key battery BMW X5 4.8IS 2005 E53 Owner's Manual
Page 19 of 200
19n
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 
page66 
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 pages140 
and153.
Also comes on in the Check Control 
with the message CHECK BRAKE 
LININGS.
Indication of the malfunction in 
Canadian models described 
above.  
Page 30 of 200
30n
Keys Central locking system The key set 1 Each master key with remote control 
contains a long-life battery as power 
supply, which is automatically 
recharged in the ignition lock while 
driving. It is therefore necessary to 
use each master key at least twice 
per year in order to maintain the 
charge. Depending on which master 
key the vehicle detects during 
unlocking, different settings will be 
requested and executed in the vehi-
cle, refer to Vehicle and Key memory 
on page63.530de367
2 Spare key for storage in a safe place, 
such as in your wallet.
This key does not fit in the lock of the 
glove compartment. This is an advan-
tage in a hotel, for example. The key 
is not intended for continuous use.Replacement keys Additional or replacement keys are 
available at your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center.
The concept The central locking system is ready for 
operation as soon as you close the front 
doors. The system engages or releases 
the locks on the 
>doors 
>liftgate/tailgate 
>fuel filler door. 
The central locking system can be 
operated 
>from outside via the remote control 
as well as via the driver's door lock
>from inside via the button for the cen-
tral locking system. 
If the system is locked from inside, the 
fuel filler door remains unlocked, refer 
to page34.
When the system is actuated from out-
side of the vehicle, the anti-theft system 
is actuated simultaneously. This pre-
vents the doors from being unlocked via 
lock buttons or door handles. The alarm 
system is also armed or disarmed. 
In an accident of sufficient severity the 
central locking system automatically 
unlocks, but only doors which have not 
been locked separately with the lock 
buttons, refer to page34. In addition, 
the hazard warning flashers and the 
interior lamps are switched on.  
Page 32 of 200
32n
Opening and closing: from outside
If the vehicle is locked, the tail-
gate/liftgate is also locked again 
when closed. 
Before and after a trip, be sure that the 
tailgate/liftgate was not opened unin-
tentionally.< 
Panic modeBy pressing and holding the button for 
more than two seconds, you can start 
the alarm system if there is an impend-
ing danger if it is armed. 
To switch off the alarm
Press button.
Malfunction The remote control can be subjected 
to malfunctions by local radio waves.
Should the remote control fail to oper-
ate owing to interference of this kind, 
unlock and lock the vehicle via the door 
lock using the master key. 
If it is no longer possible to lock the 
vehicle via the remote control, the bat-
tery is discharged. Use this remote con-
trol during an extended drive; this will 
recharge the battery, refer to page30.
For US owners onlyThe transmitter and receiver units com-
ply with part 15 of the FCC/Federal 
Communication Commission regula-
tions. Operation is governed by the fol-
lowing:
FCC ID: LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the 
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the 
following two conditions:
>This device may not cause harmful 
interference, and
>this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference 
that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications 
to these devices could void the 
user's authority to operate this equip-
ment.<  
Page 65 of 200
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
65n
Starting engine Switching off engineDo not allow the engine to warm up 
by leaving it running while the vehicle 
remains stationary. Instead, begin to 
drive immediately at a moderate engine 
speed. 
X5 3.0i:
Do not end the starting procedure 
too soon, however at the latest after 
approx. 20 seconds. Release the igni-
tion key immediately as soon as the 
engine starts. 
X5 4.4i, 4.8is: 
Your BMW is equipped with the conve-
nience starting feature. Here, it is suffi-
cient to turn the ignition key only briefly 
to position 3 'Start engine' and to let go 
of it right away. The starter actuation 
continues to operate automatically for a 
certain period of time and is stopped 
automatically as soon as the engine has 
started. 
The automatic starting mode will not 
operate or will be canceled if the bat-
tery voltage is insufficient. The engine 
can be jump started, refer to page171.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 engaging the starter. 
Cold starts at altitudes above 3,300 ft/
1,000 meters and at very low tempera-
tures, from approx. +57/–156: 
>For the initial starting attempt, allow 
the starter to remain engaged some-
what longer, approx. 10 seconds. 
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. 
To prevent the battery from discharg-
ing, always switch off electrical devices 
that are not in use. Switch the ignition 
off when the vehicle is not being driven.
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent 
or long periods with the starter 
engaged, can lead to damage of the 
catalytic converter.<
Manual transmission:
1. Turn the ignition key to position 1 
or 0.
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
Automatic transmission:
1. Shift into selector lever position P.
2. Turn the ignition key to position 1 
or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key 
when the vehicle is moving, as 
otherwise the steering could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always 
remove the ignition key and lock the 
steering.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the handbrake when 
parking on slopes and inclined sur-
faces. Even placing the gearshift lever 
in 1st gear or reverse may not provide 
adequate resistance to rolling. 
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in Park.< 
Vehicles with automatic transmission: 
The vehicle must be stationary and the 
selector lever in Park before you can 
remove the ignition key. 
Page 92 of 200
92n
Computer
* in MID
After three incorrect code entries, or 
three attempts to start the engine with-
out a code entry, the alarm will sound 
for 30 seconds on vehicles fitted with 
an alarm system. 
Deactivating the alarm in an emer-
gency:
If you have forgotten the code, proceed 
as follows:
1. Disconnect the battery, wait approx. 
2 minutes, then reconnect it. Note 
that on vehicles with an alarm sys-
tem, the alarm will sound
2. Set the ignition key to position 1: the 
time display will count down for the 
next ten minutes
3. After ten minutes, start the engine. 
If the code becomes available 
again in the meantime, it can be 
entered during the waiting period after 
pressing the CODE button.<
Remote controlThe computer button on the turn signal 
lever can be used to select the items of 
computer information which are to be 
displayed.
To do this, press:
>the button on the lever until PROG 
shows on the display
>the MID buttons in the order in which 
you wish the information to be dis-
played.
Each time an entry is stored, the pro-
gram number appears on the display.
To terminate the selection procedure:
Press the right side of the button.530de228
To have all the available information 
displayed, press 
>the button on the lever until PROG 
shows on the display
>the SET button.
To obtain individual items of informa-
tion, briefly press the button as often 
as necessary. 
Page 104 of 200
104n
Adaptive Head Light
*
High beams/roadside parking lamps 
The concept Adaptive Head Light is a variable head-
lamp control system that enables better 
illumination of the road surface. 
Depending on the steering angle and 
other assumptions, the light from the 
headlamp follows the course of the 
road.Activating Adaptive Head Light
In ignition key position 2, turn 
the light switch to the position 
'Automatic headlamp control', 
refer to page103.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the 
Adaptive Head Light
>is not active when driving in reverse
>is active only when pointing toward 
the passenger side.
MalfunctionThe LED next to the symbol for auto-
matic headlamp control flashes. Adap-
tive Head Light is faulty or has failed. 
Have the system checked as soon as 
possible.
1High beams
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Roadside parking lamps Roadside parking lamps, 
left or right
* 
As an additional feature, you can illu-
minate your vehicle on either side for 
parking, if you wish to do so:
With the ignition key in position 0, 
engage the lever in the appropriate turn 
signal position. 
The roadside parking lamps 
drain the battery. Avoid use for 
extended periods of time, otherwise, it 
will no longer be possible to start the 
engine.<530de265 
Page 106 of 200
106n
Interior lampsReading lamps
* 
Reading lamps are located at the front 
and in the rear next to the dome light. 
They can be switched on and off with 
the respective buttons 2 located next to 
them.Footwell and cargo area lamps The lamps are controlled in the same 
manner as the front interior lamps.Front area lighting
* 
This lighting system in the two exterior 
mirrors illuminates the ground in the 
area near the two front doors. It is also 
controlled in the same manner as the 
front interior lamps, but it does not 
function while the vehicle is moving. 
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.<  
Page 185 of 200
Everything from A to Z
185n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
B
Backrests, refer to Adjusting 
seats45,46
Backup lamps67
replacing bulbs161
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit24
Bar, towing173
Battery168
disposal168
indicator lamp19
jump starting171
power failure169
remote control30
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Beverage holder, refer to 
Cup holders121
Black ice, refer to Ice 
warning76
Blower
air conditioner108
automatic climate 
control112
refer to Air 
supply108,112
BMW High Performance 
Synthetic Oil151
BMW Maintenance 
System154Bottle holder, refer to Cup 
holders121
Brake fluid153
adding153
level153
replacing153
warning lamp19
Brake Force Display101
Brake hydraulic system140
warning lamp19,20
Brake lamps, replacing 
bulbs161
Brake pads140
breaking-in136
warning lamp19,21
Brake rotors
brake system140
breaking-in136
Brake system
brake fluid153
brake fluid level140,153
brake pads140
breaking-in136
disc brakes140
warning lamp19
Brake wear warning
brake pads140
indicator lamp19,21Brakes140
ABS94
brake fluid153
brake pads140
breaking-in136
handbrake66
indicator/warning 
lamp19,20
Breakdown assistance, refer 
to Roadside 
Assistance170
Breakdown, Flat Tire 
Monitor101
Breaking-in136
Buttons on steering 
wheel23
C
California Proposition 
65 Warning9
Calling, refer to telephone 
Owner's Manual
Can holders, refer to Cup 
holders121
Capacities181
cargo area180
Car care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys30
Car radio, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
ComputerCar telephone 
preparation119
Car telephone, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, 
connecting, refer to
Power socket122
Car wash, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Care of paintwork, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Cargo area126
capacity180
cover, refer to Roll-up 
cover126
emergency operation, 
refer to Unlocking 
manually35,36
floor cover129
increasing capacity126
lamps106
lid, refer to Liftgate/
tailgate35,36
opening, remote 
control31
Cargo floor, pull-out130 
Page 187 of 200
Everything from A to Z
187n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant152
level152
temperature gage79
warning lamp79
Coolant temperature 
gage79
Cooling, maximum113
Cooling, refer to
Air conditioning108,113
Temperature108,112
Copyright4
Cornering light, refer to 
Adaptive Head Light104
Correct tires
wheel/tire 
replacement146
winter tires146
Courtesy lighting106
Cruise control74
buttons on steering 
wheel23
indicator lamp22
Cruising range83,90
Cup holders121
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights180
Current consumption, refer 
to Energy control77
Cylinders, refer to Engine 
data178D
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting105
Dashboard, refer to 
Cockpit14
Data, technical178
dimensions179
engine178
filling capacities181
weights180
Date
also refer to Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer
calling up85
changing85
Daytime driving lamps103
DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control94
indicator lamp21
Deactivating the alarm in an 
emergency92
Defective lamp159
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting 
windows109,112
Defrosting 
windows109,112
air conditioner109
automatic climate 
control112Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
air conditioner109
automatic climate 
control112
Defrosting windshield, refer 
to Defrosting 
windows109,112
Digital clock85
also refer to Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer
Dimensions179
Dipstick, engine oil150
Directional indicators, refer 
to Turn signals70
Disc brakes140
Displacement, refer to 
Engine specifications178
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting105
Display, refer to Instrument 
cluster15,17,18
Disposal, vehicle battery168
Distance to destination89
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control93
Divided rear seat backrest, 
refer to Folding rear seat 
back126
Door keys30Door lock33
DOT Quality Grades143
Draft-free 
ventilation109,114
Driving lamps, refer to 
Parking lamps/low 
beams103
Driving notes
breaking-in136
driving hints137,138
Driving on poor roads138
Driving stability control95
Driving your X5138
Dry air, refer to Air 
conditioning108,113
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control95
warning lamp22
DVD changer, refer to 
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Dynamic Brake Control 
DBC94
indicator lamp21
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC95
warning lamp22