The key to be inserted has four positions:
- «ABOUT» the steering wheel is locked, you can insert and remove the key;
- «1» steering wheel unlocked:
- «2» ignition on (for a diesel engine - pre-heating of glow plugs);
- «3» starter activation (engine start).
After removing the ignition key, slightly shake the steering wheel so that it clicks into place. When installing the BMW X5 E53 ignition key from position «ABOUT» into position «1» A slight steering wheel wiggle is recommended to help unlock the steering wheel.
Due to the fact that the automatic transmission has an Interlock system, in order to remove the ignition key, the automatic transmission selector lever should be set to the position «R». The car is equipped with a set of ignition keys (pic. 1.20) with radio remote control and system «friend or foe».
If an electronic anti-theft system is installed on the car, then the ignition key is a direct element in ensuring blocking of the engine start circuits (ignition, fuel supply and starter). The engine can only be started with the key to the car on which it is installed, because. It has an electronic identification circuit built into it «friend or foe».
A duplicate key can be ordered from a BMW workshop using the VIN code.
Attention! Do not remove the ignition key until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Engine start
Before starting the engine, check:
- operation of control devices when voltage is applied;
- presence of fuel in the tank (by instrument);
- the parking brake is applied;
- set the manual transmission shift lever to the neutral position or the automatic transmission selector to the position «R»;
- with automatic transmission, press the brake pedal;
- when the outside temperature is low, depress the clutch pedal.
Gasoline engines
Do not press the accelerator pedal when starting the engine (gas).
When starting the M54 engine, one should not be limited to turning on the starter for too short a time (position «3» ignition key), but you should not hold it for more than 20 seconds. in this position. Once the engine starts, release the key.
When starting a cold engine at very low temperatures (below - 15°С) and at high altitudes (over 1000 m above sea level) it is recommended to keep the starter on for about 10 seconds.
The M62 engine starts automatically, it is enough to put the ignition key in the position «3» («Engine start») and immediately release it again.
When the battery voltage is low (AB) the start may not work, or be interrupted. In this case, start the engine from an external source, as described above.
If the engine does not start on the first attempt, then when you try again, keep the accelerator pedal pressed half way.
Attention! Repeated or prolonged unsuccessful attempts to start the engine can damage the catalytic converter.
Do not warm up the engine at idle, but immediately start driving at moderate engine speeds. Failure to do so will result in catalytic converter failure
Diesel engine
When starting the diesel engine, keep the ignition key in position «2» until the indicator or display goes out «Pre Heating» (Preheating). If there are problems with starting, increase the time to 20 seconds. At very low engine temperatures, the starting time (position «3» ignition key) can be up to 40 seconds.
If the engine is warm, the indicator or text on the display «Pre-Heating» (Preheating) do not light up, you can immediately turn the ignition key to the position «3». The position of the accelerator pedal does not affect the process of starting the engine.
Do not warm up the engine at idle, but immediately start driving at moderate engine speeds. Failure to do so will result in catalytic converter failure (OG) -
The engines are switched off by turning the ignition key to the position «0», but only when the vehicle is at a complete stop.