service indicator BMW X3 3.0I 2006 E83 Owner's Manual
Page 13 of 133
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
 11
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator and warning lamps12
3Tachometer43 
Indicator and warning lamps12
4Coolant temperature gauge44
5Fuel gauge43
6Button for
>Displaying the time44
>Service Interval Display447Selector lever and program display for 
automatic transmission38
8Button for
>Resetting trip odometer43
>Setting the time44
9Display for
>Trip odometer/odometer43
>Time44
>Service Interval44
>Computer45 
Page 14 of 133
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 
o u t  w h e n  t h e  e n g i n e  i s  s t a r t e d ,  o r  i t  w i l l  c o m e  o n  
again during normal driving. Detailed informa-
tion is provided on the specified pages.
Battery charge current 
+105
Headlamp flasher39
High beams57
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 released50, 96
With handbrake engaged37
With other warning lamps50
Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models
Brake pads 
+96
Please fasten safety belt 
+29
Airbags 
+53
Front fog lamps57
Automatic transmission +38 
Turn signals39
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 low41
Coolant low95
Flat Tire Monitor
* +50 
Tire Pressure Monitor
* +52
Lamp defective56
Cruise control41
With ignition key in position 2, this 
warning lamp indicates that a door 
or the liftgate is open. 
Page 56 of 133
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 page33.
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. 
Page 100 of 133
Maintenance
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. 
Page 121 of 133
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 119
Belts, refer to Safety belts29
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders66
Blower, refer to
– Air volume60
– Air volume, adjusting 
manually63
BMW maintenance system97
Bottle holder, refer to Cup 
holders66
Brake fluid96
– level96
– warning lamp96
Brake force display53
Brake lamps
– brake force display53
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb12,56
– replacing bulbs102
Brake light, refer to Brake 
lamps102
Brake pads96
– breaking-in76
– warning lamp96
Brake pedal, refer to Safe 
braking78
Brake rotors
– brake system76
– breaking-in76
Brakes78,96
– ABS48,78
– brake fluid96
– brake pads96
– breaking-in76
– handbrake37
– indicator/warning lamp12
Brake system96
– brake fluid96
– brake pads96
– breaking-in76
– disk brakes78
– warning lamp96
Brake wear warning
– refer to Brake pads96
– warning lamp96
Breakdown service, refer to 
Receiving assistance107
Breaking-in76Bulb replacement, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs99
Buttons on steering wheel13
C
California law
– Event Data Recorders98
– Proposition 65 Warning6
Calling, refer to telephone 
Owner's Manual
Can holder, refer to Cup 
holders66
Capacities116
Capacity, cargo area116
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, securing79
Cargo area21,70
– capacity116
– cover71
– emergency operation, refer 
to Opening manually21
– enlarging70
– floor cover72
– folding rear seat backrest70
– lashing eyes73
– lid, refer to Liftgate21
– opening from outside21
– opening with remote 
control19
– power socket69
Cargo loading78
– load79
– securing cargo79
– stowing cargo79
– vehicle78
Caring for artificial leather, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Caring for carpet, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochureCaring 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 set18
Car phone, refer to separate 
Owner's Manual
Car phone preparation69
Car radio, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Car wash77
– 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 system18
– interior20
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel103
Changing gears
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic39
– manual transmission38
Changing wheels89
Charge-current indicator 
lamp12,105
Charging battery106
Check Gas Cap, warning 
lamp12,84
Checking oil level94
Child's seat, refer to Child 
restraint systems33
Child-restraint fixing system 
LATCH34 
Page 123 of 133
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 121
Driving notes76
Driving on poor roads80
Driving stability control 
systems48
Driving through water80
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
instructions76
Drying air, refer to Switching 
cooling function on/
off60,63
DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control48
– indicator lamp48
DVD changer, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Dynamic Brake Control, refer 
to DBC Dynamic Brake 
Control48
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
– warning lamp50
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC48
– indicator lamp48
E
Electrical malfunctions
– automatic transmission 
malfunction39
– door lock20
– driver's door20
– fuel filler door84
– liftgate21
– panorama glass sunroof24
Electronic brake-force 
distribution48
Electronic Stability Program, 
refer to DSC Dynamic 
Stability Control48
Emergency call107
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– doors20
– driver's door20
– fuel filler door84
– liftgate21
– panorama glass sunroof24Emergency Service, refer to 
Receiving assistance107
Engine
– breaking-in76
– data114
– indicator lamps36
– overheated, refer to Coolant 
thermometer44
– speed43
– starting36
– switching off37
Engine compartment93
Engine coolant95
Engine coolant 
temperature44
Engine oil94
– additives, refer to Approved 
engine oils95
– approved engine oils95
– indicator/warning lamp94
– required oil grades95
Engine oil grades95
Engine oil level94
– indicator/warning lamp94
Engine oil pressure94
– indicator/warning lamp94
Engine oil sensor94
– indicator/warning lamp94
Engine output, refer to Engine 
data114
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 
Control48
Exhaust system77
Exterior mirrors30
– automatically dimming77
Eye, tow starting and 
towing109
F
Failure of electrical 
accessories106
False alarms, refer to Avoiding 
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to 
Safety belts29
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter61
– Microfilter/activated 
charcoal filter64
First aid, refer to First-aid 
kit108
First-aid kit108
Flat tire103
– compact wheel103
– Flat Tire Monitor50
– refer to Tire inflation 
pressure86
– refer to Wheel changes103
– Tire Pressure Monitor52
Flat Tire Monitor50
– indicator lamp51
– initializing system51
– snow chains91
– system limits51
– warning errors51
Flooding, refer to Driving 
through water77
Floor cover72
Fog lamps, indicator lamp57
Folding rear seat back70
Four wheel drive, refer to 
xDrive49
Front airbags53
Front fog lamps57
– replacing bulbs102
Front passenger airbags, 
automatic deactivation54
Fuel85
– average consumption46
– capacity116
– gauge43
– quality85
Fuel cap84
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge43 
Page 125 of 133
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 123
Inflation pressure monitoring, 
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor50
– Tire Pressure Monitor52
Initializing, refer to Power 
supply interruption22,23
INSPECTION44
Instrument cluster11
Instrument lighting58
Instrument panel, refer to 
Cockpit10
Integrated universal remote 
control65
Interior lamps58
– remote control19
Interior motion sensor25
– switching off19,25
Interior rearview mirror31
– automatic dimming 
feature77
Interlock36
Intermittent mode of the 
wipers40
Interval indicator, Service44
J
Jacking points104
Jump starting108
K
Key Memory32
Keys18
– key-specific settings, refer 
to Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory32
Kick-down39
L
Labeling, tires88
Lamps and bulbs99
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo79
LATCH child-restraint fixing 
system34LEDs light-emitting 
diodes100
Length, refer to 
Dimensions115
License plate lamp, replacing 
bulbs102
Liftgate21
– closing21
– emergency operation21
– opening from outside21
– opening manually21
– remote control19
Liftgate lamp, replacing 
bulbs103
Lifting handle, compact 
wheel103
Light-alloy wheels, care, refer 
to Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs100
Lighter68
Lighter socket69
Lighting of instruments58
Lights, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams56
Lights on warning56
Light switch56
Load
– determining load limit78
– refer to Cargo loading78
Lock buttons, doors, refer to 
Locking21
Locking
– from inside20
– from outside19
Low beams56
– automatic56
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb56
– replacing bulbs100
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support28
Lug bolts104
– torque105Luggage compartment21
– capacity116
– cover, refer to Cargo area 
cover71
– floor cover72
– increasing volume70
– opening/closing, refer to 
Liftgate21
– opening from outside21
– opening with remote 
control19
Luggage compartment, refer 
to Cargo area70
Luggage compartment cover, 
refer to Cargo area cover71
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer 
to Opening manually21
– opening with remote control, 
refer to Unlocking liftgate19
Luggage compartment lid, 
refer to Liftgate21
Luggage compartment net, 
refer to Partition net72
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack80
Lug wrench103
Lumbar support28
M
Maintenance97
– refer to Service Interval 
Display44
Maintenance system97
Malfunctions
– automatic transmission39
– door lock20
– fuel filler door84
– liftgate21
– panorama glass sunroof24
Manual air distribution60,63
Manual operation
– door lock20
– driver's door20
– fuel filler door84
– liftgate21
– panorama glass sunroof24
Manual transmission38 
Page 127 of 133
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 125
Power socket in cargo area69
Power windows22
– initializing22
– safety switch22
Precious wood, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Pressure, tires86
Pressure monitoring, 
tires50,52
Programming settings, refer 
to Vehicle Memory, 
Key Memory32
Puncture, Flat Tire Monitor50
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant95
Radio, refer to Owner's 
Manual for Radio/Onboard 
Computer
Radio-control key, refer to 
Master key with remote 
control18
Radio navigation, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Rain sensor40
Range, setting units45
Reading lamps
– front58
– rear58
Rear armrest, refer to Armrest, 
rear68
Rear backrests, folding70
Rear lamps, refer to Tail 
lamps102
Rear reflector, refer to Tail 
lamps102
Rear seat back, folding70
Rearview mirrors, exterior30
Rear window defroster
– air conditioner60
– automatic climate control64
Rear window safety switch22
Rear window wiper41
– wiper blade replacement99
Rechargeable flashlight67Recirculated-air mode
– air conditioner60
– automatic climate control63
Refueling84
Remaining distance, refer to 
Cruising range46
Remaining distance for 
Service44
Remote control19
– garage-door opener65
– liftgate19
– malfunction19
Removing condensation, 
windows
– air conditioner60
– automatic climate control63
Replacement fuses106
Replacement keys18
Replacing bulbs, refer to 
Lamps and bulbs99
Replacing tires
– new wheels and tires89
– wheel changes103
Replacing windshield 
wiper99
Report an accident, refer to 
Initiating an emergency 
call107
Reporting safety defects7
Required oil grades, refer to 
Approved engine oils95
Reserve indicator lamp, refer 
to Fuel gauge
43
Restraint systems
– for children33
– refer to Safety belts29
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic39
– manual transmission38
Roadside Assistance, refer to 
Receiving assistance107
Roadside parking lamps57
Roller cover for cargo area, 
refer to Cargo area cover71
Roll-up cover, refer to Cargo 
area cover71Roof load capacity, refer to 
Weights116
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack80
Rope, refer to Tow starting 
and towing109
Rotating coin holder, refer to 
Storage compartments67
Run-flat indicator, refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor50
S
Safety belts29
– safe seating position26
– warning lamp30
Safety belt tensioners, refer to 
Safety belts29
Safety defects, reporting7
Safety feature
– panorama glass sunroof23
– window22
Safety systems, refer to
– ABS Antilock Brake 
System48
– Airbags53
– DSC Dynamic Stability 
Control48
– xDrive49
Screw thread for tow 
fitting109
Seat heating29
Seat memory, refer to Seat 
and mirror memory29
Seats
– adjusting electrically27
– adjusting sports seat28
– heating29
– memory, refer to Seat and 
mirror memory29
– sitting safely26
– storing the setting29
Securing cargo, refer to Cargo 
loading78
Selector lever
– automatic transmission38
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic38 
Page 128 of 133
Everything from A to Z
126 Selector lever interlock, refer 
to Shiftlock38
Selector-lever positions, 
automatic transmission38
Service, refer to Receiving 
assistance107
Service and warranty7
Service Engine Soon36,98
Service Interval Display44,97
Setting interior 
temperature60,63
Shifting gears with automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic39
Shiftlock38
Side airbags53
Side tilt, permissible80
Side turn signals, bulb 
replacement101
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely26
– with airbags26
– with head restraint26
– with safety belt26
Ski bag69
Smokers' package, refer to 
Ashtray68
Snow chains91
Socket, refer to Cigarette 
lighter socket69
Soft drink can holder, refer to 
Cup holders66
SOS, refer to Initiating an 
emergency call107
Spare fuses106
Spare key18
Spare wheel, refer to Compact 
wheel103
Speed
– with compact wheel105
– with winter tires90
Speedometer11
– refer to Instrument 
cluster11
Split rear backrest, refer to 
Enlarging cargo area70
Sport program, automatic 
transmission with 
Steptronic39Sports seat28
Stability control, refer to 
Driving stability control 
systems48
Starting, refer to Starting 
engine36
Starting difficulties
– at very low temperatures37
– jump starting
108
Starting engine36
Status of passenger 
airbags54
Status of this Owner's Manual 
at time of printing5
Steering lock36
Steering wheel10,13
– adjustment31
– buttons on steering 
wheel13
– heater31
– lock36
Steering wheel with 
buttons13
Steptronic38
Storage compartments67
Storage package68
Storage package nets68
Storage space, refer to Cargo 
area70
Storing desired speed, refer to 
Cruise control41
Storing seat position, refer to 
Seat and mirror memory29
Storing tires90
Straps, refer to Cargo 
loading78
Sunroof, refer to Panorama 
glass sunroof23
Supply reservoirs, washer 
systems41
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching cooling function on/
off60,63
Switching off engine37
Symbols4
T
Tachometer43
Tail lamps102
– indicator lamp, defective 
bulb56
– replacing bulbs102
Tank capacity116
Technical data114
Technical modifications6
Telephone, refer to separate 
Owner's Manual
Temperature
– air conditioner60
– automatic climate control63
Temperature, tires89
Temperature display
– outside temperature45
– outside temperature 
warning45
– setting units45
Temperature gauge44
Temperature of coolant, refer 
to Coolant thermometer44
Temperature warning45
Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control41
The individual vehicle5
The right wheels and tires90
Thigh support adjustment28
Three point safety belts29
Tightening torque of lug bolts, 
refer to After mounting105
Tilt alarm sensor
– remote control19
– switching off19,25
Tilt function, passenger-side 
mirror31
Tire inflation pressure 
monitoring, refer to Tire 
Pressure Monitor52
Tire inflation pressures86
– restoring86
Tire Pressure Monitor52
– malfunction warnings52
– resetting system52
– system limitations52
– warning lamp52 
Page 129 of 133
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 127
Tire replacement89
Tires
– age88
– breaking-in76
– changing89
– changing, refer to Wheel 
changes103
– coding88
– condition89
– damage89
– DOT Quality Grades88
– flat103
– inflation pressure86
– inflation pressure table87
– size, refer to The right 
wheels and tires90
– storage90
– temperature89
– traction88
– tread89
– tread wear88
– Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading88
– wear indicators, refer to 
Minimum tread depth89
– winter tires90
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit99
Torque
– engine114
– lug bolts105
Touch signaling39
Tow bar110
Tow fitting109
Towing109
– with automatic 
transmission109
Towing eye109
Towing the vehicle109
Tow rope110
Tow sockets for tow 
fitting109
Tow starting109
TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor52
Track width, refer to 
Dimensions115
Traction88Traction aid, refer to DSC48
Traction control, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control48
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic38
– manual transmission38
Transmission locking 
mechanism, refer to 
PPark38
Transmission malfunction, 
refer to Malfunction39
Transporting children 
safely33
Transport securing device, 
refer to Securing cargo79
Traveling on poor roads80
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tread depth89
Tread wear88
Tread wear indicator in tires, 
refer to Minimum tread 
depth89
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer43
Trip odometer43
Trunk, refer to Cargo area70
Trunk lid, refer to Liftgate21
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions115
Turn signals39
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs101
– side, replacing bulbs101
U
Units45
– outside temperature45
Universal garage-door 
opener, refer to Integrated 
universal remote control65
Universal remote control65
Unlocking
– from inside20
– from outside19
– hood92Upholstery care, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
V
Valve screw caps, refer to 
After mounting105
Vehicle
– battery105
– breaking-in76
– care, refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
– cargo loading78
– dimensions115
– disposal, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
– locking from inside20
– locking from outside19
– parking37
– washing, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
– weights116
Vehicle battery105
Vehicle jack103
– jacking points104
Vehicle Memory32
Ventilation61,64
– draft-free61,64
Viscosity95
Voice control, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
W
Warning and indicator 
lamps12
Warning triangle107
Warranty, refer to Service and 
Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models, 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet for Canadian 
models97
Warranty and service7
Washer fluid41
Washer fluid reservoir, 
capacity, refer to Filling 
capacities116