light BMW X3 2.5I 2004 E83 Owner's Guide

Reference
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Driving tips
Mobility
71
Removing the ski bag
Pull the handle forward and remove the ski
bag upward.
Do not position cargo at the opening.
If you do, it can endanger the passen-
gers during braking or evasive maneu-
vers.<
Cargo area
When loading, observe the information on
page 78.
Folding rear seat back
Reach into the opening and pull forward,
refer to arrow.
When you fold back the backrest, be
sure that the catch engages securely.
The red warning indicator disappears in the
recess when the catch is engaged.<
Ski bag*
To create a flat load area floor, you can
remove the ski bag before folding the rear
seat back and replace it with a cover. You
will find the cover in the cargo area under
the floor cover.
Cargo area cover
Pull the cargo area cover out by the handle
and hook it in the rear holders.
You can carry light objects such as articles
of clothing on the cargo area cover.
Do not place heavy and hard objects
on the cover. If you do so, they could
endanger occupants during braking
maneuvers. Do not allow the cover to snap
back into place, as otherwise it could be
damaged.<
Removal
1.Press the side buttons, refer to arrow 1
2.Pull the cassette towards the rear, refer
to arrow 2.
Installation
Push the cassette forward into the two side
holders until it locks in place.

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73
Lashing eyes, rail*
You can secure load-securing devices to
the lashing eyes on the cargo area floor.
To shift the lashing eyes, press the button.
The lashing eyes can be removed at the
openings in the rails.
Read and comply with the information
enclosed with the load-securing
devices.<
Sockets
When the cover is folded up, you have
access to another socket.
The sockets can be used to plug in hand
flashlights, car vacuum cleaners, etc., with
power ratings of up to approx. 200 W at
12 V. Do not damage the socket with
unsuitable plugs, also refer to page 69.

Things to remember when driving
76
Things to remember when driving
Break-in procedures
To ensure that your vehicle provides maxi-
mum economy throughout a long service
life, we request that you observe the fol-
lowing instructions:
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
During this initial period you should attempt
to avoid constant, steady-state operation
and vary both vehicle and engine speeds
as often as possible. Until the break-in
period has been completed you should
also refrain from exceeding the following:
>4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the kick-
down point.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/
2,000 km, the engine and vehicle speeds
can be gradually increased.
You should also comply with these break-in
procedures should the engine or one of the
differentials be replaced later in the course
of the vehicle's service life.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve their
full traction potential until after an initial
break-in period. For this reason, drive with
extra care during the initial 200 miles/
300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum speed
limits.
When the vehicle is operated on wet
or slushy roads, a wedge of water
may form between the tire and the road
surface. This phenomenon is referred to as
hydroplaning and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your
speed on wet roads.<
Brake system
Approx. 300 miles/500 km must elapse
before the brake pads and rotors achieve
the optimal pad-surface and wear patterns
required for trouble-free operation and
long service life later on.
To break in the separate handbrake drums,
apply the handbrake lightly when coasting
to a standstill Ð at a traffic signal, for
instance; use caution to avoid posing a
danger to other road users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure
from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
handbrake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo
unit on your BMW is available only
when the engine is running. When you
move the vehicle with the engine off Ð e.g.
by towing Ð substantially higher levels of
pedal force will be required to brake the
vehicle.<
Clutch
The function of the clutch is also only at its
optimized level after a distance driven of
approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this
break-in period, engage the clutch gently.
General driving notes
High temperatures
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not remove
the heat shields installed adjacent to vari-
ous sections of the exhaust system, and
never apply undercoating to them. When
driving, standing at idle and while parking
take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any
highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead

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77
to a fire, and with it the risk of serious prop-
erty damage as well as personal injury.<
Parking the vehicle
Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water under the vehicle are thus normal.
Before driving into the car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to
page 31, as otherwise they could be dam-
aged due to the width of the vehicle.
Deactivate the rain sensor as otherwise
damage could result from undesired wiper
activation, refer to page 42.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface. This phenomenon is referred
to as hydroplaning, and is characterized by
a partial or complete loss of contact
between tires and road surface, ultimately
undermining your ability to steer and brake
the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 20 in/50 cm,
and then only at walking speed. Otherwise,
the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems
and the transmission may be damaged.<
Safe braking
Emergency stops
The best way to brake is to apply maximum
pressure to the brake pedal during emer-
gency Ð panic stops. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you
can nevertheless avoid possible obstacles
with a minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates
to the driver that ABS is in its active mode. Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Otherwise, even light
but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possi-
bly even brake failure.<
Wet conditions
While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles. Watch traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat which is gener-
ated by the brake applications helps to dry
the brake pads and rotors. The required
braking force will then be available when
you need it.
On a grade
You can retain full and unimpaired braking
efficiency by downshifting to a gear in
which only minimal brake applications are
needed when descending long or steep
downhill stretches.
You can further enhance the engine's brak-
ing effect by selecting a lower gear in the
automatic transmission's manual mode,
downshifting as far as first gear on
extremely steep stretches, refer to
page 38. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake sys-
tem.
During slower downhill driving, use the Hill
Descent Control HDC, refer to page 51.
Never drive with the clutch pressed,
with the transmission in Neutral or
with the engine switched off, as otherwise
there is no engine braking when the trans-
mission is in Neutral, and no power-assist
for brakes and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.<
Corrosion
When the vehicle is driven only occasion-
ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are

Reference
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Driving tips
Mobility
79
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as
low as possible, placing it directly
behind the bulkhead behind the rear
seats
>Cover sharp edges and corners
>Pull out the partition net, refer to
page 72, making sure that objects can-
not penetrate the partition net
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat
is not occupied, secure each safety belt
in the opposite buckle.
Cargo, securing
>Use the luggage net* to hold down
small and lightweight luggage and
cargo, refer to page 72
>For larger and heavier pieces, load
securing equipment
* is available from
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Cen-
ter. Lashing eyes for attaching these
heavy-duty straps have been provided
in your vehicle's luggage compartment,
refer to page 73
>Read and comply with the information
enclosed with the load-securing
devices.Always position and secure the load
correctly. If you do not, it can even
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross
vehicle weight or either of the approved
axle loads, refer to page 116, as excessive
loads can pose a safety hazard, and may
also place you in violation of freeway safety
laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger com-
partment, as they could fly around and
pose a safety hazard to the vehicle's occu-
pants even during abrupt braking or eva-
sive maneuvers .<
Roof-mounted luggage
rack*
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's cen-
ter of gravity when loaded, they have a
major effect on its handling and steering
response.
You should therefore always remember not
to exceed the approved roof weight, the
approved gross vehicle weight or the axle
loads when loading the rack.
You can find the specified weights in the
Technical data section on page 116.
Make sure that the load is not too heavy,
and that it does not extend outward to
beyond the limits of the loading surface.
Always load the heaviest pieces first Ð on
the bottom. Be sure that adequate clear-
ance is maintained for raising the glass
roof, and that objects do not project into
the opening path of the tailgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or being
lost during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration
and braking maneuvers. Take corners gen-
tly.

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.

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

Under the engine hood
94
Washer fluid
Windshield and headlamp washer
system
Antifreeze agent for the washer sys-
tems is inflammable. For this reason,
keep it away from sources of flame and
store it only in its original containers. Store
it so that it is inaccessible to children.
Always observe the instructions for use
provided on the containers.<
We recommend that you mix the
washer ßuid before adding it to the
reservoir.<
Capacity:
approx. 6.9 US quarts/6.5 liters.
Fill with water and, if required, with an anti-
freeze additive according to manufac-
turer's recommendations.
Engine oil
Indicator lamp
Engine oil pressure
The indicator lamp lights up red:
Stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level; top up as required. If the oil
level is correct: contact the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Do not continue driving. The engine
could be damaged because of inade-
quate lubrication.<
Engine oil level
The indicator lamp lights up yellow
while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute mini-
mum. Add engine oil as soon as possible.
Until then, do not drive more than
approx. 30 miles/50 km.
The indicator lamp lights up yellow
after the engine is switched off:
Top up engine oil at the earliest
opportunity Ð when refueling.
Engine oil sensor
The indicator lamp lights up yellow
within 20 seconds after starting the
engine:
The oil level sensor is defective. Please
have it checked by a BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center.
Checking oil level
1.Park the vehicle on a level surface
2.Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
stick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-
free cloth, paper towel, or similar mate-
rial
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out again
5.The oil should extend to between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As is the case with fuel economy, the rate
at which the engine uses oil is strongly
influenced by driving style and operating
conditions.
The oil quantity between the two marks of
the dipstick is approx. 1.1 US quarts/1 liter.

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Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil can damage the
engine.
Adding engine oil
While you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
before adding oil, you should never allow
the oil level to fall below this mark.
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate without additives, and their use
could even lead to damage in some cases.
This also applies to the manual transmis-
sion, automatic transmission, the differen-
tial and the power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil change
conducted by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come
into contact with oil should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar mate-
rials so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and
information on containers.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used oil.<
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only cer-
tain engine oils.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.If you are unable to obtain BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil between
oil changes. Use only oils with the API SH
specification or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for details concerning the spe-
cific BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil
or synthetic oils which have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this informa-
tion.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climate conditions in the
area where you typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
>These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.
Coolant
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up:
Coolant level is too low; top up at
the earliest opportunity.
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in their original containers and
in a location which is inaccessible to chil-
dren. Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents
are flammable. Therefore, do not pour over
hot engine parts, as otherwise they could
catch fire and cause burns. Always observe
the instructions for use provided on the
containers.<

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.