warning light BMW X5 4.4I 2006 E53 User Guide

90n
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 up 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 quickly; otherwise the phys-
ical circumstances may cause the sys-
tem to issue the warning too late.<
Automatic operationWhen the engine is running or the igni-
tion is switched on, the PDC system
starts to operate automatically approx.
one second after you shift into reverse
or move the selector lever into the R
position. Wait this short period before
backing up.
Manual activation Press the button; the LED lights up. Manual deactivation Press the button again; the LED goes
out.Automatic deactivationAfter driving a distance of more than
approx. 95 ft/30 m or exceeding a
speed of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the
system switches off and the LED goes
out. You may switch the system on
again manually as needed. 530de418

93n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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 a stuck vehicle free
and when 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.
When the DSC system is switched
off, braking maneuvers may sub-
ject the brakes to additional loads.
Automatic limitation of braking action
may briefly occur in order to limit brake
temperatures.
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.MalfunctionsPlease be sure to read the information
on the DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive warning lamp on page 22 and on
the possible lamp combinations that
can light up on page 20.530de414

94n
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.MalfunctionsPlease be sure to read the information
on the DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
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 LED lights up.
The LED flashes when the brakes are
applied automatically. Deactivating system Press the button again; the LED 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

95n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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 action 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 LED in the button goes out during
HDC operation or does not light up
when the HDC is activated:
HDC is temporarily unavailable due to
excessive brake temperature. 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.

99n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Flat Tire MonitorInitializing system
Perform the initialization immedi-
ately every time you correct the
inflation pressure, change a tire or
change a wheel or all wheels. The vehi-
cle must be driven during initialization.<
1. Start the engine, but do not begin to
drive immediately.
2. Press the button until the yellow indi-
cator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up for a few seconds.
3. Begin driving.
530de419
It takes a few minutes of driving before
the Flat Tire Monitor can detect and
report a flat tire.
When driving with snow chains,
do not initialize the system.<
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up yel-
low. There is a flat tire or exten-
sive inflation pressure loss.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2. Identify damaged tire
If identification is not possible,
contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center.<
3. Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Changing a wheel on page 165.

100n
Parking lamps/side marker lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on. You can
use the parking lamps for park-
ing. For lighting on one side for parking
as an additional feature, refer to
page101.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off
and the low beams are on, only
the parking lamps/side marker
lamps remain on.
530us215
Pathway lighting:
When you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle and
switching off the lamps, the low beams
will come on for a brief period. You may
also have this function deactivated if
you wish.<
Lights on warning Whenever you open the driver's door,
after having turned the ignition key to
position 0, an acoustic signal will sound
for a few seconds to remind you that
the lamps have not been switched off.
Alphanumeric Check Control
*:
The reminder is given through the
Check Control.
Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daytime driving at igni-
tion key position 2.
Automatic headlamp control
*
When you set the switch to this
position, the system activates
and switches on and off the low
beams in response to changes in ambi-
ent light conditions, for instance, in tun-
nels, at dawn and dusk, and in rain and
snow.
The low beams remain switched
on regardless of the ambient light
when you switch on the front fog
lamps.<
Automatic headlamp control can-
not serve as a substitute for the
driver's judgment in determining when
the vehicle lamps should be switched
on. For example, the system cannot
detect fog. To avoid safety risks, you
should always switch on the lamps
manually under these conditions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the
headlamp control system adjusted
on your vehicle.<
Parking lamps/low beams

155n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant Brake fluid4. When necessary, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached; do
not overfill.
5. Close the cap and tighten snugly.
6. Have the cause of the coolant loss
corrected as soon as possible.
Brake fluid level
If the warning lamp lights up
or
the message CHECK BRAKE
FLUID appears in the Check
Control: stop immediately. The
brake fluid in the reservoir has
fallen to below the minimum
level.
Add brake fluid 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 Sports Activity
Vehicle center. Your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle center is familiar with the
specifications for factory-approved
DOT 4 brake fluids.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page140.
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 Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Refer also to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide Book-
let for Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and also damages
vehicle paintwork. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original con-
tainers kept well away from the reach of
children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the
brake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Always observe all applicable
environmental rules and regula-
tions when disposing of used brake
fluid.<

165n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbs Changing a wheel Light-emitting diodes LEDs Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
source for many of the controls and dis-
plays in your vehicle. The concept
behind their operation is related to that
employed for lasers.
Do not remove the covers, and
never stare into the unfiltered light
several hours, as irritation of the retina
could result.<
Safety precautions to observe in
the event of a flat and during all
tire changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, sur-
face. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse, selector lever in Park with
automatic transmission, and engage the
handbrake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area, behind a guardrail,
for instance.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all safety guidelines and regula-
tions.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface that is not slippery. The vehicle
or the jack could slip to the side if you
attempt to raise the vehicle on a soft
or slippery surface such as snow, ice,
tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support sur-
face.
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. To avoid serious or fatal
injury: never lie under the vehicle, and
never start the engine while it is sup-
ported by the jack.<
Your BMW has either a compact wheel
for temporary use to ensure your mobil-
ity, or a spare wheel of the size 235/
65 R 17. Please observe the differences
in handling when removing the wheel
from the cargo area.

176n
Tow-starting and towingAccess to screw thread Front:
Use a screwdriver to press the right or
left cover out, refer to arrows. 530de370
Rear:
Pull the cover off. Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, otherwise the steer-
ing lock could engage and it would not
be possible to steer the vehicle. When
the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. This requires increased
braking and steering effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers
depending on the local regulations.
If the electrical system fails, mark the
vehicle to be towed, e.g. with a sign or
warning triangle in the rear window.
530de318
Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h and a towing dis-
tance of 95 miles/150 km, otherwise
the automatic transmission may be
damaged.<
Manual transmission:
Gearshift lever in idle position
Automatic transmission:
Selector lever in N.
Towing methodsIn some countries, towing with a tow
bar or rope on public roads is not per-
mitted.
Familiarize yourself with all regulations
on towing in the respective country.
With tow bar:
The towing vehicle may not be
lighter than the vehicle to be
towed, otherwise handling will be
uncontrollable.<
The tow fitting of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If an angled posi-
tion of the bar cannot be avoided, be
aware of the following:

Everything from A to ZA
Ability to climb, refer to
Driving on poor roads138
ABS Antilock Brake
System91
warning lamp20
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety9
Accident, refer to
Emergency call173
Roadside Assistance173
Activated-charcoal filter112
Adaptive Head Light101
Adjusting cooling capacity of
rear climate control112
Adjusting seats44
electric46
electric comfort seat46
mechanical45
mechanical sports seat45
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning105,110
Airbags55
sitting safely43
warning lamp21
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode105
Air conditioner104
Air conditioning
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control110Air distribution
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control109
individual109
Airing, refer to
Ventilation106,111
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation106,111
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure141
Air recirculation, refer to
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control110
Air supply
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control109
rear climate control112
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation104,107
Alarm system38
avoiding unintentional
alarms39
All-season tires, refer to
Special features of winter
tires149
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive94
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochureAntifreeze
coolant154
washer fluid152
Antilock Brake System
ABS91
warning lamp20
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system38
Anti-theft system30
Anti-trapping
mechanism40,42
panorama glass roof42
power windows40
Armrest, refer to Storage
compartments119
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Artificial wood trim, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray121
front121
rear121
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control110Automatic
air distribution109
air supply109
cruise control71
headlamp control100
recirculated-air control
AUC110
steering wheel
adjustment53
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control107
Automatic cruise control71
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic headlamp
control100
Automatic rear window
washer71
Automatic Soft Close
function, liftgate36
Automatic speed reduction
for descents, refer to HDC
Hill Descent Control94