warning light BMW X5 3.0I 2005 E53 User Guide

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
PDC Park Distance Control
*
The concept PDC provides extra safety and conve-
nience during parking maneuvers. Sig-
nal tones indicate the current distance
to an object behind or in front of your
vehicle. To do this, four ultrasonic sen-
sors in the front and rear bumpers each
measure the distance to the nearest
object. The detection range of the front
sensors and the two sensors located at
the ends of the rear bumper is approx.
2 ft/60 cm, while the rear center sen-
sors can detect objects to a distance
of approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can
indicate objects when they are
approached slowly, as is usually the
case when parking. Avoid approaching
objects too fast, otherwise the system
may give warning of physical obstacles
too late.<
Automatic operationThe system starts to operate automati-
cally approx. one second after you
select reverse or move the selector
lever into the R position with the ignition
key in position 2. Wait this short period
before backing up. The system
switches off when you shift back out
of reverse.
Manual activation Press the button, the indicator lamp
lights up. Manual deactivation Press the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.Automatic deactivationAfter driving a distance of more than
approx. 160 ft/50 m or exceeding a
speed of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the
system switches off and the indicator
lamp goes out. You may switch the sys-
tem on again manually as needed. 530de418

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DSC Dynamic Stability ControlSwitching DSC offPress the button; the indicator lamp
comes on and stays on.
Stabilizing interventions of the chassis
control system DSC are no longer avail-
able. However, the braking interven-
tions that simulate the function of the
differential lock continue to be active.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to switch off
the DSC for a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle and starting
off in deep snow or on loose road
surfaces
>On sandy road surfaces
>On poor surfaces with deep ruts 530de414
>If the wheels churn on muddy sur-
faces
>When driving with snow chains.
As a result of the braking inter-
ventions, the brakes may be sub-
jected to additional loads when the sys-
tem is switched off. In order to limit the
brake temperature, brief automatic
masking of the brake activation is pos-
sible.
To maintain vehicle stability, always
drive with the system switched on when
possible.<
Switching DSC on Press the button a second time – the
indicator lamp goes out. DSC is now
activated.MalfunctionPlease be sure to observe the informa-
tion on the DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol/xDrive warning lamp on page 22
and on the possible lamp combinations
that can light up on page 20.530de414

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xDrive HDC Hill Descent Control xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of
your X5. The combined effects of xDrive
and DSC further optimize the traction
and dynamic driving characteristics.
The 4-wheel drive system xDrive vari-
ably distributes the drive torque to the
front and rear axle depending on the
driving situation and prevailing road
conditions.MalfunctionPlease be sure to observe the informa-
tion on the DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol/xDrive warning lamp on page 22
and on the possible lamp combinations
that can light up on page 20.
The concept HDC is a system for driving downhill in
steep terrain. This system reduces vehi-
cle speed on steep downhill gradients,
thus allowing you to maintain even bet-
ter control of your BMW under these
conditions.
The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active interven-
tion from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehi-
cle speeds below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h. When driving down steep hills
with a speed below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed
automatically down to slightly more
than walking speed, approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h, and then maintains this speed
at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes
to vary this automatically controlled
speed within a range extending from
approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to 15 mph/
25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within
the same range by using the +/– but-
tons of the cruise control.
HDC is automatically deactivated once
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.
35 mph/60 km/h.
Activating system Press the button, the indicator lamp
lights up.
The indicator lamp flashes when the
brakes are applied automatically. Deactivating system Press the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
HDC is deactivated automatically above
a road speed of approx. 35 mph/
60 km/h and when the ignition is
switched off. 530de416

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HDC Hill Descent Control Self-leveling suspension
*
Using HDC With manual transmission:
Use HDC in first gear and in Reverse
since the engine's braking effect is
diminished in the higher gears.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in every drive posi-
tion. In case of a malfunction If the warning lamp in the button goes
out during HDC operation or does not
light up when the HDC is activated:
HDC is temporarily not available as
brake temperature is too high. 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.

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Flat Tire MonitorInitializing system
Perform the initialization immedi-
ately every time you correct the
inflation pressure, change a tire or
change a wheel or all wheels. A drive
is required for this purpose.<
1. Before the start of driving, start the
engine, but do not drive off
2. Press the button until the yellow indi-
cator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up for a few seconds
3. Drive off.
It takes a few minutes of driving before
the Flat Tire Monitor can detect and
report a flat tire.
When driving with snow chains,
do not initialize the system.<
530de419
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up yel-
low. There is a flat tire or exten-
sive inflation pressure loss.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2. Identify damaged tire
If identification is not possible,
contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.<
3. Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Wheel changes on page 163.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Parking lamps/side marker lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on. You can
use the parking lamps for park-
ing. For lighting on one side for parking
as an additional feature, refer to
page104.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off
and the low beams are on, only
the parking lamps/side marker
lamps remain on.
530us215
Pathway lighting:
When you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle and
switching off the lamps, the low beams
will come on for a brief period. You may
also have this function deactivated if
you wish.<
Lights on warning Whenever you open the driver's door,
after having turned the ignition key to
position 0, you will hear an acoustic sig-
nal for a few seconds to remind you that
the lamps have not been switched off.
On vehicles with alphanumeric Check
Control
*:
The reminder is given through the
Check Control.
Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daytime driving at igni-
tion key position 2.
Automatic headlamp control
*
When you set the switch to this
position, the system activates
and switches on and off the low
beams in response to changes in ambi-
ent light conditions, for instance, in tun-
nels, at dawn and dusk, and in rain and
snow.
The low beams remain switched
on regardless of the ambient light
when you switch on the front fog
lamps.<
Automatic headlamp control can-
not serve as a substitute for the
driver's judgment in determining when
the vehicle lamps should be switched
on. For example, the system cannot
detect fog. To avoid safety risks, you
should always switch on the lamps
manually under these conditions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the
headlamp control system adjusted
on your vehicle.<
Parking lamps/low beams

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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

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Coolant Brake fluid4. When necessary, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached; do
not overfill
5. Close the cap and tighten snugly
6. Have the cause of the coolant loss
corrected as soon as possible.
Brake fluid level
If the warning lamp lights up or
the message CHECK BRAKE
FLUID appears in the Check
Control: stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir
has fallen to below the minimum
level.
Add brake fluid The brake fluid reservoir is located
under the microfilter housing trim panel
on the driver's side of the vehicle. For
adding brake fluid or for determining
and correcting the cause of brake fluid
loss, consult your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center. Your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
DOT 4 brake fluids.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page140.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
In order to ensure the safety and reli-
ability of the brake system, have the
brake fluid changed every two years by
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Refer also to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide Book-
let for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and also damages
vehicle paintwork. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original con-
tainers kept well away from the reach
of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the
brake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Always observe all applicable
environmental rules and regula-
tions when disposing of used brake
fluid.<

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Lamps and bulbs Changing a tire LEDs light-emitting diodes Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and
displays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers.
Do not remove the covers, and
never stare into the unfiltered light
several hours, as irritation of the iris
could result.<
Safety precautions to observe in
the event of a flat and during all
tire changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur-
face. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse, selector lever in Park with
automatic transmission, and engage the
handbrake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area, behind a guardrail,
for instance.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface which is not slippery. The vehi-
cle or the jack could slip to the side if
you attempt to raise the vehicle on a
soft or slippery surface such as snow,
ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support sur-
face.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If this is done,
the jack might not be able to reach its
full support capacity because of the
limited height. To avoid serious or fatal
injury: never lie under the vehicle, and
never start the engine while it is sup-
ported by the jack.<

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Tow-starting and towingAccess to screw thread Front:
Use a screwdriver to press the right or
left cover out, refer to arrows. 530de370
Rear:
Pull the cover off. Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, otherwise the steer-
ing lock could engage and it would not
be possible to steer the vehicle.
When the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. This requires increased
braking and steering effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers
depending on the local regulations.
If the electrical system fails, mark the
vehicle to be towed, e.g. with a sign or
warning triangle in the rear window.
530de318
Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h and a towing dis-
tance of 95 miles/150 km, as otherwise
the automatic transmission may be
damaged.<
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Gearshift lever in idle position
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Selector lever in N.
Towing methodsIn some countries, towing with a tow
bar or rope on public roads is not per-
mitted.
Familiarize yourself with all regulations
on towing in the respective country.
With tow bar:
The towing vehicle may not be
lighter than the vehicle to be
towed, as otherwise handling will be
uncontrollable.<
The tow fitting of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If an angled posi-
tion of the bar cannot be avoided,
observe the following: