brake light BMW X3 2.5I 2004 E83 User Guide

Things to remember when driving
80
Driving on bad roads
Your BMW X3 is at home on all paved and
unpaved roads. It combines all-wheel drive
with the advantages of a normal passenger
car.
Driving on unpaved terrain can cause
damage to the vehicle.<
When you are driving on bad roads, there
are a few points which you should strictly
observe Ñ for your own safety, for that of
your passengers, and for the safety of the
vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle
before you begin driving. Do not take
risks with the vehicle under any circum-
stances
>Always adapt the 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 94 and 96
>For very steep downhill driving, use Hill
Descent Control HDC, refer to page 51.
Driving off is possible on upward
inclines of up to 33%.
The permitted side inclination is 50 %
>While driving, watch carefully for obsta-
cles such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid
these obstacles whenever possible
>Avoid that the body makes contact with
the ground, e.g. on the crests of hills
and bumpy roads
>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 walk-
ing speed and do not stop.
After leaving the water, press on the
footbrake gently several times while
driving at a low speed. The brake appli-
cations will help to dry the brakes, thus
preventing a reduction in braking per-
formance caused by the moisture. For cleaning the handbrake, apply the
lever slightly at approx. 25 mph/40 km/
h and continue 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 on poor roads, in order to pre-
serve the road safety of your BMW:
>Clean the heavy dirt from the body
>Clean mud, snow, ice and other materi-
als from the wheels and tires. Check the
tires for damage.

Under the engine hood
96
Checking coolant level and topping
up coolant
Check the coolant level with the engine
cold, approx. 687/206:
1.Turn the cap of the expansion tank
counterclockwise to allow any accumu-
lated pressure to escape, then continue
turning to open
2.The coolant level is correct if the upper
end of the red float bar is at least at the
same height as the top edge of the filler
neck, refer to arrow. The bar end may
only protrude by a maximum of i in/
2 cm, i.e. up to the second mark on the
float bar, refer also to sketch beside the
filler neck
3.If necessary, add coolant. Slowly add
coolant until the correct level is reached
Ð do not overfill.
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used anti-
freeze and anticorrosion agents.<
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up red
despite the handbrake being
released: stop immediately.
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. Contact the nearest
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.During continued driving increased
brake pedal pressure may be neces-
sary, and considerably longer braking dis-
tances may result. Please adapt your driv-
ing style accordingly.<
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
Brake pads
The indicator lamp comes on.
The brake pads have reached their
minimum pad thickness. See your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center imme-
diately to have the pads replaced.
For your own safety: use only brake
pads that BMW has released for your
particular vehicle model. As BMW cannot
assess the suitability of other brake pads
for use on your vehicle, we are unable to
assume continued responsibility for the
vehicle's operating safety if non-approved
pads are installed.<
For additional information on the brake sys-
tem, refer to page 77.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
103
Tailgate lamp
5 Watt bulb
1.Pull off the bulb holder
2.Replace the bulb.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light source
for many of the controls and displays in
your vehicle. These light-emitting diodes,
which operate using a concept similar to
that applied in conventional lasers, are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emitting
diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for sev-
eral hours, as irritation of the retina could
result.<
Changing a wheel
Safety precautions to observe in the
event of a flat tire and during all tire
changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, surface.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead
setting of the wheels. Set the handbrake
and engage first gear, reverse gear or
selector-lever position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehi-
cle and well away from your immediate
working area, behind a guardrail, for
instance.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is required, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm sur-
face which is not slippery. The vehicle or
the jack could slip to the side if you attempt
to raise the vehicle on a soft or slippery sur-
face such as snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar
object as a support base for the jack, as
this would prevent it from extending to its
full support height and reduce its load-car-
rying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie
under the vehicle, and never start the
engine while it is supported by the jack.<
What you will need
Open tailgate and raise or remove floor
cover, refer to page 72.
1Vehicle jack
2Chock
3Lug wrench
In order to avoid rattling noises later, note
the position of the tools when you remove
them and return them to their original posi-
tion when you are through using them.
Compact wheel
The compact wheel is located under the
cargo area on the floor of the vehicle.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
119
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
A/C operation
Ð air conditioner 60
Ð automatic climate
control 63
ABS Antilock Brake
System 50
Ð indicator lamp 50
Accessories 6
Activated-charcoal filter 65
Adaptive Head Light 57
Adding engine oil 95
Adjusting seats 27
Ð electric 29
Ð mechanical 28
Air, drying, refer to A/C
operation 61, 64
Airbags 54
Ð deactivating 34
Ð indicator lamp 55
Ð sitting safely 27
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 61, 64
Air conditioner 60, 63
Air distribution
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Airing, refer to
Ventilation 61, 65
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation 61, 65
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 86
Air supply
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation 61, 65
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications 85Alarm system 24
Ð avoiding unintentional
alarms 25
Anchorages 73
Antifreeze
Ð coolant 95
Ð washer fluid 94
Antifreeze protection
Ð coolant 95
Anti-theft alarm system 18
Ð refer to Alarm system 24
Anti-trapping mechanism
Ð panorama glass roof 24
Ð power windows 22
Approved engine oils 95
Approved gross vehicle
weight 116
Armrest 68
Ð front 68
Ð rear 68
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray 69
Ð front 69
Ð rear 69
AUC Automatic
recirculated-air
control 64
Automatic
Ð air distribution 64
Ð air supply 64
Automatic car wash, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 63
Automatic cruise control 43
Automatic curb monitor 32
Automatic headlamp
control 57
Automatic program, refer to
automatic air-
distribution 64Automatic rear window
cleaning 43
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 64
Automatic transmission
Ð malfunction 41
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
Ð indicator lamp 41
Ð interlock 37
Ð selector lever interlock 40
Ð shiftlock 40
Average fuel
consumption 48
Average speed 48
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 25
Axle load, permitted 116
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats 28
Backup lamps 39
Ð replacing bulbs 102
Bad roads 80
Bar, towing 109
Batteries, disposal 106
Battery 105
Ð indicator lamp 12, 105
Ð jump-starting 108
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 30
Beverage holders 67
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning 47
Blower
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate
control 64
BMW maintenance
system 97
BMW sports seat 28
Bore, refer to Engine
data 114

Everything from A to Z
120 Bottle holder, refer to
Beverage holders 67
Brake fluid 96
Ð indicator lamp 96
Ð level 96
Ð replacing 96
Brake force display 54
Brake lamps
Ð defect 57
Ð indicator lamp 12
Ð replacing the bulbs 102
Brake pads and rotors
Ð breaking-in procedure 76
Brakes 77, 96
Ð ABS 77
Ð brake fluid 96
Ð break-in procedure 76
Ð handbrake 38
Ð indicator/warning
lamp 38
Brake system
Ð brake-fluid level 96
Ð brake pads 96
Ð corrosion 77
Ð disc brakes 76, 77
Ð indicator lamp 96
Ð rotors 76, 77
Brake wear warning
Ð brake pads 96
Ð indicator lamp 96
Break-in procedures 76
Bulbs and lamps 99
Buttons in steering
wheel 14
C
California Proposition
65 Warning 98
Capacities 117
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 brochureCargo area 71
Ð capacity 116
Ð cover 71
Ð floor cover 72
Ð folding rear seat
backrest 71
Ð increasing volume 71
Ð lashing eyes 73
Ð manual unlocking 21
Ð opening, remote
control 19
Ð opening/closing 21
Ð opening from the
outside 21
Ð sockets 73
Ð volume 116
Cargo bay, refer to Cargo
area 71
Cargo loading 78
Caring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Key
set 18
Car phone preparation 70
Car wash 77
Car wash, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to
High temperatures 76
Central locking system 18
Ð interior 20
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety 6
Changing a wheel 103
Check Gas Cap
Ð indicator lamp 12, 84
Checking inflation
pressure 86
Child's seats, refer to
Child-restraint
systems 34
Child-restraint systems 34
Child-safety locks 36
Chock 103Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter
Ð front 69
Ð rear 69
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 61, 64
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning the windshield 42
Cleaning windows,
reservoir 94
Clean the rear window 42
Clock 46
Ð 12/24 hour mode 48
Ð setting, refer also to
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard
computer 46
Clutch 76
Ð breaking in 76
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting
the engine 37
Comfort operation
Ð panorama glass roof 20
Compact wheel
Ð wheel changes 103
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine data 114
Computer 47
Computer, functions 48
Condensation, refer to A/C
operation 61, 64
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Lighter
socket 69
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption 48
Consumption indicator,
refer to Fuel gauge 45
Contents 3
Controls, refer to
Cockpit 10
Convenience operation
Ð from outside 20
Ð windows 20

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
121
Coolant 95
Ð indicator lamp 95
Ð level 96
Ð temperature gauge 45
Coolant temperature
gauge 45
Cooling, refer to
Temperature 61
Copyright 2
Cruise control
Ð buttons in steering
wheel 14
Ð indicator lamp 43
Cruise control, refer to
Ð Programmable cruise
control 43
Cruising range 48
Cup holder, refer to
Beverage holders 67
Curb weight 116
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 114
D
Dashboard system, refer to
Cockpit 10
Data, technical
Ð dimensions 115
Ð engine 114
Ð filling capacities 117
Ð weights 116
Daytime driving lamp 57
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 50
Ð indicator lamp 50
Decommissioning the
vehicle, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure 97
Defect, refer to Manual
operation
Defects 7
Defrosting, windows 61
Ð air conditioner 62
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Ð rear window
defroster 61, 65Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
Ð air conditioner 62
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting
windows 62, 64
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting
windows 62, 64
Digital clock 46
Dimensions 115
Dipstick, engine oil 94
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signal
indicators 41
Discs brakes 76, 77
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 114
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 58
Displays, refer to
Instrument
cluster 11
Disposal
Ð batteries 106
Ð oil 95
Doors
Ð locking and unlocking 20
Ð manual operation 20
DOT Quality Grades 88
Draft-free ventilation 61, 65
Drawbar support load 116
Driving lamps, refer to
Parking lamps/low
beams 57
Driving notes 76
Driving on bad roads 80
Driving stability control
systems 50
Driving through water 80
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 50
Ð indicator lamp 51
E
Electrical malfunction
Ð door lock 20
Ð doors 20
Ð driver's door 20
Ð fuel filler door 84
Ð panorama glass roof 24
Ð tailgate 21
Electric power windows 22
Electronic Stability
Program ESP, refer to
Dynamic Stability
Control 50
Emergency actuation, refer
to Manual operation
Emergency call 107
Engine
Ð breaking in 76
Ð data 114
Ð indicator lamp 37
Ð malfunction in electronic
circuitry 38
Ð speed 45
Engine compartment 93
Engine coolant 95
Engine hood 92
Engine oil 95
Ð indicator/warning
lamp 94
Ð prescribed oils 95
Engine oil grades 95
Engine oil level 94
Ð indicator/warning
lamp 94
Engine oil pressure 94
Ð indicator/warning
lamp 94
Engine oil sensor 94
Ð indicator/warning
lamp 94
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 114
Engine temperature, refer
to Coolant
temperature 45
Equipment range, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
123
High beams
Ð bulb replacement 100
Ð headlamp flasher 58
Ð indicator lamp 12
High Performance
Synthetic Oil 95
Hill-climbing ability, refer to
Driving on bad roads 80
Hill descent assistance,
refer to HDC 51
Hill Descent Control
HDC 51
Hills 77
Holder for beverage
cans 67
Horn 10
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to DBC 50
Hydroplaning 77
I
Ice warning 47
Ignition 37
Ignition key 18
Ignition lock 37
Imprint 2
Indicator/warning lamp
Ð airbags 55
Ð alarm system 25
Ð brake system 96
Ð DSC 51
Ð Flat Tire Monitor 53
Ð fog lamps 58
Ð reserve 45
Ð safety belt warning 30
Indicator/warning lamps 12
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 33
Inflation pressure, tires 86
Inflation pressure
monitoring, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor 53
Instrument cluster 10, 11
Instrument illumination 58
Instrument lighting 58
Integrated universal remote
control 66
Interior lamps 58Interior mirror
Ð automatic dimming
feature 32
Interior motion
sensor 22, 25
Ð switching off 19
Interior rearview mirror 32
Interlock, refer to Ignition
lock 37
Intermittent
Ð operation, wipers 41
J
Jacking points 104
Jumping, refer to Jump-
starting 108
Jump-starting 108
K
Key Memory 33
Keys 18
Kickdown 40
L
Lamps and bulbs 99
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing the load 79
Leather care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 103
License plate lamp
Ð bulb replacement 102
Lifting handle, compact
wheel 104
Light-alloy wheels, care,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs 103
Lighter 69
Lighter socket 69
Lighting of instruments 58
Lighting of the instruments,
refer to Instrument
lighting 58Lights, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 57
Lights on warning 57
Load, refer to Loading 78
Loading
Ð securing the load 79
Ð stowing cargo 79
Ð vehicle 78
Loading area
Ð lid, refer to Tailgate 21
Load securing devices 79
Locking
Ð from inside 20
Ð from outside 18
Locking and unlocking
doors
Ð from inside 20
Ð from outside 18
Longlife oils
Ð approved oils 95
Low beams 57
Ð automatic 57
Ð bulb replacement 100
Ð indicator lamp 57
Low-fuel warning light,
refer to Fuel gauge 45
Lug bolts 104
Luggage compartment,
refer to Cargo area
Luggage rack, refer to
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 79
Lumbar support 29
M
Maintenance 97
Maintenance system,
BMW 97
Malfunction in automatic
transmission system 41
Manual operation
Ð doors 20
Ð driver's door 20
Ð fuel filler door 84
Ð glass roof 24
Ð panorama glass roof 24
Ð tailgate 21
Manual transmission 39
Master keys with remote
control 18

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
125
Range
Ð setting units 47
Rear armrest, refer to
Center armrest 68
Rear backrests
Ð folding 71
Rear center armrest 68
Rear fog lamps
Ð bulb replacement 102
Rear lamps
Ð bulb replacement 102
Rear seat back
Ð folding 71
Rearview mirrors
Ð exterior 31
Rear window defroster
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate
control 65
Rear window safety
switch 22
Rear window wiper 43
Recirculated-air mode
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Reclining seat 28
Refueling 84
Ð fuel filler door 84
Remaining distance to next
vehicle service 46
Remote control
Ð fault 19
Ð garage-door opener 66
Ð tailgate 19
Removing condensation,
windows
Ð air conditioner 62
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Replacement fuses 106
Replacement of tires
Ð wheel changes 103
Replacement tire 103
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 99
Replacing light bulbs 99
Reporting safety defects 7
Reservoir, washer
system 94Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts 30
Reverse 39
Reverse gear
Ð automatic transmission
with Steptronic 40
Ð manual transmission 39
Rims 90
Roadside Assistance 107
Roll-up cover, refer to
Cargo area cover 71
RON, refer to Fuel
quality 85
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 79
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing 109
Rotating coin holder, refer
to Storage
compartments 68
S
Safe sitting position with
safety belts 27
Safety belts 30
Ð sitting safely 27
Ð warning lamp 30
Safety belt tensioners, refer
to Safety belts 27
Safety belt warning
Ð indicator lamp 30
Safety defects, reporting 7
Safety feature
Ð power windows 22
Safety systems, refer to
ABS Antilock Brake
System 50
Safety systems, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 50
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 99
Seat, electric power 29
Seat heating 30
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 29
Securing cargo 79
Selector lever, automatic
transmission 40Selector lever interlock,
refer to Shiftlock 40
Service and warranty
notes 7
Service Engine
Soon 38, 98
Service Interval
Display 46, 97
Setting the units 47
Setting units 47
Shiftlock, changing the
selector-lever
positions 40
Side airbags 54
Side lamps 57
Side tilt 80
Side turn signal indicators
Ð bulb replacement 101
Sitting safely 27
Ð with airbag 27
Ð with safety belts 27
Ski bag 70
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 69
Sockets 69, 73
SOS, refer to Starting an
emergency call 107
Spare fuses 106
Spare key 18
Spare tire, refer to Wheel
changes 103
Special oils, refer to
Approved oils 95
Special washing
program 42
Specified oils 95
Speedometer 11
Speedometer, refer to
Instrument
cluster 11
Sport program
Ð automatic transmission
with Steptronic 40
Sports seat 28
Stability control, refer to
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 50
Standing lamps 58
Starting, engine 37
Starting, refer to Starting
the engine 37