navigation BMW X5 4.8I 2008 E70 Owner's Guide
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Placement of tether strap
Make sure that the tether strap is not 
routed over sharp edges and does not 
twist on its way to the mounting point; other-
wise, the belt cannot properly secure the child 
restraint system in the event of an accident.<
1Direction of travel
2Head restraint
3Tether strap hook
4Mounting point
5Backrest
6Tether strap of child restraint system
When using the cargo bay cover, route the 
tether strap through between the backrest of 
the 2nd row seats and the cargo bay cover.
Mounting tether strap on 2nd row seats
On outer seats:
1.Slide the head restraint upward.
2.Guide the tether strap between the head 
restraint brackets.
3.Hook in the tether strap on the mounting 
point with the hook.
4.Slide the head restraint into the bottom 
position.
5.Pull tether strap taut.
On center seat with equipment with two rows of 
seats:
1.Fold the center armrest somewhat toward 
the front.
2.Guide the tether strap through the opening 
in the center armrest.
3.Fold back and engage the center armrest.
4.Hook in tether strap on mounting point.
5.Pull tether strap taut.
On center seat with equipment with three rows 
of seats:
1.Slide the head restraint upward.
2.Guide the tether strap between the head 
restraint brackets.
3.Hook in the tether strap on the mounting 
point with the hook.
4.Slide the head restraint into the bottom 
position.
5.Pull tether strap taut. 
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Driving
Ignition lock
Inserting remote control into ignition 
lock
Insert the remote control as far as possible into 
the ignition lock.
Radio readiness switches on. Some electronic 
systems/consumers are ready for operation.
Comfort access*
With comfort access, only insert the remote 
control into the ignition lock in exceptional 
cases, refer to page36.
Removing remote control from ignition 
lock
Do not pull the remote control out of the 
ignition lock using force, as otherwise 
damage may result.<
Before removing the remote control, first press 
it in as far as possible to release the locking 
device.
The ignition is switched off if it was still 
switched on.
Start/Stop button
Pressing the Start/Stop button switches the 
radio readiness or the ignition on and off.
Pressing the Start/Stop button with the 
brake pedal depressed starts the 
engine.<
Radio readiness
Some electronic systems/consumers are ready 
for operation. The time and outside tempera-
ture are displayed in the instrument panel.
Radio readiness is automatically switched off:
>when the remote control is removed from 
the ignition lock
>with comfort access
* by touching the sen-
sitive surface above the door lock, refer to 
Locking on page36
Ignition on
All electronic systems/consumers are ready for 
operation. The odometer and the trip odometer 
are displayed in the instrument panel, refer to 
page71.
Please switch off the ignition and the 
electronic systems/consumers which are 
not required when the engine is not running to 
save the battery.<
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator lamps, warning lamps, and displays 
in the instrument panel go out. 
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With the engine stopped, the parking brake acts 
on the rear wheels via an electromechanical 
system. When the engine is running, the park-
ing brake acts on the disk brakes of the front 
and rear wheels via the brake hydraulics.
Setting manually
Pull button. The parking brake is set.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
panel lights up red. The parking brake is 
set.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
The remote control does not have to be 
inserted into the ignition lock for the parking 
brake to be set.
While driving
If exceptional circumstances should make it 
necessary to set the parking brake while the 
vehicle is in motion, pull on the button longer.
The vehicle continues to brake forcefully for as 
long as you pull on the button.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
panel lights up red, a chime sounds and 
the brake lamps light up.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
As soon as you brake the vehicle almost to a 
stop, i.e., down to a speed of approx. 2 mph/
3 km/h or below, the parking brake remains set.
Releasing manually
Press the button with the brake depressed.
The indicator lamp  in the instrument 
panel goes out.
Indicator lamp on Canadian models.
When leaving the vehicle, always take 
along the remote control; this precaution 
prevents children from releasing the parking 
brake, for example.<
Automatic Hold
The concept
This function assists you while you drive by 
automatically setting and releasing the parking 
brake, e.g. when you are stopped at a traffic sig-
nal or in stop-and-go traffic. 
When Automatic Hold is activated, the vehicle is 
automatically held in place when standing. 
When driving up inclines, the system prevents 
your vehicle from rolling backward in an undes-
ired way.
After the engine is started, the system can be 
activated and deactivated at any time the 
driver's seat is occupied until the next time the 
engine is switched off. 
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Before you start to drive, either release the 
parking brake manually, refer to page61, or 
reactivate Automatic Hold, refer to page62.
Before leaving the vehicle with the engine 
running, shift the selector lever into posi-
tion P of the automatic transmission and make 
sure that the parking brake is set. Otherwise, 
the vehicle may begin to roll.<
Malfunction
If the parking brake fails or malfunctions, secure 
the vehicle against rolling, e.g. with a wheel 
chock, if you leave the vehicle.
Releasing parking brake manually
In the event of an electrical power loss or elec-
trical malfunction, you can release the parking 
brake manually.
Before manually releasing the parking 
brake and each time you park the vehicle 
without setting the parking brake, make sure 
that the automatic transmission is in position P, 
refer to page65. Be sure to pay attention to the 
information in the instrument panel. 
In addition, secure the vehicle against rolling, 
e.g. with a wheel chock. Otherwise there is a 
danger that the vehicle could roll if parked on a 
steep slope.<
If it becomes necessary to also release the 
transmission lock of the automatic transmission 
manually, follow this sequence:
1.If necessary, start by releasing the parking 
brake manually.
2.Then release the automatic transmission's 
transmission lock manually, refer to 
page65.
Jump starting and towing, refer to information 
starting on page256.
Releasing
1.Open the left-hand side panel in the cargo 
bay.
2.Remove the first-aid kit
* and the warning 
triangle
* if necessary. Close the bracket of 
the warning triangle.3.Insert the releasing tool, contained in the 
onboard tool kit under the floor panel, refer 
to page247, at the releasing point.
4.Firmly pull the releasing tool upward against 
the mechanical resistance, refer to arrow, 
until a considerable increase in force is felt 
and the parking brake is then clearly heard 
to release.
5.Stow the releasing tool, warning triangle
* 
and first-aid kit* and close the left side 
panel in the cargo bay.
Only have a malfunction corrected by the 
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center or a workshop that works in accordance 
with BMW guidelines and uses appropriately 
trained personnel. If the parking brake has been 
released manually in response to a malfunction, 
only technicians can return it to operation.<
Following manual release, the actual sta-
tus of the parking brake may deviate from 
that displayed by the indicator lamp.<
Operation after interruptions in power 
supply
The parking brake can only be used again 
if it was manually released due to an inter-
ruption in the supply of electrical power. Other-
wise the operation of the parking brake is not 
ensured and there is a danger of the vehicle roll-
ing despite the parking brake being set.<
Procedure
1.Switch on the ignition.
2.Press the button with the brake depressed.
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
panel goes out as soon as the parking 
brake is ready for operation again. 
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P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. 
The rear wheels are locked.
P is engaged automatically as soon as 
you switch off the engine unless N is 
engaged and on vehicles with comfort access 
the remote control is inserted in the ignition 
lock, refer to page59.<
N Neutral
Can, for example, be engaged in automatic car 
washes. The vehicle can roll.
N remains engaged even after the engine 
is switched off whenever you leave the 
remote control in the ignition lock. This function 
is used, for example, in a car wash, refer to 
page60. After approx. 30 minutes P is auto-
matically engaged.<
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehicle operation. All for-
ward gears are available.
Under normal operating conditions, the fuel 
consumption is lowest when driving in posi-
tion D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration.
Press the accelerator pedal beyond the 
increased resistance at full throttle.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Press selector lever out of transmission posi-
tion D toward the left: 
The sport program is activated and DS appears 
in the instrument panel. This position is recom-mended for a performance-oriented driving 
style.
When the selector lever is pressed forward or 
back, the manual mode is activated and the 
Steptronic shifts the gear. The instrument 
panel shows M1 through M6.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result in a plausible combination 
of engine and vehicle speed; thus, for example, 
a downshift that would cause the engine to 
overrev will not be executed by the system. The 
selected gear is briefly displayed in the instru-
ment panel, followed by the current gear.
To use the automatic function again, press the 
selector lever to the right into position D.
Manually releasing and engaging 
transmission lock
In case of a power failure, e.g. when the 
battery is drained or disconnected, or an 
electrical malfunction, the transmission lock 
must be manually released, as otherwise the 
rear wheels are blocked and the vehicle cannot 
be towed.<
Step on the brake when manually releas-
ing the transmission lock; otherwise, 
there is a danger of the vehicle rolling.<
The transmission lock should only be released 
for towing. Reengage the transmission lock 
after parking the vehicle at its destination.
If it also becomes necessary to manually 
release the parking brake, follow this sequence:
1.Secure the vehicle against rolling.
2.Manually release the parking brake, refer to 
page63.
3.Manually release the transmission lock of 
the automatic transmission. 
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Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold for as 
long as you wish to signal.
Triple turn signal activation
Press the lever up to the resistance point. 
The turn signal flashes three times.
You can activate or deactivate this function.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Settings" and press the controller.
4.Select "Vehicle / Tires" and press the con-
troller.
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "Lighting" is selected and 
press the controller.
6.Select "Triple turn signal" and press the 
controller.
 Triple turn signaling is activated.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Washer/wiper system
1Switching on wipers
2Switching off wipers or brief wipe
3Activating/deactivating intermittent wipe or 
rain sensor
*
4Cleaning windshield and headlamps*
5Setting interval for intermittent wipe, or 
sensitivity of the rain sensor
Switching on wipers
Pull the lever upward, arrow1.
The lever automatically returns to its initial posi-
tion when released.
Normal wiper speed
Press once. 
The system reverts to operation in the intermit-
tent mode when the vehicle is stationary.
Fast wiper speed
Press twice or press beyond the resistance 
point. 
The system reverts to normal speed when the 
vehicle is stationary.
Intermittent operation or rain sensor*
With the rain sensor, the wiper operation is con-
trolled automatically as a function of the rain 
intensity. The rain sensor is located on the 
windshield, directly in front of the interior rear-
view mirror. 
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All washer nozzles are supplied from one reser-
voir.
Fill with water and – if required – with a washer 
antifreeze, according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
In order to maintain the mixture ratio, mix 
the washer fluid before filling.<
Capacity
approx. 6.3USquarts/6liters.
Cruise control*
The concept
The cruise control with a braking function is 
available for use at speeds of approx. 20 mph/
30 km/h and higher. The vehicle stores and 
maintains the speed that you set using the lever 
mounted on the steering column. To keep the 
specified speed constant, the system brakes if 
the engine braking effect is not sufficient on a 
downhill grade.
Do not use the cruise control under driv-
ing conditions that do not permit a con-
stant speed, e.g. when driving on winding 
roads, in heavy traffic or in poor road conditions 
such as snow, rain, ice, and loose road surface. 
Otherwise you could lose control of the vehicle 
and cause an accident.<
One lever for all functions
1Storing speed and maintaining or increas-
ing
2Storing speed and maintaining or decreas-
ing
3Deactivating cruise control
4Resuming stored speed
Maintaining current speed
Briefly press, arrow1, or briefly pull, arrow2 
lever.
The speed currently being driven is stored and 
maintained. It is indicated on the speedometer 
and briefly in the instrument panel.
The controlled speed can drop on uphill grades 
if the engine output is insufficient. If the engine 
braking effect is not sufficient on a downhill 
grade, the system lightly brakes the vehicle.
Increasing speed
Repeatedly press the lever up to or beyond the 
resistance point, arrow1, until the desired 
speed is set.
>Each time the lever is pressed to the resis-
tance point, the speed is increased by 
approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pressed beyond 
the resistance point, the desired speed 
increases by a maximum of 5 mph or 
10 km/h.
The system stores the setting and maintains 
the set speed. 
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Everything under control
Odometer, outside 
temperature display, clock
1Knob in the instrument panel
2Time, outside temperature, and date
3Odometer and trip odometer
Knob in the instrument panel
>With ignition switched on
Press button: 
Resetting trip odometer
Press the button for approx. 5 seconds: 
Displaying service requirements, refer to 
page75
>With ignition switched off
Press button:
Briefly displaying time, outside temperature 
and odometer
Units of measure
T o  s e l e c t  t h e  r e s p e c t i v e  u n i t s  o f  m e a s u r e ,  m i l e s  
or km for the odometer as well as 7 or6 for 
the outside temperature, refer to page82.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Time, date, outside temperature
From radio readiness the outside temperature 
and the time are displayed.
Setting the time, refer to page81.
Retrieving date
Press the button on turn signal lever upward; 
the date appears.
To set the date, refer to page82.
Pressing the button upward or downward sev-
eral times changes the display between clock, 
outside temperature, date, and Check Control 
messages, refer to page79.
Outside temperature warning
If the display drops to +377/+36, a signal 
sounds and a warning lamp lights up. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display. There is 
an increased danger of ice.
Even at temperatures above +377/
+36 ice can form. Therefore, drive care-
fully, e.g. on bridges and sections of road in the 
shade, otherwise there is an increased accident 
risk.<
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting trip odometer:
Press button 1 in the instrument panel with the 
ignition switched on.
When vehicle is parked
To briefly display the time, outside temperature 
and mileage after the remote control has been 
removed from the ignition lock:
Press button1 in the instrument panel. 
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Computer
Displays in instrument panel
To display the information, press the BC button 
on the turn signal lever.
The following information is displayed in the 
specified order:
>Cruising range
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available 
with the remaining fuel. The range is projected 
based on the driving style over the last 20 miles/
30 km.
Refuel as soon as possible once your 
cruising range falls below 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise engine functions are not 
ensured and damage can occur.<
Average speed
Periods with the vehicle parked and the engine 
stopped are not included in the calculations of 
average speed.
To reset average speed: press the BC button on 
the turn signal lever for approx. 2 seconds.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated for 
the time during which the engine is running.
To reset average fuel consumption: 
Press the BC button on the turn signal lever for 
approx. 2 seconds.
For different routes
You can display the average speed and average 
consumption for two different routes on the 
Control Display, refer to the following and to 
Trip computer
*.
Displays on Control Display
You can also call up the computer via iDrive. 
For operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller to the right to open 
"Navigation". 
Without navigation system
*:
Open "Car Data".
3.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.
4.Select "Onboard info" and press the con-
troller.
>Estimated time of arrival at destination and 
remaining distance:
>Entering a distance manually in the com-
puter, see below.
>Entering a destination in the navigation 
system
*, refer to page138.
>Cruising range 
Page 76 of 292
Everything under control
74 >Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Resetting values
You can reset the values for the average speed 
and average fuel consumption:
1.Select the respective menu item and press 
the controller.
2.To confirm your selection, press the con-
troller again.
Entering a distance manually
1.Select "Distance to dest." and press the 
controller.
2.Turn the controller to select the distance to 
your destination.
3.Press the controller to apply the setting.
The distance is automatically preset during the 
destination guidance of the navigation sys-
tem
*.
Trip computer*
The trip computer is suitable, for example, for a 
vacation trip.
1.Open the start menu.
2.Open "Navigation".
Without navigation system
*:
Open "Car Data".
3.Select "Car Data" and press the controller.4.Select "Trip computer" and press the con-
troller.
>Departure time
>Driving time
>Distance traveled
>Average speed
>Average fuel consumption
Starting or stopping the trip computer, or reset-
ting all values:
1.Select "Set" and press the controller.
2.Select the desired menu item.
3.Press the controller.
Display options
You can display the computer or the trip com-
puter in the assistance window.
1.Move the controller to the right to change to 
the assistance window and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Onboard info" or "Trip computer".