Page 94 BMW X3 3.0I 2006 E83 Owner's Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
Contents
The fastest way to find specific topics is to use
the index, refer to page118.
Using this Owner's Manual
4Notes
7Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Cockpit
Controls
18Opening and closing
26Adjustments
33Transporting children safely
36Driving
43Everything under control
47Technology for comfort, convenience
and safety
56Lamps
59Air conditioner
65Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
76Things to remember when driving
Mobility
84Refueling
86Wheels and tires
92Under the hood
97Maintenance
99Replacing components
107Giving and receiving assistance
Reference
114Technical data
118Everything from A to Z

Notes
4
Notes
Using this Owner's Manual
We have made every effort to ensure that you
are easily able to find what you need in this
Owner's Manual. The fastest way to find certain
topics is by using the detailed index at the end.
For a brief initial overview of your vehicle, please
refer to the first chapter.
Should you sell your BMW some day, please
remember to hand over the Owner's Manual
as well; it is an important component of your
vehicle.
Additional sources of information
If you have additional questions, your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center is always happy
to advise you.
You can find information on BMW, e.g. technol-
ogy, on the Internet at www.bmwusa.com.
Symbols used
Indicates precautions that must be fol-
lowed precisely in order to avoid the pos-
sibility of personal injury and serious damage to
the vehicle.
Indicates information that will assist you
in gaining the optimum benefit from your
vehicle and enable you to care more effectively
for your vehicle.
Refers to measures that can be taken to
help protect the environment.
< Marks the end of a specific item of informa-
tion.
* Indicates special equipment, country-specific
equipment and optional extras, as well as
equipment and functions not yet available at the
time of printing.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory, refer to
page32. Identifies functions that can be
specifically adapted for a particular key or vehi-
cle. These adjustments can be performed by
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Symbols on vehicle components
Indicates that you should consult the rel-
evant section of this Owner's Manual for
information on a particular part or assembly.

Cockpit
12
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified
with
+ are checked for proper function each
time you turn the ignition key. 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.
Battery charge current
+105
Headlamp flasher39
High beams57
Engine oil
+94
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System
+48
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis
control system for Canadian models
Brake system
+
With handbrake released50, 96
With handbrake engaged37
With other warning lamps50
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Brake pads
+96
Please fasten safety belt
+29
Airbags
+53
Front fog lamps57
Automatic transmission +38
Turn signals39
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 48, 49
Service Engine Soon
+98
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Check Gas Cap
* +84
Engine electronics
+36
Washer fluid low41
Coolant low95
Flat Tire Monitor
* +50
Tire Pressure Monitor
* +52
Lamp defective56
Cruise control41
With ignition key in position 2, this
warning lamp indicates that a door
or the liftgate is open.

Cockpit
14
Recirculated-air mode/steering wheel
heater*
Depending on the equipment, a button is
provided for the recirculated-air mode or
steering wheel heater.<
Recirculated-air mode: switching on/off
Steering wheel heater: switching on/off, refer to
page31.

Opening and closing
18
Opening and closing
Key set
1Master keys with remote control
Every master key with remote control con-
tains an extended-life battery as a power
supply, which is charged automatically in
the ignition lock as you drive. You should
use each master key at least twice a year in
order to maintain the charge condition.
Depending on which master key is detected
by the vehicle during unlocking, different
settings in the vehicle are requested and
executed, refer to Vehicle and Key Memory
on page32.
2Spare key
For storage in a safe place, such as in your
wallet.
This key does not fit in the lock of the glove
compartment. This is an advantage, e.g.
when valet parking. The key is not intended
for constant use.
Replacement keys
You can get replacement keys or spare keys
from your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed.
The system engages or releases the locks on
the
>doors
>liftgate
>fuel filler door
Operating from outside
>via the remote control
>via the driver's door lock
The anti-theft system is automatically activated
whenever you activate the central locking sys-
tem from outside the vehicle. This prevents
the doors from being unlocked via the lock but-
tons or door handles. The remote control also
switches the interior lights on and off. The alarm
system
* is also armed or disarmed.
For additional details on the alarm system, refer
to page24.
You can set an acoustic signal to remind
you if the ignition key is still in the ignition
lock after you open the driver's door.<
Operating from inside
Via the central locking system button, refer to
page20.
When the system is locked from inside, the fuel
filler door remains unlocked.
In the event of an accident of sufficient severity,
the central locking system unlocks automati-
cally. In addition, the hazard warning flashers
and interior lamps switch on.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
19
Opening and closing: from
outside
Using the remote control
Protect the remote control against unau-
thorized use by handing over only the
spare key, for example when using hotel valet
parking.<
Because any persons or animals left unat-
tended in a parked vehicle could lock the
doors from the inside, you should always keep
the remote control with you; this precaution
ensures that you will remain able to unlock the
vehicle from the outside at all times.<
Unlocking
1.Press the button.
The driver's door and fuel filler door are
unlocked.
2.Press the button again.
All remaining doors and the liftgate are
unlocked.
Convenience opening mode
Press and hold the button. The windows and
the panorama glass sunroof
* are opened.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture activated/deactivated.<
Engaging locks
Press the button.
If you wish, the vehicle locks automati-
cally if no door or lid is opened after
unlocking. You can have your vehicle set to do
this if you wish.<
As confirmation of the fact that the vehicle is
properly locked, the hazard warning flashers
light up.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture deactivated on vehicles without an
alarm system.<
Switching off tilt alarm sensor* and
interior motion sensor*
Press the button again directly after
locking.
For details, refer to page25.
Switching on interior lamps
Press the button if the vehicle is
locked.
You can also use this function to locate your
vehicle in parking garages etc.
Panic mode*
You can also trigger the alarm system in case of
danger:
Press the button for at least three seconds.
Deactivating alarm: press any button.
Unlocking liftgate
Press the button.
The liftgate will open slightly, regardless of
whether it was previously locked or unlocked.
To avoid damage, make sure there is suf-
ficient space when opening the liftgate.
A previously locked liftgate is also locked again
after closing.
Before and after a drive, make sure that the lift-
gate has not been inadvertently released.<
If so desired, you can have the remote
control system open the liftgate only
when the vehicle is unlocked. You can have
your vehicle set to do this if you wish.<
Malfunction
The remote control may malfunction due to
local radio waves.
Should this occur, use the master key to unlock
and relock the vehicle via the door lock.
If it is no longer possible to lock the vehicle
using the remote control, its battery is dis-
charged. Use this remote control during an
extended drive; this will recharge the battery,
refer to page18.

Opening and closing
22
Windows
Keep windows in your line of sight while
closing. Failure to do so can result in
bodily injury.
Always remove the key when leaving the vehi-
cle; otherwise, children could operate the win-
dows and injure themselves.<
Opening, closing
As of ignition key position 1:
>Press the switch to the resistance point:
The window continues to open as long as
you press the switch.
>Press the switch past the resistance point:
The window opens automatically. Pressing
again stops the opening motion.
You can close the windows in the same manner
by pulling the switch.
In the back, separate switches are provided in
the armrests.
For convenience operation using the remote
control or the door lock, refer to pages19, 20.
After switching off ignition
You can operate the windows for up to 1 minute
as long as no door has been opened.
Pinch protection system
If the closing force rises beyond a predefined
threshold during closing, the system will imme-
diately stop moving the window prior to lower-
ing it slightly.
Despite the presence of the pinch protec-
tion system, inspect the window's travel
path prior to closing it, as the safety system
might fail to detect certain kinds of obstruc-tions, such as very thin objects, and the window
would continue closing.
You can disable the pinch protection system by
pressing the switch past the resistance point
and holding it.
Do not install any accessories in the movement
range of the window as this could impair the
function of the pinch protection system.<
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After disconnecting the battery, the pinch pro-
tection system must be reinitialized. To do this,
open and close the windows once and continue
pull the switch for longer than 2 seconds after
closing.
Safety switch
With the safety switch, you can prevent the rear
windows from being opened or closed via the
switches in the rear passenger area, by chil-
dren, for example. The LED lights up when this
safety function is activated.
Press the safety switch when children
ride in the rear; otherwise, unsupervised
closing of the windows could lead to injuries.<

Opening and closing
24
Closing manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
move the panorama glass sunroof manually.
1.Pull the cover firmly downward to remove.
2.Insert the Allen wrench from the compart-
ment beneath the cargo area floor, refer to
page103, into the proper opening and turn
the panorama glass sunroof in the desired
direction. The arrow in the illustration indi-
cates the rotation direction for closing the
sunroof.
Alarm system*
The concept
The vehicle alarm system responds:
>When a door, the hood, or the liftgate is
opened.
>To movements inside the vehicle: interior
motion sensor, refer to description below.
>When the car's inclination changes, for
instance if an attempt is made to jack it up
and steal the wheels or to raise it prior to
towing away.
>To interruptions in battery voltage.
The alarm system signals unauthorized manip-
ulations for a short time by:
>Sounding an acoustic alarm
>Switching on the hazard warning flashers
>Flashing the high beams
Arming and disarming alarm system
When you lock or unlock the vehicle, either with
the remote control or at the door lock, the alarm
system is armed or disarmed at the same time.
If the alarm system has been properly armed,
the hazard warning flashers light up once.
You can have different acknowledgment
signals set to confirm arming and disarm-
ing.<
You can open the liftgate even when the system
is armed by using the button of the remote
control, refer to page19. When the liftgate is
closed, it is locked again and monitored.
Switching off alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote control,
refer to page19.
>Turn the ignition key to position 1.

Adjustments
26
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital con-
tribution to relaxed driving that is as fatigue-free
as possible. Together with safety belts, head
restraints, and airbags, sitting position plays an
important role in an accident. Compliance with
the following instructions is important; failure to
do so could impair the protective function of the
safety systems.
For additional information on transporting chil-
dren safely, refer to page33.
Airbags
Always maintain an adequate distance
between yourself and the airbags. Always
hold the steering wheel by its rim with hands at
the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, to mini-
mize the risk of injuries to your hands and arms
in the event of airbag deployment.
No one and nothing is to come between the air-
bags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on the
front passenger side as a storage area. Make
sure that the passenger sits correctly, e.g. does
not rest his feet or legs on the dashboard. Oth-
erwise, a triggering of the front airbag could
result in leg injuries. Make sure that passengers
do not lean their heads against side or head air-
bags. Otherwise, a triggering of the airbag could
result in injuries.<
Even if you adhere to all the instructions, inju-
ries resulting from contact with airbags cannot
be entirely ruled out, depending on the circum-
stances. The ignition and inflation noise may
provoke a mild – usually temporary – hearing
loss in extremely sensitive individuals.
For airbag locations and additional information
on airbags, refer to page53.
Head restraint
A correctly adjusted head restraint reduces the
risk of damage to the cervical vertebrae in acci-
dents.
Adjust the head restraint so that its mid-
dle lies approximately at the height of
your ears. Otherwise, there is an increased risk
of injury in the event of an accident.<
Safety belts
Make sure the safety belts are worn in all occu-
pied seats every time you drive. Although air-
bags enhance safety by providing added pro-
tection, they are not a substitute for safety
belts.
Your vehicle has five seats that are each
equipped with a safety belt.
Never allow more than one person to
wear a single safety belt. Infants and chil-
dren must not ride on a lap. Make sure that the
belt in the lap area sits low against the hips and
does not press against the abdomen. The
safety belt must never rest against the throat,
rub against sharp edges, pass over hard o r frag-
ile objects or be pinched. Fasten the safety belt
around your body snugly, making sure that it is
pulled taut across your lap and shoulder and
that it is not twisted; otherwise, the belt can
slide over the hips in the event of a frontal colli-
sion and injure your abdomen. Avoid wearing
clothing that prevents the belt from fitting prop-
erly and pull the shoulder belt upward periodi-
cally to readjust the tension across your lap in
order to avoid a reduction in the restraining
action of the safety belt.<
If the middle safety belt in the rear is used, then
the wider backrest must be secured, refer to
page70, otherwise, the safety belt cannot exert
any restraining action.
Safety belts, refer to page29.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
27
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never try to adjust your seat while operat-
ing the vehicle. The seat could respond
with unexpected movement, and the ensuing
loss of vehicle control could lead to an accident.
On the passenger seat as well, do not incline
the backrest too far to the rear while the vehicle
is being driven; otherwise, there is a danger in
the event of an accident of sliding under the
safety belt, eliminating the protection normally
provided by the belt.<
Also follow the instructions regarding the
height of head restraints on page28 and
regarding safety belt damage on page30.
Adjusting manually
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, fol-
low the adjustment instructions above.<
Longitudinal direction
Pull the lever 1 and slide the seat into the
desired position.
After you release the lever, move the seat for-
ward or backward slightly so that it engages
fully.
Height
Pull the lever 2 and apply weight to or remove
weight from the seat as needed.
Backrest
Pull the lever 3 and apply weight to or remove
weight from the backrest as needed.
Adjusting electrically*
To ensure that the safety systems con-
tinue to provide optimized protection, fol-
low the adjustment instructions above.<
1Tilt
2Longitudinal direction
3Height
4Backrest
Manually adjusting head restraint, refer to Head
restraints on page28.