ground clearance BMW X3 3.0I 2007 E83 Owner's Manual

Things to remember when driving
84
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an optional
accessory for your BMW. Please familiarize
yourself with the information contained in the
installation instructions.
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 load capacity, the approved
gross vehicle weight, or the axle loads when
loading the rack.
These specifications can be found under
Weights on page122.
The roof load must be evenly distributed and
must not extend outward beyond the limits of
the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the glass
sunroof and that objects do not project into the
opening path of the liftgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
while you drive.
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 and that of your passengers,
as well as to protect the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
you begin driving. Do not take risks with the
vehicle under any circumstances.>Always adapt your 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
pages99 and101.
>When descending very steep hills, use
HDC Hill Descent Control, refer to page51.
It is possible to start off on 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 having the body make 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 operating 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
to dry the brakes, thus preventing a reduc-
tion in braking performance caused by the
moisture.
To clean the handbrake, apply the lever
slightly at approx. 25 mph/40 km/h and con-
tinue to drive for approx. 200 yards/
200 meters, provided that traffic conditions
allow you to do so.
>Depending on the road condition, it can be
useful to temporarily activate DTC, refer to
DTC Dynamic Traction Control on page51.
>If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress
the accelerator pedal far enough to permit
the driving stability control systems to dis-

Everything from A to Z
128 Front passenger airbags
– automatic deactivation56
– status57
Fuel89
– average consumption48
– capacity123
– gauge45
– quality89
Fuel cap88
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge45
Fuel filler door88
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction88
Fuel gauge45
Fuel tank contents, refer to
Filling capacities123
Full preparation package
mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Fuses112
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control67
Gasoline
– refer to Fuel quality89
– refer to Fuel
specifications89
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge45
Gear indicator in automatic
transmission with
Steptronic39
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission39
General driving notes80
Glove compartment70
Grills, refer to
Ventilation63,66
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights122
Ground clearance84
H
Halogen lamps105
Handbrake38
– indicator lamp38
Hands-free microphone73
– refer to Car phone
preparation73
Hazard warning flashers10
HDC Hill Descent Control51
Head airbags56
Headlamp flasher40
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps105
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– control, automatic58
– replacing bulbs104
Headlamp washer reservoir
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities123
– refer to Washer fluid42
Headlamp washer system
– headlamp washing42
– washer fluid42
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light59
Head restraints29
– installing, front30
– removing, front30
– sitting safely27
Heated mirrors32
Heated rear window
– air conditioner62
– automatic climate control66
Heated seats30
Heated steering wheel33
Heater
– rear window62,66
– windshield washer jets42
Heating
– exterior mirror32
– seats30
– steering wheel33
Heating and ventilation61,64
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo
loading82
Height, refer to
Dimensions121Height adjustment
– seats28
– steering wheel33
High beams59
– headlamp flasher59
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs106
High Performance Synthetic
Oil100
Hill-climbing ability, refer to
Driving on poor roads
84
Hill Descent Control HDC51
Hills82
Holder for beverages70
Hood97
Horn10
Hotel function18
Hot exhaust system81
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to Brake assistant50
Hydroplaning81
I
Icy conditions, refer to
Outside temperature
warning47
Ignition37
Ignition key18
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock37
Ignition lock37
Imprint2
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags57
– alarm system25
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– brakes101
– coolant temperature46
– DSC51
– engine temperature46
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– fog lamps59
– front passenger airbags57
– reserve45
– safety belt warning31
– Tire Pressure Monitor54