load capacity BMW X3 2.5I 2005 E83 Owner's Manual

Practical interior accessories
66
Car phone preparation*
Hands-free system
In vehicles with car phone preparation*, the
hands-free microphone is located on the head-
liner near the interior lamp.
For more information on the car phone, refer to
the Owner's Manual for Telephone.
Ski bag*
The ski bag allows the safe and clean transport
of up to 4 pairs of standard skis or up to two
snowboards.
The ski bag itself plus the additional capacity
provided by the cargo area make it possible to
transport skis with a length of up to 6.9 ft/
2.10 m. When skis of 6.9 ft/2.10 m in length are
loaded the ski bag will tend to narrow, reducing
its overall capacity.
Loading
1.Fold down the center armrest, pull off the
cover, press the button and remove the
cover.
2.Press the button again; the cover in the
cargo area opens. If you press the button firmly the first time, this also opens the
cover in the cargo area.
3.Place the ski bag between the front seats
and load.
The zipper facilitates access to the stowed
items.
4.Insert the belt tongue of the ski bag retain-
ing belt into the center safety belt buckle.
Make sure to load only clean skis into the ski
bag. Wrap sharp edges so that no damage
occurs.
Securing load
After loading, secure the ski bag and its con-
tents. Tension the retaining strap on the ten-
sioning buckle for this purpose.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If you fail to
do so, it could endanger occupants dur-
ing braking or evasive maneuvers.<
To store the ski bag, perform the above steps in
reverse order.

Things to remember when driving
74 Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Wet roads
While driving in wet conditions and in heavy
rain, it is a good idea to apply light pressure to
the brake pedal every few miles. Watch traffic
conditions to ensure that this maneuver does
not endanger other road users. The heat which
is generated by the brake applications helps to
dry the brake pads and rotors. The full braking
force will then be available when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and reduced effi-
ciency of the brake system, drive long or
steep downhill gradients in the gear in which
the least braking is required. Otherwise, even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can further enhance the engine's braking
effect by selecting a lower gear in the automatic
transmission's manual mode, downshifting as
far as first gear on extremely steep stretches,
refer to page37. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
During slower downhill driving, use the HDC Hill
Descent Control, refer to page48.
Never drive with the clutch engaged, the
transmission in Neutral or with the engine
switched off, as otherwise there is no engine
braking when the transmission is in neutral, and
no power-assist for brakes and steering with
the engine switched off.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or other objects
to protrude into the area around the brake or
accelerator pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimal
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden air loss.<
Determining load limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX Ibs. or YYY kg, as otherwise the vehicle
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
75
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX lbs. or YYY kg.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals
990 lbs. and there will be five 150-lbs. pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
240 lbs.:
990 lbs. minus 750 lbs. = 240 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, part of
the load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult the manual for
transporting a trailer to determine how this
may reduce the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permitted load is the total of the weight of
occupants and cargo/luggage. The greater the
weight of occupants, the less cargo/luggage
can be transported.
Stowing cargo
>Load heavy cargo as far forward and as low
as possible, placing it directly behind the
bulkhead behind the rear seats.
>Cover sharp edges and corners.
>Pull out the partition net, refer to page68,
making sure that objects cannot penetrate
the partition net.
>Do not stack cargo higher than the upper
edge of the backrests.
>Items that could bump against the rear win-
dow while driving must be adequately cov-
ered.
>For very heavy cargo when the rear seat is
not occupied, secure each safety belt in the
opposite buckle.
Securing cargo
>Use the luggage net* to hold down small
and lightweight luggage and cargo, refer to
page68.
>For larger and heavier pieces, heavy-duty
cargo straps
* are available from your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. Lashing
eyes for attaching these heavy-duty cargo
straps have been provided in your vehicle's
cargo area, refer to page69.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
99
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light for several
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 set-
ting of the wheels. Engage the handbrake and
engage first gear, reverse gear or selector-lever
setting P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle
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 vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
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 surface 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-carrying 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 page69.
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 position when you
are through using them.
Compact wheel
The compact wheel is located under the cargo
area on the floor of the vehicle.
1.Unscrew bolt, refer to arrow1.
2.Fold up lifting handle, refer to arrow2.
3.Turn the handle to the left as far as possible,
refer to arrow3 on next page.
Turning the handle releases the com-
pact wheel. Weight approx. 18 Ibs./
8 kg. It must be held by the handle.<

Technical data
112
Weights
Capacities
X3 2.5iX3 3.0i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg4,001/1,815
4,045/1,8354,023/1,825
4,067/1,845
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg4,993/2,265
5,049/2,2905,049/2,290
5,104/2,315
Payload
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg992/450
1,003/4551,025/465
1,036/470
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,425/1,100 2,425/1,100
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,756/1,250 2,778/1,260
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 71/2,011 71/2,011
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 17.7/67
approx. 2/8Fuel specification:
page81
Windshield washer/
headlamp washer systemquarts/liters approx. 3.2/3.0
approx. 6.9/6.5For details: page90
Engine oil and filter change quarts/liters approx. 6.6/6.2 For details: page90

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

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
117
Glove compartment64
Grills, refer to
Ventilation57,61
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights112
Ground clearance76
H
Halogen lamps96
Handbrake35
– indicator lamp35
Hands-free microphone, refer
to Car phone preparation66
Hands-free system66
Hazard warning flashers10
HDC Hill Descent Control48
Head airbags51
Headlamp control,
automatic53
Headlamp flasher38
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps96
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs95
Headlamp washer
reservoir90
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities112
Headlamp washer system90
– headlamp washing39
– washer fluid90
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light53
Head restraints25
Heated mirrors29
Heated rear window
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control61
Heated seats27
Heated steering wheel28
Heater
– rear window57,61
– windshield washer jets39Heating
– exterior mirror29
– seats27
– steering wheel28
Heating and ventilation56,59
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo
loading74
Height, refer to
Dimensions111
Height adjustment
– seats25,26
– steering wheel28
High beams54
– headlight flasher54
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs96
High Performance Synthetic
Oil91
Hill-climbing ability, refer to
Driving on poor roads76
Hill descent assistance, refer
to HDC Hill Descent
Control48
Hill Descent Control HDC48
Hills74
Holder for cups63
Hood88
Horn10
Hotel function16
Hot exhaust system73
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control47
Hydroplaning73
I
Ice warning44
Ignition34
Ignition key16
Ignition lock34
Imprint2
Index113Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags52
– alarm system22
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– brakes92
– coolant temperature42
– DSC47
– engine temperature42
– Flat Tire Monitor50
– fog lamps54
– front passenger airbags52
– reserve42
– safety belt warning27
Indicator/warning lamps,
overview11
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory30
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure82
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor49
Inside rearview mirror,
automatic dimming
feature73
INSPECTION message43
Instrument cluster11
Instrument lighting54
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated universal remote
control62
Interior lamps55
– remote control17
Interior motion sensor23
– switching off17,23
Interior rearview mirror29
Interlock34
Intermittent operation,
wipers38
Interval indicator, Service43

Everything from A to Z
118
J
Jacking points100
Jumping, refer to Jump
starting104
Jump starting104
K
Key Memory30
Keys16
Kick-down37
L
Lamps and bulbs95
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo75
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system33
LEDs light-emitting diodes98
Length, refer to
Dimensions111
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs98
Lifting handle, compact
wheel99
Light-alloy wheels, care, refer
to the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs98
Lighter65
Lighter socket65
Lighting of instruments54
Lights, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams53
Lights on warning53
Light switch53
Load, refer to Cargo
loading74
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking19
Locking
– from inside18
– from outside16
Locking, vehicle
– from inside18
– from outside16Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside18
– from outside16
Low beams53
– automatic53
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp53
– replacing bulbs96
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support26
Lug bolts100
– torque101
Luggage compartment19
– capacity112
– cover, refer to Cargo area
cover67
– floor cover69
– increasing volume67
– opening/closing, refer to
Tailgate19
– opening from outside19
– opening with remote
control17
– refer to Cargo area67
– remote control17
Luggage compartment cover,
refer to Cargo area cover67
Luggage compartment lid,
refer to Tailgate19
Luggage compartment net,
refer to Partition net68
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack76
Lug wrench99
Lumbar support26
M
Maintenance93
Maintenance system93
Malfunctions
– automatic transmission38
– door lock18
– fuel filler door80
– panorama glass sunroof22
– tailgate19Manual operation
– door lock18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door80
– panorama glass sunroof22
– tailgate19
Manual transmission36
Master key16
– with remote control16
Maximum speed, with winter
tires86
Mechanical seats25
Memory, refer to
– Seat and mirror memory26
– Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory30
Microfilter
– air conditioner58
– automatic climate control61
Microphone, refer to Car
phone preparation66
Microphone for telephone66
Mini-Disc operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Mirrors28
– automatic curb monitor29
– mirror heating29
– mirror memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory26
Multi-function steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel12
Multifunction switch
– turn signals/headlamp
flasher38
– washer/wiper system38N
Navigation system, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer/Radio
and Navigation System
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints25
Nets65
Non-smoker's equipment
package65

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

Everything from A to Z
122 Turn signals38
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs97
Turn signals, side, replacing
bulbs97
U
Undercarriage protection,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Units44
– outside temperature44
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote control62
Universal portable phone
preparation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control62
Unlocking
– from inside18
– from outside16
– hood88
Upholstery care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
V
Valve
– insert101
– screw cap101
Vehicle
– battery101
– breaking-in72
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– cargo loading74
– decommissioning, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
– dimensions111
– parking35
– washing, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– weights112
Vehicle battery101Vehicle jack99
– jacking points100
Vehicle jacking points100
Vehicle Memory30
Ventilation57,61
– draft-free58,61
Viscosity91
Voice control, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
W
Warning and indicator
lamps11
Warning triangle103
Warranty, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models93
Warranty and service7
Washer fluid90
Washer fluid reservoir
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities112
– refer to Windshield/
headlamp washer
system90
Weights112
Wheel/tire combination86
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions111
Wheel bolt, wrench99
Wheel changes, compact
wheel99
Wheels and tires86
Width, refer to
Dimensions111
Windows20
– convenience operation18
– safety switch20
Windshield washer
reservoir90
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities112
Windshield washer system
– washer/wiper system38
– washer fluid90Windshield wiper blade
replacement95
Windshield wipers, refer to
Washer/wiper system38
Winter tires86
– changing99
– condition85
– storage86
Wiper blade replacement95
Wiper system38,90
Wood decor, refer to Fine
wood parts
Working in the engine
compartment88
Wrenches, refer to Onboard
tool kit95
X
xDrive48
Xenon lamps97
– replacing bulbs97