Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 213 - © 02/06 BMW AG
X3 2.5i
X3 3.0i
Owner's Manual for Vehicle
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing a BMW.
Thorough familiarity with your vehicle will provide you with
enhanced control and security when you drive it. We therefore
have this request:
Please take the time to read this Owner's Manual and familiarize
yourself with the information that we have compiled for you
before starting off in your new vehicle. It contains important data
and instructions intended to assist you in gaining maximum use
and satisfaction from your BMW's unique range of technical fea-
tures. The manual also contains information on maintenance
designed to enhance operating safety and contribute to main-
taining the value of your BMW throughout an extended service
life.
This manual is supplemented by a Service and Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet for US models or a Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.
We wish you an enjoyable driving experience.
BMW AG
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 213 - © 02/06 BMW AG
© 2006 Bayerische Motoren Werke
Aktiengesellschaft
Munich, Germany
Reprinting, including excerpts,
only with the written consent of
BMW AG, Munich.
Order No. 01 41 0 012 213
US English II/06
Printed in Germany
Printed on environmentally friendly paper,
bleached without chlorine, suitable for recycling.
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 213 - © 02/06 BMW AG
Reference At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobility
Contents
The fastest way to find specific topics is to use
the index, refer to page 118.
Using this Owner's Manual
4 Notes
7 Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10 Cockpit
Controls
18 Opening and closing
26 Adjustments
33 Transporting children safely
36 Driving
43 Everything under control
47 Technology for comfort, convenience
and safety
56 Lamps
59 Air conditioner
65 Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
76 Things to remember when driving
Mobility
84 Refueling
86 Wheels and tires
92 Under the hood
97 Maintenance
99 Replacing components
107 Giving and receiving assistance
Reference
114 Technical data
118 Everything from A to Z
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 213 - © 02/06 BMW AG
Notes
4
Notes
Using this Owner's Manual
We have made every effort to ensure that you
are easily able to find what you need in this
Owner's Manual. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at the end.
For a brief initial overview of your vehicle, please
refer to the first chapter.
Should you sell your BMW some day, please
remember to hand over the Owner's Manual
as well; it is an important component of your
vehicle.
Additional sources of information
If you have additional questions, your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center is always happy
to advise you.
You can find information on BMW, e.g. technol-
ogy, on the Internet at www.bmwusa.com.
Symbols used
Indicates precautions that must be fol-
lowed precisely in order to avoid the pos-
sibility of personal injury and serious damage to
the vehicle.
Indicates information that will assist you
in gaining the optimum benefit from your
vehicle and enable you to care more effectively
for your vehicle.
Refers to measures that can be taken to
help protect the environment.
< Marks the end of a specific item of informa-
tion.
*
Indicates special equipment, country-specific
equipment and optional extras, as well as
equipment and functions not yet available at the
time of printing.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory, refer to
page 32. Identifies functions that can be
specifically adapted for a particular key or vehi-
cle. These adjustments can be performed by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Symbols on vehicle components
Indicates that you should consult the rel-
evant section of this Owner's Manual for
information on a particular part or assembly.
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5
The individual vehicle
In purchasing your BMW, you have decided in
favor of a model with individualized equipment
and features. This Owner's Manual describes
all models and equipment that BMW offers
within the same group.
We hope you will understand that equipment
and features are included that you might not
have chosen for your vehicle. Sections describ-
ing options and special equipment are marked
by asterisks
*
to assist you in identifying possi-
ble differences between the descriptions in this
manual and your own vehicle's equipment.
If equipment in your BMW is not described in
this Owner's Manual, please refer to the accom-
panying Supplementary Owner's Manuals.
Editorial notice
BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing
development that is conceived to ensure that
our vehicles continue to embody the highest
quality and safety standards combined with
advanced, state-of-the-art technology. In iso-
lated cases it is possible that the features
described in this Owner's Manual could differ
from those on your vehicle.
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 213 - © 02/06 BMW AG
Notes
6
For your own safety
Maintenance and repair
Advanced technology, e.g. the use of
modern materials and powerful electron-
ics, requires specially adapted maintenance
and repair methods. You should therefore have
the corresponding work on your vehicle per-
formed only by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or at a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If this work is
not carried out properly, there is a danger of
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards.<
California Proposition 65 Warning
California law requires us to state the following
warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior fur-
nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Wash
your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals. Always
protect your skin by washing thoroughly with
soap and water.<
Parts and accessories
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested and
approved by BMW and Genuine BMW Parts,
you simultaneously acquire the assurance that
they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to
ensure optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free from
defects in material and workmanship.
BMW will not accept any liability for damage
resulting from installation of parts and accesso-
ries not approved by BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made by other
manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a
BMW safely and without risk to either the vehi-
cle, its operation or its occupants.
Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and
other products approved by BMW, together
with professional advice on using these items,
are available from all BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms, radios,
amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension
components, brake dust shields, telephones,
including operation of any mobile phone from
within the vehicle without using an externally
mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment
such as CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radios or sim-
ilar accessories may cause extensive damage
to the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere
with the vehicle’s electrical system, or affect the
validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. See your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center for addi-
tional information.<
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
the emission control devices and sys-
tems may be performed by any automotive
repair establishment or individual using any cer-
tified automotive part.<
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7
Service and warranty
We recommend that you read this publication
thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following warran-
ties:
> New Vehicle Limited Warranty
> Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
> Federal Emissions System Defect Warranty
> Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
> California Emission Control System Limited
Warranty.
Detailed information about these warranties is
listed in the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or in the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Reporting safety defects
For US customers
The following only applies to vehicles owned
and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause injury
or death, you should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
NHTSA, in addition to notifying BMW of North
America, LLC, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New
Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone 1-800-831-
1117.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order
a recall and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer, or BMW
of North America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Adminis-
trator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor vehicle safety
from http://www.safercar.gov
For Canadian customers
Canadian customers who wish to report a
safety-related defect to Transport Canada,
Defect Investigations and Recalls, may tele-
phone the toll free hotline 1-800-333-0510,
or contact Transport Canada by mail at: Trans-
port Canada, ASFAD, Place de Ville Tower C,
330 Sparks Street, Ottawa ON K1A 0N5.
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 213 - © 02/06 BMW AG
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 213 - © 02/06 BMW AG
At a glance
This overview of buttons, switches and displays
is intended to serve as a source of orientation in
your vehicle's operating environment.
The section will also assist you in becoming
acquainted with the control concepts
and options available for operating
the various systems.
At a glance
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 213 - © 02/06 BMW AG
Cockpit
10
Cockpit
Controls
1 Parking lamps/low beams 56
2 > Turn signals 39
> Roadside parking lamps 57
> High beams 57
> Headlamp flasher 39
> Computer
*
45
3 Front fog lamps
*
57
4 Horn
5 Washer/wiper system/rain sensor
*
40
6 Hazard warning flashers
7 Central locking system 18
8 Unlocking the hood 92
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11
Instrument cluster
1 Speedometer
2 Indicator and warning lamps 12
3 Tachometer 43
Indicator and warning lamps 12
4 Coolant temperature gauge 44
5 Fuel gauge 43
6 Button for
> Displaying the time 44
> Service Interval Display 44
7 Selector lever and program display for
automatic transmission 38
8 Button for
> Resetting trip odometer 43
> Setting the time 44
9 Display for
> Trip odometer/odometer 43
> Time 44
> Service Interval 44
> Computer 45
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Cockpit
12
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified
with
+
are checked for proper function each
time you turn the ignition key. They each light
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored sys-
tem, the corresponding lamp will either fail to go
out when the engine is started, or it will come on
again during normal driving. Detailed informa-
tion is provided on the specified pages.
Battery charge current
+
105
Headlamp flasher 39
High beams 57
Engine oil
+
94
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System
+
48
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis
control system for Canadian models
Brake system
+
With handbrake released 50, 96
With handbrake engaged 37
With other warning lamps 50
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Brake pads
+
96
Please fasten safety belt
+
29
Airbags
+
53
Front fog lamps 57
Automatic transmission
+
38
Turn signals 39
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+
48, 49
Service Engine Soon
+
98
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Check Gas Cap
*
+
84
Engine electronics
+
36
Washer fluid low 41
Coolant low 95
Flat Tire Monitor
*
+
50
Tire Pressure Monitor
*
+
52
Lamp defective 56
Cruise control 41
With ignition key in position 2, this
warning lamp indicates that a door
or the liftgate is open.
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At a glanceControlsDriving tipsMobilityReference
13
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
different colors and combinations.
The following section explains the significance
of the individual colors as well as how you
should respond when they appear.
> red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
> yellow:
Have the system inspected as soon as
possible
or
for your information
> green:
For your information
> blue:
For your information
Buttons on steering wheel*
The buttons integrated into the steering wheel
are provided so that you can operate a number
of accessories quickly and without being dis-
tracted from traffic conditions. You may oper-
ate:
> Selected audio source functions
> Recirculated-air mode/steering wheel
heater
> Cruise control
> Selected telephone functions
> Voice command system
In order to operate a system, it must be
switched on.<
Telephone*/voice command system*
Press briefly:
Accept incoming call, start dialing, terminate
call.
Extended pressure:
Activate/deactivate voice command system
Telephone*/audio sources*
Display/hide phonebook. Display entries con-
secutively with buttons for fast forward/reverse
Fast forward/reverse
> Radio
Press briefly: next station
> CD
Press briefly: skip track
Extended pressure: fast forward/reverse
> Phone
Browse through list of names
Volume
On the sports steering wheel
*
and M sports
steering wheel
*
, the +/– buttons for the volume
are on the left side of the steering wheel.
Cruise control*
Cruise control: resuming
Cruise control: accelerating and storing + as
well as decelerating and storing –
On the sports steering wheel
*
and M sports
steering wheel
*
, the +/– buttons for the cruise
control are on the right side of the steering
wheel.
Cruise control: activating/interrupting/deacti-
vating
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Cockpit
14
Recirculated-air mode/steering wheel
heater*
Depending on the equipment, a button is
provided for the recirculated-air mode or
steering wheel heater.<
Recirculated-air mode: switching on/off
Steering wheel heater: switching on/off, refer to
page 31.
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Controls
This chapter is intended to provide you with
information for complete control of your vehicle.
Its extensive array of features and accessories,
both for driving and for your own safety, comfort
and convenience, are described here.
Controls
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 213 - © 02/06 BMW AG
Opening and closing
18
Opening and closing
Key set
1 Master keys with remote control
Every master key with remote control con-
tains an extended-life battery as a power
supply, which is charged automatically in
the ignition lock as you drive. You should
use each master key at least twice a year in
order to maintain the charge condition.
Depending on which master key is detected
by the vehicle during unlocking, different
settings in the vehicle are requested and
executed, refer to Vehicle and Key Memory
on page 32.
2 Spare key
For storage in a safe place, such as in your
wallet.
This key does not fit in the lock of the glove
compartment. This is an advantage, e.g.
when valet parking. The key is not intended
for constant use.
Replacement keys
You can get replacement keys or spare keys
from your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed.
The system engages or releases the locks on
the
> doors
> liftgate
> fuel filler door
Operating from outside
> via the remote control
> via the driver's door lock
The anti-theft system is automatically activated
whenever you activate the central locking sys-
tem from outside the vehicle. This prevents
the doors from being unlocked via the lock but-
tons or door handles. The remote control also
switches the interior lights on and off. The alarm
system
*
is also armed or disarmed.
For additional details on the alarm system, refer
to page 24.
You can set an acoustic signal to remind
you if the ignition key is still in the ignition
lock after you open the driver's door.<
Operating from inside
Via the central locking system button, refer to
page 20.
When the system is locked from inside, the fuel
filler door remains unlocked.
In the event of an accident of sufficient severity,
the central locking system unlocks automati-
cally. In addition, the hazard warning flashers
and interior lamps switch on.
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19
Opening and closing: from
outside
Using the remote control
Protect the remote control against unau-
thorized use by handing over only the
spare key, for example when using hotel valet
parking.<
Because any persons or animals left unat-
tended in a parked vehicle could lock the
doors from the inside, you should always keep
the remote control with you; this precaution
ensures that you will remain able to unlock the
vehicle from the outside at all times.<
Unlocking
1. Press the button.
The driver's door and fuel filler door are
unlocked.
2. Press the button again.
All remaining doors and the liftgate are
unlocked.
Convenience opening mode
Press and hold the button. The windows and
the panorama glass sunroof
*
are opened.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture activated/deactivated.<
Engaging locks
Press the button.
If you wish, the vehicle locks automati-
cally if no door or lid is opened after
unlocking. You can have your vehicle set to do
this if you wish.<
As confirmation of the fact that the vehicle is
properly locked, the hazard warning flashers
light up.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture deactivated on vehicles without an
alarm system.<
Switching off tilt alarm sensor* and
interior motion sensor*
Press the button again directly after
locking.
For details, refer to page 25.
Switching on interior lamps
Press the button if the vehicle is
locked.
You can also use this function to locate your
vehicle in parking garages etc.
Panic mode*
You can also trigger the alarm system in case of
danger:
Press the button for at least three seconds.
Deactivating alarm: press any button.
Unlocking liftgate
Press the button.
The liftgate will open slightly, regardless of
whether it was previously locked or unlocked.
To avoid damage, make sure there is suf-
ficient space when opening the liftgate.
A previously locked liftgate is also locked again
after closing.
Before and after a drive, make sure that the lift-
gate has not been inadvertently released.<
If so desired, you can have the remote
control system open the liftgate only
when the vehicle is unlocked. You can have
your vehicle set to do this if you wish.<
Malfunction
The remote control may malfunction due to
local radio waves.
Should this occur, use the master key to unlock
and relock the vehicle via the door lock.
If it is no longer possible to lock the vehicle
using the remote control, its battery is dis-
charged. Use this remote control during an
extended drive; this will recharge the battery,
refer to page 18.
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Opening and closing
20
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
> This device must not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
> this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or
changes to these devices could void the
user's authority to operate this equipment.<
Using door lock
1. Turn key.
The driver's door and fuel filler door are
unlocked.
2. Turn key again.
All remaining doors and the liftgate are
unlocked.
As confirmation of the fact that the vehicle is
properly locked, the hazard warning flashers
light up.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture deactivated on vehicles without an
alarm system.<
Convenience operation
You also have the option of using the door lock
to operate the windows and the panorama glass
sunroof
*
.
Hold the key in the positions for unlocking or
locking.
Watch during the closing process to be
sure that no one is injured. Releasing the
key stops the operation.<
Manual operation
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you can
unlock or lock the driver's door with the key in
the end positions of the door lock.
Opening and closing: from
inside
You can use this button to operate the central
locking system when the front doors are closed.
This button only unlocks or locks the doors and
the liftgate. It does not activate the anti-theft
system.
If only the driver's door was unlocked
from the outside and you press the but-
ton, with the driver's door still open, then the
passenger-side door, the liftgate and the fuel
filler door will also unlock.
If the driver's door is closed, it will be locked.<
The central locking system locks auto-
matically after you begin to drive. You can
have your vehicle set to do this if you wish.<
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21
Unlocking and opening doors
> Either unlock all of the doors by using the
central locking system button and then pull
on the door handle above the armrest or
> pull the door handle of each door twice: the
first time unlocks the door, the second time
opens it.
Engaging locks
> Either lock all doors via the central locking
system button or
> press down the lock buttons of the doors.
To prevent you from being locked out, the
opened driver's door cannot be locked
using the lock button.
Because any persons or animals left unat-
tended in a parked vehicle could lock the
doors from the inside, you should always keep
the vehicle key with you; this precaution
ensures that you will remain able to unlock the
vehicle from the outside at all times.<
You can set an acoustic signal to remind
you if the ignition key is still in the ignition
lock after you open the driver's door.<
Liftgate
To avoid damage, make sure there is suf-
ficient space when opening the liftgate.<
Opening from outside
Press the button, refer to arrow, or the but-
ton on the remote control. The liftgate opens
slightly. It can be pivoted upward.
When the liftgate is open, the cargo area and
interior are lit up.
Opening manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction:
1. Fold up the floor cover in the cargo area.
2. Release the jack from the bracket.
3. Press the lever behind the cover to the side,
refer to arrow. The liftgate is released.
The liftgate is locked again as soon as it is
closed.
Closing
The handle recesses on the interior trim of the
liftgate make it easier to pull down.
Avoid injuries by making sure that the lift-
gate's closing region is clear and unob-
structed.<
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Opening and closing
22
Windows
Keep windows in your line of sight while
closing. Failure to do so can result in
bodily injury.
Always remove the key when leaving the vehi-
cle; otherwise, children could operate the win-
dows and injure themselves.<
Opening, closing
As of ignition key position 1:
> Press the switch to the resistance point:
The window continues to open as long as
you press the switch.
> Press the switch past the resistance point:
The window opens automatically. Pressing
again stops the opening motion.
You can close the windows in the same manner
by pulling the switch.
In the back, separate switches are provided in
the armrests.
For convenience operation using the remote
control or the door lock, refer to pages 19, 20.
After switching off ignition
You can operate the windows for up to 1 minute
as long as no door has been opened.
Pinch protection system
If the closing force rises beyond a predefined
threshold during closing, the system will imme-
diately stop moving the window prior to lower-
ing it slightly.
Despite the presence of the pinch protec-
tion system, inspect the window's travel
path prior to closing it, as the safety system
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-
tions, such as very thin objects, and the window
would continue closing.
You can disable the pinch protection system by
pressing the switch past the resistance point
and holding it.
Do not install any accessories in the movement
range of the window as this could impair the
function of the pinch protection system.<
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After disconnecting the battery, the pinch pro-
tection system must be reinitialized. To do this,
open and close the windows once and continue
pull the switch for longer than 2 seconds after
closing.
Safety switch
With the safety switch, you can prevent the rear
windows from being opened or closed via the
switches in the rear passenger area, by chil-
dren, for example. The LED lights up when this
safety function is activated.
Press the safety switch when children
ride in the rear; otherwise, unsupervised
closing of the windows could lead to injuries.<
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23
Panorama glass sunroof*
The panorama glass sunroof is ready for opera-
tion with the ignition key in position 2.
Keep panorama glass sunroof in your line
of sight while closing. Failure to do so can
result in bodily injury.
Always remove the key when leaving the vehi-
cle; otherwise, children could operate the sun-
roof and injure themselves.<
Raising, opening, closing
Press the switch or slide it in the desired direc-
tion up to the resistance point.
Release the switch to stop the motion.
The sliding visor is opened slightly when the
panorama glass sunroof is raised.
The panorama glass sunroof can be opened or
closed independently with the sliding visor
open.
Ventilation setting
The panorama glass sunroof is raised and the
sliding visor is opened slightly: briefly press the
switch twice consecutively.
After switching off ignition
You can operate the panorama glass sunroof for
approx. 1 minute as long as no door has been
opened.
Automatic opening and closing
Briefly press the switch past the resistance
point and then release it.
Briefly pressing the switch again stops the
motion.
Opening and closing panorama glass
sunroof and sliding visor together
Briefly press the switch past the resistance
point twice consecutively.
Briefly pressing the switch again stops the
motion.
Comfort position
Each time the panorama glass sunroof is com-
pletely opened or closed, it stops in the comfort
position. If you wish, you can resume the motion
by activating the switch.
In the comfort position, the wind noise in the
interior is reduced.
Pinch protection system
If the panorama glass sunroof or sliding visor
encounter resistance when closing from
roughly one third of the roof opening or when
closing from the raised position, the closing
action is interrupted and the panorama glass
sunroof and sliding visor reopen a little.
Despite the presence of the pinch protec-
tion system, inspect the sunroof's travel
path prior to closing it, as the safety system
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-
tions, such as very thin objects, and the sunroof
would continue closing.
You can disable the pinch protection system by
pressing the switch past the resistance point
and holding it.<
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After a power supply interruption, it may only be
possible to raise the sunroof. The system must
be initialized. BMW recommends having this
work carried out by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center.
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Opening and closing
24
Closing manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
move the panorama glass sunroof manually.
1. Pull the cover firmly downward to remove.
2. Insert the Allen wrench from the compart-
ment beneath the cargo area floor, refer to
page 103, into the proper opening and turn
the panorama glass sunroof in the desired
direction. The arrow in the illustration indi-
cates the rotation direction for closing the
sunroof.
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
> When a door, the hood, or the liftgate is
opened.
> To movements inside the vehicle: interior
motion sensor, refer to description below.
> When the car's inclination changes, for
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to
towing away.
> To interruptions in battery voltage.
The alarm system signals unauthorized manip-
ulations for a short time by:
> Sounding an acoustic alarm
> Switching on the hazard warning flashers
> Flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming alarm system
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
If the alarm system has been properly armed,
the hazard warning flashers light up once.
You can have different acknowledgment
signals set to confirm arming and disarm-
ing.<
You can open the liftgate even when the system
is armed by using the button of the remote
control, refer to page 19. When the liftgate is
closed, it is locked again and monitored.
Switching off alarm
> Unlock the vehicle using the remote control,
refer to page 19.
> Turn the ignition key to position 1.
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Indicator lamp displays
> The indicator lamp below the interior rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
> The indicator lamp flashes after the vehicle
is locked: doors, hood, or liftgate are not
properly closed. Even if you do not close the
alerted area, the system begins to monitor
the remaining areas, and the indicator lamp
flashes continuously after approx. 10 sec-
onds. However, the interior motion sensor
is not activated.
> The indicator lamp goes out after unlocking:
no manipulation or attempted intrusions
have been detected in the period since the
system was armed.
> The indicator lamp flashes for 10 seconds
after the vehicle is unlocked: an attempted
entry has been detected in the period since
the system was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the indicator
lamp will flash continuously.
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm
system reacts, e.g. in case of an attempted
wheel theft or towing.
Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and panorama glass
sunroof must be completely closed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following
situations:
> In duplex garages
> When transporting on car-carrying trains
> When animals are to remain in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor
Press the button on the remote con-
trol again as soon as the vehicle is locked.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and then
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor and
the interior motion sensor are switched off until
the next time the vehicle is unlocked and subse-
quently locked again.
If you wish, you can have the tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion sensor perma-
nently switched off. You can have this setting
made at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center.<
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Adjustments
26
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital con-
tribution to relaxed driving that is as fatigue-free
as possible. Together with safety belts, head
restraints, and airbags, sitting position plays an
important role in an accident. Compliance with
the following instructions is important; failure to
do so could impair the protective function of the
safety systems.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page 33.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
hold the steering wheel by its rim with hands at
the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, to mini-
mize the risk of injuries to your hands and arms
in the event of airbag deployment.
No one and nothing is to come between the air-
bags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the
front passenger side as a storage area. Make
sure that the passenger sits correctly, e.g. does
not rest his feet or legs on the dashboard. Oth-
erwise, a triggering of the front airbag could
result in leg injuries. Make sure that passengers
do not lean their heads against side or head air-
bags. Otherwise, a triggering of the airbag could
result in injuries.<
Even if you adhere to all the instructions, inju-
ries resulting from contact with airbags cannot
be entirely ruled out, depending on the circum-
stances. The ignition and inflation noise may
provoke a mild – usually temporary – hearing
loss in extremely sensitive individuals.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page 53.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of damage to the cervical vertebrae in acci-
dents.
Adjust the head restraint so that its mid-
dle lies approximately at the height of
your ears. Otherwise, there is an increased risk
of injury in the event of an accident.<
Safety belts
Make sure the safety belts are worn in all occu-
pied seats every time you drive. Although air-
bags enhance safety by providing added pro-
tection, they are not a substitute for safety
belts.
Your vehicle has five seats that are each
equipped with a safety belt.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Infants and chil-
dren must not ride on a lap. Make sure that the
belt in the lap area sits low against the hips and
does not press against the abdomen. The
safety belt must never rest against the throat,
rub against sharp edges, pass over hard or frag-
ile objects or be pinched. Fasten the safety belt
around your body snugly, making sure that it is
pulled taut across your lap and shoulder and
that it is not twisted; otherwise, the belt can
slide over the hips in the event of a frontal colli-
sion and injure your abdomen. Avoid wearing
clothing that prevents the belt from fitting prop-
erly and pull the shoulder belt upward periodi-
cally to readjust the tension across your lap in
order to avoid a reduction in the restraining
action of the safety belt.<
If the middle safety belt in the rear is used, then
the wider backrest must be secured, refer to
page 70, otherwise, the safety belt cannot exert
any restraining action.
Safety belts, refer to page 29.
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Seats
Note before adjusting
Never try to adjust your seat while operat-
ing the vehicle. The seat could respond
with unexpected movement, and the ensuing
loss of vehicle control could lead to an accident.
On the passenger seat as well, do not incline
the backrest too far to the rear while the vehicle
is being driven; otherwise, there is a danger in
the event of an accident of sliding under the
safety belt, eliminating the protection normally
provided by the belt.<
Also follow the instructions regarding the
height of head restraints on page 28 and
regarding safety belt damage on page 30.
Adjusting manually
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, fol-
low the adjustment instructions above.<
Longitudinal direction
Pull the lever 1 and slide the seat into the
desired position.
After you release the lever, move the seat for-
ward or backward slightly so that it engages
fully.
Height
Pull the lever 2 and apply weight to or remove
weight from the seat as needed.
Backrest
Pull the lever 3 and apply weight to or remove
weight from the backrest as needed.
Adjusting electrically*
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, fol-
low the adjustment instructions above.<
1 Tilt
2 Longitudinal direction
3 Height
4 Backrest
Manually adjusting head restraint, refer to Head
restraints on page 28.
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Adjustments
28
Adjusting lumbar support*
You can also adjust the contours of the backrest
to obtain additional support in the lumbar
region.
The upper hips and spinal column receive sup-
plementary support to help you maintain a
relaxed, upright sitting position.
> To increase or decrease curvature: press
switch forward or back.
> To move curvature up or down: press
switch up or down.
Sports seat*
With this seat, you can also adjust the tilt and
the thigh support:
Upward tilt
Pull the lever 1 repeatedly until you reach the
desired tilt.
Downward tilt
Press the lever 2 repeatedly until you reach the
desired tilt.
Thigh support
Pull the lever 3 and slide the thigh support in the
longitudinal direction.
Head restraints
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of damage to the cervical vertebrae in acci-
dents.
Adjust the head restraint so that its mid-
dle lies approximately at the height of
your ears. Otherwise, there is an increased risk
of injury in the event of an accident.<
Adjusting height
> To raise: pull upward.
> To lower: press button, arrow 1, and slide
head restraint downward.
Front head restraint tilt angle: adjust by tilting.
Removing front head restraint
1. Pull the head restraint upward to the stop.
2. Press button, arrow 1, and pull head
restraint all the way out.
Installing front head restraint
1. Press button, arrow 1, and slide the head
restraint into its sockets.
2. Adjust the head restraint.
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Heated seats*
Press once for each temperature level. Highest
preselected temperature when three LEDs are
illuminated.
To switch off:
Press the button and hold it longer.
Seat and mirror memory*
You can store and select three different adjust-
ment settings for the driver's seat and exterior
mirrors.
The adjustment of the lumbar support is not
stored in the memory.
Storing
1. Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 2.
2. Set the desired seat and exterior mirror
position.
3. Press the
M
EMORY button:
The LED in the button lights up.
4. Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or 3:
The LED goes out.
Requesting a stored setting
Do not request a position from the mem-
ory while the vehicle is moving; otherwise,
there is a risk of accident from unexpected seat
movement.<
Convenience mode
1. Open the driver's door after unlocking or
turn the ignition key to position 1.
2. Briefly press the desired memory button 1,
2 or 3.
The system immediately cancels the adjust-
ment procedure when you press one of the seat
adjustment buttons or use one of the memory
buttons.
Safety feature
1. Close the driver's door and turn the ignition
key to position 0 or 2.
2. Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or 3
and maintain pressure until the adjustment
process has been completed.
If you press the
M
EMORY button accidentally:
Press the button again, the LED goes out.
You can have your vehicle programmed
to automatically recall your own individual
stored adjustment settings for the seat and
exterior mirror position whenever you use your
personal remote control to unlock the vehicle.<
If you make use of this setting, be sure
that the footwell behind the driver's seat
is unobstructed before unlocking the vehicle.
If you fail to do so, any persons, animals or
objects behind the seat could be injured or
damaged by a rearward movement of the
seat.<
Safety belts
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimal protection,
please follow the instructions on page 26.<
Make sure the safety belts are worn in all occu-
pied seats every time you drive. Although air-
bags enhance safety by providing added pro-
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Adjustments
30
tection, they are not a substitute for safety
belts.
In the rear, the middle belt buckle embossed
with the word CENTER is intended exclusively
for use by passengers riding in the center posi-
tion.
Fastening
Make sure you hear the latch plate engage in
the belt buckle.
The upper shoulder strap's anchorage point will
be in the correct position for seat occupants of
every build if the seat is correctly adjusted, refer
to page 26.
Releasing
1. Hold the belt firmly.
2. Press the red button in the buckle.
3. Guide the belt back into its reel.
Safety belt reminder for front seats
The indicator lamp flashes or lights up.
In addition, a signal sounds. Please
make sure that the safety belts are
being worn correctly.
The safety belt reminder is activated if the
safety belt on the driver's side has not yet been
fastened.
At speeds greater than 5 mph/8 km/h, the
safety belt reminder is also activated if the
passenger side safety belt has not yet been
fastened, if heavy objects are placed on the
passenger's seat, or if the driver or front pas-
senger's safety belt is released.
Damage to safety belts
When strained by an accident or when
damaged: have the safety belt system,
including the belt tensioners, replaced and have
belt anchorage points inspected. Have this
work done only by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or by a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. Otherwise,
there can be no guarantee that the safety
devices will function properly.<
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The passenger side mirror is more curved
than the driver's mirror. Objects in the
mirrors are closer than they appear. Do not esti-
mate the distance to following traffic based on
the view in the mirrors; otherwise, there is an
increased risk of accident.<
1 Adjustments
2 Switching over to the other mirror or to the
automatic parking function
*
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat and
mirror memory on page 29.
Manual adjustments
The mirrors can also be manually adjusted by
pressing at the edges of the mirror glass.
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this
vehicle from being damaged, always fold
them in by hand before entering an automatic
car wash.<
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Automatic heating*
When the outside temperature falls below a
specified temperature, both outside mirrors are
automatically heated whenever the engine is
running or the ignition is switched on.
Tilting down passenger's mirror,
automatic parking function*
Activating
1. Select the driver's exterior mirror with
switch 1.
2. When you shift into reverse or move the
selector-lever into position R, the exterior
mirror glass on the front passenger side tilts
downward slightly. This allows the driver to
see the area immediately adjacent to the
vehicle – such as a curb – when parking, etc.
You can have the angle of downward tilt
adjusted.<
Deactivating
Select the passenger side mirror with switch 1.
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce glare from vehicle headlights behind
you when driving at night, turn the knob.
In vehicles without an alarm system: tilt the
small lever forward.
Automatically dimming mirrors, refer to
page 77.
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving. There is a risk of acci-
dent from unexpected movement.<
1. Fold the lever down.
2. Adapt the longitudinal position and height
of the steering wheel to the seat position.
3. Fold the lever back up.
Steering wheel heater*
The button for steering wheel heater is located
on the steering wheel, refer to page 13.
Steering wheel heater: switching on/off
The steering wheel heater operates as of igni-
tion key position 2.
Press the button to activate or deactivate this
system.
When the heater is switched on, the LED in the
button lights up.
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Adjustments
32
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory
How the system functions
You have probably frequently wished that you
could configure individual functions of your
vehicle to reflect your own personal require-
ments. In developing your vehicle, BMW has
incorporated a number of options for personal
adjustment. You can have these programmed
at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
There are vehicle-related and person-related
adjustments: Vehicle Memory and Key Mem-
ory. You can configure up to four different basic
adjustments for four different persons. The only
requirement is that each person use his or her
own master key with remote control.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the remote
control, the vehicle recognizes the individual
user by means of a data exchange with the key,
and makes adjustments accordingly.
In order for you to distinguish between the mas-
ter keys with remote control, color-coded
decals are supplied together with the keys.
What the system can do
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
about the possibilities of Vehicle Memory and
Key Memory.
You will see this symbol throughout the
Owner's Manual. It is to remind you at
appropriate places of the settings that are avail-
able to you.<
Following configuration of memory func-
tions, vehicle operation may differ from
the description in the Owner's Manual. Should
you wish to sell your BMW some day, please
remember to have the memory functions reset
to the factory default settings.<
Examples of Vehicle Memory
> Different acknowledgment signals to con-
firm locking/unlocking of the vehicle, refer
to page 19.
> Activating/deactivating function for path-
way lighting, refer to page 56.
> Activating/deactivating daytime running
lamps, refer to page 56.
> Active PDC Park Distance Control is acous-
tically indicated by a signal tone when you
shift into reverse or move the selector lever
into position R, refer to page 47.
> Different acknowledgment signals to con-
firm arming/disarming the alarm system,
refer to page 24.
> After an outside temperature warning has
been issued, the computer display returns
to the previous setting, refer to page 45.
> Acoustic warning if the ignition key remains
in the ignition lock after the driver's door has
been opened, refer to page 18.
Examples of Key Memory functions
> Locking the vehicle after starting to drive,
refer to page 20.
> Automatic adjustment of the driver's seat
and exterior mirror position for each person
when unlocking the vehicle, refer to
page 29.
> Angle of downward tilt of passenger side
mirror, refer to page 31.
> Setting units of measure for displays in the
instrument cluster for time, outside temper-
ature, distance driven and fuel consump-
tion, refer to page 45.
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Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger
themselves and/or others, for example by open-
ing the doors.<
Children always in the rear
Accident research has demonstrated that the
safest place for children is in the rear seat.
Children younger than 13 or smaller than
5 ft/150 cm should only ride in the rear, in
child restraint systems provided in accordance
with their age, weight, and height. Otherwise,
there is an increased risk of injury in the event of
an accident.<
Children older than 13 must be secured with a
safety belt as soon as they have outgrown a
suitable child restraint system due to their age,
height, and weight.
All seats in your BMW, except for the driver's
seat, correspond to the recommendations of
the norm SAE J1819 for safely securing child
restraint systems in motor vehicles.
Exception for the front passenger seat
If it should be necessary to use a child
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front and side airbags must be deacti-
vated. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of
injury to the child if the airbag is triggered, even
with a child restraint system. Your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center will be happy to advise
you.<
For more information on automatic deactivation
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page 54.
Installing child restraint
systems
Follow the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions for selection,
installation and use of the child restraint sys-
tem. Otherwise, the degree of protection can be
reduced.<
On the passenger's seat
Before installing a child restraint system
in the passenger seat, make sure that the
front and side airbag on the passenger seat
have been deactivated. Otherwise, there is an
increased risk of injury when the airbag is trig-
gered.<
Child seat security
All rear seat safety belts and the safety belt for
the front passenger can be locked to prevent
their being pulled out in order to fasten child
restraint systems.
Locking safety belt
1. Secure child restraint system with the belt.
2. Pull safety belt strap all the way out.
3. Allow safety belt to retract and pull it snugly
against the child restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.
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Transporting children safely
34
Unlocking safety belt
1. Open safety belt buckle.
2. Remove child restraint system.
3. Allow safety belt strap to retract all the way.
Child restraint system with tether strap
Only use the tether strap attachment
points to fasten child restraint systems;
otherwise, the attachment points can be dam-
aged.<
For child restraint systems with a tether strap,
there are three additional attachment points,
refer to arrows. To gain access to this anchor
fitting, lift the plastic plug with the aid of a
screwdriver.
Routing of tether strap
Outer seats:
1. Slide head restraints upward.
2. Guide fastening strap through the bracket
of the head restraint.
3. Slide head restraint into the lowest position.
4. Hook fastening strap to attachment point.
Middle seat:
1. Fold center arm rest slightly forward.
2. Guide fastening strap through the opening.
3. Fold center arm rest back.
4. Hook fastening strap to attachment point.
When using the cargo area cover:
Fastening strap must run between the rear
backrest and the cargo area cover.
LATCH child-restraint fixing system*
LATCH: Lower Anchor and Tethers for CHil-
dren.
To attach a LATCH child's seat, consult
the instruction manual and safety notices
from the manufacturer of the child's seat.<
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Access to anchorage points
The picture shows the right rear seat as an
example. The anchorage points for the LATCH
child-restraint fixing system are located behind
the cover caps.
Remove the cover caps toward the front.
Press into place to reinstall.
Before attachment of the LATCH child-restraint
fixing system, remove the cover caps and pull
the belt out of the region of the child-restraint
fixing system.
For driving
With rear side airbags, make sure that
children do not lean out of the child's seat
toward the door panel; otherwise, injuries can
result if the side airbags are triggered.<
Child-safety lock of rear doors
Slide down the safety levers on the rear doors:
The door can now be opened from the outside
only.
Safety switch for power windows
Press the safety switch for the power windows,
refer to page 22, when children are in the rear of
the vehicle.
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36
Driving
Ignition lock
0 Steering locked
The key can be inserted or removed in this posi-
tion only.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the left or right until you hear the lock
engage.
Interlock
Automatic transmission:
To turn the key back to position 0 or to remove
it, first place the selector lever in position P.
1 Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often makes
it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Some power accessories are ready for opera-
tion.
2 Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Starting engine
Starting engine
Do not run the engine in enclosed spaces;
otherwise, inhalation of toxic exhaust
gases can cause unconsciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the
engine running, since an unattended vehicle
with a running engine represents a safety haz-
ard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always shift
into neutral or selector lever position P and
engage the handbrake before leaving the vehi-
cle with the engine running.<
Do not discontinue the starting procedure pre-
maturely, but do not prolong it for more than 20
seconds. Release the ignition key immediately
as soon as the engine starts.
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the motor to warm up while idling.
Begin driving immediately with moderate
engine speed.
Indicator lamps
The warning lamp lights up. Exhaust
values are deteriorating. Have the vehi-
cle checked as soon as possible.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will flash.
This indicates a serious rate 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, even for only a short period of
time, can seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic converter.
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
The warning lamp lights up. Malfunc-
tion in the engine electronics. You can
continue to drive with reduced engine
output or speed. Have the system checked
immediately.
Manual transmission
1. Apply the handbrake.
2. Depress the clutch pedal and shift into neu-
tral.
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If the clutch pedal is not depressed,
the motor will not start.<
3. Start the engine.
Automatic transmission
1. Step on the brake.
2. Move selector lever into position P.
3. Start the engine.
Special starting conditions
In the following situations, press the accelerator
pedal halfway down while starting:
> If the engine fails to start on the first
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or cold.
> When starting the engine at very low tem-
peratures, below approx. +57/–156, at
high altitudes over approx. 3,300 ft/
1,000 m.
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is
not burned or inadequately burned and there is
a danger of overheating and damaging the cat-
alytic converter.<
Switching off engine
Do not remove the ignition key when the
vehicle is rolling; otherwise, the steering
wheel lock would engage during steering.
When leaving the vehicle, remove the ignition
key and lock the steering. When parking on
downward inclines, engage the handbrake; oth-
erwise, the vehicle could start to roll.<
Manual transmission
1. Apply the handbrake.
2. Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
3. Shift into first gear or reverse.
Automatic transmission
1. With the vehicle at a stop, move the selector
lever into position P.
2. Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
3. Apply the handbrake.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up; an acous-
tic signal also sounds when you begin
to drive. The handbrake is still engaged.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically.
Releasing
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the button
and lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the hand-
brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it
too strongly. In doing so, continuously press the
button of the handbrake lever. Otherwise,
strong application of the handbrake can lead to
overbraking of the rear axle and to associated
'fishtailing' of the vehicle rear end.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally engage the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is applied.<
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38
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift to the right. Otherwise, an
inadvertent shift into 3rd or 4th gear could harm
the engine.<
Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. Press
the gearshift lever to the left to overcome the
resistance.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to
page 39.
Parking vehicle
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage the
handbrake before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running.<
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Engine started
The engine can only be started in selector lever
positions P: Park or N: Neutral.
Displays in the instrument cluster
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
The selector lever position is indicated, and in
the manual mode the gear currently engaged.
Changing selector lever positions
> The selector lever can be moved out of the
position P when the ignition is switched on
or the engine is running: interlock.
> When the vehicle is stationary, step on the
brake before shifting out of P or N; other-
wise, the selector lever is locked: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping
after you select a drive position, main-
tain pressure on the brake pedal until you
are ready to start driving.<
A lock prevents the selector lever from being
inadvertently moved into positions R and P. To
release the lock, press the button on the front of
the selector lever handle, refer to arrow.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
transmission locks to prevent the rear wheels
from turning.
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R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can shift into neutral, for example, in auto-
matic car washes. The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con-
sumption is the lowest when the vehicle is
driven in position D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration.
Press the accelerator pedal past the increased
resistance point at the full-throttle position.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Move the selector lever from position D toward
the left into the M/S shifting slot.
The Sport program is activated and SD appears
in the instrument cluster. This position is rec-
ommended for a performance-oriented driving
style.
When you push the selector lever forward or
pull it back, this activates the manual mode and
Steptronic changes gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M5.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; as a result, for
example, a downshift that would cause the
engine to overrev will not be executed by the
system. The gear selected will appear briefly in
the instrument cluster followed by the current
gear.
To use the automatic function again, move the
selector lever to the right into position D.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A malfunc-
tion has occurred in the transmission
system. Avoid heavy loads.
While it will still remain possible to move the
selector lever to any desired position, the trans-
mission will revert to its default mode with only
a limited number of forward gears.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Instructions on towing, tow starting and jump
starting begin on page 108.
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1 High beams
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Turn signals
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb has
gone out.<
Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold for as
long as you wish to signal.
Touch signaling
Press lever to resistance point.
The signal flashes three times.
If you wish, you can have this function
activated.<
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40
Washer/wiper system/
rain sensor*
0 Wipers retracted
1 Intermittent or rain sensor operation
2 Normal wiper speed
3 Fast wipe
4 Brief wipe
5 Select interval time or set sensitivity of
rain sensor
Fold-out position
The right wiper is partially concealed by the
hood.
To move the wipers into a vertical position:
1. Switch on wipers in lever position 1.
2. When the wipers are approximately vertical,
move the ignition key to position 0.
For changing the wiper blades, refer to page 99.
Fold the wipers back down onto the wind-
shield before you turn the ignition key to
position 1 or 2 again. If you do not, they could be
damaged.<
Intermittent mode
Not on vehicles with rain sensor.
You can set the wipe interval to four stages with
the knurled wheel 5.
In addition, the wipe interval is varied automati-
cally depending on road speed.
Rain sensor*
The rain sensor automatically controls wiper
operation as a function of the rain intensity.
The sensor is mounted on the windshield,
directly in front of the interior rearview mirror.
Deactivate the rain sensor when passing
through an automatic car wash. Failure to
do so could result in damage caused by undes-
ired wiper activation.<
Activating
As of ignition key position 1 move the lever to
position 1. The wipers travel once across the
windshield, regardless of the weather condi-
tions.
You can leave the lever permanently in posi-
tion 1 and then only need to activate the rain
sensor as of ignition key position 1. To do so:
> Briefly turn the knurled wheel 5 or
> Cleaning windshield 1, refer to page 41
Adjusting sensitivity
Turn the knurled wheel 5.
Deactivating
Switch lever to position 0.
Normal wiper speed
The system switches automatically to intermit-
tent mode when the vehicle is not moving, not
on vehicles with rain sensor.
Fast wipe
The wipers operate at normal speed when the
vehicle is not moving, not on vehicles with rain
sensor.
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Cleaning windshield, rear window and
headlamps*
0 Wipers retracted
1 Cleaning windshield and headlamps
2 Rear window wiper intermittent mode
3 Cleaning rear window
Do not activate the washer if there is
any danger of the fluid freezing on the
windshield. If you do so, your vision could be
obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid
antifreeze, refer to Washer fluid. Do not activate
the washer when the washer fluid is empty as
this will damage the washer pump.<
Cleaning windshield
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief
period.
The washer jets are automatically heated
whenever the engine is running or the ignition is
switched on.
Cleaning headlamps*
When the vehicle lighting system is switched
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and
appropriate intervals.
Rear window wiper
Rear window wiper in intermittent mode. When
reverse gear is engaged, the wiper operates
continuously.
You can also program the interval:
1. Briefly move the wiper lever from position 0
to position 2.
2. Wait for desired interval; maximum of
30 seconds.
3. Move the wiper lever from position 0 to
position 2 again.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable. For
this reason, keep it away from sources of
flame and store it only in its original containers.
Store it so that it is inaccessible to children.
Always follow the instructions for use provided
on the containers.<
Reservoir for washer fluid
Fill with water and, if required, with an antifreeze
additive according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
To maintain the mixing ratio, mix the
washer fluid before adding it to the reser-
voir.<
Capacity
Approx. 3.2 US quarts/3 liters.
With headlamp washer system
*
approx.
6.9 quarts/6.5 liters.
Cruise control*
The vehicle maintains and stores the speed
that you set as of a speed of approx. 20 mph/
30 km/h.
You can use cruise control whenever the sys-
tem is active while the engine is running.
On the sports steering wheel
*
and M sports
steering wheel
*
, the +/– buttons for the cruise
control are on the right side of the steering
wheel.
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Driving
42
Do not use the cruise control under unfa-
vorable conditions that do not permit a
constant speed, e.g. when driving on winding
roads or in heavy traffic or when negotiating
poor road conditions such as snow, rain, ice, or
a loose road surface. Otherwise, you could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up green:
System ready for operation using the
buttons on the steering wheel.
Activating system
As of ignition key position 2:
Press button on steering wheel; the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. You
are able to use the cruise control.
Deactivating system
Press the button repeatedly until the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
The cruise control is also deactivated when the
ignition key is turned to position 0. The speed
stored in the memory is deleted in the process.
Maintaining speed, storing, and
accelerating
Briefly press + button:
The system maintains and stores the current
vehicle speed. Each additional touch of the but-
ton increases the speed by approx. 1 mph/
1km/h.
Press and hold + button:
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. When you release the
button, the system maintains and stores the
current speed.
If the braking action of the engine is insufficient
on a downhill stretch, the controlled speed can
be exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill grades if
the engine output is insufficient.
Decelerating
Briefly press – button:
Each press of the button decreases the vehi-
cle's speed by roughly 1 mph/1 km/h, provided
that you have already activated the cruise con-
trol.
Press and hold – button:
With the cruise control active, the system auto-
matically reduces the fuel supply to slow the
vehicle. When you release the button, the sys-
tem maintains and stores the current speed.
Interrupting cruise control
When the system is activated, press button 1.
The indicator lamp stays on. You can use the
cruise control again whenever required by
requesting the speed that was stored last.
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted in response to the following conditions:
> When you apply pressure to the brake pedal
> When you apply pressure to the clutch
pedal or when you move the automatic
transmission selector lever from D to N
> If you exceed or fall below the controlled
speed for an extended period, by pressing
the accelerator, for example
> When DSC is activated
Resuming stored speed
Press button:
The vehicle accelerates to and maintains the
last speed stored.
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Everything under control
Odometer
1 Odometer
2 Trip odometer
Odometer
You can activate the displays shown in the illus-
tration in ignition key position 0 or with the igni-
tion key removed by pressing the button in the
instrument cluster.
Trip odometer
To reset to zero:
1. Ignition key in position 1.
2. Press and hold the button until the trip
odometer is reset to zero.
Tachometer
Engine speeds in the red warning field must
absolutely be avoided.
In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted to
protect the engine.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 17.7 gallons/
67 liters. Instructions for refueling can be found
on page 84.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies, when you are driv-
ing in mountainous areas, for example, the indi-
cator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
If the LED 1 starts to light up continuously,
there are still approx. 2 gallons/8 liters of fuel
left in the tank.
Refuel well before the tank is empty. If
you drive down to the last drop, engine
functions are no longer assured and damage
can occur.<
When you switch on the ignition, the LED
comes on briefly to confirm that the system is
operational.
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44
Coolant temperature gauge
Blue
The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate
engine and vehicle speeds.
Between blue and red fields
Normal operating range. It is permissible for the
dial to drift up to the red field.
Red
Comes on while driving:
The engine is overheated. Switch off the engine
immediately and allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to page 95.
When you switch on the ignition, the warning
lamp 1 comes on briefly to confirm that the sys-
tem is operational.
Service Interval Display
Remaining distance until next service
due
The displays shown in the illustration appear for
a few seconds as of ignition key position 1 or
after starting the engine.
Together with the message OIL SERVICE or
INSPECTION, the next scheduled service and
remaining distance to this service are displayed
in miles/kilometers.
The remaining distance is determined on the
basis of the past driving style.
A flashing display and a – sign before the
numerical value mean that the service interval
has been passed by the displayed number of
miles/kilometers. Please make an appointment
with your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Clock
If you wish to have a continuous clock display,
you can also have the time displayed in the dis-
play of the car radio, refer to Owner's Manual for
Radio.
You can set the clock to also be displayed in the
radio, as follows.
Setting time
As of ignition key position 1:
Hours
1. Hold button 2 pressed for a few seconds
until the hours are displayed and the colon
flashes.
2. Press button 1 repeatedly until the desired
hour is set.
Minutes
3. Press button 2 to change to the minutes
display.
4. Press button 1 repeatedly until the desired
minutes are set.
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45
5. Press button 2 to confirm the time.
The set time is transferred to the display of the
radio or displayed in the instrument cluster.
Display mode
Ignition key in position 0 or removed:
Press button 1.
The time and display of the miles/kilometers
appear for a few seconds.
Computer*
Mode selection
As of ignition key position 1, you can call up
information from the computer using the com-
puter button in the turn signal lever.
A new function appears each time you briefly
press the computer button.
The following information is displayed in the
sequence indicated:
> Time
> Outside temperature
> Average fuel consumption
> Cruising range
> Average speed
As of ignition key position 1, the last active set-
ting is displayed.
If you wish, you can display the following
functions in a different unit of measure.<
Outside temperature
Changing unit of measure 7/6
During the display, hold down the button in the
turn signal lever until the display changes.
Outside temperature warning
If the outside temperature falls below approx.
+37.57/+36, the computer switches auto-
matically to the outside temperature display.
In addition, an acoustic signal sounds and the
display flashes for a short time. There is an
increased risk of icy conditions.
After an outside temperature warning has
been issued, the display returns to the
previous setting. You can have this activated/
deactivated.<
Ice can also occur at temperatures
greater than +37,57/+36. For this rea-
son, drive carefully on bridges and shaded
roadways, for example. Otherwise, there is an
increased risk of accidents.<
Clock
12 or 24 hour mode
If your vehicle is equipped with a computer, you
can have the time displayed in the 12 or 24 hour
mode.
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46
During the display, hold down the computer
button in the turn signal lever until the display
changes.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption is calculated for
the time during which the engine is running.
Reset average consumption:
Press the computer button in the turn indicator
lever for approx. 2 seconds.
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available
with the remaining fuel. The current fuel level is
measured and the range is calculated taking
into account the driving style over the last
20 miles/30 km.
Always refuel as soon as possible once
your cruising range falls to below
30 miles/50 km; otherwise, engine functions
are not ensured and damage can occur.<
Average speed
The calculation of the average speed does not
take into account periods in which the vehicle is
parked with the engine switched off.
Resetting average speed: press the computer
button in the turn indicator lever for approx.
2seconds.
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Technology for comfort, convenience and
safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
PDC provides extra safety and convenience
during parking maneuvers. Audible signals indi-
cate that you are approaching an object in front
of or behind your vehicle. To measure the dis-
tance, there are four ultrasonic sensors in each
bumper.
An acoustic signal begins to sound when the
front sensors and the rear corner sensors are
within approx. 2 ft/60 cm of an obstacle and
when the rear middle sensors are within approx.
5 ft/1,50 m of an obstacle.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching objects too fast; otherwise,
the system may give warning of physical obsta-
cles too late.<
If you are driving with a trailer, the rear sensors
cannot take any meaningful measurements.
Consequently, they do not switch on.
Automatic mode
In ignition key position 2, the system is auto-
matically activated after approx. one second
each time you shift into reverse or move the
selector-lever into position R. Wait for this short
time span before moving.
You can have a signal tone programmed
into the system to verify that the PDC is
active.<
Activating manual mode
In ignition key position 2, press the button; the
LED lights up.
Deactivating manual mode
Press the button again, the LED goes out.
The system is automatically deactivated once
the vehicle travels approx. 160 ft/50 m or
exceeds a speed of roughly 20 mph/30 km/h;
the LED goes out. You can reactivate the sys-
tem manually as needed.
Signal tones
An intermittent tone from a rear speaker signals
the distance to an object behind the vehicle as
you approach it.
An intermittent tone from a speaker beneath
the dashboard signals the distance to an object
in front of the vehicle as you approach it.
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. The signal tone becomes con-
tinuous once the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
An intermittent tone is interrupted after approx.
3seconds:
> if you remain in front of an object that is only
detected by one of the corner sensors
> if you are moving parallel to a wall
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Malfunction
The LED in the button flashes and a short con-
tinuous tone sounds. PDC is malfunctioning.
Switch off PDC. Have the system checked.
To prevent this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray sensors for long periods and keep the
sprayer at least 4 in/10 cm away from the sen-
sors.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are involved,
there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be
detected. The system is also subject to the
physical limits that apply to all forms of ultra-
sonic measurement, such as those encoun-
tered with tow bars and trailer couplings, or thin
and wedge-shaped objects, etc. Low objects
already displayed, e.g. a curb, can come into the
blind spot of the sensors before a continuous
tone sounds. The system may fail to detect
higher obstacles such as ledges.
Loud sources of sound, inside and outside the
vehicle, could drown out the PDC signal tone.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array
of systems designed to enhance and maintain
vehicle stability even under unfavorable driving
conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. This results in an
increase in the active safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Safe braking, refer to page 78.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure a stable braking behavior.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When the brake pedal is depressed quickly, this
system automatically generates a maximum
braking force distribution and thus helps keep
the braking distance to a minimum during full
braking. This system exploits all of the benefits
provided by ABS.
As long as you want full braking to continue, do
not reduce pressure on the brake.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents slip at the drive wheels when
starting off and accelerating. DSC also detects
unstable driving conditions, such as a fishtailing
of the vehicle's rear end or the sliding of the
vehicle on its front wheels. In these circum-
stances, DSC helps keep the vehicle on a safe
path, within physical limits, by reducing engine
output and by applying the brakes in individual
wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start the
engine.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Do not reduce the additional safety mar-
gin again by taking unnecessary risks.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp goes out shortly
after the engine starts.
When the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is controlling the drive and braking forces.
When the indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off with the button.
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Deactivating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up continuously.
DSC is now deactivated.
Stabilizing interventions of the chassis control
system DSC are no longer available. However,
the braking interventions that simulate the
function of the differential lock continue to be
active.
In the following exceptional circumstances, it
may be useful to switch off DSC for a short
period:
> When rocking the vehicle and starting off in
deep snow or on loose road surfaces
> On sandy road surfaces
> On poor surfaces with deep ruts
> If the wheels spin on muddy surfaces
> When driving with snow chains
As a result of the braking interventions,
the brakes may be subjected to additional
loads when the system is switched off. In order
to limit the brake temperature, brief automatic
suppression of the brake activation is possible.
To maintain vehicle stability, always drive with
the system switched on when possible.<
Reactivating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. DSC is now acti-
vated.
xDrive
xDrive is the all-wheel drive system of your X3.
The combined effects of xDrive and DSC fur-
ther optimize the traction and dynamic driving
characteristics. The all-wheel drive system
xDrive variably distributes the drive torque to
the front and rear axle depending on the driving
situation and prevailing road conditions.
HDC Hill Descent Control
The concept
HDC is a system for hill descent assistance that
reduces the speed on steep downward inclines
and makes it even easier to control the driving
characteristics of your BMW under these condi-
tions. The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active intervention from
the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds
below approx. 20 mph/35 km/h. When driving
down steep hills with a speed below approx.
20 mph/35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed
automatically down to slightly more than walk-
ing speed, approx. 5 mph/8 km/h, and then
maintains this speed at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary
this automatically controlled speed within a
range extending from approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to
15 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same
range by using the +/– buttons of the cruise
control on the steering wheel.
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Activating system
Press the button; the LED lights up.
The LED flashes when the brakes are applied
automatically.
Deactivating system
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
HDC is deactivated immediately above approx.
35 mph/60 km/h and after approx. 10 seconds
when the ignition is switched off.
Using HDC
With manual transmission:
Use HDC in first gear and in reverse, because in
the higher gears the engine's braking action
diminishes.
With automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in every drive position.
Malfunction
If the LED in the button goes out in the HDC
mode or fails to light up when the button is
pressed:
HDC is temporarily not available, because the
brake temperature is too high.
Malfunction in vehicle stability control
systems
The warning lamp lights up yellow. DBC
Dynamic Brake Control is malfunction-
ing. Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
If one of the malfunctions described
below occurs, proceed cautiously and
defensively. When driving on poor roads, avoid
using the full throttle or kick-down positions of
the accelerator as well as heavy and panic brak-
ing. Otherwise, the drive train may be damaged
or accidents can occur.<
The red brake warning lamp lights up
together with the warning lamps for
ABS and DSC/xDrive. In addition, a
warning signal sounds. ABS, DSC, HDC
and xDrive have failed. It is then possi-
ble to exert driving force only via the
rear axle. If the brake warning lamp
lights up yellow in the described combi-
nation, the EBV Electronic brake-force distribu-
tion is still available. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
The warning lamp lights up continu-
ously and a warning signal sounds:
DSC or the xDrive all-wheel system has
failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC or the all-
wheel drive system xDrive are no longer avail-
able. It is then possible to exert driving force
only via the rear axle. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the four mounted tires as you
drive. The system triggers an alert whenever
the inflation pressure in one tire drops signifi-
cantly in relation to the pressure in another tire.
When a loss of pressure occurs, the rolling
radius changes and with it, the rotational speed
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51
of the wheels. This change is detected and sig-
naled as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
To ensure the reliable signaling of a flat tire, the
system must be initialized at the correct tire
inflation pressure.
The initialization must be repeated after
every correction of the tire inflation pres-
sure, after every tire or wheel change, and after
a trailer is hitched or unhitched.<
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot predict sud-
den severe tire damage caused by out-
side factors and does not detect a natural, even
pressure drop in all four tires.<
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
> When the system has not been initialized
> When driving on snow-covered or slippery
road surfaces
> Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels,
high lateral acceleration.
> When driving with snow chains
When driving with a compact wheel, the Flat
Tire Monitor cannot operate.
Initializing system
The system must be reinitialized after
every correction of tire inflation pressure
and after every tire or wheel change. Do not ini-
tialize the system when driving with snow
chains or with a compact wheel.<
1. Start the engine just before driving, but do
not begin to drive.
2. Press the button for at least 4 seconds, but
not longer than 2 minutes. After the button
is released, the indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up yellow for a few sec-
onds.
3. Begin driving.
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing and can be interrupted at any time with-
out requiring any input from you. The initial-
ization automatically continues when
driving resumes.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red. In addi-
tion, an acoustic signal sounds. There is
a flat tire or extensive inflation pressure
loss.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle care-
fully. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2. Identify damaged tire.
If identification is not possible, con-
tact your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center.<
3. Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Changing a wheel on page 103.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up yellow. The
Flat Tire Monitor is malfunctioning or
out of order. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
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TPM Tire Pressure Monitor*
The concept
TPM controls the tire inflation pressure in the
four mounted wheels. The system notifies you
if the tire inflation pressure has fallen signifi-
cantly in one or more tires.
Functional requirement
To ensure the reliable signaling of a flat tire, the
system must be reset at the correct tire inflation
pressure.
Always use wheels equipped with TPM elec-
tronics, including a metal valve; otherwise, there
is no guarantee that the system will function
properly.
The system must be reset after every cor-
rection of tire inflation pressure and after
every tire or wheel change.<
System limits
TPM cannot warn you of sudden, serious
tire damage due to external factors.<
The system does not function properly if it has
not been reset, e.g. it may identify a tire as flat in
spite of the fact that the tire is filled to the cor-
rect inflation pressure.
The system is inactive and cannot indicate flat
tires if a wheel not equipped with TPM electron-
ics has been mounted, e.g. a compact wheel, or
if TPM is experiencing temporary interference
from other systems or devices that use the
same frequency.
Resetting system
The system must be reset after every cor-
rection of tire inflation pressure and after
every tire or wheel change.<
1. Start engine, but do not begin to drive.
2. Press the button until the yellow warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up for a
few seconds.
3. Begin driving.
After a few minutes of driving, the tire infla-
tion pressures in the tires are adopted as
the desired values to be monitored. The
resetting is completed during driving and
can be interrupted at any time without
requiring any input from you. The resetting
automatically continues when driving
resumes.
Low tire pressure message
The warning lamp lights up yellow. In
addition, a signal sounds. You have a
flat tire or a significant loss of tire pres-
sure in one or more tires.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle care-
fully. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2. Identify the damaged wheel or wheels.
If identification is not possible, con-
tact your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center.<
3. Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Wheel changes on page 103.
4. Check tire inflation pressure and correct as
needed.
The compact wheel is not equipped with the
required TPM electronics and is not monitored
when mounted.
When driving with the compact wheel, the sys-
tem indicates a malfunction.
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Have the damaged tire replaced by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop
that is familiar with TPM and works in accor-
dance with BMW repair procedures, using
appropriately trained personnel.
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and
then lights up continuously. Flat tires
cannot be detected.
Such a message is displayed in the following
situations:
> In the event of a malfunction:
Have the system checked
> When a wheel without TPM electronics is
mounted, e.g. a compact wheel
> When TPM is experiencing temporary inter-
ference from other systems or devices that
use the same frequency
Brake force display
The brake lamps light up in two stages,
depending on how heavily you apply the brakes.
> Normal braking:
The brake lamps 1 and the center brake
lamp light up.
> Powerful braking:
The brake lamps 1 and 2 light up together
with the center brake lamp.
Airbags
The following airbags are located beneath the
marked covers:
1 Front airbags
2 Head airbags
3 Side airbags in front and rear
*
Protective action
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimal protection,
please follow the instructions on page 26.<
The front airbags help protect the driver and
front passenger by responding to frontal
impacts in which safety belts alone cannot pro-
vide adequate restraint. When needed, the
head and side airbags help provide protection in
the event of side impact. The relevant side air-
bag supports the side upper body area. The
respective head airbag supports the head.
The airbags will purposely not be activated by
every collision, e.g. not by more minor acci-
dents, or rear-end collisions.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them or
modify them in any other way.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag retention
system from the vehicle. Do not modify the indi-
vidual components of the system or its wiring in
any way. This includes the padded covers in the
center of the steering wheel, on the dashboard,
the doors, and the roof pillars as well as the
sides of the headliner. Do not attempt to
remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been triggered,
because there is a danger of burns.
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Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
54
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation, or
triggering of the airbag restraint system, have
the testing, repair, removal, and disposal of air-
bag generators executed only by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel and has
the required explosives licenses. Unprofes-
sional attempts to service the system could
lead to failure in an emergency or undesired air-
bag activation, either of which could result in
personal injury.<
Airbag warnings and information are also pro-
vided on the sun visors.
Automatic deactivation of front
passenger airbags
By evaluating the pressure on the seat cushion
of the front passenger seat, the system detects
whether or not the seat is occupied. The front
and side airbags for the passenger are activated
or deactivated by the system accordingly.
The indicator lamp located above the
inside rearview mirror indicates whether
the front passenger airbag system is currently
deactivated or activated, refer to Status of pas-
senger airbag in the section below.<
Before transporting a child in the front
passenger seat, follow the safety notices
and instructions under Transporting children
safely, refer to page 33.
When teenagers or adults assume certain sit-
ting positions, the front and side airbags on the
passenger side can deactivate; this causes the
indicator lamp for the front passenger airbag to
light up. If this happens, have them change their
sitting position so that the passenger airbag is
activated and the indicator lamp goes out. If the
desired status cannot be achieved by changing
their sitting position, then have the person ride
in the back. Do not attach seat covers, seat
cushion padding, ball mats or other items to the
passenger seat unless they are specifically rec-
ommended by BMW. Do not place any items
under the seat which could press against the
seat from below. Otherwise, a correct analysis
of the seat cushion is not ensured.<
Status of passenger airbags
The indicator lamp for the passenger airbag
indicates the operational readiness of the front
and side airbag on the passenger side depend-
ing on whether or not the seat is occupied. The
indicator lamp indicates whether the passenger
airbags are activated or deactivated.
> The indicator lamp lights up when a child
sitting as directed in a child restraint system
designed for this is detected.
The front and side airbags on the passenger
side are not activated.
> The indicator lamp does not come on as
long as a person of sufficient size and in a
correct sitting position is detected on the
seat. The front and side airbags for the pas-
senger are activated.
> The indicator lamp does not light up when
the seat is empty.
However, the front and side airbags for the
passenger are not activated.
Operational readiness of airbag system
As of ignition key position 1, the warning lamp
lights up briefly, thus indicating the operational
readiness of the entire airbag system and the
safety belt tensioners.
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Airbag system malfunction
> Warning lamp does not come on with the
ignition key in position 1 or higher.
> The warning lamp lights up continuously.
Have the airbag system checked immedi-
ately if a malfunction occurs; otherwise,
there is a danger of the system failing to
respond in the expected manner to an impact
occurring within its normal response range.<
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Lamps
56
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
Parking lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle lighting
is switched on. You can use the parking
lamps for parking. For the additional
option of roadside parking lamps on one side of
the vehicle only, refer to page 57.
The parking lamps will discharge the bat-
tery. For this reason, avoid using them for
extended periods; otherwise, it may no longer
be possible to start the engine.<
Low beams
When you switch off the ignition with
the headlamps on, the headlamps go
out and only the parking lamps remain
on.
Defective lamps
The indicator lamp lights up:
At least one bulb of the exterior lighting
on the vehicle is defective.
Replacing bulbs, refer to page 99.
Pathway lighting
When you activate the headlamp flasher after
parking the vehicle and switching off the lamps,
the low beams will come on for a brief period.
You may also have this function deacti-
vated if you wish.<
Lights on warning
If you turn the ignition key to position 0, an
acoustic signal sounds when you open the
driver's door for a few seconds to remind you
that the lights have not yet been switched off.
Daytime running lamps*
If so desired, the light switch can remain in the
low beam or automatic headlamp control posi-
tion.
The exterior lamps are automatically switched
off after the vehicle is parked.
You can switch on the parking lamps when
needed using the standard procedure
described under Parking lamps.
You can have the daytime running lamps
activated on your vehicle.<
Automatic headlamp control*
When you set the switch to this posi-
tion, the system activates and switches
on and off the low beams in response
to changes in ambient light conditions, for
instance, in tunnels, at dawn and dusk, and in
rain and snow.
When you enter a tunnel with bright ceiling
lighting, this can delay the switching on of your
low beams.
A blue sky with the sun low on the horizon can
also cause the headlamps to come on.
The low beams remain switched on
regardless of the ambient light when you
switch on the front fog lamps
*
.
When the daytime running lamps are activated
as described in the section above, the low-
beam headlamps are always switched on when
the switch is in this position and the ignition is
on.<
If so desired, the light switch can remain in the
automatic headlamp control position. The exte-
rior lamps are automatically switched off after
the vehicle is parked.
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Automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for the driver's judg-
ment in determining when the vehicle lamps
should be switched on. For example, the sys-
tem cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To
avoid safety risks, you should always switch on
the lamps manually under these conditions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the head-
lamp control adjusted.<
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other assumptions, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In ignition position 2, turn the light
switch into the automatic headlamp
control position, refer to page 56.
The LED next to the symbol lights up.
In order not to blind oncoming traffic, the Adap-
tive Head Light is not active when driving in
reverse and only points toward the passenger
side when the vehicle is stationary.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1 High beams
2 Headlamp flasher
3 Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also have the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking. When doing
so, be sure to comply with national regulations.
After switching off the engine, press the lever
past the resistance point in the corresponding
direction 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. For this reason, avoid using them for
extended periods; otherwise, it may no longer
be possible to start the engine.<
Front fog lamps*
Briefly press the button once again to switch
on/off.
The parking lamps or low beams must
be switched on for the fog lamps to
operate. The green indicator lamp lights
up when the fog lamps are on.
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Lamps
58
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Instrument lighting
Turn the knurled wheel to adjust the illumina-
tion intensity.
Interior lamps
The interior lamps operate automatically.
If you wish, the interior lamps are
switched on after mechanical unlocking
of the vehicle. You may have this function acti-
vated/deactivated if you wish.<
If the interior lamps remain switched on
after locking the vehicle, one of the doors
or the liftgate may not be completely closed.<
Switching interior lamps on and off
Briefly press button 1.
If you want the interior lamps to remain off all
the time, press and hold the button for approx.
3seconds.
Press the button briefly to revert to normal
operation.
You can have your interior lamps set to
dim smoothly to the desired level when
you switch them on or off.<
Front reading lamps*
Switch on and off with buttons 2.
Rear reading lamps*
Switch on and off with the button.
To avoid discharging the battery, all of the
vehicle's interior lamps are automatically
extinguished approx. 15 minutes after the igni-
tion is switched off.<
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Air conditioner
Air conditioner
1 Airflow directed toward the windshield and
side windows
2 Airflow for the upper body 61
3 Airflow to footwell 61
4 Air volume 60
5 Recirculated-air mode 60
6 Temperature 60
7 Air distribution 60
8 Rear window defroster 60
9 Cooling function 60
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Air conditioner
60
Air volume
You can vary the air volume in
steps 1 through 4. The heating or
cooling output is more effective
with a higher air volume.
Switching system on/off
Turn air volume rotary switch to 0. The blower
and air conditioning system are completely
switched off, the air flow is shut off.
To switch on the air conditioning system, set an
arbitrary air volume.
Temperature
To increase the temperature, turn
to the right, toward red.
For a lower temperature, turn the
rotary switch counterclockwise
toward blue.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto the
windows , toward the upper
body and into the footwell .
Intermediate settings are possible.
Rear window defroster
The rear window heating switches
off automatically after a certain
amount of time.
Switching cooling function on/off
When the air conditioning is on, the
air is cooled, dehumidified, and
then reheated depending on the
temperature setting.
Depending on the weather, the windshield may
fog over briefly when the engine is started.
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors outside the vehicle by tem-
porarily suspending the supply of
outside air. The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off and increase the air supply as needed.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
over a sustained period of time; otherwise, the
air quality inside the vehicle will steadily deteri-
orate.<
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
1. Air volume 1 at level 4.
2. Temperature 2 toward right, red.
3. Air distribution 3 in position .
4. Deactivate recirculated-air mode 5.
5. Switch on the rear window heating 4 to
defrost the rear window.
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61
Ventilation
1 Knurled wheels for opening and closing the
air vents through an infinitely variable range
2 Levers for changing airflow direction
3 Knurled wheel for more or less cool air from
the air vents for the upper body region
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vents to direct the flow of cool air in
your direction, for instance, if the interior has
become too warm.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.
Microfilter
The microfilter removes dust and pollen from
the incoming outside air. It is replaced when
maintenance is performed by your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center. A substantial reduction
in air supply indicates that the filter should be
replaced before normal maintenance.
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Air conditioner
62
Automatic climate control*
1 Airflow directed toward the windshield and
side windows
2 Airflow for the upper body 64
3 Airflow to footwell 64
4 Manually varying air distribution 63
5 Adjusting temperature 63
6 Temperature display 63,
Air volume 63
7 Manually varying air volume 63
8 Defrosting windows and removing
condensation 63
9 Rear window defroster 64
10 Switching cooling function on/off 63
11 Outside air/AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control/recirculated-air mode 63
12 AUTO program 63
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A congenial climate
For almost all conditions, the AUTO pro-
gram 12 offers the optimal air distribution and
air volume, refer to AUTO program below. You
need only select an interior temperature that
you find pleasant.
The following sections contain more detailed
information on the available setting options.
Your vehicle has been designed to auto-
matically select your personal climate-
control settings whenever you unlock the doors
using your individually programmed remote
control.<
AUTO program
The AUTO program handles the
adjustment of air distribution to the
windshield and side windows, in
the direction of the upper body, and in the foot-
well. It also adapts your instructions for the air
volume and temperature to outside influences
throughout the year, e.g. solar radiation or win-
dow condensation.
The cooling is switched on automatically along
with the AUTO program.
Manually switching air distribution on/
off
You can direct air to flow onto the
windows , toward the upper
body and into the footwell .
You can reactivate the automatic
air distribution mode by selecting
the AUTO button.
Temperature
Set the desired temperature.
The automatic climate control
assures that this temperature is
reached as quickly as possible any
time of year, using maximum cool-
ing or heating capacity as needed, and then
keeps this temperature constant.
When you change between different tem-
perature settings in rapid succession, the
system does not have enough time to achieve
the desired temperature.<
Manually adjusting air volume
By pressing the lower button, you
can reduce the air volume. You can
increase it by pressing the upper
button.
You can reactivate the automatic
air volume mode by pressing the AUTO button.
Switching system on/off
At the lowest fan speed, press the lower button
to turn off the automatic climate control com-
pletely. All displays disappear.
Press any button to turn the automatic climate
control back on again.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly removes ice
and condensation from the wind-
shield and front door windows.
Switching cooling function on/off
When the air conditioning is on, the
air is cooled, dehumidified, and
then reheated depending on the
temperature setting. Depending on the
weather, the windshield may fog over briefly
when the engine is started.
The cooling function is automatically switched
on along with the AUTO program. It is only pos-
sible to cool the passenger compartment with
the engine running.
AUC Automatic Recirculated-air
Control/recirculated air mode
You can set the desired operating
mode by pressing the button
repeatedly:
> LEDs off: outside air continuously flows into
the vehicle.
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Air conditioner
64
> Left LED on, AUC mode: a sensor detects
pollutants in the outside air. The system
suspends the supply of outside air as
needed and recirculates the air currently
within the vehicle. As soon as the concen-
tration of pollutants in the outside air has
decreased sufficiently, the system switches
automatically back to supplying outside air.
> Right LED on, recirculated-air mode: the
outside air supply into the vehicle is shut off
continuously. The system then recirculates
the air currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off and increase the air supply as needed.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
over a sustained period of time; otherwise, the
air quality inside the vehicle will steadily deteri-
orate.<
Rear window defroster
The rear window heating switches
off automatically after a certain
amount of time.
Ventilation
1 Knurled wheels for opening and closing the
air vents through an infinitely variable range
2 Levers for changing airflow direction
3 Knurled wheel for more or less cool air from
the air vents for the upper body region
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vents to direct the flow of cool air in
your direction, for instance, if the interior has
become too warm.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter*
The microfilter removes dust and pollen from
the incoming outside air. The activated-char-
coal filter provides additional protection by fil-
tering gaseous pollutants from the outside air.
This combined filter is replaced when mainte-
nance is performed by your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle Center. A substantial reduction in
air supply indicates that the filter should be
replaced before normal maintenance.
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65
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control
replaces up to three different hand-held trans-
mitters for various items of radio-controlled
equipment such as door openers and house
alarm systems. The integrated universal remote
control recognizes and learns the transmitted
signal of each of the original hand-held trans-
mitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons 1. Once this is done, each of the
devices can be actuated with the appropriately
programmed memory button 1. The LED 2 indi-
cates transmission of the signal.
Should you sell your vehicle one day, be sure to
delete the stored programs beforehand for your
security, refer to page 66.
To prevent possible damage or injury,
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect
the immediate area to make certain that no peo-
ple, animals or objects are within the travel
range of the device. Also, comply with the
safety precautions of the original hand-held
transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If you see this symbol on the packaging
or in the manual supplied with the origi-
nal hand-held transmitter, then it is safe
to assume that the radio-controlled device is
compatible with the integrated universal
remote control.
If you have additional questions, please
ask at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center or call: 1-800-355-3515.
You can find also information on the Internet at:
www.bmwusa.com or
www.homelink.com.
HomeLink is a registered trademark of
Johnson Controls, Inc.<
Programming
1 Memory buttons
2 LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1. Turn the ignition key to position 2.
2. For initial use:
Press both outer buttons 1 for approx.
20 seconds, maintaining pressure until the
LED 2 starts to flash. All stored programs
are deleted.
3. Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a
distance of approx. 2in/5cm to 8in/20cm
from the memory buttons 1.
The required distance between the
hand-held transmitter and memory
buttons 1 depends on the relevant system
of the original hand-held transmitter used.<
4. Simultaneously press the transmit button
on the original hand-held transmitter and
the desired memory button 1 of the inte-
grated universal remote control. Initially, the
LED 2 flashes slowly. Release both buttons
as soon as the LED 2 flashes rapidly. If the
LED 2 does not flash rapidly after approx.
15 seconds, then change the distance.
5. To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
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66
The corresponding memory button 1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
You can use the system when the engine is run-
ning or when the ignition is switched on.
If the system cannot be operated after
repeated programming, check whether
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the
instructions of the original hand-held transmit-
ter or press and hold down the programmed
memory button 1 of the integrated universal
remote control. If the LED 2 on the integrated
universal remote control flashes rapidly for a
short time then lights up for approx. 2 seconds,
this indicates that the original hand-held trans-
mitter uses an alternating-code system. In the
case of an alternating-code system, program
the memory buttons 1 as described in the sec-
tion below on alternating-code transmitters.<
Alternating-code transmitters
Consult the operating instructions of the unit
you wish to set when programming the univer-
sal remote control. You will find information
there on the possibilities for synchronization.
When programming hand-held transmitters
that employ an alternating code, please follow
these additional instructions:
Programming will be easier with the aid of
a second person.<
1. Park your vehicle within the range of the
remote-controlled equipment.
2. Program the integrated universal remote
control as described above in the section on
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3. Locate the button on the receiver of the
equipment to be set, e.g. on its drive unit.
4. Press the button on the receiver of the
device you want to set up. After step 4, you
have approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5. Press the programmed memory button 1
of the integrated universal remote control
three times.
The corresponding memory button 1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
If you have questions, please contact your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.<
Deleting stored programs
Press both outer buttons 1 for approx. 20 sec-
onds, maintaining pressure until the LED 2
starts to flash: all stored programs are deleted.
It is not possible to delete individual programs.
Cup holders
Do not place glass containers in the cup
holders; otherwise, there is a danger of
injury in the event of an accident.<
Front
Depending on your optional equipment, the
center console contains either one or two cup
holders.
Passenger side*
The cup holder for the front passenger is
located beneath the air vent.
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To open: briefly press the cover in the middle.
To close: press the cover in the middle and slide
the cup holder in.
Rear
A cup holder is located in the center armrest at
the rear:
Press the button to open.
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle. The lamp inside the glove com-
partment comes on.
Closing
Fold the cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent while the vehicle is being driven,
close the glove compartment immediately after
use.<
Locking
Use one of the master keys. A master key is also
required for unlocking.
If you only hand over the spare key, e.g.
for valet parking at a hotel, refer to
page 18, then the glove compartment cannot
be unlocked.<
Rechargeable flashlight
The flashlight is located on the left side of the
glove compartment. It can remain plugged in
continuously. Remove the flashlight from the
socket whenever you need it.
To avoid damage, be sure that the flash-
light is switched off when it is inserted
into its holder.<
Storage compartments
Armrest, front*
The armrest contains two storage compart-
ments.
> Compartment for CDs:
Press button 1.
> Compartment for coins and miscellaneous
items:
Press button 2.
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Armrest, rear
The rear armrest contains a storage compart-
ment:
To open, pull the cover upward.
Storage compartment in the
instrument panel*
Opening
Press the button in the direction of the arrow.
Closing
Fold the cover down.
Storage package*
Your convenience is enhanced by:
> Armrest, front
> Sliding lashing eyes in cargo area, refer to
page 73
> Floor cover in cargo area that can be used in
two positions, refer to page 72
> Nets in cargo area, on rear side of front seat,
and in passenger footwell
Clothes hooks
When suspending clothing from the
hooks ensure that it will not obstruct the
driver's vision. Do not hang heavy objects on
the hooks. If you do so, they could endanger
passengers during braking or evasive maneu-
vers.<
Ashtray*
Emptying
Press the edge of the opened cover: the ashtray
moves up and can be removed.
On vehicles with the non-smoker's equipment
package, the insert is removed in the same way.
Lighter*
Press in the cigarette lighter 1.
The lighter can be removed as soon as it pops
out.
Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by
the knob only. Holding or touching it in
other areas could result in burns.
The cigarette lighter remains operational when
the ignition key has been removed. For this rea-
son, do not leave unsupervised children in the
vehicle.<
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Connecting electrical devices
You can use electrical devices such as flash-
lights, car vacuum cleaners, or the like with
power ratings of up to approx. 200 W at 12 V if
at least one of the following connection points
is provided. Avoid damage to the socket caused
by inserting plugs of the wrong shape or size.
Lighter socket
Remove cigarette lighter from its socket.
With the non-smoker's equipment package the
socket is covered with a removable cap.
Power socket in cargo area
Fold the cover upward.
Car phone preparation*
Hands-free system
In vehicles with car phone preparation
*
, the
hands-free microphone is located on the head-
liner near the interior lamp.
For more information on the car phone, refer to
the Owner's Manual for Telephone.
Ski bag*
The ski bag allows the safe and clean transport
of up to four pairs of standard skis or up to two
snowboards.
The ski bag allows you to stow skis up to a
length of up to 6.8 ft/2.1 m. When skis of 6.8 ft/
2.1 m in length are loaded, the ski bag will tend
to narrow, reducing its overall capacity.
Loading
1. Fold down the center armrest, pull off the
cover panel, press the button and disen-
gage the door.
2. Press the button again; the door in the
cargo area opens. If you press the button
firmly the first time, this also opens the door
in the cargo area.
3. Place the ski bag between the front seats
and load.
The zipper facilitates access to the stowed
items.
4. Insert the latch plate of the ski bag retaining
belt into the center safety belt buckle.
Make sure to load only clean skis into the ski
bag. Wrap sharp edges so that no damage
occurs.
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Securing load
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tension the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.
Always secure the ski bag in this way.
If you fail to do so, it can endanger occu-
pants during braking or evasive maneuvers.<
To store the ski bag, perform the above steps in
reverse order.
Inserting ski bag
The ski bag is located in the cargo area under
the floor cover.
1. Fold down the center armrest and pull off
the cover.
2. Remove the tray behind the cover with a
screwdriver by placing it against the indi-
cated location in the center of the tray.
3. Position the ski bag on the lower edge of the
opening, refer to arrow 1, then insert it, refer
to arrow 2.
Removing ski bag
Pull the handle forward and remove the ski bag
upward.
Do not position cargo at the opening. If
you do, it can endanger the passengers
during braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Cargo area
When loading, follow the instructions on
page 78.
Enlarging cargo area
The rear backrest is split. You can fold down
both seats individually to enlarge the cargo
area.
Reach into the opening and pull forward, refer
to arrow.
Before folding down the rear backrest,
remove the cover caps for the LATCH
child-restraint fixing system
*
. Otherwise,
impressions can be left in the seat cushion.<
When you fold back the backrest, be sure
that the catch engages securely. This
causes the red warning field in the recess to dis-
appear. Otherwise, cargo can be thrown into
the passenger compartment during braking or
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71
evasive maneuvers, thus endangering the pas-
sengers.<
To ensure that the safety belts continue
to provide optimal protection, please fol-
low the instructions on page 26.<
Ski bag*
To create a flat cargo surface, you can remove
the ski bag and replace it with a tray before
folding the rear backrest forward. The tray is
inserted in the same way as inserting the ski
bag, refer to Inserting ski bag. 70
Cargo area cover
Pull the cargo area cover out by the handle and
hook it into the rear holders.
You can carry light objects such as articles of
clothing on the cargo area cover.
Never place heavy, hard objects on the
cover. If you do so, they could endanger
passengers during braking or evasive maneu-
vers.
Do not allow the cover to snap back into place;
this can damage it.<
Removal
1. Press the side buttons, refer to arrow 1.
2. Pull the case toward the rear, refer to
arrow 2.
Installation
Push the case forward into the two side holders
until it locks into place.
Stowing* when rear seat back is folded
down
Holders for the case are mounted on the backs
of the rear seat backs, refer to arrows 1.
Guide in the case from the right side until it
locks into place, refer to arrow 2. As you do this,
the cargo area cover must always point in the
direction of travel and the loop of the partition
net must point upward.
You can pull out the partition net and insert it
into the holders in the roof area above.
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Practical interior accessories
72
Partition net*
Do not allow the partition net to snap back
into place; otherwise, there is a danger of
injury and the partition net could be damaged.<
Hooking partition net into place
Pull the partition net out of the case by the
strap. Press the ends of the bar toward each
other, refer to arrows 1, and insert into the
brackets. Then press the bar all the way upward
in the middle, refer to arrow 2, so that it engages
in the brackets.
Lowering partition net
Grasp bar on one side on the partition net, press
upward and push the ends of the bar together,
then release from the brackets.
Behind side trim panel
Press the button to open.
Floor cover
Opening
For access to the jack etc.
To open, raise the cover by the handle, refer to
arrow.
If needed, you can remove or raise the floor
cover.
Raising
Swing up the floor cover and hook it onto the
handle of the cargo area cover by its catch.
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73
Lashing eyes, rail*
You can secure heavy-duty cargo straps to the
lashing eyes on the cargo area floor.
The lashing eyes are located in the cargo area
under the floor cover. They can be inserted into
the openings in the rails. To slide the lashing
eyes, press the button.
Read and follow instructions accompany-
ing the heavy-duty cargo straps.<
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Things to remember when driving
76
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts should be allowed to adjust to one
another. To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long service
life, we request that you observe the following
instructions.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
For the first 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and driving speeds, but
do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
in the process.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kick-down point.
After 1,200 miles/2000 km
Engine and road speed can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. For this reason, drive with extra care
during the initial 200 miles/300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum speed lim-
its.
When the vehicle is operated on wet or
slushy roads, a wedge of water may form
between the tire and the road surface. This phe-
nomenon is referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehi-
cle control and braking effectiveness. Reduce
your speed on wet roads.<
Brake system
Your vehicle must travel approx. 300 miles/
500 km before the brake pads and rotors
achieve the optimal pad-surface and wear
patterns required for trouble-free operation and
long service life later on.
To break in the separate handbrake drums,
apply the handbrake lightly when coasting to a
stop – at a traffic signal, for instance; use cau-
tion to avoid posing a danger to other road
users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure from
time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on 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 off – e.g., by towing – substan-
tially higher levels of pedal force will be required
to brake the vehicle.<
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following component replacements
Follow the break-in sequence again if compo-
nents addressed above must be replaced due
to subsequent driving.
General driving notes
Close the liftgate
Operate the vehicle only when the liftgate
is completely closed; otherwise, exhaust
fumes could enter the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
liftgate open:
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77
1. Close all windows and the panorama glass
sunroof.
2. Greatly increase the air supply of the air
conditioning system or automatic climate
control, refer to page 60 or 63.
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures occur in the exhaust
system of every vehicle. Do not remove
the heat shields installed adjacent to various
sections of the exhaust system, and never apply
undercoating to them. When driving, standing
at idle, and parking, take care to avoid possible
contact between the hot exhaust system and
any highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to
a fire, resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW does not recommend using mobile
communications devices, e.g. mobile
phones, on the interior of the vehicle without a
direct connection to an outside antenna. Other-
wise, the vehicle electronics and mobile com-
munications device can affect each other. In
addition, there is no assurance that the radia-
tion which results during transmission will be
dissipated from the vehicle interior.<
Interior and exterior mirror,
automatically dimming*
Two photocells are used to control the auto-
matically dimming interior and exterior mirrors.
One is integrated into the mirror glass, the other
is located on the back of the mirror.
For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells
clean and do not cover the area between the
interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do
not attach any kind of sticker to the windshield
in front of the mirror, either.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page 30;
otherwise, they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
Deactivate the rain sensor; otherwise, damage
could result from undesired wiper activation,
refer to page 40.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between tires and
road surface, ultimately undermining your abil-
ity to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The danger of hydroplaning increases as tire
tread depth decreases, also refer to Minimum
tread depth on page 89.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 20 in/50 cm, and then only
at walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical system, and the transmis-
sion may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes
by slipping or riding the clutch, use the
handbrake instead. Otherwise, greater clutch
wear will result.<
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Things to remember when driving
78
Safe braking
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard
equipment. In situations in which it is required, it
is best to apply the brakes fully. Since the vehi-
cle maintains steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Wet roads
On wet roads or in heavy rain, briefly apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few miles.
Watch traffic conditions to ensure that this
maneuver does not endanger other road users.
The heat that is generated by the brake applica-
tions helps to dry the brake pads and rotors.
The full braking force will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and reduced effi-
ciency of the brake system, drive long or
steep downhill grades in the gear in which the
least braking is required. Otherwise, even light
but continuous pressure on the brake can lead
to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
The braking action of the engine can be further
intensified by downshifting, all the way down to
first gear if need be. This strategy helps you
avoid placing excessive loads on the brake sys-
tem. Downshifting in manual mode of automatic
transmission, refer to page 39. When descend-
ing hills slowly, use HDC Hill Descent Control,
refer to page 49.
Never drive with the clutch depressed,
with the transmission in neutral, or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, you will
have neither the braking action of the engine or
nor its power assistance to the brakes or steer-
ing.
Never allow floor mats, carpeting, or other arti-
cles to protrude into the area around the brake
or accelerator pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications 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
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Determining load limit
1. Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*
:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg. Otherwise, the vehicle
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
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79
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
990 lbs. and there will be five 150-lb. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
240 lbs.:
990 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 240 lbs.
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded into and/or onto the
vehicle. This combined weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permitted load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage
can be transported.
Stowing cargo
> To protect passengers, use the partition
net, refer to page 72.
> Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
rear seat backrests.
> Cover sharp edges and corners.
> Do not stack cargo higher than the upper
edge of the backrests.
> Items that could bump against the rear win-
dow while driving must be adequately cov-
ered.
> For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
> Use the luggage net
*
or draw straps to hold
down small and lightweight luggage and
cargo, refer to page 73.
> For larger and heavier pieces, heavy-duty
cargo straps
*
are available from your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. These
heavy-duty cargo straps are attached using
the lashing eyes in the cargo area, refer to
page 73.
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Things to remember when driving
80
Please read the information provided with
the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure cargo as
described above. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Use only the lashing eyes, refer to page 73, to
fasten the heavy-duty cargo straps; otherwise,
the heavy-duty cargo straps could loosen or the
vehicle could be damaged.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page 116, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard and may also place you in viola-
tion of road safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could be thrown about and pose a
safety hazard to the vehicle's occupants during
abrupt braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an optional
accessory for your BMW. Please observe the
information contained in the installation instruc-
tions.
Loading 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.
These specifications can be found under
Weights on page 116.
Make sure that the load is evenly distributed,
and that it does not extend outward beyond the
limits of the loading surface. Always stow the
heaviest pieces at the bottom. Be sure that ade-
quate clearance is maintained for raising the
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
while you drive.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Driving on poor roads
Your X3 is at home on all paved and unpaved
roads. It combines all-wheel drive 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 and that of your passengers,
as well as to protect the vehicle:
> Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
you begin driving. Do not take risks with the
vehicle under any circumstances.
> Always adapt the driving speed to the road
conditions. The more steep and uneven the
roadway 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 wish to drive on uphill and
downhill grades of this nature, make sure
beforehand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the MAX mark, refer to
pages 94 and 95.
> When descending very steep hills, use
HDC Hill Descent Control, refer to page 49.
It is possible to start off on inclines of up
to 32%.
The permitted side tilt is 32%.
> While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
> Avoid having the body make contact with
the ground, e.g. on the crests of hills and
bumpy roads. The ground clearance of the
vehicle is a maximum of approx. 8.0 in/
20 cm. Please be aware that the ground
clearance can vary depending on the load
and operating conditions of the vehicle.
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81
> Do not drive in water that is deeper than
20 in/50 cm. If you must drive through water
up to that depth, drive at a walking speed
and do not stop.
After leaving the water, press on the foot-
brake gently several times while driving at a
low speed. The brake applications will help
to dry the brakes, thus preventing a reduc-
tion in braking performance caused by the
moisture.
For cleaning the handbrake, apply the lever
slightly at approx. 25 mph/40 km/h and con-
tinue to drive for approx. 200 yards/
200 meters, provided that traffic conditions
allow you to do so.
Please bear the following points in mind after
driving on poor roads, in order to preserve the
road safety of your BMW:
> Clean the heavy dirt from the body.
> Clean mud, snow, ice and other materials
from the wheels and tires. Check the tires
for damage.
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Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 213 - © 02/06 BMW AG
Refueling
84
Refueling
Fuel cap
Opening
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling. Otherwise, no fuel can be dis-
pensed into the tank and the Service Engine
Soon lamp lights up.<
1. Open fuel filler door. To do so, briefly press
it at the rear edge.
2. Turn fuel filler cap counterclockwise.
3. Put the fuel filler cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler door.
Closing
Replace the cap and turn it clockwise until you
hear a clearly audible click.
Be careful not to crush the cap leash between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
The warning lamp
*
lights up.
The fuel cap is not properly closed or is
missing. Check whether the fuel cap is
properly closed.
Manually releasing fuel filler door
In the event of an electrical malfunction in the
system, you can release the fuel filler door man-
ually:
1. Open the cover flap in the cargo area on the
right-hand side panel, refer to page 72.
2. Pull the green button. The fuel filler flap is
released.
Always observe all applicable precautions
and regulations when handling fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehi-
cle. Whether empty or full, these containers can
leak, cause an explosion, and lead to fire in the
event of a collision.<
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, comply with all
applicable safety precautions posted at
the service station.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler
nozzle while filling the tank; otherwise, this can
result in:
> premature pump shutoff
> reduced efficiency in the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 17.7 gallons/67 liters, including the
reserve capacity of approx. 2 gallons/8 liters.
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85
Never attempt to continue driving until
the tank is completely empty; this can
negatively affect engine function and can dam-
age the vehicle.<
Fuel specifications
Never use leaded gasoline. Otherwise,
you will cause permanent damage to your
catalytic converter.<
Required fuel
Super Premium Gasoline/AKI 91
This gasoline is highly recommended.
However, you may also use gasoline with a
lower AKI rating. The minimum AKI rating is 87.
If you use gasoline with this minimum AKI rat-
ing, the engine may produce knocking sounds
when starting at high outside temperatures.
This has no effect on the engine life.
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10% ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2,8% oxygen by weight,
that is, 15% MTBE or 3% methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
stalling, starting and drivability problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems that
you suspect could be related to the fuel you are
using, we recommend that you respond by
switching to a recognized high-quality brand
such as gasoline that is advertised as Top Tier
Detergent Gasoline.
Failure to comply with these recommendations
may also result in unscheduled maintenance.<
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Wheels and tires
86
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
The condition of the tires and the maintenance
of the specified tire pressure are crucial not only
to the tire's service life, but also to driving com-
fort and most importantly, driving safety.
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the tires
are cold. This means after a maximum of
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are
warm, the tire inflation pressure increases.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it as needed, even on the
compact wheel: at least twice a month and
before starting long trips. If you fail to observe
this precaution, you may be driving on tires with
incorrect tire pressures, a condition that can not
only compromise your vehicle's driving stability,
but also lead to tire damage and the risk of an
accident.
Do not drive with deflated, i.e. flat tires. A flat tire
will seriously impair your vehicle's handling and
braking response. Attempts to drive on a flat tire
can lead to loss of control over the vehicle.<
After correcting the tire inflation pressure,
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor
*
or reset
the Tire Pressure Monitor
*
, refer to pages 51,
52.<
Pressure specifications
The table on the next page provides all the cor-
rect inflation pressures for the specified tire
sizes at ambient temperature.
The inflation pressures in the table apply
to BMW-approved tire sizes and recom-
mended tire brands. Your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center will be glad to supply this infor-
mation.<
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressure for your tires, please note the fol-
lowing:
> Tire size for your vehicle
> Load status
> Maximum permissible driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for speeds
up to 100 mph/160 km/h
For normal driving at speeds of up to 100 mph/
160 km/h and to achieve an optimal driving
comfort, take note of the tire inflation pressures
listed on the following page in the column for
speeds up to max. 100 mph/160 km/h and
adjust your tire pressure as needed.
These tire inflation pressures are also listed on
the door pillar and can be seen with the driver's
door open.
The maximum permissible speed for
these tire inflation pressures is 100 mph/
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; failure to
heed this limit can lead to tire damage and acci-
dents.<
Tire inflation pressures for speeds
above 100 mph/160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds
above 100 mph/160 km/h, take note of
the tire inflation pressures listed in the column
for speeds above 100 mph/160 km/h in the
table on the following page and adjust your tire
pressure as needed. Failure to due so can lead
to tire damage and accidents.<
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87
Observe all national and local maximum speed
limits; failure to do so could put you in violation
of the law.
X3 2.5i/3.0i
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Traveling speeds
of up to max.
100 mph/160 km/h
Traveling speeds
including those above
100 mph/160 km/h
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
235/55 R 17 99 H M+S 29/200 32/220 29/200 32/220 32/220 38/260
215/60 R 17 96 H M+S
235/50 R 18 97 H M+S
32/220 35/240 32/220 35/240 35/240 41/280
Front: 235/50 R 18 97 V
Rear: 255/45 R 18 99 V
32/220
–
–
32/220
32/220
–
–
32/220
35/240
–
–
38/260
Front: 235/45 R 19 95 W
Rear: 255/40 R 19 96W
32/220
–
–
35/240
32/220
–
–
35/240
35/240
–
–
41/280
Compact wheel:
T 135/90 R 17 104 M
61/420 61/420 61/420 61/420 61/420 61/420
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 116
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Wheels and tires
88
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
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
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on
the sidewall:
DOT ... 0506 indicates that a tire was manufac-
tured in week 5 of the year 2006.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width.
For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1γ) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may devi-
ate significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits and service practices as well as
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
These grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
e.g. 235/50 R 18 97 V
Nominal width in mm
Cross-sectional
relationship in Ξ
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
not for ZR tires
Speed rating,
before R on ZR tires
e.g. DOT xxxx xxx 0506
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire age
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Temperature
The temperature grades are A, B, and C, A
being highest, and represent the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corre-
sponds to a level of performance that all pas-
senger 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.
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 sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not fall below 0.12 in/
3 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/3 mm,
there is an increased risk of high-speed hydro-
planing, even when only small amounts of water
are present on the road surface.
Winter tires display a noticeable loss in their
ability to cope with cold-weather driving condi-
tions once the tread wears to below 0.16 in/
4 mm. To ensure continued safety you should
always have such tires replaced.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread
has worn down to the wear indicators, then the
legally permissible tread depth limit of 0.063 in/
1.6 mm has been reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires, make
wheels, tires and suspension 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 exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires checked
immediately. Drive carefully to the nearest
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or tire spe-
cialist. Have the vehicle towed to one of these
locations if necessary.
Tire damage can pose a potentially lethal safety
hazard for the vehicle's occupants and other
road users alike.<
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center or a tire shop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
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Wheels and tires
90
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of
retreaded tires; otherwise, driving safety
may be reduced. The causes for this include the
possibly different tire casing structures and the
often wide variations in their age, which can
result in a limited service life.<
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 factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact and with it, the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for the correct wheel-and-tire combina-
tion.
The correct wheel-and-tire combination affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC or xDrive.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. After a flat
tire, always have the original wheel-and-tire
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon
as possible.
Wheels equipped with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When installing new tires or when changing
from summer tires to winter tires or vice versa,
only use wheels equipped with TPM electron-
ics; otherwise, the Tire Pressure Monitor can-
not detect a flat tire, refer to page 52. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be
happy to advise you in this regard.
Recommended tire brands
BMW recommends particular tire brands for
each tire size. You will recognize them by the
clearly visible BMW identification on the tire
sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling characteris-
tics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires do provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.<
Storage
Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry place, pro-
tecting them from light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires from contact with oil, grease and
fuel. Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
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Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains are tested,
classified as road-safe, and recommended by
BMW. You can obtain a list of these from your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center. It is only
permissible to use them in pairs and on the rear
wheels.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions when
installing snow chains.
Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h with snow chains mounted.
It is not permissible to use snow chains on the
following tire sizes:
> 255/45 R 18
> 255/40 R 19
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
*
with snow chains installed; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When you are driving with snow chains, it can
be beneficial to switch off DSC briefly, refer to
page 49.<
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Under the hood
92
Under the hood
Never attempt to perform any service or
repair operations on your vehicle without
the required professional technical training. If
you are not familiar with the regulations to be
observed, have work on your vehicle carried out
only by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Cen-
ter or at a workshop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with appropriately
trained personnel. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards.<
Hood
Unlocking
Pull the lever located under the left side of the
instrument cluster.
Opening
To avoid causing damage, make sure that
wiper arms are resting against the wind-
shield before opening the hood.<
Press the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Close the hood with force by allowing it to fall
from a height of approx. 1 ft/30 cm. It must
engage audibly.
Avoid injuries by making sure that the
hood's closing region is clear and unob-
structed.
If you see any signs that the hood is not com-
pletely closed while driving your vehicle, you
should stop at once and close it securely.<
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Important components in the
engine compartment
1 Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp
and windshield washer system 41
2 Body ground: negative terminal 108
3 Jump starting terminal 108
4 Engine oil filler neck 94
5 Reservoir for brake fluid 96
6 Dipstick for engine oil 94
7 Coolant expansion tank 95
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Under the hood
94
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving
style and operating conditions.
Warning lamp
Engine oil pressure
The warning lamp lights up red:
The engine oil pressure is too low.
Stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level
and top off as needed. If the oil level is correct:
have the system checked immediately.
Do not continue driving. The engine could
be damaged because of inadequate lubri-
cation.<
Engine oil level
The warning lamp lights up yellow dur-
ing driving. In addition, an acoustic sig-
nal sounds.
The oil level is at the absolute minimum. Add
engine oil as soon as possible. Until then, do not
drive more than approx. 30 miles/50 km.
The warning lamp lights up yellow after
the engine is switched off. In addition,
an acoustic signal sounds.
Top off engine oil at the earliest opportunity,
e.g. when refueling.
Engine oil sensor
The warning lamp lights up yellow
within 30 seconds after starting the
engine:
The oil level sensor is defective. Have it
checked as soon as possible.
Checking oil level
1. With the engine at operating temperature,
i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km of uninter-
rupted driving, park the vehicle in a horizon-
tal position.
2. Switch off engine.
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick out
and wipe it off with a clean lint-free cloth,
paper towel, or similar material.
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil should extend to between the two
marks on the dipstick.
5. Push the oil dipstick into the dipstick tube
as far as possible again.
The oil quantity between the two marks of the
dipstick is approx. 1.1 US quarts/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil can damage the
engine.<
Adding engine oil
Do not add oil until the oil level has dropped to
just above the lower marking on the dipstick,
refer to page 94.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, engine damage could result.<
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach of chil-
dren and heed warnings on the contain-
ers. Otherwise, you could endanger your
health.<
Oil change
Have the oil changed only by your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that
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works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil in between oil
changes. Only use oils with the API SH specifi-
cation or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for more details concerning BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil or other
approved synthetic oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
BMW engines are designed to operate
without additives, and their use could
even lead to damage in some cases.<
Viscosity classes
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class depends
on the climate conditions in the area where you
typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving in all ambient
temperatures.
Coolant
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up: coolant
level is too low; top off at the next
opportunity.
Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause
burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard.<
Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-
posing of used coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1. The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2. Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
3. The coolant level is correct if the upper end
of the red float bar is at least at the same
height as the top edge of the filler neck,
refer to arrow. The bar end may only pro-
trude by a maximum of ι in/2 cm, i.e. up to
the second mark on the float bar, refer also
to drawing beside the filler neck.
4. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5. Screw on the cap and tighten snugly.
6. Have the reason for the coolant loss cor-
rected as soon as possible.
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Under the hood
96
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up red despite
the handbrake being released. Stop
immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.
During continued driving, increased brake
pedal travel may be necessary, and con-
siderably longer braking distances may result.
Please adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up.
The brake pads have reached their min-
imum pad thickness. Have brake pads
replaced immediately.
For your own safety, use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for your particu-
lar vehicle model. As BMW cannot assess the
suitability of other brake pads for use in your
vehicle, we are unable to assume continued
responsibility for the vehicle's operating safety
if non-approved pads are installed.<
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Maintenance
The BMW maintenance
system
The BMW maintenance system supports the
preservation of the road and operating safety of
your BMW.
Regular maintenance is not only required for
the safety of the vehicle, it also improves the
resale value.
Service Interval Display
The BMW maintenance system takes the driv-
ing conditions of the vehicle into account when
determining service intervals:
From the maintenance standpoint,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in
short-distance urban driving are not the equiva-
lent of the same distance covered at moderate
speeds in long-distance highway travel.
The BMW maintenance system is divided into
engine oil service and Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals accord-
ing to the actual loads on the vehicle covers
practically every kind of operating situation.
However, even those who drive only short dis-
tances, significantly less than 6,200 miles/
10,000 km annually, should have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over the
course of time. To ensure that the brake system
continues to provide safe and reliable perfor-
mance, remember to have the brake fluid
changed at least every two years by a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center, also refer to the
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for
US models or the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics
The chief components that make up the emis-
sions content can be checked by a device that
uses the OBD socket.
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98
This socket is located under a cover on the left
side of the driver's footwell, just under the dash-
board.
Emissions values
The warning lamp lights up. Exhaust
values are deteriorating. Have the vehi-
cle checked as soon as possible.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will flash.
This indicates a serious rate 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 even for only a short period of
time can seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic converter.
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can detect
the vapor leak and the indicator lamp will light
up. If the filler cap is subsequently tightened,
the indicator lamp should go out within a few
days.<
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or more
sensing and diagnostic modules or a recording
device capable of recording or transmitting cer-
tain vehicle data or information. In addition, if
you have a Subscription Service Agreement for
the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle infor-
mation may be transmitted or recorded in order
to provide such services.
Care
You can find useful information on caring for
your BMW in the Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.
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Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in a compart-
ment on the left in the cargo area.
Wiper blades
Replacing front wiper blades
1. Move the wiper into the fold-out position,
refer to page 40.
2. Lift the wiper arm and press the securing
spring, refer to arrow.
3. Pull the wiper blade off toward the wiper
arm.
4. Insert the new blade and snap it into place.
To prevent damage to the wipers, always
fold them back down onto the windshield
before you turn the ignition key to position 1
or 2 or open the hood.<
Replacing rear wiper blade
1. Lift the wiper arm.
2. Pull off the wiper blade, refer to arrow.
3. Insert a new wiper blade.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make a significant contribu-
tion to road safety. Therefore, comply fully with
the following instructions during bulb replace-
ment. If you are not familiar with the specified
procedures or they are not described here,
BMW recommends having this work carried out
at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use
a clean cloth, paper towel, or the like or grasp
bulb by its base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
In all work on the electrical system, switch
off the relevant component to prevent
short circuits. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, follow any
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
When maintaining the headlamps, please follow
the instructions in the separate Caring for your
vehicle brochure.
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Please have your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center work on lamps whose
replacement is not described here.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These
light-emitting diodes are related to ordinary
lasers.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for several
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and
the probability of failure is very low, provided
that they are not switched on and off an unusual
number of times. If one of these bulbs should
nevertheless fail, it is possible to continue driv-
ing with great caution using the fog lamps, pro-
vided traffic laws in your area do not prohibit
this.
To avoid risk of potentially fatal injuries
due to the extremely high voltages at
which these units operate, service work should
always be entrusted to qualified personnel.<
Parking and roadside parking lamps
In case of a malfunction, please contact your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Halogen low beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
Always wear gloves and eye protection –
the atmosphere within the bulb is pres-
surized. Failure to observe this precaution can
lead to personal injury should the bulb be dam-
aged.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.<
Driver's side
1. Position the screwdriver from the onboard
tool kit and pull off the lamp cover.
Exercise caution when handling the
screwdriver; otherwise, personal
injury can occur or the vehicle can be dam-
aged.<
2. Press the bulb holder downward and
remove.
3. Remove the bulb, install a new bulb.
4. Place the bulb holder with the lower edge
against the bracket and press it in until the
lamp base locks into place.
Front passenger side
Before replacing the bulb, remove the reservoir
for the windshield washing system from the
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bracket. To do so, loosen the bolt, refer to
arrow, and place the reservoir to one side.
Bear in mind that the windshield washing
system reservoir is heavy. If you do not,
injuries or damage to the vehicle can occur.<
For bulb replacement procedure, refer to
Driver's side.
Halogen high beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
Always wear gloves and eye protection –
the atmosphere within the bulb is pres-
surized. Failure to observe this precaution can
lead to personal injury should the bulb be dam-
aged.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.<
Driver's side
1. Open the clip and remove the lamp cover.
2. Press the bulb holder downward and
remove, refer to Low beams.
3. Pull off the lamp base; plug in a new lamp
base.
4. Place the lamp base with the lower edge
against the bracket and press it in until the
lamp base locks into place.
Make sure that the cover does not fall into
the engine compartment; otherwise, the
vehicle can be damaged or other road users can
be endangered.<
Front passenger side
Before replacing the bulb, remove the reservoir
of the windshield washer system from the
bracket, refer to Halogen low beams on
page 100.
For bulb replacement procedure, refer to
Driver's side.
Turn signal, front
21 watt bulb
Access to the turn signal is at the edge of the
lamp unit, refer to arrow.
Make sure that the lamp base does not fall
into the engine compartment; otherwise,
the vehicle can be damaged or other road users
can be endangered.<
1. Turn the lamp base and remove it.
2. Replace the bulb.
3. Insert the lamp base. If it does not snap into
place immediately, turn the lamp base until
it does.
Side-mounted turn signals
5 Watt bulb
1. Use finger pressure against the rear end of
the lamp, refer to arrow, to press it forward
for removal.
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Replacing components
102
2. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left and pull it out.
3. Install in the reverse order.
Front fog lamps
H11 bulb, 55 watts
Always wear gloves and eye protection –
the atmosphere within the bulb is pres-
surized. Failure to observe this precaution can
lead to personal injury should the bulb be dam-
aged.<
1. Pull the cover in front of the fog lamp for-
ward.
2. Loosen the screws, refer to arrow, and pull
out the headlamp.
3. Turn the lamp base at the back of the head-
lamp to the left and remove it.
4. Replace the bulb.
Tail lamps
21 watt bulb
1 Turn signal
2 Backup lamp
3 Tail lamp/brake lamp
4 Tail lamp/brake lamp
*
Replacing tail lamps
1. Open the flap in the side panel, refer to
page 72.
2. To release the plug connection of the cable,
press the spring, refer to arrow 1.
3. Lift the side panel somewhat.
4. To remove the back panel of the lamp,
release the retainer, refer to arrow 2.
5. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb fitting
while turning it to the left for removal and
replacement.
6. Install in the reverse order.
Lamps in the liftgate
In case of a malfunction, please contact your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
License plate lamps
10 watt bulb
1. Press the lamp out to the side with a screw-
driver.
2. Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
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Liftgate lamp
5 Watt bulb
1. Take out the bulb holder.
2. Replace the bulb.
Wheel changes
Safety precautions to observe in the
event of a flat tire and during all tire
changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from passing
traffic. Park on a firm, flat, surface. Switch on the
hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel with the wheels point-
ing straight ahead. Engage the handbrake and
shift into first gear or reverse, or move the
selector lever to position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle
and well away from your immediate working
area, behind a guardrail, for instance.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard warning
lamp is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tile, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is
supported by the jack.<
What you will need
Open liftgate and raise or remove floor cover,
refer to page 72.
1 Vehicle jack
2 Lug wrench
3 Chocks, folding
In order to avoid rattling noises later, note the
position of the tools when you remove them and
return them to their original position when you
are through using them.
Compact wheel
The compact wheel is located under the cargo
area on the undercarriage of the vehicle.
Removing compact wheel
1. Unscrew bolt, refer to arrow 1.
2. Fold up lifting handle, refer to arrow 2.
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104
3. Turn the handle to the left as far as possible,
refer to arrow 3.
Turning the handle releases the com-
pact wheel. Its weight of approx.
18 lbs./8 kg is then entirely supported by
the handle.<
4. Slowly lower the handle as far as possible,
refer to arrow 4.
5. Pull the compact wheel to the rear so that it
is still securely resting in its compact wheel
receptacle.
6. If need be, turn the wheel in the compact
wheel receptacle so that the attachment of
the retaining strap to the rim points toward
the rear.
7. Rotate the clamp by 180°, refer to arrows 1,
and unhook the retaining strap from the
clamp, refer to arrow 2.
8. Take out the compact wheel toward the
back.
9. Fasten the retaining strap to the compact
wheel receptacle and resecure the compact
wheel receptacle by reversing the above
steps.
The width of the defective wheel prevents
it from fitting into the compact wheel
receptacle in place of the compact wheel
itself.<
Inserting compact wheel
The compact wheel is reinserted in the reverse
sequence of its removal.
When attaching the retaining strap to the
compact wheel, make sure the belt is
threaded through 2 rim openings, with one
unoccupied hole between them; otherwise, the
compact wheel could come loose in an acci-
dent.<
Preparing wheel change
1. Observe the safety precautions on
page 103.
2. Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling:
place the wheel chock behind the front
wheel on the side of the vehicle opposite
the side being raised. If the vehicle is parked
on a downward slope, place the wheel
chock securely in front of the tire. If the
wheel must be changed on a surface with
a more severe slope, take additional pre-
cautions to secure the vehicle from rolling.
3. Loosen the lug bolts by a γ turn.
Jacking up vehicle
1. Position the vehicle jack at the jacking point
closest to the wheel so that the entire sur-
face of the jack base perpendicularly con-
tacts the ground under the jacking point.
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not attempt
to raise another vehicle model with it or to
raise any load of any kind. To do so could
cause accidents and personal injury.<
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105
2. Guide the jack head into the rectangular
recess of the jacking point when cranking
up, refer to drawing inset.
3. Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised from the ground.
Mounting a wheel
1. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2. Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3. Position the new wheel or compact wheel.
Secure the wheel by screwing at least two
lug bolts into opposite bolt holes. When you
mount wheels other than Genuine BMW
light-alloy wheels, different lug bolts may
also be required.
4. Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
5. Lower the jack and remove it from beneath
the vehicle.
After mounting
1. Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
To ensure safety, always have the lug
bolts checked with a calibrated
torque wrench as soon as possible to
ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
fied torque. The tightening torque is
101lbft/140Nm.<
2. Stow the defective wheel in the cargo area.
3. Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems and valve stem
seal caps from dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
4. Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor
*
or reset
the Tire Pressure Monitor
*
, refer to
pages 51, 52.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
when driving with a compact wheel.<
5. Replace the damaged tire with a new one as
soon as possible and have the new wheel
balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Do not deacti-
vate DSC; otherwise, unstable driving condi-
tions may result.<
Mounting the compact wheel can change the
driving characteristics. For example, it can
reduce tracking stability during braking, extend
braking distances, and alter self-steering char-
acteristics in the limit range. With winter tires,
these characteristics are more pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. You should re-equip with
wheels and tires of the original size as quickly as
possible.<
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is 100% maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
will be happy to advise you on all questions con-
cerning the battery.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up. The battery
is no longer being charged. The alterna-
tor V-belt is defective or there is a mal-
function in the charge current circuit of the
alternator. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.
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Replacing components
106
Do not continue driving if the V-belt is
defective. The engine could be damaged
due to overheating.
Moreover, an increased amount of force is
required for steering if there is a sharp drop in
the onboard supply voltage.<
Charging battery
Charge the battery in the vehicle only when the
engine has been switched off. For connections,
refer to Jump starting on page 108.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of following
replacement at your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or bring them to a collection
point. Maintain the battery in an upright position
for transport and storage. Always secure the
battery to prevent it from tipping over during
transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power supply interruption,
some equipment is subject to limited use and
must be reinitialized. Individual settings are also
lost and must be updated again:
> Panorama glass sunroof
It may be only possible to raise the sunroof.
The system must be initialized, refer to
page 23.
> Power windows
The pinch protection system must be reini-
tialized, refer to page 22.
> Seat and mirror memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page 29.
> Time
Must be set again, refer to page 44.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse, and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, as
this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
Open the glove compartment and turn the two
quick-release fasteners to the left, refer to
arrows.
Spare fuses, plastic tweezers, and information
about fuse allocation are stored with the fuses.
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107
Giving and receiving assistance
Receiving assistance
The Roadside Assistance of the BMW Group
offers you assistance in the event of a break-
down around the clock, as well as on weekends
and public holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance control center in your home country can
be found in the BMW Dealer directory.
In the case of vehicles with the corresponding
equipment, you can use buttons in the head-
liner to contact Roadside Assistance or initiate
an emergency call.
When the emergency call is initiated, a tele-
phone connection is established to the BMW
Assist response center.
In vehicles with BMW Assist enabled, if the cur-
rent position of your vehicle can be determined,
it will be transmitted to the BMW Assist
response center.
The conditions for initiating an emergency call
or contacting Roadside Assistance:
> Ignition key in position 1 or higher
> The car phone is logged on to a mobile tele-
phone network
> The emergency call system is operable
Access to buttons*
To open the cover:
Briefly press the cover, refer to arrow.
1 Emergency call
2 Roadside Assistance
Initiating an emergency call*
Press button 1 for at least 2 seconds.
The LED above the button lights up. As soon as
a voice connection to the BMW Assist response
center has been established, the LED flashes. If
the LED flashes, but you are unable to hear the
emergency response center, you can still be
heard by the response center.
For technical reasons, the emergency call
cannot be guaranteed under the most
unfavorable conditions.<
Under certain conditions, an emergency call is
initiated automatically immediately after a
severe accident. The automatic emergency call
is not affected by the button being pressed.
Roadside Assistance*
Press button 2 for at least 2 seconds.
The LED above the button lights up. As soon as
a voice connection to Roadside Assistance has
been established, the LED flashes.
On a country-specific basis, with BMW Assist
enabled, the current position of your vehicle is
determined at the same time.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is stored behind the right
side panel in the cargo area.
To open the side trim panel: press the button.
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Giving and receiving assistance
108
First-aid kit*
Beneath the front passenger's seat.
To open: pull the handle and fold the cover
downward.
To close: fold the cover up.
Some of the articles in the first-aid kit may be
used within a limited time only. Check the expi-
ration dates of the contents regularly and
replace the contents in a timely fashion as
needed.
Jump starting
When your battery is discharged, you can use
two jumper cables to start the engine of your
BMW with power from the battery in another
vehicle. You can also use the same method to
help start another vehicle. Use only jumper
cables with fully-insulated clamp handles.
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury,
always avoid all contact with electrical
components while the engine is running. Care-
fully observe the following instructions to avoid
personal injury and/or damage to one or both
vehicles.<
Preparing
1. Check whether the battery of the other
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and
approximately the same capacitance in Ah.
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.
2. Switch off the engine of the vehicle provid-
ing assistance.
3. Switch off any electrical systems and com-
ponents in both vehicles.
Ensure that no contact exists between
the bodywork on the two vehicles; other-
wise, there is a danger of short circuits.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order; failure to do so could generate
sparks and cause injury.<
In your BMW, the so-called jump starting termi-
nal in the engine compartment functions as the
positive battery terminal, also refer to Engine
compartment overview on page 93. The sym-
bol + is embossed on the cover.
1. Open the cover of the BMW jump starting
terminal, refer to arrow 1.
2. Connect one terminal clamp of the posi-
tive/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or to a jump starting terminal
of the vehicle providing starting assistance.
3. Connect the second terminal clamp of the
positive/+ jumper cable to the positive ter-
minal of the battery or to a jump starting ter-
minal of the vehicle to be started.
Your BMW has a special nut that serves as the
body ground or negative terminal, refer to
arrow 2.
4. Connect one terminal clamp of the nega-
tive/– jumper cable to the negative terminal
of the battery or to an engine or body
ground of the vehicle providing assistance.
5. Connect the second terminal clamp of the
negative/– jumper cable to the negative ter-
minal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
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109
Starting engine
1. Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let it run at a slightly elevated idling speed
for a few minutes.
2. Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3. Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4. Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
If need be, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow starting and towing
Obey all applicable laws and guidelines
for tow starting and towing.<
Do not allow any passengers other than
the driver to ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page 99, and must
always remain in the vehicle. It can be screwed
in at the front or rear of the BMW.
Only use the tow fitting that comes with
the vehicle and screw it in as far as it will
go. Use the tow fitting only for towing on roads.
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do
not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise,
the tow fitting and the vehicle can be dam-
aged.<
Access to screw thread
Press out the cover in the front or rear bumper
at the notch at the bottom with a screwdriver.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1; otherwise, the steering lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine
switched off. It is therefore necessary to exert
increased effort for braking and steering.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Do not exceed a towing speed of
30 mph/50 km/h and a towing distance of
95 miles/150 km; otherwise, the drive train may
be damaged.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page 38.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes on public roads is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the specific country.
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With tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed; otherwise,
it will not be possible to safely control vehicle
response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please observe the following:
> Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be strictly limited in corners.
> When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar to the tow fittings
only. Otherwise, other vehicle parts could
be damaged.<
With tow-rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow-rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Secure the tow rope to the tow fittings only.
Otherwise, other vehicle parts could be dam-
aged.<
With tow truck
Do not tow the X3 with only the front or
rear axle raised; otherwise, the wheels
could lock and the transfer case could be dam-
aged.<
Have the X3 transported only on a flat bed.
To avoid damage, do not lift the vehicle
from the tow fitting or body and suspen-
sion parts.<
Tow starting
If possible, do not tow start the vehicle; jump
start the engine instead, refer to page 108.
Vehicles equipped with catalytic convertors
should only be tow started when the engine is
cold. It is not possible to tow start an engine
equipped with an automatic transmission.
1. Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2. Switch on ignition, refer to page 36.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch again.
5. Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent
Control during tow starting, refer to
page 49.<
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Technical data
114
Technical data
Engine specifications
X3 2.5i X3 3.0i
Displacement
Number of cylinders
cu in/cmµ 152.2/2,494
6
181.8/2,979
6
Maximum output
at engine speed
hp
rpm
184
6,000
225
5,900
Maximum torque
at engine speed
Ib ft/Nm
rpm
175/237
3,500
214/290
3,500
An engine performance test is authorized only on an appropriate chassis dynamometer.
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Technical data
116
Weights
Capacities
X3 2.5i X3 3.0i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
lbs./kg
lbs./kg
4,001/1,815
4,045/1,835
4,023/1,825
4,067/1,845
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
lbs./kg
lbs./kg
4,993/2,265
5,049/2,290
5,049/2,290
5,104/2,315
Payload
with manual transmission
with automatic transmission
lbs./kg
lbs./kg
992/450
1,003/455
1,025/465
1,036/470
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,425/1,100 2,425/1,100
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,756/1,250 2,778/1,260
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 71/2,011 71/2,011
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve
gal./liters
gal./liters
approx. 17.7/67
approx. 2/8
Fuel specification:
page 85
Windshield washer/
headlamp washer system
quarts/liters approx. 3.2/3.0
approx. 6.9/6.5
For details: page 41
Engine oil and filter change quarts/liters approx. 6.6/6.2 For details: page 94
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Everything from A to Z
118
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System 48
– indicator lamp 12
Accessories, refer to For your
own safety 6
Accident, refer to Receiving
assistance 107
Acknowledgment signal for
locking/unlocking
vehicle 19, 20
Activated-charcoal filter 64
Adaptive Head Light 57
Adding engine oil 94
Adjusting seats 27
– electrically 27
– mechanically 27
– mechanically Sports seat 28
Airbags 53
– deactivating front passenger
side 33, 54
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags 54
– sitting safely 26
– warning lamp 54
Air circulation, refer to Recir-
culated-air mode 60, 63
Air conditioner 59
Air distribution
– air conditioner 60
– automatic climate control 63
Airing, refer to
Ventilation 61, 64
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation 61, 64
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 86
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation 61, 64
Air volume 60
– adjusting manually 63
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications 85
Alarm system 24
– avoiding unintentional
alarms 25
All-season tires, refer to
Special characteristics of
winter tires 90
All wheel drive, refer to
xDrive 49
Anchorage points 73
Antifreeze
– coolant 95
– washer fluid 41
Antifreeze protection,
coolant 95
Antilock Brake System
ABS 48
– indicator lamp 12
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system 18, 24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights 116
Approved engine oils 95
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights 116
Armrest
– front 67
– rear 68
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray 68
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control 63
Automatic
– air distribution 63
– air volume 63
– recirculated-air control
AUC 63
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 62
Automatic cruise control 41
Automatic curb monitor 31
Automatic deactivation of
front passenger airbags 54
Automatic headlamp
control 56
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 38
– indicator lamp 39
– interlock 36
– selector lever interlock 38
– shiftlock 38
– towing 109
– tow starting 110
AUTO program 63
Average fuel consumption 46
– setting units 45
Average speed 46
– setting units 45
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 25
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 116
B
Backrest, refer to Seats 27
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support 28
Backup lamps
– bulb replacement 102
– refer to Tail lamps 102
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 108
Bar, towing 110
Battery 105
– disposal 106
– indicator lamp 12
– jump starting 108
– power failure 106
– remote control 18
– warning lamp 105
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Belts, refer to Safety belts 29
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders 66
Blower, refer to
– Air volume 60
– Air volume, adjusting
manually 63
BMW maintenance system 97
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders 66
Brake fluid 96
– level 96
– warning lamp 96
Brake force display 53
Brake lamps
– brake force display 53
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 12, 56
– replacing bulbs 102
Brake light, refer to Brake
lamps 102
Brake pads 96
– breaking-in 76
– warning lamp 96
Brake pedal, refer to Safe
braking 78
Brake rotors
– brake system 76
– breaking-in 76
Brakes 78, 96
– ABS 48, 78
– brake fluid 96
– brake pads 96
– breaking-in 76
– handbrake 37
– indicator/warning lamp 12
Brake system 96
– brake fluid 96
– brake pads 96
– breaking-in 76
– disk brakes 78
– warning lamp 96
Brake wear warning
– refer to Brake pads 96
– warning lamp 96
Breakdown service, refer to
Receiving assistance 107
Breaking-in 76
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 99
Buttons on steering wheel 13
C
California law
– Event Data Recorders 98
– Proposition 65 Warning 6
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders 66
Capacities 116
Capacity, cargo area 116
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing 79
Cargo area 21, 70
– capacity 116
– cover 71
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually 21
– enlarging 70
– floor cover 72
– folding rear seat backrest 70
– lashing eyes 73
– lid, refer to Liftgate 21
– opening from outside 21
– opening with remote
control 19
– power socket 69
Cargo loading 78
– load 79
– securing cargo 79
– stowing cargo 79
– vehicle 78
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for vehicle finish, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Car keys, refer to Key set 18
Car phone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car phone preparation 69
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Car wash 77
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Cellphone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system 18
– interior 20
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety 6
Changing a wheel 103
Changing gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 39
– manual transmission 38
Changing wheels 89
Charge-current indicator
lamp 12, 105
Charging battery 106
Check Gas Cap, warning
lamp 12, 84
Checking oil level 94
Child's seat, refer to Child
restraint systems 33
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH 34
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Child restraint systems 33
– installing 33
– with tether strap 34
Child-safety locks 35
Child seat security 33
Chock 103
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter 68
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 60, 63
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning rear window 41
Cleaning windows,
reservoir 41
Clock 44, 45
– 12 or 24 hour mode 45
– setting, also refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
– setting time 44
Closing
– from inside 20
– from outside 19
Clothes hooks 68
Clutch 76
– breaking-in 76
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine 36
Combination of wheel/tire 90
Compact wheel, wheel
changes 103
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments 67
Compartments in cargo area,
refer to Behind side trim
panel 72
Computer 45
– also refer to Owner's Manual
for Onboard Computer
– functions 45
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked 77
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices 69
Connecting electrical
devices 69
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption 46
Consumption indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge 43
Controls, refer to Cockpit 10
Convenience operation
– from outside 20
– panorama glass sunroof 20
– windows 20
Coolant 95
– level
95
– temperature gauge 44
– warning lamp 95
Cooling, refer to
Temperature 60, 63
Cruise control 41
– buttons on steering
wheel 13
– indicator lamp 42
Cruising range 46
Cup holders 66
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 116
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 114
D
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 58
Dashboard system, refer to
Cockpit 10
Data, technical 114
– dimensions 115
– engine 114
– filling capacities 116
– weights 116
Daytime running lamps 56
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 48
– warning lamp 50
Deactivating front passenger
airbags 33, 54
Defective lamp 56
Defects 7
Defrosting windows 60, 63
– air conditioner 60
– automatic climate control 63
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner 60
– automatic climate control 63
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 60, 63
Digital clock 44
Dimensions 115
Dimming mirror 77
Dipstick, engine oil 94
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals 39
Disk brakes 78
Displacement, refer to Engine
data 114
Display illumination, refer to
Instrument lighting 58
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 58
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 11
Disposal, vehicle battery 106
Disposal of the vehicle, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control 47
Door keys 18
Door lock 20
Doors
– locking and unlocking from
inside 20
– locking and unlocking from
outside 19
– manual operation 20
– unlocking and locking,
acknowledgment
signals 19,
20
DOT Quality Grades 88
Draft-free ventilation 61, 64
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 56
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Driving notes 76
Driving on poor roads 80
Driving stability control
systems 48
Driving through water 80
Driving tips, refer to Driving
instructions 76
Drying air, refer to Switching
cooling function on/
off 60, 63
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 48
– indicator lamp 48
DVD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Dynamic Brake Control, refer
to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 48
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
– warning lamp 50
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 48
– indicator lamp 48
E
Electrical malfunctions
– automatic transmission
malfunction 39
– door lock 20
– driver's door 20
– fuel filler door 84
– liftgate 21
– panorama glass sunroof 24
Electronic brake-force
distribution 48
Electronic Stability Program,
refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control 48
Emergency call 107
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– doors 20
– driver's door 20
– fuel filler door 84
– liftgate 21
– panorama glass sunroof 24
Emergency Service, refer to
Receiving assistance 107
Engine
– breaking-in 76
– data 114
– indicator lamps 36
– overheated, refer to Coolant
thermometer 44
– speed 43
– starting 36
– switching off 37
Engine compartment 93
Engine coolant 95
Engine coolant
temperature 44
Engine oil 94
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 95
– approved engine oils 95
– indicator/warning lamp 94
– required oil grades 95
Engine oil grades 95
Engine oil level 94
– indicator/warning lamp 94
Engine oil pressure 94
– indicator/warning lamp 94
Engine oil sensor 94
– indicator/warning lamp 94
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 114
Equipment range, refer to
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control 48
Exhaust system 77
Exterior mirrors 30
– automatically dimming 77
Eye, tow starting and
towing 109
F
Failure of electrical
accessories 106
False alarms, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms 25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts 29
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter 61
– Microfilter/activated
charcoal filter 64
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit 108
First-aid kit 108
Flat tire 103
– compact wheel 103
– Flat Tire Monitor 50
– refer to Tire inflation
pressure 86
– refer to Wheel changes 103
– Tire Pressure Monitor 52
Flat Tire Monitor 50
– indicator lamp 51
– initializing system 51
– snow chains 91
– system limits 51
– warning errors 51
Flooding, refer to Driving
through water 77
Floor cover 72
Fog lamps, indicator lamp 57
Folding rear seat back 70
Four wheel drive, refer to
xDrive 49
Front airbags 53
Front fog lamps 57
– replacing bulbs 102
Front passenger airbags,
automatic deactivation 54
Fuel 85
– average consumption 46
– capacity 116
– gauge 43
– quality 85
Fuel cap 84
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge 43
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122
Fuel filler door 84
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction 84
Fuel gauge 43
Fuel tank contents, refer to
Filling capacities 116
Full preparation package
mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Fuses 106
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 65
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption 46
– refer to Fuel quality 85
– refer to Fuel
specifications 85
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge 43
Gear indicator with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 38
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission 38
General driving notes 76
Glove compartment 67
Grills, refer to
Ventilation 61, 64
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights 116
Ground clearance 80
H
Halogen lamps 100
Handbrake 37
– indicator lamp 37
Hands-free microphone, refer
to Car phone preparation 69
Hazard warning flashers 10
HDC Hill Descent Control 49
Head airbags 53
Headlamp control,
automatic 56
Headlamp flasher 39
– indicator lamp 12
Headlamps 100
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs 99
Headlamp washer
reservoir 41
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities 116
Headlamp washer system
– headlamp washing 41
– washer fluid 41
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light 57
Head restraints 28
– installing, front 28
– removing, front 28
– sitting safely 26
Heated mirrors 31
Heated rear window
– air conditioner 60
– automatic climate control 64
Heated seats 29
Heated steering wheel 31
Heater
– rear window 60, 64
– windshield washer jets 41
Heating
– exterior mirror 31
– seats 29
– steering wheel 31
Heating and ventilation 59, 62
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo
loading 78
Height, refer to
Dimensions 115
Height adjustment
– seats 27
– steering wheel 31
High beams 57
– headlight flasher 57
– indicator lamp 12
– replacing bulbs 101
High Performance Synthetic
Oil 95
Hill-climbing ability, refer to
Driving on poor roads 80
Hill descent assistance, refer
to HDC Hill Descent
Control 49
Hill Descent Control HDC 49
Hills 78
Holder for beverages 66
Hood 92
Horn 10
Hotel function 18
Hot exhaust system 77
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 48
Hydroplaning 77
I
Icy conditions, refer to
Outside temperature
warning 45
Ignition 36
Ignition key 18
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock 36
Ignition lock 36
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags 54
– alarm system 25
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 39
– brakes 96
– coolant temperature 44
– DSC 48
– engine temperature 44
– Flat Tire Monitor 51
– fog lamps 57
– front passenger airbags 54
– overview 12
– reserve 43
– safety belt warning 30
– Tire Pressure Monitor 52
Indicator and warning
lamps 12
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 32
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 86
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Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor 50
– Tire Pressure Monitor 52
Initializing, refer to Power
supply interruption 22, 23
INSPECTION 44
Instrument cluster 11
Instrument lighting 58
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit 10
Integrated universal remote
control 65
Interior lamps 58
– remote control 19
Interior motion sensor 25
– switching off 19, 25
Interior rearview mirror 31
– automatic dimming
feature 77
Interlock 36
Intermittent mode of the
wipers 40
Interval indicator, Service 44
J
Jacking points 104
Jump starting 108
K
Key Memory 32
Keys 18
– key-specific settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 32
Kick-down 39
L
Labeling, tires 88
Lamps and bulbs 99
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo 79
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system 34
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 100
Length, refer to
Dimensions 115
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs 102
Liftgate 21
– closing 21
– emergency operation 21
– opening from outside 21
– opening manually 21
– remote control 19
Liftgate lamp, replacing
bulbs 103
Lifting handle, compact
wheel 103
Light-alloy wheels, care, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs 100
Lighter 68
Lighter socket 69
Lighting of instruments 58
Lights, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams 56
Lights on warning 56
Light switch 56
Load
– determining load limit 78
– refer to Cargo loading 78
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking 21
Locking
– from inside 20
– from outside 19
Low beams 56
– automatic 56
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 56
– replacing bulbs 100
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support 28
Lug bolts 104
– torque 105
Luggage compartment 21
– capacity 116
– cover, refer to Cargo area
cover 71
– floor cover 72
– increasing volume 70
– opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate 21
– opening from outside 21
– opening with remote
control 19
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo area 70
Luggage compartment cover,
refer to Cargo area cover 71
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually 21
– opening with remote control,
refer to Unlocking liftgate 19
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Liftgate 21
Luggage compartment net,
refer to Partition net 72
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 80
Lug wrench 103
Lumbar support 28
M
Maintenance 97
– refer to Service Interval
Display 44
Maintenance system 97
Malfunctions
– automatic transmission 39
– door lock 20
– fuel filler door 84
– liftgate 21
– panorama glass sunroof 24
Manual air distribution 60, 63
Manual operation
– door lock 20
– driver's door 20
– fuel filler door 84
– liftgate 21
– panorama glass sunroof 24
Manual transmission 38
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Master key 18
– with remote control 18
Maximum speed, with winter
tires 90
Mechanical seats 27
Memory, refer to
– Seat and mirror memory 29
– Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 32
Microfilter
– air conditioner 61
– automatic climate control 64
Microphone, refer to Car
phone preparation 69
Microphone for telephone 69
Mirrors 30
– automatic curb monitor 31
– mirror heating 31
– mirror memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 29
Mobile communications
devices in vehicle 77
Mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Monitoring tire pressure, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor 50
Monitoring tire pressure, refer
to Tire Pressure Monitor 52
Multi-function steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel 13
Multifunction switch
– turn signals/headlamp
flasher 39
– washer/wiper system 40
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 28
Nets 68
Nonsmoker's equipment
package 68, 69
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 61, 64
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
starting and towing 109
O
OBD socket 97
Octane rating, refer to Fuel
quality 85
Odometer 43
Oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 95
– approved engine oils 95
– capacity 116
– consumption, refer to
Checking engine oil level 94
– dipstick 94
– level 94
– refilling, refer to Adding
engine oil 94
Oil change interval, refer to
Service Interval Display 44
Oil grades 95
Oil level 94
– warning lamp 94
Oil pressure 94
– warning lamp 94
Oil sensor 94
– warning lamp 94
OILSERVICE 44
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal 106
Onboard Diagnostics OBD
interface socket 97
On-board monitor, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Onboard tool kit 99
Opening and closing
– from inside 20
– from outside 19
– using the door lock 20
– using the remote control 19
Output, refer to Engine
data 114
Outside air
– air conditioner 60
– automatic climate control 63
Outside temperature display
– changing unit of measure 45
– on computer 45
Overheating of engine, refer to
Coolant thermometer 44
P
Panic mode 19
Panorama glass sunroof 23
– automatic opening and
closing 23
– closing with electrical
malfunction 24
– comfort operation 20
– comfort position 23
– initializing 23
– power failure 23
– remote control 19
Parcel shelf, refer to Cargo
area cover 71
Park Distance Control PDC 47
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control 47
Parking assistant, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control 47
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake 37
Parking lamps 56
Parking lamps/low beams 56
Partition net 72
Parts and accessories, refer to
For your own safety 6
Passenger airbags, status 54
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function 31
Pathway lighting 56
PDC Park Distance Control 47
Pinch protection
system 22, 23
– panorama glass sunroof 23
– power windows 22
Plastic, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
– Microfilter 61
– Microfilter/activated
charcoal filter 64
Power failure
– battery 106
– panorama glass sunroof 23
– windows 22
Power seat adjustment 27
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Power socket in cargo area 69
Power windows 22
– initializing 22
– safety switch 22
Precious wood, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Pressure, tires 86
Pressure monitoring,
tires 50, 52
Programming settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 32
Puncture, Flat Tire Monitor 50
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant 95
Radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Radio-control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control 18
Radio navigation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Rain sensor 40
Range, setting units 45
Reading lamps
– front 58
– rear 58
Rear armrest, refer to Armrest,
rear 68
Rear backrests, folding 70
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps 102
Rear reflector, refer to Tail
lamps 102
Rear seat back, folding 70
Rearview mirrors, exterior 30
Rear window defroster
– air conditioner 60
– automatic climate control 64
Rear window safety switch 22
Rear window wiper 41
– wiper blade replacement 99
Rechargeable flashlight 67
Recirculated-air mode
– air conditioner 60
– automatic climate control 63
Refueling 84
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range 46
Remaining distance for
Service 44
Remote control 19
– garage-door opener 65
– liftgate 19
– malfunction 19
Removing condensation,
windows
– air conditioner 60
– automatic climate control 63
Replacement fuses 106
Replacement keys 18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 99
Replacing tires
– new wheels and tires 89
– wheel changes 103
Replacing windshield
wiper 99
Report an accident, refer to
Initiating an emergency
call 107
Reporting safety defects 7
Required oil grades, refer to
Approved engine oils 95
Reserve indicator lamp, refer
to Fuel gauge
43
Restraint systems
– for children 33
– refer to Safety belts 29
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 39
– manual transmission 38
Roadside Assistance, refer to
Receiving assistance 107
Roadside parking lamps 57
Roller cover for cargo area,
refer to Cargo area cover 71
Roll-up cover, refer to Cargo
area cover 71
Roof load capacity, refer to
Weights 116
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 80
Rope, refer to Tow starting
and towing 109
Rotating coin holder, refer to
Storage compartments 67
Run-flat indicator, refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor 50
S
Safety belts 29
– safe seating position 26
– warning lamp 30
Safety belt tensioners, refer to
Safety belts 29
Safety defects, reporting 7
Safety feature
– panorama glass sunroof 23
– window 22
Safety systems, refer to
– ABS Antilock Brake
System 48
– Airbags 53
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 48
– xDrive 49
Screw thread for tow
fitting 109
Seat heating 29
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 29
Seats
– adjusting electrically 27
– adjusting sports seat 28
– heating 29
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 29
– sitting safely 26
– storing the setting 29
Securing cargo, refer to Cargo
loading 78
Selector lever
– automatic transmission 38
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 38
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Selector lever interlock, refer
to Shiftlock 38
Selector-lever positions,
automatic transmission 38
Service, refer to Receiving
assistance 107
Service and warranty 7
Service Engine Soon 36, 98
Service Interval Display 44, 97
Setting interior
temperature 60, 63
Shifting gears with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 39
Shiftlock 38
Side airbags 53
Side tilt, permissible 80
Side turn signals, bulb
replacement 101
Signal horn, refer to Horn 10
Sitting safely 26
– with airbags 26
– with head restraint 26
– with safety belt 26
Ski bag 69
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 68
Snow chains 91
Socket, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket 69
Soft drink can holder, refer to
Cup holders 66
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency call 107
Spare fuses 106
Spare key 18
Spare wheel, refer to Compact
wheel 103
Speed
– with compact wheel 105
– with winter tires 90
Speedometer 11
– refer to Instrument
cluster 11
Split rear backrest, refer to
Enlarging cargo area 70
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic 39
Sports seat 28
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems 48
Starting, refer to Starting
engine 36
Starting difficulties
– at very low temperatures 37
– jump starting
108
Starting engine 36
Status of passenger
airbags 54
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing 5
Steering lock 36
Steering wheel 10, 13
– adjustment 31
– buttons on steering
wheel 13
– heater 31
– lock 36
Steering wheel with
buttons 13
Steptronic 38
Storage compartments 67
Storage package 68
Storage package nets 68
Storage space, refer to Cargo
area 70
Storing desired speed, refer to
Cruise control 41
Storing seat position, refer to
Seat and mirror memory 29
Storing tires 90
Straps, refer to Cargo
loading 78
Sunroof, refer to Panorama
glass sunroof 23
Supply reservoirs, washer
systems 41
Switches, refer to Cockpit 10
Switching cooling function on/
off 60, 63
Switching off engine 37
Symbols 4
T
Tachometer 43
Tail lamps 102
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb 56
– replacing bulbs 102
Tank capacity 116
Technical data 114
Technical modifications 6
Telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Temperature
– air conditioner 60
– automatic climate control 63
Temperature, tires 89
Temperature display
– outside temperature 45
– outside temperature
warning 45
– setting units 45
Temperature gauge 44
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant thermometer 44
Temperature warning 45
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 41
The individual vehicle 5
The right wheels and tires 90
Thigh support adjustment 28
Three point safety belts 29
Tightening torque of lug bolts,
refer to After mounting 105
Tilt alarm sensor
– remote control 19
– switching off 19, 25
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror 31
Tire inflation pressure
monitoring, refer to Tire
Pressure Monitor 52
Tire inflation pressures 86
– restoring 86
Tire Pressure Monitor 52
– malfunction warnings 52
– resetting system 52
– system limitations 52
– warning lamp 52
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Tire replacement 89
Tires
– age 88
– breaking-in 76
– changing 89
– changing, refer to Wheel
changes 103
– coding 88
– condition 89
– damage 89
– DOT Quality Grades 88
– flat 103
– inflation pressure 86
– inflation pressure table 87
– size, refer to The right
wheels and tires 90
– storage 90
– temperature 89
– traction 88
– tread 89
– tread wear 88
– Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 88
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth 89
– winter tires 90
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit 99
Torque
– engine 114
– lug bolts 105
Touch signaling 39
Tow bar 110
Tow fitting 109
Towing 109
– with automatic
transmission 109
Towing eye 109
Towing the vehicle 109
Tow rope 110
Tow sockets for tow
fitting 109
Tow starting 109
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor 52
Track width, refer to
Dimensions 115
Traction 88
Traction aid, refer to DSC 48
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control 48
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 38
– manual transmission 38
Transmission locking
mechanism, refer to
PPark38
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction 39
Transporting children
safely 33
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo 79
Traveling on poor roads 80
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tread depth 89
Tread wear 88
Tread wear indicator in tires,
refer to Minimum tread
depth 89
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer 43
Trip odometer 43
Trunk, refer to Cargo area 70
Trunk lid, refer to Liftgate 21
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 115
Turn signals 39
– indicator lamp 12
– replacing bulbs 101
– side, replacing bulbs 101
U
Units 45
– outside temperature 45
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote control 65
Universal remote control 65
Unlocking
– from inside 20
– from outside 19
– hood 92
Upholstery care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
V
Valve screw caps, refer to
After mounting 105
Vehicle
– battery 105
– breaking-in 76
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cargo loading 78
– dimensions 115
– disposal, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– locking from inside 20
– locking from outside 19
– parking 37
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weights 116
Vehicle battery 105
Vehicle jack 103
– jacking points 104
Vehicle Memory 32
Ventilation 61, 64
– draft-free 61, 64
Viscosity 95
Voice control, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 12
Warning triangle 107
Warranty, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models 97
Warranty and service 7
Washer fluid 41
Washer fluid reservoir,
capacity, refer to Filling
capacities 116
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Washer reservoir, refer to
Reservoir for washer fluid 41
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray 68
Weights 116
Wheel/tire combination 90
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions 115
Wheel bolt, wrench 103
Wheel changes, compact
wheel 103
Wheels and tires 90
Width, refer to
Dimensions 115
Windows 22
– convenience operation 20
– safety switch 22
Windshield
– cleaning 41
– defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows 60, 63
Windshield washer
reservoir 41
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities 116
Windshield washer system
– washer/wiper system 40
– washer fluid 41
Windshield wiper blade
replacement 99
Windshield wipers, refer to
Washer/wiper system 40
Winter tires 90
– changing 103
– condition 89
– storage 90
Wiper blade replacement 99
Wiper system 40
Working in the engine
compartment 92
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 99
X
xDrive 49
Xenon headlamp 100
– replacing bulbs 100
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 213 - © 02/06 BMW AG
Refueling
To ensure that you always have all the essential
data on hand when refueling, we recommend
that you fill in the following tables with the spec-
ifications and information that apply to your
vehicle. Consult the index for individual specifi-
cations.
Fuel
Engine oil
The oil quantity between the two marks on the
dipstick is approx. 1.1 US quarts/1 liter.
Tire inflation pressures
Designation
Please enter your preferred fuel here.
Quality
Summer tires
Front
Rear
Winter tires
Front
Rear
Up to 4 persons
5 persons or 4 plus luggage
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