BMW X3 2.5i Owner'S Manual Download Page 4

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Contents

The fastest way to find specific topics is to use 
the index, refer to page

113

.

Using this Owner's Manual

4

Notes

At a glance

10

Cockpit 

Controls

16

Opening and closing

24

Adjustments

31

Transporting children safely 

34

Driving

42

Everything under control

46

Technology for comfort, convenience 
and safety

53

Lamps

56

A congenial climate

62

Practical interior accessories

Driving tips

72

Things to remember when driving

Mobility

80

Refueling 

82

Wheels and tires

88

Under the hood

93

Maintenance 

95

Replacing components

103

Giving and receiving assistance

Reference

110

Technical data 

113

Everything from A to Z

Summary of Contents for X3 2.5i

Page 1: ...The Ultimate Driving Machine Owner s Manual for Vehicle...

Page 2: ...cle operation that enables you to make full use of the technical benefits of your BMW You will also find information on maintenance that serves to retain the operating and road safety as well as the b...

Page 3: ...t Munich Germany Reprinting including excerpts only with the written consent of BMW AG Munich Order No 01 41 0 158 448 US English VIII 04 Printed in Germany Printed on environmentally friendly paper b...

Page 4: ...justments 31 Transporting children safely 34 Driving 42 Everything under control 46 Technology for comfort convenience and safety 53 Lamps 56 A congenial climate 62 Practical interior accessories Driv...

Page 5: ...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...

Page 6: ...pment 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 t...

Page 7: ...ur 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 b...

Page 8: ...at 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 BM...

Page 9: ......

Page 10: ...ches and displays is intended to familiarize you with your vehicle s operating environment The section will also assist you in becoming acquainted with the control concepts and options available for o...

Page 11: ...s low beams 53 2 Turn signals 38 Roadside parking lamps 54 High beams 54 Headlamp flasher 38 Computer 44 3 Fog lamps 54 4 Horn 5 Washer wiper system rain sensor 38 6 Hazard warning flashers 7 Central...

Page 12: ...2 Time 43 Service Interval 43 Computer 44 Indicator and warning lamps Technology that monitors itself The indicator and warning lamps identified by the are subjected to an operation check each time yo...

Page 13: ...from traffic conditions You may oper ate Selected audio source functions Recirculated air mode steering wheel heater Brake warning lamp for Canadian models Driving stability control systems ABS Antilo...

Page 14: ...briefly skip track Extended pressure fast forward reverse Phone Browse through list of names Volume On the sports steering wheel the buttons for volume are located on the left hand side of the steerin...

Page 15: ......

Page 16: ...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 de...

Page 17: ...enever the driver s door is closed The system engages or releases the locks on the doors tailgate fuel filler door The central locking system can be operated from the outside via the remote control vi...

Page 18: ...Switching off tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor Press the button again directly after locking For details refer to page 23 Switching on interior lamps Press the button if the vehicle is lo...

Page 19: ...win dows and the panorama glass sunroof from the driver s door lock To open With the door closed turn the key to the Unlock position and hold it there To close With the door closed turn the key to the...

Page 20: ...hat you will remain able to unlock the vehicle from the outside at all times Tailgate Opening from outside Press the button in the handle strip The tailgate is unlocked and opens somewhat During openi...

Page 21: ...ath 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 anti trapping mecha...

Page 22: ...essing 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 desired continue the motion follow in...

Page 23: ...s to unauthorized vehicle entry and attempted theft by simultaneously activating The acoustic alarm for approx 30 seconds The hazard warning flashers for approx 5 minutes The high beams which flash on...

Page 24: ...n 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 th...

Page 25: ...earing loss in extremely sensitive individuals For airbag locations and additional information on airbags refer to page 31 Safety belts Make sure the safety belts are worn in all occu pied seats every...

Page 26: ...on please observe the adjustment instructions above 1 Longitudinal direction Pull the lever and slide the seat into the desired position After you release the lever move the seat forward or backward s...

Page 27: ...ns on page 24 1 Tilt 2 Longitudinal direction 3 Height 4 Backrest Setting the head restraint manually refer to above paragraph Lumbar support You can also adjust the contours of the backrest to obtain...

Page 28: ...our vehicle programmed to automatically recall your own individual adjustment settings for the seat and exterior mirror position whenever you use your personal remote control to unlock the vehicle If...

Page 29: ...ks according to BMW repair procedures with cor respondingly trained personnel Have the belt anchorage points inspected for damage at the same time Failure to observe this precaution may prevent the sa...

Page 30: ...ure 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 fu...

Page 31: ...r from the description in the Owner s Manual Should you want to sell your BMW some day please remember to have the memory functions reset to the factory default settings Examples of Vehicle Memory fun...

Page 32: ...e interior rearview mirror must light up continuously Otherwise the front passenger airbags remain active and there is considerable risk of injury to children if the air bags are triggered even with a...

Page 33: ...reel the belt completely in Child restraint system with tether strap If you use a child restraint system with a tether strap three additional tether anchorage points have been provided refer to the ar...

Page 34: ...aps Remove the cover caps toward the front Press on to remount Before attachmentofthe LATCH child restraint fixing system remove the cover caps and pull the belt out of the region of the child restrai...

Page 35: ...ss 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 run...

Page 36: ...heating and damaging the cat alytic converter Manual transmission 1 Apply the handbrake 2 Shift into neutral 3 Press the clutch pedal If the clutch pedal is not pressed the engine cannot be started 4...

Page 37: ...ally engage the hand brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming to a stop at a traffic light if the traffic conditions are suitable Manual transmission When shifting into 5th or 6th gear make sur...

Page 38: ...t only when the vehicle is stationary N Neutral For example engage in automatic car washes The vehicle can roll D Drive automatic shift program This position is designed for driving under all normal o...

Page 39: ...lamps have not been left on Signaling briefly Press lever to resistance point and hold for as long as you wish to signal Washer wiper system rain sensor 0 Wipers retracted 1 Intermittent or rain sens...

Page 40: ...rain sensor Fast wipe The wipers operate at normal speed when the vehicle is not moving not on vehicles with rain sensor Cleaning windshield rear window and headlamps 0 Wipers retracted 1 Cleaning wi...

Page 41: ...trol 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 syst...

Page 42: ...ure 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 extend...

Page 43: ...upply is interrupted to protect the engine Fuel gage If the indicator lamp 1 starts to light up continu ously there are approx 2 gallons 8 liters of fuel in the tank Fuel tank capacity Approx 17 7 gal...

Page 44: ...riving 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 BM...

Page 45: ...prox 37 57 36 the computer switches auto matically to the outside temperature display In addition an acoustic signal sounds and the dis play flashes for a short time After an ice warning has been issu...

Page 46: ...lated 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 kilometers as otherwise engine functions...

Page 47: ...selector lever into position R Wait for this short time span before moving The system switches off when you shift out of reverse You can have a signal tone programmed into the system to verify that t...

Page 48: ...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 braki...

Page 49: ...luster 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 T...

Page 50: ...curs 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...

Page 51: ...lse alarms and undetected loss of pres sure may occur when you are driving with snow chains fitted When driving with a compact wheel the Flat Tire Monitor cannot operate Initializing system Perform th...

Page 52: ...h to have the airbags activated or deacti vated please contact your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center For information on the correct sitting position refer to page 24 Do not apply adhesive materials...

Page 53: ...ion could be impaired Operationalreadiness ofairbagsystem As of ignition key position 1 the warning lamp lights up briefly thus indicating the operational readiness of the entire airbag system and the...

Page 54: ...rnal lamps go out when you switch off the ignition Always observe all applicable laws governing the use of daytime driving lamps You can switch on the parking lamps when needed using the standard proc...

Page 55: ...You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one side of your vehicle when parking When using this function comply with national regulations In ignition key position 0 or with ignition key removed M...

Page 56: ...te 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 3 seconds Pres...

Page 57: ...low directed toward the windshield and side windows 2 Airflow for the upper body 57 3 Front footwell ventilation 57 4 Air supply blower 57 5 Outside air recirculated air mode 57 6 Temperature 57 7 Air...

Page 58: ...g on the temperature set ting Depending on the weather the windshield may fog over briefly when the engine is started You can reduce condensation forming on the windows by switching on the air conditi...

Page 59: ...nd 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 b...

Page 60: ...body 61 3 Air to footwell 61 4 Individual air distribution 60 5 Temperature 60 6 Temperature display 60 Air supply 60 7 Air supply blower 60 8 Defrosting windows and removing condensation 60 9 Rear w...

Page 61: ...aintains this temperature regardless of the season Air supply blower You can vary the air supply by pressing the upper or lower button This switches off the automatic program for the air supply and th...

Page 62: ...hen the rear window defroster is activated the indicator lamp comes on The rear window defroster switches off automatically You can have your vehicle set so that the rear window defroster switches on...

Page 63: ...or in the manual supplied with the orig inal hand held transmitter it is safe to assume that it is compatible with the integrated universal remote control If you have additional questions please cons...

Page 64: ...ization 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 vehic...

Page 65: ...r the spare key e g in a hotel for valet parking refer to page 16 the glove compartment cannot be accessed Rechargeable flashlight The flashlight is located on the left side of the glove compartment B...

Page 66: ...maneuvers Ashtray Press the edge of the opened cover the ashtray moves up and can be removed On vehicles with the non smoking package the insert is removed in the same way Lighter Press in the cigare...

Page 67: ...ading 1 Fold down the center armrest pull off the cover press the button and remove the cover 2 Press the button again the cover in the cargo area opens If you press the button firmly the first time t...

Page 68: ...danger the passengers during braking or evasive maneuvers Cargo area When loading follow the instructions on page 74 Folding rear seat back Reach into the opening and pull forward refer to arrow When...

Page 69: ...r to arrow 2 Here 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 in the holders...

Page 70: ...ring devices 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 at the openings in the rails To slide the lashing eye...

Page 71: ......

Page 72: ...Driving tips This section is designed to provide you with extra support by supplying information useful in dealing with specific driving and operating conditions Driving tips...

Page 73: ...m must elapse 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 d...

Page 74: ...windshield Do not attach any kind of stickers on 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 exi...

Page 75: ...erwise there is no engine braking when the transmission is in neutral and no power assist for brakes and steering with the engine switched off Never allow floor mats carpets or other objects to protru...

Page 76: ...acity 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 Load...

Page 77: ...r being lost during the trip 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...

Page 78: ...er 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 o...

Page 79: ......

Page 80: ...lity This section helps you maintain your mobility by supplying important information on vital topics including fuels and lubricants wheels and tires service maintenance and breakdown assistance Mobil...

Page 81: ...dling fuels comply with all of the applicable safety precautions posted at the service station Put the filler cap in the bracket attached to the fuel filler door When refueling insert the filler nozzl...

Page 82: ...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 o...

Page 83: ...vehicle s driving stability but also lead to tire damage and the risk of an accident Do not drive with a depressurized i e flat tire A flat tire will seriously impair your vehi cle s handling and brak...

Page 84: ...R 17 99 H M S 235 55 R 17 99 Q T H M S 29 200 32 220 32 220 38 260 215 60 R 17 96 H M S 215 60 R 17 96 Q T H M S 235 50 R 18 97 H M S 235 50 R 18 97 V 32 220 35 240 35 240 41 280 Front 235 50 R 18 97...

Page 85: ...r 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 wea...

Page 86: ...depth of 0 063 in 1 6 mm At tread depths below 0 12 in 3 mm there is an increased risk of high speed hydroplaning even when only small amounts of water are present on the road surface As winter tires...

Page 87: ...ires of a single tread config uration from a single manufacturer After a flat tire always remember to have the specified wheel and tire combination remounted on the vehicle as soon as possible Recomme...

Page 88: ...hese snow chains are approved exclusively for use on summer or winter tires in pairs on the rear wheels Observe the manufacturer s instructions when installing snow chains Do not exceed a vehicle spee...

Page 89: ...d out properly there is a dan ger of subsequent damage and related safety hazards Hood Unlocking Pull the lever located under the left side of the instrument cluster Opening Press the release handle a...

Page 90: ...e compartment 1 Reservoir for windshield and headlamp washer system 90 2 Body ground negative terminal 104 3 Auxiliary terminal for jump starting 104 4 Engine oil filler neck 91 5 Brake fluid reservoi...

Page 91: ...continue driving The engine could be damaged because of inadequate lubri cation Engine oil level The warning lamp lights up yellow while driving The oil level is at the absolute mini mum Add engine o...

Page 92: ...BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil or syn thetic oils which have been approved You can also call BMW of North America at 1 800 831 1117 or visit this website www bmwusa com to obtain this information...

Page 93: ...mediately 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...

Page 94: ...bs 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...

Page 95: ...l of engine misfire Reduce speed and contact the nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center immediately Severe engine misfiring over even a short period of time can seriously damage emission control s...

Page 96: ...fully with the following instructions dur ing bulb replacement If you are not familiar with the specified procedures BMW recommends having the replacements carried out at your BMW Sports Activity Veh...

Page 97: ...ess it in until the lamp base locks in place Front passenger side Before replacing the bulb remove the reservoir for the windshield washing system from the bracket To do so loosen the bolt refer to ar...

Page 98: ...otentially fatal injuries owing to the extremely high voltages at which these units operate service work should always be entrusted to qualified personnel Parking and roadside parking lamps 5 Watt bul...

Page 99: ...ift 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 replac...

Page 100: ...s 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 tiles etc Position the jack on a firm support surface D...

Page 101: ...lug bolts by a 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...

Page 102: ...e and altered self steering characteristics in the limit range In conjunction with winter tires these characteristics are more pronounced Only one compact wheel may be mounted You should re equip with...

Page 103: ...anism must be rein itialized refer to page 20 Seat and mirror memory The positions must be stored again refer to page 26 Time Must be set again refer to page 43 Fuses Never attempt to repair a blown f...

Page 104: ...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 indicator lamp over th...

Page 105: ...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 E...

Page 106: ...cle and screw it in as far as it will go Only use the tow fitting to tow on roads Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting e g do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting Access to screw thread Press o...

Page 107: ...arts With tow truck Do not tow the X3 with only the front or rear axle raised as otherwise the wheels could lock and the transfer case could be dam aged Only have the X3 transported on a load bed Tow...

Page 108: ...Reference At a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility 107...

Page 109: ......

Page 110: ...Reference This chapter contains the technical data and the index that will direct you as quickly as possible to the information sought Reference...

Page 111: ...cement Number of cylinders cu in cm 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 lb ft Nm rpm 175 237 3 500 214 290 3 500 An eng...

Page 112: ...Reference At a glance Controls Driving tips Mobility 111 Dimensions All dimensions in inches millimeters Smallest turning circle dia 38 4 ft 11 7 m Height with roof rack 66 0 in 1 674 mm...

Page 113: ...g 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...

Page 114: ...ock Brake System ABS 47 indicator lamp 12 Anti theft alarm system 16 refer to Alarm system 22 Anti trapping mechanism panorama glass sunroof 21 power windows 20 Approved axle load refer to Weights 112...

Page 115: ...folding rear seat backrest 67 lashing eyes 69 lid refer to Tailgate 19 opening remote control 17 power socket 69 Cargo loading 74 determining load limit 74 securing cargo 75 stowing cargo 75 vehicle 7...

Page 116: ...ight refer to Weights 112 Cylinders refer to Engine data 110 D Dashboard lighting refer to Instrument lighting 54 Dashboard system refer to Cockpit 10 Data technical 110 dimensions 111 engine 110 fill...

Page 117: ...Stability Program refer to DSC Dynamic Stability Control 47 Exhaust system 73 Exterior mirrors 28 Eye tow starting and towing 105 F Failure of a current consumer 102 False alarms refer to Avoiding un...

Page 118: ...ght flasher 54 indicator lamp 12 replacing bulbs 96 High Performance Synthetic Oil 91 Hill climbing ability refer to Driving on poor roads 76 Hill descent assistance refer to HDC Hill Descent Control...

Page 119: ...e control 17 refer to Cargo area 67 remote control 17 Luggage compartment cover refer to Cargo area cover 67 Luggage compartment lid refer to Tailgate 19 Luggage compartment net refer to Partition net...

Page 120: ...rol 46 Parking brake refer to Handbrake 35 Parking lamps 53 replacing bulbs 97 Parking lamps low beams 53 Parking vehicle 35 Partition net 68 Parts and accessories refer to For your own safety 6 Passe...

Page 121: ...er to Seat and mirror memory 26 Seats adjusting electrically 26 adjusting sports seat 25 heating 27 memory refer to Seat and mirror memory 26 sitting safely 24 storing the setting 26 Securing cargo re...

Page 122: ...ng 101 Tilt alarm sensor remote control 17 switching off 17 Tilt function passenger side mirror 29 Tire inflation pressures 82 Tires age 84 breaking in 72 changing 86 changing refer to Wheel changes 9...

Page 123: ...draft free 58 61 Viscosity 91 Voice control refer to separate Owner s Manual W Warning and indicator lamps 11 Warning triangle 103 Warranty refer to Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US mod...

Page 124: ...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 inf...

Page 125: ...01 41 0 158 448 ue BL015844800A The Ultimate Driving Machine More about BMW bmwusa com...

Page 126: ...X3 US En...

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