174 BMW X5 3.0I 2006 E53 Owner's Manual

ContentsOperation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Special operating instructions:
Breaking-in136
General driving notes137
Driving your X5138
Safe braking140
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure141
Tire identification marks145
Wheel/tire condition146
Replacing wheels/tires148
Snow chains149
Under the hood:
Hood150
Engine compartment
essentials151
Washer fluid152
Engine oil152
Coolant154
Brake fluid155Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System156
OBD interface socket157Replacement procedures:
Onboard tool kit160
Windshield wiper blades160
Lamps and bulbs161
Changing a wheel165
Vehicle battery171
Fuses172
Assistance, giving and
receiving:
Receiving assistance173
Jump starting174
Tow-starting and towing175

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
63n
Starting engine Switching off engineDo not allow the engine to warm up by
leaving it running while the vehicle
remains stationary. Instead, begin to
drive immediately at a moderate engine
speed.
X5 3.0i:
Do not end the starting procedure too
soon, but do not continue for longer
than approx. 20 seconds. Release the
ignition key immediately as soon as the
engine starts.
X5 4.4i, 4.8is:
Your BMW is equipped with the conve-
nience starting feature. With this fea-
ture, it is sufficient to turn the ignition
key only briefly to position 3 'Start
engine' and to let go of it right away.
The starter actuation continues to oper-
ate automatically for a certain period of
time and is stopped automatically as
soon as the engine has started.
The automatic starting mode will not
operate or will be canceled if the bat-
tery voltage is insufficient. The engine
can be jump started, refer to page174.Should the engine fail to start on the
first attempt, if it is very hot or cold, for
instance:
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Cold starts at altitudes above 3,300 ft/
1,000 meters and at very low tempera-
tures, from approx. +57/–156:
>For the initial starting attempt, allow
the starter to remain engaged some-
what longer, approx. 10 seconds.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at startup are normal and
should decrease as the engine warms
up. If engine speed does not decrease,
service is required.
To prevent the battery from being
drained, always switch off electrical
devices that are not in use. Switch the
ignition off when the vehicle is not
being driven.
Extended starting attempts, char-
acterized by excessively frequent
or long periods with the starter
engaged, can lead to damage of the
catalytic converter.<
Manual transmission:
1. Turn the ignition key to position 1
or 0
2. Shift into first gear or reverse.
Automatic transmission:
1. Shift into selector lever position P
2. Turn the ignition key to position 1
or 0.
Do not remove the ignition key
when the vehicle is moving, other-
wise, the steering could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and lock the
steering.
Manual transmission:
Always engage the handbrake when
parking on slopes and inclined sur-
faces. Even placing the gearshift lever
in 1st gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.
Automatic transmission:
Place the selector lever in the P posi-
tion.<
Automatic transmission:
The vehicle must be stationary and the
selector lever in Park before you can
remove the ignition key.

OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
67n
Automatic transmission with Steptronic
*
Sport Program and manual
operation M/S 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.
Briefly pressing the selector lever
toward the front or rear activates man-
ual operation and Steptronic changes
gears. The following display 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 and then the current
gear will reappear.
To return to automatic mode, move the
selector lever toward the right into posi-
tion 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
parking brake and switch the engine off
by turning the 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, but
the vehicle will now only drive forward
with limited gear selection.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Information on jump starting, tow-
starting and towing begins on
page174.

151n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
1Engine oil dipstick152
2 Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath
the microfilter cover1553 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting174
4 Coolant expansion tank1545 Engine oil filler neck152
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system152Engine compartment essentials
530de341

171n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Changing a wheel Vehicle battery
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. Wheels and tires of the
original size should be mounted again
as soon as possible.<
Driving with spare wheel
*
Do not exceed a speed of
130 mph/210 km/h, otherwise tire
damage could lead to accidents.<
With certain wheel-and-tire com-
binations the size of the spare
wheel differs from that of the other
wheels. To restore the original state,
the normal wheel should be remounted
as soon as possible.<
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<
Battery care The battery is maintenance-free, that is,
the original electrolyte will normally last
for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center will
be glad to advise in all matters con-
cerning the battery.Charging battery Only charge the battery in the vehicle
via the terminals in the engine compart-
ment with the engine off. For correct
connections, refer to Jump starting on
page174. Disposal
Following replacement, have old
batteries disposed of by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or
turn them over to a recycling center.
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Always
restrain the battery to prevent it from
tipping over during transport.<
Power failure Following a temporary power failure,
e.g. in the case of a dead battery, some
equipment is subject to restricted use
and must be reinitialized. Individual set-
tings are also lost and must be updated
again:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory
The positions must be stored again,
refer to page50
>Time and date
Have to be updated again, refer to
page82
>Activation time for parked car
ventilation
Has to be updated again, refer to
page84.

174n
Jump starting When your battery is discharged, you
can use two jumper cables to start your
vehicle with power from the battery in a
second vehicle. You can also use the
same method to help start another vehi-
cle. Use only jumper cables with fully-
insulated clamp handles.
To avoid the risk of potentially
fatal injury, always avoid all con-
tact with electrical components while
the engine is running. Carefully observe
the following instructions to avoid per-
sonal injury and/or damage to one or
both vehicles.<
Preparing1. Check whether the battery of the
other vehicle has a voltage of
12 Volts and approximately the same
capacitance in Ah. This information
can be found on the battery.
2. Switch off the engine of the support
vehicle.
3. Switch off any electrical systems and
components in both vehicles.
Ensure that no contact exists
between the bodywork on the two
vehicles, otherwise there is a danger of
short circuits. To avoid personal injury from
sparks, always follow this
sequence when connecting jumper
cables.<
On your BMW the so-called jump-start
connection point in the engine com-
partment acts as the battery positive
terminal, also refer to the engine com-
partment overview on page151. The
cover cap is marked with +.
1. Fold up the cap of the BMW jump-
start connection point, refer to arrow.
2. Attach one end of the positive/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a jump-start connec-
tion point of the vehicle providing
assistance.
3. Connect the second terminal clamp
of the positive/+ jumper cable to the
positive terminal of the battery or a
jump-start connection point of the
vehicle to be started.530de325

177n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tow-starting and towing>The freedom of movement is
restricted during cornering
>The angled position of the tow bar
creates lateral forces.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow
fittings, as attachment to other
vehicle parts can lead to damage.<
With tow-rope:
When starting off in the towing vehicle,
make sure that the tow-rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or nylon straps
for towing, and avoid all exces-
sively sudden jerking movements. Only
attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
With tow truck:
Do not tow the X5 with the front or
rear axle raised individually, other-
wise the wheels may lock and the
transfer case may be damaged.<
The X5 may only be transported on a
flat bed.530de403
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an
automatic transmission.
For information on jump starting, refer
to page174.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic
converter with the engine cold. It is bet-
ter to jump start the engine, refer to
page174.
1. Switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers and observe local regulations.
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the
clutch. After the engine starts, imme-
diately depress the clutch again
completely.
5. Stop at a suitable location, remove
the tow bar or rope and switch off the
hazard warning flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Do not activate the HDC Hill
Descent Control during tow-
starting, refer to page94.<

Everything from A to Z
187n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
interlock62
selector lever interlock66
shiftlock66
towing176
tow-starting176
warning lamp20,21
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
and supply109
Average fuel
consumption80,87
Average speed80,88
Avoiding alarms39
Axle loads, refer to
Weights182
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support46
Backrests, refer to Adjusting
seats45,46
Backup lamps65
replacing bulbs163
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit24
Bar, towing176Battery171
disposal171
indicator lamp19
jump starting174
power failure171
remote control30
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Beverage can holders, refer
to Cup holders120
Beverage holder, refer to
Cup holders120
Blower
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control109
refer to Air supply105,109
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil153
BMW Maintenance
System156
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders120
Brake fluid155
adding155
level155
replacing155
warning lamp
19
Brake force display98
Brake hydraulic system140
warning lamp19,20
Brake lamps, replacing
bulbs163Brake lights, refer to Brake
lamps163
Brake pads140
breaking-in136
warning lamp19,21
Brake rotors
brake system140
breaking-in136
Brakes140
ABS91
brake fluid155
brake pads140
breaking-in136
handbrake64
indicator/warning
lamp19,20
Brake system
brake fluid155
brake fluid level140,155
brake pads140
breaking-in136
disk brakes140
warning lamp19
Brake wear warning
warning lamp19,21
Breakdown, Flat Tire
Monitor98
Breakdown assistance,
refer to Roadside
Assistance173
Breaking-in136Break wear warning, refer to
Brake pads140
Buttons on steering wheel23
C
California Proposition
65 Warning9
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders120
Capacities183
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Care of paintwork, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure

Everything from A to ZHead restraints47
adjusting47
installing in front48
removing and installing in
rear48
removing in front48
sitting safely43
Heated mirrors54
Heated rear window
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control110
Heated seats52
Heated steering wheel53
Heater
rear window105,110
steering wheel53
Heating
exterior mirror54
residual heat
utilization110
seats52
Heating and
ventilation104,107
Heating while stationary110
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo
loading131
Heavy-duty cargo straps,
refer to Cargo loading131
Height, refer to
Dimensions181Height adjustment
seats45,46
steering wheel52
High beams101
headlamp flasher68
indicator lamp22
replacing bulbs162
High temperatures137
Hill Descent Control HDC94
Hills138,140
Holder for cups120
Hood150
Horn14
Hotel function30
Hot exhaust system137
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC91
Hydraulic system, brakes19
Hydroplaning137,147
I
Ice, refer to Outside
temperature warning
73
Identification, tire145
Ignition62
Ignition key30
Ignition key positions, refer
to Ignition lock62
Ignition lock62
Immobilizer function88
Imprint4Independent ventilation,
refer to Parked car
ventilation113
Indicating
elements15,17,18
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags57
alarm system38
automatic transmission
with Steptronic67
brakes155
coolant temperature76
DSC92
engine temperature76
fasten safety belts49
Flat Tire Monitor99
front fog lamps102
reserve75
self-leveling
suspension95
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview19
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting102
Individual air distribution109
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory61
Inflation pressure, tires, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure141Initializing, refer to Power
loss42
INSPECTION76
Instrument cluster15,17,18
refer to Cockpit14
Instrument lighting102
Instrument panel14
Integrated universal remote
control114
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostics157
Interior lamps103
remote control31
Interior mirror, automatic
dimming feature138
Interior motion sensor
39
switching off31,39
Interior rearview mirror54
compass117
Interlock, refer to Steering
lock engaged62
Intermittent operation of
wipers69,71
Interval Display, Service76
J
Jacking points for vehicle
jack170
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting174
Jump starting174

Everything from A to Z
197n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Speedometer15,17,18
refer to Instrument
cluster15,17,18
Sport Program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic67
Sports seat45
Stability control, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control92
xDrive94
Starting, refer to Starting
engine62
Starting engine62
Starting problems
at very low
temperatures63
jump starting174
Status of this Owner's
Manual at time of printing9
Steering lock62
Steering wheel
adjustment52
buttons on steering
wheel23
entry/exit aid53
heating53
lock62
memory50
Steering wheel adjustment,
automatic53
Steering wheel heater53Steering wheel memory50
Steering wheel with multi-
function buttons23
Steptronic, refer to Manual
operation67
Stopwatch83
Storage compartments119
Storage compartments in
cargo area127
Storage space, refer to
Cargo area124
Storing desired speed, refer
to Cruise control71
Storing seat adjustment50
Storing sitting position, refer
to Seat, mirror and
steering wheel memory50
Storing tires149
Supply reservoir, washer
systems152
Switches, refer to Cockpit14
Switching air conditioner
mode on and off
manually105,110
Switching off engine
63
Switching on hour signal83
Switch-on times, entering84
Symbols8
Synthetic oil153
T
Tachometer74Tailgate36
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually35,36
opening, remote control31
remote control31
unlocking manually36
Tail lamps, replacing
bulbs163
Taking time, refer to
Stopwatch83
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity183
Technical data180
Technical modifications9
Telephone116
refer to separate Owner’s
Manual
Telephone provisions, refer
to Hands-free telephone
operation116
Temperature
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control109
Temperature display
interior temperature109
outside temperature73,80
outside temperature
warning73
setting the units73,80Temperature of coolant,
refer to Coolant temper-
ature gauge76
Temperature warning73
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control71
Thigh support adjustment45
Third brake lamp
refer to Center brake
lamp164
replacing bulbs164
Three-point belt49
Tightening torque of lug
bolts170
Tilt alarm sensor39
remote control31
switching off39
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror51
Time of arrival87
Timer, refer to Stopwatch
83
Tire Identification
Number145
Tire inflation pressure141
producing141
Tire inflation pressure
monitoring, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor98
Tire Quality Grading145