tow BMW X3 2.5I 2005 E83 Owner's Guide

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
101
light-alloy wheels, different lug bolts may
also be required.
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
5.Lower the jack and remove it from beneath
the vehicle.
After mounting
1.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
To ensure safety, always have the lug
bolts checked with a calibrated
torque wrench as soon as possible to
ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
fied torque. The tightening torque is
101lbft/140Nm.<
2.Stow the defective wheel in the cargo area.
3.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.<
4.Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page49.
Do not initialize the system when driv-
ing with the compact wheel.<
5.Replace the damaged tire with a new one as
soon as possible and have the new wheel
balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Do not deacti-
vate DSC, as otherwise unstable driving condi-
tions 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
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. You should re-equip with
wheels and tires of the original size as quickly as
possible.<
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
will be happy to consult you on all questions
concerning the battery.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up. The bat-
tery is no longer being charged. The
alternator V-belt is defective or there is
a malfunction in the charge current circuit of the
alternator. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.
Do not continue driving if the V-belt is
defective. The engine could be damaged
due to overheating.
Moreover, an increased amount of force is
required for steering if there is a sharp drop in
the onboard supply voltage.<
Charging battery
Charge the battery in the vehicle only when the
engine is not running. Use the connections pro-
vided in the engine compartment. For connec-
tions, refer to Jump starting on page104.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of following
replacement at your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or bring them to a collection
point. Maintain the battery in an upright position
for transport and storage. Always secure the
battery to prevent it from tipping over during
transport.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
105
5.Connect the second terminal clamp of the
negative/– jumper cable to the negative ter-
minal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting engine
1.Start the assisting vehicle's engine and let it
run at an increased idling speed for a few
minutes.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged at a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Use tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page95, and must
always remain in the vehicle. It can be screwed
in at the front or rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle, observe the following: only use
the tow fitting that comes with the vehicle and
screw it in as far as it will go. Only use the tow
fitting to tow on roads. Avoid lateral loading of
the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Press out the cover in the front or rear bumper
at the notch at the bottom with a screwdriver.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine
stopped. It is then necessary to exert increased
effort for braking and steering.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h and a towing distance of
95 miles/150 km, as otherwise the drive train
may be damaged.<
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gear lever in neutral.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in N.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes on public roads is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise
it will not be possible to control vehicle
response.<

Giving and receiving assistance
106 The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be strictly limited in corners.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only.
Otherwise damage could result on other
vehicle parts.<
With tow-rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow-rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Secure the tow-rope on the tow fitting only.
Otherwise damage could result on other vehicle
parts.<
With tow truck
Do not tow the X3 with only the front or
rear axle raised, as otherwise the wheels
could lock and the transfer case could be dam-
aged.<
Only have the X3 transported on a load bed.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission.
Jump starting, refer to page104.<
Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only
be tow-started when the engine is cold. It is bet-
ter to jump start the engine, refer to page104.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3.Engage the 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
pedal completely depressed and slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch pedal com-
pletely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent
Control during tow-starting, refer to
page48.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
113
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System47
– indicator lamp12
Accessories, refer to For your
own safety6
Accident, refer to Receiving
assistance103
Activated-charcoal filter61
Adaptive Head Light53
Adding engine oil91
Adjusting seats24
– electric26
– mechanical25
– mechanical, sports seat25
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioner57,60
Airbags51
– deactivating front passenger
side31,52
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags52
– sitting safely24
– warning lamp52
Air circulation, refer to Recir-
culated-air mode57,60
Air conditioner56,57
Air distribution
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
Airing, refer to
Ventilation57,61
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation57,61
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure82
Air supply
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation57,61AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications81
Alarm system22
– avoiding unintentional
alarms23
All-season tires, refer to
Special characteristics of
winter tires86
Anchorage points33
Antifreeze
– coolant91
– washer fluid90
Antilock Brake System
ABS47
– indicator lamp12
Anti-theft alarm system16
– refer to Alarm system22
Anti-trapping mechanism
– panorama glass sunroof21
– power windows20
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights112
Approved engine oils91
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights112
Armrest
– front64
– rear64
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray65
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control60
Automatic
– air distribution60
– air supply60
– climate control59,60
– headlamp control53
– recirculated-air control
AUC60Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic cruise control40
Automatic curb monitor29
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic36
– indicator lamp38
– interlock34
– selector lever interlock37
– shiftlock37
– towing105
– tow-starting106
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
and supply60
Average fuel consumption44
– setting units44
Average speed45
– setting units44
Avoiding unintentional
alarms23
Axle loads, refer to
Weights112
B
Backrest, refer to Seats25
Backup lamps36
– refer to Tail lamps98
– replacing bulbs98
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit104
Bar, towing105
Battery101
– indicator lamp12
– jump starting104
– power failure102
– remote control16
– warning lamp101
Belts, refer to Safety belts27
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders63

Everything from A to Z
114 Black ice, refer to Ice
warning44
Blower
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
BMW maintenance system93
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders63
Brake fluid92
– level92
– warning lamp92
Brake Force Display50
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display50
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp12,53
– replacing bulbs98
Brake pads
– breaking-in72
Brake pedal, refer to Safe
braking73
Brake rotors
– brake system72
– breaking-in72
Brakes73,92
– ABS73
– brake fluid92
– breaking in72
– handbrake35
– indicator/warning lamp11
Brake system92
– brake fluid92
– brake pads92
– breaking-in72
– disc brakes74
– warning lamp92
Brake wear warning
– brake pads92
– warning lamp92
Breakdown service, refer to
Receiving assistance103
Breaking-in72
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs95
Buttons on steering wheel12
C
California law
– Event Data Recorders94
– Proposition 65 Warning6
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders63
Capacities112
Capacity, cargo area112
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing75
Cargo area67
– capacity112
– cover67
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual unlocking19
– floor cover69
– folding rear seat backrest67
– lashing eyes69
– lid, refer to Tailgate19
– opening, remote control17
– power socket69
Cargo loading74
– determining load limit74
– securing cargo75
– stowing cargo75
– vehicle74
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochureCaring for the vehicle finish,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Key set16
Car phone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car phone preparation66
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Car wash73
– refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system73
CD operation, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Central locking system16
– interior18
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel99
Changing gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
Changing wheels86
Charge-current indicator
lamp12,101
Charging battery101
Check Gas Cap, warning
lamp12,80
Checking oil level90
Child's seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems31
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH33
Child-restraint systems31
Child-safety locks33
Chock99
Chrome parts, care, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter65

Everything from A to Z
116 DVD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC47
– warning lamp49
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC47
– indicator lamp47
E
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution47
Electrical malfunctions
– automatic transmission
malfunction38
– door lock18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door80
– panorama glass sunroof22
– tailgate19
Electronic brake-force distri-
bution EBV47
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control47
Emergency call103
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– doors18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door80
– panorama glass sunroof22
– tailgate19
Emergency Service, refer to
Receiving assistance103
Engine
– breaking-in72
– data110
– indicator lamps34
– speed42
Engine compartment89
Engine coolant91
Engine oil90
– approved engine oils91
– indicator/warning lamp90Engine oil grades91
Engine oil level90
– indicator/warning lamp90
Engine oil pressure90
– indicator/warning lamp90
Engine oil sensor90
– indicator/warning lamp90
Engine output, refer to Engine
data110
Equipment range, refer to
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control47
Exhaust system73
Exterior mirrors28
Eye, tow-starting and
towing105
F
Failure of a current
consumer102
False alarms, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms23
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts27
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter58
– Microfilter/activated
charcoal filter61
Fine wood, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit104
First-aid kit104
Flat tire99
– compact wheel99
– Flat Tire Monitor49
– refer to Tire inflation
pressure82
– refer to Wheel changes99Flat Tire Monitor49
– indicator lamp50
Flooding, refer to Driving on
poor roads76
Floor cover69
Fog lamps, indicator lamp54
Folding rear seat back67
Front airbags51
Front fog lamps54
– replacing bulbs97
Fuel81
– average consumption44
– capacity112
– gage42
– quality81
Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption44
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gage42
Fuel filler door80
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction80
Fuel gage42
Fuel tank contents, refer to
Filling capacities112
Fuses102
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control62
Gasoline, refer to Fuel
quality81
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gage42
Gear change
– manual transmission36
Gear indicator with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic37
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic36
– manual transmission36
General driving notes72

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
119
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation57,61
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing105
O
OBD connector93
Octane rating, refer to Fuel
quality81
Odometer42
Oil
– approved engine oils91
– capacity112
– dipstick90
Oil change interval
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models
– refer to Service Interval
Display43
Oil consumption90
Oil grades91
Oil level90
– warning lamp90
Oil pressure90
– warning lamp90
Oil sensor90
– warning lamp90
OIL SERVICE43
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal101
Onboard computer, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Onboard Diagnostics OBD
interface socket93
Onboard tool kit95
Opening and closing
– from inside18
– from outside16
– using the door lock18
– using the remote control16
Output, refer to Engine
data110Outside air
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
Outside temperature display
– changing unit of measure44
– in computer44P
Panorama glass sunroof21
– automatic opening and
closing21
– closing with electrical
malfunction22
– comfort operation18
– comfort position21
– initializing21
– power failure21
– remote control17
Parcel shelf, refer to Cargo
area cover67
Park Distance Control PDC46
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control46
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake35
Parking lamps53
– replacing bulbs97
Parking lamps/low beams53
Parking vehicle35
Partition net68
Parts and accessories, refer to
For your own safety6
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function29
Pathway lighting53
PDC Park Distance Control46
Plastic, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
– Microfilter58
– Microfilter/activated
charcoal filter61
Portable phone, refer also to
separate Owner's Manual
Power failure
– battery102
– panorama glass sunroof21
– windows20Power seat adjustment26
Power socket65,69
Power windows20
– initializing20
– safety switch20
Pressure, tires82
Pressure monitoring, tires49
– Flat Tire Monitor49
Programming settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory30
Protective function, panorama
glass sunroof21
Puncture, Flat Tire Monitor49
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant91
Radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Radio-control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control16
Radio navigation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Rain sensor39
Range, setting units44
Reading lamps
– front55
– rear55
Rear backrests, folding67
Rear seat back, folding67
Rearview mirrors, exterior28
Rear window defroster
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control61
Rear window safety switch20
Rear window wiper39
– wiper blade replacement95
Recirculated-air mode
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
Reflector, refer to Tail
lamps98
Refueling80
– fuel filler door80
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range45

Everything from A to Z
120 Remaining distance for
Service43
Remote control16
– garage-door opener62
– malfunction17
– tailgate17
Removing condensation,
windows
– air conditioner58
– automatic climate control60
Replacement fuses102
Replacement keys16
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs95
Replacing tires
– new wheels and tires86
– wheel changes99
Replacing windshield
wiper95
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve indicator lamp, refer
to Fuel gage42
Restraint systems
– for children31
– refer to Safety belts27
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– manual transmission36
Roadside Assistance, refer to
Receiving assistance103
Roadside parking lamps54
– replacing bulbs97
Roll-up cover, refer to Cargo
area cover67
Roof load, refer to
Weights112
Roof-mounted luggage
rack76
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing105
Rotating coin holder, refer to
Storage compartments64
Run-flat indicator, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor49
S
Safety belts27
– sitting safely24
– warning lamp27
Safety belt tensioners, refer to
Safety belts27
Safety defects, reporting7
Safety feature, power
windows20
Safety systems, refer to
– ABS Antilock Brake
System47
– Airbags51
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control47
– xDrive48
Screwdriver, refer to Onboard
tool kit95
Seat heating27
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory26
Seats
– adjusting electrically26
– adjusting sports seat25
– heating27
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory26
– sitting safely24
– storing the setting26
Securing cargo, refer to Cargo
loading74
Selector lever, automatic
transmission37
Selector lever interlock, refer
to Shiftlock37
Selector-lever positions,
automatic transmission36
Service, refer to Receiving
assistance103
Service and warranty7
Service Engine Soon34,94
Service Interval Display43,93
Setting interior
temperature57,60
Shifting gears, with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic37Shiftlock37
Side airbags51
Side tilt, permissible76
Side turn signals, replacing
the bulbs97
Sitting safely24
– with airbags24
– with safety belts24
Ski bag66
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray65
Snow chains87
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency call103
Spare fuses102
Spare key16
Spare tire, refer to Wheel
changes99
Spare wheel, refer to Compact
wheel99
Specified oils91
Speed
– with compact wheel101
– with winter tires86
Speedometer11
– refer to Instrument
cluster11
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic37
Sports seat25
Stability control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control47
Starting, refer to Engine34
Starting difficulties
– jump starting104
Starting engine34,35
Starting problems at very low
temperatures35
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steering lock34
Steering wheel10,12
– adjustment28
– buttons12
– lock34
Steering wheel heater28

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
121
Steering wheel with
buttons12
Steptronic36
Storage compartments64,65
Storage package65
Storage package nets65
Storage space, refer to Cargo
area67
Storing desired speed, refer to
Cruise control40
Storing seat position, refer to
Seat and mirror memory26
Storing tires86
Straps, refer to Cargo
loading74
Supply reservoirs, washer
systems90
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off engine35
Symbols4
T
Table of contents3
Tachometer42
Tailgate19
– closing19
– emergency operation19
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual unlocking19
– opening, remote control17
– opening from outside19
– remote control17
– unlocking manually19
Tailgate lamp, replacing
bulbs98
Tail lamps98
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp53
– replacing bulbs98
Tank capacity112
Technical data110
Technical modifications6
Telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Temperature
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60Temperature, tires85
Temperature display
– ice warning44
– outside temperature44
– setting units44
Temperature gage42
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control40
The right wheels and tires86
Thigh support
adjustment25,26
Three-point safety belt27
Tightening torque of the lug
bolts, refer to After
mounting101
Tilt alarm sensor
– remote control17
– switching off17
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror29
Tire inflation pressures82
Tires
– age84
– breaking-in72
– changing86
– changing, refer to Wheel
changes99
– condition85
– damage85
– DOT Quality Grades84
– flat99
– inflation pressure82
– inflation pressure table83
– size, refer to The right
wheels and tires86
– storage86
– temperature85
– traction84
– tread85
– tread wear84
– tread wear indicator, refer to
Tire tread85
– Uniform Tire Quality
Grading84
– winter tires86
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit95Torque
– engine110
– lug bolts101
Tow bar105
Tow fitting105
Towing105
– with automatic
transmission105
Towing eye105
Towing the vehicle105
Tow rope106
Tow sockets for tow
fitting105
Tow-starting105
Track width, refer to
Dimensions111
Traction84
Traction aid, refer to DSC47
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control47
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic36
– manual transmission36
Transmission locking
mechanism, refer to
PParking37
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction38
Transporting children
safely31
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo75
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread85
Tread wear84
Tread wear indicator in tire,
refer to Tire tread85
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer42
Trip odometer42
Trunk19
– capacity112
– opening from outside19
– refer to Cargo area67
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate19
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions111