check engine BMW X5 4.8IS 2004 E53 Owner's Manual
Page 7 of 200
 
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Controls and features
 
Passenger safety systems: 
 
Airbags57
Transporting children safely59
Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory63
 
Driving: 
 
Ignition lock64
Starting engine64
Switching off engine65
Handbrake66
Manual transmission66
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic67
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher70
Washer/wiper system/
rain sensor71
Cruise control73
 
Everything under control: 
 
Odometer, outside temperature 
display75
Tachometer76
Energy control76
Engine oil thermometer77
Fuel gauge77
Temperature gauge78
Service Interval Display78
Check Control79
Computer82
MID Multi-Information 
Display83Digital clock in MID84
Computer in MID87
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience: 
 
PDC Park Distance Control92
Antilock Brake System93
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control94
xDrive95
HDC Hill Descent Control96
Self-leveling suspension97
2-axle self-leveling 
suspension97
Brake Force Display99
Flat Tire Monitor100
 
Lamps: 
 
Parking lamps/low beams102
Adaptive Head Light103
High beams/roadside parking 
lamps103
Front fog lamps104
Instrument lighting104
Interior lamps104
 
Controlling climate for pleasant 
driving: 
 
Air conditioner106
Automatic climate control109
Roller sun blinds115
Independent ventilation115
 
Cabin convenience: 
 
Integrated universal remote 
control116 
Telephone118
Glove compartment119 
Storage compartments119 
Cup holders120
Ashtray, front121 
Ashtray, rear121 
Cigarette lighter, rear122
 
Loading and transporting: 
 
Ski bag123 
Cargo area 
Folding rear backrests 
down124 
Roll-up cover125 
Partition net125 
Cover panels in cargo 
area127 
Power outlets128 
Pull-out cargo floor128 
Cargo loading130 
Roof-mounted luggage rack132  
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18n
 
Instrument cluster X5 4.8is 
 
1Fuel gauge77
2Indicator lamp for turn signals22
3Speedometer
4Indicator and warning lamps19 
to 22
5Tachometer76
Engine oil thermometer
6Coolant temperature gauge787Indicator and warning lamps19 
to 22
8Reset button for trip odometer75
9Service Interval Display78
10 Indicator for
>
 
Trip odometer/odometer75
>
 
Outside temperature75
11 Indicator for Check Control7912 Selector lever and program display 
for automatic transmission67
13 CHECK button79
14 Indicator and warning lamps19 
to 22
530us252 
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Technology that monitors itself 
 
Indicator and warning lamps that are 
identified by 
+
 
 are tested for proper 
functioning whenever the ignition key is 
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of the 
monitored 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 in the following section.
 
Red: stop immediately
 
Battery charge current 
+
 
The battery is not being 
charged. There is a malfunction 
of the alternator drive belt or in the 
charging circuit of the alternator. Have 
the system checked immediately.
If the drive belt is defective, do not 
continue driving. The engine could 
be damaged due to overheating. If the 
drive belt is defective, increased steer-
ing effort is also required.<
 
 
Engine oil pressure +
 
Stop immediately and switch off 
the engine. Check the engine oil 
level; top up as required. If the oil level 
is correct: have the system checked 
immediately.
Do not continue driving. The 
engine could be damaged 
because of inadequate lubrication.<
 
 
 
Handbrake
 
* 
/ 
Brake hydraulic system 
+
 
Lights up with handbrake 
engaged. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 66 
Comes on although the handbrake is 
released: stop immediately. The brake 
fluid in the reservoir has fallen to below 
the minimum level. At the same time, a 
considerably longer brake pedal travel 
may be noticeable. Have the system 
checked immediately. 
During continued driving 
increased brake pedal pressure 
may be necessary, and considerably 
longer braking distances may result. 
Please remember to adapt your driving 
style accordingly.<
 
 
Before continuing your journey, be 
sure to read the notes on pages 139 
and 151.
Also comes on in the Check Control 
with the message "CHECK BRAKE 
LININGS".
Display of the previously 
described malfunction on Cana-
dian models.  
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Red: an important reminder
 
Handbrake
 
* 
Lights up with handbrake 
engaged. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 66
Handbrake warning lamp
 
*  
for 
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts +
 
Lights up for a few seconds or 
until driver fastens safety belt. 
Depending on model, together with an 
acoustic signal
 
* 
 or a message
 
* 
 in the 
Check Control. 
For additional information on safety 
belts, refer to page 49
Airbags 
+
 
A fault has occurred in the air-
bag system. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 57
 
Yellow: check as soon as possible 
 
DBC Dynamic Brake Control 
+
 
Fault in the DBC system. Please 
have the system checked as 
soon as possible.
For details on DBC, refer to page 93
Display of the previously 
described malfunction on Cana-
dian models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil 
level is at the absolute mini-
mum; refill as soon as possible. Do not 
drive more than approx. 30 miles/50  km 
until you do. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 148
Engine oil level 
Comes on after the engine has 
been switched off: add engine 
oil at your earliest opportunity, e.g. 
when you stop to refuel.
For additional information, refer to 
page 148
Automatic transmission
*
The automatic transmission 
switches into the emergency 
program due to a fault. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 69
Brake pads
* +
Have the condition of the brake 
pads checked.
For additional information, refer to 
page 139
Self-leveling suspension
* +
The self-leveling suspension is 
inactive. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to 
page 97 
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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 all-wheel 
system has failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC or 
the xDrive all-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 
page 94
Proceed cautiously and defen-
sively. When driving on poor 
roads, refrain from using full throttle 
and avoid pressing the accelerator 
beyond the kickdown point, heavy and 
panic braking. Otherwise the drive train 
may be damaged or accidents can 
occur.< 
Engine electronics
* 
Fault in the engine electronics. 
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 continues to be operational, have 
the systems checked as soon as possi-
ble.
For additional information: refer to 
page 153 
Display of the previously 
described malfunction on 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 addi-
tional information, refer to page 25
Green: for your information
Turn signals 
Flashes when the turn signals 
are operated. Rapid flashing 
indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to 
page 70
Cruise control
* 
Lights up when system is 
switched on: ready for operation 
using the buttons on the steering 
wheel. 
For additional information, refer to 
page 73
Fog lamps 
Lights up when fog lamps are 
switched on. For additional 
information, refer to page 104
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 
page 70, 103 
Page 26 of 200
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Warning triangle
* 
First-aid kit
* 
Refueling 
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, 
refer to arrow, and remove the haz-
ard warning triangle from the support 
bracket 
3. To install: slide the hazard warning 
triangle into the support bracket and 
press on the retaining strap. 
Comply with legal requirements 
requiring you to carry a hazard 
warning triangle in the vehicle.< 530us005
The first-aid kit is located under the 
front passenger's seat. 
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. Therefore, check the expira-
tion dates of the contents regularly and 
replace the contents concerned in good 
time if necessary. You can find replace-
ments in any pharmacy.
Comply with legal requirements requir-
ing you to carry a first-aid kit in the 
vehicle.< 530de242
Fuel filler door 
Before filling the tank, switch off 
the engine. If you do not, fuel can-
not be filled into the tank and the Ser-
vice Engine Soon lamp may come on.< 
To open the fuel filler door, press on the 
front edge. 
In the event of an electrical malfunction, 
you can also open the fuel filler door 
manually:
1. Open the cover on the right in the 
cargo area: lift the handle on the 
cover
2Pull the knob with the fuel pump sym-
bol.
530de243 
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Refueling
When handling fuels always 
observe any safety guidelines 
posted at the service station. Never 
carry spare fuel containers in your vehi-
cle. Whether empty or full, these con-
tainers can leak, cause an explosion, or 
lead to fire in the event of a collision.< 
Observe the following when 
refueling
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.< 
Keep the filler cap in the bracket 
attached to the fuel filler door. 
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle 
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling 
the nozzle out of the pipe during refuel-
ing
>results in premature pump shutoff 
>and will reduce the effect of the vapor 
recovery system on the pump. 
The fuel tank is full when the filler noz-
zle clicks off the first time.
530us008
To close the fuel filler cap:
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until 
you clearly hear a click.
Close the filler cap carefully after 
refueling until a click is heard. 
While closing, be sure not to squeeze 
the strap which is fastened to the cap. 
A loose or missing cap will activate the 
message "CHECK GAS CAP" in the 
Check Control
* or the Check Gas Cap 
lamp
*.<
Tank capacity:
Approx. 24.6  gal./approx.  93  liters, with 
a reserve capacity of 
6-cylinder engine: approx. 2.0 gal./
approx. 8 liters 
8-cylinder engine: approx. 2.5 gal./
approx. 10 liters.
Never attempt to continue driving 
until the tank is completely empty, 
as engine functions could be affected, 
and the vehicle could sustain damage 
as a result.< 
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Automatic transmission with SteptronicSport program and M/S manual 
operation Move the selector lever from position D 
to the left into gearshift gate M/S: the 
sport program is activated and D S 
appears in the instrument cluster. This 
position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style.
When the selector lever is moved 
slightly towards + or –, the Steptronic 
shifts gear and manual operation is 
activated. The following appears in the 
instrument cluster depending on the 
model
>1 to 5 or 1 to 6
>M1 to M5 or M1 to M6. 530de264
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 
gear selected will appear briefly in the 
instrument cluster followed by the cur-
rent gear.
To use the automatic function again, 
move the selector lever to the right into 
position D.
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up or 
the message "TRANS.FAILSAFE 
PROG" appears in the Check 
Control. A malfunction has occurred in 
the transmission system. Avoid heavy 
loads. 
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the 
transmission selector lever to P. Set the 
handbrake and turn the engine off, igni-
tion key to position 0. 
Wait a few seconds, then start the 
engine. 
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.
Have the system checked as soon as 
possible.
Information on jump-starting, tow-start-
ing and towing begins on page 171.  
Page 80 of 200
78n
Temperature gauge  Service Interval Display Blue The engine is still cold. Drive at moder-
ate engine and vehicle speeds.Red When you switch on the ignition, the 
warning lamp
* comes on briefly to con-
firm that the system is operational. 
If the warning lamp lights up during 
driving or the message "COOLANT 
TEMPERATURE" appears in the Check 
Control: the engine is overheated. 
Switch off the engine immediately and 
allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to 
page 150. 
390de007
Between blue and red zones Normal operating range. The dial may 
wander into the red field. 
The range of available displays varies 
according to your individual vehicle's 
equipment. 
Green lamps The number of illuminated lamps 
decreases as the time for your next 
maintenance visit approaches.Yellow lamp This field appears together with 
OILSERVICE or INSPECTION. 
Maintenance is due. Please contact 
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter for an appointment.Red lamp The maintenance deadline has been 
passed.390us008 
Page 81 of 200
Maintenance
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OverviewControlsRepairsDataIndex
Check Control Graphic display
* 
The following alerts or status messages 
are displayed with icons as of ignition 
key position 2 until the defects are cor-
rected: 
1Check low beams 
2Add washer fluid, goes out after 
approx. 1 minute 
3Door open 
4Tailgate open 
5Check brake and tail lamps. A defec-
tive center brake lamp is indicated by 
the upper symbol 
When you open the door after stopping, 
a warning signal sounds without a 
visual indicator for: 
>LIGHTS ON
>KEY IN IGNITION LOCK. 390de121
Alphanumeric display
* 
Text messages are used to alert the 
driver to system malfunctions as of igni-
tion key position 2. The alert is accom-
panied by an acoustic signal.
1Status messages symbol
2Display
3CHECK button 
Messages concerning system faults are 
differentiated based on two priorities: 530de254
Priority 1
These defects are immediately indi-
cated by an acoustic signal and a flash-
ing 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: 
>RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE
>COOLANT TEMPERATURE
Temperature too high. Stop the vehi-
cle immediately and switch off the 
engine, refer to pages 78 and 150
>STOP! ENGINE OILPRESS
Oil pressure too low. Stop the vehicle 
immediately and switch off the 
engine, refer to pages 19, 148