check engine light BMW X3 3.0I 2005 E83 Owner's Manual

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
11
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator and warning lamps11
3Tachometer42
Indicator and warning lamps11
4Coolant temperature gage42
5Fuel gage42
6Button for
>Displaying the time43
>Service Interval Display43
7Selector lever and program display for
automatic transmission36
8Button for
>Resetting trip odometer42
>Setting the time43
9Display for
>Trip odometer/odometer42
>Time43
>Service Interval43
>Computer44 Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
The indicator and warning lamps identified by
the Χ are subjected to an operation check each
time you switch on the engine. 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.
Please fasten safety belt +27
Airbags
+51
Brake system
+
With handbrake released49, 92
With handbrake engaged 35
With other warning lamps49

Cockpit
12
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
different colors and combinations.
The following section explains the significance
of the individual colors as well as how you
should respond when they appear.
>red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>yellow:
Have the system inspected as soon as
possible
or
For your information
>green:
For your information
>blue:
For your information
Buttons on steering wheel*
The buttons integrated into the steering wheel
are provided so that you can operate a number
of accessories quickly and without being dis-
tracted from traffic conditions. You may oper-
ate:
>Selected audio source functions
>Recirculated-air mode/steering wheel
heater Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System
+49
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis
control system for Canadian models
Brake pads
+92
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 47, 49
Flat Tire Monitor
+49
Automatic transmission
+36
Engine oil
+90
Service Engine Soon
+94
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for
Canadian models
Check Gas Cap
* +80
Engine electronics
+34
Battery charge current
+101
Topping off coolant91
Topping off washer fluid90
Lamp defective53
Turn signals38
Front fog lamps54
Headlamp flasher38
High beams54
Cruise control40
Indicates from ignition key in posi-
tion 2 when a door or the tailgate is
opened.

Driving
34
Driving
Ignition lock
0 Steering locked
T h e k e y c a n b e in s e r t e d o r r e m o v e d in t h i s p o s i-
tion only.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the left or right until you hear the lock
engage.
Interlock
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
To turn the key back to position 0 or to remove
it, first place the selector lever in position P.
1 Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often makes
it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Some power accessories are ready for opera-
tion.
2 Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Starting engine
Engine
Do not allow the engine to warm up while idling.
Begin driving immediately at moderate engine
speed.
The engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased idle
speeds at startup are normal and should decrease as the engine warms up. If engine
speed does not decrease, service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharging, always
switch off electrical devices which are not in use
and the ignition when the vehicle is not being
driven.
Do not run the engine in closed rooms, as
otherwise inhaling toxic exhaust gases
can cause unconsciousness and death. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the
engine running, since an unattended vehicle
with a running engine represents a safety haz-
ard.
When driving, standing at idle and while parking
take care to avoid possible contact between a
hot exhaust system and any highly flammable
materials such as hay, leaves, grass etc. Such
contact could lead to a fire, resulting in serious
personal injury and property damage.<
Indicator lamps
If the Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp comes on either continuously or
intermittently, this indicates a malfunc-
tion in the emissions-related electronic sys-
tems. Although the vehicle remains operational,
you should have the systems checked by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center at the ear-
liest possible opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the
need for service, not that you need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center at the next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates
a high level of engine misfire. Reduce speed
and contact the nearest BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center immediately. Severe engine
misfiring over even a short period of time can
seriously damage emission control system
components, especially the catalytic converter.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
35
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
The warning lamp lights up. Malfunc-
tion in the engine electronics. You can
continue to drive with reduced engine
output or speed. Have the system checked
immediately.
Starting engine
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the vehicle.
A locking mechanism prevents the engine from
starting if the clutch is not depressed.
Do not end the starting procedure too early, but
do not prolong it for more than 20 seconds.
Release the ignition key immediately as soon as
the engine starts.
If the engine fails to start on the first attempt, for
instance, if it is very hot or cold:
Press the accelerator pedal halfway down while
engaging the starter.
During a cold start at very low temperatures,
below approx. +57/–156, at high altitudes
over 3,300 ft/1,000 m:
>Engage the starter for approx. 10 seconds
the first time.
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway down
while engaging the starter.
Avoid frequent starting in quick succes-
sion or repeated start attempts in which
the engine does not start. Otherwise, the fuel is
not burned or inadequately burned and there is
a danger of overheating and damaging the cat-
alytic converter.<
Manual transmission
1.Apply the handbrake.
2.Shift into neutral.
3.Press the clutch pedal.
If the clutch pedal is not pressed, the engine
cannot be started.
4.Start the engine.Before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running, place the gearshift lever in neu-
tral position and engage the handbrake.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle represents a
potential safety hazard.<
Automatic transmission
1.Press the brake pedal.
2.Engage selector-lever position P or N.
3.Start the engine.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage the
handbrake before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running. Never leave an unattended
vehicle with the engine running, as such a vehi-
cle represents a potential safety hazard.<
Switching off engine
Do not remove the ignition key when the
vehicle is moving, as otherwise the steer-
ing could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
ignition key and lock the steering.
When parking on downward inclines, engage
the handbrake.<
Manual transmission
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Automatic transmission
Engage selector-lever position P, turn ignition
key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to prevent
the vehicle from rolling while parked; it brakes
the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up red. An
acoustic signal also sounds when you
begin to drive. The handbrake is
engaged.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
49
Activating system
Press the button; the indicator lamp comes on.
The indicator lamp flashes when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Deactivating system
Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes
out.
HDC is deactivated immediately above approx.
35 mph/60 km/h and after approx. 10 seconds
when the ignition is switched off.
Using HDC
In vehicles with manual transmission:
Use HDC in first gear and in reverse gear, as in
the higher gears the engine's braking action
diminishes.
On vehicles with automatic transmission:
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.
Malfunction in vehicle stability control
systems
The warning lamp lights up yellow.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control is defec-
tive. Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.If one of the malfunctions described
below occurs, proceed cautiously and
defensively. When driving on poor roads, avoid
using the full throttle or kick-down positions of
the accelerator as well as heavy and panic brak-
ing. Otherwise the drive train may be damaged
or accidents can occur.<
The red brake warning lamp lights up
together with the warning lamps for
ABS and DSC/xDrive. In addition, a
warning signal sounds. ABS, DSC,
HDC and xDrive have failed. Drive may
then only be carried out via the rear
axle. If the brake warning lamp lights up
yellow in the described combination,
the EBV Electronic brake-force distribution is
still available. Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on 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 avail-
able. It is then possible to exert driving force
only via the rear axle. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the four mounted tires as you
drive. The system provides an alert whenever
the inflation pressure drops significantly in rela-
tion to the pressure in another tire.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
50 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 certain speed ratios.
Functional requirement
So that the Flat Tire Monitor can learn the cor-
rect inflation pressure, please perform the fol-
lowing steps:
1.Check the inflation pressures in all tires
2.Compare with the inflation pressure table
on page83 and correct if necessary
3.Initialize the system.
System limits
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 slippery
road surfaces.
>In the case of performance-oriented driving:
slip in the drive wheels, high lateral acceler-
ation.
>False alarms and undetected loss of pres-
sure may occur when you are driving with
snow chains fitted.
>When driving with a compact wheel, the Flat
Tire Monitor cannot operate.
Initializing system
Perform the initialization immediately
every time you correct the inflation pres-
sure, change a tire or change a wheel or all
wheels. This requires a trip.<1.Start the engine, but do not begin to drive.
2.Press the button until the yellow indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up for a
few seconds.
3.Begin driving.
It takes a few minutes until the Flat Tire Monitor
can detect and indicate a flat tire.
Do not initialize the system when driving
with snow chains or with a compact
wheel.<
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up yellow.
There is a flat tire or extensive inflation
pressure loss.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle care-
fully. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2.Identify damaged tire.
If identification is not possible, con-
tact your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center.<
3.Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Changing a wheel on page99.
Brake Force Display
The Brake Force Display lights up in two
stages, depending on how heavily you brake.

Lamps
54
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In ignition key position 2, turn the light
switch to the position Automatic head-
lamp control, refer to page53.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive
Head Light
>is not active when driving in reverse
>i s o n l y a c t i v e t o w a r d p a s s e n g e r ' s s i d e w h e n
stationary
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
faulty or has failed. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
High beams/roadside parking
lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking. When using
this function, comply with national regulations:
In ignition key position 0 or with ignition key
removed:
Move the lever into the corresponding turn sig-
nal position.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Avoid using for longer periods, as
otherwise it may not be possible to start the
engine.<
Fog lamps*
Briefly press the button once again to switch
on/off.
The parking lamps or low beams must
be switched on for the fog lamps to
operate. The green indicator lamp
lights up when the fog lamps are.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Instrument lighting
Turn the serrated dial to adjust the illumination
intensity.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
63
The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
You can use the system when the engine is run-
ning or when the ignition is switched on.
If the system cannot be operated after
repeated programming, check whether
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the
instructions of the original hand-held transmit-
ter or press and hold down the programmed
memory button 1 of the integrated universal
remote control. If the indicator lamp 2 on the
integrated universal remote control flashes rap-
idly for a short time then lights up for approx.
2 seconds, this indicates that the original hand-
held transmitter uses an alternating-code sys-
tem. In the case of an alternating-code system,
program the memory buttons 1 as described at
the section on alternating-code transmitters.<
Alternating-code transmitters
Consult the operating instructions of the unit
you wish to set when programming the univer-
sal remote control. You will find information
there on the possibilities for synchronization.
When programming hand-held transmitters
that employ an alternating code, please follow
these additional instructions:
P r o g ra m m in g w i ll b e ea s i er w it h t h e a i d o f
a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the
remote-controlled equipment.
2.Program the integrated universal remote
control as described above at Fixed-code
hand-held transmitters.
3.Locate the button at the receiver of the
equipment to be set, e.g. on the drive.
4.Press the button on the receiver of the
device you want to set up. After step 4, you
have approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5.Press the programmed memory button1
of the integrated universal remote control
three times. The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
If you have questions, please contact your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.<
Clearing memory buttons
Press both outer buttons 1 for approx. 20 sec-
onds until the indicator lamp2 starts to flash:
all of the memory buttons are cleared.
The memory of individual memory buttons 1
cannot be cleared.
Cup holders
Front
Depending on your optional equipment, the
center console contains either one or two cup
holders.
Passenger side*
The cup holder for the front passenger is
located beneath the air/heating vent.
1.Press the trim piece below the air/heating
vent, arrow.
2.Insert cup.

Refueling
80
Refueling
Fuel filler door
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling, as it is not possible to add fuel with
the engine running, and attempts to do so may
also trigger the Service Engine Soon lamp.<
To open and close: press the rear edge of the
fuel filler door.
Manual release
In the event of an electrical malfunction in the
system, you can release the fuel filler door man-
ually:
1.Open the cover flap in the cargo area on the
right-hand side panel, refer to page68.
2.Pull the green button.
Always observe all applicable precautions
and regulations when handling fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehi-
cle. Whether empty or full, these containers can
leak, cause an explosion, and lead to fire in the
event of a collision.<
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, comply with all of
the applicable safety precautions posted
at the service station.<
Put the filler cap in the bracket attached to the
fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the filler nozzle
during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>can lead to reduced efficiency in the fuel-
vapor recovery system
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Closing fuel filler cap
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Close the filler cap carefully after refueling
until a click is heard. While closing, be
sure not to squeeze the strap which is fastened
to the cap. A loose or missing cap will activate
the Check gas cap lamp
*.<
The warning lamp
* lights up.
The fuel filler cap is not properly closed
or is missing. Check whether the fuel
filler cap is properly closed.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 17.7 gallons/67 liters, including the
reserve capacity of approx. 2 gallons/8 liters.

Under the hood
90
Washer fluid
Headlamp* and windshield washer
system
The antifreeze for the washer systems is
flammable. For this reason, keep it away
from sources of flame and store it only in its
original containers. Store it so that it is inacces-
sible to children. Always observe the instruc-
tions for use provided on the containers.<
We recommend that you mix the washer
fluid before adding it to the reservoir.<
Capacity of the windshield washer system:
approx. 3.2 US quarts/3 liters.
Capacity for equipment with headlamp washer
system: approx. 6.9 US quarts/6.5 liters.
Fill with water and, if required, with an antifreeze
additive according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving
style and operating conditions.
Warning lamp
Engine oil pressure
The warning lamp lights up red:
Stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. Check the engine
oil level; top off as required. If the oil level is cor-
rect: have the system checked immediately.
Do not continue driving. The engine could
be damaged because of inadequate lubri-
cation.<
Engine oil level
The warning lamp lights up yellow while
driving:
The oil level is at the absolute mini-
mum. Add engine oil as soon as possible. Until
then, do not drive more than approx. 30 miles/
50 km.
The warning lamp lights up yellow after
the engine is switched off:
Top off engine oil at the earliest oppor-
tunity, e.g. when refueling.
Engine oil sensor
The warning lamp lights up yellow
within 20 seconds after starting the
engine:
The oil level sensor is defective. Have checked
as soon as possible.
Checking oil level
1.With the engine at operating temperature,
i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km of uninter-
rupted driving, park the vehicle in a horizon-
tal position.
2.Switch off engine.
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick out
and wipe it off with a clean lint-free. cloth,
paper towel, or similar material.
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil should extend to between the two
marks on the dipstick.
5.Push the oil dipstick into the dipstick tube
as far as possible again.
The oil quantity between the two marks of the
dipstick is approx. 1.1 US quarts/1 liter.