fuel BMW X3 2.5I 2006 E83 Owner's Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Contents
The fastest way to find specific topics is to use
the index, refer to page118.
Using this Owner's Manual
4Notes
7Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Cockpit
Controls
18Opening and closing
26Adjustments
33Transporting children safely
36Driving
43Everything under control
47Technology for comfort, convenience
and safety
56Lamps
59Air conditioner
65Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
76Things to remember when driving
Mobility
84Refueling
86Wheels and tires
92Under the hood
97Maintenance
99Replacing components
107Giving and receiving assistance
Reference
114Technical data
118Everything from A to Z

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
11
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator and warning lamps12
3Tachometer43
Indicator and warning lamps12
4Coolant temperature gauge44
5Fuel gauge43
6Button for
>Displaying the time44
>Service Interval Display447Selector lever and program display for
automatic transmission38
8Button for
>Resetting trip odometer43
>Setting the time44
9Display for
>Trip odometer/odometer43
>Time44
>Service Interval44
>Computer45

Opening and closing
18
Opening and closing
Key set
1Master keys with remote control
Every master key with remote control con-
tains an extended-life battery as a power
supply, which is charged automatically in
the ignition lock as you drive. You should
use each master key at least twice a year in
order to maintain the charge condition.
Depending on which master key is detected
by the vehicle during unlocking, different
settings in the vehicle are requested and
executed, refer to Vehicle and Key Memory
on page32.
2Spare key
For storage in a safe place, such as in your
wallet.
This key does not fit in the lock of the glove
compartment. This is an advantage, e.g.
when valet parking. The key is not intended
for constant use.
Replacement keys
You can get replacement keys or spare keys
from your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed.
The system engages or releases the locks on
the
>doors
>liftgate
>fuel filler door
Operating from outside
>via the remote control
>via the driver's door lock
The anti-theft system is automatically activated
whenever you activate the central locking sys-
tem from outside the vehicle. This prevents
the doors from being unlocked via the lock but-
tons or door handles. The remote control also
switches the interior lights on and off. The alarm
system
* is also armed or disarmed.
For additional details on the alarm system, refer
to page24.
You can set an acoustic signal to remind
you if the ignition key is still in the ignition
lock after you open the driver's door.<
Operating from inside
Via the central locking system button, refer to
page20.
When the system is locked from inside, the fuel
filler door remains unlocked.
In the event of an accident of sufficient severity,
the central locking system unlocks automati-
cally. In addition, the hazard warning flashers
and interior lamps switch on.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
19
Opening and closing: from
outside
Using the remote control
Protect the remote control against unau-
thorized use by handing over only the
spare key, for example when using hotel valet
parking.<
Because any persons or animals left unat-
tended in a parked vehicle could lock the
doors from the inside, you should always keep
the remote control with you; this precaution
ensures that you will remain able to unlock the
vehicle from the outside at all times.<
Unlocking
1.Press the button.
The driver's door and fuel filler door are
unlocked.
2.Press the button again.
All remaining doors and the liftgate are
unlocked.
Convenience opening mode
Press and hold the button. The windows and
the panorama glass sunroof
* are opened.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture activated/deactivated.<
Engaging locks
Press the button.
If you wish, the vehicle locks automati-
cally if no door or lid is opened after
unlocking. You can have your vehicle set to do
this if you wish.<
As confirmation of the fact that the vehicle is
properly locked, the hazard warning flashers
light up.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture deactivated on vehicles without an
alarm system.<
Switching off tilt alarm sensor* and
interior motion sensor*
Press the button again directly after
locking.
For details, refer to page25.
Switching on interior lamps
Press the button if the vehicle is
locked.
You can also use this function to locate your
vehicle in parking garages etc.
Panic mode*
You can also trigger the alarm system in case of
danger:
Press the button for at least three seconds.
Deactivating alarm: press any button.
Unlocking liftgate
Press the button.
The liftgate will open slightly, regardless of
whether it was previously locked or unlocked.
To avoid damage, make sure there is suf-
ficient space when opening the liftgate.
A previously locked liftgate is also locked again
after closing.
Before and after a drive, make sure that the lift-
gate has not been inadvertently released.<
If so desired, you can have the remote
control system open the liftgate only
when the vehicle is unlocked. You can have
your vehicle set to do this if you wish.<
Malfunction
The remote control may malfunction due to
local radio waves.
Should this occur, use the master key to unlock
and relock the vehicle via the door lock.
If it is no longer possible to lock the vehicle
using the remote control, its battery is dis-
charged. Use this remote control during an
extended drive; this will recharge the battery,
refer to page18.

Opening and closing
20
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
>This device must not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
>this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or
changes to these devices could void the
user's authority to operate this equipment.<
Using door lock
1.Turn key.
The driver's door and fuel filler door are
unlocked.
2.Turn key again.
All remaining doors and the liftgate are
unlocked.
As confirmation of the fact that the vehicle is
properly locked, the hazard warning flashers
light up.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture deactivated on vehicles without an
alarm system.<
Convenience operation
You also have the option of using the door lock
to operate the windows and the panorama glass
sunroof
*.
Hold the key in the positions for unlocking or
locking.
Watch during the closing process to be
sure that no one is injured. Releasing the
key stops the operation.<
Manual operation
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you can
unlock or lock the driver's door with the key in
the end positions of the door lock.
Opening and closing: from
inside
You can use this button to operate the central
locking system when the front doors are closed.
This button only unlocks or locks the doors and
the liftgate. It does not activate the anti-theft
system.
If only the driver's door was unlocked
from the outside and you press the but-
ton, with the driver's door still open, then the
passenger-side door, the liftgate and the fuel
filler door will also unlock.
If the driver's door is closed, it will be locked.<
The central locking system locks auto-
matically after you begin to drive. You can
have your vehicle set to do this if you wish.<

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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
37
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.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
39
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can shift into neutral, for example, in auto-
matic car washes. The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con-
sumption is the lowest when the vehicle is
driven in position D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration.
Press the accelerator pedal past the increased
resistance point at the full-throttle position.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Move the selector lever from position D toward
the left into the M/S shifting slot.
The Sport program is activated and SD appears
in the instrument cluster. This position is rec-
ommended for a performance-oriented driving
style.
When you push the selector lever forward or
pull it back, this activates the manual mode and
Steptronic changes gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M5.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combination
of engine and vehicle speed; as a result, for
example, a downshift that would cause the
engine to overrev will not be executed by the
system. The gear selected will appear briefly in
the instrument cluster followed by the current
gear.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.
Instructions on towing, tow starting and jump
starting begin on page108.
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.<
Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold for as
long as you wish to signal.
Touch signaling
Press lever to resistance point.
The signal flashes three times.
If you wish, you can have this function
activated.<

Driving
42 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. Otherwise, you could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.<
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.
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. Each additional touch of the but-
ton increases the speed by approx. 1 mph/
1km/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 the braking action of the engine is insufficient
on a downhill stretch, the controlled speed can
be exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill grades if
the engine output is insufficient.
Decelerating
Briefly press – button:
Each press of the button decreases the vehi-
cle's speed by roughly 1 mph/1 km/h, provided
that you have already activated the cruise con-
trol.
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.
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted in response to the following conditions:
>When you apply pressure to the brake pedal
>When you apply pressure to the clutch
pedal or when you move the automatic
transmission selector lever from D to N
>If you exceed or fall below the controlled
speed for an extended period, by pressing
the accelerator, for example
>When DSC is activated
Resuming stored speed
Press button:
The vehicle accelerates to and maintains the
last speed stored.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
43
Everything under control
Odometer
1Odometer
2Trip odometer
Odometer
You can activate the displays shown in the illus-
tration in ignition key position 0 or with the igni-
tion key removed by pressing the button in the
instrument cluster.
Trip odometer
To reset to zero:
1.Ignition key in position 1.
2.Press and hold the button until the trip
odometer is reset to zero.
Tachometer
Engine speeds in the red warning field must
absolutely be avoided.
In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted to
protect the engine.
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank capacity: approx. 17.7 gallons/
67 liters. Instructions for refueling can be found
on page84.
If the tilt of the vehicle varies, when you are driv-
ing in mountainous areas, for example, the indi-
cator may fluctuate slightly.
Reserve
If the LED1 starts to light up continuously,
there are still approx. 2 gallons /8 liters of fuel
left in the tank.
Refuel well before the tank is empty. If
you drive down to the last drop, engine
functions are no longer assured and damage
can occur.<
When you switch on the ignition, the LED
comes on briefly to confirm that the system is
operational.