Controls and features -> HDC Hill Descent Control for your BMW X5 2000-2006

xDrive  
HDC Hill Descent Control  
97n  
xDrive is the 4-wheel drive system of  
your X5. The combined effects of xDrive  
and DSC further optimize the traction  
and dynamic driving characteristics.  
The 4-wheel drive system xDrive vari-  
ably distributes the drive torque to the  
front and rear axle depending on the  
driving situation and prevailing road  
conditions.  
The concept  
HDC is a system for driving downhill in  
steep terrain. This system reduces vehi-  
cle speed on steep downhill gradients,  
thus allowing you to maintain even bet-  
ter control of your BMW under these  
conditions.  
The vehicle moves at slightly more than  
walking speed without active interven-  
tion from the driver.  
Malfunction  
HDC is available for activation at vehi-  
cle speeds below approx. 20 mph/  
35 km/h. When driving down steep hills  
with a speed below approx. 20 mph/  
35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed  
automatically down to slightly more  
than walking speed, approx. 5 mph/  
8 km/h, and then maintains this speed  
at a constant.  
Please be sure to observe the informa-  
tion on the DSC Dynamic Stability Con-  
trol/xDrive warning lamp on page 22  
and on the possible lamp combinations  
that can light up on page 20.  
Activating system  
Press the button, the indicator lamp  
lights up.  
The indicator lamp flashes when the  
brakes are applied automatically.  
Deactivating system  
You can use the accelerator or brakes  
to vary this automatically controlled  
speed within a range extending from  
approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to 15 mph/  
25 km/h.  
You can specify a target speed within  
the same range by using the +/– but-  
tons of the cruise control.  
Press the button again; the indicator  
lamp goes out.  
HDC is deactivated automatically above  
a road speed of approx. 35 mph/  
60 km/h and when the ignition is  
switched off.  
HDC is automatically deactivated once  
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.  
35 mph/60 km/h.