Deutsch
EnglishOperation, maintenance for your BMW X5 2000-2006
136nBreaking-in
Moving parts should be allowed to
break in. To ensure that your vehicle
provides maximum economy through-
out a long service life, we request that
you observe the following instructions:
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
The brake lamps do not light up
when the handbrake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the
vehicle with the engine switched off,
when towing, for instance, substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be
When the vehicle is operated on
wet or slushy roads, a wedge of
water may form between the tire and
the road surface. This phenomenon is
referred to as hydroplaning and can
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
lead to partial or complete loss of trac- required to brake the vehicle.<
tion, vehicle control and braking effec-
Drive at varying engine speeds and
road speeds, but do not exceed
4,500 rpm and the following road
speeds during this initial period:
tiveness. Reduce your speed on wet
roads.<
Clutch
The function of the clutch is only at its
optimized level after a distance driven
of approx. 300 miles/500 km. During
6-cylinder engines: 100 mph/160 km/h
8-cylinder engines: 106 mph/170 km/h
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period this break-in period, engage the clutch
of approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve gently.
optimal contact and wear patterns
Obey your local and state maximum
speed limits.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of
the transmission's kick-down mode
during these initial miles.
between brake pads and rotors.
Following component
replacements
To break in the separate handbrake
drums, apply the handbrake lightly
Observe the break-in instructions again
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/
2,000 km, the engine and vehicle
speeds can be gradually increased.
when coasting to a standstill at a traffic if previously addressed components
signal, for instance, provided that traffic must be replaced again during driving
conditions allow you to do so.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce-
dure from time to time.
later.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve
their full traction potential until after an
initial break-in period. Therefore, drive
reservedly during the first 200 miles/
300 km.
General driving notes
137n
Otherwise there is a danger of ignition
and of a fire with the risk of serious inju-
ries and damage.<
Closing liftgate/tailgate
Road hazards
Operate the vehicle only when the
tailgate and liftgate are completely
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes
could enter into the passenger com-
partment.<
If road hazards, obstacles or curbs
are unavoidable, only drive over
them very slowly and carefully, as oth-
erwise the wheels and suspension
parts, especially on vehicles fitted with
Portable phone in vehicle
BMW advises against using
mobile radio devices such as por- low profile tires, can be damaged.<
table phones inside the vehicle unless
However, if special circumstances
should make it absolutely necessary
to operate the vehicle with the liftgate/
tailgate open:
they are directly connected to the
external antenna. Otherwise, it is
For more information on wheels and
tires, refer to page 144.
impossible to prevent a mutual interfer-
ence of the vehicle electronics with the
portable phone device. Also, there is no
guarantee that the radiation generated
by the transmission will be conveyed
out from the interior of the vehicle.<
Before driving into a car wash
1. Close all windows and the panorama
glass sunroof
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to
page 54, as otherwise they could be
damaged due to the width of the vehi-
cle.
2. Increase the air supply for the air
conditioner or automatic climate
control to a high level, refer to
page 108 or 112.
When vehicle is parked
Hydroplaning
Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of
water on the ground are therefore nor-
mal.
Hot exhaust system
When driving on wet or slushy
roads, reduce road speed. If you
Extreme temperatures occur at
the catalytic converter on this and
do not, a wedge of water can form
between tires and road surface. This
state can cause a partial or total loss of
contact with the road surface, of brak-
ing control and of control over the vehi-
every catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not
remove the heat shields installed adja-
cent to various sections of the exhaust
system, and never apply undercoating
to them. When driving, standing at idle
and while parking take care to avoid
Brakes
Do not drive with your foot resting cle.<
on the brake pedal. Even light but
possible contact between a hot exhaust consistent pedal pressure can lead to
system and any highly flammable mate- excessively high temperatures, brake
rials such as hay, leaves, grass etc.
wear and possibly even brake failure.<
138nGeneral driving notes
Driving your X5
Driving through water
On poor roads
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 20 in/
When you are driving on poor roads,
there are a few points which you should
strictly observe — for your own safety,
for that of your passengers, and for the
safety of the vehicle:
50 cm, and then only at walking speed
at the most. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged. When
equipped with 2-axle self leveling sus-
pension*, switch the vehicle into the
Off-Road setting before driving through,
refer to page 100.<
Driving on unpaved terrain can
cause damage to the vehicle.<
>Always adapt the driving speed to the
road conditions. The rougher or
steeper the road surface is, the lower
the speed should be
>You can operate your vehicle on
uphill and downhill gradients with a
maximum slope of 50%. If you want
to drive on uphill or downhill gradi-
ents of this kind, make sure before-
hand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the max mark, refer to
pages 150 and 152.
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature
Using handbrake on slopes
*
Do not hold the vehicle in place on
slopes by slipping or riding the
Two photocells serve to control the
automatic dimming of the interior and
exterior rearview mirrors. One photocell
is in the mirror glass, refer to arrow,
while the other is offset somewhat on
the back of the mirror.
clutch; use the handbrake instead. Oth-
erwise, severe clutch wear will result.<
For trouble-free operation, keep the
photocells clean and do not cover the
area between the interior rearview mir-
ror and the windshield. Do not attach
any kind of stickers on the windshield
in front of the mirror, either.
Use the HDC Hill Descent Control
when driving down steep grades,
refer to page 97.
Starting off is possible on grades of
up to 33%.
The permissible body roll is also 50%
>While driving, watch carefully for
obstacles such as rocks or holes.
Try to avoid these obstacles when-
ever possible
Driving your X5
139n
>Please note that, for example on
crests and bumpy roads, the body
can make ground contact.
Back onto paved road
In recommending that you observe the
following points after driving on adverse
road surfaces, it is not as a beauty
treatment for your BMW. Instead, it is
intended for the maintenance of driving
safety:
The ground clearance of the vehicle
is:
– 8 in/20 cm with up to four persons
– 7 in/18 cm fully loaded, without
level control
>Clean the worst of the dirt from the
body and inspect the undercarriage
for damage
>Clean mud, snow, ice etc. from the
wheels and tires and check the
wheels for damage
>Only drive through water up to a max-
imum depth of 20 in/50 cm and only
at walking speed, making sure not to
stop in the process. When equipped
with 2-axle self leveling suspension*,
switch the vehicle to the Off-Road
setting before driving through, refer
to page 100.
After leaving the water, apply the
footbrake lightly several times while
driving at low speeds so as to dry
the brakes by braking and to prevent
decreased braking action due to wet-
ness.
>Check to determine whether rocks,
gravel or accumulations of dirt on the
brake rotors and calipers could influ-
ence braking performance. Remove
all such foreign objects
>In order to clean the brake rotors,
apply the footbrake gently several
times while driving at a low speed.
Be sure that following traffic is not
endangered by this
>For cleaning the handbrake, apply
the lever slightly at approx. 25 mph/
40 km/h and continue to drive for
approx. 200 yards/200 meters, pro-
vided that traffic conditions allow you
to do so.
140nSafe braking
on the brakes and possible impairment
of the braking effect.
Emergency stops
Disc brakes
You brake most effectively when you When the vehicle is driven only occa-
apply maximum pedal pressure in situa- sionally, during extended periods when
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed or with the transmis-
sion or selector lever in neutral. Do not
drive with the engine switched off. The
engine provides no braking effect when
the clutch is depressed or the transmis-
sion is in neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is not running.
BMW recommends having brake
inspections performed at a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center only. If
you do not, parts of the 4-wheel drive
system could be damaged.
tions requiring it: emergency stops.
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless
avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
the vehicle is not used at all, and in
operating conditions where brake appli-
cations are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to
form on rotors, while contaminants
accumulate on the brake pads. This
occurs because the minimal pressure
which must be exerted by the pads dur-
ing brake applications to clean the
rotors is not reached.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.
If the brake rotors are corroded, they
will tend to respond to braking with a
pulsating effect which even extended
application will fail to cure.
Brake fluid level
If the brake fluid level is too low and
brake pedal travel has become longer,
there may be a defect in one of the two
brake system's hydraulic circuits.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to protrude into the area
around the accelerator, clutch and
brake pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
When driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is advisable to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal from time
to time. Monitor traffic conditions to
ensure that this maneuver does not
Proceed to the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center.
Here increased pressure on the brake
pedal may be required, and slight pull- endanger other road users. The heat
ing to the side and longer braking dis- generated in this process helps dry the
tances may result. Please remember to pads and rotors to ensure that the brak-
Brake pads
For your own safety: use only
brake pads that BMW has
adapt your driving style accordingly.<
ing force is then immediately available
when required.
released for your particular vehicle
model. BMW cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if
they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are installed.<
Extended or steep mountain descents
should be driven in the gear in which
only minimal periodic brake application
is required. This avoids excessive strain
Tire inflation pressure
141n
After correcting the inflation pres-
sure(s), always reinitialize the Flat
Tire Monitor, refer to page 102.<
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and – to a great
extent – driving safety that depend on
the condition of the tires and the main-
tenance of the specified tire pressure.
Checking inflation pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when
the tires are cold. i.e. after driving a
maximum of 1.25 miles/2 km or when
the vehicle has been parked for at least
2 hours. When tires are warm, the tire
inflation pressure increases.
Inflation pressure for original
equipment tires
You will find tire inflation pressures on
the inside door pillar.
Regularly check the tire inflation
pressure and correct as needed,
including the spare tire: at least every
two weeks and before beginning a
longer trip. If this is not done, incorrect
tire pressures can cause driving insta-
bility and tire damage, ultimately result-
ing in an accident. Do not drive with a
depressurized, i.e. flat, tire. A flat tire
greatly impairs steering and braking
response, and can lead to complete
loss of control over the vehicle.<
Inflation pressure for other tire
sizes
The tire pressure table below gives all
of the tire pressure specifications for
the tire sizes indicated, with the ambi-
ent temperature.
In order to clearly identify the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure for your
tires, be sure to note the specifications
for the appropriate tire sizes.<
142nTire inflation pressure
BMW
Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires,
cold = ambient temperature
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 V
32/220
32/220
32/220
39/270
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
X5 3.0i
Front: 255/50 R 19 103 V
Rear: 285/45 R 19 107 V
Front: 275/40 R 20 102 W
Rear: 315/35 R 20 106 W
32/220
–
32/220
–
–
32/220
–
32/220
–
32/220
–
32/220
–
39/270
–
39/270
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 V
32/220
33/230
32/220
39/270
235/65 R 17 104 H M+S
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
X5 4.4i
Front: 255/50 R 19 103 V
Rear: 285/45 R 19 107 V
Front: 275/40 R 20 102 W
Rear: 315/35 R 20 106 W
32/220
–
32/220
–
–
32/220
–
32/220
–
32/220
–
32/220
–
39/270
–
39/270
Front: 275/40 R 20 102 W
X5 4.8is Rear: 315/35 R 20 106 W
255/55 R 18 105 H M+S
32/220
–
32/220
–
33/230
–
33/230
–
35/240
35/240
39/270
39/270
You will find more information about permissible loads and weights on page 180.
Tire identification marks
143n
Knowledge of the labeling on the side
of the tire makes it easier to identify and
choose the right tires.
DOT code:
e.g.
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
DOT xxxx xxx 3603
Manufacturer's code
for tire brand
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
Tire size
Tire size and tire model
Tire age
e.g.
235/65 R
17 104 H
All passenger car tires must con-
form to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.<
Nominal width
in mm
Tire age
Cross-sectional ratio
in Ξ
The manufacturer of your BMW recom-
mends that all tires, i.e. including the
spare wheel, be replaced regardless of
the actual wear after 6 years at the lat-
est.
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
Belted construction radial
Rim diameter in inches
Load index,
not with ZR tires
The tire's date of manufacture is indi-
cated on the sidewall:
Speed code letter,
with ZR tires before the R
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half, 1γ, times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
DOT... 3603 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 36 of 2003.
Speed code letter:
Q = up to 105 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guide-
lines of the U.S. Department of Trans-
port.
144nTire identification marks
Wheel/tire condition
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive tem-
perature can lead to a sudden flat tire.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by
law.
Traction
Wheel/tire damage
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Inspect your wheels and tires frequently
for tread wear, signs of damage and for
foreign objects lodged in the tread.
Check the tread pattern depth.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of
Please note that low-profile tires
make your wheels, tires and sus-
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
pension parts more susceptible to road
hazard and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect.
This can, for example, be caused by
driving over curbs. This is also true for
irregularities in the vehicle's handling
characteristics, such as a pronounced
tendency to pull to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by immedi-
ately reducing your speed. Carefully
proceed – or have your vehicle towed –
to the nearest BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center or tire dealer to have the
wheels or tires inspected.
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteris-
tics.<
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible a tire failure.<
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the
highest, B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties
than summer tires.
Tire damage, extending to sudden and
complete loss of pressure in extreme
cases, can pose a potentially lethal
safety hazard for the vehicle's occu-
pants and other road users alike.<
Wheel/tire condition
145n
Tire tread
The tread depth should not fall below
0.12 in/3 mm although, for example,
European regulations only require a
minimum tread depth of 0.063 in/
1.6 mm.
At tread depths below 0.12 in/3 mm
there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small
amounts of water are present on the
road surface.
As winter tires display a noticeable loss
in their ability to cope with cold-
Wear indicators at the tread-groove
base, refer to arrow, are distributed
over the tire's circumference and are
marked on the side of the tire with TWI
– Tread Wear Indicator. These indica-
tors signal at a tread depth of 0.063 in/
1.6 mm that the legally permitted wear
limit has been reached.
weather driving conditions once the
tread wears to below 0.16 in/4 mm, you
should always have such tires replaced
to ensure continued safety.
146nReplacing wheels/tires
Have new wheels and tires
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
Special features of winter tires
installed only by your BMW Sports and therefore cannot be held liable for
Activity Vehicle center or a tire special- driving safety.<
ist workshop that works according to
BMW recommends winter tires for use
in cold winter driving conditions.
Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than summer
tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather perfor-
BMW guidelines with appropriately
trained personnel. If this work is not
carried out properly, there is a danger
of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center for the correct wheel/tire
combination.
The correct wheel/tire combination also mance as winter tires.
affects various systems whose function
When switching to winter tires, observe
the description under Tire condition,
page 144, and Replacing wheels/tires.
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS,
DSC, xDrive.
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the
use of retread tires, as otherwise
driving safety may be reduced. The rea-
son for this is that possible variations in
the design and aging – which could be
substantial – of the tire casing can
result in a limited service life.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. After a flat tire, always remem-
ber to have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Observing speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated. Unprofessional attempts by
laymen to service tires can lead to dam-
age and accidents. Have this work per-
formed by skilled professionals only.
The technicians at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center will be glad to
assist you with the required profes-
sional knowledge and specialized
equipment.<
Recommended tire sizes and makes:
For each tire size, certain tire makes
have been tested by BMW and classi-
fied and approved as safe. You can find
out about them at a specialized store,
preferably your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center. Follow any national reg-
ulations, e.g. listed in the vehicle docu-
ments.
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use
only wheel and tire combinations
that BMW has tested and approved for
your particular vehicle. Variations in fac-
tors such as manufacturing tolerances
mean that even wheels and tires with
identical official size ratings could actu-
ally have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences
could lead to body contact, and with it
the risk of severe accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
The factory-approved radial ply tires are
matched to your vehicle and with
proper use, offer both optimal driving
safety and the desired driving comfort.
Replacing wheels/tires
Snow chains*
147n
Only certain snow chains have been
tested by BMW and classified and
approved as safe. Consult your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center for
details. BMW recommends only using
these approved, narrow-link snow
chains. Use is only permitted in pairs on
the rear wheels with the following tire
sizes:
Storage
Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry
place, protecting them against light
whenever possible. Always protect tires
against all contact with oil, grease and
fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressure indicated on the side wall
of the tire.
X5 4.8is: 255/55 R 18
All other models: 235/65 R 17
Observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions when installing snow chains.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
30 mph/50 km/h.
After mounting snow chains, do
not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
When you are driving with snow chains,
it can be beneficial to switch off DSC
briefly, refer to page 96.<
148nHood
Unlocking
Opening
Closing
Pull the lever located under the left side Pull the release handle and open the
of the instrument panel.
Allow the hood to fall from a height of
about 12 in/30 cm so that it audibly
engages.
hood.
Never attempt to perform any ser-
vice or repair operations on your
Observe the same precautions
that apply to all closing operations
by ensuring that the hood's travel range
is clear and unobstructed before allow-
ing the hood to fall into position.
vehicle without the required profes-
sional technical training. If you are not
familiar with the regulations to be
observed, only have work on your vehi-
cle carried out by a BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle center or a workshop that
uses personnel trained in accordance
with BMW requirements. If this work is
not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.<
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.<
Engine compartment essentials
149n
1 Engine oil dipstick 150
3 Auxiliary terminal for jump
starting 171
5 Engine oil filler neck 150
2 Brake fluid reservoir, located
beneath the microfilter cover 153
6 Reservoir for windshield and
headlamp washer system 150
4 Coolant expansion tank 152
150nWasher fluid
Engine oil
4. Slide the dipstick carefully all the way
into the dipstick tube and pull it out
again.
The oil level should be in between
the two marks on the dipstick
5. Slide the dipstick all the way into the
dipstick tube again.
Windshield and headlamp
washer system
Checking oil level
Oil consumption depends on driving
Approximate capacity is 8.2 US quarts/ style and operating conditions.
7.8 liters.
1. With the engine at operating temper-
Fill with water and — if required — with
the addition of a washer antifreeze,
according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
ature, i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km
of continuous driving, park the vehi-
cle in a horizontal position
2. Switch off the engine
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to
the reservoir.<
Antifreeze agent for the washer
systems is inflammable. For this
reason, keep it away from sources of
flame and store it only in its original
containers. Store it so that it is inacces-
sible to children. Comply with the
instructions on the containers.<
Engine oil
151n
BMW guidelines with appropriately
trained personnel.
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.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High
Performance Synthetic Oil, you can
add small amounts of synthetic oil in
between oil changes. Use only oils with
the API SH specification or higher.
Adding engine oil
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts/1 liter.
Wait until the level has dropped to just
above the lower mark on the dipstick
before adding oil.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark
on the dipstick. Excess oil will
damage the engine.<
Add oil within the next 30 miles/
50 km, otherwise, the engine
could be damaged.<
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.<
X5 4.8is:
With a very sporty driving style, the
engine oil level should be at the upper
mark on the dipstick.
Always store oils, grease and
similar materials so that they are
inaccessible to children. Comply with
warning labels and information on con-
tainers.<
You can also call BMW of North Amer-
ica at 1-800-831-1117 or visit this web-
information.
Oil change:
Have oil changed only by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center or by a
repair shop that works according to
BMW engines are designed to
operate without additives, and
their use could even lead to damage
in some cases.<
152nEngine oil
Coolant
Do not open the cooling system
when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.<
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as estab-
lished in SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climatic conditions in
the area where you typically drive your
BMW.
Coolant is comprised of water and
coolant additive. Not all commercially
available additives are suitable for your
BMW. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle center knows which additives are
suitable.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
Use only suitable additives, other-
wise you could damage your
engine. The additives can be harmful
to your health.<
These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.
Checking coolant level
1. The engine must be at ambient tem-
perature
2. Start by turning the cap of the expan-
sion tank counterclockwise. Pause to
allow any accumulated pressure to
escape, then open
Always observe all applicable
environmental rules and regula-
tions when disposing of coolant addi-
tives.<
3. The coolant level is correct when the
end of the red float is aligned with
the upper edge of the filler opening,
refer to the arrow in the illustration,
or max. 0.8 in/2 cm higher, i. e. up to
the mark on the float, refer also to the
schematic diagram, next to the cap
Coolant
Brake fluid
153n
4. When necessary, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached; do
not overfill
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is,
it absorbs moisture from the air
over time.
Brake fluid level
If the warning lamp lights up or
the message CHECK BRAKE
FLUID appears in the Check
Control: stop immediately.
5. Close the cap and tighten snugly
6. Have the cause of the coolant loss
corrected as soon as possible.
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.
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 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.<
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. For this situation,
refer to the notes on page 140.
Always observe all applicable
environmental rules and regula-
tions when disposing of used brake
fluid.<
154nThe BMW Maintenance System
From the point of view of maintenance, As a precaution against corrosion, it is
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated advisable to have the body checked for
in short-distance urban driving are not
the equivalent of the same distance
covered at moderate speeds in long-
distance highway travel.
damage from rocks or gravel at the
same time, depending upon operating
conditions.
Have your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle center do the mainte-
nance and repair.
The BMW Maintenance System
includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or
the Warranty and Service Guide Book-
let for Canadian models.
These entries will constitute your proof
that the vehicle has received regular
maintenance. They are also required for
warranty claims.<
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the
vehicle covers every kind of operating
situation. However, even those who
drive only short distances, significantly
less than 6,000 miles/10,000 km annu-
ally, should have the engine oil changed
at least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
The BMW Maintenance System helps
maintain the road and driving safety of
your BMW.
Please keep in mind that regular main-
tenance is not only necessary for the
safety of your vehicle, but also plays a
significant role in maintaining the resale
value of the vehicle.
Car care
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models
For all information on this subject, refer
to the Caring for your vehicle brochure.
Service Interval Display
Conventional systems rely solely on
distance traveled to determine when
service is due. The BMW Maintenance
System, on the other hand, began many
years ago to take the actual conditions
under which the vehicle is driven into
consideration. After all, different drivers
can accumulate mileage in very differ-
ent ways.
For additional information on mainte-
nance intervals and procedures, please
refer to the Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.
OBD interface socket
155n
Indication of the above-
described malfunction in Cana-
dian models.
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one
or more sensing and diagnostic mod-
ules or a recording device capable of
recording or transmitting certain vehicle
data or information. In addition, if you
have a Subscription Service Agree-
ment for the BMW Assist system, cer-
tain vehicle information may be trans-
Under certain conditions, the indicator
lamp will blink or flash. This indicates
a rather severe level of engine misfire.
When this occurs, you should reduce
speed and consult the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center as soon
as possible. Severe engine misfire over mitted or recorded in order to provide
only a short period of time can seriously such services.
damage emission control components,
especially the catalytic converter.
The interface socket for the Onboard
Diagnostic is located on the left of the
driver's side at the bottom of the instru-
ment panel and under a cover. The
cover has the letters OBD on it.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator
will light up. If the filler cap is subse-
quently tightened, the indicator lamp
should extinguish within a few days.<
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related
components and systems for deteriora-
tion and malfunction.
An illuminated indicator lamp
informs you of the need for ser-
vice, not of the need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle center at the earliest possi-
ble opportunity.
156n
157n
Overview
Controls and features
Operation, maintenance
Owner service procedures
Technical data
Index
Repairs
