automatic transmission BMW X5 2009 E70 User Guide

Controls
71Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The transmission automatically shifts into
park if you release the driver's safety belt
and open the driver's door with the engine run-
ning while in re verse or drive.
The picture from the rear view camera
* and
PDC Park Distance Control
* on the Control
Display is hidden. <
R Reverse
Select only with the vehicle stationary.
An interlock prevents inadvertent gearshifts
into transmission position R. To deactivate the
interlock, press the release button 1.
P Park
Select only with the vehicle 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 page 65.<
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
page 66. After approx. 30 minutes P is auto-
matically engaged. <
D Drive, automatic position
Position for normal vehi cle 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 accelerato r pedal beyond the
increased resistance at full throttle.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Press selector lever out of transmission
position D toward the left:
The sport program is activated and DS is
displayed in the instru ment cluster; in the
BMW X6, S1 through S6 are displayed. This
position is recommend ed 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 func tion again, press the
selector lever to the right into position D.
BMW X6: changing gears using shifting
paddles on steering wheel
The shifting paddles make it possible to quickly
change gears since both hands can remain on
the steering wheel.
> In automatic mode D, if you shift using the
shifting paddles on the steering wheel, then
the system switches into manual mode.
> If, after a certain amount of time, you neither
shift with the shifting paddles nor acceler-
ate, then the system switches back into
automatic mode D.
With the transmission position M/S
selected, the manual mode remains
active.<

Driving
72
>
Upshifting: pull on one of the shifting pad-
dles, arrows +.
> Downshifting: press on one of the shifting
paddles, arrows –.
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.
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 rele ased, 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 sh ould only be released
for towing. Reengage th e transmission lock
after parking the vehicle at its destination.
If it also becomes ne cessary to manually
release the parking brake, follow this sequence:
1. Secure the vehicle against rolling.
2. Manually release the parking brake, refer to
page 69.
3. Manually releas e the transmission lock of
the automatic transmission.
Releasing
1. Slide back the cover of the cup holder and
remove the floor mat on the bar between
the cup holders, arrow 1.
2. Open the cover in th e bottom of the cup
holder with the rele asing tool from the
onboard tool kit, page 269, refer to arrow 2.
3. If necessary, unlock the lock
* with the inte-
grated key of the remote control, refer to
page 28, and remove it.
4. Insert the releasing tool into the opening,
arrow 3.
5. Turn the releasing tool as far as possible,
arrow 4, and then press downward and
leave it in. The transmission lock is
released.
Engage the transmission lock after park-
ing the vehicle at its destination. Other-
wise there is a danger of the vehicle rolling.<

Driving
76
One lever for all functions
1Storing speed and main taining or increas-
ing
2 Storing speed and maintaining or decreas-
ing
3 Deactivating cruise control
4 Resuming stored speed
Maintaining current speed
Briefly press, arrow 1, or briefly pull, arrow 2
lever.
The speed currently being driven is stored and
maintained. It is indica ted 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 leve r up to or beyond the
resistance point, arrow 1, 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.
Accelerating with lever
Accelerate slightly:
Press the lever up to the resistance point,
arrow 1, until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerate more rapidly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point,
arrow 1, until the desired speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. The system stores the
setting and maintains the set speed.
Reducing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever up to the resistance
point or beyond, arrow 2, until the desired
speed is displayed.
> Each time the lever is pulled up to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed decreases
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
> Each time the lever is pulled beyond the
resistance point, the desired speed is
decreased by a maximum of 5 mph or
10 km/h until the minimum speed of
20 mph or 30 km/h is reached.
The system stores the setting and maintains
the set speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Briefly press the leve r up or down, arrow3.
The displays in the speedometer go out.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
> when braking
> when transmission position N is engaged
> when DTC is activate d or DSC is deacti-
vated
> when HDC is activated
> when the parking brake is set
> when driving stability control systems inter-
vene

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
98
Press the BC button on the turn signal lever
repeatedly until the disp
lay appears, refer to
arrow.
The drive train and wheels are schematically
depicted.
Bar graphs show the cu rrent distribution of
drive torque. The longer an illuminated bar is,
the greater the drive torq ue in the related wheel.
Malfunction
If xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control are
malfunctioning, the instrument panel display
appears in gray.
HDC Hill Descent Control
The concept
HDC is a system for driving downhill in steep
terrain. This system reduces vehicle speed on
steep downhill gradients, thus allowing you to
maintain even better control of your BMW
under these conditions. The vehicle moves at
approximately walking speed without active
intervention from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds
below approx. 22 mph/35 km/h. When driving
down steep hills with a speed below approx.
22 mph/35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed
automatically down to approximately walking
speed, approx. 5 mph/8 km/h, and then main-
tains this speed at a constant.
Only use HDC in transmission positions D or R.
Increasing or reducing speed
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary
this automatically cont rolled speed within a
range extending from approx. 4 mph/6 km/h to 15 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target
speed within the same
range by using the lever of the cruise control.
With downhill grade over 10 Ξ you can reduce
the speed to approx. 3mph/4km/h. Pull the
lever of the cruise control beyond the resis-
tance point, arrow 3.
1 Increasing speed
2 Pull to the resistance point:
Reduce speed to approx. 4 mph/6 km/h
3 Pull beyond the re sistance point:
With downhill grade over 10 Ξ, reduce
speed to approx. 3 mph/4 km/h.
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED lights up.
The HDC display is shown in the instrument
panel.
The LED flashes when the brakes are applied
automatically.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again. The LED and the HDC
display go out.
HDC is automatically deactivated at speeds
over approx. 37 mph/60 km/h.

Things to remember when driving
140
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contac
t between the tires and
the road surface, ultima tely undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle. <
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, also refer to Mini-
mum tread depth on page 255.
Driving through water
Maximum water depth:
>BMW X5 20 in/50 cm
> BMW X6 17 in/45 cm
Only drive through water up to the above-
mentioned depth at no greater than walk-
ing speed; otherwise, the engine, electrical sys-
tem, and transmission can be damaged. <
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal, combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits, indicate that
ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain,
briefly exert gentle pre ssure on the brake pedal
every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear in which the least br
aking is required. Even
light but consistent pressure on the brake pedal
can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and
possibly even brake failure. <
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting in the manual mode
of the automatic transmis sion, if necessary into
first gear, refer to page 71. This prevents an
excessive strain on the brakes.
Do not drive in idle or with the engine
stopped, otherwise there will be no
engine braking action or support of the braking
force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation. <
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in op erating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminan ts accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to re spond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic climate
control system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page 57,
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
Release the parking brake, particularly when
you have activated Auto matic Hold, refer to
page 67.

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
179Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
To change the selection criterion:
1.Change into the second field from the top.
2. Select the selection criterion and press the
controller.
Sampling stations, scan
The system automatically plays a brief sample
from each of the stations on the current wave-
band.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
"Set" is selected.
2. Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3. Select "Scan" and press the controller.
The stations are sampled.
To end sampling:
1. Press the controller.
2. Select "Scan" and press the controller.
This cancels sampling of the stations, and the
radio remains on the current station.
Buttons on CD player
To sample the stations, press and hold the button for the corresponding direction.
To end scanning, press the button again.
Selecting frequency manually
With "Manual" you can se lect stations that can
be received in additi on to those displayed.
1. Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2. Change into the second field from the top.
3. Select "Manual" and press the controller.
4. Turn the controller to set a certain fre-
quency.
Updating stations with best reception
If you are on a longer journey and leave the
transmission range of the stations originally set,
you can update the list of stations in the AM
range with the best reception.
1.Select "AM" and pr ess the controller.
2. Change into the second field from the top.
3. Select "Autostore" and press the controller.
"Set" is selected.
4. Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.

Refueling
246
In order to be able to start the engine in the
usual way, there must be a sufficient supply of
diesel exhaust fluid in the separate reservoir.
System heating
In order to bring the system to operating tem-
perature after a cold start of the engine, the
automatic transmission
shifts into the next
higher gear at a later point.
Reserve display
A display in the instrument panel informs you
about the remaining distance can be covered
with the amount of fuel currently in the tank.
The reserve display appears approx.
1,000 miles/1,600 km before the end of the
tank.
As soon as the reserve display has
appeared in the inst rument panel, have
the diesel exhaust fluid refilled to prevent the
engine from being unable to restart. <
Diesel exhaust fluid at minimum
Even with a display of -- mls, the engine will
continue to run, provided that it is not switched
off, and all other operating requirements are
met, e.g. sufficient fuel. Do not drive until the displayed remaining
distance runs out. Otherwise, it may not
be possible to restart the engine. <
Incorrect fueling
The warning lamp lights up:
The reservoir has been filled with an
incorrect fluid.
Please contact your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center.
Have diesel exhaust fluid refilled
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center refills
the diesel exhaust fluid as part of the regular
maintenance. If you adhe re to this maintenance
schedule, it is usually no t necessary to refill any
fluids between the maintenance dates.
Under certain circumstances, e.g. due to a par-
ticularly sporty driving st yle or operation of the
vehicle at high altitudes, it may be necessary to
refill fluids betwee n maintenance dates.
As soon as the reserve display has appeared in
the instrument panel, have the diesel exhaust
fluid refilled to prevent the engine from being
unable to restart.
You can have the fluid refilled by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.
Diesel exhaust fluid at low
temperatures
Due to its physical properties, at temper-
atures below +23 7/–5 6, it may also be
necessary to refill the diesel exhaust fluid
between the regular maintenance dates.
If the fluid needs to be re filled, this will be indi-
cated with the reserve display in the instrument
panel, refer to page 246.<

Mobility
265Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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 retain ing 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 formul ated 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 th em. 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
page 287.
> If necessary: fold in door mirror, refer to
page 57.
> Maximum permissible tire width.
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 additional add- on parts, e.g. spoil-
ers or phone antennas, if they could be
damaged.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
Before driving into the car wash, observe the
following so that the vehicle is able to roll:
1. Insert the remote cont rol 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
page 68.
5. Switch off the engine.
6. Leave the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.

Giving and receiving assistance
282
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page65, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield
wipers would not be available. When the engine
is stopped, there is no power assist. This then
requires increased effort for braking and steer-
ing. Active steering is deactivated and larger
steering wheel movements are required.<
Switch on the hazard wa rning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Before towing, manua lly unlock the trans-
mission lock, refer to page 72; failure to
do so can result in damage to the transmis-
sion. <
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged. <
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result. <
In some countries, towi ng with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regu lations on towing in the
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it
will not be possible to reliably control vehicle
response. <
The tow fittings used sh ould be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, observe the following:
> Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways. Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage. <
With tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Only attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehi cle parts can lead to
damage. <
With tow truck
Do not tow your BMW with the front or
rear axle raised indi vidually; otherwise,
the wheels may lock and the transfer case may
be damaged. <
Have the BMW transported only on a flatbed
surface.
Tow-starting
The engine cannot be started by tow-starting.
Start the engine by jump starting it, refer to
page 280.
Have the cause of the st arting difficulties elimi-
nated.

Reference 297
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Ashtray
– front128
– rear 129
Assist 235
– refer to separate operating
instructions
Assistance systems, refer to Driving stability control
systems 96
Assistance window 20
"Assist profile" 241
"Assist. window off" 21
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control 117
"Audio" 177,181
– for DVD system in rear 216
Audio 174
– controls 174
– switching on/off 174
– tone control 175
– volume 175
Audio CD for DVD system in
rear 210
Audio device, external 127
Automatic
– air distribution 115,120
– air volume 115,120
– BMW Teleservice call 237
– headlamp control 110
– liftgate operation 34,37
– steering wheel adjustment,
refer to Easy entry/exit 58
– storing stations 179
Automatic car washes 140
Automatic climate control
– automatic air distribution 115,120
– in rear 119
– in rear, activating on Control Display 120
– switching off 118,120
– ventilation in rear 119
– with 2-zone control 115
– with 4-zone control 119
Automatic closing of doors, refer to Automatic soft
closing 33 Automatic curb monitor
58
Automatic garage door
opener 123
Automatic Hold 67
– activating 68
– deactivating 68
– parking 68
Auto

matic lighting
– refer to Automatic headlamp control 110
– refer to Daytime driving
lamps 111
– refer to Interior lamps 113
– refer to Pathway lighting 111
"Automatic programs" 116
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 117
Automatic soft closing 33
Automatic station search 179
Automatic transmission with Steptronic 70
– deactivating selector lever
interlock 71
– kick-down 71
– manually releasing
transmission lock 72
– tow-starting 282
– with comfort access 40
"Automatic ventilation" 121
AUTO program for automatic climate control 115,120
"Auto Request" 237
"Autostore"
– on the radio 180
"AUX" 175,200 ,202
– AUX-In connection 200
– for DVD system in rear 215
– USB audio interface 201
"AUX / Rear" 206
AUX-In connection 127,200
Average fuel consumption 80
– setting units 89
Average speed, refer to
Computer 80
"Avoid ferries" in navigation 161
"Avoid highways" in navigation 160 Avoiding highways for
navigation 160
Avoiding unintentional alarms 39
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation 161
Axle weights, refer to Weights 289
"A - Z" 228
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support 50
Backrests, refer to Seats 49
Backrest width adjustment 50
Backup lamps, replacing bulbs 270,273
Balance, refer to Tone
control 176
"Balance" for DVD system in rear 209
Band-aids, refer to First-aid kit 279
Bass, refer to Tone
control 175
Battery
– charging 277
– jump starting 280
– power failure 278
– refer to Vehicle battery 277
Battery disposal
– remote control with comfort access 41
– vehicle battery 277
Battery replacement
– remote control for DVD
system in rear 206
– remote control with comfort access 41
Being towed 282
Belts, refer to Safety belts 54
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders 127
Blower, refer to Air volume 116,120
BMW Advanced Diesel 245