lights BMW X3 2.5I 2005 E83 Owner's Manual

Opening and closing
20
Windows
Opening and closing windows
As of ignition key position 1:
>Press the switch up to the resistance point:
The window continues to move as long as
you continue to press the switch.
>Briefly press the switch beyond the resis-
tance point:
The window moves downward automati-
cally. Briefly press the switch again to stop
the opening motion.
You can close the windows in the same manner
by pulling the switch.
After switching off ignition
You can operate the power windows for up to
15 minutes as long as neither of the front doors
has been opened.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key and close the doors, as otherwise
children could operate the windows and injure
themselves.<
For convenience operation using the door lock,
refer to page18.
Anti-trapping mechanism
If the closing force rises beyond a predefined
threshold during closing, the system will imme-
diately stop moving the window prior to lower-
ing it slightly.
Despite the anti-trapping mechanism you
should always inspect the window's travel
path prior to closing it, as the safety system
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-
tions, such as very thin objects, and the window would continue closing.
You can disable the anti-trapping mechanism
by pressing the switch beyond the resistance
point and holding it.<
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After disconnecting the battery, the anti-trap-
ping mechanism must be reinitialized. To do
this, open and close the windows once and con-
tinue pull the switch for longer than 2 seconds
after closing.
Safety switch
With the safety switch, you can prevent the rear
windows from being opened or closed via the
switches in the rear passenger area, by chil-
dren, for example. The indicator lamp lights up
when this safety feature is activated.
Always press the safety switch when chil-
dren ride in the rear, as otherwise
unchecked closing of the windows could lead to
injuries.<
You can deactivate the function again as
of ignition key position 1.<
Accessories in window area
After installing any accessory – such as a
clamp-on antenna for a portable phone – within
the window's travel range, you will need to have
the system reinitialized for use under the new
conditions. Please contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
23
>The indicator lamp flashes when the vehicle
is locked: door(s) or tailgate are not com-
pletely closed. Even if you do not close the
alerted area, the system begins to monitor
the remaining areas, and the indicator lamp
flashes continuously after 10 seconds.
However, the interior motion sensor is not
activated.
>The indicator lamp goes out when the vehi-
cle is unlocked: no manipulation or
attempted intrusions have been detected in
the period since the system was armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes for 10 seconds
after the vehicle is unlocked: an attempted
entry has been detected in the period since
the system was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the indicator
lamp will flash continuously.
Tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor
Tilt alarm sensor
The tilt of the vehicle is monitored. The alarm
system reacts, e.g. in case of an attempted
wheel theft or towing.
Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to func-
tion properly, the windows and panorama glass
sunroof must be completely closed.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor
may be switched off at the same time. This pre-
vents unintentional alarms, e.g. in the following
situations:
>In stacking garages
>When transporting on car-carrying trains
>When animals are to remain in the vehicle
Switching off tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor
Press the button on the remote control
again directly after locking.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and then
flashes continuously. The tilt alarm sensor and
the interior motion sensor are switched off until
the next time the vehicle is unlocked and subse-
quently locked again.
If you wish, the tilt alarm sensor and inte-
rior motion sensor are permanently
switched off. You can have this set at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.<
If you interrupt the convenience closing of
the windows and panorama glass sunroof
within the first 10 seconds and then reinitiate
the action, this will unintentionally switch off the
tilt alarm sensor and interior motion sensor.
If this has occurred, the system must be dis-
armed and then rearmed.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
27
3.Press the MEMORY button:
The indicator lamp in the button lights up.
4.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or3:
The indicator lamp goes out.
Requesting a stored setting
Do not request a position from the mem-
ory while the vehicle is moving, as other-
wise there is a risk of accident from unexpected
seat movement.<
Convenience mode
1.Open the driver's door after unlocking or
turn the ignition key to position 1.
2.Briefly press the desired memory button 1,
2 or3.
The system immediately cancels the
adjustment procedure when you press one
of the seat adjustment buttons or use one of
the memory buttons.
Safety feature
1.Close the driver's door and turn the ignition
key to position 0 or 2.
2.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or3
and maintain pressure until the adjustment
process has been completed.
If you press the
MEMORY button acci-
dentally:
Press the button a second time – the indicator
lamp goes out.<
You can have your vehicle programmed
to automatically recall your own individual
adjustment settings for the seat and exterior
mirror position whenever you use your personal
remote control to unlock the vehicle.<
If you make use of this adjustment, be
sure that the footwell behind the driver's
seat is unobstructed before unlocking the vehi-
cle. If you fail to do so, any persons, animals or
objects behind the seat could be injured or
damaged by a rearward movement of the
seat.<
Heated seats*
The seat cushion and backrest can be heated
when the ignition key is in position 2.
To request different temperature levels: press
the button repeatedly.
To switch off from a higher heat setting: press
the button and hold it slightly longer.
Safety belts
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimal protection,
please follow the instructions on page24.<
Make sure the safety belts are worn in all occu-
pied seats every time you drive. Although air-
bags enhance safety by providing added pro-
tection, they are not a substitute for safety
belts.
Fastening
Make sure you hear the latch plate engage in
the belt buckle.
Releasing
1.Press the red button in the belt buckle.
2.Hold the belt firmly.

Adjustments
28 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 correctly adjusted, refer
to page24.
The two rear safety belt buckles integrated into
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 posi-
tion.<
Safety belt reminder for front seats
The indicator lamp flashes or lights up.
In addition, a signal sounds. Please
make sure that the safety belts are
being worn correctly.
The safety belt reminder is activated if the
safety belt on the driver's side has not yet been
fastened.
At speeds greater than 5 mph/8 km/h, the
safety belt reminder is also activated if the pas-
senger side safety belt has not yet been fas-
tened, if heavy objects are placed on the pas-
senger's seat, or if the front passenger's safety
belt is released.
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or
stretched in an accident: have the entire
belt system, including the tensioning mecha-
nisms, replaced at your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or at a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. Have the belt
anchorage points inspected for damage at the
same time. Failure to observe this precaution
may prevent the safety belts from effectively
providing optimal protection when needed. If a
child-restraint system was in the vehicle during
an accident, consult the manufacturer's
instructions regarding replacement.<
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving. There is a risk of acci-
dent from unexpected movement.<
1.Fold the clamping lever downward.
2.Adapt the steering wheel in the longitudinal
direction and height of the seat position.
3.Fold the clamping lever back up.
Steering wheel heater*
The button for steering wheel heater is located
on the steering wheel, refer to page12.
Steering wheel heater: switching on/off
The steering wheel heater operates as of igni-
tion key position 2.
Press the button to activate or deactivate this
system.
The indicator lamp within the button lights up
when the steering wheel heater is in operation.
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The mirror on the passenger side fea-
tures a lens with a more convex surface
than the mirror installed on the driver's side.
When estimating the distance between yourself
and other traffic, bear in mind that the objects
reflected in the mirror are closer than they
appear. This means that estimations of the

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
35
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
The warning lamp lights up. Malfunc-
tion in the engine electronics. You can
continue to drive with reduced engine
output or speed. Have the system checked
immediately.
Starting engine
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the vehicle.
A locking mechanism prevents the engine from
starting if the clutch is not depressed.
Do not end the starting procedure too early, but
do not prolong it for more than 20 seconds.
Release the ignition 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 temperatures,
below approx. +57/–156, at high altitudes
over 3,300 ft/1,000 m:
>Engage the starter for approx. 10 seconds
the first time.
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway down
while engaging the starter.
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion 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 overheating and damaging the cat-
alytic converter.<
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Shift into neutral.
3.Press the clutch pedal.
If the clutch pedal is not pressed, the engine
cannot be started.
4.Start the engine.Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, place the gearshift lever in neu-
tral position and engage the handbrake.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle represents a
potential safety hazard.<
Automatic transmission
1.Press the brake pedal.
2.Engage selector-lever 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 vehi-
cle represents a potential safety hazard.<
Switching off engine
Do not remove the ignition key when the
vehicle is moving, as otherwise the steer-
ing could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key and lock the steering.
When parking on downward inclines, engage
the handbrake.<
Manual transmission
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Automatic transmission
Engage selector-lever position P, turn ignition
key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up red. An
acoustic signal also sounds when you
begin to drive. The handbrake is
engaged.

Driving
36 Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically and the indica-
tor lamp in the instrument cluster lights up from
ignition key position 1.
Releasing
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the button
and lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the hand-
brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it
too strongly. In doing so, continuously press the
button of the handbrake lever. Strong applica-
tion of the handbrake can lead to overbraking of
the rear axle and to associated 'fishtailing' of the
vehicle rear end.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is applied.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally engage the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop at a traffic light if the traffic conditions
are suitable.<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, make
sure that you press the gearshift lever to
the right to prevent inadvertently shifting into
3rd or 4th.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes by
slipping or riding the clutch. Otherwise greater
clutch wear will result.<
Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. Press
the gearshift lever to the left to overcome the
resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will turn on
automatically when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 2.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to
page37.
Selector-lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Starting engine
The engine can only be started in selector lever
positions P: Park or N: Neutral.

Driving
38 To use the automatic function again, move the
selector lever to the right into position D.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A malfunc-
tion has occurred in the transmission
system. Avoid heavy loads.
While it will still remain possible to move the
selector lever to any desired position, the trans-
mission will revert to its default mode with only
a limited number of forward gears.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Information on towing and jump starting, refer
to page105.
Turn signals/headlamp
flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb has
gone out. After the ignition is switched off,
make sure that the roadside parking lamps have
not been left on.<
Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold for as
long as you wish to signal.
Washer/wiper system/
rain sensor*
0Wipers retracted
1Intermittent or rain sensor operation
2Normal wiper speed
3Fast wipe
4Brief wipe
5Select interval time or set sensitivity of rain
sensor
Fold-out position
The right wiper is partially concealed by the
hood.
To move the wipers into a vertical position:
1.Switch on wipers in lever position 1.
2.When the wipers are approximately vertical,
move the ignition key to position 0.
For changing the wiper blades, refer to page95.
Fold the wipers back down onto the wind-
shield before you turn the ignition key to
p o s i t i o n 1 o r 2 a g a i n . I f y o u d o n o t , t h e y c o u l d b e
damaged.<
Intermittent mode
Not on vehicles with rain sensor.
You can set the wipe interval to four stages with
the serrated dial 5.
In addition, the wipe interval is varied automati-
cally depending on road speed.

Driving
40 3.Move the wiper lever from position 0 to
position 2 again
To change the wiper blades, refer to page95.
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 sys-
tem is active while the engine is running.
On the sports steering-wheel
* the buttons +/–
for the cruise control are located on the right-
hand side of the steering wheel.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up green:
System ready for operation using the
buttons on the steering wheel.
Activating system
As of ignition key position 2:
Press button on steering wheel; the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. You
are able to use the cruise control.
Do not use the cruise control under unfa-
vorable conditions that do not permit a
constant speed, e.g. when driving on winding
roads or in heavy traffic or when negotiating
poor road conditions such as snow, rain, ice, or
a loose road surface.<
Deactivating system
Press the button repeatedly until the indicator
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 speed, storing, and
accelerating
Briefly press + button:
The system maintains and stores the current
vehicle speed. Every time you briefly press the
button, the vehicle's speed increases by
roughly 1 mph/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 con-
trolled speed can be exceeded. Speed can drop
on uphill grades if the engine output is insuffi-
cient.<
Decelerating
Briefly press – button:
Every time you briefly press the button, the
vehicle's speed decreases by roughly 1 mph/
1 km/h provided that you have already activated
the cruise control.
Press and hold
– button:
With the cruise control active, the system auto-
matically reduces the fuel supply to slow the
vehicle. When you release the button, the sys-
tem maintains and stores the current speed.
Interrupting cruise control
When the system is activated, press button 1.
The indicator lamp stays on. You can use the
cruise control again whenever required by
requesting the speed that was stored last.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
46
Technology for comfort, convenience and
safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
PDC provides extra safety and convenience
during parking maneuvers. Signal tones indi-
cate the current distance to an object behind or
in front of your vehicle. Four ultrasonic sensors
in both the bumpers monitor the distance to the
nearest object.
The front and rear sensors on the corners have
a range of approx. 2 ft/60 cm. The two rear mid-
dle sensors have a range of approx. 5 ft/1.50 m
and the two front middle sensors of approx.
2.6 ft/80 cm.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching objects too fast, otherwise
the system may give warning of physical obsta-
cles too late.<
If you tow a trailer, the rear sensors cannot take
any practical measurements. Therefore, they
do not switch on.
Automatic mode
In ignition key position 2, the system is auto-
matically activated after approx. one second
each time you shift into reverse or move the
selector-lever into position R. Wait for this short
time span before moving. The system switches
off when you shift out of reverse.
You can have a signal tone programmed
into the system to verify that the PDC is
active.<
Manual mode
In ignition key position 2, press the button; the
indicator lamp lights up.
Deactivating manual mode
Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes
out.
After driving a distance of more than approx.
160 ft/50 m or exceeding a speed of approx.
20 mph/30 km/h, the system switches off and
the indicator lamp goes out. You can reactivate
the system manually as needed.
Signal tones
The distance to an object behind the vehicle is
signaled, in accordance with the position, by an
intermittent tone from a speaker in the rear.
The distance to an object in front of the vehicle
is signaled by an intermittent tone from a loud-
speaker beneath the instrument cluster.
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. The signal tone becomes con-
tinuous once the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
The signal tone is canceled after approx. 3 sec-
onds when the distance to an object remains
constant during this time, if you are moving par-
allel to a wall, for instance.

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.