engine BMW X3 2.5I 2005 E83 User Guide
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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 page91.
When you switch on the ignition, the warning
lamp1 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 want 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 adjust the clock, also for display in the
radio, as follows.
Setting time
As of ignition key position 1:
Hours
1.Hold button2 pressed for a few seconds
until the hours are displayed and the colon
flashes.
2.Press button1 repeatedly until the desired
hour is set.
Minutes
3.Press button2 to change to the minutes.
4.Press button1 repeatedly until the desired
minutes are set.
5.Press button2.
Time is confirmed.
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 button1.
The time and display of the miles/kilometers
appear for a few seconds.
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Everything under control
44
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 displays appear in the following order:
Time, outside temperature, average fuel con-
sumption, cruising range, average speed.
As of ignition key position 1, the last active set-
ting is displayed.
If you desire, 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.
Ice 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 dis-
play flashes for a short time.After an ice warning has been issued, the
display returns to the previous setting.
You can have this activated/deactivated.<
Please bear in mind that the ice warning
does nothing to alter the fact that black
ice may be present on roads at temperatures
higher than +37.57/+36, for instance, on
bridges and shaded roads.<
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.
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 com-
puter button in the turn indicator lever for
approx. 2 seconds.
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Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range available
with the remaining fuel. The fuel level is mea-
sured 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 kilometers, as otherwise engine
functions are not ensured and damage can
occur.<
Average speed
If you press the computer button for approx.
2 seconds, the currently displayed average
value for speed is recalculated from that
moment onwards.
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Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the button flashes and a
short continuous tone sounds. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. 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.
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 also disap-
pear from the detection area of the sensors
again before a continuous tone sounds.
Loud sources of sound, inside and outside the
vehicle, could drown out the PDC signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice or
snow in order to ensure that they will con-
tinue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the sensors
for a prolonged period of time. Keep the spray at
least 4 in/10 cm away from the sensors.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array
of systems designed to enhance and maintain
vehicle stability under extreme 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 page73.
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution
EBV controls the brake system's application
pressure in the rear wheels to ensure stable
deceleration.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When the brake pedal is depressed quickly, this
system automatically generates a maximal
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.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the brake application. DBC is
deactivated when you release the brake pedal.
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. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taking 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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Activating system
Press the button; the indicator lamp comes on.
The indicator lamp flashes when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Deactivating system
Press the button again; the indicator lamp 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
In vehicles with manual transmission:
Use HDC in first gear and in reverse gear, as in
the higher gears the engine's braking action
diminishes.
On vehicles with automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in every drive position.
Malfunction
If the indicator lamp in the button goes out in the
HDC mode or fails to light up when the button is
pressed:
HDC is temporarily not available, as the brake
temperature is too high.
Malfunction in vehicle stability control
systems
The warning lamp lights up yellow.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control is defec-
tive. Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction 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. Drive may
then only be carried out via the rear
axle. If the brake warning lamp lights up
yellow in the described combination,
the EBV Electronic brake-force distribution is
still available. Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction 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
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the four mounted tires as you
drive. The system provides an alert whenever
the inflation pressure drops significantly in rela-
tion to the pressure in another tire.
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Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
50 The check of the tire inflation pressure is based
on monitoring the relative speeds of the wheels.
A flat tire is detected and reported on the basis
of a deviation in certain speed ratios.
Functional requirement
So that the Flat Tire Monitor can learn the cor-
rect inflation pressure, please perform the fol-
lowing steps:
1.Check the inflation pressures in all tires
2.Compare with the inflation pressure table
on page83 and correct if necessary
3.Initialize the system.
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused by
outside factors and does not detect a natural,
even pressure drop in all four tires.<
In the following situations, on the other hand,
there can be delays in detecting tire pressure
losses, and even system failure:
>When driving on snow-covered or slippery
road surfaces.
>In the case of performance-oriented driving:
slip in the drive wheels, high lateral acceler-
ation.
>False 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 the initialization immediately
every time you correct the inflation pres-
sure, change a tire or change a wheel or all
wheels. This requires a trip.<1.Start the engine, but do not begin to drive.
2.Press the button until the yellow indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up for a
few seconds.
3.Begin driving.
It takes a few minutes until the Flat Tire Monitor
can detect and indicate a flat tire.
Do not initialize the system when driving
with snow chains or with a compact
wheel.<
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up yellow.
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 page99.
Brake Force Display
The Brake Force Display lights up in two
stages, depending on how heavily you brake.
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Lamps
54
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In ignition key position 2, turn the light
switch to the position Automatic head-
lamp control, refer to page53.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive
Head Light
>is not active when driving in reverse
>i s o n l y a c t i v e t o w a r d p a s s e n g e r ' s s i d e w h e n
stationary
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
faulty or has failed. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
High beams/roadside parking
lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
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:
Move the lever into the corresponding turn sig-
nal position.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Avoid using for longer periods, as
otherwise it may not be possible to start the
engine.<
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.
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 serrated dial to adjust the illumination
intensity.
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Air supply/blower
You can select blower speeds 1
to 4. The heating and ventilation
become more and more effective
as the air supply settings are
increased. In position 0, the blower
and heater are switched off. The air supply is
blocked in position 0.
Temperature
To increase the temperature of the
interior, turn to the right.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto the
windows , toward the upper
body and into the footwell .
All intermediate settings are possi-
ble. In the setting, there is a
slight flow of air onto the windows to keep them
free of condensation.
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster is
activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window
defroster switches off automatically.
You can have your vehicle programmed in
such a way that the rear window defroster
switches on automatically. It is then switched
on at outside temperatures of less than approx.
+397/+46 within 5 minutes of the engine
start.<
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidified
and warmed again as needed,
depending 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 conditioner.Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.<
Outside air/recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors outside the vehicle by tem-
porarily switching off the outside
air supply. 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 while also increasing air supply as
required. The recirculated-air mode should not
be used over a sustained period of time, other-
wise the air quality inside the vehicle will deteri-
orate.<
Ventilation
The air vents for the upper body area can be
adjusted:
1Serrated dials
Serrated dials for opening and closing the
vent outlets through an infinitely-variable
range.
2Levers
Selector levers for airflow direction.
3Serrated dial
Use this serrated dial to adjust the amount
of cool air that is added to the airflow
emerging from the vent outlets for the
upper body.
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A congenial climate
60
A congenial climate
For almost all conditions, the AUTO pro-
gram 12 offers the optimal air distribution and
air volume. Select an interior temperature you
find pleasant.
The following section contains 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.<
Automatic air distribution and supply
The AUTO program adjusts the
airflow and distribution patterns for
you while also using your prese-
lected temperature setting as the basis for
adjusting the interior climate to adapt to exter-
nal influences: summer, winter.
The cooling is switched on automatically with
the AUTO program.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO program
by selecting specific air distribu-
tion patterns for your personal
comfort, the automatic air supply
remains in operation. You can
direct air to flow onto the win-
dows , toward the upper body , and into
the footwell . You can reactivate the auto-
matic air distribution mode by selecting the
AUTO button.
Adjusting temperature
The figures in the display provide a
general indication of interior tem-
perature. When you start the vehi-
cle, the AUTO program ensures
that the selected temperature is
achieved as quickly as possible. It
then maintains 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 the
word AUTO goes out in the dis-
play. The automatic mode for air
distribution remains in operation as before. You
can reactivate the automatic air supply mode by
selecting the AUTO button.
If you press the lower button when at the lowest
blower speed, all displays go out: the blower,
heating and air conditioner are switched off.
The outside air supply is shut off. You can
restart the automatic climate control by press-
ing any of its buttons.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly removes ice
and condensation from the wind-
shield and door windows.
Air conditioner
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 air conditioner
reduces the formation of condensation on the
windows.
The air conditioner can only operate when the
engine is running and is automatically switched
on with the AUTO program.
Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.<
Outside air/AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control/recirculated-
air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the immedi-
ate environment by suspending
the supply of outside air. The system then recir-
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culates the air currently within the vehicle.
During AUC operation, a sensor detects pollut-
ants in the outside air and controls the shut-off
automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run through the
following control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside air flows into the
vehicle.
>Left indicator lamp on, AUC mode: the sys-
tem recognizes pollutants in the outside air
and blocks the flow of air when necessary.
The system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. Depending on the
air quality, the automatic system then
switches back and forth between outside air
supply and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle.
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the outside
air supply into the vehicle is shut off contin-
uously. 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 while also increasing air supply as
required. The recirculated-air mode should not
be used over a sustained period of time, other-
wise the air quality inside the vehicle will deteri-
orate.<
Rear window defroster
When 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 auto-
matically. It is then switched on at outside tem-
peratures of less than approx. +397/+46
within 5 minutes of the engine start.<
Ventilation
The air vents for the upper body area can be
adjusted:
1Serrated dials
Serrated dials for opening and closing the
vent outlets through an infinitely-variable
range.
2Levers
Selector levers for airflow direction.
3Serrated dial
Use this serrated dial to adjust the amount
of cool air that is added to the airflow
emerging from the vent outlets for the
upper body.
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 built-in microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air. The activated-charcoal
filter provides additional protection by filtering
gaseous pollutants from the outside air. This
combined filter is replaced when maintenance
is performed by your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center. A substantial reduction in air supply
indicates that the filter should be replaced
before normal maintenance.