suspension BMW X5 4.4I 2005 E53 Owner's Manual

5n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Controls and features
Passenger safety systems:
Airbags57
Transporting children safely59
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory63
Driving:
Ignition lock64
Starting engine64
Switching off engine65
Handbrake66
Manual transmission66
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic67
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher70
Washer/wiper system/
rain sensor71
Cruise control74
Everything under control:
Odometer, outside temperature
display76
Tachometer77
Energy control77
Engine oil thermometer78
Fuel gage78
Coolant temperature gage79
Service Interval Display79
Check Control80
Computer82
MID Multi-Information
Display84Digital clock in MID85
Computer in MID88
Technology for safety and
driving convenience:
PDC Park Distance Control 93
Antilock Brake System94
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control95
xDrive97
HDC Hill Descent Control97
Self-leveling suspension98
2-axle self-leveling
suspension99
Brake Force Display101
Flat Tire Monitor101
Lamps:
Parking lamps/low beams103
Adaptive Head Light104
High beams/roadside parking
lamps104
Front fog lamps105
Instrument lighting105
Interior lamps105
Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:
Air conditioner107
Automatic climate control110
Roller sun blinds115
Independent ventilation116Cabin convenience:
Integrated universal remote
control117
Portable phone119
Glove compartment120
Storage compartments120
Cup holders121
Ashtray, front122
Ashtray, rear122
Cigarette lighter, rear123
Loading and transporting:
Ski bag124
Cargo area
Folding rear backrests
down126
Roll-up cover126
Partition net127
Flaps in cargo area128
Power outlets129
Pull-out floor in cargo
area130
Cargo loading131
Roof-mounted luggage rack133

10n
NotesBMW cannot test every product on the
market to determine whether it can be
used on a BMW safely and without risk
to either the vehicle, its operation, or its
occupants.
Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on
using these items, are available from all
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors,
wheels, suspension components, brake
dust shields, telephones – including
operation of any portable phone from
within the vehicle without using an
externally mounted antenna – or trans-
ceiver equipment such as CB, walkie-
talkie, ham radio or similar accessories,
may cause extensive damage to the
vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere
with the vehicle's electrical system or
affect the validity of the BMW Limited
Warranty. Refer to your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center for additional
information.< Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control
devices and systems may be performed
by any automotive repair establishment
or individual using any certified auto-
motive part.<
Symbol on vehicle parts
Indicates that you should consult
the relevant section of this
Owner's Manual for information on a
particular part or assembly.
Service and WarrantyThis manual is supplemented by a Ser-
vice and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models or a Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for Canadian mod-
els.
We recommend that you read this pub-
lication thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following
warranties:
>New Vehicle Limited Warranty
>Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
>Federal Emissions System Defect
Warranty
>Federal Emissions Performance
Warranty
>California Emissions Control System
Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these war-
ranties is listed in the Service and War-
ranty Information Booklet for US mod-
els or in the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian 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
page66
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 memory is activated when the
safety belt on the driver's side has not
yet been fastened.
The belt memory is also active from a
speed of 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
page57
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 page94
Indication of the above-
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
page150
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
page150
Automatic transmission
*
The automatic transmission
switches into the emergency
program due to a fault. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page69
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
page98

98n
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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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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

100n
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.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
General driving notesClosing liftgate/tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the
tailgate and liftgate are completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes
could enter into the passenger com-
partment.<
However, if special circumstances
should make it absolutely necessary
to operate the vehicle with the liftgate/
tailgate open:
1. Close all windows and the panorama
glass sunroof
2. Increase the air supply for the air
conditioner or automatic climate
control to a high level, refer to
page108 or112.
Hot exhaust system
Extreme temperatures occur at
the catalytic converter on this and
every catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not
remove the heat shields installed adja-
cent to various sections of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating
to them. When driving, standing at idle
and while parking take care to avoid
possible contact between a hot exhaust
system and any highly flammable mate-
rials such as hay, leaves, grass etc.
Otherwise there is a danger of ignition
and of a fire with the risk of serious inju-
ries and damage. BMW advises against using
mobile radio devices such as por-
table phones inside the vehicle unless
they are directly connected to the
external antenna. Otherwise, it is
impossible to prevent a mutual interfer-
ence of the vehicle electronics with the
portable phone device. Also, there is no
guarantee that the radiation generated
by the transmission will be conveyed
out from the interior of the vehicle.<
When vehicle is parked Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of
water on the ground are therefore nor-
mal.Brakes
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
excessively high temperatures, brake
wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Road hazards
If road hazards, obstacles or curbs
are unavoidable, only drive over
them very slowly and carefully, as oth-
erwise the wheels and suspension
parts, especially on vehicles fitted with
low profile tires, can be damaged.<
For more information on wheels and
tires, refer to page144.
Before driving into a car washFold in the exterior mirrors, refer to
page54, as otherwise they could be
damaged due to the width of the vehi-
cle.Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy
roads, reduce road speed. If you
do not, a wedge of water can form
between tires and road surface. This
state can cause a partial or total loss of
contact with the road surface, of brak-
ing control and of control over the vehi-
cle.<

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Driving your X5>Please note that, for example on
crests and bumpy roads, the body
can make ground contact.
The ground clearance of the vehicle
is:
– 8 in/20 cm with up to four persons
– 7 in/18 cm fully loaded, without
level control
>Only drive through water up to a max-
imum depth of 20 in/50 cm and only
at walking speed, making sure not to
stop in the process. When equipped
with 2-axle self leveling suspension
*,
switch the vehicle to the Off-Road
setting before driving through, refer
to page100.
After leaving the water, apply the
footbrake lightly several times while
driving at low speeds so as to dry
the brakes by braking and to prevent
decreased braking action due to wet-
ness.
Back onto paved road In recommending that you observe the
following points after driving on adverse
road surfaces, it is not as a beauty
treatment for your BMW. Instead, it is
intended for the maintenance of driving
safety:
>Clean the worst of the dirt from the
body and inspect the undercarriage
for damage
>Clean mud, snow, ice etc. from the
wheels and tires and check the
wheels for damage
>Check to determine whether rocks,
gravel or accumulations of dirt on the
brake rotors and calipers could influ-
ence braking performance. Remove
all such foreign objects
>In order to clean the brake rotors,
apply the footbrake gently several
times while driving at a low speed.
Be sure that following traffic is not
endangered by this
>For cleaning the handbrake, apply
the lever slightly at approx. 25 mph/
40 km/h and continue to drive for
approx. 200 yards/200 meters, pro-
vided that traffic conditions allow you
to do so.

Everything from A to ZIndependent ventilation116
activating/deactivating
switch-on times87
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
entering switch-on
times87
switching on and off
directly87
Indicating
elements15,17,18
Indicator lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting105
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags59
alarm system38
automatic transmission
with Steptronic69
brakes153
coolant temperature79
DSC95
engine temperature79
fasten safety belts49
Flat Tire Monitor102
front fog lamps105
reserve78
self-leveling
suspension98
Indicator/warning lamps,
overview19Individual air distribution112
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory63
Inflation pressure
monitoring, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor101
Inflation pressure, tires141
INSPECTION79
Instrument cluster15,17,18
Instrument lighting105
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit14
Integrated universal remote
control117
Interface socket for Onboard
Diagnostics155
Interior lamps105
remote control31
Interior mirror, automatic
dimming feature138
Interior motion sensor39
switching off31,39
Interior rearview mirror55
compass55
Interlock, refer to Locking
steering64
Intermittent operation of
wipers71,73J
Jacking points167
Jump starting171
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting171
K
Key Memory63
Keys30
Kick-down68
L
Lamps and bulbs159
Lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams103
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing load132
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system62
LEDs light-emitting
diodes163
Length, refer to
Dimensions179
License plate lamp
replacing bulbs162
Liftgate35
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually35
opening, remote
control31
remote control31Liftgate/tailgate
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually35,36
opening from inside35
opening from outside35
unlocking manually35,36
Light switch103
Light-alloy wheels, care,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs163
Lighter122,123
Lighting of instruments105
Lights on warning103
Limit88
Limit speed, refer to Speed
limit88
Load, refer to Cargo
loading131
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking34
Locking
from inside34
from outside31
Locking and unlocking doors
from inside34
from outside31
Locking, vehicle
from inside34
from outside31

Everything from A to ZSelector lever positions,
automatic transmission
with Steptronic67
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic68
Self-leveling suspension98
2-axle self-leveling
suspension99
inactive98
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US
models154
Service Interval
Display79,154
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance170
Setting interior
temperature108,112
Setting time, refer to Prese-
lecting switch-on times87
Shifting
automatic transmission
with Steptronic68
manual transmission66
Shiftlock68
Shoulder support47
Side airbags57
Side Impact Head Protection
System57Side tilt, permissible138
Side turn signals, replacing
bulbs160
Side window blinds, refer to
Rear window blind115
Signaling briefly70
Sitting safely43
with airbags43
with safety belts43
Ski bag124
Snow chains147
Sockets129
Soft closure aid for liftgate,
refer to Automatic Soft
Close function36
Spare fuses169
Spare key30
Spare wheel165
removal aid165
Special wash program72
Specified engine oils151
Speed
with spare wheel168
with winter tires146
Speed limit88
Speedometer, refer to
Instrument
cluster15,17,18
Sport Program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic69Sports seat45
Stability control, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control95
xDrive97
Starting engine64
Starting problems
at very low
temperatures65
jump starting171
Status of this Owner's
Manual at time of
printing9
Steering lock64
Steering wheel
adjustment52
adjustment, automatic53
lock64
Steering wheel heater53
Steering wheel memory50
Steering wheel with multi-
function buttons23
Steptronic, refer to Manual
mode69
Stopwatch86
Storage compartments120
in the cargo area128
Storage space, refer to
Cargo area126Storing desired speed, refer
to Cruise control.74
Storing sitting position, refer
to Seat, mirror and
steering wheel memory50
Storing the seat
adjustment50
Storing tires147
Supply reservoir
washing systems150
Switches, refer to Cockpit14
Switching air conditioner
mode on and off
manually108,113
Switching off engine65
Switching on hour signal86
Switch-on times input87
Symbols8
Synthetic oil151
T
Tachometer77
Tail lamps, replacing
bulbs161
Tailgate36
unlocking manually36
Taking time, refer to
Stopwatch86
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity181
Technical data178
Technical modifications9