roof BMW X5 XDRIVE 35I SPORT ACTIVITY 2012 User Guide

▷
Do not apply adhesive materials to the air‐
bag cover panels, cover them or modify
them in any way.
▷ Never modify either the individual compo‐
nents
or the wiring in the airbag system. This
also applies to steering wheel covers, the
dashboard, the seats, the roof pillars and the
sides of the headliner.◀
Even when all instructions are followed closely,
injury from contact with the airbags cannot be
ruled out in certain situations.
The ignition and inflation noise may lead to
short-term

and, in most cases, temporary hear‐
ing impairment in sensitive individuals.
In the case of a malfunction, deactivation
and after triggering of the airbags
Do not touch the individual components imme‐
diately after the system has been triggered; oth‐
erwise, there is the danger of burns.
Only have the airbags checked, repaired or dis‐
mantled and the airbag generator scrapped by
your service center or a workshop that has the
necessary authorization for handling explosives.
Non-professional attempts to service the sys‐
tem could lead to failure in an emergency or un‐
desired triggering of the airbag, either of which
could result in injury.◀
Warnings and information on the airbags are
also found on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of the front
passenger airbags
The occupation of the seat is detected by eval‐
uating the impression on the occupied seat sur‐
face of the front passenger seat.
The front and side airbags on the front passen‐
ger side are activated or deactivated accordingly
by the system.
The indicator lamp above the interior rearview
mirror shows the current status of the front pas‐
senger airbags, deactivated or activated, refer to
Front passenger airbag indicator lamp below. Leave feet in the footwell
Make

sure that the front passenger keeps
his or her feet in the footwell; otherwise, the front
passenger airbags may not function properly.◀
Child restraint fixing system in the front
passenger seat
Before transporting a child on the front passen‐
ger seat, refer to the safety notes and instruc‐
tions under Children on the front passenger
seat, refer to page 56.◀
Malfunction of the automatic
deactivation system
When transporting older children and adults, the
front passenger airbags may be deactivated in
certain sitting positions. In this case, the indica‐
tor lamp for the front passenger airbags lights
up.
In this case, change the sitting position so that
the front passenger airbags are activated and
the indicator lamp goes out.
If it is not possible to activate the airbags, have
the person sit in the rear.
To make sure that occupation of the seat cush‐
ion can be detected correctly:
▷ Do not attach seat covers, seat cushion pad‐
ding,

ball mats or other items to the passen‐
ger seat unless they are specifically recom‐
mended by BMW.
▷ Do not place objects under the seat that
could press against the seat from below.
Indicator lamp for the front passenger
airbags Seite 87
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Controls At a glance

Rear center armrest
BMW X6 and BMW X5 with 3rd row
seats*
Pull on the loop and fold down the center arm‐
rest.
BMW X5 without 3rd row seats*
Unlock the center armrest with the button in the
lower section of the opening and fold down.
Storage compartments
Compartments are located in the doors, in the
center console in the front and rear* as well as
in the rear console in the BMW X6.
Storage nets* are located on the backrests of
the front seats.
Items in the storage nets
Do not stow hard or sharp-edged objects
in the storage nets; otherwise there is an in‐
creased risk of injury in the event of an acci‐
dent.◀ Clothes hooks
BMW X5
The clothes hooks are located at the grab han‐
dles in the rear.
BMW X6
To fold out, press against upper edge.
Do not obstruct view
When suspending clothing from the
hooks,
ensure that it will not obstruct the driver's
vision.◀
No heavy objects
Do not hang heavy objects from the hooks;
otherwise, they may present a danger to pas‐
sengers during braking and evasive maneu‐
vers.◀
Cupholders*
Notes
Shatter-proof containers and no hot
drinks
Use light and shatter-proof containers and do
not transport hot drinks. Otherwise, there is the
increased danger of injury in an accident.◀
Unsuitable containers
Do not forcefully push unsuitable contain‐
ers into the cupholders. This may result in dam‐
age.◀ Seite 135
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Controls At a glance

Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in period
General information
Moving parts need to be broken in to adjust to
each other.
The following instructions will help achieve a
long vehicle life and good economy.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speeds:
▷
For gasoline engine, 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
▷ For diesel engine, 3,500 rpm and 93 mph/
150 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kickdown mode for the initial
miles.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture,
tires do not achieve their full trac‐
tion potential until after an initial breaking-in pe‐
riod.
Drive conservatively for the first 200 miles/
300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period. Following part replacement
The

same breaking in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Closing tailgate
Drive with the tailgate closed
Only drive with the tailgate closed; other‐
wise, passengers and other road users may be
endangered or the vehicle may be damaged if an
accident occurs or during braking or evasive
maneuvers. In addition, exhaust fumes may en‐
ter the passenger compartment.◀
If the vehicle must be driven with the tailgate
open:
1. Drive moderately.
2. Close all windows and the glass sunroof*/
panoramic glass sunroof*.
3. Greatly increase the blower speed.
Hot exhaust system Hot exhaust system
High temperatures are generated in the
exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. Make sure
that

flammable materials, e. g. hay, leaves, grass,
etc. do not come in contact with the hot exhaust
system during driving, while in idle position
mode, or when parked. Such contact could lead
to a fire, and with it the risk of serious personal
injury as well as property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise, there
is the danger of getting burned.◀ Seite 142
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Things to remember when driving

Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight
or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page 292, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola‐
tion of traffic safety laws.
Use only the lashing eyes pictured to fasten the
heavy-duty cargo straps. Do not secure cargo
using the upper top tether, refer to page 57,
mounting points; otherwise, these may become
damaged.◀
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
Special rack system as optional
accessory
A special rack system is available as an optional
accessory.
Follow the directions given in the installation in‐
structions.
Mounting
Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained
for raising and opening the glass sunroof*/pan‐
oramic glass sunroof*.
Loading
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
vehicle handling and steering response.
Therefore, note the following when loading and
driving:
▷ Do not exceed the approved roof/axle loads
and

the approved gross vehicle weight, refer
to page 292.
▷ Distribute the roof load uniformly.
▷ The roof load should not be too large in area.
▷ Always load the heaviest pieces on the bot‐
tom.
▷ Fasten roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely.
▷ Do not let objects project into the opening
path of the tailgate. ▷
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration
and braking maneuvers. Take corners gen‐
tly.
Driving on poor roads
Your vehicle combines an all-wheel drive sys‐
tem
with the advantages of a normal passenger
car.
Do not drive on unpaved terrain
Do not drive on unpaved terrain, as other‐
wise the vehicle may be damaged.◀
For your own safety and the safety of passen‐
gers and the vehicle, adhere to the following
points:
▷ Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
driving; never take risks.
▷ Adjust speeds according to road conditions.
The

steeper and rougher the road surface is,
the lower the speed should be.
▷ When driving on steep uphill and downhill
grades:

the engine oil and coolant should be
filled nearly to the MAX mark.
BMW X5: the vehicle can be driven on uphill
and downhill grades up to 50%.
▷ Use Hill Descent Control HDC, refer to
page 98, on steep downhill grades.
BMW

X5: the vehicle can be driven away on
uphill grades of up to 33%. The permissible
body roll is 50%.
▷ Watch for stones, holes, and other obstacles
and drive around these where possible.
▷ On bumps and rough roads, avoid contact
between the vehicle body and the ground.
The

maximum ground clearance is 8 inches/
20 cm and may vary with the loaded cargo.
▷ When driving through water, do not exceed
the maximum water height.
▷BMW X5: 20 inches/50 cm
▷ BMW X6: 17 inches/45 cm
Drive at walking speed only and do not stop
the vehicle. Seite 147
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation
Driving tips Controls At a glance

▷
After driving through water, press on the
brake pedal several times at low speeds to
dry the brakes.
▷ Depending on the prevailing terrain, activate
Dynamic Traction Control DTC, refer to
page 97, briefly.
▷ When the wheels spin, accelerate to enable
the driving stability control systems to dis‐
tribute the drive force to the individual
wheels.
▷ BMW X5 with M Sport Package*: if the ve‐
hicle is primarily used on poor roads or un‐
paved surfaces, it may be advantageous,
depending on the driving style, to use the
stone
chip guard offered by the service cen‐
ter. This reduces the risk of damage to
painted vehicle components, such as in the
area of the side skirts and wheel arches.
Your service center will be glad to advise
you.
After driving on poor roads
Adhere
to the following points to ensure vehicle
safety:
▷ Remove excessive accumulations of dirt
and mud from the vehicle body.
▷ Clear mud, snow, ice, etc., from the wheels
and tires and check for damage.
Saving fuel
General information
Your vehicle contains advanced technology for
the reduction of fuel consumption and emis‐
sions.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif‐
ferent factors.
The implementation of certain measures, driv‐
ing style and regular maintenance, refer to
page 268, can have an influence on fuel con‐
sumption and on the environmental impact.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption. Remove attached parts following use
Remove

unneeded auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear
luggage racks after use.
Attached parts on the vehicle impair the aero‐
dynamics and increase the fuel consumption.
Closing the windows and glass
sunroof*/panoramic glass sunroof*
Driving with the glass sunroof/panoramic glass
sunroof and windows open results in increased
air resistance and raises fuel consumption.
Check the tire inflation pressure
regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct the tire inflation
pressure, refer to page 252, at least twice a
month and before starting on a long trip.
Low tire inflation pressure increases rolling re‐
sistance and thus raises fuel consumption and
tire wear.
Drive away without delay
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
This is the fastest way for the cold engine to
reach its operating temperature.
Look well ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle
driving ahead of you.
Driving smoothly and looking ahead reduces
fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Driving at a low engine speed reduces fuel con‐
sumption and minimizes wear.
Use coasting conditions
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a halt.
On a downhill gradient, take your foot off the ac‐
celerator and let the vehicle roll.
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.
Seite 148
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Things to remember when driving

Saving an entry
1.
›Save name‹
2. Say the name. Do not exceed the speaking
duration of approx. 2 seconds.
3. Say the phone number after being prompted
to do so by the system.
4. ›Save‹
Deleting an entry
1. ›Delete name‹
2. Say the name after being prompted to do so.
3. Confirm the query with ›Yes‹.
Deleting all entries
1. ›Delete phone book‹
The dialog for deleting the phone book is
opened.
2. Confirm the query with ›Yes‹.
3. Confirm the query again with ›Yes‹.
Reading and selecting entries
1. ›Read phone book‹
The dialog for reading the phone book is
opened.
2. Say ›Dial number‹ when the desired entry is
read.
Selecting an entry
1. ›Dial name‹
2. Say the name after being prompted to do so.
3. Confirm the query with ›Yes‹.
Adjusting the volume Turn the knob during an announcement. ▷
The volume remains constant even if the
volume of other audio sources is changed.
▷ The volume is stored for the remote control
currently in use.
Notes
Do not use the voice activation system to initiate
an Emergency Request. In stressful situations,
the voice and vocal pitch can change. This can
unnecessarily delay the establishment of a tel‐
ephone connection.
Instead, use the SOS button*, refer to
page 280, in the vicinity of the interior mirror.
Environmental conditions
▷ Say the commands, numbers, and letters
smoothly and with normal volume, empha‐
sis, and speed.
▷ Always say commands in the language of
the system. The language for the mobile
phone voice operation is preset and cannot
be changed in the Control Display.
▷ Keep the doors, windows, and glass sun‐
roof* closed to prevent noise interference.
▷ Avoid making other noise in the vehicle
while speaking.
Snap-in adapter*
Installation position
In the center armrest.
Inserting/removing

the snap-in adapter
1. Press button 1 and remove the cover. Seite 225
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Reference Mobility
Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Maintenance
BMW maintenance system
The maintenance system provides information
on required maintenance measures and thus
provides
support in maintaining road safety and
the operational reliability of the vehicle.
Condition Based Service CBS
Sensors and special algorithms take into ac‐
count the driving conditions of your vehicle.
Based on this, Condition Based Service deter‐
mines the maintenance requirements.
The system makes it possible to adapt the
amount of maintenance you need to your user
profile.
Details on the service requirements, refer to
page 75, can be displayed on the Control Dis‐
play.
On the Control Display, the remaining distances
and times for selected maintenance require‐
ments and any legally required deadlines can be
displayed individually, refer to page 75.
Service data in the remote control
Information on the required maintenance is con‐
tinuously stored in the remote control. Your
service center will read out this data and suggest
the right array of service procedures for your ve‐
hicle.
Therefore, hand your service specialist the re‐
mote control that you used most recently. Setting the correct date
Make sure the date is set correctly, refer
to

page 79; otherwise, the effectiveness of CBS
Condition Based Service is not ensured.◀
Storage periods
Storage periods during which the vehicle bat‐
tery was disconnected are not taken into ac‐
count.
If this occurs, have a service center update the
time-dependent maintenance procedures,
such as checking brake fluid and, if necessary,
changing the engine oil and the microfilter/acti‐
vated-charcoal filter.
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor‐
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for
additional information on service requirements.
Maintenance and repair should be performed by
your service center. Make sure to have regular
maintenance procedures recorded in the vehi‐
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models, and in the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These en‐
tries are proof of regular maintenance. Seite 268
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Maintenance

The defective wheel cannot be stored under
the floor panel flap due to its size.
3. Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
4. Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page 88,
or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page 90.
5. Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi‐
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/
h.
Drive

conservatively and do not exceed a speed
of 50 mph/80 km/h. Otherwise, changes in the
driving characteristics could result, for example
reduced track stability on braking, extended
braking distance, and altered self-steering char‐
acteristics in the limit range. In conjunction with
winter tires, these characteristics are more pro‐
nounced.◀
Only mount one compact wheel
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. Restore the wheels and tires to their
original size as quickly as possible. Failure to do
so is a safety risk.◀
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free, i.e., the elec‐
trolyte will last for the life of the battery.
Your service center will be glad to advise you on
questions regarding the battery.
Battery replacement
Use approved vehicle batteries
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manufacturer;
otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged and
systems or functions may not be fully availa‐
ble.◀ After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered

on the vehicle by your service center
to ensure that all comfort functions are fully
available.
Charging the battery
In the vehicle, only charge the battery via the
terminals in the engine compartment, refer to
page 281, with the engine switched off.
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
needs to be reinitialized.
Individual settings need to be reprogrammed:
▷ Seat and mirror memory: store the positions
again, refer to page 53.
▷ Time: update, refer to page 78.
▷ Date: update, refer to page 79.
▷ Radio station: save again, refer to page 174.
▷ Navigation system: wait for the navigation
system to be operational.
▷ Glass sunroof/panoramic glass sunroof: it
may

only be possible to raise the roof. Have
the system initialized by the service center.
▷ Digital compass: recalibrate, refer to
page 129.
▷ Active steering: the system automatically in‐
itializes for a short time as you drive. During
this

time, the system is deactivated, refer to
page 101.
▷ xDrive: the system automatically initializes
as you drive. During this time, indicator
lamps

light up. If the lamps do not disappear
during the current trip, have the system
checked.
Disposing of old batteries Have old batteries disposed of by your
service center or bring them to a recy‐
cling center.
Maintain the battery in an upright position for
transport and storage. Secure the battery so
that it does not tip over during transport. Seite 278
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Replacing components

BMW X6
All dimensions given in inches/mm.
Smallest turning circle dia.: 42.0 ft/12.8 m
Height with roof rack*: 66.9 in/1,699 mm
With mixed tires* the vehicle width may exceed
the specified dimension.
Weights
BMW X5
X5 xDrive35i X5 xDrive50i X5 xDrive35d
Approved gross vehicle
weight lbs/kg 6,371/2,890 6,669/3,025 6,581/2,985
without 3rd row seats lbs/kg 6,052/2,745 6,327/2,870 6,261/2,840
Load lbs/kg 1,290/585 1,290/585 1,290/585 Seite 292
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BMW X5
X5 xDrive35i X5 xDrive50i X5 xDrive35d
without 3rd row seats lbs/kg 1,102/500 1,102/500 1,102/500
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,800/1,270 3,020/1,370 2,976/1,350
without 3rd row seats lbs/kg 2,800/1,270 3,020/1,370 2,976/1,350
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 3,792/1,720 3,858/1,750 3,858/1,750
without 3rd row seats lbs/kg 3,439/1,560 3,549/1,610 3,483/1,580
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 220/100 220/100220/100
Trunk capacity cu ft/li‐
ter35.8-75.2/620-1,
750 35.8-75.2/620‐
1,75035.8-75.2/620-1,
750Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.

BMW X6
X6 xDrive35i X6 xDrive50i
Approved gross vehicle
weight lbs/kg
6,008/2,725 6,250/2,835
Load lbs/kg937/425937/425
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,822/1,280 3,042/1,380
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 3,263/1,480 3,351/1,520
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 220/100220/100
Trunk capacity cu ft/li‐
ter25.6-59.7/570‐
1,45025.6-59.7/570-1,
450Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities

BMW X5
Notes
Fuel tank US gal/liters Approx. 22.4/85 Fuel specifications, refer to
page 248
Including reserve of
X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive35d US gal/liters approx. 2.1/8 Seite 293
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance