service BMW X3 2017 Owner's Guide

Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Tire age DOT … 0116: the tire was manufactured in the
1st week of 2016.
Recommendation
Regardless of wear and tear, replace tires at
least every 6 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width.
For example: Treadwear 200; Traction AA;
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to Fed‐
eral Safety Requirements in addition to these
grades.
TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov‐
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half, 1 g,
times as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart signifi‐
cantly from the norm due to variations in driv‐
ing habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C.Those grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the ma‐
terial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds
to a level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades Band
A represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the minimum re‐
quired by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.◀
RSC – Run-flat tires Run-flat tires, refer to page 212, are labeled
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC marked on the sidewall.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires with better cold
weather performance than summer tires.Seite 209Wheels and tiresMobility209
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 976 - II/16

Tire treadSummer tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.12 inches/3 mm.
There is an increased danger of hydroplaning if
the tire tread depth is less than 0.12 in‐
ches/3 mm.
Winter tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.16 inches/4 mm.
Below a tread depth of 0.16 inches/4 mm, tires
are less suitable for winter operation.
Minimum tread depth
Wear indicators are distributed around the
tire's circumference and have the legally re‐
quired minimum height of 0.063 in‐
ches/1.6 mm.
They are marked on the side of the tire with
TWI, Tread Wear Indicator.
Tire damage
General information
Inspect your tires regularly for damage, foreign
objects lodged in the tread, and tread wear.
Information Driving over rough or damaged road surfaces,
as well as debris, curbs and other obstacles
can cause serious damage to wheels, tires and
suspension parts. This is more likely to occur
with low-profile tires, which provide less cush‐
ioning between the wheel and the road. Be
careful to avoid road hazards and reduce your
speed, especially if your vehicle is equipped
with low-profile tires.
Indications of tire damage or other vehicle mal‐
functions:▷Unusual vibrations while driving.▷Unusual handling such as a strong ten‐
dency to pull to the left or right.
Damage can, e. g., be caused by driving over
curbs, road damage, or similar things.
WARNING
Damaged tires can lose tire inflation
pressure, which can lead to loss of vehicle
control. There is risk of an accident. If tire dam‐
age is suspected while driving, immediately re‐
duce speed and stop. Have wheels and tires
checked. For this purpose, drive carefully to
the nearest dealer’s service center or another
qualified service center or repair shop. Have
vehicle towed or transported as needed.◀
WARNING
Damaged tires can lose tire inflation
pressure, which can lead to loss of vehicle
control. There is risk of an accident. Do not re‐
pair damaged tires, but have them replaced.◀
Changing wheels and tires
Mounting Have mounting and wheel balancing carriedout by a dealer’s service center or another
qualified service center or repair shop.
Wheel and tire combination
You can ask the dealer’s service center or an‐
other qualified service center or repair shop
about the right wheel/tire combination and
wheel rim versions for the vehicle.
Seite 210MobilityWheels and tires210
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 976 - II/16

Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair
the function of a variety of systems such as
ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
WARNING
Wheels and tires which are not suitable
for your vehicle can damage parts of the vehi‐
cle, e.g., due to contact with the body due to
tolerances despite the same official size rating.
There is risk of an accident. The manufacturer
of your vehicle strongly suggests that you use
wheels and tires that have been recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer for your vehicle
type.◀
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, BMW recommends certain
tire brands. These can be identified by a star
on the tire sidewall.
New tires
Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
WARNING
Retreaded tires can have different tire
casing structures. With advanced age the serv‐
ice life can be limited. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. The manufacturer of your vehicle does
not recommend the use of retreaded tires.◀
Winter tires
Winter tires are recommended for operating on winter roads.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires pro‐ vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Maximum speed of winter tires If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then a respective symbol is displayed in your
field of vision. The label is available from a
dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.
With mounted winter tires, observe and adhere
to the permissible maximum speed.
Run-flat tires If you are already using run-flat tires, for your
own safety you should replace them only with
the same kind. No spare tire is available in the
case of a flat tire. Further information is availa‐
ble from a dealer’s service center or another
qualified service center or repair shop.
Rotating wheels between axles Different wear patterns can occur on the frontand rear axles depending on individual driving
conditions. The tires can be rotated between
the axles to achieve even wear. Further infor‐
mation is available from a dealer’s service cen‐
ter or another qualified service center or repairSeite 211Wheels and tiresMobility211
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 976 - II/16

shop. After rotating, check the tire pressure
and correct if needed.
Rotating the tires between the axes is not per‐
missible on vehicles with different tire sizes or
rim sizes on the front and rear axles.
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible.
Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres‐
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Run-flat tires
Label
RSC label on the tire sidewall.
The wheels consist of tires that are self-sup‐
porting, to a limited degree, and possibly spe‐
cial rims.
The support of the sidewall allows the tire to
remain drivable to a restricted degree in the
event of a tire inflation pressure loss.
Follow the instructions for continued driving
with a flat tire.
Changing run-flat tires
For your own safety, only use run-flat tires. No
spare tire is available in the case of a flat tire.
A dealer’s service center will be glad to answer
additional questions at any time.
Repairing a flat tire
Safety measures▷Park the vehicle as far away as possible
from passing traffic and on solid ground.▷Switch on the hazard warning system.▷Secure the vehicle against rolling away by
setting the parking brake.▷Turn the steering wheel until the front
wheels are in the straight-ahead position
and engage the steering wheel lock.▷Have all vehicle occupants get out of the
vehicle and ensure that they remain out‐
side the immediate area in a safe place,
such as behind a guardrail.▷If necessary, set up a warning triangle at an
appropriate distance.
Mobility System
The concept
With the Mobility System, minor tire damage
can be sealed temporarily to enable continued
travel. To accomplish this, sealant is pumped
into the tires, which seals the damage from the
inside.
The compressor can be used to check the tire
inflation pressure.
Information
▷Follow the instructions on using the Mobi‐
lity System found on the compressor and
sealant container.▷Use of the Mobility System may be ineffec‐
tive if the tire puncture measures approx.
1/8 in/4 mm or more.▷Contact a dealer’s service center or an‐
other qualified service center or repair
shop if the tire cannot be made drivable.▷If possible, do not remove foreign bodies
that have penetrated the tire.Seite 212MobilityWheels and tires212
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 976 - II/16

If a tire inflation pressure of 2 bar cannot be
reached, contact your dealer’s service cen‐
ter or another qualified service center or
repair shop.
Stowing the Mobility System
1.Unscrew the filling hose of the sealant con‐
tainer from the wheel.2.Unscrew the connection hose of the com‐
pressor from the sealant container.3.Connect the filling hose of the sealant con‐
tainer previously connected to the tire
valve with the available connector on the
sealant container.
This prevents leftover sealant from escap‐
ing from the container.4.Wrap the empty sealant container in suita‐
ble material to avoid dirtying the cargo
area.5.Stow the Mobility System back in the vehi‐
cle.
Distributing the sealant
Immediately drive approx. 5 miles/10 km to en‐
sure that the sealant is evenly distributed in the
tire.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
If possible, do not drive at speeds less than
12 mph/20 km/h.
To correct the tire inflation pressure
1.Stop at a suitable location.2.Screw the connection hose of the com‐
pressor directly onto the tire valve stem.3.Insert the connector into the power socket
inside the vehicle.4.Correct the tire inflation pressure to
2.5 bar.▷Increase pressure: with the ignition
turned on or the engine running, switch
on the compressor.▷To reduce the pressure: press the but‐
ton on the compressor.
Continuing the trip
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
Reinitialize the Tire Pressure Monitor.
Replace the nonworking tire and the sealant
container of the Mobility System as soon as
possible.
Snow chains
Fine-link snow chains
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
use of fine-link snow chains. Certain types of
fine-link snow chains have been tested by the
manufacturer of the vehicle and recommended
as road-safe and suitable.
Information regarding suitable snow chains is
available from a dealer’s service center or an‐
other qualified service center or repair shop.
Use WARNING
With the mounting of snow chains on un‐
suitable tires, the snow chains can come into
contact with vehicle parts. There is a risk of ac‐
cidents or a risk of property damage. Only
mount snow chains on tires that are desig‐
nated by their manufacturer as suitable for the
use of snow chains.◀
Use only in pairs on the rear wheels, equipped
with the tires of the following size:
▷205/65 R 17.▷225/60 R 17.▷245/50 R 18.▷245/45 R 19.
Do not mount snow chains on size 245/55 R
17 tires.
Seite 215Wheels and tiresMobility215
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 976 - II/16

Engine compartmentVehicle features and optionsThis chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due tothe selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features and systems.
Important features in the engine compartment
1Washer fluid reservoir2Vehicle identification number3Jump-starting, negative battery terminal4Jump-starting, positive battery terminal5Coolant reservoir6Oil filler neckHood
Information WARNING
Improperly executed work in the engine
compartment can damage vehicle compo‐
nents and impair vehicle functions. There is a
risk of personal and property damage. Themanufacturer of your vehicle recommends
that, in the effort to avoid such risks, work in
the engine compartment be performed by a
dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.◀Seite 217Engine compartmentMobility217
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 976 - II/16

ATTENTION
Too much engine oil can damage the en‐
gine or the catalytic converter. There is a risk
of damage to property. Do not add too much
engine oil. When too much engine oil is added,
have oil level corrected by a dealer’s service
center or another qualified service center or re‐
pair shop.◀
Detailed measurement
The concept In the detailed measurement the engine oil
level is checked when the vehicle is stationary,
and displayed via a scale.
Gasoline engine:
If the engine oil level reaches the minimum
level, a check control message is displayed.
Diesel engine:
If the engine oil level reaches the minimum
level or an overfilling is detected, a check con‐
trol message is displayed.
During the measurement, the idle speed is in‐
creased somewhat.
General information
A detailed measurement is only possible with
certain engines.
Requirements▷Vehicle is parked in a horizontal position.▷Steptronic transmission: selector lever in
selector lever position N or P and accelera‐
tor pedal not depressed.▷Engine is running and is at operating tem‐
perature.
Performing a detailed measurement
In order to perform a detailed measurement of
the engine oil level:
1."Vehicle info"2."Vehicle status"3. "Measure engine oil level"4."Start measurement"
The engine oil level is checked and displayed
via a scale.
Time: approx. 1 minute.
Adding engine oil Information WARNING
Operating materials, e.g., oils, greases,
coolants, fuels, can contain harmful ingredi‐
ents. There is a risk of injury or danger to life.
Observe the instructions on the containers.
Avoid the contact of articles of clothing, skin or
eyes with operating materials. Do not refill op‐
erating materials into different bottles. Store
operating materials out of reach of children.◀
ATTENTION
Too low of an engine oil level causes en‐
gine damage. There is a risk of damage to
property.
Add engine oil within the next
125 miles/200 km.◀
ATTENTION
Too much engine oil can damage the en‐
gine or the catalytic converter. There is a risk
of damage to property. Do not add too much
engine oil. When too much engine oil is added,
have oil level corrected by a dealer’s service
center or another qualified service center or re‐
pair shop.◀
General information
Only add engine oil when the message is dis‐
played in the instrument cluster. The quantity
to be added is indicated in the message dis‐ played in the instrument cluster.
Switch off the ignition and safely park the vehi‐
cle before engine oil is added.
Seite 221Engine oilMobility221
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 976 - II/16

Take care not to add too much engine oil.Overview
The oil filler neck is located in the engine com‐
partment, refer to page 217.
Opening the oil filler neck1.Open the hood, refer to page 217.2.Turn the oil filler neck counter-clockwise.3.Add engine oil.
Engine oil types to add
Information ATTENTION
Oil additives can damage the engine.
There is a risk of damage to property. Do not
use oil additives.◀
ATTENTION
Incorrect engine oil can cause malfunc‐
tions in the engine or damage it. There is a risk
of damage to property. When selecting an en‐
gine oil, make sure that the engine oil has the
correct viscosity grade.◀
The engine oil quality is critical for the life of
the engine.
Viscosity gradesGasoline engine:
When selecting an engine oil, make sure that
the engine oil has the viscosity grade SAE
0W-30 or SAE 0W-20. Alternatively, also en‐
gine oils with viscosity grades SAE 5W-20,
SAE 5W-30, SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 can
be used.
The viscosity grades SAE 0W-20 or SAE
5W-20 are only suitable for particular engines.
Diesel engine:
When selecting an engine oil, make sure that
the engine oil has the viscosity grade SAE
0W-30. Alternatively, also engine oils with vis‐
cosity grades SAE 5W-30, SAE 0W-40 or SAE
5W-40 can be used.
More information about suitable engine oil rat‐
ings and viscosities of engine oils can be re‐
quested from a dealer’s service center or an‐
other qualified service center or repair shop.
Suitable engine oil types
You can add engine oils that meet the follow‐
ing oil rating standards:Gasoline engineBMW Longlife-01 FE.BMW Longlife-14 FE+.
The oil rating BMW Longlife-14 FE+ is only
suitable for particular gasoline motors.
Diesel engineBMW Longlife-12 FE.
More information about suitable engine oil rat‐
ings and viscosities of engine oils is available
at a dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.
Alternative engine oil typesIf an engine oil suitable for continuous use is
not available, up to 1 US quart/liter of an en‐ gine oil with the following oil rating can be
added:
Seite 222MobilityEngine oil222
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 976 - II/16

Gasoline engineBMW Longlife-01.API SL or superior oil rating.Diesel engineBMW Longlife-04.API SL or superior oil rating.
Engine oil changeATTENTION
Engine oil that is not changed in timely
fashion can cause increased engine wear and
thus engine damage. There is a risk of damage
to property. Do not exceed the service data in‐
dicated in the vehicle.◀
The vehicle manufacturer recommends that
you have a dealer’s service center or another
qualified service center or repair shop change
the engine oil.
Seite 223Engine oilMobility223
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 976 - II/16

CoolantVehicle features and optionsThis chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features and systems.
Information WARNING
With the engine hot and the cooling sys‐
tem open, coolant can escape and lead to
scalding. There is a a risk of injury. Only open
the cooling system with the engine cooled
down.◀
WARNING
Additives are harmful and incorrect addi‐
tives can damage the engine. There is a risk of
injury and risk of property damage. Do not al‐
low additives to come into contact with skin,
eyes or articles of clothing. Use suitable addi‐
tives only.◀
Coolant consists of water and additives.
Not all commercially available additives are
suitable for the vehicle. Information about suit‐
able additives is available from a dealer’s serv‐
ice center or another qualified service center or
repair shop.Coolant level
Overview
Depending on the engine installation, the cool‐
ant reservoir is located on the right side or the
left side of the engine compartment.
Checking1.Let the engine cool.2.Turn the lid of the coolant reservoir slightly
counterclockwise to allow any excess
pressure to dissipate, then open it.3.Open the coolant reservoir lid.4.The coolant level is correct if it lies be‐
tween the minimum and maximum marks
in the filler neck.Seite 224MobilityCoolant224
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 969 976 - II/16