brake BMW X5 4.4I 2000 Owner's Guide

124n
Winter operation Rubber seals and components In order to prevent the weather-strip-
ping from freezing, apply BMW rubber
treatment or silicone spray to the seals
on the doors, hood and tailgate.
A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center.< Snow chains Mount BMW snow chains
* only on tire
size 235/65 R 17. Always mount chains
in pairs and on the rear wheels only.
Read and comply with the chain manu-
facturer's safety precautions. Do not
exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h).
Starting offWhen starting in deep snow or "rock-
ing" the vehicle free, it may be advis-
able to deactivate the DSC system
briefly. Refer to page 83.
Driving on low-traction road
surfaces Use smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal and avoid exces-
sive engine speeds. Maintain an ade-
quate distance between yourself and
the car ahead. BrakingWinter road conditions substantially re-
duce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface.
The resulting increases in braking dis-
tance are considerable and should be
kept in mind at all times.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response. If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
Reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal until the wheels just start to roll
again while still maintaining enough
force to continue braking. Following
that, increase pedal pressure again.
Reduce the pressure as the wheels
lock, then reapply pressure. Repeat this
braking sequence.
This type of staggered braking will re-
duce the braking distance, and the ve-
hicle still remains responsive to steer-
ing.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces if you want to decelerate.
Doing so could cause the wheels to
lose traction and skid, thus resulting in
the loss of vehicle control.<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
125n
Winter operation Power steering Level control system

Skid control Release the accelerator pedal. Coun-
tersteer carefully and attempt to regain
control of the vehicle.Parking Place the selector lever in "Park." and
apply the parking brake when parking
on inclined surfaces. In order to prevent
the parking brake linings from locking
due to frost or corrosion, dry them by
gently applying the parking brake as the
vehicle is coming to a stop. Make sure
that following traffic is not endangered.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the parking brake is ap-
plied.<
If there is a change in steering response
(difficult steering, for example) or, espe-
cially on vehicles with Servotronic
*, if
the steering "drifts" or "floats" at in-
creasing speeds:
Have your authorized BMW center in-
spect this system as soon as possible.
If the power steering fails, in-
creased effort will be required to
steer the vehicle.<
The warning lamp for the level
control system comes on, or the
message LEVEL CONTROL IN-
ACTIVE appears in the Check Control
*:
There is a malfunction in the level con-
trol system.
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If it is
riding significantly lower in the rear than
in the front, or if it is sitting at an incline
(left rear compared to right rear), con-
sult the nearest authorized BMW cen-
ter. Drive with appropriate caution in
the meantime, especially if you are driv-
ing under poor road-surface conditions.
The vehicle has reduced ground clear-
ance or driving comfort is noticeably re-
duced.
Even if the attitude of the vehicle is nor-
mal, you should consult the nearest au-
thorized BMW center if the warning
lamp indicates a system fault.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
135n
Engine compartment Ð BMW X5 4.4i 1 Reservoir for brake fluid
(under the microfilter
trim panel)141
2 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting170
3 Coolant expansion tank140
4 Engine oil dipstick137
5 Engine oil filler neck137
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system
*
136

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
141n
Brake fluid Vehicle IdentiÞcation No.
If the indicator lamp for the
brake hydraulic system appears
or if the CHECK BRAKE FLUID
warning appears in the Check
Control
*: the brake fluid level is
too low in the reservoir.
The brake fluid reservoir is located un-
der 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 center. Your
BMW center is familiar with the specifi-
cations for factory-approved brake
fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page 123.
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
an authorized BMW center. Refer also
to the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models).
Brake fluid is toxic and damages the
vehicle's paint. You should always store
it in its original container and in a loca-
tion which is out of reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not fill the
brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and
cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of brake fluid.<
In the engine compartment, stamped
on the right-hand strut dome (arrow)
and on the upper edge of the instru-
ment panel on the left-hand side. 530us103

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
143n
Caring for your vehicle Washing your vehicle You can have your new BMW washed
in an automatic car wash. Car wash
systems that do not employ brushes
are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
To prevent spots, avoid washing when
the hood is still warm, or immediately
after and during exposure to strong
sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle.
Before washing the vehicle in a
car wash, fold in the exterior mir-
rors manually, otherwise they may be
damaged on account of the width of the
vehicle.<
>No damage will occur on vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). If you are
uncertain, consult the manager of the
car wash.
>The wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system.
>The vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing.
Vehicles with rain sensor
*:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
from automatic car washes or insects,
for example, can cause malfunctions in
the function of the rain sensor.
Turn the rain sensor off in auto-
matic car washes. If you do not,
damage may occur if the wipers switch
on unintentionally.<
Parts of the vehicle that are inaccessi-
ble to the automatic washer Ñ such as
door sills, door and hood edges, etc. Ñ
should be cleaned by hand.
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also cause damage to
the vehicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's sur-
face. Inadequate distance and exces-
sive pressure can damage or weaken
the finish, making it more susceptible to
subsequent attack. In addition, mois-
ture could penetrate to vehicle compo-
nents, leading to long-term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
>Do not clean by wiping with a dry
cloth. Never use abrasives or strong
solvents to clean the covers.
>Remove dirt and contamination (such
as insects) by soaking with BMW Car
Shampoo and then rinsing with plenty
of water.
>Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow Ð never
use a scraper.<
After washing the vehicle, apply
the brakes briefly to dry them.
Braking efficiency might otherwise be
reduced by the moisture and the brake
rotors could also be corroded.<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
145n
Caring for your vehicle Caring for the vehicle finish Regular washing is a preventive mea-
sure against long-term effects from
substances that are harmful to the vehi-
cle's finish, especially if you drive your
vehicle in areas with high levels of air
pollution or aggressive natural sub-
stances (tree resins, pollen).
Nevertheless, you should immediately
remove especially aggressive sub-
stances. Failure to do so can lead to
changes in the paint's chemical struc-
ture or to discoloration. Gasoline spilled
during refueling, oil, grease and brake
fluid should always be cleaned away
immediately, as should bird droppings
(finish damage).
Any contamination remaining on the
surface of the vehicle will be especially
conspicuous after washing. Use clean-
ing fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth or
cotton pad to remove these stains. Re-
move tar spots with tar remover. After
cleaning, the affected areas should be
waxed to ensure continued protection.
Waxing your vehicle Protect the finish using carnauba or
synthetic-based waxes only.
The best way to determine when the
finish needs to be waxed is by noting
when water stops beading on the sur-
face.
You can use a glass cleaner to remove
any wax or silicone that may have been
left on the windows during waxing.
Paint damageYou can touch up small areas of dam-
age with BMW spray paint or a BMW
touchup stick.
The color code of your vehicle is pro-
vided on a tag on the right-hand panel
under the hood and on the first page of
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet.
Damage caused by flying stones,
scratches, etc., must be touched up
without delay to prevent rust from
forming.
If corrosion has started to form in an
area with paint damage, remove all rust
and clean the area. Then prime the area
with a BMW Primer Stick. Finally, apply
the finish coat. After a few days, polish
and protect the touched-in areas.
More extensive paint damage should
be professionally repaired in accor-
dance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Your BMW center uses original
BMW finish materials in accordance
with factory repair procedures.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
157n
Lamps and bulbs Tail lamp assembly Tail lamp 2: 21/5 watt bulb
Remaining bulbs: 21 watts
1 Turn signal
indicator yellow or white
2 Rear lamps/
Side marker lamps red
3 Backup lamps white
4 Brake lamps red
5 Reflector red530us111
Lamps in the side panel:
1 Open the cover in the side panel.
2 Lift the side panel if necessary.
3 Press gently on the lamp holder and
turn it to the left to remove it.
4 Remove the bulb. 530us112
Lamps in the tailgate:
1 Unclip the trim panel in the lower tail-
gate with a screwdriver.
2 Press gently on the lamp holder and
turn it to the left to remove it.
3 Remove the bulb. Center (high-mount) brake lamp LED strip in the rear spoiler: please
contact a BMW center in case of a
malfunction. 530us113

160n
Changing a wheel
Safety measures in the event of a
ßat tire or wheel change:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing trafÞc. Park on a Þrm, ßat, sur-
face. Switch on the hazard ßashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and en-
gage the steering lock. Select ÒParkÒ po-
sition and engage the parking brake. All
passengers should be outside the vehi-
cle and well away from your immediate
working area (behind a guardrail, for in-
stance). If a warning triangle or portable
hazard warning lamp is available, set it
up on the roadside at an appropriate
distance from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and
regulations. Change the wheel only on a
level, Þrm surface which is not slippery.
Avoid jacking the vehicle up on a soft or
slippery surface (snow, ice, very smooth
surfaces, etc.), since it could slide side-
ways. Position the jack on a Þrm support
surface. 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. Do not lie under
the vehicle or start the engine when the
vehicle is supported by the jack. Failure
to comply with this creates a risk of fatal
injury.<
What you will need In order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Two wedges (wheel chocks)
Open the liftgate and tailgate.
In the cargo area, fold up the floor
cover or pull-out cargo floor (refer to
page 110 or 111).
Take out the wedges (arrow) next to
the spare wheel. 530us117
>Lug wrench
Is located next to the spare wheel.
>Vehicle jack
Refer to page 162.530us120

172n
Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response.<
Tow-starting It is not possible to start the engine of a
vehicle equipped with automatic trans-
mission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting: refer
to page 170.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another car. If you do so, damage
to the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing 1 Place the selector lever in "Neutral".
2 Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h).
3 Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km).
4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers re-
main operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging.
5 Switch on the hazard-warning system
(comply with country-specific regula-
tions).
Find some means of identifying the ve-
hicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key re-
mains in position 1 even when the
electrical system has failed. This will
prevent the steering lock from engag-
ing. The steering and brakes are with-
out power assist when the engine is not
running. This means that increased ef-
fort is required for steering and brak-
ing.<
Towing with a commercial tow
truck >Do not tow with sling-type equip-
ment.
>Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier.
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.< 530us138

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
177n
The transmission of power to the four
drive wheels is provided permanently
through a transfer box. The distribution
of torque between the front and rear
axles is 38% to 62%.
Traditional differential locks at the front
and rear axles and in the transfer box
are not required. Their function is taken
over by automatic braking intervention
at all four wheels. These traction inter-
ventions are governed by Automatic
Differential Brake (ADB), a sub-function
of DSC.
If a wheel tends to slip, it is braked
automatically by ADB until it once again
gains traction, and drive force can be
transmitted to that wheel. In addition,
the drive force is distributed to the
remaining wheels during this system
530us133
intervention. Engine output is also re-
duced if necessary.
When the DSC is deactivated, the ADB
traction intervention is set for the maxi-
mum drive force. However, the engine
intervention and the stability controls
are no longer available. For this reason,
DSC should only be deactivated in the
exceptional circumstances described
on page 83.
The BMW X5 is a vehicle for all types of
roads. The permanent four-wheel drive
provides a significant degree of vehicle
stability and tractive power under all
road conditions. It assists in critical sit-
uations such as driving in extreme win-
ter conditions or on bad roads. Precision sensors monitor the wheel
speeds, the steering angle, lateral
acceleration, brake pressure and the
movement of the vehicle around its
vertical axis.
If differences in wheel speeds occur,
the system recognizes the danger of
wheelspin and reduces the engine's
drive torque. If necessary, the system
also responds with additional braking
intervention at all four wheels.
In addition, DSC permanently monitors
the vehicle's current operating condi-
tion and compares it with an ideal con-
dition that is calculated from the sensor
signals. If discrepancies from this ideal
condition (understeering or oversteer-
ing, for example) occur, DSC stabilizes
the vehicle in fractions of a second by
reducing engine power output and with
the assistance of braking intervention at
individual wheels. Dangerous skids are
thus prevented from the very beginning.
You may need some time to become
accustomed to this system intervention.
However, it provides optimum drive
force and vehicle stability.
The braking intervention may be ac-
companied by certain sounds specific
to the system.
Four-wheel drive DSC