transmission BMW X5 4.8IS 2004 E53 User Guide

68n
Automatic transmission with SteptronicRange selection An interlock prevents inadvertent gear-
shifts into selector-lever positions R
and P. To cancel the interlock, press
the button on the front of the selector
lever knob, refer to arrow. ShiftlockWith the vehicle stationary, press the
brake pedal before shifting out of P
or N; the shift command will not be exe-
cuted unless the brake is applied.
Hold the footbrake down until starting
off. The vehicle will otherwise creep
when a drive position is engaged.530de263
To prevent the vehicle from roll-
ing, always select position P and
engage the handbrake before leaving
the vehicle with the engine running.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with
the engine running, as such a vehicle
represents a potential safety hazard.<
P Park Select only when the vehicle is station-
ary. The transmission locks to prevent
the rear wheels from turning.R Reverse Select only when the vehicle is station-
ary. N Neutral, idle For example, engage in automatic car
washes. The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic driving
positionThis position is designed for driving
under all normal operating conditions.
All forward gears are available. Kickdown The kickdown mode provides maximum
acceleration.
Depress the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.

69n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic transmission with SteptronicSport program and M/S manual
operation Move the selector lever from position D
to the left into gearshift gate M/S: the
sport program is activated and D S
appears in the instrument cluster. This
position is recommended for a perfor-
mance-oriented driving style.
When the selector lever is moved
slightly towards + or –, the Steptronic
shifts gear and manual operation is
activated. The following appears in the
instrument cluster depending on the
model
>1 to 5 or 1 to 6
>M1 to M5 or M1 to M6. 530de264
Upshifts and downshifts are executed
only when they will result in a plausible
combination of engine and vehicle
speed; thus, for example, a downshift
that would cause the engine to overrev
will not be executed by the system. The
gear selected will appear briefly in the
instrument cluster followed by the cur-
rent gear.
To use the automatic function again,
move the selector lever to the right into
position D.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up or
the message "TRANS.FAILSAFE
PROG" appears in the Check
Control. A malfunction has occurred in
the transmission system. Avoid heavy
loads.
Bring the vehicle to a stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to P. Set the
handbrake and turn the engine off, igni-
tion key to position 0.
Wait a few seconds, then start the
engine.
If the indicator lamp goes out after a
few seconds, normal transmission per-
formance has been restored. You may
continue to drive as usual. If the indica-
tor lamp does not go out, you can place
the selector lever in all positions. How-
ever, the vehicle will now only drive for-
ward with limited gear selection.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Information on jump-starting, tow-start-
ing and towing begins on page 171.

74n
Cruise control* Deactivating systemPress the button repeatedly until the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out.
The cruise control is also deactivated
when the ignition key is turned into
position 0.
The speed stored in the memory is
deleted.Maintaining and storing speed or
accelerating Briefly press button
+:
The system maintains and stores the
current vehicle speed. Every time you
briefly press the button, the speed
increases by approx. 0.6 mph/1 km/h.
Press and hold button +:
The vehicle accelerates without pres-
sure on the accelerator pedal. When
you release the button, the system
maintains and stores the current speed.
If, on a downhill gradient, the
engine's braking effect is not suffi-
cient, the controlled speed can be
exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill
grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient.<
Decelerating Briefly press button
–:
When cruise control is active, every
brief touch of the button reduces the
speed by approx. 0.6 mph/1 km/h.
Press and hold button –:
With the cruise control active, the sys-
tem automatically reduces the throttle
opening to slow the vehicle. When you
release the button, the system main-
tains and stores the current speed.
Interrupting cruise control When the system is activated, press
button 1. The indicator lamp stays on.
You can use the cruise control again
whenever required by calling up the
speed that was stored last.
In addition, cruise control is interrupted
automatically:
>When you apply pressure to the
brake pedal
>When you apply pressure to the
clutch pedal or when you move the
automatic transmission selector lever
from Drive to Neutral
>If you exceed or fall below the con-
trolled speed for an extended period,
by depressing the accelerator, for
example. Recalling stored setting Press button:
The vehicle accelerates to and main-
tains the last speed stored.

96n
HDC Hill Descent Control 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 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 indicator lamp
lights up.
The indicator lamp flashes when the
brakes are applied automatically. Deactivating system Press the button again; the indicator
lamp goes out.
HDC is deactivated automatically
above a road speed of approx. 35 mph/
60 km/h and when the ignition is
switched off. 530de231
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 The indicator lamp in the button goes
out in the HDC mode or does not come
on when HDC is switched on:
HDC is temporarily not available as
brake temperature is too high.

136n
To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long
service life, we request that you
observe the following instructions.
Engine and differential Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4,500 rpm and the following road
speeds during this initial period:
6-cylinder engines: 100 mph/160 km/h
8-cylinder engines: 106 mph/170 km/h
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of
the transmission's kickdown mode dur-
ing these initial miles.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/
2,000 km, the engine and vehicle
speeds can be gradually increased.Tires Due to technical factors associated
with their manufacture, tires do not
achieve their full traction potential until
after an initial break-in period. There-
fore, drive reservedly during the first
200 miles/300 km. Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of trac-
tion, vehicle control and braking effec-
tiveness. Reduce your speed on wet
roads.<
Brake system Brakes require an initial break-in period
of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve
optimal contact and wear patterns
between brake pads and rotors.
To break in the separate handbrake
drums, apply the handbrake lightly
when coasting to a standstill at a traffic
signal, for instance, provided that traffic
conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the handbrake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine switched off,
when towing, for instance, substan-
tially higher levels of pedal force will be
required to brake the vehicle.<
ClutchThe function of the clutch is only at its
optimized level after a distance driven
of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During
this break-in period, engage the clutch
gently.Following component
replacementsObserve the break-in instructions again
if previously addressed components
must be replaced again during driving
later.
Break-in procedures

138n
General driving notesHot 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.
Such contact could lead to a fire, and
with it the risk of serious property dam-
age as well as personal injury.<
Parking vehicle Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of
condensed water under the vehicle are
thus normal.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
otherwise 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 page 143.
Before driving into a car washFold in the door mirrors, refer to
page 54, 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.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on
the road if it is deeper than 20 in/
50 cm, and then only at walking speed
at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<

163n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbs Changing a tire 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 iris
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 which is not slippery. The vehi-
cle 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.<

174n
Towing and tow-starting vehicle
Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h and a towing dis-
tance of 95 miles/150 km, as otherwise
the drive train may be damaged.<
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Gearshift lever in idle position.
Vehicles with 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 the regula-
tions on towing in the respective coun-
try.
With tow bar:
The towing vehicle may not be
lighter than the vehicle to be
towed, as 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,
observe the following:
>The freedom of movement is
restricted during cornering
>The angled position of the tow bar
creates lateral forces.
Only secure the tow bar on the
tow fittings. Otherwise, damage
could result on other vehicle compo-
nent.<
With tow-rope:
When starting off in the towing vehicle,
make sure that the tow-rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or nylon straps
for towing, and avoid all too sud-
den jerking movements. Only secure
tow-ropes on the tow fitting. Otherwise,
damage could result on other vehicle
component.<
With tow truck:
Do not tow the X5 with the front or
rear axle raised individually, as
otherwise the wheels may block and
the transfer case may be damaged.<
The X5 may only be transported on a
truck bed.530de403

175n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Towing and tow-starting vehicleTow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an
automatic transmission.
For information on jump-starting, refer
to page 171.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic
converter with the engine cold. It is bet-
ter to jump-start the engine, refer to
page 171.
1. Switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers and observe local regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Tow-start with the clutch pedal com-
pletely depressed and slowly release
the clutch pedal. After the engine
starts, immediately depress the
clutch pedal completely again
5. Stop at a suitable location, remove
the tow bar or rope and switch off
the hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Do not activate the HDC Hill
Descent Control during tow-
starting, refer to page 96.<

180n
Weights X5 3.0i X5 4.4i X5 4.8is
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission Ibs./kg
Ibs./kg4,652/2,110
4,696/2,130 –
4,927/2,235 –
5,016/2275
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission Ibs./kg
Ibs./kg6,008/2,725
6,008/2,725 –
6,008/2,725 –
6,008/2,725
Load
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionIbs./kg
Ibs./kg1,356/615
1,312/595–
1,080/490–
992/450
Approved front axle load Ibs./kg 2,712/1,230 2,789/1,265 2,789/1,265
Approved rear axle load Ibs./kg 3,307/1,500 3,307/1,500 3,307/1,500
Approved roof load capacity Ibs./kg 220/100
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 16.4 – 54.4/465 – 1,540, according to DIN
69.04/1,955, according to SAE