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EnglishDriving tips for your BMW X5 2014-2018
Driving tips
This chapter provides you with information
useful in dealing with specific driving and
operating modes.
Driving tips
Things to remember when driving
Things to remember when driving
▷
For diesel engine 3,500 rpm and
93 mph/150 km/h.
Vehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your vehicle, e. g., due
to the selected options or country versions.
This also applies to safety-related functions
and systems. When using these functions and
systems, the applicable country provisions
must be observed.
Avoid full load or kickdown under all circum‐
stances.
From 1,200 miles/2,000 km
The engine and vehicle speed can gradually be
increased.
Tires
Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
Breaking-in period
General information
Moving parts need time to adjust to one an‐
other (break-in time).
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
The following instructions will help you to ach‐
ieve a long vehicle life and good efficiency.
Brakes require an initial break-in period of ap‐
prox. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimal per‐
formance between brake discs and brake
pads. Drive moderately during this break-in pe‐
riod.
During break-in, do not use the Launch Con‐
trol.
Safety information
WARNING
Following part replacement
Due to new parts and components,
safety and driver assistance systems can react
with a delay. There is a risk of an accident. Af‐
ter installing new parts or with a new vehicle,
drive conservatively and intervene early if nec‐
essary. Observe the break-in procedures of
the respective parts and components.◀
The same break-in procedures should be ob‐
served if any of the components above-men‐
tioned have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Engine, transmission, and axle drive
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Do not exceed the maximum engine and road
speed:
Closing the tailgate
WARNING
An open tailgate protrudes from the vehi‐
cle and can endanger occupants and other
traffic participants or damage the vehicle in the
event of an accident, braking or evasive ma‐
neuvers. In addition, exhaust fumes may enter
the vehicle interior. There is a risk of injury or
▷
For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and
100 mph/160 km/h.
194
Things to remember when driving
Driving tips
risk of property damage. Do not drive with the
tailgate open.◀
Climate control windshield
If driving with the tailgate open cannot be
avoided:
▷
▷
▷
Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
Greatly increase the air flow from the vents.
Drive moderately.
Hot exhaust system
WARNING
The marked area is not covered with heat re‐
flective coating.
During driving operation, high tempera‐
tures can occur underneath the vehicle body,
e.g., caused by the exhaust gas system. If
combustible materials, such as leaves or grass,
come in contact with hot parts of the exhaust
gas system, these materials can ignite. There
is a risk of injury or risk of property damage. Do
not remove the heat shields installed and never
apply undercoating to them. Make sure that no
combustible materials can come in contact
with hot vehicle parts in driving operation, idle
or during parking. Do not touch the hot ex‐
haust system.◀
Use this area for garage door openers, devices
for electronic toll collection, etc.
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
WARNING
Vehicle electronics and mobile phones
can influence one another. There is radiation
due to the transmission operations of mobile
phones. There is a risk of injury or risk of prop‐
erty damage. If possible, in the vehicle's inte‐
rior use only mobile phones with direct con‐
nections to an exterior antenna in order to
exclude mutual interference and deflect the ra‐
diation from the vehicle's interior.◀
Diesel particulate filter
The diesel particulate filter collects soot parti‐
cles and burns them periodically at high tem‐
peratures.
Hydroplaning
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
During several minutes of cleaning the follow‐
ing may occur:
▷
Temporarily, the engine may run less
smoothly.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
▷
Noises and a slight amount of smoke com‐
ing from the exhaust until shortly after the
engine is shut down.
▷
A somewhat higher engine speed is neces‐
sary to reach usual performance.
Driving through water
NOTE
When driving too quickly through too
deep water, water can enter into the engine
compartment, the electrical system or the
transmission. There is a risk of property dam‐
195
Driving tips
Things to remember when driving
age. When driving through water, do not ex‐
ceed the maximum indicated water level and
the maximum speed for driving through wa‐
ter.◀
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
gently press the brake pedal every few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger
other traffic.
When driving through water, observe the fol‐
lowing:
The heat generated during braking dries brake
discs and brake pads and protects them
against corrosion.
▷
▷
Drive through calm water only.
Drive through water only if it is not deeper
than maximum 19.6 inches/50 cm.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
▷
Drive through water no faster than walking
speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.
Hills
Braking safely
WARNING
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stand‐
ard feature.
Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brakes wearing out
and possibly even brake failure. There is a risk
of an accident. Avoid placing excessive stress
on the brake system.◀
Perform an emergency stop in situations that
require such.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid
any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐
fort.
WARNING
In idle state or with the engine switched
off, safety-relevant functions, e.g., engine
braking effect, braking force boost and steer‐
ing assistance, are restricted or not available at
all. There is a risk of an accident. Do not drive
in idle state or with the engine switched off.◀
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
In certain braking situations, the perforated
brake discs can emit functional noises. How‐
ever, this has no effect on the performance and
operational reliability of the brake.
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking effort. Other‐
wise, the brakes may overheat and reduce
brake efficiency.
Objects in the movement area around
pedals and floor area
You can increase the engine's braking effect
by shifting down, going all the way to first gear,
if needed.
WARNING
Objects in the driver's floor area can limit
the pedal distance or block a depressed pedal.
There is a risk of an accident. Stow objects in
the vehicle such that they are secured and
cannot enter into the driver's floor area. Use
floor mats that are suitable for the vehicle and
can be safely attached to the floor. Do not use
loose floor mats and do not layer several floor
mats. Make sure that there is sufficient clear‐
ance for the pedals. Ensure that the floor mats
are securely fastened again after they were re‐
moved, e.g., for cleaning.◀
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamina‐
tion on the brake pads are increased by the fol‐
lowing circumstances:
▷
▷
Low mileage.
Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.
▷
Infrequent use of the brakes.
196
Things to remember when driving
Driving tips
▷
Aggressive, acidic, or alkaline cleaning
agents.
The ground clearance is no more than
7.8 inches/20 cm and can vary according
to the vehicle's load.
Corrosion buildup on the brake discs will cause
a pulsating effect on the brakes in their re‐
sponse - generally this cannot be corrected.
▷
When wheels continue to spin, depress the
accelerator so that driving stability control
systems can distribute the driving force to
the wheels. Activate DTC Dynamic Trac‐
tion Control if available.
Condensation water under the parked
vehicle
When using the automatic climate control,
condensation water develops and collects un‐
derneath the vehicle.
After a trip on poor roads
After a trip on poor roads, check wheels and
tires for damage to maintain driving safety.
Clear heavy soiling from the body.
Driving on poor roads
The vehicle combines all-wheel drive with the
advantages of a normal automobile.
Driving on racetracks
Higher mechanical and thermal loads during
racetrack operation lead to increased wear.
This wear is not covered by the warranty. The
vehicle is not designed for motorsports com‐
petitive use.
NOTE
Objects in unpaved areas, e.g., stones or
branches, can damage the vehicle. There is a
risk of property damage. Do not drive on un‐
paved terrain.◀
For your own safety, for the safety of passen‐
gers and of the vehicle, heed the following
points:
▷
Become familiar with the vehicle before
starting a trip; do not take risks while driv‐
ing.
▷
Adjust the speed to the road surface con‐
ditions. The steeper and more uneven the
road surface, the slower the speed should
be.
▷
When driving on steep uphill or downhill
grades: add engine oil and coolant up to
near the MAX mark. Uphill and downhill
grades can be traveled up to no more than
50 %.
▷
▷
On steep downhill grades, use Hill Descent
Control HDC.
Starting out is possible on uphill grades up
to 32 %. The permissible side tilt is 50 %.
Avoid that the chassis bottom coming in
contact with the ground.
197
Driving tips
Loading
Loading
NOTE
Vehicle features and options
Fluids in the cargo area can cause dam‐
age. There is a risk of property damage. Make
sure that no fluids leak in the cargo area.◀
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your vehicle, e. g., due
to the selected options or country versions.
This also applies to safety-related functions
and systems. When using these functions and
systems, the applicable country provisions
must be observed.
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 vehicle
and unstable driving situations may result.
Safety information
WARNING
High gross weight can overheat the tires,
damage them, and cause a sudden drop in tire
inflation pressure. There is a risk of an acci‐
dent. Pay attention to the permitted load ca‐
pacity of the tires and never exceed the per‐
mitted gross weight.◀
WARNING
Loose objects or devices with a cable
connection to the vehicle, e.g., mobile phones,
can be thrown into the vehicle's interior while
driving, e.g., in the event of an accident or dur‐
ing braking and evasive maneuvers. There is a
risk of injury. Secure loose objects or devices
with a cable connection to the vehicle in the
vehicle's interior.◀
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 ca‐
pacity.
WARNING
Improperly stowed objects can shift and
be thrown into the vehicle's interior, e.g., in the
event of an accident or during braking and eva‐
sive maneuvers. Vehicle occupants can be hit
and injured. There is a risk of injury. Stow and
secure objects and cargo properly.◀
E.g., if the YYY amount equals 1,000 lbs
and there will be four 150 lbs passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 400 lbs:
1,000 lbs minus 600 lbs = 400 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of lug‐
gage and cargo being loaded on the vehi‐
cle. That weight may not safely exceed the
198
Loading
Driving tips
available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
▷
▷
▷
If necessary, fold down the rear backrests
to stow cargo.
Do not stack cargo above the top edge of
the backrests.
Load
Smaller and lighter cargo: secure with
ratchet straps or with a cargo net or draw
straps.
▷
Larger and heavy cargo: secure with cargo
straps.
Lashing eyes in the cargo
area
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.
There are four lashing eyes in the cargo area
for securing cargo.
Attach load securing aids, such as lashing
straps, retaining straps, draw straps or cargo
nets, to the lashing eyes in the cargo area.
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.
Lashing eyes in the cargo
area with rails
Stowing and securing cargo
▷
Cover sharp edges and corners on the
cargo.
▷
Heavy cargo: stow as far forward as possi‐
ble, directly behind and at the bottom of
the rear passenger seat backrests.
▷
Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not
occupied, secure each of the outer safety
belts in the opposite buckle.
To secure the cargo there are four movable
lashing eyes in the cargo area.
199
Driving tips
Loading
Roof-mounted luggage rack
General information
Installation only possible with roof rack.
Roof racks are available as special accessories.
Safety information
WARNING
To slide the lashing eyes, press the button, ar‐
row 1. Make sure that the lashing eyes latch at
the new position.
When driving with roof load, e.g., with
roof-mounted luggage rack, driving safety may
not be ensured in driving-critical situations due
to the elevated center of gravity. There is a risk
of accidents or risk of property damage. Do not
deactivate Dynamic Stability Control DSC
when driving with roof load.◀
The lashing eyes at the openings in the rails
can be removed.
Attach load securing aids, such as lashing
straps, retaining straps, draw straps or cargo
nets, to the lashing eyes in the cargo area.
Securing
Follow the installation instructions of the roof
rack.
Cargo net, FlexNet
The flexible cargo net is hooked into eyes and
offers a stowage option in the cargo area. The
storage net can be attached to the following
eyes:
Loading
Because roof-mounted luggage 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.
▷
Be sure that adequate clearance is main‐
tained for tilting and opening the glass
sunroof.
▷
▷
Lashing eyes in the rails.
▷
▷
Distribute the roof load uniformly.
Eyes on the cargo area wall.
The roof load should not extend past the
loading area.
The eyes are located on both sides of the
cargo area.
▷
▷
▷
Always place the heaviest pieces on the
bottom.
Attach load securing aids, such as cargo
straps, lashing straps, retaining straps, draw
straps or cargo nets, to the lashing eyes in the
cargo area.
Secure the roof luggage firmly, e.g., using
ratchet straps.
Do not let objects project into the opening
path of the tailgate.
200
Loading
Driving tips
▷
Drive cautiously and avoid sudden acceler‐
ation and braking maneuvers. Take corners
gently.
201
Driving tips
Saving fuel
Saving fuel
Vehicle features and options
Close the windows and glass
sunroof
Driving with the glass sunroof and windows
open results in increased air resistance and
thereby reduces the range.
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your vehicle, e. g., due
to the selected options or country versions.
This also applies to safety-related functions
and systems. When using these functions and
systems, the applicable country provisions
must be observed.
Tires
General information
Tires can affect fuel consumption in various
ways, e.g., tire size may influence fuel con‐
sumption.
General information
The vehicle contains advanced technologies
for the reduction of fuel consumption and
emission values.
Check the tire inflation pressure
regularly
Check and, if needed, correct the tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before
starting on a long trip.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif‐
ferent factors.
Carrying out certain measures, such as a mod‐
erate driving style and regular maintenance,
can influence fuel consumption and the envi‐
ronmental impact.
Low tire inflation pressure increases rolling re‐
sistance and thus raises fuel consumption and
tire wear.
Drive away immediately
Remove unnecessary cargo
Do not wait for the engine to warm-up while
the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving
right away, but at moderate engine speeds.
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts
following use
This is the quickest way of warming the cold
engine up to operating temperature.
Remove roof-mounted luggage racks which
are no longer required following use.
Look well ahead when
driving
Attached parts on the vehicle impair the aero‐
dynamics and increase the fuel consumption.
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehi‐
cle driving ahead of you.
Driving smoothly and proactively reduces fuel
consumption.
202
Saving fuel
Driving tips
reduce the range, especially in city and stop-
and-go traffic.
Avoid high engine speeds
As a rule: driving at low engine speeds lowers
fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Switch off these functions if they are not
needed.
If necessary, observe the gear shift indicator of
the vehicle, refer to page 97.
The ECO PRO driving program supports the
energy conserving use of comfort features.
These functions are automatically deactivated
partially or completely.
Use coasting
When approaching a red light, take your foot
off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to
a halt.
Have maintenance carried
out
Have the vehicle maintained regularly to ach‐
ieve optimal vehicle efficiency and service life.
BMW recommends that maintenance work be
performed by a BMW dealer’s service center.
For going downhill take your foot off the accel‐
erator and let the vehicle roll.
The flow of fuel is interrupted while coasting.
For information on the BMW Maintenance
System, refer to page 245.
Switch off the engine during
longer stops
Switch off the engine during longer stops, e.g.,
at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic
congestion.
ECO PRO
Concept
ECO PRO supports a driving style that saves
on fuel consumption. For this purpose, the en‐
gine control and comfort features, e.g., the cli‐
mate control output, are adjusted.
Auto Start/Stop function
The Auto Start/Stop function of the vehicle au‐
tomatically switches off the engine during a
stop.
Under certain conditions the engine is auto‐
matically decoupled from the transmission in
the D selector lever position. The vehicle con‐
tinues traveling with the engine idling to re‐
duce fuel consumption. Selector lever position
D remains engaged.
If the engine is switched off and then restarted
rather than leaving the engine running con‐
stantly, fuel consumption and emissions are
reduced. Savings can begin within a few sec‐
onds of switching off the engine.
In addition, fuel consumption is also deter‐
mined by other factors, such as driving style,
road conditions, maintenance or environmental
factors.
In addition, context-sensitive instructions are
displayed to assist with an optimized fuel con‐
sumption driving style.
The achieved extended range is displayed in
the instrument cluster as bonus range.
Switch off any functions that
are not currently needed
Functions such as seat heating and the rear
window defroster require a lot of energy and
General information
The system includes the following
EfficientDynamics functions and displays:
▷
ECO PRO bonus range, refer to page 205.
203
Driving tips
Saving fuel
▷
▷
▷
ECO PRO tips driving instruction, refer to
page 205.
An ECO PRO tip is displayed if the speed
of the set ECO PRO limit is exceeded.
ECO PRO climate control, refer to
page 204.
▷
"Tip at:":
Set the desired ECO PRO speed.
ECO PRO coasting driving condition, refer
to page 206.
ECO PRO climate control
To activate ECO PRO climate control:
"ECO PRO climate control"
Overview
Climate control is set to be fuel-efficient.
By making a slight change to the set tempera‐
ture, or slowly adjusting the rate of heating or
cooling of the vehicle's interior, fuel consump‐
tion can be economized.
The mirror heating is made available when out‐
side temperatures are very cold.
Coasting
To activate coasting:
"Coasting"
Driving Dynamics Control
Activating ECO PRO
Fuel-efficiency can be optimized by disengag‐
ing the engine and coasting with the engine
idling.
Press button repeatedly until ECO
PRO is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
This function is only available in ECO PRO
mode.
Deactivate the function to use the braking ef‐
fect of the engine when traveling downhill.
Configuring ECO PRO
Via the Driving Dynamics Control
1. Activate ECO PRO.
ECO PRO potential savings
Shows potential savings with the current set‐
tings in percentages.
2. "Configure ECO PRO"
Via iDrive
1. "Settings"
Display in the instrument cluster
Display in the instrument display
When ECO PRO mode is activated, the display
switches to a special configuration.
2. "ECO PRO mode"
With respective equipment:
1. "Settings"
Some of the displays may differ from the dis‐
play in the instrument cluster.
2. "Driving mode"
3. "Configure ECO PRO"
Blue bar segments symbolize the gained bo‐
nus range in stages.
ECO PRO limit
In addition, the bonus range is highlighted in
blue in the total range display.
▷
"ECO PRO speed warning":
204
Saving fuel
Driving tips
▷
▷
Blue display: efficient driving style as long
as the mark moves within the blue range.
ECO PRO bonus range
An adjusted driving style helps
you extend your driving range.
Gray display: adjust driving style, e.g., by
backing off the accelerator pedal.
This may be displayed as the
bonus range in the instrument
cluster.
The display switches to blue as soon as all
conditions for driving with optimized fuel effi‐
ciency.
The bonus range is shown in the range display.
The bonus range is automatically reset every
time the vehicle is refueled.
ECO PRO tip, driving tip
The arrow indicates that the driving
style can be adjusted to be more fuel
efficient, e.g., by backing off the accel‐
erator.
ECO PRO efficiency display
Display in the instrument cluster
Activating the driving style indicator
and ECO PRO tips
The efficiency display and ECO PRO tips in the
instrument cluster appear when the ECO PRO
display is activated.
To activate the indicator:
1. "Settings"
2. "Instrument cluster"
3. "ECO PRO Info"
In the instrument display:
Display in the instrument display
1. "Settings"
2. "Instrument cluster"
3. "Driving mode view"
ECO PRO tip, symbols
An additional symbol and text instructions are
displayed.
A mark in the efficiency display informs about
the current driving style.
Mark in the area of arrow 1: display of the en‐
ergy recovered by coasting or when braking.
Mark in the area of arrow 2: display when ac‐
celerating.
Your driving style's efficiency is shown by the
bar's color:
205
Driving tips
Saving fuel
idling to reduce fuel consumption. Selector
lever position D remains engaged.
Symbol Measure
For efficient driving back off the ac‐
celerator or delay accelerating to al‐
low time to assess road conditions.
This driving condition is referred to as coast‐
ing.
As soon as you step on the brake or accelera‐
tor pedal, the engine is automatically coupled
again.
Reduce speed to the selected ECO
PRO speed.
Steptronic transmission: shift from
M/S to D.
General information
Coasting is a component of the ECO PRO driv‐
ing mode.
Coasting is automatically activated when ECO
PRO mode is called via the Driving Dynamics
Control.
Indications on the Control Display
Displaying EfficientDynamics info
The function is available in a certain speed
range.
Information on fuel consumption and technol‐
ogy can be displayed while driving.
A proactive driving style helps the driver to use
the function as often as possible and supports
the fuel-conserving effect of coasting.
1. "Vehicle info"
2. "EfficientDynamics"
Displaying EfficientDynamics info
The current efficiency can be displayed.
"EfficientDynamics info"
Functional requirements
In ECO PRO mode, this function is available in
a speed range from approximately
30 mph/50 km/h to 100 mph/160 km/h if the
following conditions are met:
The following systems are displayed:
▷
▷
▷
▷
Auto Start/Stop function.
Energy recovery.
Climate control output.
Coasting.
▷
▷
▷
Accelerator pedal and brake pedal are not
operated.
The selector lever is in selector lever posi‐
tion D.
Engine and transmission are at operating
temperature.
Display ECO PRO tips
"ECO PRO tips"
Operation via shift paddles
Concept
Settings are stored for the profile currently
used.
Coasting
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, the
coasting mode can be influenced with the shift
paddles.
Concept
The function helps to conserve fuel.
Activating, deactivating coasting via shift
paddles
To do this, under certain conditions the engine
is automatically decoupled from the transmis‐
sion when selector lever position D is set. The
vehicle continues traveling with the engine
1. Using the shift paddle + shift to the highest
gear.
206
Saving fuel
Driving tips
2. Press shift paddle + again to enter coasting
mode.
3.
"EfficientDynamics info"
Deactivating the function manually
To deactivate, press shift paddle - .
The function can be deactivated in the Config‐
ure ECO PRO menu, e.g., to use the braking
effect of the engine when traveling downhill.
Display
Display in the instrument cluster
Settings are stored for the profile currently
used.
The mark in the efficiency dis‐
play below the tachometer is
backlit in blue and is located at
the zero point. The tachometer
approximately indicates idle
speed.
System limits
The function is not available if one of the fol‐
lowing conditions applies:
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
DSC OFF or TRACTION activated.
If cruise control is activated.
The coasting point indicator is illuminated at
the zero point during coasting.
If driving in the dynamic limit range.
If driving on steep uphill or downhill grades.
Display in the instrument display
The mark in the efficiency dis‐
play is backlit in blue and is lo‐
cated at the zero point.
If the battery charge state is temporarily
too low.
▷
If the vehicle electrical system is drawing
excessive current.
The coasting point indicator is il‐
luminated at the zero point dur‐
ing coasting.
Indications on the Control Display
The coasting driving condition is displayed in
EfficientDynamics Info while this driving mode
is active.
Color code blue, arrow 1, and symbol, arrow 2:
driving condition coasting.
Displaying EfficientDynamics info
1. "Vehicle info"
2. "EfficientDynamics"
207
