steering wheel BMW X3 2.5I 2004 E83 Owner's Manual

Cockpit
14
Buttons in steering wheel*
The buttons integrated in the steering
wheel are provided so that you can operate
a number of accessories quickly and with-
out being distracted from traffic conditions.
You may operate:
>selected audio source functions
>Recirculating air mode/steering wheel
heating
*
>the cruise control
>some telephone functions
>the voice command system.
In order to operate a system, the cor-
responding system must be switched
on.<
Telephone/voice command system
Press briefly:
Accept incoming call, start dialing, termi-
nate call.
Extended pressure:
Switch voice command system on and off
Telephone/audio sources
Switching between telephone and radio,
cassette, CD or MD
Fast forward/reverse
>Radio
Press briefly: next station
>CD
Press briefly: skipping tracks
Maintain pressure on the button: fast
forward/reverse
>Telephone
Browse name directory
VolumeCruise control
Cruise control: calling up
Cruise control: storing and accelerating
+
as well as braking and storing
Ð
Cruise control: activate/interrupt/deacti-
vate
Recirculated-air mode/steering
wheel heating
Depending on the equipment, there is
a button for the recirculated-air mode
or steering wheel heating.<
Switching the recirculated-air mode and
automatic recirculated-air control on and
off
Steering wheel heating: switching on/off,
refer to page 31.

Reference
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Driving tips
Mobility
27
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital
contribution to relaxed driving that is as
fatigue-free as possible. The sitting posi-
tion plays an important role together with
the safety belts and airbags in providing
occupants with maximum levels of passive
safety in an accident. Therefore, observe
the following instructions, as otherwise the
protective function of the safety systems
may be impaired.
For additional information on transporting
children safely, refer to page 34.
Sitting safely with airbags
Always maintain an adequate dis-
tance between yourself and the air-
bags. Always hold the steering wheel by
its rim with hands at the 9 o'clock and
3 o'clock positions, to minimize the risk of
injuries to your hands and arms in the event
of airbag deployment.
No one and nothing is to come between the
airbags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on
the front passenger side as a storage area.
Make sure that the front passenger is cor-
rectly seated, i.e. feet or legs not resting on
the instrument panel, as otherwise leg inju-
ries can result if the knee and front airbag is
triggered.
Never let an occupant's head rest near or
on a side airbag because the inflating air-
bag could cause a serious or fatal injury.<
Even if you adhere to all the instructions
injuries resulting from contact with airbags
cannot be fully excluded, depending on the
circumstances. The ignition and inflation
noise may provoke a mild Ð usually tempo-
rary Ð hearing loss in extremely sensitive
individuals.
For airbag locations and additional infor-
mation on airbags, refer to page 54.
Sitting safely with safety belts
Even though there is an airbag, wear a
safety belt every time you get in the vehi-
cle. Although airbags enhance safety by
providing added protection, they are not a
substitute for safety belts.
Your vehicle has five seats that are all
equipped with a safety belt.
Occupants should sit upright and be
properly restrained at all times:
infants and small children in appropriate
child-restraint systems; larger children and
adults using the safety belts.
Expectant mothers should always wear
their safety belts, taking care to position
the lap belt against the lower hips, where it
will not exert pressure against the abdomi-
nal area.
Never allow more than one person to wear
a single safety belt. Never allow infants and
small children to ride in a passengers lap.
Do not route the belt across your neck, or
run it across sharp edges. Be sure that the
belt does not become caught or jammed.
Avoid twisting the belt while routing it firmly
across the hips and shoulder. Do not allow
the belt to rest against hard or fragile
objects. Otherwise, in the event of a frontal
impact, a loose lap belt could slide over
your hips, leading to abdominal injury.
Avoid wearing clothing that prevents the
belt from fitting properly and pull the lap
belt periodically to readjust the tension
across your shoulder in order to avoid a
reduction in the retention effect of the
safety belt.<
For fastening safety belts, refer to page 30.
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never try to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement, and

Reference
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31
Releasing
1.Press the red button in the buckle
2.Hold the belt
3.Guide the belt back into its reel.
The upper shoulder strap's anchorage
point will be in the correct position for seat
occupants of every build if the seat is cor-
rectly adjusted, refer to page 27.
The two rear safety belt buckles integrated
in the rear seat are for passengers sitting
on the left and right. The belt buckle
embossed with the word CENTER is
intended exclusively for use by passengers
riding in the center position.<
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or
stretched in an accident: have the
entire belt system, including the tensioning
mechanisms, replaced at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center. Have the belt
anchorage points inspected for damage at
the same time. Failure to observe this pre-
caution may prevent the safety belts from
effectively providing optimal protection
when needed. If a child-restraint system
was in the vehicle during an accident, con-
sult the manufacturer's instructions regard-
ing replacement.<
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving. There is a risk
of accident from unexpected movement.< 1.Fold the clamping lever downward
2.Adapt the steering wheel in the longitu-
dinal direction and height of the seat
position
3.Fold the clamping lever back up.
Steering wheel heating*
The button for steering wheel heating is
located in the steering wheel, refer to
page 14.
Steering wheel heating: switching on/off.
The steering wheel heating operates from
ignition key position 2.
Press the button to activate or deactivate
this system.
The indicator lamp within the button lights
up when the steering wheel heating is in
operation.
Mirrors
Adjusting exterior mirrors
1Mirror switch for 4-way adjustment
2Left/right selector switch

Reference
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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
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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
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Mobility
51
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out soon after you start
the engine.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is active and is regulating the drive
and braking forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off using the but-
ton and the stabilizing interventions are no
longer available.
Switching off DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp comes
on and stays on.
Stabilizing interventions of the chassis con-
trol system DSC are no longer available.
However, the braking interventions that
simulate the function of the differential lock
continue to be active.
In the following exceptional circumstances,
it may be effective to switch off the DSC for
a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle and starting
off in deep snow or on loose road sur-
faces
>On sandy road surfaces
>On poor surfaces with deep ruts
>If the wheels churn on muddy surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
As a result of the braking interven-
tions, the brakes may be subjected to
additional loads when the system is
switched off. In order to limit the brake tem-
perature, brief automatic masking of the
brake activation is possible.
To maintain vehicle stability, always drive with the system switched on when possi-
ble.<
Switching DSC on
Press the DSC button again; the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
DSC is now activated.
xDrive
xDrive is the all-wheel drive system of your
BMW X3. The combined effects of xDrive
and DSC further optimize the traction and
dynamic driving characteristics. The all-
wheel drive system xDrive variably distrib-
utes the drive torque to the front and rear
axle depending on the driving situation and
prevailing road conditions.
Hill Descent Control HDC
The concept
HDC is a system for hill descent assistance
that reduces the speed on steep downward
inclines and makes it even easier to control
the driving characteristics of your BMW
under these conditions.
The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active intervention
from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle
speeds below approx. 20 mph/35 km/h.
When driving down steep hills with a speed
below approx. 20 mph/35 km/h, the vehi-
cle reduces speed automatically down to
slightly more than walking speed, approx.
5 mph/8 km/h, and then maintains this
speed at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes to
vary this automatically controlled speed
within a range extending from approx.
3 mph/5 km/h to 15 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the
same range by using the +/Ð buttons of the
cruise control in the steering wheel.
HDC is automatically deactivated once
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.
35 mph/60 km/h.

Reference
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53
available. See your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center to have the system
repaired.
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in the four fitted tires as
you drive. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops sig-
nificantly in relation to the pressure another
tire.
The check of the tire inflation pressure is
based on monitoring the relative speeds of
the wheels. A flat tire is detected and
reported on the basis of a deviation in cer-
tain speed ratios.
Functional requirement
So that the Flat Tire Monitor can learn the
correct inflation pressure, please perform
the following:
1.Check the inflation pressures in all tires
2.Compare with the inflation pressure
table on page 87 and correct if neces-
sary
3.Initialize the system.
Limits of the system
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused
by outside factors and does not detect a
natural, even pressure drop in all four
tires.<
In the following situations, on the other
hand, there can be delays in detecting tire
pressure losses, and even system failure:
>When driving on snow-covered or slip-
pery road surfaces
>In the case of performance-oriented
driving: slip on the drive wheels, high
lateral acceleration
>False alarms and undetected loss of
pressure may occur when you are driv-
ing with snow chains fitted>When driving with a compact wheel, the
Flat Tire Monitor cannot operate.
Initializing the system
Perform the initialization immediately
every time you correct the inflation
pressure, change a tire or change a wheel
or all wheels. A drive is required for this
purpose.<
1.Before the start of driving, start the
engine, but do not drive off
2.Press the button until the yellow indica-
tor lamp in the instrument cluster lights
up for a few seconds
3.Drive off.
It takes a few minutes until the Flat Tire
Monitor can detect and indicated a flat tire.
Do not initialize the system when driv-
ing with snow chains or with a com-
pact wheel.<
Flat tire
Indicator lamp
The symbol in the instrument clus-
ter lights up in yellow.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2.Identify damaged tire
If identification is not possible,
contact your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center.<
3.Replace the damaged tire, refer to
Changing a wheel on page 103.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
54
Brake force display
The brake force display indicates the inten-
sity with which you are applying your
brakes to drivers of following vehicles.
The display consists of two stages:
>Normal braking:
Brake lamp 1 lights up on both sides of
the vehicle together with the center
brake lamp
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
Brake lamps 1 and 2 light up on both
vehicle sides together with the center
brake lamp.
Airbags
The following airbags are located beneath
the marked covers:
1Front airbags for driver and front pas-
senger
2Head airbags in front and rear
3Side airbags in front and rear
*
Protective effect
The front airbags help protect the driver
and front passenger by responding to fron-
tal impacts in which safety belts alone can-not provide adequate restraint. When
needed, the head and side airbags help
provide protection in the event of side
impact. The relevant side airbag supports
the side upper body area. The relevant
head airbag supports the head and pro-
vides protection against objects entering
the vehicle.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered
in every impact situation, e.g. less severe
accidents, certain roll-over situations or
rear-end collisions.
The rear seat side airbags may
already have been deactivated by a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Labels in the rear door opening should indi-
cate the status of your rear seat side air-
bags. If you are uncertain of their status, or
wish to have the airbags activated or deac-
tivated, please contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.<
For information on the correct sitting posi-
tion, refer to page 27.
Do not apply adhesive materials to
the cover panels of the airbags, cover
them or modify them in any other way.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag reten-
tion system from the vehicle. Never modify
or tamper with either the wiring or the indi-
vidual components in the airbag system.
This category includes the upholstery in the
center of the steering wheel, on the instru-
ment cluster, the side trim panels on the
doors, and the roof pillars along with the
sides of the headliner. Do not attempt to
remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been trig-
gered, because there is a danger of burns.
If you note any indication of system mal-
function, if you desire to have an airbag
deactivated, or if the airbag retention sys-
tem is triggered in response to an accident,
you should always entrust all inspection,
repair and dismantling operations to your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Unprofessional attempts to service the sys-
tem could lead to failure in an emergency
or undesired airbag activation, either of
which could result in personal injury.

Reference
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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.