headlamp BMW X3 3.0I 2006 E83 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 2006, Model line: X3 3.0I, Model: BMW X3 3.0I 2006 E83Pages: 133, PDF Size: 8.37 MB
Page 12 of 133

Cockpit
10
Cockpit
Controls
1Parking lamps/low beams56
2>Turn signals39
>Roadside parking lamps57
>High beams57
>Headlamp flasher39
>Computer
*45
3Front fog lamps
*574Horn
5Washer/wiper system/rain sensor
*40
6Hazard warning flashers
7Central locking system18
8Unlocking the hood92 
Page 14 of 133

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. 
Page 41 of 133

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 39
R Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Neutral
You can shift into neutral, for example, in auto-
matic car washes. The vehicle can roll.
D Drive, automatic position
Under normal operating conditions, fuel con-
sumption is the lowest when the vehicle is 
driven in position D.
Kick-down
The kick-down mode provides maximum accel-
eration. 
Press the accelerator pedal past the increased 
resistance point at the full-throttle position.
Sport program and manual mode M/S
Move the selector lever from position D toward 
the left into the M/S shifting slot.
The Sport program is activated and SD appears 
in the instrument cluster. This position is rec-
ommended for a performance-oriented driving 
style.
When you push the selector lever forward or 
pull it back, this activates the manual mode and 
Steptronic changes gear. The instrument clus-
ter shows M1 through M5.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only 
when they will result in a plausible combination 
of engine and vehicle speed; as a result, for 
example, a downshift that would cause the 
engine to overrev will not be executed by the 
system. The gear selected will appear briefly in 
the instrument cluster followed by the current 
gear.To use the automatic function again, move the 
selector lever to the right into position D.
Malfunction
The warning lamp lights up. A malfunc-
tion has occurred in the transmission 
system. Avoid heavy loads.
While it will still remain possible to move the 
selector lever to any desired position, the trans-
mission will revert to its default mode with only 
a limited number of forward gears. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Instructions on towing, tow starting and jump 
starting begin on page108.
Turn signals/
headlamp flasher
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator 
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb has 
gone out.<
Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold for as 
long as you wish to signal.
Touch signaling
Press lever to resistance point.
The signal flashes three times.
If you wish, you can have this function 
activated.< 
Page 43 of 133

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 41
Cleaning windshield, rear window and 
headlamps*
0Wipers retracted
1Cleaning windshield and headlamps
2Rear window wiper intermittent mode
3Cleaning rear window
Do not activate the washer if there is 
any danger of the fluid freezing on the 
windshield. If you do so, your vision could be 
obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid 
antifreeze, refer to Washer fluid. Do not activate 
the washer when the washer fluid is empty as 
this will damage the washer pump.<
Cleaning windshield
The system sprays washer fluid against the 
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief 
period. 
The washer jets are automatically heated 
whenever the engine is running or the ignition is 
switched on.
Cleaning headlamps*
When the vehicle lighting system is switched 
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and 
appropriate intervals.
Rear window wiper
Rear window wiper in intermittent mode. When 
reverse gear is engaged, the wiper operates 
continuously.
You can also program the interval:
1.Briefly move the wiper lever from position 0 
to position 2.
2.Wait for desired interval; maximum of 
30 seconds.3.Move the wiper lever from position 0 to 
position 2 again.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze 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 inaccessible to children. 
Always follow the instructions for use provided 
on the containers.<
Reservoir for washer fluid
Fill with water and, if required, with an antifreeze 
additive according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
To maintain the mixing ratio, mix the 
washer fluid before adding it to the reser-
voir.<
Capacity
Approx. 3.2 US quarts/3 liters.
With headlamp washer system
* approx. 
6.9 quarts/6.5 liters.
Cruise control*
The vehicle maintains and stores the speed 
that you set as of a speed of approx. 20 mph/
30 km/h.
You can use cruise control whenever the sys-
tem is active while the engine is running.
On the sports steering wheel
* and M sports 
steering wheel
*, the +/– buttons for the cruise 
control are on the right side of the steering 
wheel. 
Page 58 of 133

Lamps
56
Lamps
Parking lamps/low beams
Parking lamps
The front, rear and side vehicle lighting 
is switched on. You can use the parking 
lamps for parking. For the additional 
option of roadside parking lamps on one side of 
the vehicle only, refer to page57.
The parking lamps will discharge the bat-
tery. For this reason, avoid using them for 
extended periods; otherwise, it may no longer 
be possible to start the engine.<
Low beams
When you switch off the ignition with 
the headlamps on, the headlamps go 
out and only the parking lamps remain 
on.
Defective lamps
The indicator lamp lights up:
At least one bulb of the exterior lighting 
on the vehicle is defective.
Replacing bulbs, refer to page99.
Pathway lighting
When you activate the headlamp flasher after 
parking the vehicle and switching off the lamps, 
the low beams will come on for a brief period.
You may also have this function deacti-
vated if you wish.<
Lights on warning
If you turn the ignition key to position 0, an 
acoustic signal sounds when you open the 
driver's door for a few seconds to remind you 
that the lights have not yet been switched off.
Daytime running lamps*
If so desired, the light switch can remain in the 
low beam or automatic headlamp control posi-
tion.
The exterior lamps are automatically switched 
off after the vehicle is parked.
You can switch on the parking lamps when 
needed using the standard procedure 
described under Parking lamps.
You can have the daytime running lamps 
activated on your vehicle.<
Automatic headlamp control*
When you set the switch to this posi-
tion, the system activates and switches 
on and off the low beams in response 
to changes in ambient light conditions, for 
instance, in tunnels, at dawn and dusk, and in 
rain and snow.
When you enter a tunnel with bright ceiling 
lighting, this can delay the switching on of your 
low beams.
A blue sky with the sun low on the horizon can 
also cause the headlamps to come on.
The low beams remain switched on 
regardless of the ambient light when you 
switch on the front fog lamps
*.
When the daytime running lamps are activated 
as described in the section above, the low-
beam headlamps are always switched on when 
the switch is in this position and the ignition is 
on.<
If so desired, the light switch can remain in the 
automatic headlamp control position. The exte-
rior lamps are automatically switched off after 
the vehicle is parked. 
Page 59 of 133

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 57
Automatic headlamp control cannot 
serve as a substitute for the driver's judg-
ment in determining when the vehicle lamps 
should be switched on. For example, the sys-
tem cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To 
avoid safety risks, you should always switch on 
the lamps manually under these conditions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the head-
lamp control adjusted.<
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp 
control system that enables better illumination 
of the road surface. Depending on the steering 
angle and other assumptions, the light from the 
headlamp follows the course of the road.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In ignition position 2, turn the light 
switch into the automatic headlamp 
control position, refer to page56. 
The LED next to the symbol lights up.
In order not to blind oncoming traffic, the Adap-
tive Head Light is not active when driving in 
reverse and only points toward the passenger 
side when the vehicle is stationary.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is 
malfunctioning 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 have the option of lighting up just one 
side of your vehicle when parking. When doing 
so, be sure to comply with national regulations.
After switching off the engine, press the lever 
past the resistance point in the corresponding 
direction 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. For this reason, avoid using them for 
extended periods; otherwise, it may no longer 
be possible to start the engine.<
Front 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 on. 
Page 60 of 133

Lamps
58 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 knurled wheel to adjust the illumina-
tion intensity.
Interior lamps
The interior lamps operate automatically.
If you wish, the interior lamps are 
switched on after mechanical unlocking 
of the vehicle. You may have this function acti-
vated/deactivated if you wish.<
If the interior lamps remain switched on 
after locking the vehicle, one of the doors 
or the liftgate may not be completely closed.<
Switching interior lamps on and off
Briefly press button 1.
If you want the interior lamps to remain off all 
the time, press and hold the button for approx. 
3seconds.
Press the button briefly to revert to normal 
operation.
You can have your interior lamps set to 
dim smoothly to the desired level when 
you switch them on or off.<
Front reading lamps*
Switch on and off with buttons 2.
Rear reading lamps*
Switch on and off with the button.
To avoid discharging the battery, all of the 
vehicle's interior lamps are automatically 
extinguished approx. 15 minutes after the igni-
tion is switched off.<  
Page 95 of 133

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 93
Important components in the 
engine compartment
1Reservoir for washer fluid for the headlamp 
and windshield washer system41
2Body ground: negative terminal108
3Jump starting terminal1084Engine oil filler neck94
5Reservoir for brake fluid96
6Dipstick for engine oil94
7Coolant expansion tank95 
Page 101 of 133

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 99
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in a compart-
ment on the left in the cargo area.
Wiper blades
Replacing front wiper blades
1.Move the wiper into the fold-out position, 
refer to page40.
2.Lift the wiper arm and press the securing 
spring, refer to arrow.
3.Pull the wiper blade off toward the wiper 
arm.
4.Insert the new blade and snap it into place.
To prevent damage to the wipers, always 
fold them back down onto the windshield 
before you turn the ignition key to position 1 
or 2 or open the hood.<
Replacing rear wiper blade
1.Lift the wiper arm.
2.Pull off the wiper blade, refer to arrow.
3.Insert a new wiper blade.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make a significant contribu-
tion to road safety. Therefore, comply fully with 
the following instructions during bulb replace-
ment. If you are not familiar with the specified 
procedures or they are not described here, 
BMW recommends having this work carried out 
at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with 
your bare fingers, as even minute 
amounts of contamination will burn into the 
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use 
a clean cloth, paper towel, or the like or grasp 
bulb by its base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
In all work on the electrical system, switch 
off the relevant component to prevent 
short circuits. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, follow any 
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
When maintaining the headlamps, please follow 
the instructions in the separate Caring for your 
vehicle brochure. 
Page 102 of 133

Replacing components
100 Please have your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center work on lamps whose 
replacement is not described here.<
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind translu-
cent lenses serve as the light source for many of 
the controls and displays in your vehicle. These 
light-emitting diodes are related to ordinary 
lasers.
Do not remove the covers, and never 
stare into the unfiltered light for several 
hours, as irritation of the retina could result.<
Xenon lamps*
The service life of these bulbs is very long and 
the probability of failure is very low, provided 
that they are not switched on and off an unusual 
number of times. If one of these bulbs should 
nevertheless fail, it is possible to continue driv-
ing with great caution using the fog lamps, pro-
vided traffic laws in your area do not prohibit 
this.
To avoid risk of potentially fatal injuries 
due to the extremely high voltages at 
which these units operate, service work should 
always be entrusted to qualified personnel.<
Parking and roadside parking lamps
In case of a malfunction, please contact your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Halogen low beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
Always wear gloves and eye protection – 
the atmosphere within the bulb is pres-
surized. Failure to observe this precaution can 
lead to personal injury should the bulb be dam-
aged.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp 
aim, please contact your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle Center.<
Driver's side
1.Position the screwdriver from the onboard 
tool kit and pull off the lamp cover.
Exercise caution when handling the 
screwdriver; otherwise, personal 
injury can occur or the vehicle can be dam-
aged.<
2.Press the bulb holder downward and 
remove.
3.Remove the bulb, install a new bulb.
4.Place the bulb holder with the lower edge 
against the bracket and press it in until the 
lamp base locks into place.
Front passenger side
Before replacing the bulb, remove the reservoir 
for the windshield washing system from the