ECO mode BMW X5 3.0I 2006 E53 User Guide

136n
Moving parts should be allowed to
break in. To ensure that your vehicle
provides maximum economy through-
out a long service life, we request that
you comply with the following instruc-
tions:
Engine and differential Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4,500 rpm and the following road
speeds during this initial period:
>6-cylinder engine
100 mph/160 km/h
>8-cylinder engine
106 mph/170 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of
the transmission's kick-down mode
during these initial miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
The engine and vehicle speed can
gradually be increased.
Tires Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until after an
initial break-in period. Therefore, drive
reservedly during the first 200 miles/
300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of trac-
tion, vehicle control and braking effec-
tiveness. Reduce your speed on wet
roads.< Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period
of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve
optimal contact and wear patterns
between brake pads and rotors.
To break in the separate handbrake
drums, apply the handbrake lightly
when coasting to a standstill at a traffic
signal, for instance, provided that traffic
conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the handbrake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine switched off,
when towing, for instance, substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.< ClutchThe function of the clutch is only at its
optimized level after a distance driven
of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During
this break-in period, engage the clutch
gently.Following component
replacementsObserve the break-in instructions again
if previously addressed components
must be replaced again during subse-
quent driving.
Breaking-in

140n
Safe braking Emergency stops You brake most effectively when you
apply maximum pedal pressure in situa-
tions requiring it: emergency stops.
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless
avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.Brake fluid level If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a malfunction in one of
the two brake system's hydraulic cir-
cuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.
In so doing, increased pressure on the
brake pedal may be required, and slight
pulling to the side and longer braking
distances may result. Please remember
to adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.<
Disk brakes When the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to
form on rotors, while contaminants
accumulate on the brake pads. This
occurs because the minimal pressure
that the pads must exert to clean the
rotors during brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect that even extended
application will fail to cure.
When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal from time
to time. 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 the brak-
ing force is then immediately available
when required.
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain on the brakes and possible impairment
of braking action.
Do not drive with the clutch pedal
depressed, at idle or with the
engine switched off, as otherwise there
will be no engine braking effect or
power assistance for braking and steer-
ing.
BMW recommends having brake
inspections performed at a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center only. If
you do not, parts of the 4-wheel drive
system could be damaged.
No floor mats, carpets or other objects
may lie in the area of pedal travel, as
otherwise pedal operation may be
impaired.<
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
approved for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<

145n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire identification marksKnowledge of the labeling on the side
of the tire makes it easier to identify and
choose the right tires.Tire sizeSpeed code letter:
Q = up to 105 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/hTire Identification Number Tires with DOT codes meet the guide-
lines of the U.S. Department of Trans-
portation. e.g.
Nominal width
in mm
Cross-sectional ratio
in Ξ
Belted construction
radial
Rim diameter in inches
Load index,
not with ZR tires
Speed code letter,
with ZR tires before the R
235/65 R
17104H
DOT code: Tire age The manufacturer of your BMW recom-
mends that all tires, i.e. including the
spare wheel, be replaced regardless of
the actual wear after 6 years at the lat-
est.
The tire's date of manufacture is indi-
cated on the sidewall:
DOT... 2605 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 26 of 2005. Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example: e.g.
Manufacturer's code
for tire brand
Tire size and tire model
Tire age
DOT xxxx xxx 2605
DOT Quality Grades Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must con-
form to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.< Tread wear The tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half, 1γ, times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.

149n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Replacing wheels/tires Snow chains
*
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,
page146, 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.<
Storage Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry
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 fine-link snow chains are
tested, classified as road-safe, and rec-
ommended by BMW. Consult your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center for
details. 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
Follow the manufacturer's instructions
when installing snow chains. Do not
exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Moni-
tor after mounting snow chains, as
the monitor may then incorrectly indi-
cate flat tires.
When you are driving with snow chains,
it can be beneficial to switch off DSC
briefly, refer to page93.<

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
OBD interface socketThe interface socket for the Onboard
Diagnostics is located on the left of the
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment cluster and under a cover. The
cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related
components and systems for deteriora-
tion and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator lamp
informs you of the need for ser-
vice, not of the need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle center at the earliest possi-
ble opportunity. 530us105
Display of the previously
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
Under certain conditions, the indicator
lamp will blink or flash. This indicates a
rather severe level of engine misfire.
When this occurs, you should reduce
speed and consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center as soon
as possible. Severe engine misfire over
only a short period of time can seriously
damage emission control components,
especially the catalytic converter.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
lamp will light up. If the filler cap is sub-
sequently tightened, the indicator lamp
should extinguish within a few days.<
Event Data Recorders Your vehicle may be equipped with one
or more sensing and diagnostic mod-
ules or a recording device capable of
recording or transmitting certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you
have a Subscription Service Agree-
ment for the BMW Assist system, cer-
tain vehicle information may be trans-
mitted or recorded in order to provide
such services.