engine BMW X3 3.0I 2004 E83 User Guide

Everything under control
48 perature display. In addition, an acoustic
signal sounds and the display flashes for a
short time.
After an ice warning has been issued,
the display returns to the previous
setting. You can have this activated/deacti-
vated.<
Please bear in mind that the ice warn-
ing does nothing to alter the fact that
glare ice may be present on roads at tem-
peratures higher than +37.57/+36, for
instance, on bridges and shaded roads.<
Clock
12 or 24 hour mode
If your vehicle is equipped with a computer,
you can have the time displayed in the 12
or 24 hour mode.
During the display, hold down the com-
puter button in the turn indicator lever until
the display changes.
Average fuel consumption
If you press the button in the turn signal
indicator lever for a longer period, the cur-
rently displayed average value for fuel con-
sumption is recalculated from that moment
onwards.
Cruising range
The cruising range is determined on the
basis of the past driving style and the
present volume of fuel.
Always refuel as soon as possible
once your cruising range falls to
below 30 miles/50 kilometers, as other-
wise engine functions are not ensured and
damage can occur.<
Average speed
If you press the button in the turn signal
indicator lever for a longer period, the cur-
rently displayed average value for speed is
recalculated from that moment onwards.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
50
Limits of the system
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always
remains with the driver. Even when sensors
are involved, there is a blind spot in which
objects cannot be detected. The system is
also subject to the physical limits that apply
to all forms of ultrasonic measurement,
such as those encountered with tow bars
and trailer couplings, or thin and wedge-
shaped objects etc. Low objects already
displayed, e.g. a curb, can also disappear
from the detection area of the sensors
again before a continuous tone sounds.
Loud sources of sound, inside and outside
the vehicle, could drown out the PDC sig-
nal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice
or snow in order to ensure that they
will continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Keep the spray at least 4 in/10 cm away
from the sensors.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended
array of systems designed to enhance and
maintain vehicle stability under extreme
conditions. The following section describes
these functions based on ABS, DSC, HDC
and xDrive.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS enhances active safety by preventing
the wheels from locking under braking. The
vehicle continues to be steerable during
hard braking.
ABS also includes Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV.
Safe braking, refer to page 77.
Electronic brake-force distribution
EBV
EBV controls the brake system's applica-
tion pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
The Dynamic Brake Control actively sup-
ports the driver in dangerous braking situa-
tions. Quickly pumping the brake pedal
increases the braking effect with low pedal
pressure so that the shortest possible
braking distance is achieved. This system
exploits all of the benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. DBC is deactivated when you release
the brake pedal.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
The concept
DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine.
The system optimizes the driving stability
during acceleration and when starting from
a standstill. The system recognizes any
tendency for the vehicle to assume an
unstable attitude such as oversteer or
understeer; it then counteracts this ten-
dency with a combination of graduated
reductions in engine torque and selective
braking intervention at individual wheels.
DSC provides optimal stability within the
limits defined by the laws of physics.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Avoid using the
additional safety margin provided by the
system as an excuse for taking unneces-
sary risks.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC
system. Never allow anyone other than
authorized professional technicians to
carry out service or repairs on the system.<

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Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out soon after you start
the engine.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is active and is regulating the drive
and braking forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off using the but-
ton and the stabilizing interventions are no
longer available.
Switching off DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp comes
on and stays on.
Stabilizing interventions of the chassis con-
trol system DSC are no longer available.
However, the braking interventions that
simulate the function of the differential lock
continue to be active.
In the following exceptional circumstances,
it may be effective to switch off the DSC for
a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle and starting
off in deep snow or on loose road sur-
faces
>On sandy road surfaces
>On poor surfaces with deep ruts
>If the wheels churn on muddy surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
As a result of the braking interven-
tions, the brakes may be subjected to
additional loads when the system is
switched off. In order to limit the brake tem-
perature, brief automatic masking of the
brake activation is possible.
To maintain vehicle stability, always drive with the system switched on when possi-
ble.<
Switching DSC on
Press the DSC button again; the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
DSC is now activated.
xDrive
xDrive is the all-wheel drive system of your
BMW X3. The combined effects of xDrive
and DSC further optimize the traction and
dynamic driving characteristics. The all-
wheel drive system xDrive variably distrib-
utes the drive torque to the front and rear
axle depending on the driving situation and
prevailing road conditions.
Hill Descent Control HDC
The concept
HDC is a system for hill descent assistance
that reduces the speed on steep downward
inclines and makes it even easier to control
the driving characteristics of your BMW
under these conditions.
The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active intervention
from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle
speeds below approx. 20 mph/35 km/h.
When driving down steep hills with a speed
below approx. 20 mph/35 km/h, the vehi-
cle reduces speed automatically down to
slightly more than walking speed, approx.
5 mph/8 km/h, and then maintains this
speed at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes to
vary this automatically controlled speed
within a range extending from approx.
3 mph/5 km/h to 15 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the
same range by using the +/Ð buttons of the
cruise control in the steering wheel.
HDC is automatically deactivated once
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.
35 mph/60 km/h.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
52
Activating the system
Press the button; the indicator lamp comes
on.
The indicator lamp flashes when the brakes
are applied automatically.
Deactivating the system
Press the button again; the indicator lamp
goes out.
Above approx. 35 mph/60 km/h HDC is
immediately deactivated, and when the
ignition is switched off after approx.
10 seconds.
Using HDC
On manual transmission vehicles:
Use HDC in first gear and in reverse gear,
as in the higher gears the engine braking
effect diminishes.
On automatic transmission vehicles:
You can use HDC in every drive position.
Malfunction
If the indicator lamp in the button goes out
in the HDC mode or fails to light up when
the button is pressed:
HDC is temporarily not available, as the
brake temperature is too high.
Malfunctions of the driving stability
control systems
The red brake warning lamp lights
up together with the warning lamps
for ABS and DSC/xDrive. In addi-
tion, a warning signal sounds:
ABS, DSC and xDrive have failed.
Drive may then only be carried out
via the rear axle. Please have it checked by the nearest BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle Center.
Proceed cautiously and defensively.
When driving on poor roads, refrain
from using full throttle and avoid pressing
the accelerator beyond the kickdown point.
Otherwise the drive train may be damaged
or accidents can occur.<
If the brake warning lamp lights up yellow in
the described combination, the Electronic
brake-force distribution EBV is still avail-
able.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
The warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up in yellow.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC is
defective. Have the system checked and
repaired at your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center as soon as possible.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
The warning lamp lights up continu-
ously and a warning signal sounds:
DSC or the xDrive all-wheel system
has failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC or the
all-wheel drive system xDrive are no longer
available. Drive may then only be carried
out via the rear axle. Please have it
checked by the nearest BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle Center.
Proceed cautiously and defensively.
When driving on poor roads, refrain
from using full throttle and avoid pressing
the accelerator beyond the kickdown point.
Otherwise the drive train may be damaged
or accidents can occur.<
The warning lamp lights up:
Malfunction in the driving stability
control systems. HDC is no longer

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53
available. See your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center to have the system
repaired.
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in the four fitted tires as
you drive. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops sig-
nificantly in relation to the pressure another
tire.
The check of the tire inflation pressure is
based on monitoring the relative speeds of
the wheels. A flat tire is detected and
reported on the basis of a deviation in cer-
tain speed ratios.
Functional requirement
So that the Flat Tire Monitor can learn the
correct inflation pressure, please perform
the following:
1.Check the inflation pressures in all tires
2.Compare with the inflation pressure
table on page 87 and correct if neces-
sary
3.Initialize the system.
Limits of the system
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused
by outside factors and does not detect a
natural, even pressure drop in all four
tires.<
In the following situations, on the other
hand, there can be delays in detecting tire
pressure losses, and even system failure:
>When driving on snow-covered or slip-
pery road surfaces
>In the case of performance-oriented
driving: slip on the drive wheels, high
lateral acceleration
>False alarms and undetected loss of
pressure may occur when you are driv-
ing with snow chains fitted>When driving with a compact wheel, the
Flat Tire Monitor cannot operate.
Initializing the system
Perform the initialization immediately
every time you correct the inflation
pressure, change a tire or change a wheel
or all wheels. A drive is required for this
purpose.<
1.Before the start of driving, start the
engine, but do not drive off
2.Press the button until the yellow indica-
tor lamp in the instrument cluster lights
up for a few seconds
3.Drive off.
It takes a few minutes until the Flat Tire
Monitor can detect and indicated a flat tire.
Do not initialize the system when driv-
ing with snow chains or with a com-
pact wheel.<
Flat tire
Indicator lamp
The symbol in the instrument clus-
ter lights up in yellow.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2.Identify damaged tire
If identification is not possible,
contact your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center.<
3.Replace the damaged tire, refer to
Changing a wheel on page 103.

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Air supply/blower
You can select blower speeds 1
to 4. The heating and ventilation
become more and more effec-
tive as the air supply settings
are increased. In position 0, the
blower and heater are switched off. The air
supply is blocked in position 0.
Temperature
To increase the temperature of
the interior, turn to the right.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto
the windows , toward the
upper body and into the
footwell . All intermediate
settings are possible. In the
setting, there is a low flow of air onto the
windows to keep them free of condensa-
tion.
Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated,
the indicator lamp comes on.
The rear window defroster switches off
automatically.
You can have your vehicle pro-
grammed in such a way that the rear
window defroster switches on automati-
cally. It is then switched on at outside tem-
peratures of less than approx. +46/397
within 5 minutes of the engine start.<
Air conditioning
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and Ñ depending on the
temperature setting Ñ warmed
again. Depending on the weather, the
windshield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started. You can reduce conden-
sation forming on the windows by switch-
ing on the air conditioning.
During air conditioning condensation
forms, which then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water of this
kind are thus normal.<
Outside air/recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors outside the vehicle by
temporarily switching off the
outside air supply. The system then recir-
culates the air currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during opera-
tion in the recirculated-air mode, you
should switch it off while also increasing air
supply as required. The recirculated-air
mode should not be used over a sustained
longer period of time, as the air quality
inside the vehicle deteriorates.<
Ventilation
The air vents for the upper body area can
be adjusted:
1Serrated dials 1 for steplessly opening
and closing the air vents
2Selector levers for airflow direction
3Use the serrated dial 3 to adjust the
amount of cool air that is added to the
airflow emerging from the vent outlets
for the upper body
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vents to direct the flow of cool
air in your direction, for instance, if the inte-
rior has become too warm, etc.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at you.

A congenial climate
64
A congenial climate
Use the automatic facility by operating the
AUTO button 12. Select an interior tem-
perature that is comfortable for you.
Detailed setting options are described for
you in the following section.
Your vehicle has been designed to
automatically select your personal cli-
mate-control settings whenever you unlock
the doors using your individually pro-
grammed remote control.<
If you want, you can have this function
deactivated.<
Automatic air distribution and supply
The AUTO program adjusts the
airflow and distribution patterns
for you while also using your
preselected temperature setting as the
basis for adjusting the interior climate to
adapt to external influences Ð summer, win-
ter.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO pro-
gram by selecting specific air
distribution patterns for your
personal comfort, the auto-
matic air supply remains in
operation. You can direct air to
flow onto the windows , toward the
upper body , and into the footwell .
You can reactivate the automatic air distri-
bution mode by selecting the AUTO button.
Temperature
The figures in the display pro-
vide a general indication of inte-
rior temperature. When you
start the vehicle, this system
ensures that the selected tem-
perature is achieved as quickly
as possible. It then maintains this tempera-
ture, regardless of the season.
Air supply/blower
You can vary the air supply by
pressing the upper or lower
button. This switches off the
automatic program for the air
supply, and the word AUTO
goes out in the display. The automatic
mode for air distribution remains in opera-
tion as before. You can reactivate the auto-
matic air supply mode by selecting the
AUTO button.
If you press the lower button when at the
lowest blower speed, all displays go out:
the blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off. The outside air supply is
closed. You can restart the automatic cli-
mate control by pressing any of its buttons.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and door windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumid-
ified and Ñ depending on the
temperature setting Ñ warmed
again. Depending on the weather, the
windshield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started. The window mist is
reduced during A/C operation.
The air conditioner comes on automatically
when you select the AUTO program.
During air conditioning condensation
forms, which then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water of this
kind are thus normal.<
Outside air/AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control/
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the imme-
diate environment by tempo-
rarily suspending the supply of outside air.
The system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. Press the button

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repeatedly to run through the following
control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside air flows
into the vehicle
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system recognizes pollutants
in the outside air and blocks the flow of
air when necessary. The system then
recirculates the air currently within the
vehicle.
Depending on the air quality, the auto-
matic system then switches back and
forth between outside air supply and
recirculation of the air within the vehicle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the out-
side air supply into the vehicle is com-
pletely blocked. The system then recir-
culates the air currently within the
vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during opera-
tion in the recirculated-air mode, you
should switch it off while also increasing air
supply as required. The recirculated-air
mode should not be used over a sustained
longer period of time, as the air quality
inside the vehicle deteriorates.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated,
the indicator lamp comes on.
The rear window defroster switches off
automatically.
You can have your vehicle adjusted in
such a way that the rear window
defroster switches on automatically. It is
then switched on at outside temperatures
of less than approx. +46/397within
5 minutes of the engine start.<
Ventilation
The air vents for the upper body area can
be adjusted:
1Serrated dials for opening and closing
the vent outlets through an infinitely-
variable range
2Selector levers for airflow direction
3Use the serrated dial 3 to adjust the
amount of cool air that is added to the
airflow emerging from the vent outlets
for the upper body
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vents to direct the flow of cool
air in your direction, for instance, if the inte-
rior has become too warm, etc.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at you.
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter*
The built-in microfilter removes dust and
pollen from the incoming air. The activated-
charcoal filter provides additional protec-
tion by filtering gaseous pollutants from the
outside air. This combined filter is replaced
when maintenance is performed by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center. A
substantial reduction in air supply indicates
that the filter must be replaced before nor-
mal maintenance.

Things to remember when driving
76
Things to remember when driving
Break-in procedures
To ensure that your vehicle provides maxi-
mum economy throughout a long service
life, we request that you observe the fol-
lowing instructions:
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
During this initial period you should attempt
to avoid constant, steady-state operation
and vary both vehicle and engine speeds
as often as possible. Until the break-in
period has been completed you should
also refrain from exceeding the following:
>4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the kick-
down point.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/
2,000 km, the engine and vehicle speeds
can be gradually increased.
You should also comply with these break-in
procedures should the engine or one of the
differentials be replaced later in the course
of the vehicle's service life.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve their
full traction potential until after an initial
break-in period. For this reason, drive with
extra care during the initial 200 miles/
300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum speed
limits.
When the vehicle is operated on wet
or slushy roads, a wedge of water
may form between the tire and the road
surface. This phenomenon is referred to as
hydroplaning and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your
speed on wet roads.<
Brake system
Approx. 300 miles/500 km must elapse
before the brake pads and rotors achieve
the optimal pad-surface and wear patterns
required for trouble-free operation and
long service life later on.
To break in the separate handbrake drums,
apply the handbrake lightly when coasting
to a standstill Ð at a traffic signal, for
instance; use caution to avoid posing a
danger to other road users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure
from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
handbrake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo
unit on your BMW is available only
when the engine is running. When you
move the vehicle with the engine off Ð e.g.
by towing Ð substantially higher levels of
pedal force will be required to brake the
vehicle.<
Clutch
The function of the clutch is also only at its
optimized level after a distance driven of
approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this
break-in period, engage the clutch gently.
General driving notes
High temperatures
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not remove
the heat shields installed adjacent to vari-
ous sections of the exhaust system, and
never apply undercoating to them. When
driving, standing at idle and while parking
take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any
highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead

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to a fire, and with it the risk of serious prop-
erty damage as well as personal injury.<
Parking the vehicle
Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water under the vehicle are thus normal.
Before driving into the car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to
page 31, as otherwise they could be dam-
aged due to the width of the vehicle.
Deactivate the rain sensor as otherwise
damage could result from undesired wiper
activation, refer to page 42.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface. This phenomenon is referred
to as hydroplaning, and is characterized by
a partial or complete loss of contact
between tires and road surface, ultimately
undermining your ability to steer and brake
the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 20 in/50 cm,
and then only at walking speed. Otherwise,
the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems
and the transmission may be damaged.<
Safe braking
Emergency stops
The best way to brake is to apply maximum
pressure to the brake pedal during emer-
gency Ð panic stops. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you
can nevertheless avoid possible obstacles
with a minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates
to the driver that ABS is in its active mode. Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Otherwise, even light
but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possi-
bly even brake failure.<
Wet conditions
While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles. Watch traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat which is gener-
ated by the brake applications helps to dry
the brake pads and rotors. The required
braking force will then be available when
you need it.
On a grade
You can retain full and unimpaired braking
efficiency by downshifting to a gear in
which only minimal brake applications are
needed when descending long or steep
downhill stretches.
You can further enhance the engine's brak-
ing effect by selecting a lower gear in the
automatic transmission's manual mode,
downshifting as far as first gear on
extremely steep stretches, refer to
page 38. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake sys-
tem.
During slower downhill driving, use the Hill
Descent Control HDC, refer to page 51.
Never drive with the clutch pressed,
with the transmission in Neutral or
with the engine switched off, as otherwise
there is no engine braking when the trans-
mission is in Neutral, and no power-assist
for brakes and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.<
Corrosion
When the vehicle is driven only occasion-
ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are