key BMW X3 2.5I 2006 E83 Owner's Manual

Notes
4
Notes
Using this Owner's Manual
We have made every effort to ensure that you
are easily able to find what you need in this
Owner's Manual. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at the end.
For a brief initial overview of your vehicle, please
refer to the first chapter.
Should you sell your BMW some day, please
remember to hand over the Owner's Manual
as well; it is an important component of your
vehicle.
Additional sources of information
If you have additional questions, your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center is always happy
to advise you.
You can find information on BMW, e.g. technol-
ogy, on the Internet at www.bmwusa.com.
Symbols used
Indicates precautions that must be fol-
lowed precisely in order to avoid the pos-
sibility of personal injury and serious damage to
the vehicle.
Indicates information that will assist you
in gaining the optimum benefit from your
vehicle and enable you to care more effectively
for your vehicle.
Refers to measures that can be taken to
help protect the environment.
< Marks the end of a specific item of informa-
tion.
* Indicates special equipment, country-specific
equipment and optional extras, as well as
equipment and functions not yet available at the
time of printing.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory, refer to
page32. Identifies functions that can be
specifically adapted for a particular key or vehi-
cle. These adjustments can be performed by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Symbols on vehicle components
Indicates that you should consult the rel-
evant section of this Owner's Manual for
information on a particular part or assembly.

Cockpit
12
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified
with
+ are checked for proper function each
time you turn the ignition key. They each light
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored sys-
tem, the corresponding lamp will either fail to go
o u t w h e n t h e e n g i n e i s s t a r t e d , o r i t w i l l c o m e o n
again during normal driving. Detailed informa-
tion is provided on the specified pages.
Battery charge current
+105
Headlamp flasher39
High beams57
Engine oil
+94
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System
+48
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis
control system for Canadian models
Brake system
+
With handbrake released50, 96
With handbrake engaged37
With other warning lamps50
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Brake pads
+96
Please fasten safety belt
+29
Airbags
+53
Front fog lamps57
Automatic transmission +38
Turn signals39
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 48, 49
Service Engine Soon
+98
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Check Gas Cap
* +84
Engine electronics
+36
Washer fluid low41
Coolant low95
Flat Tire Monitor
* +50
Tire Pressure Monitor
* +52
Lamp defective56
Cruise control41
With ignition key in position 2, this
warning lamp indicates that a door
or the liftgate is open.

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.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
21
Unlocking and opening doors
>Either unlock all of the doors by using the
central locking system button and then pull
on the door handle above the armrest or
>pull the door handle of each door twice: the
first time unlocks the door, the second time
opens it.
Engaging locks
>Either lock all doors via the central locking
system button or
>press down the lock buttons of the doors.
To prevent you from being locked out, the
opened driver's door cannot be locked
using the lock button.
Because any persons or animals left unat-
tended in a parked vehicle could lock the
doors from the inside, you should always keep
the vehicle key with you; this precaution
ensures that you will remain able to unlock the
vehicle from the outside at all times.<
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.<
Liftgate
To avoid damage, make sure there is suf-
ficient space when opening the liftgate.<
Opening from outside
Press the button, refer to arrow, or the but-
ton on the remote control. The liftgate opens
slightly. It can be pivoted upward.
When the liftgate is open, the cargo area and
interior are lit up.
Opening manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction:
1.Fold up the floor cover in the cargo area.
2.Release the jack from the bracket.
3.Press the lever behind the cover to the side,
refer to arrow. The liftgate is released.
The liftgate is locked again as soon as it is
closed.
Closing
The handle recesses on the interior trim of the
liftgate make it easier to pull down.
Avoid injuries by making sure that the lift-
gate's closing region is clear and unob-
structed.<

Opening and closing
22
Windows
Keep windows in your line of sight while
closing. Failure to do so can result in
bodily injury.
Always remove the key when leaving the vehi-
cle; otherwise, children could operate the win-
dows and injure themselves.<
Opening, closing
As of ignition key position 1:
>Press the switch to the resistance point:
The window continues to open as long as
you press the switch.
>Press the switch past the resistance point:
The window opens automatically. Pressing
again stops the opening motion.
You can close the windows in the same manner
by pulling the switch.
In the back, separate switches are provided in
the armrests.
For convenience operation using the remote
control or the door lock, refer to pages19, 20.
After switching off ignition
You can operate the windows for up to 1 minute
as long as no door has been opened.
Pinch protection system
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 presence of the pinch protec-
tion system, 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 pinch protection system by
pressing the switch past the resistance point
and holding it.
Do not install any accessories in the movement
range of the window as this could impair the
function of the pinch protection system.<
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After disconnecting the battery, the pinch pro-
tection system must be reinitialized. To do this,
open and close the windows once and continue
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 LED lights up when this
safety function is activated.
Press the safety switch when children
ride in the rear; otherwise, unsupervised
closing of the windows could lead to injuries.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
23
Panorama glass sunroof*
The panorama glass sunroof is ready for opera-
tion with the ignition key in position 2.
Keep panorama glass sunroof in your line
of sight while closing. Failure to do so can
result in bodily injury.
Always remove the key when leaving the vehi-
cle; otherwise, children could operate the sun-
roof and injure themselves.<
Raising, opening, closing
Press the switch or slide it in the desired direc-
tion up to the resistance point.
Release the switch to stop the motion.
The sliding visor is opened slightly when the
panorama glass sunroof is raised.
The panorama glass sunroof can be opened or
closed independently with the sliding visor
open.
Ventilation setting
The panorama glass sunroof is raised and the
sliding visor is opened slightly: briefly press the
switch twice consecutively.
After switching off ignition
You can operate the panorama glass sunroof for
approx. 1 minute as long as no door has been
opened.
Automatic opening and closing
Briefly press the switch past the resistance
point and then release it.
Briefly pressing the switch again stops the
motion.
Opening and closing panorama glass
sunroof and sliding visor together
Briefly press the switch past the resistance
point twice consecutively.
Briefly pressing the switch again stops the
motion.
Comfort position
Each time the panorama glass sunroof is com-
pletely opened or closed, it stops in the comfort
position. If you wish, you can resume the motion
by activating the switch.
In the comfort position, the wind noise in the
interior is reduced.
Pinch protection system
If the panorama glass sunroof or sliding visor
encounter resistance when closing from
roughly one third of the roof opening or when
closing from the raised position, the closing
action is interrupted and the panorama glass
sunroof and sliding visor reopen a little.
Despite the presence of the pinch protec-
tion system, inspect the sunroof'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 sunroof
would continue closing.
You can disable the pinch protection system by
pressing the switch past the resistance point
and holding it.<
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After a power supply interruption, it may only be
possible to raise the sunroof. The system must
be initialized. BMW recommends having this
work carried out by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center.

Opening and closing
24
Closing manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
move the panorama glass sunroof manually.
1.Pull the cover firmly downward to remove.
2.Insert the Allen wrench from the compart-
ment beneath the cargo area floor, refer to
page103, into the proper opening and turn
the panorama glass sunroof in the desired
direction. The arrow in the illustration indi-
cates the rotation direction for closing the
sunroof.
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood, or the liftgate is
opened.
>To movements inside the vehicle: interior
motion sensor, refer to description below.
>When the car's inclination changes, for
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to
towing away.
>To interruptions in battery voltage.
The alarm system signals unauthorized manip-
ulations for a short time by:
>Sounding an acoustic alarm
>Switching on the hazard warning flashers
>Flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming alarm system
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
If the alarm system has been properly armed,
the hazard warning flashers light up once.
You can have different acknowledgment
signals set to confirm arming and disarm-
ing.<
You can open the liftgate even when the system
is armed by using the button of the remote
control, refer to page19. When the liftgate is
closed, it is locked again and monitored.
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote control,
refer to page19.
>Turn the ignition key to position 1.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
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-