towing BMW X5M 2012 Owners Manual

Driving
Automatic
Hold is activated: the vehicle is auto‐
matically secured against rolling when it stops.
The indicator lamp lights up in green.
Indicator lamp in Canadian models.
Step on the accelerator pedal to drive off.
The brake is released automatically.
The indicator lamp goes out. Before driving into a car wash
Deactivate Automatic Hold; otherwise, the
parking brake will be set when the vehicle is sta‐
tionary and the vehicle will no longer be able to
roll.◀
Parking
The parking brake is automatically set if the en‐
gine is switched off while the vehicle is being
held by Automatic Hold.
The indicator lamp changes from green
to red.
Indicator lamp in Canadian models.
The parking brake is not set if the engine is
switched off while the vehicle is coasting to a
halt. Automatic Hold is deactivated. Take the remote control with you
Take the remote control with you when
leaving the vehicle so that children, for example,
cannot release the parking brake.◀
Malfunction
In the event of a failure or malfunction of the
parking brake, secure the vehicle against rolling
using a wheel chock, for example, when leaving
it. Releasing the parking brake manually
In the event of an electrical power loss or elec‐
trical malfunction, you can release the parking
brake manually.
Secure the vehicle against rolling
Before releasing the parking brake man‐
ually,
and whenever you park the vehicle with the
parking brake released, ensure that position P of
the automatic transmission is engaged. Note
the display in the instrument cluster.
In addition, secure the vehicle against rolling,
e.g. with a wheel chock. Otherwise there is a
danger that the vehicle could roll if parked on a
steep slope.◀
Jump-starting and towing, refer to page 282.
Unlocking
1. Open the left-hand side panel in the cargo
area.
2. Remove the first aid kit* and the warning tri‐
angle*.

Close the bracket of the warning tri‐
angle.
3. Insert the releasing tool or screwdriver, con‐
tained in the tool kit under the cargo floor
panel, refer to page 270, at the releasing
point. 4.
Firmly pull the releasing tool or screwdriver
upward against the mechanical resistance,
refer to arrow, until a considerable increase
in force is felt and the parking brake is then
clearly heard to release.
5. Stow the releasing tool or screwdriver,
warning

triangle*, and first aid kit* and close
the left side panel in the cargo area. Seite 65
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips
Controls At a glance

1.
Lay the cargo on the telescopic rail. Press
the button, arrow 1, and route the retaining
strap around the cargo, arrow 2.
2. Hook the retaining strap into the mount 3 on
the telescopic rail.
3. Press the button of the bracket, arrow 1. The
retaining strap is tensioned.
It is also possible to hook the two retaining
straps onto each other.
When the adaptive fixing system is no longer
needed,
unhook the retaining strap and guide it
back into the bracket holding the hook to pre‐
vent damage and injury.
Then slide the fastening system toward the front
in order to permit the best possible use of the
cargo area.
Removing brackets
Press down the brackets, slide them up to the
notches of the rails and remove them.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the
adaptive fixing system can be stored under the
cargo floor panel in the cargo area.
Ski bag*
The ski bag is designed for safe, clean transport
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to 2 snow‐
boards.
Skis with a length of up to 6 ft/2.10 m can be
stowed using the ski bag. When stowing skis
with a length of 6 ft/2.10 m, the capacity of the
ski bag is reduced as the bag narrows.
Folding in display screen
Before loading the ski bag, fold in the dis‐
play screen of the DVD systems in the rear*;
otherwise, the display screen could be dam‐
aged.◀ Loading
1.
Fold down the center armrest, press the but‐
ton and open the cover. 2.
Press the button again; the cover in the
cargo area opens. If you press the button
firmly the first time, this cover also opens.
3. Extend the ski bag between the front seats
and

fill it. The zipper facilitates access to the
stowed items and drying of the ski bag.
4. Attach the retaining strap:
BMW X5: insert the latch plate of the ski bag re‐
taining strap into the center safety belt buckle
that is marked CENTER. BMW X6: attach the hook of the ski bag retaining
strap to the eyelet on the backrest.
Only stow clean skis in the ski bag. Wrap sharp
edges to prevent damage.
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Storage compartments

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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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation
Driving tips Controls At a glance

The so-called starting aid terminal in the engine
compartment acts as the battery's positive ter‐
minal.
Fold open the cover. To do so, pull the tab. The body ground or a special nut acts as the
negative terminal.
Connecting jumper cables
1.
Fold open the cover of the BMW starting-aid
terminal. To do so, pull the tab.
2. Attach one terminal clamp of the positive
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery,

or to the corresponding starting aid
terminal of the vehicle providing assistance.
3. Attach the other end of the cable to the pos‐
itive terminal of the battery, or to the corre‐
sponding

starting aid terminal of the vehicle
to be started.
4. Attach one terminal clamp of the negative
jumper

cable to the negative terminal of the
battery, or to the corresponding engine or
body ground of the vehicle providing assis‐
tance.
5. Attach the other end of the cable to the neg‐
ative

terminal of the battery, or to the corre‐
sponding engine or body ground of the ve‐
hicle to be started. Starting the engine
Never use spray fluids to start the engine.
1.
Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let

it run for several minutes at an increased
idle speed.
If the vehicle being started has a diesel en‐
gine: let the engine of the assisting vehicle
run for approx. 10 minutes.
2. Start the engine of the vehicle being started
in the usual way.
If

the first starting attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before making another
attempt in order to allow the discharged bat‐
tery to recharge.
3. Let both engines run for several minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse
order.
Check the battery and recharge if necessary.
Tow-starting and towing
Observe applicable laws and regulations
Observe applicable laws and regulations
for tow-starting and towing.◀
No additional passengers
Do not transport any passengers other
than

the driver in a vehicle that is being towed.◀
Transporting the vehicle
Note
Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Therefore, contact a service center in the event
of a breakdown. Do not have the vehicle towed
Have your vehicle transported on a loading
platform only; otherwise, damage may occur.◀ Seite 282
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Breakdown assistance

Tow truck
Do not tow with only the front or rear axle
raised
Do not tow the BMW with just the front or rear
axle
raised; otherwise, the wheels could lock up
and the transfer case could be damaged.◀
Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or
body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage may
result.◀
Towing other vehicles
General information
Light towing vehicle
Your vehicle must not be lighter than the
vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will not be
possible to control vehicle response.◀
Attaching the tow bar/tow rope correctly
Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow
fitting; connecting it to other vehicle parts may
cause damage.◀
▷ Switch on the hazard warning system, de‐
pending on local regulations.
▷ If the electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed by placing
a sign or a warning triangle in the rear win‐
dow. Towing methods when towing other
vehicles
Tow bar
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting
the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe
the following:
▷
Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
▷ The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is attached offset.
Tow rope
When
starting to tow the vehicle, make sure that
the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on
the vehicle components when towing, always
use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fit‐
ting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is se‐
cured on other parts of the vehicle.◀
Tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting should always be car‐
ried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the
front or rear of the BMW.
It is stored with the tool kit under the cargo floor
cover in the cargo area, refer to page 270.
Tow fitting, information on use
▷ Use only the tow fitting provided with
the vehicle and screw it all the way in.
▷ Use the tow fitting for towing on paved roads
only.
▷ Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g.,
do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Otherwise, damage to the tow fitting and the ve‐
hicle can occur.◀ Seite 283
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Reference
Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

DTC Dynamic Traction Con‐
trol 97
DTMF suffix dialing 222
DVD/CD 181
DVDs, storing 188
DVD system in rear 200
DVD, video 183
Dynamic destination guid‐ ance 167
Dynamic Performance Con‐ trol 98
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 96
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 97
E
Easy entry/exit 55
EfficientDynamics, refer to Saving fuel 148
Electrical malfunction
– Door lock 32
– Driver's door 32
– Fuel filler flap 246
Electrical malfunction of upper
tailgate 34
Electrical malfunction, parking brake 65
Electric seat adjustment 46
Electric
steering wheel adjust‐
ment 55
Electronic brake-force distri‐ bution 96
Electronic engine oil level check 265
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic Stabil‐
ity Control DSC 96
Emergency operation
– Door lock, refer to Manual operation 32
Emergency operation, fuel
filler flap, unlocking man‐
ually 246
Emergency Request 280
Emergency service, refer to Roadside Assistance 281 Energy-conscious driving, re‐
fer to Current fuel consump‐
tion 72
Energy,

saving, refer to Saving
fuel 148
Engine, breaking in 142
Engine compartment 263
Engine coolant, refer to Cool‐ ant 267
Engine oil, adding 266
Engine oil, additives, refer to Approved engine oils 266
Engine oil, alternative oil types 266
Engine oil, BMW maintenance system 268
Engine oil change intervals, re‐ fer to Service require‐
ments 75
Engine oil, checking the level 265
Engine oil, filling capacity 293
Engine oil temperature 72
Engine oil types, alterna‐ tive 266
Engine oil types, ap‐ proved 266
Engine, overheating, refer to Coolant temperature 72
Engine power, refer to Engine data 290
Engine, RPM 290
Engine start, assistance 281
Engine, starting 62
Engine, starting
– Comfort Access 37
Engine, starting, Start/Stop
button 61
Engine, stopping, Start/Stop button 61
Engine, switching off 62
Entry lamps, refer to Interior lamps 84
Environmentally friendly driv‐ ing,

refer to Current fuel con‐
sumption 72
Equalizer 172
Equipment, interior 127 ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐
gram, refer to Dynamic Sta‐
bility Control DSC 96
Exchanging wheels/tires 260
Exhaust system 142
Exterior mirrors 53
Exterior mirrors, adjusting 53
Exterior mirrors, automatic dimming 55
Exterior mirrors, automatic heating 54
Exterior mirrors, folding in and out 54
External audio device 134
External devices 192
External temperature dis‐ play 71
External temperature display, changing the units of meas‐
ure, changing the units of
measure on the Control Dis‐
play 80
External temperature warn‐ ing 71
Eyes for securing cargo 146
F
Fader 172
Failure messages, refer to Check Control 76
False alarm
– Avoiding unintentional alarms 40
– Ending an alarm 39
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts 50
Fault messages, refer to Check Control 76
Filling capacities 293
Filter, refer to Microfilter/acti‐ vated-charcoal filter 124
Fine wood, care 287
First aid kit 281
Fitting for towing 283
Fixing system, adaptive 137
Flashing

when locking/unlock‐
ing 31
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 88
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Everything from A to Z

Flat Tire Monitor FTM, snow
chains 261
Flat tire, run-flat tires 261
Flat
tire, Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 90
Flat tire, warning lamp 89, 91
Flat tire, wheel change 275
Flooding, refer to Driving through water 143
Floor carpet, care 287
Floor mats, care 287
FM/AM station 174
Fog on windows, remov‐ ing 121
Foldable rear seat back‐ rest 133
Foot brake 143
Footwell lamps, refer to Inte‐ rior lamps 84
For your own safety 6
Four-wheel drive, refer to xDrive 98
Front airbags 86
Front fog lamps 84
Front fog lamps, indicator lamp 84
FTM Flat Tire Monitor 88
Fuel 248
Fuel
– Refer to Average fuel con‐ sumption 74
Fuel, average consump‐
tion 74
Fuel cap 246
Fuel cap, closing 246
Fuel consumption display
– Average fuel consump‐ tion 74
Fuel consumption display,
current fuel consumption 72
Fuel-efficient driving, refer to Current

fuel consumption 72
Fuel filler flap, closing 246
Fuel filler flap, opening 246
Fuel filler flap, unlocking in case of an electrical malfunc‐
tion 246
Fuel gauge 73
Fuel, high-quality brands 248 Fuel, quality
248
Fuel, saving 148
Fuel, specifications 248
Fuel

tank capacity, refer to Fill‐
ing capacities 293
Fuel tank contents, refer to Filling capacities 293
Fuel tank, refer to Filling ca‐ pacities 293
Fuse 279
G
Garage door opener, refer to Integrated universal remote
control 127
Gasoline gauge, refer to Fuel gauge 73
Gasoline, refer to Required fuel 248
Gas station recommenda‐ tion 162
Gear change, automatic trans‐ mission with Steptronic 70
Gear change, via shift pad‐ dles 70
General driving notes 142
Glass sunroof, closing 43
Glass sunroof, electric
– Convenient operation 30
– Remote control 30
Glass sunroof, initializing 44
Glass sunroof, opening 43
Glass sunroof, pinch protec‐
tion 44
Glass sunroof, power fail‐ ure 44
Glass sunroof, refer to Panor‐ amic glass sunroof 42
Glass sunroof, tilting 43
Glove compartment 134
Glove compartment
– USB interface 134
Glove compartment, light‐
ing 134
GPS navigation, refer to Navi‐ gation system 152
Gross vehicle weight, refer to Weights 292 H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 63
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐ nating code 128
Hands-free microphone 16
Hazard warning sys‐ tem 16, 280
HDC Hill Descent Control 98
HD Radio 175
Head airbags 86
Headlamp control, auto‐ matic 81, 82
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐ ture 81
Headlamp flasher 66, 83
Headlamp flasher, indicator lamp 15
Headlamps 81
Headlamps, care 285
Headlamps, cleaning 67
Headlamps, cleaning, washer fluid 68
Headliner 17
Headphones,
connecting, rear
DVD system 201
Head restraints 51
Head-up Display 117
Head-up Display, care 287
Heatable rear window 121
Heating 119
Heating
– Seats 48
Heating, interior 119
Heating, mirrors 54
Heating, residual heat 122
Heating with the engine switched off, refer to Resid‐
ual heat 122
Heavy cargo, refer to Stowing cargo 145
Height, refer to Dimen‐ sions 291
High-beam Assistant 83
High beams 83
High beams/low beams, auto‐ matic, refer to High-beam
Assistant 83
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Protective function, refer to
Pinch protection
– Windows 41
Push-and-turn switch, refer to
Controls 18
R
Radiator fluid, refer to Cool‐ ant 267
Radio-operated key, refer to Remote control with
integrated key 28
Radio ready state 61
Radio ready state, switched off 61
Radio ready state, switched on 61
Radio setting, refer to Radio ready state 61
Rain sensor 67
Random 182
Random playback 182
Range 73
RDS 175
Reading lamps 85
Reading out loud 234
Rear entertainment, refer to DVD system in rear 200
Rear lamps, refer to Tail lamps 271, 274
Rear seat backrest, folda‐ ble 133
Rear seats, adjusting 47
Rear
seats, adjusting the head
restraints 52
Rear seats, heating 48
Rear socket 131
Rear ventilation 123
Rear ventilation, 3rd row seats 123
Rear ventilation, automatic cli‐ mate control in rear 124
Rearview mirror, refer to Mir‐ rors 53
Rear window defroster 121
Rear window, washing 68
Rear window wiper 68
Recirculated air mode 122 Recommended tire
brands 260
Redialing 222
Refueling 246
Remaining distance to desti‐ nation,

refer to Computer 74
Remaining range for service, refer to Service require‐
ments 75
Remaining range, refer to Range 73
Reminders 233
Remote control
– Battery replacement 39
– Comfort Access 37
– Malfunction 31, 38
– Tailgate 31
Remote control, garage door
opener 127
Remote

control, rear DVD sys‐
tem 201
Remote control, removing from the ignition lock 61
Remote control, service data 268
Remote control, universal 127
Remote inquiry 222
Replacement fuse 279
Replacement remote con‐ trol 28
Replacing wheels/tires 260
Reporting safety defects 8
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel gauge 73
Reservoir for washer fluid, re‐ fer to Washer fluid reser‐
voir 68
Resetting, Tire Pressure Mon‐ itor TPM 91
Residual heat 122
Restraining systems
– Refer to Safety belts 50
Restraint systems for chil‐
dren 56
Retaining straps, securing cargo 146
Retreaded tires 261
Road, avoiding 161
Road detour 161 Roadside Assistance 238
Roadside parking lamps
83
Roller sunblinds 41
Roof load capacity 292
Roof-mounted luggage rack 147
Rope, refer to Towing 283
Route 162
Route criteria, route 161
Route, displaying 162
Route

section, bypassing 162
RPM, refer to Engine data 290
RSC Runflat System Compo‐ nent, refer to Run-flat
tires 261
Rubber components, care 286
Run-flat tires 261
Run-flat tires, tire inflation pressure 252
Running lights, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 81
S
Safe braking 143
Safety 6
Safety belts 50
Safety belts
– Damage 50
Safety belts, care 287
Safety
belts, indicator/warning
lamp 50
Safety belts, reminder 50
Safety switch for rear win‐ dows 41
Safety systems
– Safety belts 50
Safety systems, airbags 86
Safety tires, refer to Run-flat tires 261
Satellite radio 176
Saving fuel 148
Scale, changing during navi‐ gation 164
Screen, folding open/closed, rear DVD system 200
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance

Storage, tires 261
Storing
the seat position, refer
to Seat and mirror mem‐
ory 53
Storing the vehicle 287
Street, entering for naviga‐ tion 154
Summer tires, refer to Wheels and tires 252
Summer tires, tread 259
Sunblinds, roller sunblinds 41
Surround View 112
Switches, refer to Cockpit 12
Switching off, engine 62
Switching off, vehicle 62
Switch-on times, parked-car ventilation 126
Symbols 6
T
Tachometer 72
Tailgate
– Comfort Access 38
– Remote control 31
Tailgate, adjusting the open‐
ing height 34, 36
Tailgate, automatic opera‐ tion 36
Tail lamps 271, 274
Tank gauge, refer to Fuel gauge 73
Tasks 232
Technical changes, refer to Safety 6
Technical data 290
Telephone 216
Telephone, adjusting the vol‐ ume 220
Telephone, installation loca‐ tion, refer to Center arm‐
rest 134
TeleService 237
Temperature, adjusting in up‐ per body region 121
Temperature, coolant, refer to Coolant temperature 72 Temperature display
– External temperature
71
– External temperature warn‐ ing 71
Temperature display, setting
the units 80
Temperature, engine oil 72
Temperature, setting with au‐ tomatic climate con‐
trol 121, 125
Temperature warning 71
Text messages 230
Theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 39
Thigh support adjustment 45
Third

brake lamp, refer to Cen‐
ter brake lamp 273, 275
Seats, 3rd row seats 47
Tilting the passenger side mir‐ ror 54
Time, setting 79
Tire age 258
Tire identification marks 258
Tire inflation pressure 252
Tire inflation pressure, check‐ ing 252
Tire pressure monitor, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 88
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 90
Tire Quality Grading 258
Tires
– Inflation pressure 252
Tires, breaking in 142
Tires, changing 260
Tires, condition 259
Tires, damage 260
Tire size 258
Tires, minimum tread 259
Tires, retreaded tires 261
Tires, run-flat tires 261
Tires, storage 261
Tire tread 259
Toll roads, route 161
Tone 172
Tool kit, refer to Onboard ve‐ hicle tool kit 270
Tools,

refer to Onboard vehicle
tool kit 270 Top View 114
Torque, refer to Engine
data 290
Tow bar 283
Tow fitting 283
Towing 282
Town/city, navigation 153
Tow rope 283
Tow-starting 282, 284
TPM Tire Pressure Moni‐ tor 90
Traction control 97
Traffic bulletins, naviga‐ tion 165
Transmission, automatic transmission with Step‐
tronic 69
Transmission positions, auto‐ matic transmission with
Steptronic 69
Transporting children safely 56
Treble, tone 172
Trip computer, refer to Dis‐ plays on the Control Dis‐
play 74
Trip-distance counter, refer to Trip odometer 71
Triple turn signal activa‐ tion 66
Trip odometer 71
Trips, planning 159
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 36
Turning circle, refer to Dimen‐ sions 291
Turning lamps, refer to Adap‐ tive light control 82
Turn signal, indicator lamp 14
Turn signals 66
Turn signals, triple turn signal activation 66
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/ UTQG 258
Unintentional alarms, avoid‐ ing 40
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Reference Mobility Communication Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance