engine oil BMW X5 4.8IS 2004 E53 User Guide

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Driving your X5 On bad roads When you are driving on bad roads,
there are a few points which you should
strictly observe — for your own safety,
for that of your passengers, and for the
safety of the vehicle:
Driving on unpaved terrain can
cause damage to the vehicle.<
>Always adapt the driving speed to the
road conditions. The rougher or
steeper the road surface is, the lower
the speed should be
>You can operate your vehicle on
uphill and downhill gradients with a
maximum slope of 50 %. If you want
to drive on uphill or downhill gradi-
ents of this kind, make sure before-
hand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the max mark. Refer
to pages 148 and 150.
Use the HDC Hill Descent Control on
steep downhill gradients, refer to
page 96.
It is possible to start off on 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
>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/200 mm with up to four persons
– 7 in/180 mm fully loaded, without
self-leveling suspension
>Only drive through water up to a
maximum depth of 20 in/50 cm and
only at walking speed, making sure
not to stop in the process.
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 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 largest accumulations of
dirt from the body and check the
underbody 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.

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1Engine oil dipstick148
2Brake fluid reservoir, located beneath
the microfilter cover1513Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting171
4Coolant expansion tank1505Engine oil filler neck148
6Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system148Engine compartment essentials
530de341

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Washer fluid Engine oilWindshield and headlamp washer
system Approximate capacity is 8.2 quarts/
7.8 liters.
Fill with water and — if required — with
the addition of a washer antifreeze,
according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agent for the washer
systems is inflammable. For this
reason, keep it away from sources of
flame and store it only in its original
containers. Store it so that it is inacces-
sible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.< 530de298
Checking oil level 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating tempera-
ture
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
4. Push the dipstick carefully all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out
again
5. The oil level should be in between
the two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions. 530us100
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts/1 liter. Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine.
X5 4.8is:
With a very sporty driving style, the
engine oil level should be at the upper
mark on the dipstick.530us205

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Engine oil Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark before adding oil.
Continuous exposure to used oil
has caused cancer in laboratory
testing. For this reason, any skin areas
that come into contact with oil should
be thoroughly washed with soap and
water.
Always store oils, grease and similar
materials so that they are inaccessible
to children. Comply with warning labels
and information on containers.<
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the dis-
posal of used oil.< 530de326
Specified engine oils The quality of the engine oil selected
has critical significance for the opera-
tion and service life of an engine.
Based on extensive testing, BMW has
approved only certain engine oils.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, you can add
small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Use only oils with
the API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center for details concern-
ing the specific BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil or synthetic oils
which have been approved.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this web-
site: www.bmwusa.com to obtain this
information.
BMW engines are designed to
operate without additives, and
their use could even lead to damage in
some cases.<
Viscosity ratings Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you typically drive your
BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.

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The BMW Maintenance System is
designed in such a way that it reliably
ensures the road safety and operating
reliability of the vehicle, keeping the
cost for you as low as possible.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.
Service Interval Display Conventional systems rely solely on
distance traveled to determine when
service is due. The BMW Maintenance
System, on the other hand, began many
years ago to take the actual conditions
under which the vehicle is driven into
consideration. After all, different drivers 390us008
can accumulate mileage in very differ-
ent ways:
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those who
drive only short distances, significantly
less than 6,000 miles/10,000 km annu-
ally, should have the engine oil changed
at least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use. Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models. As a precaution against corrosion, it is
advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center do the mainte-
nance and repair.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide Book-
let for Canadian models.
These entries will constitute your proof
that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also required for
warranty claims.<
Car careFor all information on this subject, refer
to the Caring for your vehicle brochure.
The BMW Maintenance System

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Proposition 65 Warning California laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety
of automobile components and
parts, including components found in
the interior furnishings in a vehicle, con-
tain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of com-
ponent wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Battery posts, ter-
minals and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds. Wash your
hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
water.<
Event Data Recorders Your vehicle may be equipped with one
or more sensing and diagnostic mod-
ules or a recording device capable of
recording or transmitting certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you
have a Subscription Service Agreement
for the BMW Assist system, certain
vehicle information may be transmitted
or recorded in order to provide such
services.
The interface socket for the Onboard
Diagnostic is located on the left of the
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment cluster and under a cover. The
cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emis-
sion control system for the vehicle's
lifetime. The system monitors emission-
related components and systems for
deterioration and malfunction.
530us105
California laws OBD interface socket

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Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
of that reserve
X5 3.0i
X5 4.4i, 4.8isgal./liters
gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 24.6/approx. 93
approx. 2.0/approx. 8
approx. 2.5/approx. 10Fuel specification: page 26
Windshield washer system
with headlamp washer system quarts/liters approx. 8.2/approx. 7.8 For details: page 148
Cooling system including heater
X5 3.0i
X5 4.4i, 4.8isquarts/liters
quarts/liters11.6/11.0
15.2/14.4For details: page 150
Engine with oil filter change
X5 3.0i
X5 4.4i, 4.8isquarts/liters
quarts/liters8.0/7.5
8.5/8.0BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
For details: page 149

Everything from A to Z
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Average fuel
consumption 82, 89
Average speed 82, 90
Avoiding alarms 39
Avoiding fire damage 138
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 180
B
Backrests, refer to Adjusting
seats 45, 46
Backup lamps 67
bulb replacement 161
Battery 168
disposal 168
indicator lamp 19
jump-starting 171
power failure 169
remote control 30
Belts, refer to Safety belts 49
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders 120
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning 75
Blower
air conditioner 107
automatic climate
control 111
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil 149BMW Maintenance
System 152
Bore, refer to Engine
specifications 178
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders 120
Brake fluid 151
adding 151
indicator/warning lamp 19
level 151
replacing 151
Brake Force Display 99
Brake hydraulic system 139
indicator/warning
lamp 19, 20
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement 161
Brake pads 139
breaking-in 136
indicator lamp 19, 21
Brake rotors
brake system 139
breaking-in 136
Brake system 139
brake fluid level 139
brake pads 139
breaking-in 136
disk brakes 139
Brake wear warning
brake pads 139
indicator lamp 19, 21Brakes 139
ABS 93
brake fluid 151
breaking-in 136
indicator/warning
lamp 19, 20
Break-in procedures 136
Breaking-in differential 136
C
California laws
Event Data Recorders 153
Proposition 65
Warning 153
California Proposition 65
Warning 153
Capacities 181
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car jack points 167
Car keys, refer to Keys 30
Car radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car wash, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochureCargo area 124
capacity 180
cover, refer to Roll-up
cover 125
emergency operation,
refer to Unlocking
manually 35, 37
floor cover 127
increasing volume 124
lamps 105
lid, refer to Liftgate/
tailgate 35, 36
opening from inside 35
opening from outside 35
opening, remote
control 31
opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate 35
opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate 36
volume 180
volume, refer to
Weights 180
Cargo area lamps 105
Cargo bay, refer to Cargo
area 124
Cargo floor, pull-out 128
Cargo loading 131
Cargo-area partition net 125
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure

Everything from A to Z
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Courtesy lighting 105
Cruise control 73
buttons on steering
wheel 23
indicator lamp 22
Cruising range 82, 89
Cup holders 120
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 180
Current consumption, refer
to Energy Control 76
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 178
D
Data, technical 178
dimensions 179
engine 178
filling capacities 181
weights 180
Date
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
calling up 84
changing 84
Daytime driving lamps 102
Deactivating the alarm in an
emergency 91Defect
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 37
Defective lamp 159
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting
windows 108, 111
Defrosting
windows 108, 111
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 111
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
air conditioner 108
automatic climate
control 111
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting
windows 108, 111
Digital clock 84
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Dimensions 179
Dipstick, engine oil 148Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signals 70
Disk brakes 139
Displacement, refer to
Engine specifications 178
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 104
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 15, 17, 18
Disposal
used oil 149
vehicle battery 168
Distance 88
Distance to destination 88
Distance warning 92
Divided rear seat backrest,
refer to Folding rear seat
back 124
Door keys 30
Door lock 33
DOT Quality Grades 142
Draft-free
ventilation 108, 113
Driving lamps, refer to
Parking lamps/low
beams 102
Driving notes
break-in procedures 136
driving hints 137, 138
Driving on bad roads 137
Driving stability control 94Driving your X5 137
Dry air, refer to Air
conditioning 107, 112
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 94
indicator lamp 22
E
Electric steering wheel
adjustment 52
Electrical malfunction
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 37
Electronic transmission
control module 69
Emergency call 170
Emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
liftgate 35
panorama glass roof 42
tailgate 37
Energy Control 76
Energy-conscious driving,
refer to Energy Control 76

Everything from A to ZEngine
breaking-in 136
data 178
electronic circuitry 22
speed 76
starting 64
switching off 65
Engine compartment 147
Engine coolant 150
Engine hood 146
Engine oil 148
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 149
filling capacity 181
indicator/warning lamp 19
specified oils 149
Engine oil level, indicator/
warning lamp 21
Engine oil pressure,
indicator/warning lamp 19
Engine oil thermometer 77
Engine output, refer to
Engine specifications 178
Engine specifications 178
Engine speed, refer to
Engine specifications 178
Environmentally friendly
driving, refer to Energy
Control 76ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control 94
Exhaust system 138
Extended immobilizer
function 90
Exterior mirror
automatic dimming
feature 55
Exterior mirrors 54
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 79
Failure of a current
consumer 169
False alarms, refer to
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Fan
refer to Air
supply 107, 111
Fasten safety belts
warning lamp 21, 49
Fault displays, refer to Check
Control 79
Filter, refer to
Microfilter 108
Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter 114First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 24
First-aid kit 24
Flashlight 119
Flat tire 163
Flat Tire Monitor 100
refer to Tire inflation
pressure 140
spare wheel 165
Flat Tire Monitor 100
indicator lamp 101
initializing 100
Flooding, refer to Water on
roads 137
Floor coverings, carpet, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Floor mats, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Fluid level, indicator lamp 21
Fog lamps 104
indicator lamp 22
Folding rear backrest 124
Folding the floor cover
up 128
Footbrake, refer to Driving
notes 138
Footwell lamps 105
Front airbags 57
Front fog lamps 104
bulb replacement 161Fuel
average
consumption 82, 89
display 77
preparation, refer to
Engine specifications 178
quality 26
volume, refer to
Capacities 181
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge 77
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 77
Fuel filler door 24
manual operation 24
Fuel tank capacity, refer to
Capacities 181
Fuel-saving driving, refer to
Energy Control 76
Fuses 169
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal
remote control 116
Gasoline display, refer to
Fuel gauge 77
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality 26
Gear changes, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 68