BMW X3 3.0I 2004 E83 Service Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
39
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
To engage
The lever engages automatically.
To release
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the but-
ton and lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the
handbrake while the vehicle is in motion,
do not pull it too strongly. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the handbrake
lever.
Strong application of the handbrake can
lead to overbraking of the rear axle and
associated 'fishtailing' of the vehicle rear
end.
The brake lamps do not light up when the
handbrake is applied.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
When parking on inclines, apply the hand-
brake, as even engaging the first or reverse
gear might not under certain circum-
stances secure the vehicle against moving.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Engage selector-lever position P.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided
braking action, occasionally apply the
handbrake lightly when the vehicle is
slowly coming to a standstill at a traffic light
if the traffic conditions are suitable.<
Manual transmission
While shifting gear in the 5th/6th gear
level, make sure that you press the
gearshift lever to the right to prevent inad-
vertently selecting a gear in the 3rd/4th
gear level.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes
by slipping or riding the clutch. Use the
handbrake instead, since a slipping clutch
increases clutch wear.<
Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Press the gearshift lever to the left to over-
come the resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will turn
on automatically when the ignition key is in
position 2.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic*
You can drive as with a normal automatic
transmission. In addition, you can also shift
manually.
If you move the selector lever from position
D to the left into gearshift gate M/S, this
activates the sports-style shift programs of
the automatic transmission. As soon as you
move the selector lever slightly towards +
or Ð, the Steptronic shifts gear and manual
operation is activated. When you wish to
use the automatic transmission mode
again, move the selector lever to the right
into the D position.

Driving
40
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + Ð
Engine started
The engine can only be started in selector-
lever positions P Ð Park Ð or N Ð Neutral.
Range selection
An interlock prevents inadvertent gear-
shifts into selector-lever positions R and P.
To cancel the interlock, press the button on
the front of the selector-lever knob.
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting
out of P or N; the shift command will
not be executed unless the brake is applied
Ð Shiftlock.<
To prevent the vehicle from 'creeping'
after you select a range, maintain
pressure on the brake pedal until you are
ready to start. If you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, engage selector-lever
position P and apply the handbrake. If you
fail to do this, the vehicle could move.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with
the engine running, as such a vehicle rep-
resents a potential safety hazard.<
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
The transmission locks to prevent the rear
wheels from turning.
R Ñ Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Ð Neutral
Select only if your journey is interrupted for
a longer period.
D Drive Ð Automatic shift program
This position is designed for driving under
all normal operating conditions. All forward
gears are available.
Kickdown
A kickdown provides you with maximum
acceleration and the maximum road speed
in position D.
Press the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
M/S Manual mode and
Sport Program
Shifting from D into M/S activates the Sport
program and this is indicated with SD in the
gear display. The Sport Program is
designed for performance-oriented driving.
The first time the selector lever is even
slightly touched, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts from the Sport program into
manual operation.
If you start to move the selector lever
towards
+, the transmission shifts
upwards; moving it towards
Ð shifts down-
wards. The gear display shows M1 through
M5.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation of engine and vehicle speed; thus,
for example, a downshift that would cause
the engine to overrev will not be executed
by the system. The gear selected will

Reference
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41
appear briefly in the instrument cluster fol-
lowed by the current gear.
To obtain maximum acceleration, for
passing maneuvers, etc., during
operation in the manual mode, use the
kickdown or downshift manually.<
Shifting from M/S to the selector-lever
positions P, R and N is only possible by
going through D.
Possible displays
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
Malfunctions
If the indicator lamp lights up, there
is a function fault in the transmis-
sion system.
While it will remain still possible to move
the selector lever to any desired position,
the transmission will revert to operation in
its default mode with only a limited number
of forward gears.
Avoid high loads and drive to the nearest
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Never work in the engine compart-
ment with any of the forward or
reverse gears engaged, as the vehicle
could start to move.<
Information on jump-starting and towing
starts on page 108.
Turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher
1High beams Ð blue indicator lamp
2Headlamp flasher Ð blue indicator lamp
3Turn signal indicators Ð green indicator
accompanied by periodic clicking
sound from the relay
If the flashing indicator lamp and the
clicking from the relay are both faster
than normal, this indicates that one of the
turn signal indicator bulbs is defective.<
Signaling briefly
Press the lever up to but not beyond the
resistance point. It then returns to the cen-
ter position when released.
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*
0Wipers retracted
1Intermittent or rain sensor operation
2Normal wipe
3Fast wipe
4Brief wipe

Driving
42 5Serrated dial for adjustment of the wipe
interval or the sensitivity of the rain sen-
sor
Retracted 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
windshield before you turn the igni-
tion 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 serrated dial 5.
In addition, the wipe interval is varied auto-
matically depending on road speed.
Rain sensor*
The rain sensor is positioned on the wind-
shield, directly in front of the interior rear-
view mirror.
Deactivate the rain sensor when
passing through an automatic car
wash. Failure to do so could result in dam-
age caused by undesired wiper activa-
tion.<
Activating
>Move the lever to position 1 with the
ignition key in position 1 or higher. The
wipers travel once across the wind-
shield, regardless of the weather condi-
tions.
You can leave the lever permanently in
position 1 and then only need to activate
the rain sensor as of ignition key position 1.
To do so:
>Briefly turn the serrated dial 5 or>Cleaning windshield 1, refer to next
section.
Adjust sensitivity: turn the serrated dial 5.
Deactivating
>Move lever to position 0.
Normal wipe
The system switches automatically to inter-
mittent mode when the vehicle is not mov-
ing, 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.
Cleaning windshield, rear window
and headlamps*
0Wipers retracted
1To clean windshield and headlamps
2Rear window wiper intermittent mode
3Clean the rear window
Do not use the washers if there is any
danger that the fluid will freeze on the
windshield. If you do so, your vision could
be obscured. To avoid freezing, use a
washer fluid antifreeze, refer to page 94.
Do not use the washers when the reservoir
is empty. This could cause damage to the
washer pump.<
Cleaning the windshield
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a
brief period.
The windshield washer nozzles are auto-

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matically heated as of ignition key
position 2.
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 posi-
tion 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
To change the wiper blades, refer to
page 99.
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
system is active while the engine is run-
ning.
Indicator lamp
Indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up green:
System ready for operation using
the buttons in the steering wheel.
Activating the system
From ignition key position 2:
Press button in steering wheel; the indica-
tor lamp in the instrument cluster comes
on. You are able to use the cruise control.
Do not use the cruise control when
driving on winding roads, in heavy
traffic or in poor road conditions Ð e.g. snow, rain, ice, loose road surface Ð that do
not permit a constant speed.<
Deactivating system
Press the button repeatedly until the indi-
cator 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 and storing speed or
accelerating
Briefly press button +:
The system maintains and stores the cur-
rent vehicle speed. Every time you briefly
press the button, the vehicle's speed
increases by roughly 1Ðmph/1 km/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, on a downhill gradient, the engine's
braking effect is not sufficient, the
controlled speed can be exceeded. Speed
can drop on uphill grades if the engine out-
put is insufficient.<
Decelerating
Briefly press button Ð:
Every time you briefly press the button,
the vehicle's speed decreases by roughly
1 mph/1 km/h if you are already driving
with cruise control.
Press and hold button
Ð:
With the cruise control active, the system
automatically reduces the throttle opening
to slow the vehicle. When you release the
button, the system maintains and stores
the current speed.

Driving
44
Interrupting the cruise control
When the system is activated, press but-
ton. The indicator lamp stays on. You can
use the cruise control again whenever
required by calling up the speed that was
stored last.
In addition, the system is automatically
interrupted 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 con-
trolled speed for an extended period,
by pressing the accelerator, for exam-
ple.
Recalling the stored speed
Press button:
The vehicle accelerates to and maintains
the last speed stored.

Reference
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Everything under control
Odometer
1Odometer
2Trip odometer
Odometer
You can activate the displays shown in the
illustration in ignition key position 0 or with
the ignition key removed by pressing the
button in the instrument cluster.
Trip odometer
To reset to zero:
1.Ignition key in position 1
2.Press the button until the trip odometer
is reset to zero.
Tachometer
Engine speeds in the red warning field
must be avoided.
In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted
to protect the engine.
Fuel gauge
If the indicator lamp 1 starts to light up con-
tinuously, there are approx. 2 gallons /
8 liters of fuel in the tank.
Fuel tank capacity:
approx. 17.7 gallons/67 liters.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies, when you are
driving in mountainous areas, for example,
the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Refuel well before the tank is empty,
as otherwise engine functions will not
be ensured and damage can occur if you
drive down to the last drop.<
When you switch on the ignition, the indi-
cator lamp comes on briefly to confirm that
the system is operational.
Coolant temperature gauge
Blue
The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate
engine and vehicle speeds.

Everything under control
46
Between the blue and red fields
Normal operating range. The dial may wan-
der into 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 96.
When you switch on the ignition, the warn-
ing lamp 1 comes on briefly to confirm that
the system 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 lettering OILSERVICE or
INSPECTION, the next scheduled service
and remaining distance to this service is
shown in miles/kilometers.
The remaining distance is determined on
the basis of the past driving style.
A flashing display and a Ð 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.
Replacing brake fluid
You can have the month and year for the
scheduled brake fluid replacement dis-
played by pressing the right button in the
instrument cluster while the next sched-
uled service is being displayed. With each
button touch, the display switches
between the scheduled service and
scheduled brake fluid replacement.
When the brake fluid replacement is due,
the clock symbol also lights up. Please
make an appointment with your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Immobilization periods in which the
battery is disconnected are not taken
into account by the display. Please remem-
ber that brake fluid should be changed
every two years at the latest, even if the
display does not yet indicate that service is
required, refer to page 96.<
Clock
If you want to have a permanent clock dis-
play, you can also have the time displayed
in the display of the car radio, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio.
You can adjust the clock, also for display in
the radio, as follows.

Reference
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Setting the time
As of ignition key position 1:
Hours
1.Hold button 2 pressed for a few sec-
onds 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 minute
display
4.Press button 1 repeatedly until the
desired minutes are set
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/kilome-
ters appear for a few seconds.
Computer*
Mode selection
As of ignition key position 1, you can call
up information from the computer using the
button in the turn signal indicator lever. By
pressing the button briefly in the direction
of the steering column, you can call up a
new function for display.
The displays appear in the following order:
Time, outside temperature, average fuel
consumption, cruising range, average
speed.
As of ignition key position 1, the last active
setting is displayed.
If you desire, you can display the fol-
lowing functions in a different unit.<
Outside temperature
Changing the unit of measure 7/6
During the display, hold down the button in
the turn indicator lever until the display
changes.
Ice warning
If the outside temperature falls below
approx. +37.57 /+36, the computer
switches automatically to the outside tem-

Everything under control
48 perature display. In addition, an acoustic
signal sounds and the display flashes for a
short time.
After an ice warning has been issued,
the display returns to the previous
setting. You can have this activated/deacti-
vated.<
Please bear in mind that the ice warn-
ing does nothing to alter the fact that
glare ice may be present on roads at tem-
peratures 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 com-
puter button in the turn indicator lever until
the display changes.
Average fuel consumption
If you press the button in the turn signal
indicator lever for a longer period, the cur-
rently displayed average value for fuel con-
sumption is recalculated from that moment
onwards.
Cruising range
The cruising range is determined on the
basis of the past driving style and the
present volume of fuel.
Always refuel as soon as possible
once your cruising range falls to
below 30 miles/50 kilometers, as other-
wise engine functions are not ensured and
damage can occur.<
Average speed
If you press the button in the turn signal
indicator lever for a longer period, the cur-
rently displayed average value for speed is
recalculated from that moment onwards.