warning BMW X5 4.8IS 2006 E53 Owner's Guide

100n
Parking lamps/side marker lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle
lighting is switched on. You can
use the parking lamps for park-
ing. For lighting on one side for parking
as an additional feature, refer to
page101.
Low beams
When the ignition is switched off
and the low beams are on, only
the parking lamps/side marker
lamps remain on.
530us215
Pathway lighting:
When you activate the headlamp
flasher after parking the vehicle and
switching off the lamps, the low beams
will come on for a brief period. You may
also have this function deactivated if
you wish.<
Lights on warning Whenever you open the driver's door,
after having turned the ignition key to
position 0, an acoustic signal will sound
for a few seconds to remind you that
the lamps have not been switched off.
Alphanumeric Check Control
*:
The reminder is given through the
Check Control.
Daytime driving lamps
*
The headlamps are automatically
switched on for daytime driving at igni-
tion key position 2.
Automatic headlamp control
*
When you set the switch to this
position, the system activates
and switches on and off the low
beams in response to changes in ambi-
ent light conditions, for instance, in tun-
nels, at dawn and dusk, and in rain and
snow.
The low beams remain switched
on regardless of the ambient light
when you switch on the front fog
lamps.<
Automatic headlamp control can-
not serve as a substitute for the
driver's judgment in determining when
the vehicle lamps should be switched
on. For example, the system cannot
detect fog. To avoid safety risks, you
should always switch on the lamps
manually under these conditions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the
headlamp control system adjusted
on your vehicle.<
Parking lamps/low beams

124n
Ski bag
*
Cargo area
Securing load After loading, secure the ski bag and its
contents. To do so, tighten the retaining
belt at the buckle.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If
you fail to do so, it could endanger
occupants during braking or evasive
maneuvers.<
When stowing the ski bag, proceed in
the reverse order from loading.530de284
If the cover in the cargo area is
concealed by the pull-out cargo
floor, do not fold the larger rear back-
rest down. If you do so, it will damage
the cover.<
Folding rear backrests down Reach into the recess and pull forward,
refer to arrow.
When you fold back the backrest,
be sure that the catch engages
securely. The red warning indicator dis-
appears in the recess when the catch is
engaged.
The center safety belt can only be
pulled out when the larger backrest is
locked.< 530de285

153n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Engine oil 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
Adding engine oil Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark on the dipstick
before adding oil.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise, the engine
could be damaged.<
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach
of children and heed warnings on
the containers to avoid health risks.<
Oil change:
Have oil changed only by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center or by a
repair shop that works according to
BMW guidelines with appropriately
trained personnel.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.
Only use approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, you can add
small amounts of other synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Only use oils with
the API SH specification or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center for details concern-
ing the specific BMW High Performance
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.
Never use oil additives as they can
damage your engine under some
circumstances.<

155n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant Brake fluid4. When necessary, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached; do
not overfill.
5. Close the cap and tighten snugly.
6. Have the cause of the coolant loss
corrected as soon as possible.
Brake fluid level
If the warning lamp lights up
or
the message CHECK BRAKE
FLUID appears in the Check
Control: stop immediately. The
brake fluid in the reservoir 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 Activ-
ity 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 page140.
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.<

165n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Lamps and bulbs Changing a wheel 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 retina
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 that is not slippery. The vehicle
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.<
Your BMW has either a compact wheel
for temporary use to ensure your mobil-
ity, or a spare wheel of the size 235/
65 R 17. Please observe the differences
in handling when removing the wheel
from the cargo area.

176n
Tow-starting and towingAccess to screw thread Front:
Use a screwdriver to press the right or
left cover out, refer to arrows. 530de370
Rear:
Pull the cover off. Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, otherwise the steer-
ing lock could engage and it would not
be possible to steer the vehicle. When
the engine is stopped, there is no
power assist. This requires increased
braking and steering effort.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers
depending on the local regulations.
If the electrical system fails, mark the
vehicle to be towed, e.g. with a sign or
warning triangle in the rear window.
530de318
Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h and a towing dis-
tance of 95 miles/150 km, otherwise
the automatic transmission may be
damaged.<
Manual transmission:
Gearshift lever in idle position
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 all regulations
on towing in the respective country.
With tow bar:
The towing vehicle may not be
lighter than the vehicle to be
towed, 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, be
aware of the following:

177n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tow-starting and towing>The freedom of movement is
restricted during cornering
>The angled position of the tow bar
creates lateral forces.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow
fittings, as attachment to other
vehicle parts can lead to damage.<
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 exces-
sively sudden jerking movements. Only
attach tow ropes to the tow fittings, as
attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage.<
With tow truck:
Do not tow the X5 with the front or
rear axle raised individually, other-
wise the wheels may lock and the
transfer case may be damaged.<
The X5 may only be transported on a
flat bed.530de403
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an
automatic transmission.
For information on jump starting, refer
to page174.<
Only tow-start vehicles with a catalytic
converter with the engine cold. It is bet-
ter to jump start the engine, refer to
page174.
1. Switch on the hazard warning flash-
ers and observe local regulations.
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Tow-start with the clutch completely
depressed and slowly release the
clutch. After the engine starts, imme-
diately depress the clutch again
completely.
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 page94.<

Everything from A to ZA
Ability to climb, refer to
Driving on poor roads138
ABS Antilock Brake
System91
warning lamp20
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety9
Accident, refer to
Emergency call173
Roadside Assistance173
Activated-charcoal filter112
Adaptive Head Light101
Adjusting cooling capacity of
rear climate control112
Adjusting seats44
electric46
electric comfort seat46
mechanical45
mechanical sports seat45
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioning105,110
Airbags55
sitting safely43
warning lamp21
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode105
Air conditioner104
Air conditioning
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control110Air distribution
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control109
individual109
Airing, refer to
Ventilation106,111
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation106,111
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure141
Air recirculation, refer to
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control110
Air supply
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control109
rear climate control112
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation104,107
Alarm system38
avoiding unintentional
alarms39
All-season tires, refer to
Special features of winter
tires149
All-wheel drive, refer to
xDrive94
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochureAntifreeze
coolant154
washer fluid152
Antilock Brake System
ABS91
warning lamp20
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system38
Anti-theft system30
Anti-trapping
mechanism40,42
panorama glass roof42
power windows40
Armrest, refer to Storage
compartments119
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Artificial wood trim, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray121
front121
rear121
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control110Automatic
air distribution109
air supply109
cruise control71
headlamp control100
recirculated-air control
AUC110
steering wheel
adjustment53
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control107
Automatic cruise control71
Automatic curb monitor51
Automatic headlamp
control100
Automatic rear window
washer71
Automatic Soft Close
function, liftgate36
Automatic speed reduction
for descents, refer to HDC
Hill Descent Control94

Everything from A to Z
187n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic65
interlock62
selector lever interlock66
shiftlock66
towing176
tow-starting176
warning lamp20,21
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
and supply109
Average fuel
consumption80,87
Average speed80,88
Avoiding alarms39
Axle loads, refer to
Weights182
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support46
Backrests, refer to Adjusting
seats45,46
Backup lamps65
replacing bulbs163
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit24
Bar, towing176Battery171
disposal171
indicator lamp19
jump starting174
power failure171
remote control30
Belts, refer to Safety belts49
Beverage can holders, refer
to Cup holders120
Beverage holder, refer to
Cup holders120
Blower
air conditioner105
automatic climate
control109
refer to Air supply105,109
BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil153
BMW Maintenance
System156
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders120
Brake fluid155
adding155
level155
replacing155
warning lamp
19
Brake force display98
Brake hydraulic system140
warning lamp19,20
Brake lamps, replacing
bulbs163Brake lights, refer to Brake
lamps163
Brake pads140
breaking-in136
warning lamp19,21
Brake rotors
brake system140
breaking-in136
Brakes140
ABS91
brake fluid155
brake pads140
breaking-in136
handbrake64
indicator/warning
lamp19,20
Brake system
brake fluid155
brake fluid level140,155
brake pads140
breaking-in136
disk brakes140
warning lamp19
Brake wear warning
warning lamp19,21
Breakdown, Flat Tire
Monitor98
Breakdown assistance,
refer to Roadside
Assistance173
Breaking-in136Break wear warning, refer to
Brake pads140
Buttons on steering wheel23
C
California Proposition
65 Warning9
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holders, refer to Cup
holders120
Capacities183
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Care of paintwork, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure

Everything from A to Z
189n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Compartments, refer to
Storage
compartments119
Compass interior rearview
mirror117
Computer79,85
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Condensation, refer to
Air conditioning105,110
Connecting vacuum cleaner,
refer to Sockets121,128
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption80
Fuel consumption87
Consumption display, refer
to Energy control74
Consumption indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge75
Contents4
Controls, refer to Cockpit14
Convenience opening mode
panorama glass roof31
windows31
Convenience operation
from outside33
panorama glass roof33
windows33Coolant154
level154
temperature gauge76
warning lamp76
Coolant temperature76
Coolant temperature
gauge76
Cooling, maximum110
Cooling, refer to
Air conditioning105,110
Temperature105,109
Copyright4
Cornering light, refer to
Adaptive Head Light101
Correct tires
wheel/tire
replacement148
winter tires149
Courtesy illumination, refer
to Courtesy lighting103
Courtesy lighting103
Cruise control71
buttons on steering
wheel23
indicator lamp22
Cruising range80
,87
Cup holders120
Curb weight, refer to
Weights182
Current consumption, refer
to Energy control74Cylinders, refer to Engine
data180
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit14
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting102
Data, technical180
dimensions181
engine180
filling capacities183
weights182
Date
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
changing82
displaying82
Daytime driving lamps100
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control91
indicator lamp21
Deactivating the alarm in an
emergency89
Defective lamp161
Defrosting windows106,109
air conditioner106
automatic climate
control109Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
air conditioner106
automatic climate
control109
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting
windows106,109
Digital clock82
also refer to Owner's
Manual for Onboard
Computer
Digital compass117
Dimensions181
Dimming feature, interior
mirror138
Dipstick, engine oil152
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signals68
Disk brakes140
Displacement, refer to
Engine specifications180
Display, refer to Instrument
cluster15,17,18
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting102
Disposal, vehicle battery171
Distance to destination86
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control90