width BMW X5 XDRIVE 30I 2010 E70 Owner's Manual
Page 47 of 300
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 45Reference
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Mobility
Differs depending on seat:
1Backrest
2Height
Additional depending on seat:
1Backrest width
*
2Shoulder support*
3Thigh support*
4Lumbar support*
Backrest width*
The width of the backrest can be changed with 
the side wings to adjust the side support to your 
own needs.
Shoulder support*
This also supports the back in the shoulder 
area, provides a relaxed sitting position and 
helps relieve stress on the shoulder muscles.
The shoulder support is also used to adjust the 
distance of the head restraint from the back of 
the seat occupant's head.
Lumbar support*
You can also adjust the contour of the backrest 
to obtain additional support in the lumbar 
region.
The upper hips and spinal column receive sup-
plementary support to help you maintain a 
relaxed, upright sitting position.
>Increase or decrease curvature: press front 
or rear section of switch.
>Shift curvature up or down: press upper or 
lower section of switch.
Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory*
You can store and retrieve two different driver's 
seat and front passenger seat
*-, exterior mir-
ror-, and steering wheel positions
*.
The adjustment of the backrest width and lum-
bar support is not stored in the memory.
Storing
1.Switch on radio readiness or ignition, refer 
to page59.
2.Set the desired seat, exterior mirror and 
steering wheel positions.
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Page 54 of 300
Adjusting
52
Active seat*
The seat cushion is actively varied by alter-
nately raising and lowering the right and left half 
of the seat cushion. This reduces muscular ten-
sion and fatigue to help prevent lower back 
pain.
Press the button to switch on; the LED lights 
up.
The action of the system is reduced and if need 
be, switched off in order to reduce the load on 
the battery. The LED remains lit.
If you switch off the active seat, it can take up 
to 1 minute before the two halves of the seat 
cushion have returned to their initial position.
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The mirror on the passenger's side is 
more curved than the driver's mirror. 
Objects reflected in the mirror are closer than 
they appear. Do not estimate the distance of 
following traffic based on what you see in the 
mirrors; otherwise, there is an increased risk of 
accident.<1Adjusting
2Switching to the other mirror or to the auto-
matic curb monitor
3Folding mirrors in and out
*
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat, mir-
ror and steering wheel memory on page45.
Adjusting manually
The mirrors can also be adjusted manually: 
press the edge of the glass.
Folding mirrors in and out*
Pressing button3 allows you to fold the mirrors 
in and out again up to a speed of approx. 
12 mph/20 km/h. This is advantageous, for 
example, in car washes, narrow streets or for 
bringing mirrors that have been manually folded 
in back into the correct position.
Folded in mirrors fold out again at a speed of 
approx. 25 mph/40 km/h.
Before going through a car wash, fold the 
mirrors in manually, or with button3, oth-
erwise they could be damaged, depending on 
the width of the car wash system.<
Automatic heating
Below a certain outdoor temperature, both 
exterior mirrors are automatically heated when 
the motor is running or the ignition is switched 
on.
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Page 57 of 300
Controls
 55Reference
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Mobility
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the 
vehicle, otherwise they could endanger 
themselves and other persons, e.g. by opening 
the doors.<
Children always in rear
Accident research shows that the safest place 
for children is on the rear seat.
Children younger than 13 years of age or 
with a height under 5 ft/150 cm may only 
be transported on the 2nd row seats in child 
restraint devices which correspond to the age, 
weight and height of the child. Otherwise there 
is an increased danger of injury in an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must wear a 
safety belt as soon as a suitable child restraint 
device can no longer be used due to their age, 
weight and size.
Exception for front passenger seat
Should it be necessary to use a child 
restraint device on the front passenger 
seat, the front and side airbags on the passen-
ger side must be deactivated. Otherwise, there 
is an increased risk of injury for the child if the 
airbags are triggered, even with a child restraint 
device.<
For more information on automatic deactivation 
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page98.
Installing child restraint 
devices
Follow the child restraint device manufac-
turer's instructions for selection, installa-
tion, and use of child restraint devices. Other-
wise, the degree of protection may be 
reduced.<BMW X5: for equipment with 3rd row 
seats
*, make sure that the seat of the 2nd 
row seats on which the child restraint device is 
mounted is properly locked. Otherwise there is 
an increased risk of injury for the child in an 
accident.
Do not mount child restraint devices on the 
3rd row seats, as otherwise the protection pro-
vided by these child restraint devices may be 
reduced.<
BMW X5: before mounting a child restraint 
device in the center seat of the 2nd row seats, 
move the outer seat cushions and backrests 
into the rearmost positions.
On front passenger seat
After mounting a child restraint device on 
the front passenger seat, make sure that 
the front and side airbags on the front passen-
ger side are deactivated; otherwise, there is an 
increased risk of injury if the airbags are trig-
gered.<
Seat position
Before installing a child restraint device, move 
the passenger seat into the furthest back and 
highest
* position in order to achieve the best 
possible safety belt position. Do not change the 
seat position after this.
Backrest width*
The backrest width adjustment of the 
front passenger seat must be completely 
open. After installing the child's seat, no mem-
ory position may be called up; otherwise, the 
stability of the child's seat on the front passen-
ger seat is reduced.<
1.Open backrest width adjustment com-
pletely, refer to page45.
2.Install child's seat.
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Page 237 of 300
Mobility
 235Reference
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Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire 
makes it easier to identify and choose the right 
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 131 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of 
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in 
the tire coding: DOT ... 0809 indicates that the 
tire was manufactured in week 8 of 2009.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires 
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last 
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable 
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and 
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA 
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear 
Traction AA A B C 
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to 
Federal Safety Requirements in addition 
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating 
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested 
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded 
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as 
well on the government course as a tire graded 
100. The relative performance of tires depends 
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the 
norm due to variations in driving habits, service 
practices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are 
AA, A, B, and C. 
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop 
on wet pavement as measured under controlled 
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C 
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is 
based on straight-ahead braking traction 
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ 
Belted construction – radial
Rim diameter in inches
Carrying capacity ID-code
(not in ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in ZR tires before the R)255/55 R18109 H
e.g.
Manufacturer code 
for tire make 
Tire size and tire design 
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0809
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Page 248 of 300
Care
246
Care
Car-care products
For the cleaning and care of your vehicle, BMW 
recommends using only products that BMW 
has approved for this purpose.
Regular cleaning and care make a significant 
contribution to retaining your BMW's value.
The BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be 
happy to consult you on products and services 
for the cleaning and care of your BMW.
Genuine BMW Care Products are materi-
als tested, laboratory tested, and tested in 
actual use. They offer optimum care and pro-
tection for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleaners that contain alcohol 
or solvents; they can damage your vehi-
cle.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances 
that are dangerous or pose health risks. 
You should therefore heed the warnings and 
hazard indications on the packaging. Open the 
doors or windows on your vehicle whenever 
cleaning the interior. Make sure there is suffi-
cient ventilation in enclosed spaces. Use only 
products that are formulated for vehicle clean-
ing.<
Exterior care
Washing your vehicle
In the winter months, it is especially 
important to ensure that the vehicle is 
washed on a regular basis. Otherwise, signifi-
cant soiling and road salt can cause damage to 
the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the 
brakes briefly to dry them. Failure to do so 
may lead to a reduction in braking efficiency and 
also to corrosion of the brake rotors.<
Car washes
Give preference to cloth car washes.
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that 
it is suitable for your BMW. Pay attention to the 
following points:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to 
page269.
>If necessary, fold in exterior mirrors, refer to 
page52.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Avoid car washes with guide rail heights 
over 4 in/10 cm, otherwise there is dan-
ger of damaging chassis parts.<
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Deactivate rain sensor
* to prevent 
unwanted wiper activation.
>BMW X5: deactivate rear window wiper and 
protect it from damage. Take appropriate 
protective measures; inquiring with the car 
wash operator as needed.
>Remove add-on parts such as spoilers or 
phone antennas if they risk being damaged.
Before driving into the car wash, observe the 
following so that the vehicle is able to roll:
1.Insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock, even with comfort access.
2.Shift into transmission position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Deactivate Automatic Hold, refer to 
page62.
5.Switch off the engine.
6.Leave the remote control in the ignition lock 
so that the vehicle can roll.
Mixed tires*
Before driving into a car wash, make sure 
that the vehicle width is not too large for 
the car wash, as otherwise the vehicle and the 
car wash could be damaged.<
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Page 271 of 300
Reference 269
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Dimensions
BMW X5
All dimensions given in inches/mm. 
Smallest turning circle diam.: 42.0 ft/12.8 m
With mixed tires
* the vehicle width may exceed the specified dimension.
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Technical data
270
BMW X6
All dimensions given in inches/mm. 
Smallest turning circle diam.: 42.0 ft/12.8 m
Height with roof rack
*: 66.9 in/1,699 mm
With mixed tires
* the vehicle width may exceed the specified dimension.
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Page 282 of 300
Everything from A to Z
280 Automatic climate control in 
rear
– activating on Control 
Display112
– deactivating on Control 
Display112
Automatic closing of doors, 
refer to Automatic soft 
closing30
Automatic curb monitor53
Automatic garage door 
opener115
Automatic headlamps, refer to 
High-beam assistant104
Automatic Hold61
– activating62
– deactivating62
– parking62
Automatic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp 
control102
– refer to Daytime driving 
lamps103
– refer to Interior lamps106
– refer to Pathway lighting103
Automatic low-beams, refer to 
High-beam assistant104
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC110
Automatic Service 
Request219
Automatic soft closing30
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic64
– deactivating selector lever 
interlock65
– kick-down65
– manually releasing 
transmission lock66
– tow-starting264
– with comfort access36
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control108,113
AUX-IN connection119,183
Average fuel consumption73
– setting units80
Average speed, refer to 
Computer73Avoiding highways for 
navigation150
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms35
Axle weights, refer to 
Weights271
B
Backrest contour, refer to 
Lumbar support45
Backrests, refer to Seats44
Backrest width adjustment45
Backup lamps, replacing 
bulbs251,254
Band-aids, refer to First-aid 
kit262
Base plate for telephone or 
mobile phone, refer to Snap-
in adapter212
Bass, tone setting160
Battery
– charging258
– jump starting262
– power failure259
– refer to Vehicle battery258
Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort 
access37
– vehicle battery258
Battery for mobile phone212
Battery replacement
– remote control for DVD 
system in rear189
– remote control with comfort 
access37
Being towed263
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders119
Blower, refer to Air 
volume109,113
Bluetooth, activating/
deactivating204
BMW Advanced Diesel226
BMW Assist215
– activating217
BMW homepage4BMW maintenance 
system244
BMW Search217
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center219
BMW TeleServices216
BMW website4
Bottle holder, refer to Cup 
holders119
Brake assistant88
Brake force display97
Brake lamps
– brake force display97
– replacing bulbs251,254
Brake rotors132
Brakes
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System88
– brake assistant88
– brake force display97
– breaking-in130
– CBC Cornering Brake 
Control88
– electronic brake-force 
distribution88
– parking brake61
– refer to Braking safely132
– warning lamp13
Brake system130
– brake pads130
– breaking-in130
– disk brakes132
Braking safely132
Breakdown, Flat Tire 
Monitor92
Breakdown services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance262
Breaking-in brake pads130
Breaking-in rear axle 
differential130
Break-in period130
Brightness
– of Control Display80
– on Head-Up Display100
Button for starting engine59
Buttons on steering wheel11
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Everything from A to Z
290 Restraint systems
– for children55
– refer to Safety belts49
Retreaded tires237
Reverse
– CD changer173
– CD player173
Reverse gear, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic65
Road map152
Roadside Assistance262
Roadside assistance216
Roadside parking lamps104
Roller blinds, refer to Roller 
sun blinds118
Roller sun blinds118
Roll-up cover122
roll-up cover122
Roof load capacity271
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack135
Rope, refer to Tow-starting 
and towing263
Rotary pushbutton, refer to 
iDrive16
Route150,151
– bypassing sections151
– changing150,151
– changing criteria150
– displaying map view152
– displaying streets or towns/
cities151
– selecting150
Route instructions, refer to 
Destination guidance 
through voice 
instructions152
Route map, refer to Map 
display152
Route section, changing151
Route selection150
RSC Runflat System 
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires237Runflat System Component 
RSC, refer to Run-Flat 
Tires237
Run-flat tires237
– continuing driving with a 
damaged tire93,95
– flat tire93,95
– new wheels and tires237
– tire inflation 
pressure93,95
,229
– tire replacement237
S
Safety5
Safety belts49
– damage50
– sitting safely43
– warning lamp50
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags98
– refer to Safety belts49
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System88
– airbags98
– driving stability control 
systems88
– DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control88
– safety belts49
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat 
tires237
Satellite radio166
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow 
fitting263
SDARS, refer to Satellite 
radio166
Seat heating50,51Seats44
– adjusting44
– adjusting electrically44
– adjusting manually44
– backrest width45
– heating50,51
– in rear48
– lumbar support45
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory45
– 2nd row seats48
– shoulder support45
– sitting safely43
– storing the setting45
– thigh support44,45
– 3rd row seats49
– ventilation, refer to Active 
seat ventilation and Seat 
heating51
2nd row seats48
Securing load
– refer to Securing cargo134
– with ski bag, refer to 
Securing cargo126
Selecting new scale for 
navigation153
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic64
Selector lever lock, refer to 
Reverse gear65
Self-leveling suspension92
Service, refer to Roadside 
Assistance262
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for 
US models244
Service interval indicator, refer 
to Service requirements74
Service Request219
Service requirements74
– also refer to CBS Condition 
Based Service244
Service status220
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Page 295 of 300
Reference 293
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Transmission positions, refer 
to Automatic transmission 
with Steptronic64
Transporting children 
safely55
Transport securing device, 
refer to Securing cargo134
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tread depth236
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer71
Trip odometer71
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions269
Turn signals67
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs251,254
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR235
Units
– average fuel 
consumption80
– temperature80
Universal garage-door 
opener, refer to Integrated 
universal remote 
control115
Universal remote control115
Unlocking
– from inside30
– liftgate28
– setting behavior28
– using remote control27
– without key, refer to Comfort 
access35
Unlocking and locking doors 
using remote control27
Unlocking without key, refer to 
Comfort access35
Updating the navigation 
data140
USB audio interface183
Used batteries
– refer to Disposal258
– refer to Replacing battery37
V
Valve screw caps, refer to 
After mounting258
VCD173
Vehicle
– battery258
– breaking-in130
– loading133
– measurements, refer to 
Dimensions269
– parking60
– storing249
– weights271
Vehicle care, refer to Care246
Vehicle jack257
– jacking points257
Ventilation111
– draft-free111
– in the rear111
– rear automatic climate 
control113
– 3rd row seats112
– while stationary114
Vent outlets of automatic 
climate control107
Vents, refer to Ventilation111
Video menu174
Video playback173
Voice, refer to Destination 
guidance through voice 
instructions152
Voice activation system22
– short commands273
Voice instructions for 
navigation system152
– repeating152
– switching on/off152
– volume152
Volume160
– audio sources160
– mobile phone205
– voice instructions152
Volume balance, tone 
setting161
Volume of warning tones81
W
Warning lamps, refer to 
Indicator and warning 
lamps13
Warning messages, refer to 
Check Control77
Warning tone, volume81
Warning triangle261
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian 
models244
Washer/wiper system67
– rain sensor68
– washer fluid69
– windshield washer 
nozzles68
Washer fluid69
– capacity of the reservoir69
Water on roads, refer to 
Driving through water132
Water penetration247
Waveband for radio163
Wear indicators in tires, refer 
to Minimum tread depth236
Weather reports165
Website4
Weights271
Wheel/tire combination, refer 
to New wheels and tires237
Wheel/tire damage236
Wheelbase, refer to 
Dimensions269
Wheels and tires229
Width, refer to 
Dimensions269
Windows37
– convenience operation28
– convenience operation from 
outside29
– convenience operation with 
comfort access36
– opening, closing37
– pinch protection system38
– safety switch38
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