brake BMW X3 2.5I 2006 E83 User Guide

Things to remember when driving
76
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts should be allowed to adjust to one
another. To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long service
life, we request that you observe the following
instructions.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
For the first 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and driving speeds, but
do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph / 160 km/h
in the process.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kick-down point.
After 1,200 miles/2000 km
Engine and road speed can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. For this reason, drive with extra care
during the initial 200 miles/300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum speed lim-
its.
When the vehicle is operated on wet or
slushy roads, a wedge of water may form
between the tire and the road surface. This phe-
nomenon is referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehi-
cle control and braking effectiveness. Reduce
your speed on wet roads.<
Brake system
Your vehicle must travel approx. 300 miles/
500 km before the brake pads and rotors
achieve the optimal pad-surface and wear patterns required for trouble-free operation and
long service life later on.
To break in the separate handbrake drums,
apply the handbrake lightly when coasting to a
stop – at a traffic signal, for instance; use cau-
tion to avoid posing a danger to other road
users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure from
time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
handbrake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the vehicle
with the engine off – e.g., by towing – substan-
tially higher levels of pedal force will be required
to brake the vehicle.<
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following component replacements
Follow the break-in sequence again if compo-
nents addressed above must be replaced due
to subsequent driving.
General driving notes
Close the liftgate
Operate the vehicle only when the liftgate
is completely closed; otherwise, exhaust
fumes could enter the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
liftgate open:

Reference
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Driving tips
Mobility
77
1.Close all windows and the panorama glass
sunroof.
2.Greatly increase the air supply of the air
conditioning system or automatic climate
control, refer to page60 or63.
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures occur in the exhaust
system of every vehicle. Do not remove
the heat shields installed adjacent to various
sections of the exhaust system, and never apply
undercoating to them. When driving, standing
at idle, and parking, take care to avoid possible
contact between the 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.<
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW does not recommend using mobile
communications devices, e.g. mobile
phones, on the interior of the vehicle without a
direct connection to an outside antenna. Other-
wise, the vehicle electronics and mobile com-
munications device can affect each other. In
addition, there is no assurance that the radia-
tion which results during transmission will be
dissipated from the vehicle interior.<
Interior and exterior mirror,
automatically dimming*
Two photocells are used to control the auto-
matically dimming interior and exterior mirrors.
One is integrated into the mirror glass, the other
is located on the back of the mirror.For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells
clean and do not cover the area between the
interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do
not attach any kind of sticker to the windshield
in front of the mirror, either.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page30;
otherwise, they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
Deactivate the rain sensor; otherwise, damage
could result from undesired wiper activation,
refer to page40.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between tires and
road surface, ultimately undermining your abil-
ity to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The danger of hydroplaning increases as tire
tread depth decreases, also refer to Minimum
tread depth on page89.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 20 in/50 cm, and then only
at walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical system, and the transmis-
sion may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes
by slipping or riding the clutch, use the
handbrake instead. Otherwise, greater clutch
wear will result.<

Things to remember when driving
78
Safe braking
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard
equipment. In situations in which it is required, it
is best to apply the brakes fully. Since the vehi-
cle maintains steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort.
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
On wet roads or in heavy rain, briefly 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 that is generated by the brake applica-
tions 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 grades in the gear in which the
least braking is required. Otherwise, even light
but continuous pressure on the brake can lead
to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
The braking action of the engine can be further
intensified by downshifting, all the way down to
first gear if need be. This strategy helps you
avoid placing excessive loads on the brake sys-
tem. Downshifting in manual mode of automatic
transmission, refer to page39. When descend-
ing hills slowly, use HDC Hill Descent Control,
refer to page49.
Never drive with the clutch depressed,
with the transmission in neutral, or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, you will
have neither the braking action of the engine or
nor its power assistance to the brakes or steer-
ing.
Never allow floor mats, carpeting, or other arti-
cles 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 blow-out.<
Determining load limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX lbs. or YYY kg. 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
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Driving tips
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81
>Do not drive in water that is deeper than
20 in/50 cm. If you must drive through water
up to that depth, drive at a walking speed
and do not stop.
After leaving the water, press on the foot-
brake gently several times while driving at a
low speed. The brake applications will help
to dry the brakes, thus preventing a reduc-
tion in braking performance caused by the
moisture.
For cleaning the handbrake, apply the lever
slightly at approx. 25 mph/40 km/h and con-
tinue to drive for approx. 200 yards/
200 meters, provided that traffic conditions
allow you to do so.
Please bear the following points in mind after
driving on poor roads, in order to preserve the
road safety of your BMW:
>Clean the heavy dirt from the body.
>Clean mud, snow, ice and other materials
from the wheels and tires. Check the tires
for damage.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
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93
Important components in the
engine compartment
1Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp
and windshield washer system41
2Body ground: negative terminal108
3Jump starting terminal1084Engine oil filler neck94
5Reservoir for brake fluid96
6Dipstick for engine oil94
7Coolant expansion tank95

Under the hood
96
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up red despite
the handbrake being released. Stop
immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.
During continued driving, increased brake
pedal travel may be necessary, and con-
siderably longer braking distances may result.
Please adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up.
The brake pads have reached their min-
imum pad thickness. Have brake pads
replaced immediately.
For your own safety, use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for your particu-
lar vehicle model. As BMW cannot assess the
suitability of other brake pads for use in your
vehicle, we are unable to assume continued
responsibility for the vehicle's operating safety
if non-approved pads are installed.<

Reference
At a glance
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Driving tips
Mobility
97
Maintenance
The BMW maintenance
system
The BMW maintenance system supports the
preservation of the road and operating safety of
your BMW.
Regular maintenance is not only required for
the safety of the vehicle, it also improves the
resale value.
Service Interval Display
The BMW maintenance system takes the driv-
ing conditions of the vehicle into account when
determining service intervals:
From the maintenance standpoint,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in
short-distance urban driving are not the equiva-
lent of the same distance covered at moderate
speeds in long-distance highway travel.
The BMW maintenance system is divided into
engine oil service and Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals accord-
ing to the actual loads on the vehicle covers
practically every kind of operating situation.
However, even those who drive only short dis-
tances, significantly less than 6,200 miles/
10,000 km annually, should have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over the
course of time. To ensure that the brake system
continues to provide safe and reliable perfor-
mance, remember to have the brake fluid changed at least every two years by a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center, also refer to the
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for
US models or the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics
The chief components that make up the emis-
sions content can be checked by a device that
uses the OBD socket.

Replacing components
102 2.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left and pull it out.
3.Install in the reverse order.
Front fog lamps
H11 bulb, 55 watts
Always wear gloves and eye protection –
the atmosphere within the bulb is pres-
surized. Failure to observe this precaution can
lead to personal injury should the bulb be dam-
aged.<
1.Pull the cover in front of the fog lamp for-
ward.
2.Loosen the screws, refer to arrow, and pull
out the headlamp.
3.Turn the lamp base at the back of the head-
lamp to the left and remove it.
4.Replace the bulb.
Tail lamps
21 watt bulb
1Turn signal
2Backup lamp
3Tail lamp/brake lamp
4Tail lamp/brake lamp
*
Replacing tail lamps
1.Open the flap in the side panel, refer to
page72.
2.To release the plug connection of the cable,
press the spring, refer to arrow1.
3.Lift the side panel somewhat.
4.To remove the back panel of the lamp,
release the retainer, refer to arrow2.
5.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb fitting
while turning it to the left for removal and
replacement.
6.Install in the reverse order.
Lamps in the liftgate
In case of a malfunction, please contact your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
License plate lamps
10 watt bulb
1.Press the lamp out to the side with a screw-
driver.
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.

Reference
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Driving tips
Mobility
103
Liftgate lamp
5 Watt bulb
1.Take out the bulb holder.
2.Replace the bulb.
Wheel changes
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 with the wheels point-
ing straight ahead. Engage the handbrake and
shift into first gear or reverse, or move the
selector lever to position 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, tile, 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 liftgate and raise or remove floor cover,
refer to page72.
1Vehicle jack
2Lug wrench
3Chocks, folding
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 undercarriage of the vehicle.
Removing compact wheel
1.Unscrew bolt, refer to arrow1.
2.Fold up lifting handle, refer to arrow2.

Everything from A to Z
118
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System48
– indicator lamp12
Accessories, refer to For your
own safety6
Accident, refer to Receiving
assistance107
Acknowledgment signal for
locking/unlocking
vehicle19,20
Activated-charcoal filter64
Adaptive Head Light57
Adding engine oil94
Adjusting seats27
– electrically27
– mechanically27
– mechanically Sports seat28
Airbags53
– deactivating front passenger
side33,54
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags54
– sitting safely26
– warning lamp54
Air circulation, refer to Recir-
culated-air mode60,63
Air conditioner59
Air distribution
– air conditioner60
– automatic climate control63
Airing, refer to
Ventilation61,64
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation61,64
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure86
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation61,64
Air volume60
– adjusting manually63AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications85
Alarm system24
– avoiding unintentional
alarms25
All-season tires, refer to
Special characteristics of
winter tires90
All wheel drive, refer to
xDrive49
Anchorage points73
Antifreeze
– coolant95
– washer fluid41
Antifreeze protection,
coolant95
Antilock Brake System
ABS48
– indicator lamp12
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system18,24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights116
Approved engine oils95
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights116
Armrest
– front67
– rear68
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray68
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control63
Automatic
– air distribution63
– air volume63
– recirculated-air control
AUC63
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochureAutomatic climate control62
Automatic cruise control41
Automatic curb monitor31
Automatic deactivation of
front passenger airbags54
Automatic headlamp
control56
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– indicator lamp39
– interlock36
– selector lever interlock38
– shiftlock38
– towing109
– tow starting110
AUTO program63
Average fuel consumption46
– setting units45
Average speed46
– setting units45
Avoiding unintentional
alarms25
Axle loads, refer to
Weights116
B
Backrest, refer to Seats27
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support28
Backup lamps
– bulb replacement102
– refer to Tail lamps102
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit108
Bar, towing110
Battery105
– disposal106
– indicator lamp12
– jump starting108
– power failure106
– remote control18
– warning lamp105