warning BMW X3 3.0SI 2008 Owners Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
5
Your individual vehicle
In purchasing your BMW, you have decided in
favor of a model with individualized equipment
and features. This Owner's Manual describes
all models and equipment that BMW offers
within the same group.
We hope you will understand that equipment
and features are included that you might not
have chosen for your vehicle. Sections describ-
ing options and special equipment are marked
by asterisks
* to assist you in identifying possi-
ble differences between the descriptions in this
manual and your own vehicle's equipment.
If equipment in your BMW is not described in
this Owner's Manual, please refer to the accom-
panying Supplementary Owner's Manuals.
Editorial notice
BMW pursues a policy of continuous, ongoing
development that is conceived to ensure that
our vehicles continue to embody the highest
quality and safety standards combined with
advanced, state-of-the-art technology. In iso-
lated cases it is possible that the features
described in this Owner's Manual could differ
from those on your vehicle.
For your own safety
Maintenance and repair
Advanced technology, e.g. the use of
modern materials and powerful electron-
ics, requires specially adapted maintenance
and repair methods. You should therefore have
the corresponding work on your vehicle per-
formed only by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or at a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If this work is
not carried out properly, there is a danger of
subsequent damage and related safety haz-
ards.<
California Proposition 65 Warning
California law requires us to state the following
warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior fur-
nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Wash
your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals. Always
protect your skin by washing thoroughly with
soap and water.<

Cockpit
10
Cockpit
Controls
1Parking lamps/low beams59
2Front fog lamps
*61
3>Turn signals41
>Roadside parking lamps60
>High beams60
>Headlamp flasher41
>Computer484Horn, the entire surface
5Washer/wiper system/rain sensor*42
6Hazard warning flashers
7Central locking system19
8Unlocking hood100

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
11
Instrument cluster
1Speedometer
2Indicator and warning lamps12
3Tachometer46
Indicator and warning lamps12
4Coolant temperature gauge47
5Fuel gauge46
6Button for
>Displaying the time47
>Service Interval Display47
>Checking oil level102
7Selector lever and program displays for
automatic transmission
*408Button for
>Resetting trip odometer46
>Setting time47
9Display for
>Trip odometer/odometer46
>Time47
>Service Interval47
>Computer48
>Checking oil level102

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
+114
Headlamp flasher41
High beams60
Engine oil
+102
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System
+51
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis
control system for Canadian models
Brake system
+
With handbrake released53, 104
With handbrake engaged39
With other warning lamps53
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Brake pads
+85
Please fasten safety belt
+32
Airbags
+57
Front fog lamps61
Automatic transmission +40
Turn signals41
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 51, 52
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
+52
Service Engine Soon
+106
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Check Gas Cap
* +92
Engine electronics
+38
Topping off washer fluid43
Coolant low104
Flat Tire Monitor
* +54
Tire Pressure Monitor
* +55
Lamp defective59
Cruise control44
With ignition key in position 2, this
warning lamp indicates that a door
or the liftgate is open.

At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
13
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
>Cruise control
>Selected telephone functions
>Voice command system
In order to operate a system, it must be
switched on.<
Telephone*/voice command system*/
audio sources*
>Press the button: answer and terminate call,
begin dialing selected phone number
>Extended pressure: activate/deactivate
voice command system
Display/hide phonebook. Display entries con-
secutively with buttons for fast forward/reverse
Fast forward/reverse
>Radio
Press the button: next stored station
Extended pressure: station search function
>CD
Press the button: skip track
Extended pressure: fast forward/reverse
>Phone
Browse through list of names
Volume
Cruise control*
Resume
+ accelerate and store, – decelerate and store
Activate/interrupt/deactivate

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
19
Examples of Vehicle Memory
>Different confirmation signals to confirm
locking/unlocking of the vehicle, refer to
page19.
>Activating/deactivating function for path-
way lighting, refer to page59.
>Activating/deactivating daytime running
lamps, refer to page59.
>Active PDC Park Distance Control is acous-
tically indicated by a signal tone when you
shift into reverse or move the selector lever
into position R, refer to page50.
>Different confirmation signals to confirm
arming/disarming of alarm system, refer to
page25.
>After an outside temperature warning has
been issued, the computer display returns
to the previous setting, refer to page48.
>Acoustic warning if the ignition key remains
in the ignition lock after the driver's door has
been opened, refer to page19.
Examples of Key Memory functions
>Locking the vehicle after starting to drive,
refer to page21.
>Automatic adjustment of the driver's seat
and exterior mirror position for each person
when unlocking the vehicle, refer to
page31.
>Setting units of measure for instrument
cluster displays of time, outside tempera-
ture, distance driven, and fuel consumption,
refer to page48.
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed.
The system locks or unlocks:
>doors
>liftgate
>fuel filler door
Operating from outside
>via the remote control
>via the driver's door lock
The central locking system simultaneously
operates the antitheft alarm system. This pre-
vents the doors from being unlocked via the
lock buttons or door handles. The remote con-
trol also switches the interior lamps on and off.
The alarm system
* is also armed or disarmed.
For additional details on the alarm system, refer
to page25.
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
page21.
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.
Opening and closing:
Using the remote control
Persons or animals left unattended in a
parked vehicle can lock the doors from
the inside. For this reason, bring the remote
control with you whenever you leave the vehicle
so that you will always be able to unlock the
vehicle from outside.<
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.

Opening and closing
20
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.
Hazard warning flashers flash once.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture deactivated on vehicles without an
alarm system.<
Do not lock the vehicle from the outside
when people are in it since they will be
unable to unlock it from the inside if they do not
know the special procedure.<
If you unlock the vehicle, but do not open
any doors, the central locking system
automatically relocks the vehicle after a short
time. If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture activated/deactivated.<
Switching off tilt alarm sensor*
and interior motion sensor*
Press the button again directly after
locking.
For details, refer to page26.
Switching on interior lamps
With the vehicle locked:
Press the button.
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 3 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.If you wish, you can have the liftgate open
only after the vehicle has been unlocked.
You may have this function activated/deacti-
vated.<
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.<
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.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communications
Commission regulations. Operation is gov-
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
LX8EWS
LX8FZVS
LX8FZVE
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
>This device must not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
>this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or
changes to these devices could void the
user's authority to operate this equipment.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
21
Opening and closing:
Using door lock
Do not lock the vehicle from the outside
when people are in it since they will be
unable to unlock it from the inside if they do not
know the special procedure.<
1.Turn key.
The driver's door and fuel filler door are
unlocked.
2.Turn key again.
All remaining doors and the liftgate are
unlocked.
When locking, the hazard warning flashers flash
once.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture deactivated on vehicles without an
alarm system.<
Convenience operation
You also have the option of using the door lock
to operate the windows and the panorama glass
sunroof
*.
Hold the key in the unlocking or locking posi-
tion.
Watch during the closing process to be
sure that no one is injured. Releasing the
key stops the operation.<
Manual operation
If an electrical malfunction occurs, you can
unlock or lock the driver's door with the key in
the end positions of the door lock.
Opening and closing:
from inside
You can use this button to operate the central
locking system when the front doors are closed.
This button only unlocks or locks the doors and
the liftgate. It does not activate the anti-theft
system.
If only the driver's door was unlocked
from the outside and you press the but-
ton, then, with the driver's door still open, the
passenger side door, the tailgate and the fuel
filler door will unlock, too.
If the driver's door is closed, it will be locked.<
The central locking system locks auto-
matically after you begin to drive. You can
have your vehicle set to do this if you wish.<
Unlocking and opening doors
>Either unlock all of the doors via the central
locking system button and then pull on the
door handle above the armrest or
>pull the door handle of each door twice: the
first time unlocks the door, the second time
opens it.
Engaging locks
>Either lock all doors via the central locking
system button or
>press down the lock buttons of the doors.
To prevent you from being locked out, the
opened driver's door cannot be locked
using the lock button.
Persons or animals left unattended in a
parked vehicle can lock the doors from
the inside. For this reason, bring the ignition key
with you whenever you leave the vehicle so that

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
25
Moving manually*
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
move the sunroof manually.
1.Pull the cover firmly downward to remove.
2.Take the Allen wrench
* from the compart-
ment under cargo area floor, refer to
page112, and insert it into the opening pro-
vided. Move the sunroof into the desired
position. 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
manipulations 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 confirmation sig-
nals 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 page20. 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.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp below the interior rear-
view mirror flashes continuously: the sys-
tem is armed.
>The indicator lamp flashes after the vehicle
is locked: doors, hood, or liftgate are not
properly closed. Even if you do not close the
alerted area, the system begins to monitor
the remaining areas, and the indicator lamp
flashes continuously after approx. 10 sec-

Driving
38
Driving
Ignition lock
0Steering locked
1Steering unlocked
2Ignition switched on
3Starting engine
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 with automatic transmission
The key can only be turned back to position0 or
removed if the selector lever is in position P:
interlock.
Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often makes
it easier to turn the key from0 to1.
Some power accessories are ready for opera-
tion.
Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
Starting engine
Do not run the engine in enclosed spaces;
otherwise, inhalation of 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 is a safety hazard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always shift
into neutral or selector lever position P and
engage the handbrake firmly before leaving the
vehicle with the engine running.<
Do not discontinue the starting procedure pre-
maturely, but also do not prolong it for more
than 20 seconds. Release the ignition key
immediately as soon as the engine starts.
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the engine to warm up while
parked; instead, start driving immediately at a
moderate engine speed.
Indicator lamps
The warning lamp lights up. Exhaust
values are deteriorating. Have the vehi-
cle checked as soon as possible.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will flash.
This indicates a serious rate of engine misfire.
When this occurs, you should reduce speed
and consult the nearest BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center as soon as possible. Severe
engine misfire, even for only a short period of
time, can seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic converter.
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
The warning lamp lights up. Malfunc-
tion in the engine electronics. You can
continue to drive with reduced engine