coolant level BMW X3 2.5I 2004 E83 Owner's Manual

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.

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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
95
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.

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

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