2007 BMW X5 Owner's Manual - Page 128

Things to remember when driving Roof-mounted luggage rack* A special rack system is available as an option for your BMW. Please comply with the precautions included with the installation instructions. Loading roof-mounted luggage rack Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on its handling and steering response. You should therefore always remember not to exceed the approved roof load capacity, the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when loading the rack. You can find the specified weights under Weights on page 244. The load on the roof must be evenly distributed and must not extend outward beyond the limits of the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained for raising the panorama glass sunroof, and that objects do not project into the opening path of the liftgate. Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off during the trip. Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking maneuvers. Take corners gently. > 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 gradients of this kind, make sure beforehand that the engine oil and coolant levels are near the MAX mark, refer to page 225. > Use the HDC Hill Descent Control when driving down extremely steep grades, refer to page 85. It is possible to start off on grades of up to 33%. The permissible body roll is 50%. > While driving, watch carefully for obstacles such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these obstacles whenever possible. > Please make sure that the undercarriage does not touch the ground, for example on crests and bumpy roads. The ground clearance of the vehicle is a maximum of approx. 8.0 in/20 cm. Please note that the ground clearance can vary depending on loading and the driving conditions of the vehicle. > Only drive through water on roads up to a maximum depth of 20 in/50 cm and only at walking speed, making sure not to stop in the process. > After driving through water at low speed, lightly press the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes and to prevent the braking effect from being reduced by wetness. > Depending on the condition of the surface, it may be practical to briefly activate DTC, refer to DTC Dynamic Traction Control on page 85. > If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress the accelerator pedal sufficiently so that the driving stability control systems can distribute the drive forces to the individual wheels. Please note the following points after driving on poor roads to maintain the driving safety of your BMW: > Clean the coarsest dirt from the body. > Clean mud, snow, ice etc. from the wheels and tires and check the tires for damage. Driving on poor roads Your X5 is at home on all roads and surfaces. It combines a 4-wheel drive system with the advantages of a normal passenger car. Driving on unpaved terrain can cause damage to the vehicle.< 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: > Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving off and avoid taking risks at all costs. > Adapt your driving speed to the road conditions. The steeper and rougher the road surface is, the lower the speed should be. 126 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 0 012 501 - © 08/06 BMW AG