warning BMW X5 4.4I 2001 Owner's Manual

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
97n
Side lamps (side marker lamps)
With the switch in this position,
the front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on.
For lighting on one side for parking as
an additional feature, refer to page 98.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off
and the low beams are on, only
the side lamps (side marker
lamps) remain on.
530us051
LIGHTS ON warningWhenever you open the driver's door,
after having turned the ignition key to
position 0, you will hear a buzzing
sound for a few seconds to remind you
that the lamps have not been switched
off.
On vehicles with alphanumeric Check
Control
*:
The reminder is given through the
Check Control.
Daytime-driving lamp
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daylight driving at
ignition key position 2. Turn the rotary dial to adjust the illumi-
nation intensity.
530us052
Side lamps/Low beams Instrument lighting

124n
Cargo areaFold the rear backrests downReach into the recess and pull forward
(arrow).
The rear backrest is divided into two
sections (one-third and two-thirds of
the width of the seat). You can fold
either section of the backrest down
separately in order to increase the
capacity of the cargo area.
When you close the backrest, be
sure that the catch engages
securely. The red warning indicator
disappears in the recess when the
retainer is locked.
The center safety belt can be retracted
only when the larger backrest is
engaged.< 530us076
Cargo area coverPull the cover out by the handle and
hook it in the rear holders.
You can carry light objects such as
articles of clothing on the cover.
Do not place heavy or hard
objects on the cover. If you do so,
they could pose a danger to vehicle
occupants during a braking or evasive
maneuver.<
Before you slide it back into position,
place the grip in the rear fold of the
cover.530us079
When the cover is pulled out, it can be
opened behind the rear-seat backrest
to gain access to the cargo area from
the rear seats during a trip, for example.
For removing the cover: refer to the
next page. 530us154

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, care
and maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index Advanced technology
133n
Under the hood:
Hood151
Engine compartment152
Washer fluid156
Washer nozzles156
Engine oil157
Coolant160
Brake fluid161
Vehicle Identification
Number161
Care and maintenance:
The BMW Maintenance
System162
Caring for your vehicle163
Airbags168
Vehicle storage168
Laws and regulations:
Technical modifications169
California Proposition
65 Warning169
OBD interface socket170
Car care Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures134
Driving your BMW X5135
General driving notes136
Catalytic converter136
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)137
Disc brakes140
Brake system141
Winter operation141
Power steering143
Level control system143
Cellular phone144
Radio reception144
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure145
Tire condition145
Tire replacement146
Tire rotation147
Wheel and tire
combinations148
Special features of winter
tires149
Snow chains149
Approved wheel and tire
specifications150

138n
Antilock Brake System (ABS)should adapt road speed to the road
conditions.
On road surfaces that have a loose
surface layer on a firm base with good
traction (on gravel, deep sand or snow,
for example), braking distances may be
longer than with locked wheels.This is
also true if snow chains are mounted.
However, ABS continues to provide
enhanced vehicle stability and steering
response under these conditions. Information for your safety Not even ABS can suspend the laws of
physics. ABS alone cannot prevent
accidents when the brakes are applied
without an adequate safety distance
between vehicles, if the vehicle is
driven with excessive speed, or if aqua-
planing occurs. Responsibility for these
types of situations remains in the hands
(and at the feet) of the driver. You
should never allow the added safety of
ABS to lull you into a false sense of
security, or mislead you into taking
increased risks that could affect your
own safety and that of others.
Do not make any modifications to
the ABS system.
Service procedures on ABS are to be
performed by authorized technicians
only.<
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) CBC is an advanced engineering
design of the ABS. When braking
during cornering with high lateral accel-
eration, or when braking during a lane
change, vehicle stability is further
improved and the steering response is
enhanced. Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBV) EBV governs brake application pres-
sure at the rear wheels to achieve
stable brake response.
If the EBV fails (refer to the next
page), avoid full or "panic" brake
applications. Full or panic brake appli-
cations can result in overbraking at the
rear axle, and braking stability is no
longer ensured.<
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

If you apply the brakes rapidly, this
system automatically produces the
maximum braking force boost and thus
helps to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance during "panic stops."
All of the benefits of the ABS system
are exploited under these circum-
stances.
Do not reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal for the duration of the
brake application. When the brake
pedal is released, the DBC is deacti-
vated.
In the event of a malfunction,
the yellow warning lamp comes
on. Have the system checked
and repaired at your BMW
center as soon as possible.
Refer to the "Information for your
safety" covering the ABS system.
This information also applies in general
for DBC.<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
139n
Antilock Brake System (ABS) In the event of a fault
If the brake warning lamp
comes on red together with the
yellow indicator lamps for ABS
and DSC (refer to pages 22
to 24), ABS, CBC, DSC, DBC,
EBV and HDC have failed. You
may continue driving, but drive
defensively and with extra
caution. Avoid full brake applications
because the vehicle could become
unstable and go out of control.
Have the system checked by the
nearest BMW center.
If all three warning lamps come on
yellow:
ABS, CBC, DSC, DBC and HDC have
failed. The effect of the EBV Brake
Force Distribution at the rear wheels,
which achieves stable brake response,
is largely preserved. Optimum brake
force and braking stability are no longer
assured. Continue to drive; drive
cautiously and defensively and avoid
full brake applications.
Have the system checked by your BMW
center as soon as possible.
Following an interruption in
battery power, the ABS, CBC,
DSC, DBC and HDC systems are no
longer available. After you drive for only
a few yards or meters or if you turn the
steering wheel from stop to stop while
the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is running, the functions are activated
again and the three warning lamps will
go out.<
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
141n
Brake system Winter operationBrake fluid level
The warning lamp for the brake
hydraulic system comes on, or
the CHECK BRAKE FLUID
message appears in the Check
Control.
The brake fluid level is too low in the
reservoir (refer to page 161).
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become notice-
ably longer, there may be a defect in
one of the brake system's hydraulic
circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
center. Higher brake application
pressure may be necessary under these
conditions, and brake pedal travel may
be significantly longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
The warning lamp also comes on when
the CHECK BRAKE LININGS message
appears in the Check Control.
Brake pads
The warning lamp for the brake
pads comes on, or the CHECK
BRAKE LININGS message
appears in the Check Control:
The brake pads have reached their
minimum pad thickness. Proceed to the
nearest BMW center as soon as
possible to have the pads replaced.
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
released 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.<
The onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Adaptations in driving style should be
accompanied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your
progress through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free. CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture
contains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-
tion. This mixture provides protection
against freezing down to approx. –347
(–376). Replace the coolant every four
years. LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free locks if they are frozen. This deicer
also contains lubricant.
After using the deicer, treatment with
BMW lock barrel grease is recom-
mended.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
143n
Winter operation Power steering Level control system
*
Skid control Release the accelerator pedal and
depress the clutch pedal. Countersteer
carefully and attempt to regain control
of the vehicle.Parking Engage 1st or reverse gear. If your
vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the selector lever in
"Park." On vehicles with manual trans-
mission, also apply the parking brake
when parking on inclined surfaces. In
order to prevent the parking brake pads
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
applied.<
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
increasing speeds:
Have your BMW center inspect this
system as soon as possible.
If the power steering fails,
increased effort will be required to
steer the vehicle.<
The warning lamp for the level
control system comes on, or the
message SELFLEVEL
SUSP.INACT appears in the Check
Control: There is a malfunction in the
level control 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),
consult the nearest BMW center. Drive
with appropriate caution in the mean-
time, especially if you are driving under
poor road-surface conditions. The
vehicle has reduced ground clearance
or driving comfort is noticeably
reduced.
Even if the attitude of the vehicle is
normal, you should consult the nearest
BMW center if the warning lamp indi-
cates a system fault.

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
151n
HoodTo unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel.
Do not work on your vehicle
without appropriate skills. Switch
off the engine and allow it to cool down
before working in the engine compart-
ment. Always disconnect the battery
before working on any electrical systems
or equipment, especially when these are
located within the engine compartment.
Comply with all applicable instructions
and warnings. Failure to work in an
informed, professional manner when
servicing components and materials
constitutes a safety hazard for vehicle
occupants and other road users. If you
are not familiar with the guidelines,
please have the operations performed
by your BMW center.< 530us093
To open Pull the release handle and open the
hood. 530us094
To close Allow the hood to fall from a height of
about 12 in (30 cm) so that it audibly
engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures
.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.< 530us095

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
159n
Engine oil
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of used oil.<
Recommendation: have the oil changed
by your BMW center.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, any skin areas
that come into contact with oil should
be thoroughly washed with soap and
water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
161n
Brake fluid Vehicle Identification
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
under 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 141.
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
a 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
disposal of brake fluid.<
Vehicle Identification NumberIn 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