cargo BMW X5M 2012 Owner's Manual

Driving in wet conditions
When
roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
road users.
The heat generated in this process helps dry the
brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear
in which the least braking is required. Otherwise,
the brake system may overheat, resulting in a
reduction in the brake system efficiency.
The engine braking action can be further en‐
hanced by shifting down during manual opera‐
tion of the automatic transmission, refer to
page 69, if necessary all the way down to first
gear.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos‐
sibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking. In
addition, steering and brake assist is unavailable
with the engine stopped.◀
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination
on the brake pads are furthered by:
▷ Low mileage.
▷ Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.
▷ Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached. Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
Condensation
under the parked vehicle
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops that exits underneath
the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are normal.
Loading
Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved carrying
capacity of the tires, never overload the vehicle.
Overloading can lead to overheating and in‐
creases the rate at which damage develops in‐
side the tires. This could result in a sudden loss
of tire inflation pressure.◀
No fluids in the cargo area
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
cargo area; otherwise, the vehicle may be dam‐
aged.◀
Determining the load limit 1.
Locate the following statement on your ve‐
hicle’s placard*:
▷The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to the ve‐ Seite 144
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Things to remember when driving

hicle and unstable driving situations may
result.
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and
passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount

of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,400 lbs and there will be five 150 lbs pas‐
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail‐
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs: 1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and

cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transfered to your
vehicle.

Consult the manual for transporting
a trailer to determine how this may reduce
the available cargo and luggage load ca‐
pacity of your vehicle.
Load
BMW X5: BMW X6: The maximum load is the sum of the weight of
the occupants and the cargo.
The greater the weight of the occupants, the
less cargo that can be transported.
Stowing cargo
BMW X5 Seite 145
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Driving tips Controls At a glance

BMW X6
▷
Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not
occupied, secure each of the outer safety
belts
in the BMW X5 in the opposite buckle.
▷ Heavy cargo: stow as far forward and as low
as possible, ideally directly behind the
backrests.
▷ Cover sharp edges and corners.
▷ Do not pile objects higher than the top edge
of the backrest.
▷ If necessary, fold down the rear backrests to
stow cargo.
▷ Place protective material around any sharp-
edged or pointed objects that could bump
against the rear window while the vehicle is
in motion. Securing cargo
BMW X5 BMW X6
▷
Smaller and lighter items: secure with re‐
taining

straps*, a cargo net* or draw straps*.
▷ Larger and heavy objects: secure with cargo
straps*.
Four lashing eyes* mounted in the cargo
area are used to secure these cargo straps,
refer to illustrations.
Adhere to the information included with the
cargo straps.
Securing cargo
Stow and secure the cargo as described
above;

otherwise it may present a danger to the
occupants, for instance during braking and
avoidance maneuvers.
Do not stow any heavy and hard objects in the
passenger compartment without securing
them; otherwise, they may present a danger to
occupants, for instance during braking and
avoidance maneuvers. Seite 146
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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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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.
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Things to remember when driving

Refueling
Notes
Switch off the engine before refueling
Always switch off the engine before refu‐
eling; otherwise, fuel cannot be added to the
tank and a message will be displayed.
◀
Observe when handling fuel
▷ Take all precautionary measures and
observe all applicable regulations
when handling fuel.
▷ Do not carry any spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. They can develop a leak and
cause an explosion or cause a fire in the
event of an accident.◀
Fuel cap
Opening
1. Briefly press the rear edge of the fuel filler
flap. 2.
Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise.
3. Place the fuel cap in the bracket attached to
the fuel filler flap.
Closing
1. Fit the fuel cap and turn it clockwise until you
clearly hear a click.
2. Close the fuel filler flap. Do not pinch the retaining strap
Do not pinch the retaining strap attached
to the cap; otherwise, the cap cannot be closed
properly and fuel vapors can escape.◀
A message* is displayed if the cap is loose or
missing.
Manually unlocking fuel filler flap
In the event of a malfunction, the fuel filler flap
can be released manually:
1. Open the right-hand side panel in the cargo
area.
2. Pull the knob with the gas pump symbol. Observe the following when
refueling
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com‐
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting up the fuel
pump nozzle during refueling causes:
▷
Premature pump shutoff.
▷ Reduced efficiency in the fuel-vapor recov‐
ery system.
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Handling fuels
Follow the safety instructions provided at
gas

stations; otherwise, there is a danger of per‐
sonal injury and property damage.◀ Seite 246
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Refueling

Replacing components
Tool kit
The tool kit is stowed under the cargo floor panel
in the cargo area.
Wiper blade replacement
Do
not fold down the wipers without wiper
blades
Do not fold down the wipers if wiper blades have
not been installed; this may damage the wind‐
shield.◀
Front 1.
Fold up the wiper arm.
2. Fold the wiper blade upwards.
3. Remove the wiper blade toward the wind‐
shield, refer to arrow. BMW X5: rear
1.
Lift off the wiper arm completely and pull off
the wiper blade, refer to arrow.
2. Mount the new wiper blade and press on
until it is heard to engage.
Lamp and bulb replacement
General information
Lamps

and bulbs make an essential contribution
to vehicle safety.
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
that you entrust corresponding procedures to
your service center if you are unfamiliar with
them or they are not described here.
You can obtain a selection of replacement bulbs
at your service center.
Danger of burns
Only change bulbs when they are cool;
otherwise, there is the danger of getting
burned.◀
Working on the lighting system
When working on the lighting system, you
should always switch off the lights affected to
prevent short circuits.
To avoid possible injury or equipment damage
when replacing bulbs, observe any instructions
provided by the bulb manufacturer.◀ Seite 270
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Replacing components

Arrangement of tail lamps
1
Tail lamp
2 Brake force display
3 Brake lamp
4 Tail lamp/side marker lamp
5 Backup lamp
6 Turn signal
Turn signals, brake lamps and backup
lamps
The
bulbs are integrated in a single bulb holder.
1. Open the side panel in the cargo area.
2. Remove the first aid kit* and warning trian‐
gle* if necessary. Fold up the insulation. 3.
Press the button, arrow 1, down, press the
catches, arrows 2, outward slightly, and re‐
move the bulb holder.
4. Apply gentle pressure to the P21W bulb
while

turning it to the left for removal and re‐
placement.
Remove the W16W bulb and replace.
5. Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
6. Remount the side panel. Brake Force Display
1.
Carefully remove the cover in the tailgate
panel with a screwdriver. 2.
Push the catch on the bulb holder to the left,
arrow, and remove it. 3.
Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while turn‐
ing

it to the left for removal and replacement.
4. Re-engage the bulb holder so that it audibly
clicks into place.
5. Before installing the cap, unclip the cargo
area lamp.
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Replacing components

Then lay the cap on its upper side and close
it, refer to arrow.
6.
Position the cargo area lamp and clip it in,
refer to arrow. License plate lamps
These lamps are made using LED technology.
Contact your service center in the event of a
malfunction.
Center brake lamp
This lamp uses LED technology for operation.
Contact your service center in the event of a
malfunction.
BMW X6: bulb replacement
Xenon headlamps
Because
of the long life of these bulbs, the like‐
lihood of failure is very low. Switching the lamps
on and off frequently shortens their life.
If a bulb fails, switch on the front fog lamps* and
continue the trip with great care. Comply with
local regulations. Do not perform work/bulb replacement on
xenon headlamps
Have

any work on the xenon lighting system, in‐
cluding bulb replacement, performed only by a
service center.
Due to the high voltage present in the system,
there is the danger of fatal injuries if work is car‐
ried out improperly.◀
Parking lamps, roadside parking lamps,
daytime running lights*
35-watt bulb, H8
Wear protective goggles and gloves
Halogen bulbs are pressurized. Therefore,
wear protective goggles and gloves. Otherwise,
there is a danger of injuries if the bulb is acci‐
dentally damaged during replacement.◀
1. Turn the cover to the left and remove. 2.
Left side of vehicle: rotate the bulb holder to
the right, see arrow, and remove.
Right side of vehicle: rotate the bulb holder
to the left and remove. 3.
Disconnect plug and replace bulb.
4. Install in the reverse order. Seite 273
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Side marker lamps
5-watt bulb, WY5W XLL
1.
Rotate the bulb holder to the left and re‐
move. 2.
Pull the bulb out of the bulb holder and re‐
place.
3. Install in the reverse order.
Turn signals, front
24-watt bulb, PY24W
1. Rotate bulb holder to the left and remove it
along with the bulb. 2.
Rotate the bulb to the right along with the
socket and replace.
3. Install in the reverse order.
Tail lamps
▷ Turn signal, backup lamp: 21-watt bulb,
H21W.
▷ Brake lamp, brake force display: 21-watt
bulb, P21W
▷ Tail lamp: LED technology.
Contact
your service center in the event of a
malfunction. Arrangement of tail lamps
1
Brake force display/rear lamps
2 Brake lamp/rear lamp
3 Backup lamp
4 Turn signal
Brake lamps
1. Open the side panel in the cargo area.
2. Remove the first aid kit* and warning trian‐
gle* if necessary.
3. Rotate the relevant bulb socket to the left
and remove. 4.
Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while turn‐
ing

it to the left for removal and replacement.
5. Install in the reverse order.
Turn signal
1. Open the side panel in the cargo area.
2. Remove the first aid kit* and warning trian‐
gle* if necessary.
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Replacing components