oil level BMW X5 3.0I 2004 E53 Owner's Manual

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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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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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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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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

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Check Control >CHECK BRAKE FLUID
Level has dropped approx. to mini-
mum. Have the brake fluid topped up
as soon as possible, refer to
page 151. Have the reason for the
brake fluid loss eliminated by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
>DSC/4x4 INACTIVE
DSC and/or 4-wheel drive system
xDrive has failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC
and/or the 4-wheel drive system
xDrive are no longer available. Drive
may then only be carried out via the
rear axle.
Have the system checked at the
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.
For additional information, refer to
page 95
>SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT
*
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center
>SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT*
MAX. 35 MPH/MAX. 60 KM/H
*
These messages are displayed con-
secutively.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
35 mph/60 km/h.
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center>TRANSMISS'N OVERHEAT
*
Reduce speed immediately and stop
at a suitable location so that the sys-
tem can cool down again. Please
contact the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center
>LIMIT
*
Display when the programmed road-
speed limit is exceeded, refer to
page 87.
Priority 2
These displays appear for 20 seconds
as of ignition key position 2. The warn-
ing symbols remain after the message
disappears. You can open the mes-
sages again for display by pressing the
CHECK button.
>TRUNKLID OPEN
This message only appears when
starting off
>DOOR OPEN
This message appears after a mini-
mal defined road speed has been
exceeded
>FASTEN SEAT BELTS
*
In addition, the indicator lamp with
the belt symbol lights up and an
acoustic signal sounds
>WASHER FLUID LOW
Too low, top up at the next opportu-
nity, refer to page 148>CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
The oil level is at the absolute mini-
mum point. Therefore, have the
engine oil topped up as soon as pos-
sible, refer to page 148. Until then,
do not drive more than approx.
30 miles/50 km
>CHECK GAS CAP
Check to see whether the fuel filler
cap has been closed properly, refer
to page 25
>OUTSIDE TEMP. +237/–56
This display is only an example. The
current temperature is displayed at
outside temperatures of +37.57/
+36 and below, refer also to
page 75
>CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS
A lamp has failed or the electrical
circuit has a fault, refer to page 161
or consult a BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center
>CHECK LOWBEAM LIGHTS
CHECK SIDE LIGHTS
CHECK REAR LIGHTS
CHECK FRONT FOGLAMPS
CHECK LICPLATE LIGHT
CHECK HIGHBEAM LIGHT
CHECK BACK UP LIGHTS
The respective lamp may have failed
or the electrical circuit may be defec-

Maintenance
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OverviewControlsRepairsDataIndex
Check Controltive, refer to page 159 or consult a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
>TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG
*
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center, refer
to page 69
>CHECK BRAKE LININGS
Have the brake pads inspected by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center, refer to page 139
>CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
Coolant too low, top off at the next
opportunity, refer to page 150
>ENGINE FAILSAFE PROG
Fault in the engine electronics.
You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine
speed.
Please have the system inspected by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center.
Displays after completion of trip All of the malfunctions registered during
the trip appear consecutively when the
ignition key is turned to position 0.
The following displays will appear when
appropriate:
>LIGHTS ON
>KEY IN IGNITION LOCK >CHECK ENGINE OIL LEV
Top up engine oil at the next opportu-
nity, e.g. while refueling, refer to
page 148.
This display appears when you open
the driver's door after parking the vehi-
cle. A supplementary acoustic signal is
also heard.
Status messages remain available with
the CHECK button 3 for a period of
approx. three minutes after the display
goes out and the key is removed from
the ignition lock. If there were multiple
messages, press the CHECK button
repeatedly to view them all in
sequence.
Checking Check Control Press the CHECK button 3 with the
ignition key in position 2:
"CHECK CONTROL OK" appears in the
display.
No malfunctions are present in the
monitored systems. Computer You can find a description of the com-
puter on pages 82 and 87 as well as in
the Owner's Manual for Onboard Com-
puter.You can have the Check Control
and computer messages dis-
played in a different language.<

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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.

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Replacing wheels/tires Snow chains
*
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use
only wheel and tire combinations
that BMW has tested and approved for
your particular vehicle. Variations in
factors such as manufacturing toler-
ances mean that even wheels and tires
with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than
the approved units – these differences
could lead to body contact, and with it
the risk of severe accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. After a flat tire, always remem-
ber to have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Special features of winter tires BMW recommends winter tires for use
in cold winter driving conditions.
Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than summer
tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather perfor-
mance as winter tires.
When switching to winter tires, observe
the description under Tire condition,
page 143, and Replacing wheels/tires.
Observing speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated. Unprofessional attempts by
laymen to service tires can lead to dam-
age and accidents. Have this work per-
formed by skilled professionals only.
The technicians at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center will be glad to
assist you with the required profes-
sional knowledge and specialized
equipment. place, protecting them against light
whenever possible. Always protect tires
against all contact with oil, grease and
fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressure indicated on the side wall
of the tire.
Only certain snow chains have been
tested by BMW and classified and
approved as safe. Consult your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center for
details. BMW recommends only using
these approved, narrow-link snow
chains. Use is only permitted in pairs on
the rear wheels with the following tire
sizes:
X5 4.8is: 255/55 R 18
All other models: 235/65 R 17
Observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions when installing snow chains.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
30 mph/50 km/h.
After mounting snow chains, do
not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
When you are driving with snow chains,
it can be beneficial to switch off DSC
briefly, refer to page 95.<

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Washer fluid Engine oilWindshield and headlamp washer
system Approximate capacity is 8.2 quarts/
7.8 liters.
Fill with water and — if required — with
the addition of a washer antifreeze,
according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agent for the washer
systems is inflammable. For this
reason, keep it away from sources of
flame and store it only in its original
containers. Store it so that it is inacces-
sible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.< 530de298
Checking oil level 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
4. Push the dipstick carefully all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again
5. The oil level should be in between
the two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions. 530us100
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts/1 liter. Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.
X5 4.8is:
With a very sporty driving style, the
engine oil level should be at the upper
mark on the dipstick.530us205

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Engine oil Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, any skin areas
that come into contact with oil should
be thoroughly washed with soap and
water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.< 530de326
Specified engine oils The quality of the engine oil selected
has critical significance for the opera-
tion and service life of an engine.
Based on extensive testing, BMW has
approved only certain engine oils.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, you can add
small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Use only oils with
the API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center for details concern-
ing the specific BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils
which have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this web-
site: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this
information.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without additives, and
their use could even lead to damage in
some cases.<
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you typically drive your
BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.