instrument panel BMW X3 2.5I SAV 2004 Owners Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
27
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital
contribution to relaxed driving that is as
fatigue-free as possible. The sitting posi-
tion plays an important role together with
the safety belts and airbags in providing
occupants with maximum levels of passive
safety in an accident. Therefore, observe
the following instructions, as otherwise the
protective function of the safety systems
may be impaired.
For additional information on transporting
children safely, refer to page 34.
Sitting safely with airbags
Always maintain an adequate dis-
tance between yourself and the air-
bags. Always hold the steering wheel by
its rim with hands at the 9 o'clock and
3 o'clock positions, to minimize the risk of
injuries to your hands and arms in the event
of airbag deployment.
No one and nothing is to come between the
airbags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on
the front passenger side as a storage area.
Make sure that the front passenger is cor-
rectly seated, i.e. feet or legs not resting on
the instrument panel, as otherwise leg inju-
ries can result if the knee and front airbag is
triggered.
Never let an occupant's head rest near or
on a side airbag because the inflating air-
bag could cause a serious or fatal injury.<
Even if you adhere to all the instructions
injuries resulting from contact with airbags
cannot be fully excluded, depending on the
circumstances. The ignition and inflation
noise may provoke a mild Ð usually tempo-
rary Ð hearing loss in extremely sensitive
individuals.
For airbag locations and additional infor-
mation on airbags, refer to page 54.
Sitting safely with safety belts
Even though there is an airbag, wear a
safety belt every time you get in the vehi-
cle. Although airbags enhance safety by
providing added protection, they are not a
substitute for safety belts.
Your vehicle has five seats that are all
equipped with a safety belt.
Occupants should sit upright and be
properly restrained at all times:
infants and small children in appropriate
child-restraint systems; larger children and
adults using the safety belts.
Expectant mothers should always wear
their safety belts, taking care to position
the lap belt against the lower hips, where it
will not exert pressure against the abdomi-
nal area.
Never allow more than one person to wear
a single safety belt. Never allow infants and
small children to ride in a passengers lap.
Do not route the belt across your neck, or
run it across sharp edges. Be sure that the
belt does not become caught or jammed.
Avoid twisting the belt while routing it firmly
across the hips and shoulder. Do not allow
the belt to rest against hard or fragile
objects. Otherwise, in the event of a frontal
impact, a loose lap belt could slide over
your hips, leading to abdominal injury.
Avoid wearing clothing that prevents the
belt from fitting properly and pull the lap
belt periodically to readjust the tension
across your shoulder in order to avoid a
reduction in the retention effect of the
safety belt.<
For fastening safety belts, refer to page 30.
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never try to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement, and