stop start BMW X3 3.0I 2005 E83 Owner's Manual

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.

Driving
36 Indicator lamp for Canadian models.
Engaging
The lever engages automatically and the indica-
tor lamp in the instrument cluster lights up from
ignition key position 1.
Releasing
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the button
and lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the hand-
brake while the vehicle is in motion, do not pull it
too strongly. In doing so, continuously press the
button of the handbrake lever. Strong applica-
tion of the handbrake can lead to overbraking of
the rear axle and to associated 'fishtailing' of the
vehicle rear end.
The brake lamps do not light up when the hand-
brake is applied.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided brak-
ing action, occasionally engage the hand-
brake lightly when the vehicle is slowly coming
to a stop at a traffic light if the traffic conditions
are suitable.<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, make
sure that you press the gearshift lever to
the right to prevent inadvertently shifting into
3rd or 4th.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes by
slipping or riding the clutch. Otherwise greater
clutch wear will result.<
Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary. Press
the gearshift lever to the left to overcome the
resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will turn on
automatically when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 2.
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
In addition to fully automatic operation, you can
also manually shift with the Steptronic, refer to
page37.
Selector-lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Starting engine
The engine can only be started in selector lever
positions P: Park or N: Neutral.

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.

Things to remember when driving
76 >Read and comply with the information
enclosed with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load as
described above. If you do not, it can even
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page112, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of freeway safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could fly around and pose a safety
hazard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as a optional
accessory for your BMW. Please observe the
information contained in the installation instruc-
tions.
Loading luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response. You should
therefore always remember not to exceed the
approved roof weight, the approved gross vehi-
cle weight or the axle loads when loading the
rack.
You can find the specified weights in the Tech-
nical data section on page112.
Make sure that the load is evenly distributed,
and that it does not extend outward to beyond
the limits of the loading surface. Always load the
heaviest pieces first – on the bottom. Be sure
that adequate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the glass sunroof, and that objects do not
project into the opening path of the tailgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or being lost
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Driving on poor roads
Your X3 is at home on all paved and unpaved
roads. It combines all-wheel drive with the
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Driving on unpaved terrain can cause
damage to the vehicle.<
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you should strictly observe –
for your own safety, for that of your passengers,
and for the safety of the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
you begin driving. Do not take risks with the
vehicle under any circumstances.
>Always adapt the driving speed to the road
conditions. The more steep and uneven the
roadway is, the lower the speed should be.
>You can operate your vehicle on uphill and
downhill gradients with a maximum slope of
50 %. If you wish to drive on uphill and
downhill grades of this nature, make sure
beforehand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the MAX mark, refer to
pages90 and91.
>For very steep downhill driving, use HDC
Hill Descent Control, refer to page48. It is
possible to start off on upward inclines of up
to 32 %.
The permitted side tilt is 32 %.
>While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
>Avoid that the body makes contact with the
ground, e.g. on the crests of hills and bumpy
roads. The ground clearance of the vehicle
is a maximum of approx. 8.0 in/20 cm.
Please be aware that the ground clearance
can vary depending on the load and operat-
ing conditions of the vehicle.
>Do not drive in water that is deeper than
20 in/50 cm. If you must drive through water
up to that depth, drive at a walking speed
and do not stop.
After leaving the water, press on the foot-
brake gently several times while driving at a
low speed. The brake applications will help

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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
105
5.Connect the second terminal clamp of the
negative/– jumper cable to the negative ter-
minal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting engine
1.Start the assisting vehicle's engine and let it
run at an increased idling speed for a few
minutes.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged at a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Use tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page95, and must
always remain in the vehicle. It can be screwed
in at the front or rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle, observe the following: only use
the tow fitting that comes with the vehicle and
screw it in as far as it will go. Only use the tow
fitting to tow on roads. Avoid lateral loading of
the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Press out the cover in the front or rear bumper
at the notch at the bottom with a screwdriver.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine
stopped. It is then necessary to exert increased
effort for braking and steering.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h and a towing distance of
95 miles/150 km, as otherwise the drive train
may be damaged.<
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gear lever in neutral.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in N.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes on public roads is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise
it will not be possible to control vehicle
response.<

Giving and receiving assistance
106 The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset
angle, please observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be strictly limited in corners.
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only.
Otherwise damage could result on other
vehicle parts.<
With tow-rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow-rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Secure the tow-rope on the tow fitting only.
Otherwise damage could result on other vehicle
parts.<
With tow truck
Do not tow the X3 with only the front or
rear axle raised, as otherwise the wheels
could lock and the transfer case could be dam-
aged.<
Only have the X3 transported on a load bed.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission.
Jump starting, refer to page104.<
Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only
be tow-started when the engine is cold. It is bet-
ter to jump start the engine, refer to page104.
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
comply with country-specific regulations.
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3.Engage the 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
pedal completely depressed and slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch pedal com-
pletely again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent
Control during tow-starting, refer to
page48.<