BMW X5 4.4I 2005 E53 Owners Manual
Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 2005, Model line: X5 4.4I, Model: BMW X5 4.4I 2005 E53Pages: 200, PDF Size: 3.55 MB
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Computer
* in MID
Speed You can open a display of the vehicle's 
average speed.
To start the calculation, select the func-
tion with the engine running:
Press the right side of the button.
Press:
The display shows the average speed.
To recalculate the speed:
Press the right side of the button.
Extended immobilizer function You can establish a code that will pre-
vent the engine from being started 
unless the code is entered. 
If you do not have access to the code, 
the emergency deactivation procedure 
will have to be carried out, refer to next 
page.
To establish and activate the code:
Press the right side of the button.
Press the left side of the button.
Display shows:
Enter the code with the function but-
tons.
To correct an entry:
Press the left side of the button and 
repeat the entry.
To store the entry:
Press the right side of the button.
Turn the ignition key to position 0.
Deactivating the code:
When you are asked to enter the code 
with the ignition key in position 1 or 2:
>Enter the code at the function but-
tons.
Press the right side of the button.
After the code has been entered cor-
rectly and confirmed with the SET but-
ton, the time display appears. 
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Computer
* in MID
After three incorrect code entries, or 
three attempts to start the engine with-
out a code entry, the alarm will sound 
for 30 seconds on vehicles fitted with 
an alarm system. 
Deactivating the alarm in an emer-
gency:
If you have forgotten the code, proceed 
as follows:
1. Disconnect the battery, wait approx. 
2 minutes, then reconnect it. Note 
that on vehicles with an alarm sys-
tem, the alarm will sound
2. Set the ignition key to position 1: the 
time display will count down for the 
next ten minutes
3. After ten minutes, start the engine. 
If the code becomes available 
again in the meantime, it can be 
entered during the waiting period after 
pressing the CODE button.<
Remote controlThe computer button on the turn signal 
lever can be used to select the items of 
computer information which are to be 
displayed.
To do this, press:
>the button on the lever until PROG 
shows on the display
>the MID buttons in the order in which 
you wish the information to be dis-
played.
Each time an entry is stored, the pro-
gram number appears on the display.
To terminate the selection procedure:
Press the right side of the button.530de228
To have all the available information 
displayed, press 
>the button on the lever until PROG 
shows on the display
>the SET button.
To obtain individual items of informa-
tion, briefly press the button as often 
as necessary. 
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PDC Park Distance Control
* 
The concept PDC provides extra safety and conve-
nience during parking maneuvers. Sig-
nal tones indicate the current distance 
to an object behind or in front of your 
vehicle. To do this, four ultrasonic sen-
sors in the front and rear bumpers each 
measure the distance to the nearest 
object. The detection range of the front 
sensors and the two sensors located at 
the ends of the rear bumper is approx. 
2 ft/60 cm, while the rear center sen-
sors can detect objects to a distance 
of approx. 5 ft/1.50 m. 
PDC is a parking aid that can 
indicate objects when they are 
approached slowly, as is usually the 
case when parking. Avoid approaching 
objects too fast, otherwise the system 
may give warning of physical obstacles 
too late.< 
Automatic operationThe system starts to operate automati-
cally approx. one second after you 
select reverse or move the selector 
lever into the R position with the ignition 
key in position 2. Wait this short period 
before backing up. The system 
switches off when you shift back out 
of reverse.
Manual activation Press the button, the indicator lamp 
lights up. Manual deactivation Press the button again; the indicator 
lamp goes out.Automatic deactivationAfter driving a distance of more than 
approx. 160 ft/50 m or exceeding a 
speed of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the 
system switches off and the indicator 
lamp goes out. You may switch the sys-
tem on again manually as needed. 530de418 
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PDC Park Distance Control
* Antilock Brake System
Signal tones The distance from an object is indicated 
in front with a higher intermittent tone, 
and at the rear with a lower intermittent 
tone. As the distance between vehicle 
and object decreases, the intervals 
between the tones become shorter. 
The signal tone becomes continuous 
once the distance to the nearest object 
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm. 
The warning signal is canceled after 
approx. 3 seconds if you are moving 
parallel to a wall. MalfunctionThe indicator lamp flashes and a short 
steady signal tone is sounded 
>if you activate PDC with the button 
>when you select reverse for the first 
time after switching on the ignition 
>if a malfunction occurs while the PDC 
system is active. 
Switch the system off and have the 
cause of the malfunction corrected by 
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle cen-
ter. 
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility 
for estimating the distance 
between the vehicle and any obstruc-
tions always remains with the driver. 
Even when sensors are involved, there 
is a blind spot in which objects cannot 
be detected. This applies especially 
in those cases where the system 
approaches the physical constraints of 
ultrasonic measurement, as occurs with 
tow bars and trailer couplings, and in 
the vicinity of thin or wedge-shaped 
objects. Low objects already displayed, 
e.g. a curb, can also disappear from the 
detection area of the sensors again 
before a continuous tone sounds.
Loud sources of sound, inside and out-
side the vehicle, could drown out the 
PDC signal tone.< 
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice 
or snow in order to ensure that they will 
continue to operate effectively. 
Do not apply high pressure spray to the 
sensors for a prolonged period of time. 
Keep the spray at least 4 in/10 cm away 
from the sensors.
The concept The ABS Antilock Brake System pre-
vents the wheel brakes from locking 
during braking. Safe steering response 
is maintained even during full braking. 
This increases active safety.
The ABS is operational every time you 
start the engine. Safe braking, refer to 
page 140.EBV Electronic brake-force 
distribution EBV controls the brake system's appli-
cation pressure at the rear wheels to 
ensure stable deceleration.DBC Dynamic Brake Control When the brake pedal is depressed 
rapidly, this system automatically gen-
erates a maximal boost of braking force 
and thus aids in keeping braking dis-
tances as short as possible during full 
braking. This system exploits all of the 
benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the 
brake pedal for the duration of the 
brake application. DBC is deactivated 
when you release the brake pedal. 
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Antilock Brake System DSC Dynamic Stability Control MalfunctionPlease be absolutely sure to follow 
instructions regarding possible combi-
nations of indicator lights on page 20.
The concept DSC prevents the drive wheels from 
slipping when starting off and acceler-
ating. DSC also identifies unstable driv-
ing conditions, such as a loss of trac-
tion at the rear of the vehicle or sliding 
of the vehicle in its front wheels. Under 
these circumstances, DSC helps the 
vehicle maintain a safe course within 
the physical limits by reducing the 
engine output and by applying the 
brakes in the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you 
start the engine.
The laws of physics cannot be 
repealed, even with DSC. 
An appropriate driving style always 
remains the responsibility of the driver. 
So please do not further limit the addi-
tional safety margin by risky driving.< 
Indicator lamp 
The indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out after the 
engine is started.
The indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is active and governs drive and 
braking force.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off using the 
button and the stabilizing interventions 
are no longer available. 
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DSC Dynamic Stability ControlSwitching DSC offPress the button; the indicator lamp 
comes on and stays on. 
Stabilizing interventions of the chassis 
control system DSC are no longer avail-
able. However, the braking interven-
tions that simulate the function of the 
differential lock continue to be active.
In the following exceptional circum-
stances, it may be effective to switch off 
the DSC for a short period: 
>When rocking the vehicle and starting 
off in deep snow or on loose road 
surfaces 
>On sandy road surfaces 
>On poor surfaces with deep ruts 530de414
>If the wheels churn on muddy sur-
faces
>When driving with snow chains. 
As a result of the braking inter-
ventions, the brakes may be sub-
jected to additional loads when the sys-
tem is switched off. In order to limit the 
brake temperature, brief automatic 
masking of the brake activation is pos-
sible. 
To maintain vehicle stability, always 
drive with the system switched on when 
possible.<
Switching DSC on Press the button a second time – the 
indicator lamp goes out. DSC is now 
activated.MalfunctionPlease be sure to observe the informa-
tion on the DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol/xDrive warning lamp on page 22 
and on the possible lamp combinations 
that can light up on page 20.530de414 
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xDrive HDC Hill Descent Control xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of 
your X5. The combined effects of xDrive 
and DSC further optimize the traction 
and dynamic driving characteristics. 
The 4-wheel drive system xDrive vari-
ably distributes the drive torque to the 
front and rear axle depending on the 
driving situation and prevailing road 
conditions.MalfunctionPlease be sure to observe the informa-
tion on the DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol/xDrive warning lamp on page 22 
and on the possible lamp combinations 
that can light up on page 20.
The concept HDC is a system for driving downhill in 
steep terrain. This system reduces vehi-
cle speed on steep downhill gradients, 
thus allowing you to maintain even bet-
ter control of your BMW under these 
conditions. 
The vehicle moves at slightly more than 
walking speed without active interven-
tion from the driver. 
HDC is available for activation at vehi-
cle speeds below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h. When driving down steep hills 
with a speed below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed 
automatically down to slightly more 
than walking speed, approx. 5 mph/
8 km/h, and then maintains this speed 
at a constant. 
You can use the accelerator or brakes 
to vary this automatically controlled 
speed within a range extending from 
approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to 15 mph/
25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within 
the same range by using the +/– but-
tons of the cruise control.
HDC is automatically deactivated once 
vehicle speed again exceeds approx. 
35 mph/60 km/h. 
Activating system Press the button, the indicator lamp 
lights up. 
The indicator lamp flashes when the 
brakes are applied automatically. Deactivating system Press the button again; the indicator 
lamp goes out. 
HDC is deactivated automatically above 
a road speed of approx. 35 mph/ 
60 km/h and when the ignition is 
switched off. 530de416 
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HDC Hill Descent Control Self-leveling suspension
*
Using HDC With manual transmission: 
Use HDC in first gear and in Reverse 
since the engine's braking effect is 
diminished in the higher gears. 
With automatic transmission: 
You can use HDC in every drive posi-
tion. In case of a malfunction If the warning lamp in the button goes 
out during HDC operation or does not 
light up when the HDC is activated: 
HDC is temporarily not available as 
brake temperature is too high. The warning lamp for the self-
leveling suspension comes on, 
or the message SELFLEVEL 
SUSP.INACT appears in the Check 
Control: there is a malfunction in the 
self-leveling suspension. 
Stop and inspect the vehicle. If the rear 
of the vehicle is visibly lower than the 
front, possibly accompanied by a tilt 
noticeable when you compare the left 
rear with the right rear, please respond 
by immediately proceeding to the near-
est BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center. 
Drive with appropriate caution in the 
meantime. The vehicle has reduced 
ground clearance and driving comfort 
may be noticeably reduced. 
Even when the position of the vehicle 
is normal, have the system checked as 
soon as possible when a malfunction is 
indicated. 
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2-axle self-leveling suspension
*
The concept Your vehicle is equipped with 2-axle 
self-leveling suspension acting on both 
the front and rear suspension. This sys-
tem combines automatic self-leveling, 
which compensates for variations in 
front-to-rear load-distribution patterns, 
with a selection feature allowing drivers 
to choose from among several ride-
height options.
You may choose from among the fol-
lowing ride heights:
>Normal
The standard setting is intended for 
most operating conditions, including 
trailer towing
>Off-Road
Increased level for more ground 
clearance
>Access
Lowers vehicle for more convenient 
cargo handling or easier passenger 
entries and exits.
Changes in ride height are initiated 
either manually, using the control but-
ton, refer to page 100, or automatically 
in response to specific speeds. When 
the ride height is selected manually, the 
driver has the additional option of revis-
ing the ride-height selection by entering a new command during the adjustment 
process.
When the vehicle is stationary, the sys-
tem executes ride-height changes in 
both directions – up and down – when-
ever the doors are closed. The tailgate/
liftgate may be open. The system raises 
the vehicle only when the engine is run-
ning.
The system's automatic self-leveling 
feature automatically compensates for 
variations in the vehicle's load.
Frequent changes in ride height 
initiated at short intervals can 
overheat the compressor, causing the 
system to briefly suspend active opera-
tion.<
Self-leveling suspension display 1 Off-Road
2Standard
3 Access
The LEDs not only show the current ride 
height, but also indicate changes:
>LED on: indicates the vehicle's cur-
rent ride height
>Ride-height LED flashes while the 
LED for the earlier level remains on: 
the ride height is being adjusted to a 
new level, either automatically or in 
response to driver input at the button.
When the suspension reaches the new 
ride height the flashing LED reverts to 
continuous operation, and the LED for 
the earlier level goes out530de218 
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2-axle self-leveling suspension
*
>LED for current ride height flashes for 
roughly 3 seconds when you press 
the button: change in ride height is 
not possible.
Raising Available only when the engine is run-
ning.
From Standard to Off-Road:
Press button 1 while traveling at a 
speed of less than approx. 30 mph/
50 km/h.
From Access to Standard:
>Press button 1 or
>the setting automatically reverts to 
the standard setting once the vehicle 
exceeds a speed of approx. 20 mph/ 
35 km/h.530de219
Lowering Available with ignition key in position 2.
From Standard to Access:
1. Press button 2 while traveling at less 
than approx. 50 mph/80 km/h. The 
system enters its preselection mode. 
The preselection mode is canceled
>by pressing button 1
>automatically once the vehicle 
exceeds a speed of approx. 
50 mph/80 km/h or approx. 
60 seconds after button 2 is 
pressed
2. Reduce speed to below approx. 
15 mph/25 km/h within approx. 
60 seconds after pressing button 2.
When you press button 2 at 
speeds below approx. 15 mph/
25 km/h the system automatically low-
ers the vehicle to the Access level.<
From Off-Road to Standard:
>Press button 2 or
>automatically once you exceed a 
speed of approx. 30 mph/50 km/h.