sport BMW X5 4.6IS 2003 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 2003, Model line: X5 4.6IS, Model: BMW X5 4.6IS 2003Pages: 183, PDF Size: 2.31 MB
Page 5 of 183

 
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Controls and features
 
Passenger safety systems: 
 
Airbags55
Transporting children safely58
Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory61
 
Driving: 
 
Ignition lock62
Starting the engine62
Switching off the engine63
Parking brake64
Manual transmission64
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic65
Indicator/Headlamp flasher68
Washer/Wiper system/Rain 
sensor68
Cruise control71
 
Everything under control: 
 
Odometer, outside temperature 
display73
Tachometer74
Energy control74
Temperature gauge75
Fuel gauge75
Coolant temperature gauge76
Service Interval Display76
Check Control77
Computer80
Multi-Information Display 
MID81
Digital clock in the MID82
Computer in the MID85
 
Technology for safety and 
driving convenience: 
 
Park Distance Control PDC90
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC91
Hill Descent Control HDC93
Self-leveling suspension94
2-axle self-leveling 
suspension94
Tire Pressure Monitor RDC97
Adaptive brake light98
 
Lamps: 
 
Parking lamps/Low beams99
Instrument lighting100
High beams/Standing 
lamps100
Fog lamps100
Interior lamps101
 
Controlling the climate for 
pleasant driving: 
 
Air conditioner102
Automatic climate control105
Roller sun blinds111
Independent ventilation 
system111
 
Cabin convenience: 
 
BMW Universal Transmitter112 
Glove compartment115 
Storage compartments116 
Cellular phone116 
Beverage holder116
Glasses compartment117
Ashtray, front117 
Ashtray, rear118 
Cigarette lighter, rear118
 
Loading and transporting: 
 
Ski bag119 
Cargo area 
Fold the rear backrests 
down120 
Cargo area cover121 
Partition net122 
Cover panels in the cargo 
area123 
Power outlets124 
Pull-out cargo floor124 
Cargo loading126 
Roof-mounted luggage rack127  
Page 8 of 183

 
8n
 
About this Owner's Manual
 
We have made every effort to ensure 
that you are able to find what you need 
in this Owner's Manual as quickly as 
possible. The fastest way to find certain 
topics is by using the detailed index at 
the end. If you desire an initial overview 
of your vehicle, this can be found in the 
first chapter.
Should you wish to sell your BMW at 
some time in the future, please 
remember to hand over the Owner's 
Manual to the new owner; it is an 
important part of the vehicle.
If you have any questions, your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center 
will be glad to advise you. 
 
Symbols used 
 
Indicates precautions that must 
be followed precisely in order to 
avoid the possibility of personal injury 
and serious damage to the vehicle. 
Contains information that will 
assist you in gaining the optimum 
benefit from your vehicle and enable 
you to care more effectively for your 
vehicle. 
Refers to measures that can 
be taken to help protect the 
environment. 
 
<
 
  Marks the end of a specific item of 
information.
 
* 
Indicates special equipment, 
country-specific equipment and 
optional extras.
Identifies systems or components, 
which can be activated or adapted 
to suit an individual driver's require-
ments Ð Vehicle Memory, Key Memory, 
refer to page 61.
Activation and adjustments on some of 
these systems can be performed at 
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
center. 
 
The individual vehicle
 
On buying your BMW, you have 
decided in favor of a model with individ-
ualized equipment and features. This 
Owner's Manual describes all models 
and equipment that BMW offers within 
the same group.
We hope you will understand that 
equipment and features are included 
that you might not have chosen for your 
vehicle. Any differences can easily be 
identified, since all optional extras and 
special equipment are marked with an 
asterisk 
 
* 
.
If your BMW features equipment which 
is not described in this Owner's 
Manual, Supplementary Owner's Man-
uals are enclosed. We ask you to read 
these manuals as well.
 
Notes
Symbols
The individual vehicle
 
Notes 
Page 9 of 183

 
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OverviewControlsRepairsDataIndex Maintenance
 
Status at time of printing
 
BMW pursues a policy of continuous, 
ongoing development that is conceived 
to ensure that our vehicles continue to 
embody the highest quality and safety 
standards combined with advanced, 
state-of-the-art technology. For this 
reason, it is possible that the features 
described in this Owner's Manual could 
differ from those on your vehicle. Nor 
can errors and omissions be entirely 
ruled out. You are therefore asked to 
appreciate that no legal claims can be 
entertained on the basis of the data, 
illustrations or descriptions in this 
manual.
 
For your own safety
 
Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels 
containing up to and including 
10 % ethanol or other oxygenates with 
up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight Ð that is, 
15 % MTBE or 3% methanol plus an 
equivalent amount of co-solvent Ð will 
not void the applicable warranties 
respecting defects in materials or work-
manship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel 
quality Ð volatility, composition, addi-
tives, etc. Ð among gasolines offered for 
sale in the United States and Canada. 
The use of poor-quality fuels may result 
in driveability, starting and stalling 
problems especially under certain envi-
ronmental conditions such as high 
ambient temperature and high altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be 
related to the fuel you are using, we 
recommend that you respond by 
switching to a recognized high-quality 
brand.
Failure to comply with these recom-
mendations may result in unscheduled 
maintenance.
Obey pertinent relevant safety rules 
when you are handling gasoline.
 
<
 
 
 
Important safety information!
For your own safety, use genuine 
parts and accessories approved by 
BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested 
and approved by BMW and Original 
BMW Parts, you simultaneously acquire 
the assurance that they have been thor-
oughly tested by BMW to ensure 
optimum performance when installed 
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free 
from defects in material and workman-
ship.
BMW will not accept any liability for 
damages resulting from installation of 
parts and accessories not approved by 
BMW.
BMW 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.
Original 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.
 
AktualitŠt bei Drucklegung
 
Notes 
Page 10 of 183

 
10n
 
Notes
 
Installation and operation of non-BMW 
approved accessories such as alarms, 
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, 
wheels, suspension components, brake 
dust shields, telephones Ð including 
operation of any portable cellular phone 
from within the vehicle without using an 
externally mounted antenna Ð 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. Contact 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 Warranty
 
This manual is supplemented by a Ser-
vice and Warranty Information Booklet 
for US models or a Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide Booklet for Canadian 
models. 
We recommend that you read this 
publication 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 War-
ranty
 
>
 
California Emissions Control System 
Limited Warranty
Detailed information about these 
warranties is listed in the Service and 
Warranty Information Booklet for US 
models or in the Warranty and Service 
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
 
Reporting safety defects
 
The following only applies to vehicles 
owned and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a 
defect which could cause a crash or 
could cause injury or death, you should 
immediately inform the National 
Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
NHTSA in addition to notifying BMW of 
North America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, 
Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, 
Telephone 800-831-1117.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it 
may open an investigation, and if it 
finds that a safety defect exists in a 
group of vehicles, it may order a recall 
and remedy campaign. However, 
NHTSA cannot become involved in indi-
vidual problems between you, your 
dealer, or BMW of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call 
the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 
1-800-424-9393 Ð or 366-0123 in 
Washington, D.C. area Ð or write to: 
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transpor-
tation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You 
can also obtain other information about 
motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
 
For your own safety 
Page 19 of 183

 
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Technology that monitors itself 
 
Indicator and warning lamps that are 
identified by 
 
l
 
 are tested for proper 
functioning whenever the ignition key is 
turned. They each light up once for 
different periods of time. 
If a fault should occur in one of these 
systems, the corresponding lamp does 
not go out after the engine is started or 
it lights up while the vehicle is moving. 
You will see how to react to this in the 
following section.
 
Red: stop immediately
 
Battery charge current 
 
l 
 
The battery is no longer being 
charged. There is a malfunction 
of the alternator drive belt or in the 
charging circuit of the alternator. Please 
contact the nearest BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle center.
If the drive belt is defective, do not 
continue driving. The engine could 
be damaged due to overheating. If the 
drive belt is defective, increased 
steering effort is also required.
 
<
 
 
Engine oil pressure 
 
l 
 
Stop the vehicle immediately 
and switch off the engine. 
Check the engine oil level; top off as 
required. If the oil level is correct: 
please contact the nearest BMW  Sports 
Activity Vehicle center.
Do not continue driving. The 
engine could be damaged 
because of inadequate lubrication.
 
<
 
 
 
Parking brake
 
* 
/
Brake hydraulic system 
 
l
 
Comes on when you engage the 
parking brake. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 64. 
Comes on although the parking brake 
is released: have the brake fluid level 
checked. Before continuing your 
journey, be sure to read the notes on 
pages 132 and 144.
Also comes on in the Check Control 
with the message CHECK BRAKE 
LININGS.
Parking brake warning lamp
 
* 
/
Brake hydraulic system warning 
lamp for Canadian models. 
Tire Pressure Monitor RDC
 
* 
 
 
l
 
In addition, an acoustic signal is 
sounded: a flat tire has 
occurred. Reduce vehicle speed imme-
diately and stop the vehicle. Avoid hard 
brake applications. As you steer the 
vehicle, use caution and avoid overcor-
recting.
For additional information: refer to 
page 96. 
Page 20 of 183

 
20n
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Red or yellow: continue to drive; 
drive cautiously 
 
If the brake warning lamp 
comes on red together with the 
yellow warning lamps for ABS 
and DSC: 
Continue to drive; drive 
cautiously and defensively and 
avoid full brake applications. 
Have the system checked by the 
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
center. 
For additional information: refer to 
pages 91 and 132.
If all three warning lamps come on 
yellow:
Continue to drive; drive cautiously and 
defensively and avoid full brake appli-
cations. 
Have the system checked by your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center as 
soon as possible. 
Warning lamps for Canadian 
models. 
 
Red: an important reminder
 
Parking brake
 
* 
Comes on when the parking 
brake is engaged. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 64. 
Parking brake
 
* 
 warning lamp
 
  
for 
Canadian models.
Please fasten safety belts 
 
l 
 
Lights up either for a few 
seconds or, depending on 
model, until the belt is engaged. 
Depending on model, together with an 
acoustic signal
 
* 
 or a message
 
* 
 in the 
Check Control. 
For additional information on safety 
belts: refer to page 49. 
Airbags 
 
l 
 
Please have the system 
inspected by your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle center. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 55. 
 
Yellow: check as soon as possible 
 
Antilock Brake System ABS 
 
l
 
ABS has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking performance 
remains available with no loss of effi-
ciency. Please have the system 
inspected by your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center.
For additional information: refer to 
page 132.
ABS warning lamp for Canadian 
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 
page 141.
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 
page 141.  
Page 21 of 183

 
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
 
Indicator and warning lamps 
 
Automatic transmission
 
* 
Because of a malfunction, the 
automatic transmission shifts 
only in the emergency program. Please 
consult the nearest BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle center. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 67. 
Brake pads
 
*
 l 
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer 
to page 132.
Self-leveling suspension
* l
Self-leveling suspension is inac-
tive. Please consult the nearest 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 94.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC l
Fault in the DBC system. 
Conventional braking perfor-
mance remains available with no loss of 
efficiency. 
Please have the system checked and 
repaired by your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center. 
For additional information: refer to 
page 92.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC 
warning lamp for Canadian 
models. 
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC
 l 
Indicator lamp flashes:
The system is active and governs drive 
and braking force.
The warning lamp comes on and stays 
on while driving:
DSC has been switched off with the 
button. If, after repeatedly pressing the 
DSC button, the warning lamp still does 
not go off, then that means that the 
DSC, HDC and the vehicle's road-
holding ability are defective.
Please have the system checked by the 
nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
center. 
For additional information: refer to 
pages 91 and 93. 
Engine electronics
*
There is a fault in the engine's 
electronic control system. You 
can continue to drive with reduced 
engine output or engine speed. Please 
have the system checked by your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center. 
Tire Pressure Monitor RDC
* l
Check tire inflation pressures, 
refer to pages 26, 97.
Service Engine Soon l 
If the indicator lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the 
emissions-related electronic systems. 
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems 
checked by your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle center at the earliest possible 
opportunity.
For additional information: refer to 
page 147. 
Service Engine Soon warning 
lamp for Canadian models. 
Check Filler Cap
* l 
This indicator lamp comes on 
when the fuel filler cap is loose 
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to 
page 25. 
Page 26 of 183

26n
Fuel specifications  Tire inflation pressures The engine uses lead-free gasoline 
only. 
Required fuel: 
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline, 
min. 91 AKI. 
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use 
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen 
sensor and the catalytic converter.< 
Check tire pressures All pressure specifications are indicated 
in psi/kilopascal for tires at ambient 
temperature, refer also to the table on 
the next page. 
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor 
RDC:
After correcting the inflation pressures, 
reactivate the system, refer to page 97.530de225
Check tire inflation pressures 
regularly Ñ at least every two 
weeks and before beginning a longer 
trip. Incorrect tire pressure can other-
wise lead to poor handling, tire damage 
and accidents.
Check the tire inflation pressure of the 
spare tire. Inflate the spare tire to 
the highest inflation pressure of any tire 
on your vehicle.< 
Comply with tire approval 
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table 
apply to tire sizes and tires from BMW-
approved manufacturers. Your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center is 
familiar with these pressures. A 
different inflation pressure may be 
required for tire makes not approved by 
BMW.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that 
not only meet US standards, but also 
European standards. We recommend 
the exclusive use of BMW-approved 
tires.  
Page 31 of 183

31n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Opening and closing Ð via the remote controlThe conceptThe remote control makes opening and 
locking the doors of your vehicle very 
convenient. Furthermore it provides 
three additional functions that can only 
be executed via the remote control: 
>Switch on the interior lamps, refer to 
page 32.
With this function, you can also 
search for your vehicle Ñ when 
parked in an underground garage, for 
instance
>Open the liftgate, refer to page 32.
The liftgate will open slightly, regard-
less of whether it was previously 
locked or unlocked
>Panic mode, refer to page 32.
In case of danger, you can trigger an 
alarm. 
Whenever you unlock or lock the 
vehicle, you simultaneously deactivate/ 
activate the anti-theft system, disarm/ 
arm the alarm system and switch the 
interior lamps on/off.
You can have an acknowledgment 
signal set to confirm that the 
vehicle is correctly locked.< 
Since passengers or animals 
remaining in the vehicle might be 
able to lock the doors from the inside, 
take the vehicle's keys with you so that 
the vehicle can be opened again from 
the outside at any time.< 
If it is no longer possible to lock 
the vehicle via the remote control, 
the battery is discharged. Use this key 
while driving for an extended period in 
order to charge the battery. To prevent 
unauthorized use of the remote control, 
surrender only the door and ignition key 
or the spare key when leaving the 
vehicle for valet parking, for example, 
refer to page 30.
In the event of a system malfunction, 
please contact your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle center. You can also 
obtain replacement keys there.< 
1 Unlock and convenience opening 
2 Lock and secure, switching on inte-
rior lamps, switching off tilt alarm 
sensor and interior motion sensor
3 Open the liftgate, panic mode390de793 
Page 40 of 183

40n
Alarm system  Electric power windows >If the indicator lamp flashes for 
10 seconds when the system is 
disarmed: an attempted entry has 
been detected in the period since the 
system was armed. 
Following triggering of an alarm, the 
indicator lamp will flash continuously. Avoiding unintentional alarmsThe tilt alarm sensor and interior motion 
sensor may be switched off at the same 
time. To prevent an unintentional alarm 
from being triggered, in garages with 
elevator ramps, for instance, or when 
the vehicle is transported by trailer or 
train: 
Lock the vehicle twice, i. e. arm the 
system. Press button of the remote 
control twice in succession or actuate 
the locks twice with the key.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and 
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm 
sensor and the interior motion sensor 
are deactivated as long as the system is 
armed. 
Interior motion sensor In order for the interior motion sensor to 
function properly, the windows and 
sliding/tilt sunroof must be completely 
closed. 
However, be sure to switch off the inte-
rior motion sensor Ð refer to the 
previous column Ð when you
>leave children or animals in the 
vehicle
>intend to leave the windows or 
sliding/tilt sunroof open. 
Open and close windowsFrom ignition key position 1: 
>Press the switch up to the pressure 
point:
The window continues to move as 
long as you continue to hold the 
switch 
>Press the switch beyond the pressure 
point:
The window moves downward auto-
matically. Touch the switch again to 
stop the opening movement. 
You can close the windows in the same 
manner by pulling the switch.530us020