lights BMW X5 3.0I 2006 E53 Owner's Manual

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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 malfunction should occur in one of
the monitored systems, the corre-
sponding lamp will not go out after the
engine is started or it will light up while
the vehicle is moving. The section
below will instruct you on what to do in
this situation.
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. When
the drive belt is defective, you will also
have to exert increased steering
effort.<
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 due to
inadequate lubrication.<
Handbrake
*/
brake hydraulic system
+
Lights up with handbrake
engaged.
For additional information, refer to
page64
Lights up 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 pages140
and155.
Also lights up in the Check Control with
the message CHECK BRAKE LININGS.
Display of the previously
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.

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Indicator and warning lamps
Transmission temperature
* +
The transmission is overheated.
Reduce speed immediately and
stop at a suitable location so that the
system can cool down again. Have the
system checked immediately.
Yellow: stop immediately
Flat Tire Monitor
+
An acoustic signal also sounds:
there is a flat tire or extensive
inflation pressure loss. Reduce speed
immediately for stopping while avoiding
extreme braking and steering maneu-
vers.
For additional information, refer to
page99
Red or yellow: continue to drive
cautiously
The red brake warning lamp
lights up together with the warn-
ing lamps for ABS and DSC/
xDrive. In addition, a warning
signal sounds:
ABS, DSC, HDC and xDrive
have failed. Drive may be being
exerted exclusively via the rear
axle. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages91, 92
Proceed cautiously and defen-
sively. When driving on poor
roads, avoid using full throttle or press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kick-
down point and also avoid forceful
braking or full braking. Otherwise, the
drive train may be damaged or acci-
dents can occur.<
If the brake warning lamp lights up in
yellow in the above-described combi-
nation, the EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution is still available.
Display of the previously
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Indicator and warning lamps Red: an important reminder
Handbrake
*
Lights up with handbrake
engaged.
For additional information, refer to
page64
Handbrake warning lamp
* for
Canadian models
Please fasten safety belts +
Indicator lamp flashes or lights
up. In addition, a signal sounds
and, depending on the equipment, a
message* appears in the Check Con-
trol. Please check safety belts for cor-
rect placement.
The belt reminder is activated when the
safety belt on the driver's side has not
yet been fastened.
The belt reminder is also active at
speeds greater than approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h when the passenger belt has
not yet been fastened, heavy objects
are placed on the front passenger seat,
or passengers sitting in the front
remove their safety belts.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page49
Airbags
+
Malfunction in airbag system.
Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page55
Yellow: check as soon as possible
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
+
Malfunction in the DBC system.
Please have the system
checked as soon as possible.
For details on DBC, refer to page91
Display of the previously
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving: the oil
level is at the absolute minimum;
refill as soon as possible. Do not drive
more than approx. 30 miles/50 km until
you do.
For additional information, refer to
page152
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
page152
Automatic transmission
*
The automatic transmission
switches into the emergency
program due to a malfunction. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page67
Brake pads
* +
Have the condition of the brake
pads checked.
For additional information, refer to
page140
Self-leveling suspension
* +
The self-leveling suspension
is inactive. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page95

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Indicator and warning lamps
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+
The warning lamp lights up con-
tinuously and a warning signal sounds:
DSC and HDC or the xDrive 4-wheel
drive system have failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC or
the xDrive 4-wheel drive system are no
longer available. Drive may be being
exerted exclusively via the rear axle.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
page92
Proceed cautiously and defen-
sively. When driving on poor
roads, avoid using full throttle or press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kick-
down point and also avoid forceful
braking or full braking. Otherwise, the
drive train may be damaged or acci-
dents can occur.<
Engine electronics
*
Malfunction in the engine elec-
tronics. You can continue to
drive with reduced engine output or
engine speed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Service Engine Soon
+
If the indicator lamp lights up
continuously or intermittently,
there is a malfunction in the exhaust-
relevant electronic systems. Although
the vehicle remains operable, the sys-
tem must be checked as soon as possi-
ble.
For additional information, refer to
page157
Display of the previously
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
Check Gas Cap
* +
Warning lamp lights up. Fuel
filler cap is not properly closed
or is missing. Check whether the fuel
filler cap is properly closed. For addi-
tional information, refer to page25
Green: for your information
Turn signals
Flashes when the turn signals
are operated. Rapid flashing
indicates a system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page68
Cruise control
*
Lights up when system is
switched on: ready for operation
using the buttons on the steering
wheel.
For additional information, refer to
page71
Fog lamps
Lights up when fog lamps are
switched on. For additional
information, refer to page102
Blue: for your information
High beams
Lights up when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information, refer to
pages68, 101

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Alarm system Windows>The indicator lamp flashes for 10 sec-
onds after the vehicle is unlocked: an
attempted entry has been detected in
the period since the system was
armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the
indicator lamp will flash continuously.Tilt alarm sensorThe tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The
alarm system reacts, for example, if
someone attempts to steal the wheels
or tow the vehicle.Interior motion sensorIn order for the interior motion sensor to
function properly, the windows and
panorama glass roof must be com-
pletely closed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
s en sor m ay be swi tch e d off a t t h e sam e
time. This prevents unintentional
alarms, e.g. in the following situations:
>In duplex garages
>When transporting on car-carrying
trains
>If animals are to remain in the vehicle.
To switch off the tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor:
Press the button on the remote control
twice consecutively.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm
sensor and the interior motion sensor
are switched off until the next unlocking
and locking actions are executed.
To prevent injuries, exercise care
when closing the windows and
keep them in your field of vision until
they are shut.
Always take along the ignition key when
you leave the vehicle, as otherwise chil-
dren could, for example, operate the
windows and injure themselves.<
Opening and closing windows As of ignition key position 1:
>Press the switch up to the resistance
point:
The window continues to move
downward as long as you continue to
hold the switch
>Briefly press the switch beyond the
resistance point:
The window moves downward auto-530us020

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Safety belts
Comply with the instructions on
page43. Failure to do so could
result in diminished personal safety.<
Use the safety belts on all occupied
seats for every trip. Airbags comple-
ment the safety belt as an additional
safety device, but they do not represent
a substitute.
Fastening Make sure you hear the latch plate
engage in the belt buckle.Releasing1. Press the red button in the belt
buckle
2. Hold the belt firmly
3. Guide the belt back into its reel.530us034
In the back, the middle safety belt
buckle is provided for use exclu-
sively by the middle passenger.
If it is not possible to extract the center
belt, this indicates that the larger back-
rest is not securely locked, refer to
page124.<
Safety belt reminder for front
seats
Indicator lamp flashes or lights
up. In addition, a signal sounds
and, depending on the equip-
ment, a message
* appears in the
Check Control. Please check to make
sure safety belts are correctly fastened.
The belt reminder is activated when the
safety belt on the driver's side has not
yet been fastened.
The belt reminder is also active at
speeds greater than approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h when the passenger belt has
not yet been fastened, heavy objects
are placed on the front passenger seat,
or passengers sitting in the front
remove their safety belts.
Safety belt height adjustment You can adjust the safety belts to fit
your own physical dimensions by using
the safety belt height adjustment:
Slide the button up or down as
required.
Also observe the instructions on adjust-
ing the seats on page44.530de259

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Safety belts Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
*
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or
stretched in an accident: have the
entire belt system, including the ten-
sioning mechanisms, replaced at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center or
at a workshop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with corre-
spondingly trained personnel. Have the
belt anchorage points inspected for
damage at the same time. Failure to
observe this precaution may prevent
the safety belts from effectively provid-
ing optimal protection when needed.
If a child-restraint system was in the
vehicle during an accident, consult the
manufacturer's instructions regarding
replacement.<
You can store and recall three different
seat, exterior mirror and steering wheel
positions. The illustration shows the
buttons on the seat for making these
position adjustments.
The adjustment of the lumbar sup-
port is not stored in the memory.<530us032
Storing 1. Turn the ignition key to position 1
or 2
2. Adjust the desired positions for the
seat, exterior mirror and steering
wheel
3. Press the
M
EMORY button: LED in
the button lights up
4. Press memory button 1, 2 or 3, as
desired: LED goes out.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Steering wheel Steering wheel heater
*
Mirrors
Automatic steering wheel
adjustmentonly in conjunction with seat, mirror and
steering wheel memory
In or der to m a ke it e asie r t o get in to an d
out of the vehicle, the steering wheel
automatically moves into the top posi-
tion and returns to the driving or mem-
ory position.
This automatic feature is influenced by
the position of the ignition key and by
the driver's door.
The steering wheel heater functions in
ignition key position 2.
Press the button to activate or deacti-
vate this system.
The LED in the button lights up when
the steering wheel heater is switched
on.
If your vehicle is not equipped with
steering wheel heater, the button for
the recirculated-air mode is located
here, refer to page23.
530de428
Exterior mirrors
The mirror on the passenger's
side is more curved than the
driver's mirror. Objects reflected in the
mirror are closer than they appear. Do
not attempt to estimate the distance to
following traffic based on the view in
the mirrors, as otherwise an increased
accident risk will result.<

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AirbagsAutomatically deactivating front
passenger airbagsThe occupation of the seat is detected
by evaluating the imprint on the occu-
pied seat surface of the front passenger
seat. The front and side airbag on the
front passenger side are activated or
deactivated accordingly by the system.
The current status of the front
passenger airbag, i.e. deactivated
or activated, is indicated by the indica-
tor lamp over the interior rearview mir-
ror, refer to Status of front passenger
airbags in the following.<
Before transporting a child on the
front passenger seat, observe the
safety information and handling instruc-
tions under Transporting children
safely, refer to page57.
The front and side airbag on the front
passenger side can be deactivated for
teenagers and adults in certain seat
positions; then the indicator lamp for
the front passenger airbags lights up. In
these cases, change the seat position
so that the front passenger airbags are
activated and the indicator lamp goes
out. If the desired status cannot be pro-
duced by changing the seat position,
transport the corresponding person on
the rear seat. Do not install protective
covers, seat cushions, ball mats or
other objects on the front passenger
seat which are not specially recom-
mended by BMW. Do not lay objects
under the seat which could press
against the seat from below. Otherwise
a correct evaluation of the occupied
seat surface cannot be ensured.<
Status of front passenger airbagOne of the illustrated indicator lamps is
located above the interior rearview mir-
ror.
The indicator lamp for the front passen-
ger airbags indicates the operating sta-
tus of the front and side airbag on the
front passenger side depending on the
seat occupation. The indicator lamp
shows whether the front passenger air-
bags are activated or deactivated.
>The indicator lamp lights up when a
child in a child restraint system
intended for the purpose is properly
detected on the seat.
The front and side airbag on the front
passenger side are not activated530ue260

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Airbags Transporting children safely >The indicator lamp does not light up
when, for example, a correctly seated
person of sufficient height is detected
on the seat. The front and side airbag
on the front passenger side are acti-
vated
>The indicator lamp does not light up
when the seat is empty.
The front and side airbag on the front
passenger side are not activated.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:
>Warning lamp does not light up as of
ignition key position 1
>Warning lamp lights up continuously.
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 in an accident of cor-
responding severity.<
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, as otherwise they
could endanger themselves and other
persons, e.g. by opening the doors.<
In principle, all seats in your BMW
except the driver's seat are suitable for
mounting universal child restraint sys-
tems for all ages which are approved
for the respective age group.
Children always in the rear:
Accident research shows that the saf-
est place for children is on the back
seat.
Only transport children under
13 years of age or less than 5 ft/
150 cm tall in the rear in child restraint
systems intended for the respective
age, weight and height of the child.
Otherwise there is an increased danger
of injury in an accident.<
Children 13 years of age or older must
wear a safety belt as soon as a suitable
child restraint system can no longer be
used due to their age, size and weight.
All rear seat positions in your vehicle
comply with the recommendations of
the standard SAE J1819 for the safe
securing of child restraint systems in
motor vehicles.
Exception for front passenger seat:
Should it be necessary to use a
child-restraint system on the front
passenger seat, the front and side air-
bags must be deactivated. Otherwise,
there is an increased risk of injury for
the child when the airbags are trig-
gered, even with a child-restraint sys-
tem. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center will be happy to advise you.<
More information on automatic deacti-
vation of the front passenger airbags,
refer to page56.