dsc BMW X5 3.0Si 2008 E70 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 2008, Model line: X5 3.0Si, Model: BMW X5 3.0Si 2008 E70Pages: 292, PDF Size: 9.32 MB
Page 15 of 292

At a glance
 13Reference
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Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
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Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in 
different combinations and colors.
Some lamps are tested for proper function by 
briefly lighting up during starting of the engine 
or when the ignition is switched on.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the bottom edge of the Con-
trol Display explain the meaning of the dis-
played indicator and warning lamps.
Additional information, e.g. on the cause of a 
malfunction and on the corresponding need to 
take action can be displayed via the Check Con-
trol, refer to page78.In the case of corresponding urgency, this infor-
mation is displayed immediately when the 
related lamp lights up.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps indicate that cer-
tain functions are activated:
With parking brake set61
With parking brake set for Canadian 
models
Fog lamps105
High beams/headlamp flasher104
Lamp flashes: 
DSC or DTC controls the drive and 
braking forces for maintaining vehicle 
stability89 
Page 72 of 292

Driving
70
Accelerating with lever
Accelerate slightly:
Press the lever up to the resistance point, 
arrow1, until the desired speed is reached.
Accelerate more rapidly:
Press the lever beyond the resistance point, 
arrow1, until the desired speed is reached.
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on 
the accelerator pedal. The system stores the 
setting and maintains the set speed.
Reducing speed
Repeatedly pull the lever up to the resistance 
point or beyond, arrow2, until the desired 
speed is displayed.
>Each time the lever is pulled up to the resis-
tance point, the desired speed decreases 
by approx. 1 mph or 1 km/h.
>Each time the lever is pulled beyond the 
resistance point, the desired speed is 
decreased by a maximum of 5 mph or 
10 km/h until the minimum speed of 
20 mph or 30 km/h is reached.
The system stores the setting and maintains 
the set speed.
Deactivating cruise control
Briefly press the lever up or down, arrow3. 
The displays in the speedometer go out.
In addition, the system is automatically deacti-
vated:
>when braking
>when transmission position N is engaged
>when DTC is activated or DSC is deacti-
vated
>when HDC is activated
>when the parking brake is set
>when driving stability control systems inter-
vene
Accelerating does not deactivate the cruise 
control. After releasing the accelerator pedal, 
the stored speed is reached and maintained 
again.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up if the 
cruise control has been deactivated 
automatically, e.g. by a control inter-
vention of the DSC. A message appears on the 
Control Display.
Resuming stored speed
Briefly press the button, arrow4. The stored 
speed is resumed and maintained.
With the ignition switched off, the stored speed 
value is deleted and cannot be resumed again.
Displays in instrument panel
1Stored desired speed
2Selected desired speed appears briefly
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears 
in the instrument panel display, it is possi-
ble that the system prerequisites for operation 
are currently not met.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up if the sys-
tem has failed. A message appears on 
the Control Display. Detailed informa-
tion is provided from page78. 
Page 91 of 292

Controls
 89Reference
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Mobility
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system 
automatically produces the maximum braking 
force boost and thus helps to achieve the short-
est possible braking distance during full brak-
ing. This system exploits all of the benefits pro-
vided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal 
for the duration of the full braking.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels 
when starting off and accelerating. The system 
also identifies unstable driving conditions, such 
as a loss of traction at the rear of the vehicle or 
sliding of the vehicle in its front wheels. In these 
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe 
course within physical limits by reducing engine 
output and through braking actions in the indi-
vidual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, 
even with DSC. An appropriate driving 
style remains the responsibility of the driver. 
Therefore, do not restrict the additional safety 
margin with a risky driving style, as otherwise 
there is a risk of an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC indicator lamp in 
the instrument panel lights up, but not longer 
than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic Trac-
tion Control and DSC are deactivated together. 
Stabilizing interventions are now not carried 
out.
A message appears on the Control Display. 
Please note any supplementary information 
that appears there.To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again 
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the 
instrument panel goes out.
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes: 
DSC controls the drive forces and 
brake forces.
The indicator lamps light up: 
DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a version of DSC in which the drive out-
put is optimized for particular road conditions, 
e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. The sys-
tem assures the maximal drive output, but with 
reduced driving stability. It is therefore neces-
sary to drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC 
under the following special circumstances:
>When driving in sand, on snowy inclines, in 
slush or on unplowed, snow-covered road 
surfaces
>When rocking a stuck vehicle free or start-
ing off in deep snow, sand or on loose 
ground
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button briefly; the DTC indicator lamp 
in the instrument panel lights up. 
Page 92 of 292

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
90
For better control
The indicator lamp flashes: 
DTC controls the drive forces and 
brake forces.
The indicator lamps light up: 
DTC is activated. 
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp 
in the instrument panel goes out.
xDrive
xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of your X5. 
The combined effects of xDrive and DSC fur-
ther optimize the traction and dynamic driving 
characteristics. The 4-wheel drive system 
xDrive variably distributes the drive forces to 
the front and rear axle depending on the driving 
situation and prevailing road conditions.
HDC Hill Descent Control
The concept
HDC is a system for driving downhill in steep 
terrain. This system reduces vehicle speed on 
steep downhill gradients, thus allowing you to 
maintain even better control of your BMW 
under these conditions. The vehicle moves at 
approximately walking speed without active 
intervention from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds 
below approx. 22 mph/35 km/h. When driving 
down steep hills with a speed below approx. 
22 mph/35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed 
automatically down to approximately walking 
speed, approx. 5 mph/8 km/h, and then main-
tains this speed at a constant.
Only use HDC in transmission positions D or R.
Increasing or reducing speed
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary 
this automatically controlled speed within a 
range extending from approx. 4 mph/6 km/h to 
15 mph/25 km/h.You can specify a target speed within the same 
range by using the lever of the cruise control.
With downhill grade over 10Ξ you can reduce 
the speed to approx. 3 mph/4 km/h. Pull the 
lever of the cruise control beyond the resis-
tance point, arrow3.
1Increasing speed
2Pull to the resistance point:
Reduce speed to approx. 4 mph/6 km/h
3Pull beyond the resistance point:
With downhill grade over 10Ξ, reduce 
speed to approx. 3 mph/4 km/h.
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED lights up.
The HDC display is shown in the instrument 
panel.
The LED flashes when the brakes are applied 
automatically.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again. The LED and the HDC 
display go out.
HDC is also deactivated at speeds over approx. 
37 mph/60 km/h. 
Page 95 of 292

Controls
 93Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
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Mobility
5.Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the 
controller until "FTM" is selected and press 
the controller.
6.Start the engine, but do not start driving.
7.Select "Reset" and press the controller.
8.Select "Yes" and press the controller. The 
message "resetting FTM …" is displayed.
9.Start to drive.
The initialization finishes during driving.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal 
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation 
pressure loss.
If you have deactivated DSC, it will be activated 
automatically.
1.Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h.
In case of further air loss of the defective 
wheel, its position will be indicated to you 
on the Control Display.If the vehicle is not equipped with run-
flat tires as provided at the factory, 
refer to page239, do not continue driving. 
Continuing to drive with a flat tire could 
cause severe accidents.<
2.At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four 
tires is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor 
may not have been initialized. The system 
must then be initialized.<
3.In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible 
distance for continued driving on the basis 
of the following guide values:
>With a light load: 
1 to 2 persons without luggage: 
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load: 
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 
4 persons without luggage: 
approx. 95 miles/150 km
>With a full load: 
4 or more persons, cargo bay full: 
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed 
speeds of 50 mph/80 km/h or else you 
run the risk of causing an accident. In the event 
of pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This 
includes reduced tracking stability in braking, 
extended braking distance and altered natural 
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or loud noises occur while 
the vehicle is being driven, this can indicate final 
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and 
stop at a suitable location as soon as possible, 
otherwise pieces of the tire could become 
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact the BMW 
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.< 
Page 241 of 292

Mobility
 239Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by the circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side 
of the tire. 
Run-flat tires consist of partially self-contained 
tires and special rims. The sidewall reinforce-
ment ensures that the tire retains some residual 
safety in the event of pressure drop and driving 
remains possible to a restricted degree.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of 
a flat tire page93
>With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure page95
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only 
by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center or a tire shop that works according to 
BMW repair procedures with correspondingly 
trained personnel. If this work is not carried out 
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that 
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend that you use 
retreaded tires, as driving safety may be 
impaired. The causes for this include the possi-
bly different tire casing structures and the often 
wide variations in their age, which can result in a 
limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. Your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be 
happy to advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends 
that you do not have damaged run-flat 
tires repaired; they should be replaced. Other-
wise it is not possible to rule out occurrences of 
consequential damage.<
BMW recommends that you use only 
wheel and tire combinations that BMW 
has tested and approved for your particular 
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and 
tires with identical official size ratings could 
actually have different dimensions than the 
approved units – these differences could lead to 
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are 
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, 
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving 
safety.<
When changing to larger wheels and tires, 
it may be necessary to make changes to 
the wheel-well trim piece, as otherwise road 
users could be endangered or the vehicle could 
be damaged. Only have this work carried out by 
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a 
workshop that works in accordance with BMW 
guidelines and uses appropriately trained per-
sonnel.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center for the correct wheel/tire combination.
The correct wheel/tire combination also affects 
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC, xDrive or Flat 
Tire Monitor.
To maintain good handling and vehicle 
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. Following 
tire damage, have the original wheel and tire 
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon 
as possible. 
Page 277 of 292

Reference 275
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Disposal
– battery of remote control 
with comfort access38
– remote control battery194
– vehicle battery253
Distance, refer to 
Computer73
"Distance to dest."74
Distance to destination, refer 
to Computer73
Distance warning, refer to 
PDC Park Distance 
Control84
Door entry lighting105
Door key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Door lock31
Door locking, confirmation 
signals31
"Door locks"30,31,76
Doors
– manual operation32
– remote control29
DOT Quality Grades237
Downhill driving assistance, 
refer to HDC90
Draft-free ventilation110
Drinks holder, refer to Cup 
holders120
"Driver's door only"30
Driver's seat, calibrating49
"Driver's seat climate"51
Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams102
Driving on poor roads133
Driving route, refer to 
Displaying route151
Driving stability control 
systems88
Driving through water129
Driving tips, refer to General 
driving notes128
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function109
Drying the air, refer to Cooling 
function109DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control89
– indicator lamp13,89
DTC Dynamic Traction 
Control89
– activating89
– indicator lamp90
"DVD"182
– for DVD system in rear194
DVD changer
– fast forward183
– reverse
183
– skip chapter183
"DVD format" for DVD system 
in rear197
DVD for navigation136
DVD system in rear192
– CD/DVD player193
– connecting headphones193
– controls192
– displaying images from CD/
DVD200
– DVD country codes195
– external device203
– information on CD/DVD 
player202
– playing audio tracks from 
CD/DVD198
– playing video from CD/
DVD195
– remote control193
– switching on/off194
"Dynamic route" for 
navigation149
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC89
Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC89
E
Easy entry/exit53
Electrical malfunction
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic65
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door232
– liftgate33
– panorama glass sunroof40
– parking brake63
Electric seat43
Electric steering wheel 
adjustment52
Electronic brake-force 
distribution88
Electronic oil level check242
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door232
– liftgate33
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission65
Emergency request255
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance256
"Enabled services"229
"Enable services"229
"End call"216
Energy-conscious driving, 
refer to Energy Control72
Energy Control72
Engine
– breaking-in128
– data262
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
temperature72
– speed262
– starting60
– starting, with comfort 
access37
– switching off60
Engine compartment242
Engine coolant244 
Page 278 of 292

Everything from A to Z
276 Engine oil
– adding243
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils243
– approved engine oil243
– checking oil level242
– electronic oil level check242
"Engine oil level"243
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data262
Engine overheating, refer to 
Coolant temperature72
Engine speed262
Engine starting, refer to 
Starting engine60
"Enter address"139
Entering country of 
destination139
Entering destination139
Entering house number or 
intersection140
Entering intersection140
Entering street140
"Entertainment"162
Entertainment sound output 
on/off163
"Equalizer", refer to Tone 
control165
Equalizer, refer to Tone 
control165
"ESN"172
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control89
Event Data Recorders246
Exhaust system, refer to Hot 
exhaust system129
Exterior mirrors51
– adjusting51
– automatic dimming 
feature52
– automatic heating52
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side 
exterior mirror52External audio device119
– refer to AUX-In 
connection188
Eye for tow-starting and 
towing, refer to Tow 
fitting257
F
Fader, refer to Tone 
control164
Failure messages, refer to 
Check Control78
False alarm, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms36
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts48
– warning lamp49
Fastening system, 
adaptive124
Fastest route for 
navigation148
Fast forward
– CD changer178
– CD player178
– DVD changer183
"Fast route" for 
navigation148
Fault displays, refer to Check 
Control78
Filler neck for washer fluid68
First-aid kit256
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting 
confirmation signals31
Flashlight119
Flat tire
– changing wheels251
– compact wheel251
– Flat Tire Monitor92
– run-flat tires93,95,239
– TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor94
Flat Tire Monitor FTM92
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler 
neck for washer fluid68
"FM", reception 
range163,166FM, waveband166
Fog lamps105
– indicator lamp13,105
Folding display screen open/
closed, DVD system in 
rear192
Folding rear seat backrest123
Footbrake, refer to Braking 
safely129
Footwell lamps105
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to 
xDrive90
Fresh-air nozzles, refer to Air 
vents106
Front airbags97
Front passenger airbags97
– deactivating98
– refer to Exception of front 
passenger seat55
Front seat adjustment43
FTM Flat Tire Monitor92
– false alarms92
– indicating a flat tire93
– initializing the system92
– malfunction96
– snow chains240
– system limits92
– warning lamp93
Fuel233
– capacity264
– display72
– high-quality brands233
– quality233
– saving128
– specifications233
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge72
Fuel consumption display, 
computer, average fuel 
consumption73
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge72
Fuel filler door232
– closing232
– opening232
– releasing manually232
Fuses253 
Page 280 of 292

Everything from A to Z
278 Ignition59
– switched off59
– switched on59
Ignition key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Ignition key position 1, refer to 
Radio readiness59
Ignition key position 2, refer to 
Ignition on59
Ignition lock59
– starting engine with comfort 
access37
Independent ventilation, refer 
to Parked car ventilation113
Indicator/warning lamps13
– active steering96
– airbags99
– DSC13,89
– DTC90
– fasten safety belt49
– Flat Tire Monitor93
– fog lamps13
– TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor95
Individual air distribution109
Individually programmable 
buttons on steering 
wheel53
Individual settings, refer to 
Personal Profile28
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure234
Inflation pressure monitoring
– refer to FTM Flat Tire 
Monitor92
– refer to TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor94
Information
– on another location144
– on country144
– on current position144
– on destination location144
"Information on 
destination"145
"Info sources"76Initializing
– Flat Tire Monitor92
– refer to Power failure253
– refer to Setting date82
– refer to Setting time81
– seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory44
"Input map"143
Installation location
– drive for navigation DVD136
– mobile phone119
Instructions for navigation 
system, refer to Voice 
instructions153
Instrument cluster, refer to 
Instrument panel12
Instrument illumination, refer 
to Instrument lighting105
Instrument lighting105
Instrument panel12
– refer to Cockpit10
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote 
control115
Interesting destination for 
navigation144
"Interim time"80
Interior lamps105
– switching on with remote 
control30
Interior motion sensor36
– switching off36
Interior rearview mirror52
– automatic dimming 
feature52
– compass117
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers67
J
Jacking points252
Joystick
– refer to iDrive16
– refer to Selector lever, 
selecting transmission 
positions64
Jump starting256
K
Keyless-Go, refer to Comfort 
access36
Keyless opening and closing, 
refer to Comfort access36
Key Memory, refer to Personal 
Profile28
"Keypad"218
Keys28
– key-related settings, refer to 
Personal Profile28
Kick-down, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic65
Knock control233
L
Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams102
Lamps and bulbs247
"Language / Units"82,83
– for navigation 
system137,153
"Language" for DVD system 
in rear196,197
"Languages"83
– for navigation 
system137,153
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo132
Last destinations, refer to 
Destination list145
"Last seat pos."45
LATCH child restraint fixing 
system56
LEDs light-emitting 
diodes248
Length, refer to 
Dimensions263
License plate lamp, replacing 
bulbs250 
Page 285 of 292

Reference 283
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Return" for DVD system in 
rear185,197
Reverse
– CD changer178
– CD player178
– DVD changer183
Reverse gear, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic64
Road map152
"Roadside Assistance"224
Roadside Assistance256
Roadside assistance224
Roadside parking lamps104
Roller sun blinds118
Roll-up cover122
Roof load capacity264
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack132
Rope, refer to Tow-starting 
and towing257
Rotary pushbutton, refer to 
iDrive16
Route148
– changing154
– displaying151
– displaying arrow display151
– displaying map view152
– displaying roads and towns/
cities152
– displaying towns/cities152
– list152
– selecting148
– selecting criteria148
RSC Runflat System 
Component, refer to Run-
flat tires239
Runflat System Component 
RSC, refer to Run-Flat 
Tires239
Run-flat tires239
– continuing driving with a 
damaged tire93,95
– flat tire93,95
– new wheels and tires239
– tire inflation 
pressure93,95,234
– tire replacement239S
Safety5
Safety belts48
– damage49
– sitting safely42
– warning lamp49
Safety belt tensioners
– refer to Airbags97
– refer to Safety belts48
Safety systems
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System88
– airbags97
– driving stability control 
systems88
– DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control89
– safety belts48
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat 
tires239
"SAT"163,172
Satellite radio172
– displaying additional 
information173
– enabling172
– selecting channel173
– storing channel173
"Scan"
– for DVD system in rear199
– sampling stations with 
radio167
– sampling tracks with CD177
Scan
– CD changer177
– CD player177
– radio167
"Scan all"
– for DVD system in rear200
– in audio mode177
"Scan directory"
– for DVD system in rear200
– in audio mode177
Screen, refer to iDrive16
Screw thread for tow 
fitting257
SDARS, refer to Satellite 
radio172
"Seat heater distribution"50Seat heating50
Seats43
– adjusting43
– adjusting electrically43
– adjusting manually43
– backrest width44
– heating50
– in rear47
– lumbar support44
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror 
and steering wheel 
memory44
– shoulder support44
– sitting safely
42
– storing the setting44
– thigh support43,44
– ventilation, refer to Active 
seat ventilation and Seat 
heating50
2nd row seats47
Securing load
– refer to Securing cargo132
– with ski bag, refer to 
Securing cargo125
"Select as 
destination"144,227
"Select current speed"80
Selecting audio source162
Selecting country for 
navigation139
Selecting frequency 
manually167
Selecting menu items19
Selecting new scale for 
navigation152
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic64
Selector lever lock, refer to 
Reverse gear64
Self-leveling suspension92
Service, refer to Roadside 
Assistance256
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for 
US models245
"Service Info"76,225,242
Service interval indicator, refer 
to Service requirements75