air suspension BMW X5 3.0I 2004 E53 Owner's Manual

5n

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

9n

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Status at time of printing

BMW pursues a policy of continuous,
ongoing development that is conceived
to ensure that our vehicles continue to
embody the highest quality and safety
standards combined with advanced,
state-of-the-art technology. In isolated
cases, the features described in this
Owner's Manual could differ from those
on your vehicle for this reason.

For your own safety

Maintenance and repair:
Advanced technology, e. g. the
use of modern materials and high-
performance electronics, requires spe-
cially adapted maintenance and repair
methods. Therefore, only have corre-
sponding work on your BMW carried
out by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
If work is carried out improperly there is
a danger of consequential damage and
the related safety risks.<

Parts and accessories:
For your own safety, use genuine
parts and accessories approved
by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Genuine
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure opti-
mum performance when installed on
your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for

damages resulting from installation of
parts and accessories not approved by
BMW.
BMW cannot test every product on the
market to determine whether it can be
used on a BMW safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its
occupants.
Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones – including
operation of any portable phone from
within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna – or trans-
ceiver equipment such as CB, walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar accessories,
may cause extensive damage to the
vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere
with the vehicle's electrical system or
affect the validity of the BMW Limited
Warranty. Refer to your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center for additional
information.<



Status at time of printing

Notes

21n

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

97n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Self-leveling suspension
*
2-axle self-leveling suspension
*
The warning lamp for the self-
leveling suspension comes on,
or the message "SELFLEVEL
SUSP.INACT" appears in the Check
Control: there is a malfunction in the
self-leveling suspension.
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If the rear
of the vehicle is visibly lower than the
front, possibly accompanied by a tilt
noticeable when you compare the left
rear with the right rear, please respond
by immediately proceeding to the near-
est BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Drive with appropriate caution in the
meantime. The vehicle has reduced
ground clearance and driving comfort
may be noticeably reduced.
Even when the position of the vehicle is
normal, have the system checked as
soon as possible when a malfunction is
indicated.
The concept Your vehicle is equipped with 2-axle
self-leveling suspension acting on both
the front and rear suspension. This sys-
tem combines automatic self-leveling,
which compensates for variations in
front-to-rear load-distribution patterns,
with a selection feature allowing drivers
to choose from among several ride-
height options.
You may choose from among the fol-
lowing ride heights:
>Normal
The standard setting is intended for
most operating conditions, including
trailer towing
>Off-Road
Increased level for more ground
clearance
>Access
Lowers vehicle for more convenient
cargo handling or easier passenger
entries and exits.
Changes in ride height are initiated
either manually, using the control but-
ton, refer to page 98, or automatically in
response to specific speeds. When the
ride height is selected manually, the
driver has the additional option of revis-
ing the ride-height selection by entering a new command during the adjustment
process.
When the vehicle is stationary, the sys-
tem executes ride-height changes in
both directions – up and down – when-
ever the doors are closed. The liftgate/
tailgate may be open. The system
raises the vehicle only when the engine
is running.
The system's automatic self-leveling
feature automatically compensates for
variations in the vehicle's load.
Frequent changes in ride height
initiated at short intervals can
overheat the compressor, causing the
system to briefly suspend active opera-
tion.<

99n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
2-axle self-leveling suspension
*
Brake Force Display
Lowering Available with ignition key in position 2.
From Standard to Access:
1. Press button 2 while traveling at less
than approx. 50 mph/80 km/h. The
system enters its preselection mode.
The preselection mode is canceled
>by pressing button 1
>automatically once the vehicle
exceeds a speed of approx.
50 mph/80 km/h or approx.
60 seconds after button 2 is
pressed
2. Reduce speed to below approx.
15 mph/25 km/h within approx.
60 seconds after pressing button 2.
When you press button 2 at
speeds below approx. 15 mph/
25 km/h the system automatically low-
ers the vehicle to the Access level.<
From Off-Road to Standard:
>Press button 2 or
>automatically once you exceed a
speed of approx. 30 mph/50 km/h.
The Brake Force Display lights up in
two stages, depending on how heavily
you brake.
The display has two levels:
>Normal braking:
The brake lamp 1 and the center
brake lamp light up
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
The brake lamps 1 and 2 light up
together with the center brake lamp.
530de400

137n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Driving your X5 On bad roads When you are driving on bad roads,
there are a few points which you should
strictly observe — for your own safety,
for that of your passengers, and for the
safety of the vehicle:
Driving on unpaved terrain can
cause damage to the vehicle.<
>Always adapt the driving speed to the
road conditions. The rougher or
steeper the road surface is, the lower
the speed should be
>You can operate your vehicle on
uphill and downhill gradients with a
maximum slope of 50 %. If you want
to drive on uphill or downhill gradi-
ents of this kind, make sure before-
hand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the max mark. Refer
to pages 148 and 150.
Use the HDC Hill Descent Control on
steep downhill gradients, refer to
page 96.
It is possible to start off on gradients
of up to 32 %.
The permitted side tilt is also 50 %
>While driving, watch carefully for
obstacles such as rocks or holes. Try
to avoid these obstacles whenever
possible
>Please note that, for example on
crests and bumpy roads, the body
can make ground contact.
The ground clearance of the vehicle
is:
– 8 in/200 mm with up to four persons
– 7 in/180 mm fully loaded, without
self-leveling suspension
>Only drive through water up to a
maximum depth of 20 in/50 cm and
only at walking speed, making sure
not to stop in the process.
After leaving the water, press on the
footbrake gently several times while
driving at a low speed. The brake
applications will help to dry the
brakes, thus preventing a reduction in
braking performance caused by the
moisture.
Back onto paved road In recommending that you observe the
following points after driving on adverse
road surfaces, it is not as a beauty
treatment for your BMW. Instead, it is
intended for the maintenance of driving
safety:
>Clean the largest accumulations of
dirt from the body and check the
underbody for damage
>Clean mud, snow, ice etc. from the
wheels and tires and check the
wheels for damage
>Check to determine whether rocks,
gravel or accumulations of dirt on the
brake rotors and calipers could influ-
ence braking performance. Remove
all such foreign objects
>In order to clean the brake rotors,
apply the footbrake gently several
times while driving at a low speed.
Be sure that following traffic is not
endangered by this
>For cleaning the handbrake, apply
the lever slightly at approx. 25 mph/
40 km/h and continue to drive for
approx. 200 yards/200 meters, pro-
vided that traffic conditions allow you
to do so.

138n
General driving notesHot exhaust system
Extreme temperatures occur at
the catalytic converter on this and
every catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not
remove the heat shields installed adja-
cent to various sections of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating
to them. When driving, standing at idle
and while parking take care to avoid
possible contact between a hot exhaust
system and any highly flammable mate-
rials such as hay, leaves, grass etc.
Such contact could lead to a fire, and
with it the risk of serious property dam-
age as well as personal injury.<
Parking vehicle Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of
condensed water under the vehicle are
thus normal.Brakes
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
excessively high temperatures, brake
wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Road hazards
If road hazards, obstacles or
curbs are unavoidable, only drive
over them very slowly and carefully, as
otherwise the wheels and suspension
parts, especially on vehicles fitted with
low profile tires, can be damaged.<
For more information on wheels and
tires, refer to page 143.
Before driving into a car washFold in the door mirrors, refer to
page 54, as otherwise they could be
damaged due to the width of the vehi-
cle.Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy
roads, reduce road speed. If you
do not, a wedge of water can form
between tires and road surface. This
state can cause a partial or total loss of
contact with the road surface, of brak-
ing control and of control over the vehi-
cle.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on
the road if it is deeper than 20 in/
50 cm, and then only at walking speed
at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<

Everything from A to Z
189n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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

Everything from A to Z
193n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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

Everything from A to ZTemperature
air conditioner 107
automatic climate
control 111
Temperature display
ice warning 75
outside
temperature 75, 82
setting the units 75, 82
Temperature gauge, engine
oil 77
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 73
Thigh support adjustment 45
Third brake lamp
bulb replacement 162
refer to Center brake
lamp 162
Three-point seat belt, refer
to Safety belts 49
Tilt alarm sensor
remote control 31
switching off 39
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror 51
Time of arrival 89
Timer, refer to Stopwatch 85
Tire Identification
Number 142
Tire inflation pressure 140
Tire Quality Grading 142Tires
age 142
breaking-in 136
changing 142, 144, 163
condition 143
damage 143
flat 163
inflation pressure 140
size 142
storage 145
tread 143
wear indicators, refer to
Tire tread 143
winter tires 145
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit 158
Torque
lug bolts 168
refer to Engine
specifications 178
Tow fittings 173
Tow sockets for tow
fitting 173
Towing 173, 174
with automatic
transmission 174
Tow-starting 173
Track width, refer to
Dimensions 179Transmission
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 67
manual transmission 66
Transmission fault, refer to
Electronic transmission
control module 69
Transmission lockout, refer
to P Park 68
Transporting children
safely 59
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 143
Tread wear 142
Trip odometer 75
Trip-distance counter, refer
to Trip odometer 75
Trunk lamps, refer to Cargo
area lamps 105
Trunk lid, refer to
Liftgate 35
Tailgate 36
Trunk, refer to Cargo
area 124
Turn signals 70
bulb
replacement 160, 161
indicator lamp 22
Turn signals, side 160
bulb replacement 160Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 179
TV function, refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Two-axle self-leveling
suspension
display 98
lowering 99
raising 98
U
Underbody protection, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 142
Units, temperature 75, 111
Universal garage door
control 116
Universal remote control 116
Unlocking
engine hood 146
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Using antifreeze 148, 150