Do not  
Battery location  
Symbols  
The battery is located in the floor of the You will find the following symbols on  
smoke in the vicinity of the bat-  
tery. Avoid sparks from electrical cables  
or electrical equipment. Turn the key to  
position 0 in the steering lock when you  
are disconnecting or connecting the  
battery. Never short-circuit the battery  
terminals. This creates a risk of injury  
from high-energy sparks.  
vehicle below the spare wheel.  
your vehicle battery. To avoid injury,  
please comply with the corresponding  
precautions whenever you work with or  
near the battery.  
Battery care  
The battery is maintenance-free, that is,  
the original electrolyte will normally last  
for the service life of the battery under  
moderate climatic conditions.  
Before handling the battery,  
please read the following infor-  
mation:  
Wear eye protection. Do not al-  
low particles containing battery  
acid or lead to come into con-  
tact with your eyes, your skin, or your  
clothing.  
A highly-explosive gas is  
generated when the battery is  
charged.  
For all questions that regard the  
battery, please consult your BMW  
center. Since the battery is mainte-  
nance-free, the following is for your in-  
formation only.<  
If you happen to get acid in your  
eyes, rinse thoroughly for  
15 minutes with clear water.  
Battery acid is extremely corro-  
sive. Wear eye protection and  
protective gloves. Do not tip the  
battery. Battery acid can leak from the  
ventilation openings.  
Following that, consult a physician im-  
mediately. If you get acid spray on your  
skin or clothing, rinse with plenty of wa-  
ter. If electrolyte is accidentally swal-  
lowed, consult a physician immediately.  
Do not allow children to have  
access to batteries and battery  
acid.  
In order to protect the battery  
case from ultraviolet radiation,  
do not place it in direct sunlight.  
A discharged battery can freeze. Store  
the battery in areas where temperature  
remains above freezing.  
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166nBattery  
If you plan to park the vehicle longer  
than 4 weeks, have the battery discon-  
nected from the vehicle's electrical  
Do not disconnect the battery  
when the engine is running. If  
you do so, the ensuing voltage surge  
Charging the battery  
Charge the battery in the vehicle only  
when the engine is not running. Use the  
connections provided in the engine  
compartment (for correct connections,  
refer to "Jump-starting" on page 170).  
system by disconnecting the cable from will damage the vehicle's onboard elec-  
the negative terminal. Then have the  
battery charged with an appropriate  
battery charger.  
tronics.  
Do not make any modifications in the  
wires to the positive terminal. If you do  
so, the protective function of the safety  
battery terminal is no longer ensured.  
Repair and disposal must be performed  
by trained technicians only.<  
The service life specified for the  
battery can be achieved only if it  
is always kept adequately charged.  
Have the charge condition of the bat-  
tery checked frequently if the vehicle  
is used primarily for driving short  
distances.<  
If the vehicle will not be driven for a  
period longer than 12 weeks, have the  
battery removed, charged and store it  
in a clean and cool (frost-free) area.  
Recharge the battery at least every  
three months during storage. Also,  
recharge the battery before it is in-  
stalled. If you fail to do so, it will not be  
serviceable. Every time the battery is  
discharged, especially over extended  
periods, its service life is reduced.  
Return used batteries to a recy-  
cling point or your authorized  
BMW center. Maintain the battery in an  
upright position for transport and stor-  
age. Secure the battery against tilting in  
transit.<  
Before performing any work on  
the electrical system, disconnect  
the cable from the negative terminal. If  
you do not, short circuits can create the  
risk of fire or personal injury.<  
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Fuses  
167n  
A list of the fuses, their respective  
ampere ratings and the equipment in  
their circuits is provided below the fuse  
holder.  
Close the fuse holder by holding the top  
of the cover in place and screwing the  
two quick-release knobs to the right.  
Additional fuses are provided in the  
cargo area.  
The fuse for continuous positive current  
is located in a separate fuse box in front  
of the spare wheel. If this fuse is defec-  
tive, refer the problem to your BMW  
center for repair.  
In the cargo area  
Open the right cover by pulling the han-  
dle.  
When an electrical accessory fails to  
operate, switch it off and inspect the  
fuse.  
A list of the fuses, their respective am-  
pere ratings and the equipment in their  
circuits is provided on the rear of the  
cover.  
Do not attempt to repair a burned  
fuse or replace it with a fuse hav-  
ing a different color or amperage rating.  
To do this could cause a fire in the vehi-  
cle resulting from a circuit overload.<  
In the glove compartment  
1 Open the glove compartment and  
turn the two quick-release knobs to  
the left. Spare fuses and plastic  
tweezers are located on the fuse  
holder.  
2 Use the plastic tweezers to remove  
the fuse for the accessory or equip-  
ment that has stopped working.  
3 If the fuse is burned through (the  
metal strip will have melted and sep-  
arated), replace it with a new fuse of  
the same ampere rating (color code).  
If the fuse continues to burn through,  
have the problem corrected by a BMW  
center.  
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168nFuel filler door  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof  
Liftgate  
Manual release  
Manual operation  
Manual release  
In the event of an electrical malfunction, In the event of an electrical system mal- In the event of an electrical malfunction,  
you can release the fuel filler door man- function, you can operate the sliding/tilt you can release the liftgate manually:  
ually:  
sunroof manually:  
1 Remove the plastic plug from inside  
the cargo area and pull toward the  
interior (arrow). The liftgate will be  
released.  
1 Open the cover on the right in the  
cargo area: lift the handle on the  
cover.  
2 Pull the button with the fuel pump  
symbol (arrow).  
1 Open the glasses compartment (re-  
fer to page 102).  
2 Insert the Allen wrench from the vehi-  
cle tool kit (refer to page 154) in the  
opening provided and turn the slid-  
ing/tilt sunroof in the desired direc-  
tion .  
2 Reinstall the plug.  
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Tailgate  
169n  
Manual release  
In the event of an electrical malfunction,  
you can release the tailgate manually.  
2 Using the same tool, press the latch  
in the direction of the arrow; the  
tailgate is released.  
3 Reinstall the trim panel.  
1 Unfasten the trim panel clip with the  
vehicle key or with a screwdriver  
(arrow 1) and remove it toward the  
top (arrow 2).  
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170nJump-starting  
Do not use spray starter fluids to start  
the engine.  
If the battery is discharged, the engine  
can be started with the use of two  
jumper cables and the battery of an-  
other vehicle. Always use jumper ca-  
bles with fully insulated handles on the  
terminal clamps.  
Do not touch the parts conducting  
current while the engine is run-  
ning. Failure to comply with this creates  
a risk of fatal injury.<  
4 Start by connecting the jumper cable 5 Then connect the negative terminals.  
from the positive terminal of the sup-  
port vehicle to the positive terminal  
connector located in your BMW's en-  
gine compartment The cover of the  
auxiliary terminal for jump starting is  
marked with a "+" sign (refer to the il-  
lustration). To remove the cover, tip  
up the cap (arrow).  
Attach the cable to either the support  
vehicle's negative battery terminal (-),  
or to a suitable ground on its engine  
or bodywork. Then connect the other  
end of the cable to a ground on the  
engine or on the bodywork of the ve-  
hicle that is to be started. There is a  
special nut for this on the left side  
panel of your BMW. Refer to the ar-  
row in the illustration.  
Carefully comply with the following in-  
structions to avoid personal injury and  
damage to one or both vehicles:  
1 Be sure that the battery on the sup-  
port vehicle is also rated at 12 volts,  
and that the capacities of the two  
batteries (Ah) are roughly comparable  
(printed on casing).  
2 Leave your battery connected to the  
vehicle's electrical system.  
3 Make sure that there is no contact  
between the bodywork of the two  
vehicles – this creates a risk of short  
circuits.  
Follow the same sequence for  
connecting the jumper cables  
when helping other vehicles. If you do  
not, there is the risk of injury if sparks  
generate at the battery.<  
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Jump-starting  
Towing the vehicle  
171n  
6 Start the engine on the support  
vehicle and let it run.  
7 Start the engine on the vehicle need-  
ing the jump-start, and allow it to run  
as usual. If the first start attempt is  
not successful, wait a few minutes  
before another attempt in order to  
allow the discharged battery to  
recharge.  
8 Before disconnecting the jumper ca-  
bles from your BMW, turn on the rear  
window defroster and set the blower  
to the highest speed; allow the en-  
gine to run approx. 10 seconds. This  
will prevent a voltage surge from the  
voltage regulator to the electrical ac-  
cessories.  
Tow fitting  
Rear: pull the cover off.  
The screw-in tow fitting is stored be-  
neath the cargo area floor. Carry it with  
you at all times. This fitting is designed  
for installation in the tow sockets lo-  
cated at the front and rear of the vehi-  
cle, and is intended for towing on  
paved road surfaces only.  
It should not be used to pull a vehicle  
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.  
Always observe all applicable towing  
laws and regulations.  
Screw the tow fittings in until they  
are tight. If you do not, the threads  
could be damaged.  
Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-  
nents of the running gear, or lash them  
down in any way. If you do so, the com-  
ponents could be damaged, leading to  
possible accidents.<  
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in  
reverse sequence.  
Have the battery recharged if neces-  
sary.  
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow  
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-  
ience of this material helps protect both  
vehicles from sudden jerking move-  
ments.  
Access to tow sockets  
Front:  
Use a screwdriver on the left or right  
side (arrows) to press the cover out .  
Avoid "off-center" towing. Be sure  
that the tow rope is pulled tightly  
when the towing vehicle begins to  
move.<  
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172nTowing the vehicle  
The towed vehicle should always  
Towing  
be the lighter of the two vehicles.  
If this is not the case, it is no longer  
possible to control vehicle response.<  
1 Place the selector lever in "Neutral".  
2 Towing speed:  
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h).  
3 Towing distance:  
Tow-starting  
Max. 95 miles (150 km).  
It is not possible to start the engine of a 4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to  
vehicle equipped with automatic trans-  
mission by towing or pushing.  
ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-  
nals, horn and windshield wipers re-  
main operative, and to prevent the  
steering lock detent from engaging.  
5 Switch on the hazard-warning system  
(comply with country-specific regula-  
tions).  
For instructions on jump starting: refer  
to page 170.  
Never attempt to use your vehicle to  
push another car. If you do so, damage  
to the energy-absorbing bumpers could  
result.  
Towing with a commercial tow  
truck  
> Do not tow with sling-type equip-  
ment.  
Find some means of identifying the ve-  
hicle in tow, for instance, place a sign  
or warning triangle in the rear window.  
> Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier.  
> Please comply with applicable towing  
laws.  
Make sure that the ignition key re-  
mains in position 1 even when the  
electrical system has failed. This will  
prevent the steering lock from engag-  
ing. The steering and brakes are with-  
out power assist when the engine is not  
running. This means that increased ef-  
fort is required for steering and brak-  
ing.<  
Never allow passengers to ride in  
a towed vehicle for any reason.<  
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Towing the vehicle  
173n  
Towing with a raised axle  
1 Place the selector lever in "Neutral".  
2 Switch off the engine.  
3 Towing speed:  
Maximum 30 mph (50 km/h).  
4 Towing distance:  
Maximum 95 miles (150 km).  
Remove the rear driveshaft for  
longer towing distances with the  
front axle lifted; remove the front drive-  
shaft for towing over longer distances  
with the rear axle lifted. Failure to com-  
ply with this will result in damage to the  
transfer box.<  
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174n  
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175n  
Airbags 176  
Adaptive Transmission Control  
(ATC) 176  
Overview  
Four-wheel drive 177  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) 177  
Radio reception 178  
Safety belt tensioner 178  
DSP sound system 179  
Rearview mirrors with automatic  
dimmer 179  
Controls and features  
Operation, care  
Rain sensor 180  
and maintenance  
Integrated rear suspension 180  
Level control system 181  
Xenon lamps 181  
Owner service procedures  
Advanced technology  
Technical data  
Index  
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176nAirbags  
ATC  
The airbags located under the marked  
covers inflate and unfold in a matter of  
a few milliseconds. In this process, they  
tear through the designed separation  
points of the upholstered covers or  
press them out.  
Because the inflation process must be  
virtually instantaneous, it is necessarily  
accompanied by a certain amount of ig-  
nition and inflation noise. The gas re-  
quired to inflate the airbags is not dan-  
gerous, and the associated smoke then  
dissipates.  
Deceleration sensors continuously  
Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC)  
uses a number of factors to calculate  
the gear which provides the maximum  
efficiency of the automatic transmis-  
sion. In this process, the system moni-  
tors your personal driving style, the  
driving situation, the condition of the  
road, and the traffic conditions.  
monitor the physical forces acting upon  
the vehicle. If, as the result of a frontal  
collision, vehicle deceleration is  
The entire process is completed within  
fractions of a second.  
reached at which the protection of the  
safety belts alone is no longer ade-  
quate, the gas generators of the driver-  
side and passenger-side airbags are ig-  
nited simultaneously. However, the  
passenger-side airbag is only triggered  
if an additional sensor has recognized  
that the passenger seat is occupied.  
ATC recognizes your personal driving  
style from the positions and movements  
of the accelerator pedal, deceleration  
when braking, and lateral acceleration  
through curves. Four different shift  
characteristics – from comfort-oriented  
to performance-oriented – are available  
for selection by ATC.  
In the event of a side collision, the head  
protection and side airbags in the front  
or rear* are triggered if necessary.  
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Four-wheel drive  
DSC  
177n  
intervention. Engine output is also re-  
duced if necessary.  
Precision sensors monitor the wheel  
speeds, the steering angle, lateral  
acceleration, brake pressure and the  
movement of the vehicle around its  
vertical axis.  
When the DSC is deactivated, the ADB  
traction intervention is set for the maxi-  
mum drive force. However, the engine  
intervention and the stability controls  
If differences in wheel speeds occur,  
are no longer available. For this reason, the system recognizes the danger of  
DSC should only be deactivated in the  
exceptional circumstances described  
on page 83.  
wheelspin and reduces the engine's  
drive torque. If necessary, the system  
also responds with additional braking  
intervention at all four wheels.  
The BMW X5 is a vehicle for all types of  
roads. The permanent four-wheel drive In addition, DSC permanently monitors  
provides a significant degree of vehicle the vehicle's current operating condi-  
The transmission of power to the four  
drive wheels is provided permanently  
through a transfer box. The distribution  
of torque between the front and rear  
axles is 38 % to 62%.  
stability and tractive power under all  
tion and compares it with an ideal con-  
road conditions. It assists in critical sit- dition that is calculated from the sensor  
uations such as driving in extreme win- signals. If discrepancies from this ideal  
ter conditions or on bad roads.  
condition (understeering or oversteer-  
ing, for example) occur, DSC stabilizes  
the vehicle in fractions of a second by  
reducing engine power output and with  
the assistance of braking intervention at  
individual wheels. Dangerous skids are  
thus prevented from the very beginning.  
Traditional differential locks at the front  
and rear axles and in the transfer box  
are not required. Their function is taken  
over by automatic braking intervention  
at all four wheels. These traction inter-  
ventions are governed by Automatic  
Differential Brake (ADB), a sub-function  
of DSC.  
You may need some time to become  
accustomed to this system intervention.  
However, it provides optimum drive  
force and vehicle stability.  
If a wheel tends to slip, it is braked  
automatically by ADB until it once again  
gains traction, and drive force can be  
transmitted to that wheel. In addition,  
the drive force is distributed to the  
remaining wheels during this system  
The braking intervention may be ac-  
companied by certain sounds specific  
to the system.  
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178nRadio reception  
Safety belt tensioner  
Although numerous factors combine to  
impose inherent limitations on the re-  
ception quality available from mobile  
radios, specially designed systems can  
be employed to minimize their effects:  
The Diversity Antenna system employs  
several FM antennas integrated within  
the rear window. An integral processor  
automatically selects the antenna with  
the best FM reception quality at any  
given time. Because the ongoing an-  
tenna selection process is completed  
within milliseconds, it remains inaudible  
to the radio listener.  
Radio waves — mediumwave, long-  
wave and shortwave — offer a wide  
range of reception, because the broad-  
cast signals travel not only along the  
ground as surface waves, but also as  
waves bounced back to earth from the  
ionosphere.  
Frequency-modulation (FM) provides  
substantially better sound quality than  
AM. However, because FM transmis-  
sions rely on line-of-sight broadcast  
waves, their effective reception range is  
limited.  
The safety belt tensioner responds to  
collisions by tightening the belts to en-  
sure that occupants remain firmly posi-  
tioned in their seats. A gas-pressure  
system retracts the buckle assembly to  
tension the shoulder and lap belts  
within fractions of a second. This re-  
duces the tendency to slide under the  
lap belt.  
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DSP sound system*  
Rearview mirrors with automatic dimmer*  
179n  
The difference provides the basic pa-  
rameter used to modulate an electrical  
current and induce chemical changes in  
a semisolid layer incorporated in the  
lenses.  
The semisolid reacts chemically to this  
electrical current, thus providing dim-  
ming of the mirrors through an infi-  
nitely-variable range (electrochromic  
technology).  
As a result, it is no longer necessary to  
dim the interior mirror manually, and the  
driver can concentrate completely on  
traffic conditions.  
The DSP Professional premium sound  
system features a special amplifier  
combined with Digital Sound Process-  
ing (DSP) and integrated speakers to  
surround you with crisp, true-to-life  
sound reproduction. The speaker sys-  
tem's subwoofers, woofers, midrange  
The interior and exterior rearview mir-  
rors with automatic dimming feature  
reduce glare from following traffic by  
adapting the intensity of the reflected  
images to correspond to levels of light  
registered by the unit's sensors. The  
mirrors revert to their undimmed setting  
speakers and tweeters furnish you with as soon as the light source disappears.  
an impressively full-bodied listening ex- A forward facing sensor is mounted on  
perience. The individual components  
the front of the interior mirror housing  
are oriented so as to produce the aural and is designed to monitor light levels  
sensation that you would experience  
facing the stage in a concert hall. The  
system also automatically adjusts the  
in the area forward of the vehicle.  
A second sensor is integrated within  
the mirror's glass. The electronic con-  
bass and treble settings to compensate trol system operates by comparing the  
for changes in volume and vehicle  
speed.  
respective levels of luminous intensity  
in front of and behind the vehicle.  
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180nRain sensor*  
Integrated rear suspension  
When the system is set to the "Intermit-  
tent" wiper speed, the wipers react im-  
mediately — if water is splashed onto  
the windshield by vehicles traveling  
ahead of you, for example. As a result,  
the rain sensor provides a contribution  
to driving safety and comfort.  
The rain sensor controls windshield  
wiper operation, depending on how wet  
the windshield is.  
This axle is based on the same multi-  
link principle as that in series-7 vehi-  
cles. The axle's kinematics and elastic  
kinematics are critical for wheel control  
— a significant prerequisite for achieving  
the objective of exceptional onroad  
handling characteristics with this vehi-  
cle concept.  
Infrared light is carried along the sur-  
face of the windshield in an optical con-  
ductor in such a manner that it is re-  
flected completely when the windshield  
is dry. The quantity of reflected light is  
measured.  
In order to reduce unsprung mass, the  
wheel carriers and the swing arm are  
made of aluminum.  
If the window is covered with beads of  
water, the amount of light that is re-  
flected is decreased since the infrared  
light at the surface of the windshield  
can then escape. The quantity of re-  
flected light is thus a means of gauging  
the degree of wetness on the wind-  
shield.  
For an outstanding quality in acoustics  
and vehicle oscillation characteristics,  
the differential is isolated with double  
elasticity through a chassis sub-frame  
toward the vehicle body.  
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Level control system  
Xenon lamps*  
181n  
Xenon lamps provide significantly-im-  
proved visibility, especially during ad-  
verse weather conditions and driving  
situations (driving at night in heavy rain  
or through road repair areas where  
there are no lane markers, for instance).  
Vehicles with xenon lamps are  
equipped with automatic headlamp  
range control. As a result, the highway  
is always optimally lighted, regardless  
of load conditions, and drivers in on-  
coming traffic are not blinded.  
The level control system for the rear  
axle maintains constant ground clear-  
ance of your vehicle, even when carry-  
ing a load.  
Xenon lamps illuminate the side and  
front areas of the vehicle with signifi-  
cantly more brightness and uniformity  
than traditional halogen lamps.  
Xenon lamps make a significant contri-  
bution to highway safety since other  
highway users, or bicyclists and motor-  
cyclists in the right lane, and pedestri-  
ans are more easily detected.  
For this purpose, the vehicle is  
In a xenon lamp, an electric arc re-  
places the filament in order to generate  
intense illumination. A gas mixture in a  
quartz glass tube with metal vapor is  
equipped with air springs instead of  
steel springs at the rear axle. With the  
help of two sensors, an electronic  
control unit calculates the height of the ignited by a high electric voltage. The  
body at all times and, if it is required, it arc that is generated is then sustained  
allows air which is generated in a com- by a lower voltage. When the lamp is  
pressor to flow into the air springs.  
turned on there is a brief period of high  
intensity. Maximum brightness is  
attained in approx.15 seconds.  
As a result of the pressure increase in  
the air springs, the level control system  
ensures not only constant ride height,  
but also ride comfort which is indepen-  
dent of the load the vehicle is carrying.  
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182n  
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183n  
Engine specifications 184  
Dimensions 185  
Weights 186  
Overview  
Capacities 187  
Electrical system 188  
Drive belts 188  
Controls and features  
Operation, care  
and maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Advanced technology  
Technical data  
Index  
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184nEngine specifications  
BMW X5 4.4i  
3
Displacement  
Number of cylinders  
cu in (cm )  
268.4 (4,398)  
8
Max. output  
hp  
282  
at engine speed  
rpm  
5,400  
Maximum torque  
at engine speed  
Ib ft (Nm)  
rpm  
324 (440)  
3,600  
Compression ratio  
10.0  
Stroke  
Bore  
in (mm)  
in (mm)  
3.26 (82.7)  
3.62 (92)  
Fuel-injection system  
Digital-electronic engine-management system  
An engine performance test is authorized only on an appropriate chassis dynamometer.  
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Dimensions  
185n  
All dimensions are given in inches (mm). Min. turning circle dia.: 39.7 ft (12.1 meters)  
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186nWeights  
BMW X5 4.4i  
Curb weight (with one person, ready for operation, full tank of fuel, options not included)  
with manual transmission  
with automatic transmission  
lbs.(kg)  
lbs.(kg)  
–
4,795 (2,175)  
Approved gross vehicle weight  
with manual transmission  
with automatic transmission  
lbs.(kg)  
lbs.(kg)  
5,842 (2,650)  
2,712 (1,230)  
3,219 (1,460)  
220 (100)  
Approved front axle weight  
Approved rear axle weight  
Approved roof load capacity  
lbs.(kg)  
lbs.(kg)  
lbs.(kg)  
Never exceed either the approved axle weights or the gross vehicle weight.  
Cargo area capacity  
cu ft (l)  
16.1 - 54.4 (455 - 1,540)  
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Capacities  
187n  
Notes  
Fuel tank  
Reserve  
gal. (liters)  
gal. (liters)  
approx. 24.2 (approx. 92)  
approx. 2.6 (approx. 10)  
Fuel specification: page 30  
Windshield washer system  
with headlamp washer system  
quarts (liters) approx. 8.2 (approx. 7.8)  
For details: page 136  
For details: page 140  
Cooling system including  
heater circuit  
quarts (liters) 12.7 (12.0)  
Engine oil and filter change  
quarts (liters) 8.5 (8.0)  
"BMW High Performance  
Synthetic Oil".  
For details: page 138  
Automatic transmission, transfer box  
and differential  
–
–
Lifetime fluid, no fluid  
change required  
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188nElectrical system  
Drive belts  
Water pump – Alternator – Power  
steering  
V-belt 7 K x 1635  
You can obtain Original BMW  
Parts and Accessories, as well as  
professional advice from your autho-  
rized BMW center.<  
Battery  
12 V, 90 Ah  
A/C compressor  
V-belt 5 K x 1004  
Spark plugs  
NGK BKR 6 EQUP  
Bosch FGR 7 DQP  
(not released at this time)  
This spark ignition system meets all  
requirements of the Canadian Interfer-  
ence-Causing Equipment Regulations  
(ICES-2).  
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189n  
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191n  
Everything from A to Z 192  
Owner service procedures 198  
Overview  
Controls and features  
Operation, care  
and maintenance  
Owner service procedures  
Advanced technology  
Technical data  
Index  
Index  
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Everything from A to Z  
AUC (Automatic recirculated BMW High Performance  
Caring for the vehicle  
finish 145  
Catalytic converter 118  
CBC (Cornering Brake  
Control) 120  
Cellular phones 102, 126  
refer to the separate  
Owner's Manual  
Center (high-mount) brake  
lamp 157  
A
air control) 93  
Synthetic Oil 138  
BMW sports seat 50  
BMW Universal  
ABS (Antilock Brake  
Automatic car washes 143  
Automatic climate  
control 90  
System) 119  
Accessories 6  
Transmitter 98  
Activated-charcoal filter 95  
Adaptive Transmission  
Control (ATC) 176  
Adding engine oil 137  
Adding washer fluid 136  
Adjusting seats 48  
Adjusting the steering  
wheel 51  
Removing condensation  
from the windows 93  
Body-cavity protectant 144  
Brake fluid 141  
Automatic cruise control 72 Brake hydraulic system 22  
Automatic curb monitor 54  
Automatic dimming, interior  
rearview mirror 53  
Automatic recirculated air  
control (AUC) 93  
Brake lamps, bulb  
replacement 157  
Brake pads 24  
Central locking system 36  
Button 40  
Brakes 122  
Malfunctions 123  
Break-in procedures 116  
Bulb replacement 155  
Changing a tire 160  
Changing a wheel 160  
Charge indicator lamp 22  
Check air pressure 30  
CHECK button 77  
Adjusting the  
Automatic steering wheel  
adjustment 52  
temperature 92  
Air conditioner 93  
Air distribution 92  
Air nozzles 90  
Air outlets 90  
Air pressure 30, 127  
Air supply 93  
Airbags 23, 57, 148, 176  
Alarm system 43  
Antennas 126  
Automatic transmission with  
Steptronic 66  
Average fuel  
C
Check Control 77  
Capacities 187  
Car Memory 55  
Car radio  
reception 126, 178  
Car wash 143  
consumption 80  
Average speed 80  
Axle loads 186  
Check engine oil level 137  
Checking tire pressure 30  
Child restraint systems 57  
Child's seat 57  
Child-safety locks 62  
Cigarette lighter 103  
Clean the windshield 70  
Climate control in the rear  
passenger area 94  
Clock, refer to the Radio or  
Onboard Computer  
Owner's Manual  
B
Care, exterior 144  
Care, interior 146  
Cargo area 42, 107  
Capacity 186  
Opening from the  
inside 41  
Antifreeze 140  
Backup lamps 67  
Bulb replacement 157  
Battery 165, 188  
Capacity 188  
Charge 166  
Antifreeze, radiator 123  
Antilock Brake System  
(ABS) 119  
Anti-theft alarm system 43  
Anti-theft protection 37  
Approved gross vehicle  
weight 186  
Discharged 170  
Belts 56  
Beverage holder 102  
Blower 93  
Cargo area cover 107  
Cargo area lamps 87  
Cargo floor, pull-out 111  
Cargo loading 112  
Cockpit 16  
Code, refer to the Radio  
Owner's Manual 126  
Aquaplaning 118, 127  
Ashtray 103  
BMW comfort seat 50  
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Everything from A to Z  
193n  
Cold start 64  
Deep water 117  
Dynamic Brake Control  
(DBC) 24, 120  
Dynamic Stability Control  
(DSC) 24, 83, 177  
Engine oil pressure 22  
Engine output 184  
Engine specifications 184  
Error indicators 77  
Exterior finish 144  
Comfort seat 50  
Compartments 101  
Computer 80  
Configuring the settings 55  
Contamination on  
paintwork 144  
Convenience operation of  
windows and sliding/tilt  
sunroof 36  
Convenience starting  
feature 64  
Coolant 123, 140  
Coolant, antifreeze 123  
Cornering Brake Control  
(CBC) 120  
Cruise control 72  
Cup holder 102  
Defrosting the windows 93  
Digital clock, refer to the  
Radio or Onboard  
Computer Owner's Manual  
Digital sound processor 179  
Dimensions 185  
Dipstick, engine oil 137  
Disc brakes 122  
Displacement 184  
Display lighting 86  
Displays 18, 20  
Distance warning 82  
Diversity Antenna  
system 178  
Divided rear backrest 107  
Door keys 34  
Door locks, care 123  
Doors  
Manual operation 36  
Remote control 38  
Unlocking and locking 36  
Drive belts 188  
Driving through water 117  
Driving your BMW X5 117  
DSC (Dynamic Stability  
Control) 24, 83, 177  
DSP amplifier, refer to the  
Radio Owner's Manual  
Exterior mirrors 52  
E
EBV (Electronic Brake Force  
Distribution) 120  
F
Electric power windows 45  
Electrical malfunction  
Fuel filler door 168  
Liftgate 168  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 168  
Tailgate 169  
Electrical system 188  
Electronic Brake Force  
Distribution (EBV) 120  
Electronic immobilizer 35  
Elements of operation 16  
Emergency operation  
Doors 36  
Fuel filler door 168  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 168  
Tailgate 168  
Energy Control 75  
Engine compartment 134  
Engine coolant 140  
Engine knock control 30  
Engine oil consumption 137 Fuel 30  
Engine oil grades 138  
Engine oil level 24  
Failure of an electrical  
accessory 167  
Failure warnings 77  
Filler cap cover 29  
First-aid kit 28  
Fittings, tow-starting and  
towing 171  
Flashlight 101  
Flat tire 127, 160  
Fog lamps 87  
Bulb replacement 156  
Folding rear backrest 107  
Footbrake 122  
Footwell lamps 88  
Bulb replacement 158  
Front area lighting 88  
Front fog lamps 87  
Front seat adjustment 48  
Frost protection,  
radiator 140  
Curb weight 186  
D
Dashboard 16  
Data link connector for On-  
Board Diagnostics 150  
Date, refer to the Radio or  
Onboard Computer  
Owner's Manual  
Daytime-driving lamp 86  
DBC (Dynamic Brake  
Control) 24, 120  
Fuel capacity 187  
Fuel display 75  
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Everything from A to Z  
Fuel filler door release after  
electrical fault 168  
Fuel gauge 75  
Fuel quality 30  
Fuel tank capacity 187  
Fuses 167  
Headlamp washers 70  
Instrument panel 20  
Instruments 18  
Integrated rear axle 180  
Interference indicators 77  
Interference, cellular  
phone 126  
L
Heated steering wheel 96  
Heating and ventilation 90  
Heating while stopped 94  
Heavy cargo 112  
Lashing eyes 42, 112  
Leather care 147  
Length 185  
Level control  
Height 185  
system 24, 125, 181  
License plate lamp, bulb  
replacement 158  
Liftgate 42, 168  
Light switch 86  
Light-alloy wheel 132  
Lighter 103  
Lights-on warning 86  
Load-securing devices 112  
Louvers 90  
Height adjustment, seats 48 Interior and exterior rearview  
Height adjustment, steering  
wheel 51  
mirrors, automatic  
dimming feature 53  
Interior lamps 87  
Bulb replacement 158  
Remote control 38  
Interior mirror 53  
Interior motion sensor 44  
Interior rearview mirror,  
automatic dimming  
feature 179  
G
Garage-door opener 98  
Gasoline 30  
HiFi system 179  
High beams 25, 87  
Bulb replacement 155  
Hill Descent Control  
(HDC) 84  
Hood release 133  
Horn 26, 27  
General driving notes 118  
Glasses compartment 102  
Glove compartment 101  
Glove compartment lamp,  
bulb replacement 159  
Gross vehicle weight 186  
Ground clearance 117  
Low beams 86  
Hydraulic Brake Assistant  
refer to DBC 24, 120  
Bulb replacement 155  
Low-fuel warning lamp 75  
Lug bolts 163  
Lug wrench 160  
Luggage net 42  
Luggage space 42  
Luggage straps 42  
Lumbar support 49  
Interlock 63  
Intermittent switch 69  
H
I
Handbrake 65  
J
Ice warning 74  
Handsfree system 102  
Hazard warning flashers 28  
Hazard warning triangle 28  
HDC (Hill Descent  
Control) 84  
Head restraints 49  
Headlamp covers,  
care 143, 155  
Identification number 141  
Identification, tires 130  
Ignition key 34  
Jump-starting 170  
K
Ignition lock 63  
Key Memory 55  
Keys 34  
Keys with radio remote  
control 34  
Kickdown 67  
Independent ventilation 97  
Indicator lamps 22  
Inflation pressure 31, 127  
INSPECTION 76  
Instrument cluster 18, 20  
Instrument lighting 86  
M
M+S tires 131  
Maintenance 76, 142  
Manual operation  
Doors 36  
Headlamp flasher 69  
Headlamp washer  
system 136  
Liftgate 168  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 168  
Tailgate 169  
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Everything from A to Z  
195n  
Master key 34  
Memory 54  
Microfilter 95  
MID (Multi-Information  
Display), refer to the Radio  
Owner's Manual  
Mirror 52  
Oil consumption 137  
Oil dipstick 137  
Oil grades 138  
Oil level, indicator  
lamp 23, 24  
Oil pressure, indicator  
lamp 22  
Parking brake 23, 65  
Parking in the winter 125  
Parking lamps 87  
Passenger side mirror tilt  
function 54  
R
Radio reception 126, 178  
Radio, refer to the Radio  
Owner's Manual 126  
Reading lamps 88  
Rear backrests, folding  
down 107  
PDC (Park Distance  
Control) 82  
Mirror defrosting 52  
Mirror memory 54  
Mobile phones 126  
Modifications,  
technical 6, 149  
Multifunction steering  
wheel 26  
Multi-Information Display  
(MID), refer to the Radio  
Owner's Manual  
OILSERVICE 76  
Onboard computer 80  
refer also to the Onboard  
computer Owner's Manual Playing CDs, refer to the  
Onboard monitor  
Playing cassettes, refer to  
the Radio Owner's  
Manual 126  
Rear lamps 157  
Rear passenger area climate  
control 94  
Rear seats, power 51  
Rear view mirror 52  
Rear window  
Radio Owner's  
Manual 126  
refer to the separate  
Owner's Manual  
"Please wear your safety  
belt" warning lamp 23  
Pocket flashlight 101  
Pollen 95  
Poor driving conditions 117  
Power rear-seat  
defroster 71, 94  
Onboard tool kit 154  
Opening and closing  
From the inside 40  
From the outside 36  
Operating range 80  
Outlets, ventilation 90  
Output 184  
Outside temperature  
display 74  
Outside temperature in the  
onboard computer 80  
Rear window wiper 71  
Rear window wiper, wiper  
blade replacement 154  
Rear-seat backrest, folding  
down 107  
Rear-seat backrests,  
power 51  
Recirculated air mode 93  
Reclining seat 48  
Refueling 29  
Remote control 37  
Removing condensation  
from the windows 93  
Replacement key 34  
Replacement of tires 128  
Reservoir, washer  
system 136  
N
backrests 51  
Power seat 48  
Navigation system, refer to  
the separate Owner's  
Manual  
Power steering 125  
Power windows 45  
Safety switch 46  
Pressure, tires 127  
Pre-warmed seats 96  
Pull-out cargo floor 111  
O
OBD interface socket 150  
Odometer 74  
Oil additives 137  
Oil change interval, see the  
Service and Warranty  
Information Booklet (US  
models) or the Warranty  
and Service Guide Booklet  
(Canadian models)  
P
Paintwork, minor  
repairs 145  
Paintwork, waxing 145  
Park Distance Control  
(PDC) 82  
Residual heat 94  
Parking aid 82  
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Everything from A to Z  
Restraint system 57  
Reverse 67  
Rims 130  
Roof load capacity 186  
Roof-mounted luggage  
rack 113  
Side lamps 86  
Bulb replacement 156  
Ski bag 105  
Skidcontrol 125  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 46  
Closing following an  
Steptronic 66  
Storage compartments 101 Thigh support  
Storage compartments in the  
cargo area 109  
Storing the vehicle 148  
Summer tires 130  
Temperature layering 94  
adjustment 50  
Third brake lamp 157  
Tilt alarm 38, 44  
Tilt function, passenger side  
mirror 54  
Rubber parts 124  
electrical malfunction 168 Sun visors 53  
Convenience  
Switching off the vehicle 65 Timer, refer to the Radio  
operation 36  
Power loss 47  
Remote control 38  
Slippery roads 124  
Snow chains 124, 131  
Socket 104  
Symbols 4  
Synthetic oils 138  
Owner's Manual  
Tire code 130  
Tire damage 127  
Tire inflation  
pressure 31, 127  
Tire renewal 128  
Tire rotation between front  
and rear 129  
Tire specifications 132  
Tire tread 127  
Tools 154  
Torque 184  
Tow fittings 171  
Towing 171  
Tow-starting 172  
Track width 185  
Traction Control System  
refer to DSC 83  
Transmission 66  
Tread depth, tires 127  
Trip odometer 74  
Turn signal indicator 69  
Bulb  
S
Safety belt height  
adjustment 56  
T
Safety belt tensioner 178  
Safety belts 56  
Safety lock buttons 40  
Seat heating 96  
Seat memory 54  
Seat, power 48  
Securing cargo 42, 112  
Securing the load 112  
Selector lever, automatic  
transmission 66  
Tachometer 75  
Tail lamps 157  
Bulb replacement 157  
Tailgate 42  
Opening from the  
inside 41  
Opening from the  
outside 41  
Radio control  
Spare key 34  
Spare tire 161  
Spare wheel 161  
Spark plugs 188  
Speaker 102  
Special wash program 70  
Speed control 72  
Speedometer 18, 20  
Sports seat 50  
Service and Warranty  
Information Booklet (US  
models) 142  
operation 39  
Release following an  
electrical malfunction 168  
Technical  
modifications 6, 149  
Telephone hookup 102  
Telephone, refer to the  
separate Owner's Manual  
Temperature display,  
outside  
Starting 64  
Starting problems  
64, 118, 170, 171  
Steering 125  
Steering wheel  
adjustment 51  
Service Interval  
Display 76, 142  
Servotronic 125  
Shiftlock 66  
Shoulder support 50  
Shutting off the engine 65  
Side airbags 57  
Side Impact Head Protection  
System 57  
Automatic 52  
Steering wheel heating 96  
Steering wheel lock 63  
Steering wheel memory 54  
replacement 156, 157  
Turning circle 185  
temperature 74, 80  
Temperature gauge 76  
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Everything from A to Z  
197n  
Waxing, paintwork 145  
Weights 186  
U
Universal Transmitter 98  
Wheelbase 185  
Wheels and tires 130, 132  
Width 185  
Windows 45  
Convenience  
Used batteries 166  
V
Valve caps 130  
Vanity mirror 53  
operation 36  
Vehicle battery 165, 188  
Vehicle care, interior 146  
Vehicle Identification  
No. 141  
Vehicle immobilizer 35  
Vehicle jack 160, 163  
Vehicle keys 34  
Vehicle removal from  
service 148  
Ventilation 94  
Remote control 38  
Windshield washer nozzle  
adjustment 136  
Windshield washer reservoir,  
filling 136  
Windshield wiper 69  
Windshield wiper blade  
replacement 154  
Winter driving 124  
Winter operation 123  
Winter tires 130, 131  
Wiper blade  
Ventilation in the rear 94  
Ventilation while parked 97  
Ventilation, draft-free 94  
Vinyl care 146  
replacement 154  
Wipers 69  
Work in the engine  
compartment 133  
Viscosity 138  
W
Warm feet – cool head 94  
Warning lamps 22  
X
Xenon lamps 156, 181  
Warnings 77  
Warranty and Service Guide  
(Canadian models) 142  
Washer reservoir, filling 136  
Washer/Wiper system 69  
Washing your vehicle 143  
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Owner service procedures  
Low beams, bulb  
replacement 155  
Lug wrench 160  
A
E
G
Adding brake fluid 141  
Adding coolant 140  
Adding engine oil 137  
Adding washer fluid 136  
Adjusting washer  
nozzles 136  
Air pressure 30, 127  
Avoiding unintentional  
alarms 44  
Electrical malfunction  
Fuel filler door 168  
Liftgate 168  
Glove compartment lamp,  
bulb replacement 158  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 168  
Tailgate 169  
M
H
Maintenance 76, 142  
Malfunction displays 77  
Manual operation  
Doors 36  
Liftgate 168  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 168  
Tailgate 169  
Hazard warning flashers 28  
Hazard warning triangle 28  
Headlamp covers,  
care 143, 155  
High beams, bulb  
replacement 155  
Hood release 133  
Emergency operation  
Doors 36  
Fuel filler door 168  
Liftgate 168  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof 168  
Tailgate 169  
B
Engine oil grades 138  
Battery, discharged 170  
Brakes, brake faults 123  
O
I
F
Oil grades 138  
Onboard tool kit 154  
Indicator lamps 22  
Interior lamps, bulb  
replacement 158  
Failure messages 77  
Failure of an electrical  
accessory 167  
Fault displays 77  
Filling the windshield washer  
reservoir 136  
First-aid kit 28  
Fittings, tow-starting and  
towing 171  
Flat tire 160  
Fog lamp, bulb  
replacement 156  
Footwell lamps, bulb  
replacement 158  
C
Changing a wheel 160  
Charging the battery 166  
Check Control 77  
Check oil level 137  
Checking tire pressure 30  
P
Pressure, tires 30, 127  
J
Jump-starting 170  
R
Rear window wiper, wiper  
blade replacement 154  
Releasing the fuel filler door  
following an electrical  
malfunction 168  
Releasing the hood 133  
Releasing the tailgate  
following an electrical  
malfunction 169  
L
D
Level control system,  
Deactivating the interior  
motion sensor 38, 44  
Deactivating the tilt sensor  
alarm system 38, 44  
Defrosting the windows 93  
Difficult steering 125  
Doors, manual operation 36  
inactive 125  
License plate lamps, bulb  
replacement 158  
Liftgate  
Release following an  
electrical malfunction 168  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 303 - © 12/99 BMW AG  
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Owner service procedures  
199n  
Removal aid for the spare  
wheel 161  
T
Tailgate  
Removing condensation  
from the windows 93  
Replacement key 34  
Replacing bulbs 155  
Replacing fuses 167  
Replacing windshield wiper  
blades 154  
Release following an  
electrical malfunction 169  
Tire damage 127  
Tire inflation  
pressure 30, 127  
Tools 154  
Tow fittings 171  
Towing 171  
Tow-starting 172  
Turn signal indicator, bulb  
replacement 156, 157  
Reservoir, washer  
system 136  
S
Side lamps, bulb  
replacement 156  
Sliding/Tilt sunroof  
Closing following an  
electrical malfunction 168  
Power loss 47  
Snow chains 131  
Spare key 34  
Spare tire 161  
U
Use antifreeze, radiator 140  
W
Warning lamps 22  
Warning messages 77  
Wiper blade  
replacement 154  
Work in the engine  
compartment 133  
Spare wheel  
removal aid 161  
Starting assistance 170  
Starting problems  
64, 118, 170, 171  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 303 - © 12/99 BMW AG  
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Refueling  
So that you will have important  
specifications available when you  
stop to refuel, we recommend  
that you supplement this table  
with data which apply to your vehicle.  
Fuel  
Designation  
AKI: minimum  
AKI: for rated performance  
AKI: for enhanced performance  
Engine oil  
Quality  
The oil volume between the  
two marks on the oil dipstick  
corresponds to approx.  
1.1 US quarts (1 liter).  
Summer  
Front Rear  
Winter  
Front Rear  
Tire inflation pressures  
4 persons  
5 persons or 4 plus luggage  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 303 - © 12/99 BMW AG  
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We wish you an enjoyable  
driving experience  
The Ultimate Driving Machine  
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 303 - © 12/99 BMW AG  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  

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