key BMW X3 XDRIVE 30I 2009 E83 Owner's Manual

Notes
4
Notes
About 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 pass on 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 accessories, as well as
equipment and functions not yet available at the
time of printing.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory, refer to
page18. 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
out when the engine is started, or it will come on
again during normal driving. Detailed informa-
tion is provided on the specified pages.
Battery charge current
+119
Headlamp flasher41
High beams60
Engine oil
+103
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System
+51
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis
control system for Canadian models
Brake system
+
With handbrake released53, 105
With handbrake engaged39
With other warning lamps53
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Brake pads
+85
Please fasten safety belts
+32
Airbags
+57
Front fog lamps61
Automatic transmission +40
Turn signals41
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 51, 52
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
+52
Service Engine Soon
+107
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Check Gas Cap
* +92
Engine electronics
+38
Topping off washer fluid43
Coolant low105
Flat Tire Monitor
* +54
Tire Pressure Monitor
* +55
Lamp defective59
Cruise control44
Door or liftgate open

Opening and closing
18
Opening and closing
Key set
1Master keys with remote control
2Spare key
Master keys with remote control
Each master key contains a battery that is auto-
matically charged in the ignition lock during
driving. Use the master key at least twice a year
in order to maintain its 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 Key Memory.
Spare key
For storage in a safe place, such as in your wal-
let.
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 con-
stant use.
New keys
You can get replacement keys or spare keys
from your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Vehicle Memory, Key Memory
How the system functions
You have probably frequently wished that you
could configure individual functions of your
vehicle to reflect your own personal require-ments. In developing your vehicle, BMW has
incorporated a number of options for personal
adjustment. You can have these programmed
at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
There are vehicle-related and person-related
adjustments: Vehicle Memory and Key Mem-
ory. You can configure up to four different basic
adjustments for four different persons. The only
requirement is that each person use his or her
own master key with remote control.
When your vehicle is unlocked with the remote
control, the vehicle recognizes the individual
user by means of a data exchange with the key,
and makes adjustments accordingly.
In order for you to distinguish between the mas-
ter keys with remote control, color-coded
decals are supplied together with the keys.
What the system can do
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
about the possibilities of Vehicle Memory and
Key Memory.
You will see this symbol throughout the
Owner's Manual. It is to remind you at
appropriate places of the settings that are avail-
able to you.<
Following configuration of memory func-
tions, vehicle operation may differ from
the description in the Owner's Manual. Should
you wish to sell your BMW some day, please
remember to have the memory functions reset
to the factory default settings.<
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 driving
lamps, refer to page59.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
19
>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 interior lamps and courtesy lamps
* are
switched on and off with the remote control.
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.
Convenience opening mode
Press and hold the button.
The windows and panorama glass sunroof
* are
opened, the exterior mirrors are folded open
*.
If you wish, you can have this special fea-
ture activated/deactivated.<
Engaging locks
Press the button.
Hazard warning flashers flash once.

Opening and closing
20 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
>When vehicle is unlocked
Press button for unlocking or locking
>When vehicle is locked
Press button for unlocking
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. 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 can also use the door lock to open and
close the windows and the panorama glass
sunroof
* and to fold the exterior mirrors in and
out
*.
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 liftgate 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

Opening and closing
22 you will always be able to unlock the vehicle
from outside.<
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.<
Liftgate
To avoid damage, make sure there is suf-
ficient space when opening the liftgate.<
Opening from outside
Press the button, refer to arrow, or the but-
ton on the remote control. The liftgate opens
slightly. It can be pivoted upward.
When the liftgate is open, the cargo area and
interior are illuminated.
Opening manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction:
1.Lift up the floor cover in the cargo area.
2.Release the jack from the bracket.
3.Press the lever behind the cover to the side,
refer to arrow. The liftgate is released.
The liftgate is locked again as soon as it is
closed.
Closing
The handle recesses on the interior trim of the
liftgate make it easier to pull down.
Avoid injuries by making sure that the lift-
gate's closing region is clear and unob-
structed.<
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
With the ignition key in position 1 or higher:
>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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
23
In the back, separate switches are provided in
the armrests.
For convenience operation using the remote
control or the door lock, refer to pages19, 21.
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 when a window is being closed, the
system will interrupt the closing of the window
prior to lowering 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-
t i o n s , su c h a s v e r y t h i n o b je c t s , a n d t h e w i n d o w
would continue closing.
Do not install any accessories in the movement
range of the window as this could impair the
function of the pinch protection system.<
Closing without pinch protection
system
When there is danger outside or when, for
example, ice on the window prevents a normal
closing, press the switch past the resistance
point and hold it there. The window will close
without 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 approx. 2 sec-
onds 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.<
Panorama glass sunroof*
The panorama glass sunroof is ready for opera-
tion with the ignition key in position 2.
Keep panorama glass sunroof in your line
of sight while closing. Fa ilure to do so c an
result in bodily injury.
Always remove the key when leaving the vehi-
cle; otherwise, children could operate the sun-
roof and injure themselves.<
Raising
Press the switch.
The closed roof is raised and the sliding visor
opens slightly.

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
page117, 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 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 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-

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
31
Rear seats: adjusting height
>To raise: pull upward.
>To lower: press button, arrow 1, and slide
head restraint downward.
The center head restraint is not height-adjust-
able.
Removal
1.Pull the head restraint upward to the stop.
2.Press button, arrow 1, and pull head
restraint all the way out.
Heated seats*
Front
Press once for each temperature level. Maxi-
mum temperature when three LEDs are lit.
To switch off:
Press the button and hold it longer.
Rear
Functions the same as front seat heating, two
temperature levels.
Seat and mirror memory*
You can store and select three different adjust-
ment settings for the driver's seat and exterior
mirrors.
The adjustment of the lumbar support is not
stored in the memory.
Storing
1.Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 2.
2.Set the desired seat and exterior mirror
position.
3.Press the button:
The LED in the button lights up.
4.Press the desired memory button 1, 2 or3:
The LED goes out.