Cool "Hidden" features of the E53 X5

[2dmaxo]

Originally Posted by TaMbALoLoNg

DEEEENG just found out about this. All this time I was inserting the key. SWEEEEEEEEEEEEETT

Hello, dont i have to insert key in ignition? Help.

[2dmaxo]

Originally Posted by Jeff330xi

One I use all the time is turning the radio on without using the key by pushing the radio power button. Turns off automatically after about 20 minutes. I use it when cleaning the interior, etc. Much better than having to listen to the chime with the key in and the doors open.

Didnt work for me. Mine is '00 4.4i!

[crosvs]

instead of like timer, mpg, arrival date and all that stupid stuff

?!?!?!

how is mpg and especially arrival time "stupid stuff?!" the main reason i enter destination in my satnav is precisely so i can keep track of my ETA!!

anyway ... in an effort to help contribute, i'm thinking hard about what else i can add since so many of you have already addressed so much.

but here's something:

If, like me, you often prefer to use the manual shift mode while negotiatin heavy freeway traffic so that you're always in the optimal gear to juice the car for a quick passing maneuver, you've probably noticed two frustating things: (1) the car takes a few precious moments to downshift and (2) it does so without blipping the throttle like newer automated manuals, resulting in a downshift that is anything but smooth, not to mention absent the awesome sound produced by blipping the throttle on downshifts!

This explanation will be easier for those of you used to driving a manual transmission car, especially those of you with heel/toe downshifting technique, but hopefully others will also appreciate this small but useful -- albeit tricky -- technique.

Basically, use the delay between downshifting to your advantage and manually blip the throttle just like in a manual transmission car. Here's the steps, enumerated:

1. Tap down a gear
2. brief (heretofore annoying, now useful!) delay
3. gearbox shifts into neutral
3. blip throttle
4. gearbox engages lower gear

Result? Almost seamless downshifts accompanied by the oh-so-satisfying sound of blipping the throttle, an especially awesome sound if you have aftermarket exhaust and/or the windows are down and you're driving beside a wall of some kind! But most importantly, the car won't make that sloppy downshift like a beginner trying to downshift in a manual transmission car!

Only caveat is that it's easy to mess up the timing, especially since the delay before the gearbox goes into and out of neutral is NOT always the same: just as with a manual, if the timing is off, the result is an annoying jerk.

BONUS: becuase the brake/throttle placement seems to be the same in the auto-transmission X5s as in the manual-transmission BMW models, they are fantastically placed for -- you guessed it -- heel/toe downshifts! Yup, you can use this technique even while braking if you know how, and the result really is fantastic for those occasional canyon roads or open track days where you need to brake while downshifting into a corner.

Ok that was a rather lengthy explanation, but I hope you liked it! Hm. I should try and demo this by video.... I'll see what I can do

[supersteve]

Originally Posted by crosvs

?!?!?!

1. Tap down a gear
2. brief (heretofore annoying, now useful!) delay
3. gearbox shifts into neutral
3. blip throttle
4. gearbox engages lower gear

Followed by the loud bang, the oil slick in the rear view mirror and the pretty sound of your transmission parts bounching down the highway.

Just like the "MythBusters" say. . . "Don't try this at home. We're trained professionals."

[mccalia1]

Originally Posted by crosvs

?!?!?!

how is mpg and especially arrival time "stupid stuff?!" the main reason i enter destination in my satnav is precisely so i can keep track of my ETA!!

anyway ... in an effort to help contribute, i'm thinking hard about what else i can add since so many of you have already addressed so much.

but here's something:

If, like me, you often prefer to use the manual shift mode while negotiatin heavy freeway traffic so that you're always in the optimal gear to juice the car for a quick passing maneuver, you've probably noticed two frustating things: (1) the car takes a few precious moments to downshift and (2) it does so without blipping the throttle like newer automated manuals, resulting in a downshift that is anything but smooth, not to mention absent the awesome sound produced by blipping the throttle on downshifts!

This explanation will be easier for those of you used to driving a manual transmission car, especially those of you with heel/toe downshifting technique, but hopefully others will also appreciate this small but useful -- albeit tricky -- technique.

Basically, use the delay between downshifting to your advantage and manually blip the throttle just like in a manual transmission car. Here's the steps, enumerated:

1. Tap down a gear
2. brief (heretofore annoying, now useful!) delay
3. gearbox shifts into neutral
3. blip throttle
4. gearbox engages lower gear

Result? Almost seamless downshifts accompanied by the oh-so-satisfying sound of blipping the throttle, an especially awesome sound if you have aftermarket exhaust and/or the windows are down and you're driving beside a wall of some kind! But most importantly, the car won't make that sloppy downshift like a beginner trying to downshift in a manual transmission car!

Only caveat is that it's easy to mess up the timing, especially since the delay before the gearbox goes into and out of neutral is NOT always the same: just as with a manual, if the timing is off, the result is an annoying jerk.

BONUS: becuase the brake/throttle placement seems to be the same in the auto-transmission X5s as in the manual-transmission BMW models, they are fantastically placed for -- you guessed it -- heel/toe downshifts! Yup, you can use this technique even while braking if you know how, and the result really is fantastic for those occasional canyon roads or open track days where you need to brake while downshifting into a corner.

Ok that was a rather lengthy explanation, but I hope you liked it! Hm. I should try and demo this by video.... I'll see what I can do

Can you explain what you mean by sound of blipping the throttle? I noticed yesterday when I was driving my car in Auto mode than when I accelerated hard and the turbo kicked in, I noticed a heart beat machine style bleep....wasn't sure what it was?

[crosvs]

huh? i've had my x5 since 37,000 miles -- it now has 113,000 miles. i've been using this technique since nearly the day i got it and not a single transmission problem. besides: logically, why SHOULD it cause a problem? if anything, if done correctly, then just like on a manual transmission, it's actually EASIER on the car cuz you get the RPMs to the proper speed of the lower gear

[supersteve]

Originally Posted by crosvs

logically, why SHOULD it cause a problem? if anything, if done correctly, then just like on a manual transmission, it's actually EASIER on the car cuz you get the RPMs to the proper speed of the lower gear

You have apparently learned the "proper" way to do it on a different vehicle than an X5. I'm not saying that if done properly it isn't easier on the trans. It's the "IF" that I'm saying isn't good.

While I wouldn't call the auto trans in a 4.4, weak, judging from the amount of posts on this forum refering to the auto trans I wouldn't call it bullet proof either. There are many better engine transmissions combinations out there to learn on. In fact "if done properly" a manual trans can be shifted without any clutch using the "blip" method.

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with your technique, or with the fact that your changing gear this way. I'm just saying that I wouldn't recommend someone learning how to do it on and auto trans X5. I would recommend a VW jetta. The engine is less powerful and the parts are a lot cheaper. That's what I learned on.

[voytek]

Guys, that is fantastic. I had to go to the garage straight away and try the computer set up. Fantastic. As for the DSC it might get me out of trouble during the ski season. Thanks a lot.

[bobalvis]

I have a 2002 X5 3.0i, and have not been able to locate the aux 12vDC outlet on the passenger side. Where is it located, or do I have one?
Thanks,
Bob

[noncom23]

Yes. Open the passenger door and look under the glovebox to the left.(from prior post)

Originally Posted by bobalvis

I have a 2002 X5 3.0i, and have not been able to locate the aux 12vDC outlet on the passenger side. Where is it located, or do I have one?
Thanks,
Bob