ECU BMW X5 3.0I 2005 E53 User Guide

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Airbags Transporting children safely Operational readiness of airbag
system
As of ignition key position 1, the
warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up for a short time,
thus indicating the operational readi-
ness of the entire airbag system and the
safety belt tensioners.
Airbag system malfunction
A fault has occurred in the air-
bag system:
>Warning lamp does not light up as of
ignition key position 1
>Warning lamp lights up permanently.
Have the airbag system checked
immediately if a malfunction
occurs, as otherwise there is a danger
of the system failing to respond in the
expected manner to an impact occur-
ring within its normal response range.<
The right place for children Children always in the rear:
Accident research shows that the saf-
est place for children in a vehicle is in
the rear seat.
Older children should be tightly secured
with a safety belt, after they have out-
grown a booster seat that is appropriate
for their age, height and weight.
If your vehicle is equipped with
rear side airbags, do not allow
children to lean towards the door trim,
as serious injuries could occur if the
side airbags were deployed and chil-
dren are too close to the airbags.<
Deactivate rear side airbags:
Labels in the rear door opening should
indicate the status of your rear seat side
airbags. If you are uncertain of their sta-
tus, or wish to have the airbags acti-
vated or deactivated, please contact
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter.
Child-restraint systems in the rear
Children under 13 years of age
and children less than 5 ft/150 cm
tall should always ride in the rear and
the restraint systems should be prop-
erly restraint.<
Younger children should be secured in
an appropriate child-restraint system
that has been first properly secured to
the vehicle.
All rear sitting positions in your vehi-
cle meet the recommendations of
SAE J1819, an industry-recommended
practice for securing child-restraint sys-
tems in motor vehicles.
Exception for front passenger
seat
Should it become necessary to
use a child-restraint system on the
front passenger seat, the front passen-
ger airbags must be deactivated. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center will
be happy to advise you on this sub-
ject.<

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Transporting children safely
Never install a rearward-facing
child-restraint system in the front
passenger seat of this vehicle if the
passenger airbag is not deactivated. If
you do so, the child could be severely
injured or killed when the airbag is trig-
gered. Your vehicle is equipped with an
airbag supplemental restraint system
for the front passenger. Because the
backrest on any rearward-facing child-
restraint system – of the kind designed
for infants under 1 year and 20 Ibs./9 kg
– would be within the airbag's deploy-
ment range, you should never mount
such a system in the front passenger
seat, since the impact of the airbag
against the child restraint's backrest
could lead to serious injuries.<
Installing child-restraint systemsBefore installing any child-restraint sys-
tem or child seat, read the following:
Observe the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions when
selecting, installing and using the child-
restraint systems. Otherwise the degree
of protection can be reduced. After an
accident, have all parts of the child-
restraint system and of the relevant
vehicle safety belt system checked by a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center and
replaced if necessary.<
Commercially-available child-restraint
systems are designed to be secured
with a lap belt or with the lap belt por-
tion of a combination lap/shoulder belt.
Improperly or inadequately installed
restraint systems can increase the risk
of injury to children. Always read and
follow the instructions that come with
the system.
Child-restraint system securityAll of the rear belt retractors and the
front passenger's safety belt can be
locked for mounting and securing child-
restraint systems.
Information regarding this is located
near the buckle latch of each safety
belt. Locking safety beltPull the entire length of the belt from
the belt retractor. Allow the reel to
retract the belt somewhat and engage
the buckle, then tighten the belt against
the child-restraint system. The retrac-
tion mechanism is now locked.530us104

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Transporting children safelyUnlocking safety belt Unlock the safety belt, remove the
child-restraint device and allow the belt
retractor to reel the belt completely in.
Child-restraint system with
tether strapIf you use a child-restraint system with
a tether strap, three additional tether
anchorage points have been provided,
refer to the arrows in the illustration.
Depending on the location selected
for seating in the rear passenger area,
attach the tether strap to the corre-
sponding anchorage point to secure the
child-restraint system, as shown in the
illustration below. 530us037
Each sitting position is fitted with a
head restraint.
The figure shows the fastening of the
tether strap in the outer seating posi-
tions.530ue257

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
M/S manual operation and
Sport Program Shift selector lever from position D
toward the left into the shifting slot M/S:
the Sport Program is activated and D S
appears in the instrument cluster. This
position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style.
When you briefly press the selector
lever in the + or – direction, manual
operation is activated and Steptronic
changes the gear The following appears
in the instrument cluster depending on
the model
>1 to 5 or 1 to 6
>M1 to M5 or M1 to M6. 530de264
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
gear selected will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster followed by the cur-
rent gear.
In order to go back to using automatic,
move the selector lever toward the right
into position D.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up or
the message TRANS.FAILSAFE
PROG appears in the Check
Control. A malfunction has occurred in
the transmission system. Avoid heavy
loads.
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to P. Set the
handbrake and switch the engine off,
ignition key to position 0.
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission per-
formance has been restored. You may
continue to drive as usual. If the indica-
tor lamp does not go out, you can place
the selector lever in all positions. How-
ever, the vehicle will now only drive for-
ward with limited gear selection.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Information on jump starting, tow-start-
ing and towing begins on page171.

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Check Control Graphic display
*
The following alerts or status messages
are displayed with icons as of ignition
key position 2 until the defects are cor-
rected:
1 Check low beams
2 Add washer fluid, goes out after
approx. 1 minute
3Door open
4 Tailgate open
5 Check brake and tail lamps. A defec-
tive center brake lamp is indicated by
the upper symbol.
When you open the door after stopping,
a warning signal sounds without a
visual indicator for:
>LIGHTS ON
>KEY IN IGNITION LOCK. 390de121
Alphanumeric display
*
Text messages are used to alert the
driver to system malfunctions as of igni-
tion key position 2. The alert is accom-
panied by an acoustic signal.
1 Status messages symbol
2Display
3CHECK button
Messages concerning system faults are
differentiated based on two priorities: 530de254
Priority 1
These defects are immediately indi-
cated by an acoustic signal and a flash-
ing warning symbol 1. Simultaneous
defects will be displayed consecutively.
These status messages remain in the
display until the defects are corrected.
They cannot be deleted by pressing the
CHECK button 3:
>RELEASE PARKINGBRAKE
>COOLANT TEMPERATURE
Temperature too high. Stop the vehi-
cle immediately and switch off the
engine, refer to pages79 and152
>STOP! ENGINE OILPRESS
Oil pressure too low. Stop the vehicle
immediately and switch off the
engine, refer to pages19, 150

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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
page153. Have the reason for the
brake fluid loss eliminated by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center
>DSC/4x4 INACTIVE
DSC and/or four-wheel drive system
xDrive has failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC
and/or the four-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
page97
>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
page88.
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 minimal
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 page150>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 page150. 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 page25
>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
page76
>CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS
A lamp has failed or the electrical cir-
cuit has a fault, refer to page161 or
consult a BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle 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-
tive, refer to page159 or consult a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center

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Check Control Computer>TRANS. FAILSAFE PROG
*
Please consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center, refer to
page69
>CHECK BRAKE LININGS
Have the brake pads inspected by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center, refer to page140
>CHECK COOLANT LEVEL
Coolant too low, top off at the next
opportunity, refer to page152
>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 oppor-
tunity, e.g. while refueling, refer to
page150. 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 pages82 and88 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.<
Mode selection As of ignition key position 1, you can
call up information from the computer
using the computer button in the turn
signal lever.
A new function appears each time you
briefly press the computer button.
The display sequence:
>Outside temperature
>Average fuel consumption
>Cruising range
>Average speed.
As of ignition key position 1, the last
active setting is displayed.
The range of available displays varies
according to your individual vehicle's
equipment.530de228

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2-axle self-leveling suspension
*
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 100, 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 tailgate/
liftgate may be open. The system raises
the vehicle only when the engine is run-
ning.
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.<
Self-leveling suspension display 1 Off-Road
2Standard
3 Access
The LEDs not only show the current ride
height, but also indicate changes:
>LED on: indicates the vehicle's cur-
rent ride height
>Ride-height LED flashes while the
LED for the earlier level remains on:
the ride height is being adjusted to a
new level, either automatically or in
response to driver input at the button.
When the suspension reaches the new
ride height the flashing LED reverts to
continuous operation, and the LED for
the earlier level goes out530de218

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Ski bag
*
Securing load After loading, secure the ski bag and its
contents. To do so, tighten the retaining
belt at the buckle.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If
you fail to do so, it could endanger
occupants during braking or evasive
maneuvers.<
When stowing the ski bag, proceed in
the reverse order from loading.530de284
If the cover in the cargo area is
concealed by the pull-out cargo
floor, do not fold the larger rear back-
rest down. If you do so, it will damage
the cover.<

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Cargo area Folding rear backrests down Reach into the recess and pull forward,
refer to arrow.
When you fold back the backrest,
be sure that the catch engages
securely. The red warning indicator dis-
appears in the recess when the catch is
engaged.
The center safety belt can be retracted
only when the larger backrest is
engaged.< 530de285
Roll-up cover Pull out the roll-up cover and hook it
into the brackets at the rear.
You can carry light objects such as
items of clothing on the roll-up cover.
Do not place heavy or hard
objects on the roll-up cover. If you
do so, they could already pose a dan-
ger to vehicle occupants during braking
or evasive maneuvers.
Do not allow the roll-up cover to snap
back, as otherwise it could be dam-
aged.<530de348
Removing roll-up cover1. Unlock the case with the button,
refer to arrow 1, lift it out of the
bracket on the side and hold it in
place on the opposite side with the
other hand
2. Then push the case toward the side
window, refer to arrow 2. This pulls it
out of the second bracket and it can
be removed.InstallationLay the case in the two side brackets
and then press down until it engages.530de349