key BMW X5 4.8IS 2004 E53 Workshop Manual
Page 175 of 200
173n
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Towing and tow-starting vehicle Using tow fitting The screw-in tow fitting is stored 
beneath the cargo floor cover. Carry it 
with you at all times. It can be screwed 
in at the front or rear of the vehicle. 
To prevent damage to the tow fit-
ting and the vehicle, observe the 
following: only use the tow fitting that 
comes with the vehicle and screw it in 
as far as it will go. Only use the tow fit-
ting to tow on roads. Avoid lateral load-
ing of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the 
vehicle by the tow fitting.< 
Access to screw thread Front: 
Use a screwdriver to press the right or 
left cover out, refer to arrows. 530de370
Rear: 
Pull the cover off. Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is 
in position 1, as otherwise the 
steering lock will engage, making it 
impossible to steer the vehicle. When 
the engine is stopped, there is no 
power assist. This requires increased 
braking and steering effort.< 
Switch on the hazard warning flashers 
depending on the local regulations. 
If the electrical system fails, mark the 
vehicle to be towed, e.g. with a sign or 
warning triangle in the rear window.
530de318 
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Towing and tow-starting vehicleTow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an 
automatic transmission.
For information on jump-starting, refer 
to page 171.< 
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic 
converter with the engine cold. It is bet-
ter to jump-start the engine, refer to 
page 171. 
1. Switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers and observe local regulations 
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear 
4. Tow-start with the clutch pedal com-
pletely depressed and slowly release 
the clutch pedal. After the engine 
starts, immediately depress the 
clutch pedal completely again 
5. Stop at a suitable location, remove 
the tow bar or rope and switch off 
the hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Do not activate the HDC Hill 
Descent Control during tow-
starting, refer to page 96.<  
Page 187 of 200
Everything from A to Z
185n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Average fuel 
consumption 82, 89
Average speed 82, 90
Avoiding alarms 39
Avoiding fire damage 138
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights 180
B
Backrests, refer to Adjusting 
seats 45, 46
Backup lamps 67
bulb replacement 161
Battery 168
disposal 168
indicator lamp 19
jump-starting 171
power failure 169
remote control 30
Belts, refer to Safety belts 49
Beverage holders, refer to 
Cup holders 120
Black ice, refer to Ice 
warning 75
Blower
air conditioner 107
automatic climate 
control 111
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil 149BMW Maintenance 
System 152
Bore, refer to Engine 
specifications 178
Bottle holder, refer to Cup 
holders 120
Brake fluid 151
adding 151
indicator/warning lamp 19
level 151
replacing 151
Brake Force Display 99
Brake hydraulic system 139
indicator/warning 
lamp 19, 20
Brake lamps, bulb 
replacement 161
Brake pads 139
breaking-in 136
indicator lamp 19, 21
Brake rotors
brake system 139
breaking-in 136
Brake system 139
brake fluid level 139
brake pads 139
breaking-in 136
disk brakes 139
Brake wear warning
brake pads 139
indicator lamp 19, 21Brakes 139
ABS 93
brake fluid 151
breaking-in 136
indicator/warning 
lamp 19, 20
Break-in procedures 136
Breaking-in differential 136
C
California laws
Event Data Recorders 153
Proposition 65 
Warning 153
California Proposition 65 
Warning 153
Capacities 181
Car care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Car jack points 167
Car keys, refer to Keys 30
Car radio, refer to separate 
Owner's Manual
Car wash, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochureCargo area 124
capacity 180
cover, refer to Roll-up 
cover 125
emergency operation, 
refer to Unlocking 
manually 35, 37
floor cover 127
increasing volume 124
lamps 105
lid, refer to Liftgate/
tailgate 35, 36
opening from inside 35
opening from outside 35
opening, remote 
control 31
opening/closing, refer to 
Liftgate 35
opening/closing, refer to 
Tailgate 36
volume 180
volume, refer to 
Weights 180
Cargo area lamps 105
Cargo bay, refer to Cargo 
area 124
Cargo floor, pull-out 128
Cargo loading 131
Cargo-area partition net 125
Caring for leather, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure 
Page 189 of 200
Everything from A to Z
187n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Courtesy lighting 105
Cruise control 73
buttons on steering 
wheel 23
indicator lamp 22
Cruising range 82, 89
Cup holders 120
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights 180
Current consumption, refer 
to Energy Control 76
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data 178
D
Data, technical 178
dimensions 179
engine 178
filling capacities 181
weights 180
Date
also refer to Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer
calling up 84
changing 84
Daytime driving lamps 102
Deactivating the alarm in an 
emergency 91Defect
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 37
Defective lamp 159
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting 
windows 108, 111
Defrosting 
windows 108, 111
air conditioner 108
automatic climate 
control 111
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
air conditioner 108
automatic climate 
control 111
Defrosting windshield, refer 
to Defrosting 
windows 108, 111
Digital clock 84
also refer to Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer
Dimensions 179
Dipstick, engine oil 148Directional indicators, refer 
to Turn signals 70
Disk brakes 139
Displacement, refer to 
Engine specifications 178
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting 104
Displays, refer to Instrument 
cluster 15, 17, 18
Disposal
used oil 149
vehicle battery 168
Distance 88
Distance to destination 88
Distance warning 92
Divided rear seat backrest, 
refer to Folding rear seat 
back 124
Door keys 30
Door lock 33
DOT Quality Grades 142
Draft-free 
ventilation 108, 113
Driving lamps, refer to 
Parking lamps/low 
beams 102
Driving notes
break-in procedures 136
driving hints 137, 138
Driving on bad roads 137
Driving stability control 94Driving your X5 137
Dry air, refer to Air 
conditioning 107, 112
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 94
indicator lamp 22
E
Electric steering wheel 
adjustment 52
Electrical malfunction
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 37
Electronic transmission 
control module 69
Emergency call 170
Emergency operation, refer 
to Manual operation
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 37
Energy Control 76
Energy-conscious driving, 
refer to Energy Control 76 
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Everything from A to Z
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Gear display 67
Gearshift lever
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 67
manual transmission 66
General driving notes 138
Glove compartment 119
Grills, refer to 
Ventilation 108, 113
Gross weight, refer to 
Weights 180
Ground clearance 137
H
Hand lamp, refer to Rechar-
geable flashlight 119
Handbrake 66
indicator lamp 19, 21
Hands-free microphone, 
refer to Portable 
phone 118
Hands-free system 118
Having vehicle towed 173
Hazard warning flashers 14
HDC Hill Descent Control 96
Head airbags 57
Head restraints 47
Headlamp control, 
automatic 102
Headlamp cover, care, refer 
to Caring for your vehicle 
brochureHeadlamp flasher 70
indicator lamp 22
Headlamp washer fluid 
tank 148
capacity, refer to Filling 
capacities 181
Headlamp washer system
cleaning headlamps 72
washer fluid 148
Headlamps
bulb replacement 159
care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Heated mirrors 54
Heated rear window
air conditioner 107
automatic climate 
control 112
Heated seats 52
Heated steering wheel 53
Heating
exterior mirror 54
rear window 107, 112
seats 52
steering wheel 53
Heating and 
ventilation 106, 109
Heating while stopped 113
Heavy cargo 131
Height adjustment
seats 45, 46
steering wheel 52Height, refer to 
Dimensions 179
High beams 103
bulb replacement 160
headlight flasher 70
indicator lamp 22
Hills 137, 139
Holder for cups 120
Horn 14
Hydroplaning 138, 143
I
Ice warning 75
Ignition 64
Ignition key 30
Ignition lock 64
Immobilizer function 90
Imprint 4
Independent ventilation 115
entering switch-on 
times 86
switching on and off 86
switching on and off, also 
refer to Owner's Manual 
for Onboard Computer
Indicating 
elements 15, 17, 18
Indicator and warning lamps, 
overview 19Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 59
alarm system 38
coolant temperature 78
DSC 94
engine temperature 78
fasten safety belts 49
Flat Tire Monitor 101
front fog lamps 104
reserve 77
self-leveling 
suspension 97
Individual air distribution 111
Individual settings, refer to 
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory 63
Inflation pressure 
monitoring, refer to Flat 
Tire Monitor 100
INSPECTION 78
Instrument cluster 15, 17, 18
Instrument illumination, refer 
to Instrument lighting 104
Instrument lighting 104
Instrument panel lighting, 
refer to Instrument 
lighting 104
Instrument panel, refer to 
Instrument 
cluster 15, 17, 18
Integrated universal remote 
control 116 
Page 192 of 200
Everything from A to ZInterface socket for onboard 
diagnosis 153
Interior lamps 104
remote control 31
Interior mirror
automatic dimming 
feature 55
compass 55
Interior motion sensor 39
switching off 31, 39
Interior rearview mirror 54
Interlock, refer to Locking 
steering 64
Intermittent operation, 
wipers 71
J
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting 171
Jump-starting 171
K
Key Memory 63
Keys 30
Kickdown 68
L
Lamps and bulbs 159
Lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams 102
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing the load 131LATCH child-restraint 
fixing 62
LEDs light-emitting 
diodes 163
Length, refer to 
Dimensions 179
License plate lamp, bulb 
replacement 162
Liftgate 35
emergency operation, 
refer to Unlocking 
manually 35
opening, remote 
control 31
Liftgate/tailgate
opening from inside 35
opening from outside 35
remote control 31
unlocking manually 35
Light switch 102
Light-alloy wheels, care, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs 163
Lighter 121, 122
Lighter socket 121
Lighting of instruments 104
Lights on warning 102
Limit 87
Load, refer to Cargo 
loading 130Lock buttons, doors, refer to 
Locking 34
Locking
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Locking and unlocking doors
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Locking, vehicle
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Low beams 102
automatic 102
bulb replacement 159
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support 46
Low-fuel warning light, refer 
to Fuel gauge 77
Lug bolts 167
Lug wrench 164
Luggage compartment lid, 
refer to Liftgate/tailgate 36
Luggage net 37
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 132
Luggage straps 37
Lumbar support 46
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires 145
Maintenance system 152Maintenance, refer to 
Service Interval Display 78
Manual operation
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 37
Manual transmission 66
Marking, tires 142
Master key 30
with remote control 30
Maximum cooling 112
Maximum roof weight 180
Maximum speed with winter 
tires 145
Measurements, refer to 
Dimensions 179
Mechanical key, refer to 
Spare key 30
Mechanical seats 45
Memo 85
Memory, refer to
Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory 50
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory 63
Microfilter
air conditioner 108
automatic climate 
control 114 
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Everything from A to Z
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Microphone for telephone, 
refer to Telephone 118
Microphone, refer to 
Telephone 118
MID Multi-Information 
Display 83
Mirror
automatic curb monitor 51
mirror heating 54
mirror memory, refer to 
Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory 50
Mirror dimming feature 55
Mirrors 54
Multifunction switch
turn signals/headlamp 
flasher 70
washer/wiper system 71
Multi-Information Display 
MID 83
N
Navigation system, refer to 
Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer/Radio 
and Navigation System
Neck support, refer to Head 
restraints 47
Nozzles, refer to 
Ventilation 108, 113O
OBD interface socket 153
Odometer 75
Oil
additives, refer to Adding 
engine oil 149
consumption 148
dipstick 148
filling capacity 181
specified engine oil 
grades 149
Oil change interval, refer to 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet, US 
models or Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet, 
Canadian models
Oil pressure, indicator/
warning lamp 19
OILSERVICE 78
Old batteries, refer to 
Disposal 168
Onboard computer, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Onboard tool kit 158
Opening and closing
from inside 34
using the door lock 33
using the remote 
control 31
Output, refer to Engine 
specifications 178Outside temperature 
display 75
changing unit of 
measure 75, 82
in computer 82
P
Panorama glass roof 41
automatic opening and 
closing 41
closing in the event of an 
electrical defect 42
comfort position 41
convenience operation 33
initializing 42
power failure 42
remote control 31
Park Distance Control 
PDC 92
Parking aid, refer to PDC 
Park Distance Control 92
Parking lamps 102
bulb replacement 160
Parking lamps/low 
beams 102
Parking, vehicle 65
Parts and accessories, refer 
to Your individual vehicle 8
Passenger-side mirror tilt 
function 51
Pathway lighting 102PDC Park Distance 
Control 92
Permissible axle load, refer 
to Weights 180
Permissible gross weight, 
refer to Weights 180
Plastic, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter 108
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 114
Power failure, battery 169
Power rear-seat 
backrests 48
Power seat 46
Power windows 39
safety switch 40
Pressure monitoring, 
tires 100
Flat Tire Monitor 100
Pressure, tires 140
Producing tire inflation 
pressure 140
Programming settings, refer 
to Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory 63
Protective function
panorama glass roof 42
Pull-out cargo floor 128 
Page 194 of 200
Everything from A to ZR
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 
control 30
Rain sensor 71
Reading lamps
front 104
rear 105
Real wood, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Rear climate control 113
air supply 114
temperature 114
Rear lamps
bulb replacement 161
refer to Tail lamps 161
Rear seats, heating 52
Rear window blind, refer to 
Roller sun blinds 115
Rear window defroster
air conditioner 107
automatic climate 
control 112
Rear window safety 
switch 40
Rear window wiper 73
blade replacement 158Rear-seat backrest
electric 48
folding down 124
power 48
Rearview mirror 54
Recirculated-air mode
air conditioner 107
automatic climate 
control 112
Refueling 24
fuel filler door 24
Remaining distance for 
service, refer to Service 
Interval Display 78
Remaining distance, refer to 
Cruising range 82, 89
Remote control 31
garage door opener, refer 
to Integrated universal 
remote control 116
liftgate 31
malfunctions 32
Removal aid for spare 
wheel 165
Removing condensation, 
windows
air conditioner 108
automatic climate 
control 111
Replacement fuses 169
Replacement keys 30Replacement of tires
tire replacement 142
wheel changes 163
Replacement tire 165
Replacing light bulbs, refer 
to Lamps and bulbs 159
Reporting safety defects 10
Reservoir, washer 
system 148
Residual heat 113
Restraint systems for 
children 59
Restraint systems, refer to 
Safety belts 49
Reverse gear
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 68
manual transmission 67
Roadside Assistance 170
Roadside parking lamps 103
bulb replacement 160
Roller sun blinds 115
Roll-up cover 125
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack 132
Rotating coin holder, refer to 
Storage 
compartments 119S
Safety belt height 
adjustment 49
Safety belt tensioners, refer 
to Safety belts 49
Safety belts 49
adjusting belt height 49
care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
sitting safely 43
warning lamp 21, 49
Safety feature, power 
windows 40
Safety systems, refer to
Antilock Brake System 93
Brake system 139
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 94
xDrive 95
Screwdriver, refer to 
Onboard tool kit 158
Seats 44
seat heating 52
seat memory, refer to Seat, 
mirror and steering wheel 
memory 50
Securing cargo, refer to 
Cargo loading 131
Selector lever interlock, refer 
to Changing selector lever 
positions 68 
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Everything from A to Z
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Selector lever, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic 68
Selector-lever positions, 
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 67
Self-leveling suspension 97
2-axle self-leveling 
suspension 97
inactive 97
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US 
models 152
Service Interval 
Display 78, 152
Service, refer to Roadside 
Assistance 170
Setting interior 
temperature 107, 111
Setting time, refer to 
Preselect switch-on 
times 86
Shifting
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 69
manual transmission 66
Shiftlock, refer to Changing 
selector lever position 68
Shoulder support 47
Side airbags 57Side Impact Head Protection 
System 57
Side tilt, permissible 137
Side turn signals, replacing 
bulbs 160
Side window blinds, refer to 
Rear window blind 115
Sitting safely 43
with airbags 43
with safety belts 43
Ski bag 123
Snow chains 145
Sockets 121, 128
Spare fuses 169
Spare key 30
Spare wheel 165
removal aid 165
Special wash program 72
Specified engine oils 149
Speed limit 87
Speed, winter tires 145
Speedometer 15, 17, 18
Sport program, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic 69
Sports seat 45
Stability control, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control 94
xDrive 95Starting assistance, refer to 
Jump-starting 171
Starting difficulties, 
temperature 65
Starting engine 64
Start-off assistance, DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control 94
Startup difficulties, jump-
starting 171
Status of this Owner's 
Manual at time of 
printing 9
Steering lock 64
Steering wheel
adjustment 52
adjustment, automatic 53
heater 53
lock 64
memory 50
Steptronic, refer to Manual 
mode 69
Stopwatch 85
Storage compartments 119
in the cargo area 127
Storage space, refer to 
Cargo area 124
Storage, tires 145
Storing desired speed, refer 
to Cruise control 73
Storing seat adjustment 50Storing sitting position, refer 
to Seat, mirror and 
steering wheel memory 50
Straps, refer to Loading 131
Stroke, refer to Engine 
specifications 178
Switches, refer to Cockpit 14
Switching off engine 65
Switch-on times input 86
Symbols 8
Synthetic oils 149
T
Tachometer 76
Tail lamps, replacing 
bulbs 161
Tailgate 36
unlocking manually 37
Taking time, refer to 
Stopwatch 85
Tank contents, refer to Fuel 
tank capacity 181
Technical data 178
Technical modifications 9
Telephone 118
refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Telephone preparation, refer 
to Hands-free system 118