BMW 2009 X3, Owner'S Manual

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Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an optional
accessory for your BMW. Please familiarize
yourself with the information contained in the
installation instructions.
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 weights when
loading the rack.
These specifications can be found under
Weights on page
130 .
The roof load must be evenly distributed and
must not extend outward beyond the limits of
the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the 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 BMW is at home on all paved and unpaved
roads. It combines all-wheel drive with the
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Do not drive off-road, as otherwise the
vehicle may be damaged.
<
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 your 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
103 and 105 .
>
When descending very steep hills, use
HDC Hill Descent Control, refer to page
52 .
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.
> 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.
To clean 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.
> Depending on the road condition, it can be
useful to temporarily activate DTC, refer to
DTC Dynamic Traction Control on page
52 .
> If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress
the accelerator pedal far enough to permit
the driving stability control systems to dis-
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