steering BMW X3 2012 Owner's Manual

Use HDC in low gears or in transmission position
D or R only.
Increasing or decreasing vehicle speed
Specify desired speed in the range from approx.
4 mph/6 km/h to approx. 15 mph/25 km/h using
the rocker switch of the cruise control on the
steering wheel. Vehicle speed can be changed
by lightly accelerating.▷Press up the rocker switch to the point of
resistance: the speed increases gradually.▷Press up the rocker switch past the point of
resistance: the speed increases while the
rocker switch is pressed.▷Press down the rocker switch to the point of
resistance: the speed decreases gradually.▷Press down the rocker switch past the point
of resistance: when driving forward, the
speed decreases to approx. 6 mph/10 km/h;
when reversing, the speed decreases to ap‐
prox. 4 mph/6 km/h.
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED above the but‐
ton lights up.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again and the LED goes
out. HDC is automatically deactivated
above approx. 37 mph/60 km/h.
Display in the instrument cluster The selected speed is displayed
in the speedometer.▷Green: the system is actively
braking the vehicle.▷Orange: the system is on
standby.
Malfunction
A message is displayed in the instrument clus‐
ter. HDC is not available, e.g., due to elevated
brake temperatures.
Dynamic Damping Control
The concept
This system reduces undesirable vehicle mo‐
tion when using a dynamic driving style or trav‐
eling on uneven road surfaces.
The system enhances driving dynamics and
comfort as required for the road surface and
driving style.
Programs
The system offers two different programs.
The programs can be selected via Dynamic Driv‐
ing Control, refer to page 97.
SPORT
Consistently sporty control of the shock absorb‐
ers for greater driving agility.
NORMAL
Balanced control of the vehicle.
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Variable sport steering
The variable sport steering increases the steer‐
ing angle of the front wheels at large steering
wheel angles, e.g., in tight curves or when park‐
ing. Steering becomes more direct.
It also varies the force required to turn the
wheels in accordance with the vehicle speed.
This results in a sporty steering response. In ad‐
dition, it becomes easier to steer during parking
and maneuvering.
Dynamic Driving Control
The concept
Dynamic Driving Control can be used to adjust
the driving dynamics of the vehicle. Several pro‐
grams are available for this purpose; they can be
activated using the two Dynamic Driving Control
buttons.
Operating the programsPress the buttonProgramDSC OFF
TRACTIONSPORT+
SPORT
NORMAL
Automatic program change
The system automatically switches to NORMAL
in the following situations:
▷Failure of Dynamic Damping Control.▷The vehicle has a flat tire.
DSC OFF
When DSC OFF, refer to page 94, is active, driv‐
ing stability is limited during acceleration and
when driving in bends.
TRACTION
When TRACTION is active, the vehicle has max‐
imum traction on loose road surfaces. DTC Dy‐
namic Traction Control, refer to page 95, is ac‐
tivated. Driving stability is limited during
acceleration and when driving in bends.
SPORT+
Sporty driving with optimized chassis and sus‐
pension with limited driving stabilization.
Dynamic Traction Control is switched on.
The driver handles several of the stabilization
tasks.
Activating SPORT+ Press the button repeatedly until
SPORT+ appears in the instrument
cluster and the DSC indicator lamp lights up.
Indicator/warning lamps
SPORT+ is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DTC Dy‐
namic Traction Control is activated.
SPORT
Sporty driving with optimized chassis and sus‐
pension with maximum driving stabilization.
The program can be configured to individual
specifications.
The configuration is stored for the remote con‐
trol currently in use.
Activating SPORT Press button repeatedly until SPORT is
displayed in the instrument cluster.
Configuring SPORT
When the display is activated on the Control
Display, refer to page 98, the sport program
can be set to individual specifications.▷Activate the sport program.Seite 97Driving stability control systemsControls97
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Driving comfortVehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
Cruise control
The concept
The system is functional at speeds beginning at
approx. 20 mph/30 km/h.
It maintains the speed that was set using the
control elements on the steering wheel.
The system brakes on downhill gradients if en‐
gine braking action is insufficient.
Unfavorable conditions
Do not use the system if unfavorable con‐
ditions make it impossible to drive at a constant
speed, for instance:▷On curvy roads.▷In heavy traffic.▷On slippery roads, in fog, snow or rain, or on
a loose road surface.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident.◀
Controls
At a glance1System on/off, interrupt2Resume speed3Store speed4Store, maintain/change speed
Switching on Press the button on the steering wheel.
The marking in the speedometer is set to the
current speed.
Cruise control can be used.
Switching off Deactivated or interrupted system
If the system is deactivated or interrupted,
actively intervene by braking and, if necessary,
with evasive maneuvers; otherwise, there is the
danger of an accident occurring.◀
Press the button.
▷If active: press twice.▷If interrupted: press once.
The displays go out. The stored desired speed
is deleted.
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Switching on/off manually
Press the button.
▷On: the LED lights up.▷Off: the LED goes out.
The PDC is shown on the Control Display.
Switch on the backup camera via the iDrive, refer
to page 105.
Assistance functions
Functional requirement
▷The backup camera is switched on.▷The tailgate is fully closed.
Pathway lines
▷Can be shown in the backup camera image
when in transmission position R.▷Help you to estimate the space required
when parking and maneuvering on level
roads.▷Are dependent on the current steering angle
and are continuously adjusted to the steer‐
ing wheel movements.Show the parking aid lines, refer to page 105.
Turning circle lines▷Can be shown in the backup camera image.▷Show the course of the smallest possible
turning circle on a level road.▷Only one turning circle line is displayed
when the steering wheel is turned.
Show the parking aid lines, refer to page 105.
Parking using pathway and turning
circle lines
1.Position the vehicle so that the turning circle
lines lead to within the limits of the parking
space.Seite 104ControlsDriving comfort104
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2.Turn the steering wheel to the point where
the pathway line covers the corresponding
turning circle line.
Obstacle marking
▷Spatially-shaped markings can be shown in
the backup camera image.
Their colored steps match the markings of the
PDC. This simplifies estimation of the distance
to the object shown.
Activating the assistance functions
More than one assistance function can be active
at the same time.
Showing the parking aid lines
"Parking aid lines"
Pathway and turning circle lines are displayed.
Showing the obstacle marking
"Obstacle marking"
Spatially-shaped markings are displayed.
Display on the Control Display
Switching on the backup camera via
iDrive
With PDC activated:
"Rear view camera"
The backup camera image is displayed. The set‐
ting is stored for the remote control currently in
use.
Brightness
With the backup camera switched on:
1. Select the symbol.2.Turn the controller until the desired setting
is reached and press the controller.
Contrast
With the backup camera switched on:
1. Select the symbol.2.Turn the controller until the desired setting
is reached and press the controller.
Camera
The camera lens is located in the handle of the
tailgate. The image quality may be impaired by
dirt.
Clean the lens, refer to page 251.
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The setting is stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
Display on the Control Display
Switching on the backup camera via
iDrive
With Top View switched on:
"Rear view camera"
The backup camera image is displayed. The set‐
ting is stored for the remote control currently in
use.
Brightness
With Top View switched on:
1. "Brightness"2.Turn the controller until the desired setting
is reached and press the controller.
Contrast
With Top View switched on:
1. "Contrast"2.Turn the controller until the desired setting
is reached and press the controller.
Displaying the turning circle and
pathway lines
▷The static, red turning circle line shows the
space needed to the side of the vehicle
when the steering wheel is turned all the
way.▷The variable, green pathway line assists you
in assessing the amount of space actually
needed to the side of the vehicle.
The pathway line is dependent on the cur‐
rent steering angle and is continuously ad‐
justed with the steering wheel movement.
"Parking aid lines"
Turning circle and pathway lines are displayed.
Cameras
The objectives of the Top View cameras are lo‐
cated at the bottom of the exterior mirror hous‐
ings. The image quality may be impaired by dirt.
Clean the lens, refer to page 251.
Head-up Display
The concept
This system projects important information into
the driver's field of vision, e.g., the speed.
In this way, the driver can get information with‐
out averting his or her eyes from the road.
Display visibility
The visibility of the displays in the Head-up Dis‐
play is influenced by:
▷Certain sitting positions.▷Objects on the cover of the Head-up Dis‐
play.▷Sunglasses with certain polarization filters.▷Wet roads.▷Unfavorable light conditions.Seite 107Driving comfortControls107
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Do not remove the heat shields installed and
never apply undercoating to them. When driv‐
ing, standing at idle and while parking, take care
to avoid possible contact between the hot ex‐
haust system and any highly flammable materi‐
als such as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact
could lead to a fire, and with it the risk of serious
personal injury as well as property damage.
Do not touch hot exhaust pipes; otherwise, there
is the danger of getting burned.◀
Mobile communication devices in the
vehicle
Mobile communication devices in the ve‐
hicle
It is advised that you do not use mobile commu‐
nication devices, e.g., mobile phones, inside the
vehicle without connecting them directly to the
external antenna. Otherwise, the vehicle elec‐
tronics and mobile communication devices can
interfere with each other. In addition, there is no
assurance that the radiation generated during
transmission will be discharged from the vehicle
interior.◀
Hydroplaning
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.◀
Driving through water
Drive though calm water only if it is not deeper
than 19.6 inches/50 cm and at this height, no
faster than walking speed, up to 6 mph/10 km/h.Adhere to water depth and speed limita‐
tions
Do not exceed this water depth and walking
speed; otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the elec‐
trical systems and the transmission may be
damaged.◀
Braking safely
Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations when this is neces‐
sary.
The vehicle maintains steering responsiveness.
You can still avoid any obstacles with a minimum
of steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
Objects in the area around the pedals No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the area of motion of the pedals;
otherwise, the function of the pedals could be
impeded while driving
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved for
the vehicle and can be properly fixed in place.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened
again after they were removed for cleaning, for
example.◀
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other
road users.
The heat generated in this process helps dry the
brake discs and pads.Seite 129Things to remember when drivingDriving tips129
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In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the gear
in which the least braking is required. Otherwise,
the brake system may overheat, resulting in a
reduction in the brake system efficiency.
Manual transmission:
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, going all the way to first gear, if
necessary.
Automatic transmission:
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down in the manual mode of the auto‐
matic transmission, refer to page 65.
Avoid load on the brakes
Avoid placing excessive load on the brake
system. Light but consistent brake pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear and pos‐
sibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking. In
addition, steering and brake assist is unavailable
with the engine stopped.◀
Brake disc corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and contamination
on the brake pads are furthered by:▷Low mileage.▷Extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all.▷Infrequent use of the brakes.
Corrosion occurs when the minimum pressure
that must be exerted by the pads during brake
applications to clean the discs is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake discs, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating ef‐
fect that generally cannot be corrected.
Condensation under the parked vehicle
When using the automatic climate control, con‐
densation water develops that exits underneath
the vehicle.
Therefore, traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are normal.
Roof-mounted luggage rack
Note
Installation only possible with roof rack.
Roof racks are available as special accessories.
Attachment to the rack
Follow the installation instructions of the roof
rack.
Mounting
Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained
for tilting and opening the glass sunroof.
Loading
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
vehicle handling and steering response.
Therefore, note the following when loading and
driving:▷Do not exceed the approved roof/axle loads
and the approved gross vehicle weight.▷Distribute the roof load uniformly.▷The roof load should not be too large in area.▷Always place the heaviest pieces on the bot‐
tom.▷Secure the roof luggage firmly, e.g., tie with
ratchet straps.▷Do not let objects project into the opening
path of the tailgate.▷Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration
and braking maneuvers. Take corners gen‐
tly.Seite 130Driving tipsThings to remember when driving130
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Example: to enter a town/city in a US state
as a whole word, the language of the system
must be English.▷Spell the entry if the spoken language and
the language of the system differ.▷Say the letters smoothly, and avoid exag‐
gerating the pronunciation and inserting
lengthy pauses between the letters.▷The options available for entering data de‐
pend on the navigation data and the country
and language settings.
entering an address using a command
1. Press the button on the steering
wheel.2.›Enter address‹3.Wait for a request from the system.4.Say the address in the suggested order.5.Continue making the entry as prompted by
the system.
If necessary, individually name the separate
components of the address, e.g., the town/city.
Entering a town/city separately
The name of the town/city can be said as a
word or spelled out.
With the destination entry menu displayed:
1. Press the button on the steering
wheel.2.›City‹ or ›Spell city‹.3.Wait for the system to prompt you for the
town/city.4.Say the name of the town/city, or say at least
the first three letters.
Depending on the entry, up to 20 towns/cit‐
ies may be suggested.5.Select the town/city.▷To select a recommended town/
city: ›Yes‹▷To select a different town/city: ›New
entry‹▷Select an entry: ›Entry ...‹ e.g., entry 2▷To spell an entry: ›Spell city‹6.Continue making the entry as prompted by
the system.
If there are several towns/cities with the same
name:
Towns/cities of the same name are grouped in a
list and displayed as one location followed by an
ellipsis.
1.Select an entry: ›Yes‹ or ›Entry ...‹ e.g., En‐
try 2.2.Select the desired town/city.
Entering a street or intersection
separately
Enter a street and intersection in the same way
as you would enter a town/city.
Entering a house number separately
Depending on the data in the navigation system,
house numbers up to number 2,000 can be en‐
tered.
1.›House number‹2.Say the house number.
Say each digit separately.3.Continue making the entry as prompted by
the system.
Planning a trip with intermediate
destinations
New trip
A trip can be planned with several intermediate
destinations.
1."Navigation"2."Map"3.Move the controller to the left if necessary.4. "Guidance"Seite 144NavigationNavigation144
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can be called up via the corresponding album,
refer to page 176.1."CD/Multimedia"2."Music collection"3."Music search"4.Select the desired category.5.Select the desired entry:▷Select "A-Z search", refer to page 21,
and input the desired entry.▷Select the desired entry from the list.6.Select other categories if you wish.
The tracks found are listed in alphabetical
order.
Not all categories need to be selected. For
example, to search for all tracks by a certain
artist, call up that artist only. All of the tracks
by that artist are then displayed.7."Start play"
The list of tracks is repeated automatically.
Restarting the music search
"New search"
Music search using spoken instructions
Instructions for the voice activation system, re‐
fer to page 22.1. Press the button on the steering
wheel.2.›Music search‹3.Open the desired category, e. g., ›Select
artist‹.4.Say the desired entry in the list.5.Select other categories if you wish.
To select a track directly: ›Title ...‹.
Say the voice command and the name of the
desired track in a single command.
Current playback
The list of tracks that was generated last by the
music search, or the album that was selected
last.
1."CD/Multimedia"2."Music collection"3."Current playback"4.Select the desired track, if necessary.
Top 50
The 50 most frequently played tracks.
1."CD/Multimedia"2."Music collection"3."Top 50"4.Select the desired track, if necessary.Seite 175CD/multimediaEntertainment175
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