tires BMW X3 2.5I 2004 E83 User Guide

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
89
resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.<
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than
summer tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for treadwear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread pat-
tern depth.
Tire tread
The tread depth should not drop below
0.12 in/3 mm, although, for example, Euro-
pean legislation only specifies a minimum
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread
depths below 0.12 in/3 mm, there is an
increased risk of high-speed hydroplaning,
even when only small amounts of water are
present on the road surface.
As winter tires display a noticeable loss in
their ability to cope with cold-weather driv-
ing conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 in/4 mm, to ensure continued safety you should always have such tires
replaced.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base,
refer to arrow, are distributed over the tire's
circumference and are marked on the tire
sidewall with TWI Ð Tread Wear Indicator.
At a tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm these
indicators, signal that the tires have
reached the legally permissible wear limit.
Tire damage
Unusual vibrations encountered dur-
ing normal vehicle operation can indi-
cate tire failure or some other vehicle
defect. This can, for example, be caused by
driving over curbs. These kinds of prob-
lems may also be signaled by other
changes in vehicle response, such as a
strong tendency to pull to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by immediately
reducing your speed. Proceed carefully to
the nearest BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center or professional tire center, or have
the vehicle towed in to have it, its wheels
and tires inspected.
Tire damage, extending to sudden and
complete loss of pressure in extreme
cases, can pose a potentially lethal safety
hazard for the vehicle's occupants and
other road users alike.<
Replacing wheels/tires
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled pro-
fessionals only. All BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Centers will be happy to help you

Wheels and tires
90 with specialized knowledge and corre-
sponding equipment.<
The correct wheel and tire combination
affects various systems whose function
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS,
DSC or xDrive.
Have the wheel and tire assemblies bal-
anced every time either a wheel or a tire is
replaced.
BMW does not recommend the use of
retreaded tires, as otherwise driving
safety may be reduced. Possible variations
in the design and the age Ð which could be
substantial Ð of the carcasses can lead to
unusually rapid wear.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that
BMW has tested and approved for your
particular vehicle. Variations in factors such
as manufacturing tolerances mean that
even wheels and tires with identical official
size ratings could actually have different
dimensions than the approved units Ð these
differences could lead to body contact, and
with it the risk of severe accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used, BMW
cannot evaluate their suitability, and there-
fore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
After a flat tire, always remember to have
the specified wheel and tire combination
remounted on the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible.
Recommended tire brands
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire
size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. You can obtain a list of
these from your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center. Observe any country-specific
regulations, e.g. on making a correspond-
ing entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-mounted tires have been spe-
cially selected to provide optimized perfor-mance when installed on your vehicle; if
properly cared for, they will provide a com-
bination of safety and excellent ride com-
fort.
Special characteristics of winter
tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in
cold winter driving conditions. Although all-
season M+S tires provide better winter
traction than summer tires, they generally
fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
When switching to winter tires, observe the
descriptions at Tire condition and Replac-
ing wheels/tires, refer to page 89.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents. Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. The technicians at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be
glad to assist you with the required profes-
sional knowledge and specialized equip-
ment.<
Storage
Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against contact
with oil, grease and fuel.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure specified on the side of the tire.
Snow chains*
Do not exceed a vehicle speed of
30 mph/50 km/h with snow chains
mounted.<
Only certain snow chains have been tested
by BMW and classified and approved as
safe. You can obtain a list of these from
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
BMW recommends the use of approved
narrow-link snow chains only. These snow
chains are approved exclusively for use on

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
91
summer or winter tires in pairs on the rear
wheels.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions
when installing snow chains.
After mounting snow chains, do not
initialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
When you are driving with snow chains, it
can be beneficial to switch off DSC briefly,
refer to page 51.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
105
Mounting compact wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt
from the mounting surfaces of the
wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts
3.Position the new wheel or compact
wheel. Secure the wheel by turning at
least two lug bolts into opposite bolt
holes
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts.
Tighten all the bolts securely in a diag-
onal pattern
5.Lower the jack and remove it from
beneath the vehicle
6.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pat-
tern
7.Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems and valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
After mounting the compact wheel or cor-
recting the inflation pressure, reinitialize
the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to page 53.
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not attempt
to raise another vehicle model with it or to
raise any load of any kind. To do so could
cause accidents and personal injury.
To ensure safety, always have the lug bolts
checked with a calibrated torque wrench to
ensure that they are tightened to the spec-
ified torque of 101 lb ft/140 Nm as soon as
possible.<
Stow the defective wheel in the luggage
compartment.
When you mount wheels other than Genu-
ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
bolts may also be required.
Replace the defective tire as soon as pos-
sible and have the new wheel/tire bal-
anced.
Driving with the compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Do not
deactivate DSC, as otherwise unstable
driving conditions may result.<
The driving characteristics change, for
example reduced track stability on braking,
extended braking distance, and altered
self-steering characteristics in the limit
range. In conjunction with winter tires,
these characteristics are more pro-
nounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. You should re-equipping to
wheels and tires of the original size as
quickly as possible.<
Battery
Battery care
The battery is 100% maintenance-free, i.e.,
the electrolyte will last for the life of the bat-
tery when the vehicle is operated in a tem-
perate climate.
Please contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center with any ques-
tions concerning the battery.<
Do not disconnect the battery when
the engine is running. If you do so, the
ensuing voltage surge will damage the
vehicle's onboard electronics.<
Indicator lamp
The battery charge-current indica-
tor lamp lights up:
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a defect on the alternator
V-belt or charge current circuit of the alter-
nator. Contact the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.
Do not continue driving if the V-belt is
defective. The engine could be dam-
aged due to overheating.
Moreover, an increased amount of force is
required for steering if the onboard supply
voltage falls dramatically.<

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

Everything from A to Z
124 Maximum axle loads 116
Maximum roof weight 116
MD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard computer
Mechanical seats 28
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 29
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 33
Microfilter
Ð air conditioner 62
Ð automatic climate
control 65
Microphone, refer to Car
phone preparation 70
Microphone for
telephone 70
Mileage, refer to Engine
data 114
Mini-Disc operation, refer
to Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard computer
Mirror
Ð automatic curb
monitor 32
Ð mirror heating 32
Ð mirror memory, refer to
Seat and mirror
memory 29
Mirror dimming feature 32
Mirrors 31
Mobile Service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 107
Modifications, technical 6
Multifunction switch
Ð turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher 41
Ð washer/wiper system 41
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 28
Next Service
indicator 46, 97
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 61, 65
Nylon rope 109
O
OBD connector 98
Octane number, refer to
Fuel quality 85
Odometer 45
Oil
Ð approved engine oils 95
Ð dipstick 94
Oil change interval, refer to
Next Service indicator 97
Oil change interval, refer to
Service Manual
Oil consumption 94
Oil grades 95
Oil level 94
Oil pressure 94
Oil sensor
Ð indicator lamp 94
OILSERVICE 46, 97
Onboard Diagnostic OBD
interface socket 98
Onboard tool kit 99
Opening and closing 18
Ð from inside 20
Ð from outside 18
Ð using the door lock 20
Ð using the remote
control 18
Operating on bad roads 80
Output, refer to Engine
data 114
Outside air 61
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Outside temperature
display
Ð changing unit of
measure 47
Ð in computer 47
Overview indicator/warning
lamps 12
P
Package tray, refer to
Cargo area 71Panorama glass roof 23
Ð comfort operation 20
Ð manual operation 24
Ð protective function 24
Park Distance Control
PDC 49
Parking
Ð vehicle 38
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 49
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake 38
Parking lamps 57
Ð bulb replacement 101
Parking lamps/low
beams 57
Parking the vehicle 38
Particulate filter, refer to
Microfilter 62
Partition net 72
PDC Park Distance
Control 49
Plastic, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter 62
Pollen, refer to Microfilter/
Activated charcoal
filter 65
Power seat 29
Pressure, tires 86
Pressure monitoring,
tires 53
Ð Flat Tire Monitor 53
Programming settings,
refer to Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory 33
Protective function
Ð panorama glass roof 24
Puncture
Ð Flat Tire Monitor 53
R
Radiator, refer to
Coolant 95
Radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Radio navigation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Rain sensor 42

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

Everything from A to Z
126 Starting assistance, refer to
Jump-starting 108
Starting difficulties
Ð temperature 38
Starting-off assistance,
DSC 50
Starting the engine 38
Startup difficulties
Ð jump-starting 108
Status of this Owner's
Manual at time of
printing 5
Steering lock 37
Steering wheel 10, 14
Ð adjustment 31
Ð lock 37
Steering wheel heater 31
Steering wheel with
buttons 14
Steptronic 39
Storage compartments 68
Storage package 68
Storage package nets 68
Storage space, refer to
Cargo area 71
Storing seat position, refer
to Seat and mirror
memory 29
Storing the seat
adjustment 29
Straps, refer to Loading 78
Stroke, refer to Engine
data 114
Supply reservoir cleaning
systems 94
Switches, refer to
Cockpit 10
Switching off the engine 38
Symbols 4
T
Table of contents 3
Tachometer 45
Tailgate
Ð closing 21
Ð emergency operation 21
Ð opening from the
outside 21
Ð remote control 19Tailgate lamp
Ð bulb replacement 103
Tail lamps
Ð bulb replacement 102
Ð indicator lamp 57
Tank capacity 117
Technical modifications 6
Telephone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Temperature
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Temperature, tires 88
Temperature display
Ð ice warning 47
Ð outside temperature 47
Ð setting the units 47
Temperature gauge 45
Thigh support
adjustment 28, 29
Three-point belt 30
Tightening torque 105
Tilt alarm sensor 25
Ð switching off 25
Tilt function, passenger-
side mirror 32
Tire inflation pressures 86
Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 53
Tires
Ð age 88
Ð break-in procedure 76
Ð changing 89
Ð condition 89
Ð DOT Quality Grades 88
Ð flat 103
Ð inflation pressure 86, 87
Ð replacing 89
Ð storage 90
Ð temperature 88
Ð traction 88
Ð treadwear 88
Ð Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 89
Ð wear indicators, refer to
Tire tread/damage 89
Ð wheel change 103
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit 99Torque of lug bolts 105
Tow bar 109
Tow fittings 109
Towing 109
Towing the vehicle 109
Tow rope 109
Tow sockets for tow
fitting 109
Tow-starting 109
Track width, refer to
Dimensions 115
Traction 88
Traction control
Ð DSC 50
Trailer loads 116
Transmission 39
Ð automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
Ð manual transmission 39
Transmission lockout, refer
to P Parking 40
Transmission
malfunction 41
Transporting children 34
Transporting children
safely 34
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread 89
Treadwear 88
Trip-distance counter, refer
to Trip odometer 45
Trip odometer 45
Trunk, refer to Cargo
area 71
Trunk lid, refer to
Tailgate 21
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions 115
Turn signal indicators 41
Ð bulb replacement 101
Turn signal indicators, side
Ð bulb replacement 101
U
Underbody protection,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 89

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
127
Units 47
Ð outside temperature 47
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to
Integrated universal
remote control 66
Universal remote
control 66
Unlocking
Ð engine hood 92
Ð from inside 21
Ð from outside 19
Upholstery care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
V
Vacuum cleaner
connection 69
Vehicle
Ð battery 105
Ð dimensions 115
Ð loading 78
Vehicle battery 105
Vehicle jack 103
Vehicle Memory 33
Ventilation 61, 65
Ð draft-free 61, 65
Voice control, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 12
Warning triangle 108
Warranty, refer to Service
and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for
Canadian models 97
Warranty and service
notes 7
Washer fluid 94
Washer fluid reservoir, refer
to Windshield/headlamp
washer system 94
Weights 116Wheel/tire combination,
refer to Replacing
wheels/tires 89
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions 115
Wheel bolts
Ð wrench 103
Wheel changes
Ð compact wheel 103
Wheels and tires 90
Width, refer to
Dimensions 115
Windows 22
Ð convenience operation 20
Window wipers
Ð replacing 99
Windshield
Ð cleaning 42
Windshield washer
Ð washer fluid 94
Windshield washer system
Ð washer/wiper system 41
Windshield wiper blade
replacement 99
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper/washer system 41
Winter tires
Ð changing 103
Ð condition 89
Ð storage 90
Wiper/washer reservoir 94
Wiper blade
replacement 99
Wiper system 94
Working in the engine
compartment 92
Wrenches, refer to
Onboard tool kit 99
X
xDrive 51
Xenon lamps 101
Ð replacing the bulbs 101

Refueling
To ensure that you always have all the
essential data at hand when refueling, we
recommend that you fill in the following
tables with the specifications and informa-
tion that apply to your vehicle. Consult the
index for individual specifications.Fuel
Engine oil
The oil quantity between the two marks on
the dipstick is approx. 1.1 US quarts/1 liter.
Tire inflation pressures
Designation
Please enter your preferred fuel here.
Quality
Summer tires
FrontRearWinter tires
FrontRear
4 persons
5 persons or 4 plus luggage