air condition BMW X5 4.6IS 2003 User Guide

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1 Airflow directed toward the wind-
shield and side windows
2 Airflow for the upper body104
3 Front footwell ventilation 4 Rear footwell ventilation
5 Airflow for the upper body in the rear
seat104
6 Temperature103
7 Air distribution1038 Air supply103
9 Rear window defroster103
10 Air conditioning103
11 Recirculated-air mode103
Air conditioner
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Air conditioner Temperature
The graduations on the dial
provide general reference
values for the interior temper-
ature. We recommend
+70 7/+22 6 as a comfortable
setting. When you start the vehicle, the
system adjusts the air to the selected
temperature as quickly as possible, and
then maintains that temperature
constantly.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the
footwell . All intermediate
settings are possible. In the setting,
there is a low flow of air onto the
windows to keep them free of conden-
sation.
Air supply
You can adjust the air supply
through an infinitely-variable
range. The heating and venti-
lation become more and more
effective as the air supply settings are
increased. In the 0 setting, the blower
and climate control are switched off
and the outside air supply is blocked.
Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated, the
indicator lamp comes on. The rear
window defroster switches off automat-
ically.
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehu-
midified and Ñ depending on
the temperature setting Ñ warmed
again. Depending on the weather, the
windshield may fog over briefly when
the engine is started. You can reduce
condensation forming on the windows
by switching on the air conditioning.
During air conditioning condensa-
tion forms, which then exits under
the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
of this kind are thus normal.<
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleas-
ant odors outside the vehicle
by temporarily switching off the outside
air supply. The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.
If you have a steering wheel with multi-
function buttons with the button for the
recirculated-air mode, you can also use
this button to switch to the recirculated-
air mode, refer to page 23.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated-air mode, switch the
recirculated-air mode off and increase
the air supply as required.<

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Air conditionerDraft-free ventilation You can adjust the vent outlets for the
upper body area completely for your
personal comfort:
1 Rotary dials for opening and closing
the vent outlets through an infinitely-
variable range
2 Levers for adjusting airflow direction
3 With the rotary dial you can adjust the
temperature of the incoming air:
>Turn toward blue Ð colder
>Turn toward red Ð warmer. 530de270
Rear passenger area ventilation1 Rotary dial for opening and closing
the vent outlets through an infinitely-
variable range
2 Levers for adjusting airflow direction.
The air that flows out here is somewhat
cooler than the air delivered to the foot-
well. Particle filter The particle filter removes dust and
pollen from the incoming air. It is
replaced by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center during regular mainte-
nance. A substantial reduction in air
supply indicates that the filter must be
replaced before normal maintenance.530de271
To defrost windows and remove
condensation 1. You can specify an interior tempera-
ture that is comfortable for you with
the rotary temperature dial. A good
starting point is +70 7/+22 6
2. Set the air distribution rotary dial
to
3. Set the blower/air supply rotary dial
completely to the right
4. Close the vent outlets in the rear
seating area
5. Switch on the rear window defroster
to defrost the rear window. 530us149

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Automatic climate control
*
10 Temperature control Ð
right-hand side107
11 To defrost windows and remove
condensation108
12 Air conditioning10813 Automatic recirculated-air control
(AUC)108
14 Rear window defroster108
15 Air supply107 16 Maximum cooling108
or using up residual heat109
17 Air grille for interior temperature
sensor Ð please keep clear and
unobstructed
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Tips for pleasant drivingUse the automatic system; that is press
AUTO button 6. Select an interior
temperature that is comfortable for you.
Detailed setting options are described
for you in the following section.
Your BMW center can program
the settings of your vehicle in such
a manner that, when you unlock the
vehicle with your individualized key,
your own personalized setting for the
automatic climate control is initiated.< Automatic air distribution
The AUTO program
assumes the adjustment of
the air distribution and the air supply for
you and also adapts the temperature to
external influences Ð summer, winter Ð
to meet preferences you can specify.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO
program by selecting
specific air distribution
patterns for your personal
comfort, the automatic air
supply remains in operation. You can
direct air to flow onto the windows ,
toward the upper body , and into the
footwell . You can reactivate the
automatic air distribution mode by
selecting the AUTO button.
Temperature
You can make individual
temperature settings on the
driver's side or the front
passenger side. Your settings will be
shown in the display 9. The displayed
temperatures are reference values for
the interior temperature. We recom-
mend +70 7/+22 6 as a comfortable
setting, whether the air conditioner is
operating or not. When you start the
vehicle, this system ensures that the
selected temperature is achieved as
quickly as possible. It then maintains this
temperature, regardless of the season.
To change the units of measurement Ð
6/7 Ð of the display, refer to page 73
or 80.
Air supply
In the AUTO program, the
air supply is controlled
automatically. AUTO will appear in the
display 9, refer to the overview on
page 105. Press the left or right side of
the button to vary the air supply. When
your setting is displayed by bars, the
automatic air supply is switched off.
Automatic air distribution maintains its
setting. You can reactivate the auto-
matic air supply by pressing the AUTO
button.
When you press the left side of the but-
ton during operation at minimum blower
speed all displays are canceled: the
blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off. The outside air supply is
closed. You can switch the system
back on by pressing any button of the
automatic climate control, except the
MAX button 16.
To defrost windows and remove
condensation
This program quickly
removes ice and conden-
sation from the windshield and the side
windows.

108n
Automatic climate control
*
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and
dehumidified and Ñ
depending on the temperature setting Ñ
warmed again. Depending on the
weather, the windshield may fog over
briefly when the engine is started. You
can reduce condensation forming on
the windows by switching on the air
conditioning.
During air conditioning condensa-
tion forms, which then exits under
the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
of this kind are thus normal.<
Maximum cooling
You will get maximum
cooling capacity using this
program if the engine is running and
the outside temperature is above
approx. +41 7/+5 6.
The temperature display 9 jumps to
+60 7/+16 6, the system switches
over to the recirculated-air mode, and
the air streams out of the ventilation grill
with the maximum air supply. That is
why you need to keep these open if you
select this program.
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC
If there are unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the
outside air, you can temporarily block
the air supply from the outside. The
system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle. Press the
button repeatedly to run through the
following control sequence
>Indicator lamps off: outside air supply
operational
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system recognizes pollut-
ants in the outside air and blocks the
flow of air when necessary. The
system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
Depending on the air quality, the
automatic system then switches back
and forth between outside air supply
and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the
outside air supply into the vehicle is
completely blocked. The system then
recirculates the air currently within
the vehicle.
If you have a steering wheel with multi-
function buttons with the button for
recirculated-air mode, refer to page 23,
you can also use this button to switch
between Off and the recirculated-air
mode or AUC and the recirculated-air
mode.
If the windows fog over in the
recirculated-air mode, switch the
recirculated-air mode off and increase
the air supply as required.< Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated,
the indicator lamp comes on. The
rear window defroster switches off
automatically.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic climate control
*
Residual heat mode
The heat which is stored in
the engine is utilized for
heating the interior when the engine
has been switched off (while waiting at
a railroad crossing, for instance).
In ignition key position 1, you can alter
the settings of the automatic climate
control. With the ignition key in posi-
tion 0, the system automatically directs
heated air to the windshield, side
windows and footwells.
This function may be activated
when the outside temperature is
below approx. 59 7/15 6, the engine
is at operating temperature, and the
battery is adequately charged. The LED
on the button will light up when all
conditions have been met.<
Draft-free ventilation You can adjust the vent outlets for the
upper body area to select the optimum
airflow rates and directions for your
personal comfort:
1 Rotary dials for opening and closing
the vent outlets through an infinitely-
variable range
2 Selector levers for airflow direction
3 With the rotary dial you can adjust the
temperature of the incoming air.
>Turn toward blue Ð colder
>Turn toward red Ð warmer. 530de270
Rear passenger area climate
control 1 Air supply
2 Temperature
3 Adjusting the direction of the airflow 530de272

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Driving your BMW X5 Your BMW is right at home on all roads
and byways Ð even where the pavement
ends. It combines permanent four-
wheel drive with the agility of a typical
passenger vehicle. On bad roadsWhen you are driving on bad roads,
there are a few points which you should
strictly observe Ñ for your own safety,
for that of your passengers, and for the
safety of the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle
before you begin driving. Do not take
risks with the vehicle under any cir-
cumstances
>Always adapt vehicle speed to road
conditions Ð the steeper and more
uneven the road surface is, the
slower the vehicle's speed should be
>You can operate your vehicle on
uphill and downhill gradients with a
maximum slope of 50 %. If you intend
to drive on either an uphill or downhill
gradient of this steepness, check to
be sure in advance that the engine oil
and coolant levels are both near the
MAX mark, refer to pages 141
and 143.
When driving down steep slopes, use
the Hill Descent Control HDC, refer to
page 93. Starting from a full stop is possible on
uphill gradients of up to 32 %.
The permitted side tilt is also 50 %
>While driving, watch carefully for
obstacles such as rocks or holes. Try
to avoid these obstacles whenever
possible
>On hill crests and bumpy roads, for
example, be careful to prevent the
body from bottoming Ð contact
between the body and the ground.
The ground clearance of the vehicle
is:
8 in/200 mm with up to four
passengers
7 in/180 mm fully loaded Ð without
self-leveling suspension
>Do not drive in water that is deeper
than 20 inches/50 cm. If you must
drive through water up to that depth,
drive at a walking speed and do not
stop.
After leaving the water, press on the
footbrake gently several times while
driving at a low speed. The brake
applications will help to dry the
brakes, thus preventing a reduction in
braking performance caused by the
moisture.
Back onto the 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 accumulations of dirt from the
body and check the undercarriage for
damage
>Clean mud, snow, ice and other
materials from the wheels and tires.
Check the tires 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 parking brake, 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.

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Brake systemDisc brakesWhen the vehicle is driven only occa-
sionally, during extended periods when
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion of the
rotors and accumulation of contamina-
tion on the brake pads. This occurs
because the minimal pressure which
must be exerted by the pads to clean
the discs by brake applications is not
reached.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect which even extended
application will fail to cure.
When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal from time
to time. Watch traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other road users. The heat
which is generated by the brake appli-
cations helps to dry the brake pads and
rotors. The braking force is then imme-
diately available when required.Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
on the brakes and possible impairment
of the braking effect.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in neutral. Do not
drive with the engine switched off. The
engine provides no braking effect when
the clutch is depressed or the transmis-
sion is in neutral, and there is no
power-assist for braking or steering
when the engine is not running.
BMW recommends having brake
inspections performed at a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center only. If
you do not, parts of the four-wheel
drive system could be damaged.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Brake pads
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.<

134n
Information for your safety The factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your vehicle when
used correctly.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety which depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a
frequent cause of tire damage. It
also significantly influences the road-
holding ability of your BMW. Check tire
inflation pressures Ð including the spare
wheel Ð regularly, refer to page 26, at
least every two weeks and before
beginning a longer trip. If this is not
done, incorrect tire pressures can
cause driving instability and tire
damage, ultimately resulting in an
accident.<
Tire tread Ð Tire damage Inspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread pattern depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to
go below 0.12 in/3 mm, even though,
the legally specified minimum tread
depth, for example in Europe, is only
0.063 in/1.6 mm. Below a tread depth
of 0.12 in/3 mm there is an increased
risk of hydroplaning, even at relatively
moderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.
Tread wear indicators, refer to arrow,
are embedded around the tire circum-
ference in the base of the tire tread.
Their locations are indicated on the tire
sidewall with TWI Ð Tread Wear Indi-390de331
cator. At a tread depth of 0.063 in/
1.6 mm these indicators, signal that the
tires have reached the legally permis-
sible wear limit.
Do not drive on a deflated Ð flat Ð
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over
the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading leads to over-
heating and causes damage inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume
the form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation, e.g. caused
by contact with curbs, etc., can indicate
a flat tire or some other vehicle mal-
function. This is also true for irregulari-
ties in the vehicle's handling character-
istics, such as a pronounced tendency
to pull to the left or right. Should this
occur, respond by immediately
reducing your speed.
Tire inflation pressures Tire condition