brake BMW X5 4.8IS 2004 E53 Owner's Guide

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

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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.

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.<

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Safe braking Emergency stopsYou brake most effectively when you
apply maximum pedal pressure in situa-
tions requiring it: emergency stops.
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless
avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.Brake fluid level If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a defect in one of the two
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Here increased pressure on the brake
pedal may be required, and slight pull-
ing to the side and longer braking dis-
tances may result. Please remember to
adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Disk brakes When 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 to
form on rotors, while contaminants
accumulate on the brake pads. This
occurs because the minimal pressure
which must be exerted by the pads dur-
ing brake applications to clean the
rotors 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. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
endanger other road users. The heat
generated in this process helps dry the
pads and rotors to ensure that the brak-
ing force is then immediately 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 4-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.<

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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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Brake fluidBrake fluid level
If the warning lamp lights up
or the message "CHECK
BRAKE FLUID" appears in the
Check Control: stop immedi-
ately. The brake fluid in the res-
ervoir 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
Activity 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 page 139.
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.<

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Lamps and bulbs Front fog lamps H11 bulb, 55 watts
The bulb is pressurized. There-
fore, wear safety glasses and pro-
tective gloves. Failure to comply with
this precaution could lead to injury if the
bulb is accidentally damaged during
replacement.<
1. Pull the cover in front of the fog lamp
forward
2. Loosen the two screws, refer to
arrows, and remove the fog lamp.
When pulling out, overcome initial
resistance and turn the headlamp
somewhat to the left
3. Pull the cable connector off the bulb
4. Turn the bulb to the left and remove530de356
5. Insert a new bulb in the headlamp
and turn at far to the right as possible
6. Connect the plug connector to the
bulb, ensuring proper engagement.
Tail lamps 21 watt bulbs: P 21 W or PY 21 W
*,
recommendation: BMW special bulbs
with neutral coloration
1Turn signal
2Rear lamp/side marker lamp
3Backup lamps
4Brake lamp
5Reflector
530us235

162n
Lamps and bulbs Lamps in the side panel:
1. Open the cover in the side panel
2. Lift the side panel if necessary
3. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
holder while turning it to the left for
removal and replacement
4. Remove the bulb. 530de305
Lamps in the tailgate:
1. Unclip the trim panel in the tailgate
with a screwdriver
2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb
holder while turning it to the left for
removal and replacement
3. Remove the bulb. Center brake lamp LED strip in the rear spoiler: please
contact a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
center in case of a malfunction. 530de306
License plate lamps 5 watt bulb
1. Press the lamp out to the side with a
screwdriver
2. Remove the lamp and replace the
bulb. 530de307

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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.<

Everything from A to ZA
Ability to climb, refer to
Driving on bad roads 137
ABS Antilock Brake
System 93
Accessories 9
refer to Your individual
vehicle 8
Accident, refer to
Emergency call 170
Roadside Assistance 170
Activated-charcoal filter 114
Adaptive Head Light 103
Adjusting cooling capacity of
rear climate control 114
Adjusting seats 44
electric 46
electric comfort seat 46
mechanical 45
mechanical sports seat 45
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 107
Air conditioner 106
Air conditioning
air conditioner 107
automatic climate
control 112
switching on and off
manually 107, 112Air distribution
air conditioner 107
automatic climate
control 111
individual 111
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation 108, 113
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 140
Air recirculation, refer to
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 112
Air supply
air conditioner 107
automatic climate
control 111
rear climate control 113
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation 106, 109
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning 107, 112
Airbags 57
indicator lamp 21
sitting safely 43
Airing, refer to
Ventilation 108, 113
Alarm system 38
avoiding unintentional
alarms 39All-season tires, refer to
Special features of winter
tires 145
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antifreeze
coolant 150
washer fluid 148
Antilock Brake System
ABS 93
Anti-theft alarm system 31
refer to Alarm system 38
Anti-trapping mechanism
panorama glass roof 42
power windows 40
Armrest, refer to Storage
compartments 119
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Artificial wood trim, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 121
rear 121
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control 112AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
and air flow 111
Automatic
air distribution 111
air supply 111
climate control 109
cruise control 73
curb monitor 51
headlamp control 102
rear window washer 73
steering wheel
adjustment 53
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 112
Automatic speed reduction
for descents, refer to HDC
Hill Descent Control 96
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 67
ignition 64
indicator lamp 20, 21
interlock 64
selector lever interlock 68
shiftlock 68
towing 174
tow-starting 174