ignition BMW X3 2.5I 2004 E83 User Guide

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
33
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory
How the system functions
You have probably frequently wished that
you could configure individual functions of
your vehicle to reflect your own personal
requirements. In developing your vehicle,
BMW has incorporated a number of
options for personal adjustment. You can
have these programmed at your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
There are vehicle-related and person-
related adjustments: Vehicle Memory and
Key Memory. You can configure up to four
different basic adjustments for four differ-
ent persons. The only requirement is that
each person uses his or her own master
key with remote control.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the
remote control, the vehicle recognizes the
individual user by means of a data
exchange with the key, and makes adjust-
ments accordingly.
In order for you to distinguish between the
remote control master keys, colored decals
are supplied together with the keys.
What the system can do
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
can provide you with details on the capabil-
ities of the Vehicle Memory and Key Mem-
ory systems.
You will see this symbol throughout
the Owner's Manual. It is to remind
you at appropriate places of the settings
that are available to you.<
Examples of Vehicle Memory
functions
>Different acknowledgment signals to
confirm locking/unlocking of the vehi-
cle, refer to page 18
>Activate/deactivate function for path-
way lighting, refer to page 57
>Activate/deactivate daytime driving
lamps, refer to page 57
>Setting measurement units for displays
in the instrument cluster of the time,
outside temperature, distance driven
and fuel consumption, refer to page 47
>Active PDC is indicated by an acoustic
sound signal when reverse gear or
selector-lever position R is engaged,
refer to page 49
>The rear window defroster switches on
automatically, refer to page 61
>Different acknowledgment signals to
confirm arming/disarming the alarm
system, refer to page 25
>After an ice warning has been issued,
the display of the computer returns to
the previous adjustment, refer to
page 47
>Acoustic warning if the ignition key
remains in the ignition lock after the
driver's door has been opened, refer to
page 21.
Examples of Key Memory functions
>On unlocking, first unlock the driver's
door, then the entire vehicle, refer to
page 19
>Locking the vehicle after moving off,
refer to page 20
>Automatic adjustment of the driver's
seat and exterior mirror position for
each person when unlocking the vehi-
cle, refer to page 30
>Angle of downward tilt of mirror on pas-
senger side, refer to page 32.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
37
Driving
Ignition lock
0 Steering locked
The key can only be inserted or removed in
this position.
After removing the key, turn the steering
wheel slightly to the left or right until you
hear the lock engage.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Only move the selector lever from
position P with the engine running. To turn
the key back to position 0 or to remove it,
first place the selector lever in position P:
Interlock.<
1 Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often
makes it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Individual current consumers are ready for
operation.
2 Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Engine start
Engine
Do not allow the engine to warm up while
idling. Drive off immediately at moderate
engine speed.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at startup are normal and should decrease as the engine warms up. If engine
speed does not decrease, service is
required.
To prevent the battery from discharging,
always switch off electrical devices which
are not in use and the ignition when the
vehicle is not being driven.
Do not run the engine in closed
rooms, as otherwise inhaling toxic
exhaust gases can cause unconsciousness
and death. The exhaust gases contain car-
bon monoxide, an odorless and colorless,
but highly toxic gas. Do not leave the vehi-
cle unattended with the engine running,
since an unattended vehicle with a running
engine represents a safety hazard.
When driving, standing at idle and while
parking take care to avoid possible contact
between a hot exhaust system and any
highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead
to a fire, resulting in serious personal injury
and property damage.<
Indicator lamps
If the Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp comes on either continuously
or intermittently, this indicates a
fault in the emissions-related electronic
systems. Although the vehicle remains
operational, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center at the earliest possible
opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the
need for service, not that you need to stop
the vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center at the next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indi-
cates a high level 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 emis-

Driving
38 sion control system components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon indicator lamp
for Canadian models.
Malfunction in the engine electron-
ics.
You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine speed.
Please have it checked by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Starting the engine
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine from
starting if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time. Do not turn it for more
than approx. 20 seconds. Release the igni-
tion key immediately as soon as the engine
starts.<
If the engine fails to start on the first
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or cold:
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
During a cold start at very low tempera-
tures, as of approx. +57/Ð156, at high
altitudes over 3,300 ft/1,000 m:
>For the first attempt, run the start for
longer, approx. 10 seconds
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Avoid frequent starting is quick suc-
cession or repeated start attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise,
the fuel is not burned or inadequately
burned and there is a danger of overheat-
ing and damaging the catalytic converter.<
Manual transmission
1.Engage the handbrake
2.Gearshift lever in idle position
3.Press the clutch pedal
4.Start the engine.Before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, place the gearshift
lever in idle position and apply the hand-
brake.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Automatic transmission
1.Press the brake pedal
2.Place the selector lever in position P
or N
3.Start the engine.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage
the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
with the engine running.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Switching off the engine
Do not remove the ignition key when
the vehicle is moving, as otherwise
the steering could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the ignition key and lock the steering.
When parking on downward inclines, apply
the handbrake.<
Manual transmission
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Automatic transmission
Engage selector-lever position P, turn igni-
tion key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up from
ignition switch position 2 with the
handbrake set Ð an acoustic signal
also sounds when starting off.

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
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-

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
43
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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
45
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
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
47
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-

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
49
Technology for comfort, convenience
and safety
Park Distance Control PDC*
The concept
PDC provides extra safety and conven-
ience during parking maneuvers. Signal
tones indicate the current distance to an
object behind or in front of your vehicle.
Four ultrasonic sensors in both the
bumpers monitor the distance to the near-
est object.
The front and rear sensors on the corners
have a range of approx. 2 ft/60 cm. The
two rear middle sensors have a range of
approx. 5 ft/1.50 m and the two front mid-
dle sensors of approx. 2.6 ft/80 cm.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching objects too fast, other-
wise the system may give warning of phys-
ical obstacles too late.<
If you are driving with a trailer, the rear sen-
sors are unable to make proper measure-
ments Ð so they do not switch on.
Automatic mode
As of ignition key position 2, the system
automatically assumes operational status
after a few seconds each time you engage
reverse gear or selector-lever position R.
Wait this short period before park-
ing.<
You can have a signal tone pro-
grammed into the system to verify
that the PDC is active.<
Automatic deactivation
After driving a distance of more than
approx. 160 ft/50 m or exceeding a speed
of approx. 20 mph/30 km/h, the system
switches off and the indicator lamp goes
out. You can reactivate the system manu-
ally as needed.
Manual mode
Press the button; the indicator lamp comes
on.
Manual deactivation
Press the button again; the indicator lamp
goes out.
Signal tones
The distance to an object behind the vehi-
cle is signaled in accordance with the posi-
tion by an intermittent tone from a loud-
speaker in the rear-end.
The distance to an object in front of the
vehicle is signaled by an intermittent tone
from a loudspeaker beneath the instrument
cluster.
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. The signal tone becomes
continuous once the distance to the near-
est object falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. 3 seconds when the distance to an
object remains constant during this time,
if you are moving parallel to a wall, for
instance.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp flashes and a short
steady signal tone is sounded.
Switch the system off and have the cause
of the malfunction corrected by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.