lock BMW X3 2.5I 2005 E83 Owner's Guide

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
48
Switching off DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up continuously.
DSC is now deactivated.
Stabilizing interventions of the chassis control
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 useful to switch off DSC for a short
period:
>When rocking the vehicle and starting off in
deep snow or on loose road surfaces
>On sandy road surfaces
>On poor surfaces with deep ruts
>If the wheels spin on muddy surfaces
>When driving with snow chains
As a result of the braking interventions,
the brakes may be subjected to additional
loads when the system is switched off. In order
to limit the brake temperature, brief automatic
suppression of the brake activation is possible.
To maintain vehicle stability, always drive with
the system switched on when possible.<
Reactivating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. DSC is now acti-
vated.
xDrive
xDrive is the all-wheel drive system of your X3.
The combined effects of xDrive and DSC fur-
ther optimize the traction and dynamic driving
characteristics. The all-wheel drive system
xDrive variably distributes the drive torque to
the front and rear axle depending on the driving
situation and prevailing road conditions.
HDC Hill Descent Control
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 condi-
tions. 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 vehicle reduces speed
automatically down to slightly more than walk-
ing 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 +/– buttons of the cruise
control on the steering wheel.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
55
Interior lamps
The interior lamps operate automatically.
If you desire, the interior lamps are
switched on after mechanical unlocking
of the vehicle. You may have this function acti-
vated/deactivated if you wish.<
If the interior lamps remain switched on
after locking the vehicle, one of the doors
or the tailgate may not be completely closed.<
Switching interior lamps on and off
Briefly press button 1.
If you want the interior lamps to remain off all
the time, press and hold the button for approx.
3seconds.
Press the button briefly to revert to normal
operation.
You can have soft dimming of the interior
lamps set.<
Front reading lamps*
Switch on and off with buttons 2.
Rear reading lamps*
Switch on and off with the button.To avoid discharging the battery, all of the
vehicle's interior lamps are automatically
extinguished approx. 15 minutes after the igni-
tion is switched off.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
57
Air supply/blower
You can select blower speeds 1
to 4. The heating and ventilation
become more and more effective
as the air supply settings are
increased. In position 0, the blower
and heater are switched off. The air supply is
blocked in position 0.
Temperature
To increase the temperature of the
interior, turn to the right.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto the
windows , toward the upper
body and into the footwell .
All intermediate settings are possi-
ble. In the setting, there is a
slight flow of air onto the windows to keep them
free of condensation.
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster is
activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window
defroster switches off automatically.
You can have your vehicle programmed in
such a way that the rear window defroster
switches on automatically. It is then switched
on at outside temperatures of less than approx.
+397/+46 within 5 minutes of the engine
start.<
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidified
and warmed again as needed,
depending on the temperature set-
ting. Depending on the weather, the windshield
may fog over briefly when the engine is started.
You can reduce condensation forming on the
windows by switching on the air conditioner.Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.<
Outside air/recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors outside the vehicle by tem-
porarily switching off the outside
air supply. The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing air supply as
required. The recirculated-air mode should not
be used over a sustained period of time, other-
wise the air quality inside the vehicle will deteri-
orate.<
Ventilation
The air vents for the upper body area can be
adjusted:
1Serrated dials
Serrated dials for opening and closing the
vent outlets through an infinitely-variable
range.
2Levers
Selector levers for airflow direction.
3Serrated dial
Use this serrated dial to adjust the amount
of cool air that is added to the airflow
emerging from the vent outlets for the
upper body.

A congenial climate
60
A congenial climate
For almost all conditions, the AUTO pro-
gram 12 offers the optimal air distribution and
air volume. Select an interior temperature you
find pleasant.
The following section contains more detailed
information on the available setting options.
Your vehicle has been designed to auto-
matically select your personal climate-
control settings whenever you unlock the doors
using your individually programmed remote
control.<
Automatic air distribution and supply
The AUTO program adjusts the
airflow and distribution patterns for
you while also using your prese-
lected temperature setting as the basis for
adjusting the interior climate to adapt to exter-
nal influences: summer, winter.
The cooling is switched on automatically with
the AUTO program.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO program
by selecting specific air distribu-
tion patterns for your personal
comfort, the automatic air supply
remains in operation. You can
direct air to flow onto the win-
dows , toward the upper body , and into
the footwell . You can reactivate the auto-
matic air distribution mode by selecting the
AUTO button.
Adjusting temperature
The figures in the display provide a
general indication of interior tem-
perature. When you start the vehi-
cle, the AUTO program ensures
that the selected temperature is
achieved as quickly as possible. It
then maintains this temperature, regardless of
the season.
Air supply/blower
You can vary the air supply by
pressing the upper or lower button.
This switches off the automatic
program for the air supply, and the
word AUTO goes out in the dis-
play. The automatic mode for air
distribution remains in operation as before. You
can reactivate the automatic air supply mode by
selecting the AUTO button.
If you press the lower button when at the lowest
blower speed, all displays go out: the blower,
heating and air conditioner are switched off.
The outside air supply is shut off. You can
restart the automatic climate control by press-
ing any of its buttons.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly removes ice
and condensation from the wind-
shield and door windows.
Air conditioner
When the air conditioning is on,
the air is cooled, dehumidified,
and then reheated depending on
the temperature setting. Depending on the
weather, the windshield may fog over briefly
when the engine is started. The air conditioner
reduces the formation of condensation on the
windows.
The air conditioner can only operate when the
engine is running and is automatically switched
on with the AUTO program.
Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.<
Outside air/AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control/recirculated-
air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the immedi-
ate environment by suspending
the supply of outside air. The system then recir-

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
61
culates the air currently within the vehicle.
During AUC operation, a sensor detects pollut-
ants in the outside air and controls the shut-off
automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run through the
following control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside air flows into the
vehicle.
>Left indicator lamp on, AUC mode: the sys-
tem recognizes pollutants in the outside air
and blocks the flow of air when necessary.
The system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. Depending on the
air quality, the automatic system then
switches back and forth between outside air
supply and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle.
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the outside
air supply into the vehicle is shut off contin-
uously. The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing air supply as
required. The recirculated-air mode should not
be used over a sustained period of time, other-
wise the air quality inside the vehicle will deteri-
orate.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster is
activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window
defroster switches off automatically.
You can have your vehicle set so that the
rear window defroster switches on auto-
matically. It is then switched on at outside tem-
peratures of less than approx. +397/+46
within 5 minutes of the engine start.<
Ventilation
The air vents for the upper body area can be
adjusted:
1Serrated dials
Serrated dials for opening and closing the
vent outlets through an infinitely-variable
range.
2Levers
Selector levers for airflow direction.
3Serrated dial
Use this serrated dial to adjust the amount
of cool air that is added to the airflow
emerging from the vent outlets for the
upper body.
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vents to direct the flow of cool air in
your direction, for instance, if the interior has
become too warm.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter*
The built-in microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air. The activated-charcoal
filter provides additional protection by filtering
gaseous pollutants from the outside air. This
combined filter is replaced when maintenance
is performed by your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center. A substantial reduction in air supply
indicates that the filter should be replaced
before normal maintenance.

Practical interior accessories
64
Rear
A cup holder is located in the center armrest at
the rear:
Press the button to open.
Do not place glass containers in the cup
holders, as otherwise there is a danger of
injury in an accident.<
Glove compartment
Opening
Pull the handle. The lamp inside the glove com-
partment comes on.
Closing
Fold the cover up.
To prevent injury in the event of an acci-
dent, close the glove compartment
immediately after use.<
Locking
Use one of the master keys. A master key is also
required for unlocking.
If you only hand over the spare key, e.g. in
a hotel for valet parking, refer to page16,
the glove compartment cannot be accessed.<
Rechargeable flashlight
The flashlight is located on the left side of the
glove compartment. Because it is protected
against overcharging, the flashlight can remain
continually inserted in its holder.
Be sure that the flashlight is switched off
when it is inserted into its holder. Failure
to comply with this precaution could lead to
extreme discharging and damage.<
Storage compartments
Armrest, front*
The armrest contains two storage compart-
ments.
>Compartment for CDs:
Press button1.
>Compartment for coins and miscellaneous
items:
Press button2.
Armrest, rear
The rear armrest contains a storage compart-
ment:
To open, pull the cover upward.

Practical interior accessories
68 Do not place heavy and hard objects on
the cover. If you do so, they could endan-
ger 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 arrow1.
2.Pull the cassette towards the rear, refer to
arrow2.
Installation
Push the cassette forward into the two side
holders until it locks in place.
Stowing* when rear seat back is folded
down
Holders for the cassette are fitted to the backs
of the rear seat backs, refer to arrows1.
Guide in the cassette from the right side until it
locks in place, refer to arrow 2. Here, the cargo
area cover must always point in the direction of
travel and the loop of the partition net must
point upward.
You can pull out the partition net and insert it in
the holders in the roof area above.
Partition net*
Hooking partition net into place
Pull the partition net out of the cassette by the
strap. Push together the bar on both sides, refer
to arrows 1, and insert in the brackets. Then
press the bar all the way upward in the middle,
refer to arrow 2, so that it engages in the brack-
ets.
Letting down partition net
Grasp bar on one side on the partition net, press
upward and push together, then release from
the brackets.
Do not allow the partition net to snap back
into place, as otherwise there is a danger
of injury and the partition net could be dam-
aged.<
Behind side trim panel
Press the button to open.

Refueling
80
Refueling
Fuel filler door
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling, as it is not possible to add fuel with
the engine running, and attempts to do so may
also trigger the Service Engine Soon lamp.<
To open and close: press the rear edge of the
fuel filler door.
Manual release
In the event of an electrical malfunction in the
system, you can release the fuel filler door man-
ually:
1.Open the cover flap in the cargo area on the
right-hand side panel, refer to page68.
2.Pull the green button.
Always observe all applicable precautions
and regulations when handling fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehi-
cle. Whether empty or full, these containers can
leak, cause an explosion, and lead to fire in the
event of a collision.<
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, comply with all of
the applicable safety precautions posted
at the service station.<
Put the filler cap in the bracket attached to the
fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the filler nozzle
during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>can lead to reduced efficiency in the fuel-
vapor recovery system
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Closing fuel filler cap
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Close the filler cap carefully after refueling
until a click is heard. While closing, be
sure not to squeeze the strap which is fastened
to the cap. A loose or missing cap will activate
the Check gas cap lamp
*.<
The warning lamp
* lights up.
The fuel filler cap is not properly closed
or is missing. Check whether the fuel
filler cap is properly closed.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 17.7 gallons/67 liters, including the
reserve capacity of approx. 2 gallons/8 liters.

Under the hood
88
Under the hood
Never attempt to perform any service or
repair operations on your vehicle without
the required professional technical training. If
you are not familiar with the regulations to be
observed, have work on your vehicle carried out
only by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
or a workshop that uses personnel trained in
accordance with BMW requirements. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
hazards.<
Hood
Unlocking
Pull the lever located under the left side of the
instrument cluster.
Opening
Press the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Let the hood fall from approx. 1 ft/30 cm so that
you hear it engage.
Observe the same precautions that apply
to all closing operations by ensuring that
the hood's travel range is clear and unob-
structed before allowing the hood to fall into
position.
If you see any signs that the hood is not com-
pletely closed while driving your vehicle, you
should stop at once and close it securely.<

Reference
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Driving tips
Mobility
91
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil can damage the
engine.<
Adding engine oil
Do not add oil until the oil level has dropped to
just above the lower marking on the dipstick,
refer to page90.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km,
otherwise engine damage could result.<
Store oil, grease etc., well out of the reach
of children; always observe all warning
labels on the containers.<
Oil change
Have oil changed only at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or at a workshop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. Based on extensive testing, BMW
has approved only certain engine oils.
Use only approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil between oil
changes. Use only oils with the API SH specifi-
cation or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for details concerning the specific
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil or syn-
thetic oils which have been approved. 1-800-831-1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
BMW engines are designed to operate
without additives, and their use could
even lead to damage in some cases.<
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
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up: coolant
level is too low; top off at the next
opportunity.
Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause
burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW Sport Activ-
ity Vehicle Center for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives, as otherwise
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard.<
Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-
posing of used coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-