BMW X3 2.5I 2006 E83 Owner's Guide

Reference
At a glance
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Driving tips
Mobility
29
Heated seats*
Press once for each temperature level. Highest
preselected temperature when three LEDs are
illuminated.
To switch off:
Press the button and hold it longer.
Seat and mirror memory*
You can store and select three different adjust-
ment settings for the driver's seat and exterior
mirrors.
The adjustment of the lumbar support is not
stored in the memory.
Storing
1.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 2.
2.Set the desired seat and exterior mirror
position.
3.Press the
MEMORY button:
The LED in the button lights up.
4.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or3:
The LED goes out.
Requesting a stored setting
Do not request a position from the mem-
ory while the vehicle is moving; otherwise,
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 adjust-
ment 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 accidentally:
Press the button again, the LED goes out.
You can have your vehicle programmed
to automatically recall your own individual
stored 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 setting, be sure
that the footwell behind the driver's seat
is unobstructed before unlocking the vehicle.
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.<
Safety belts
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimal protection,
please follow the instructions on page26.<
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-

Adjustments
30 tection, they are not a substitute for safety
belts.
In the rear, the middle belt buckle embossed
with the word CENTER is intended exclusively
for use by passengers riding in the center posi-
tion.
Fastening
Make sure you hear the latch plate engage in
the belt buckle.
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 page26.
Releasing
1.Hold the belt firmly.
2.Press the red button in the buckle.
3.Guide the belt back into its reel.
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
passenger side safety belt has not yet been
fastened, if heavy objects are placed on the
passenger's seat, or if the driver or front pas-
senger's safety belt is released.
Damage to safety belts
When strained by an accident or when
damaged: have the safety belt system,
including the belt tensioners, replaced and have
belt anchorage points inspected. Have this
work done only by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or by a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. Otherwise,
there can be no guarantee that the safety
devices will function properly.<
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The passenger side mirror is more curved
than the driver's mirror. Objects in the
mirrors are closer than they appear. Do not esti-
mate the distance to following traffic based on
the view in the mirrors; otherwise, there is an
increased risk of accident.<
1Adjustments
2Switching over to the other mirror or to the
automatic parking function
*
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat and
mirror memory on page29.
Manual adjustments
The mirrors can also be manually adjusted by
pressing at the edges of the mirror glass.
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this
vehicle from being damaged, always fold
them in by hand before entering an automatic
car wash.<

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31
Automatic heating*
When the outside temperature falls below a
specified temperature, both outside mirrors are
automatically heated whenever the engine is
running or the ignition is switched on.
Tilting down passenger's mirror,
automatic parking function*
Activating
1.Select the driver's exterior mirror with
switch 1.
2.When you shift into reverse or move the
selector-lever into position R, the exterior
mirror glass on the front passenger side tilts
downward slightly. This allows the driver to
see the area immediately adjacent to the
vehicle – such as a curb – when parking, etc.
You can have the angle of downward tilt
adjusted.<
Deactivating
Select the passenger side mirror with switch1.
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce glare from vehicle headlights behind
you when driving at night, turn the knob.In vehicles without an alarm system: tilt the
small lever forward.
Automatically dimming mirrors, refer to
page77.
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 lever down.
2.Adapt the longitudinal position and height
of the steering wheel to the seat position.
3.Fold the lever back up.
Steering wheel heater*
The button for steering wheel heater is located
on the steering wheel, refer to page13.
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.
When the heater is switched on, the LED in the
button lights up.

Adjustments
32
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory
How the system functions
You have probably frequently wished that you
could configure individual functions of your
vehicle to reflect your own personal require-
ments. In developing your vehicle, BMW has
incorporated a number of options for personal
adjustment. You can have these programmed
at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
There are vehicle-related and person-related
adjustments: Vehicle Memory and Key Mem-
ory. You can configure up to four different basic
adjustments for four different persons. The only
requirement is that each person use his or her
own master key with remote control.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the remote
control, the vehicle recognizes the individual
user by means of a data exchange with the key,
and makes adjustments accordingly.
In order for you to distinguish between the mas-
ter keys with remote control, color-coded
decals are supplied together with the keys.
What the system can do
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
about the possibilities of Vehicle Memory and
Key Memory.
You will see this symbol throughout the
Owner's Manual. It is to remind you at
appropriate places of the settings that are avail-
able to you.<
Following configuration of memory func-
tions, vehicle operation may differ from
the description in the Owner's Manual. Should
you wish to sell your BMW some day, please
remember to have the memory functions reset
to the factory default settings.<
Examples of Vehicle Memory
>Different acknowledgment signals to con-
firm locking/unlocking of the vehicle, refer
to page19.
>Activating/deactivating function for path-
way lighting, refer to page56.
>Activating/deactivating daytime running
lamps, refer to page56.
>Active PDC Park Distance Control is acous-
tically indicated by a signal tone when you
shift into reverse or move the selector lever
into position R, refer to page47.
>Different acknowledgment signals to con-
firm arming/disarming the alarm system,
refer to page24.
>After an outside temperature warning has
been issued, the computer display returns
to the previous setting, refer to page45.
>Acoustic warning if the ignition key remains
in the ignition lock after the driver's door has
been opened, refer to page18.
Examples of Key Memory functions
>Locking the vehicle after starting to drive,
refer to page20.
>Automatic adjustment of the driver's seat
and exterior mirror position for each person
when unlocking the vehicle, refer to
page29.
>Angle of downward tilt of passenger side
mirror, refer to page31.
>Setting units of measure for displays in the
instrument cluster for time, outside temper-
ature, distance driven and fuel consump-
tion, refer to page45.

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Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle; otherwise, they could endanger
themselves and/or others, for example by open-
ing the doors.<
Children always in the rear
Accident research has demonstrated that the
safest place for children is in the rear seat.
Children younger than 13 or smaller than
5 ft/150 cm should only ride in the rear, in
child restraint systems provided in accordance
with their age, weight, and height. Otherwise,
there is an increased risk of injury in the event of
an accident.<
Children older than 13 must be secured with a
safety belt as soon as they have outgrown a
suitable child restraint system due to their age,
height, and weight.
All seats in your BMW, except for the driver's
seat, correspond to the recommendations of
the norm SAE J1819 for safely securing child
restraint systems in motor vehicles.
Exception for the front passenger seat
If it should be necessary to use a child
restraint system on the front passenger
seat, the front and side airbags must be deacti-
vated. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of
injury to the child if the airbag is triggered, even
with a child restraint system. Your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center will be happy to advise
you.<
For more information on automatic deactivation
of the front passenger airbags, refer to page54.
Installing child restraint
systems
Follow the child restraint system manu-
facturer's instructions for selection,
installation and use of the child restraint sys-
tem. Otherwise, the degree of protection can be
reduced.<
On the passenger's seat
Before installing a child restraint system
in the passenger seat, make sure that the
front and side airbag on the passenger seat
have been deactivated. Otherwise, there is an
increased risk of injury when the airbag is trig-
gered.<
Child seat security
All rear seat safety belts and the safety belt for
the front passenger can be locked to prevent
their being pulled out in order to fasten child
restraint systems.
Locking safety belt
1.Secure child restraint system with the belt.
2.Pull safety belt strap all the way out.
3.Allow safety belt to retract and pull it snugly
against the child restraint system.
The safety belt is locked.

Transporting children safely
34
Unlocking safety belt
1.Open safety belt buckle.
2.Remove child restraint system.
3.Allow safety belt strap to retract all the way.
Child restraint system with tether strap
Only use the tether strap attachment
points to fasten child restraint systems;
otherwise, the attachment points can be dam-
aged.<
For child restraint systems with a tether strap,
there are three additional attachment points,
refer to arrows. To gain access to this anchor
fitting, lift the plastic plug with the aid of a
screwdriver.
Routing of tether strap
Outer seats:
1.Slide head restraints upward.
2.Guide fastening strap through the bracket
of the head restraint.
3.Slide head restraint into the lowest position.
4.Hook fastening strap to attachment point.
Middle seat:
1.Fold center arm rest slightly forward.
2.Guide fastening strap through the opening.
3.Fold center arm rest back.
4.Hook fastening strap to attachment point.
When using the cargo area cover:
Fastening strap must run between the rear
backrest and the cargo area cover.
LATCH child-restraint fixing system*
LATCH: Lower Anchor and Tethers for CHil-
dren.
To attach a LATCH child's seat, consult
the instruction manual and safety notices
from the manufacturer of the child's seat.<

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Access to anchorage points
The picture shows the right rear seat as an
example. The anchorage points for the LATCH
child-restraint fixing system are located behind
the cover caps.
Remove the cover caps toward the front.
Press into place to reinstall.
Before attachment of the LATCH child-restraint
fixing system, remove the cover caps and pull
the belt out of the region of the child-restraint
fixing system.
For driving
With rear side airbags, make sure that
children do not lean out of the child's seat
toward the door panel; otherwise, injuries can
result if the side airbags are triggered.<
Child-safety lock of rear doors
Slide down the safety levers on the rear doors:
The door can now be opened from the outside
only.
Safety switch for power windows
Press the safety switch for the power windows,
refer to page22, when children are in the rear of
the vehicle.

Driving
36
Driving
Ignition lock
0 Steering locked
T h e k e y c a n b e in s e r t e d o r r e m o v e d in t h i s p o s i-
tion only.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the left or right until you hear the lock
engage.
Interlock
Automatic transmission:
To turn the key back to position 0 or to remove
it, first place the selector lever in position P.
1 Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often makes
it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Some power accessories are ready for opera-
tion.
2 Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Starting engine
Starting engine
Do not run the engine in enclosed spaces;
otherwise, inhalation of toxic exhaust
gases can cause unconsciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, since an unattended vehicle
with a running engine represents a safety haz-
ard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always shift
into neutral or selector lever position P and
engage the handbrake before leaving the vehi-
cle with the engine running.<
Do not discontinue the starting procedure pre-
maturely, but do not prolong it for more than 20
seconds. Release the ignition key immediately
as soon as the engine starts.
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the motor to warm up while idling.
Begin driving immediately with moderate
engine speed.
Indicator lamps
The warning lamp lights up. Exhaust
values are deteriorating. Have the vehi-
cle checked as soon as possible.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will flash.
This indicates a serious rate of engine misfire.
When this occurs, you should reduce speed
and consult the nearest BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center as soon as possible. Severe
engine misfire, even for only a short period of
time, can seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic converter.
Display of the previously described mal-
function 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.
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Depress the clutch pedal and shift into neu-
tral.

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If the clutch pedal is not depressed,
the motor will not start.<
3.Start the engine.
Automatic transmission
1.Step on the brake.
2.Move selector lever into position P.
3.Start the engine.
Special starting conditions
In the following situations, press the accelerator
pedal halfway down while starting:
>If the engine fails to start on the first
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or cold.
>When starting the engine at very low tem-
peratures, below approx. +57/–156, at
high altitudes over approx. 3,300 ft/
1,000 m.
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.<
Switching off engine
Do not remove the ignition key when the
vehicle is rolling; otherwise, the steering
wheel lock would engage during steering.
When leaving the vehicle, remove the ignition
key and lock the steering. When parking on
downward inclines, engage the handbrake; oth-
erwise, the vehicle could start to roll.<
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
3.Shift into first gear or reverse.
Automatic transmission
1.With the vehicle at a stop, move the selector
lever into position P.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.3.Apply the handbrake.
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; an acous-
tic signal also sounds when you begin
to drive. The handbrake is still engaged.
Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically.
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. Otherwise,
strong application of the handbrake can lead to
overbraking of the rear axle and to associated
'fishtailing' of the vehicle rear end.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally engage the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop if the traffic conditions are suitable.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is applied.<

Driving
38
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift to the right. Otherwise, an
inadvertent shift into 3rd or 4th gear could harm
the engine.<
Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. Press
the gearshift lever to the left to overcome the
resistance.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic*
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to
page39.
Parking vehicle
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage the
handbrake before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running.<
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Engine started
The engine can only be started in selector lever
positions P: Park or N: Neutral.
Displays in the instrument cluster
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
The selector lever position is indicated, and in
the manual mode the gear currently engaged.
Changing selector lever positions
>The selector lever can be moved out of the
position P when the ignition is switched on
or the engine is running: interlock.
>When the vehicle is stationary, step on the
brake before shifting out of P or N; other-
wise, the selector lever is locked: shiftlock.
To prevent the vehicle from creeping
after you select a drive position, main-
tain pressure on the brake pedal until you
are ready to start driving.<
A lock prevents the selector lever from being
inadvertently moved into positions R and P. To
release the lock, press the button on the front of
the selector lever handle, refer to arrow.
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. The
transmission locks to prevent the rear wheels
from turning.