service indicator BMW X5 3.0I 2005 E53 Owner's Manual
Page 4 of 200
Contents© 2004 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts, 
only with the written consent of 
BMW AG, Munich. 
Order No. 01 41 0 158 701
US English IX/04
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper, 
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.Notes
Overview
Controls and features
About this Owner's Manual8
Symbols used8
Your individual vehicle8
Status at time of printing9
For your own safety9
Symbol on vehicle parts10
Service and Warranty10
Reporting safety defects11Cockpit14 
Instrument cluster15
Indicator and warning lamps19 
Buttons on steering wheel23
Warning triangle24
First-aid kit24
Refueling24
Fuel specifications26Locks and security systems: 
Keys30
Central locking system30
Opening and closing: 
from outside31
Opening and closing: 
from inside34 
Liftgate35
Tailgate36
Alarm system38
Windows39
Panorama glass sunroof41
Adjustments: 
Sitting safely43
Seats44
Mechanical seat adjustment45
Power seat adjustment46
Head restraints47
Power rear-seat backrest 
adjustment48
Safety belts49
Seat, mirror and steering wheel 
memory50
Heated seats52
Steering wheel52
Steering wheel heater53
Mirrors54 
Page 16 of 200
16n
Instrument cluster X5 3.0i, 4.4i 7 Indicator and warning lamps19 
to22
8 Reset button for trip odometer76
9 Indicator for Check Control80
10 Odometer and trip odometer7611 Display for computer; 
operation via turn signal lever, 
refer to page82: 
>Outside temperature 
>Average fuel consumption 
>Cruising range 
>Average speed12 Service Interval Display79
13 Selector lever and program display 
for automatic transmission
*
67
14 Indicator and warning lamps19 
to22
530us234 
Page 17 of 200
17n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Instrument cluster X5 3.0i, 4.4i
* 
1 Fuel gage78
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals22
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps19 
to22
5 Tachometer77 
Energy control77
6 Coolant temperature gage797 Indicator and warning lamps19 
to22
8 Reset button for trip odometer76
9 Service Interval Display79
10 Indicator for
>Trip odometer/odometer76
>Outside temperature76
11 Indicator for Check Control8012 Selector lever and program display 
for automatic transmission
*
67
13 CHECK button80
14 Indicator and warning lamps19 
to22
530us251 
Page 18 of 200
18n
Instrument cluster X5 4.8is 1Fuel gage78
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals22
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps19 
to22
5 Tachometer77
Engine oil thermometer
6 Coolant temperature gage797 Indicator and warning lamps19 
to22
8 Reset button for trip odometer76
9 Service Interval Display79
10 Indicator for
>Trip odometer/odometer76
>Outside temperature76
11 Indicator for Check Control8012 Selector lever and program display 
for automatic transmission67
13 CHECK button80
14 Indicator and warning lamps19 
to22
530us252 
Page 22 of 200
22n
Indicator and warning lamps 
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
 + 
The warning lamp lights up con-
tinuously and a warning signal sounds:
DSC and HDC or the xDrive 4-wheel 
drive system have failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC or 
the xDrive 4-wheel drive system are no 
longer available. Drive may then only be 
carried out via the rear axle. 
Have the system checked as soon as 
possible.
For additional information, refer to 
page95
Proceed cautiously and defen-
sively. When driving on poor 
roads, avoid using full throttle or press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kick-
down point and also avoid forceful 
braking or full braking. Otherwise the 
drive train may be damaged or acci-
dents can occur.< 
Engine electronics
* 
Malfunction in the engine elec-
tronics. You can continue to 
drive with reduced engine output or 
engine speed. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
Service Engine Soon 
+
If the indicator lamp lights up 
continuously or intermittently, 
there is a fault in the exhaust-relevant 
electronic systems. Although the vehi-
cle remains operable, the system must 
be checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to 
page155 
Indication of the above-
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
Check Gas Cap
* + 
Warning lamp lights up. Fuel 
filler cap is not properly closed 
or is missing. Check whether the fuel 
filler cap is properly closed. 
For additional information, refer to 
page25
Green: for your information
Turn signals 
Flashes when the turn signals 
are operated. Rapid flashing 
indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to 
page70
Cruise control
* 
Lights up when system is 
switched on: ready for operation 
using the buttons on the steering 
wheel. 
For additional information, refer to 
page74
Fog lamps 
Lights up when fog lamps are 
switched on. 
For additional information, refer to 
page105
Blue: for your information 
High beams
Lights up when the high beams 
are on or the headlamp flasher 
is actuated. 
For additional information, refer to 
pages70, 104 
Page 155 of 200
155n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
OBD interface socketThe interface socket for the Onboard 
Diagnostic is located on the left of the 
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment panel and under a cover. The 
cover has the letters OBD on it. 
The purpose of the OBD system is to 
ensure proper operation of the emission 
control system for the vehicle's lifetime. 
The system monitors emission-related 
components and systems for deteriora-
tion and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator lamp 
informs you of the need for ser-
vice, not of the need to stop the 
vehicle. However, the systems should 
be checked by your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle center at the earliest possi-
ble opportunity. 530us105
Indication of the above-
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
Under certain conditions, the indicator 
lamp will blink or flash. This indicates 
a rather severe level of engine misfire. 
When this occurs, you should reduce 
speed and consult the nearest BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle center as soon 
as possible. Severe engine misfire over 
only a short period of time can seriously 
damage emission control components, 
especially the catalytic converter. 
When the filler cap is not properly 
tightened, the OBD system can 
detect the vapor leak and the indicator 
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator lamp 
should extinguish within a few days.< 
Event Data Recorders Your vehicle may be equipped with one 
or more sensing and diagnostic mod-
ules or a recording device capable of 
recording or transmitting certain vehicle 
data or information. In addition, if you 
have a Subscription Service Agree-
ment for the BMW Assist system, cer-
tain vehicle information may be trans-
mitted or recorded in order to provide 
such services. 
Page 188 of 200
Everything from A to ZE
EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution94
Electric steering wheel 
adjustment52
Electrical malfunction
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic69
door lock33
driver's door33
fuel filler door24
liftgate35
panorama glass 
sunroof42
tailgate36
Electronic brake-force distri-
bution EBV94
Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic 
Stability Control95
Emergency call170
Emergency operation, refer 
to Manual operation
driver's door33
fuel filler door24
liftgate35
panorama glass 
sunroof42
tailgate36
Emergency Service, refer to 
Roadside Assistance170Energy control77
Energy-conscious driving, 
refer to Energy control77
Engine
breaking-in136
data178
electronic circuitry22
speed77
switching off65
Engine compartment149
Engine coolant152
Engine oil150
additives, refer to 
Specified engine oils151
filling capacity181
indicator/warning lamp19
specified engine oils151
Engine oil level150
indicator/warning lamp21
Engine oil pressure, 
indicator/warning lamp19
Engine oil thermometer78
Engine output, refer to 
Engine specifications178
Engine specifications178
Engine speed, refer to 
Engine specifications178
Environmentally friendly 
driving, refer to Energy 
control77ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control95
Event Data Recorders155
Exhaust system137
Extended immobilizer 
function91
Exterior mirrors54
automatic dimming 
feature138
folding in and out54
External air, automatic 
climate control113
F
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control80
Failure of a current 
consumer169
False alarms, refer to 
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms39
Fasten safety belts
refer to Safety belts49
warning lamp21,49
Fault displays, refer to Check 
Control80
Fill pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure141Filter, refer to
Microfilter109
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter115
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit24
First-aid kit24
Flashlight120
Flat tire163
Flat Tire Monitor101
refer to Tire inflation 
pressure141
refer to Wheel 
changes163
spare wheel165
Flat Tire Monitor101
initializing102
warning lamp102
Flooding, refer to Driving 
through water138
Floor mats, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Fluid level, indicator lamp21
Fog lamps, indicator lamp22
Folding floor cover up129
Folding rear backrest126
Folding rear seat back126
Footbrake, refer to General 
driving notes137
Footwell lamps106 
Page 191 of 200
Everything from A to Z
191n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Low beams103
automatic103
replacing bulbs159
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support46
Low-fuel indicator lamp, 
refer to Fuel gage78
Lug bolts167
torque168
Luggage compartment
capacity180
cover, refer to Roll-up 
cover126
lamps, refer to Cargo area 
lamps106
opening from inside35
opening from outside35
opening, with remote 
control31
opening/closing, refer to 
Liftgate35
opening/closing, refer to 
Tailgate36
refer to Cargo area126
Luggage compartment lid, 
refer to
Liftgate35
Tailgate36
Luggage compartment 
net37Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack133
Luggage straps37
Lumbar support46
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires146
Maintenance system154
Maintenance, refer to 
Service Interval Display79
Malfunction
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic69
door lock33
fuel filler door24
liftgate35
panorama glass 
sunroof42
tailgate36
Manual operation
door lock33
driver's door33
fuel filler door24
liftgate35
panorama glass 
sunroof42
tailgate36
Manual transmission66
Master key30
with remote control30
Maximum cooling113Maximum roof weight180
Maximum speed with winter 
tires146
Measurements, refer to 
Dimensions179
Mechanical key, refer to 
Door and ignition key30
Mechanical seats45
Memo86
Memory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory50
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory63
Microfilter
air conditioner109
automatic climate 
control115
Microphone for telephone, 
refer to Telephone119
MID Multi-Information 
Display84
Mirror dimming feature138
Mirrors54
automatic curb monitor51
mirror heating54
mirror memory, refer to 
Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory50
Mobile phone, refer to 
separate Owner's ManualMobile Service, refer to 
Roadside Assistance170
Multifunction steering wheel, 
refer to Buttons on 
steering wheel23
Multifunction switch
turn signals/headlamp 
flasher70
washer/wiper system71
Multi-Information Display 
MID84
N
Navigation system, refer to 
Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer/Radio 
and Navigation System
Neck support, refer to Head 
restraints47
Nozzles, refer to 
Ventilation109,114
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing174 
Page 192 of 200
Everything from A to ZO
OBD interface socket155
Odometer76
Oil
additives, refer to 
Specified engine oils151
consumption150
dipstick150
filling capacity181
specified engine oil 
grades151
Oil change interval, refer to 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet, US 
models or Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet, 
Canadian models
Oil consumption150
Oil level150
Oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp19
Oil temperature78
OILSERVICE79
Old batteries, refer to 
Disposal168
Onboard computer, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Onboard tool kit158Opening and closing
from inside34
from outside31
using door lock33
using remote control31
Output, refer to Engine 
specifications178
Outside air, automatic 
climate control108
Outside temperature 
display76
changing unit of 
measure76,83
in computer83
P
Package shelf, refer to Roll-
up cover126
Panorama glass sunroof41
automatic opening and 
closing41
closing in the event of an 
electrical malfunction42
comfort operation33
comfort position41
initializing42
power failure42
remote control31
Park Distance Control 
PDC93Parking aid, refer to PDC 
Park Distance Control93
Parking brake, refer to 
Handbrake66
Parking lamps103
replacing bulbs160
Parking lamps/low 
beams103
Parking, vehicle65
Parts and accessories, refer 
to For your own safety9
Passenger-side mirror tilt 
function51
Pathway lighting103
PDC Park Distance 
Control93
Permissible axle load, refer 
to Weights180
Permissible gross weight, 
refer to Weights180
Plastic care, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Plastic, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter109
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter115
Portable phone, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Power electric seat46Power failure169
Power rear backrests48
Power socket122
Power windows39
safety switch40
Pressure monitoring, tires
Flat Tire Monitor101
Pressure, tires141
Programming settings, refer 
to Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory63
Protective function, 
panorama glass 
sunroof42
Pull-out cargo floor130
R
Radio navigation, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Radio, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Radio-control key, refer to 
Master key with remote 
control30
Rain sensor71
Reading lamps
front106
rear106
Real wood, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle brochure 
Page 196 of 200
Everything from A to ZTV set, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer
Two-axle self-leveling 
suspension
display99
lowering100
raising100
U
Underbody protection, refer 
to Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading143
Units, 
temperature76,83,112
Universal garage door 
control, refer to Integrated 
universal remote 
control117
Universal portable phone 
preparation, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control117
Unlocking
from inside34
from outside31
hood148
Use antifreeze150,152V
Vacuum cleaner, 
connecting, refer to
Power socket122
Power sockets129
Valve
inserts168
screw caps168
Vehicle
battery168
breaking-in136
care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
cargo loading131
measurements, refer to 
Dimensions179
parking65
storage, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
washing, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
weight180
Vehicle jack165
jacking points167
Vehicle Memory63
Ventilation109,114
Ventilation in the rear109
Ventilation while parked116
Viscosity152
Voice command system23
Voice control, refer to 
separate Owner's ManualW
Warning and indicator 
lamps19
Warning triangle24
Warnings, refer to Check 
Control80
Warranty10
refer also to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models or 
Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian 
models154
Washer fluid150
Washer fluid reservoir, 
content181
Washer jets, refer to 
Windshield washer 
nozzles72
Washer reservoir, refer to 
Windshield and Headlamp 
washing system150
Waste container, refer to 
Ashtray122
Water on roads, flooding138
Wear indicators in the tires, 
refer to Tire tread145
Weights180
Wheel bolts, wrench164Wheel/tire combinations146
Wheelbase, refer to 
Dimensions179
Width, refer to 
Dimensions179
Windows39
convenience operation33
safety switch40
Windshield cleaner reservoir
volume, refer to Filling 
capacities181
Windshield washer fluid 
reservoir150
Windshield washer 
nozzles72
Windshield washer system, 
washer/wiper system71
Windshield washer, washer 
fluid150
Windshield washing72
reservoir150
Windshield wiper blades
care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
replacement158
Windshield wipers, refer to 
Wiper/washer system71
Winter tires146
changing146
condition144
storage147