2004 BMW X3 2.5I SAV sport mode

Notes

6

For your own safety

Fuels

Use unleaded gasoline only. Fuels
containing up to and including 10 %
ethanol or other oxygenates with up to
2.8 % oxygen by weight, i.e. 15% MTBE or
3% methanol plus an equivalent amount of
co-solvent Ð will not void the applicable
warranties respecting defects in materials
or workmanship. Field experience has indi-
cated significant differences in fuel quality Ð
i.e. volatility, composition, additives, etc. Ð
among gasolines offered for sale in the
United States and Canada. The use of
poor-quality fuels may result in driveability,
starting and stalling problems especially
under certain environmental conditions,
such as high ambient temperature and high
altitude.
Should you encounter driveability prob-
lems which you suspect could be related to
the fuel you are using, we recommend that
you respond by switching to a recognized
high-quality brand.
Failure to comply with these recommenda-
tions may result in unscheduled mainte-
nance.
Follow the relevant safety rules when you
are handling gasoline.

<

Maintenance and repair

Advanced technology, e.g. the use of
modern materials and high-perfor-
mance electronics, requires specially
adapted maintenance and repair methods.
Therefore, only have corresponding work
on your BMW carried out by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that
works according to BMW repair proce-
dures with correspondingly trained person-
nel. If work is carried out improperly, there
is a danger of consequential damage and
the related safety risks.

<



Parts and accessories

For your own safety, use genuine
parts and accessories approved by
BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested
and approved by BMW and Genuine BMW
Parts, you simultaneously acquire the
assurance that they have been thoroughly
tested by BMW to ensure optimum perfor-
mance when installed on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free from
defects in material and workmanship.
BMW will not accept any liability for dam-
ages resulting from installation of parts and
accessories not approved by BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made by
other manufacturers to verify if it can be
used on a BMW safely and without risk to
either the vehicle, its operation, or its occu-
pants.
Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories
and other products approved by BMW,
together with professional advice on using
these items, are available from all BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms,
radios, amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels,
suspension components, brake dust
shields, telephones Ð including operation of
any portable phone from within the vehicle
without using an externally mounted
antenna Ð or transceiver equipment, for
instance, CBs, walkie-talkie, ham radio or
similar accessories, may cause extensive
damage to the vehicle, compromise its
safety, interfere with the vehicle's electrical
system or affect the validity of the BMW
Limited Warranty. See your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center for additional infor-
mation.

<

Maintenance, replacement, or repair
of the emission control devices and
systems may be performed by any automo-
tive repair establishment or individual using
any certified automotive part.

<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility

7

Service and warranty

This manual is supplemented by a Service
and Warranty Information Booklet for US
models or a Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.
We recommend that you read this publica-
tion thoroughly.
Your BMW is covered by the following war-
ranties:

>

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

>

Rust Perforation Limited Warranty

>

Federal Emissions System Defect War-
ranty

>

Federal Emissions Performance War-
ranty

>

California Emission Control System
Limited Warranty.
Detailed information about these warran-
ties is listed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or in the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.

Reporting safety defects

The following only applies to vehicles
owned and operated in the US.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration NHTSA in addition to notify-
ing BMW of North America, LLC, P.O. Box
1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-
1227, telephone toll-free
1-800-831-1117.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or BMW of North
America, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-800-424-9393 or 366-0123
in Washington, D.C. area, or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transporta-
tion, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor vehi-
cle safety from the Hotline.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
19
In addition, the remote control offers you
another function:
>Panic mode
In case of danger, you can trigger an
alarm.
When you engage/release the vehicle
locks, you simultaneously activate/deacti-
vate the anti-theft system, arm/disarm the
alarm system, and switch the interior lamps
on/off.
As a reminder that the ignition key is
still in the ignition lock after you open
the driver's door, you can have a sound sig-
nal set.<
Protect the remote control against
unauthorized use by handing over
only the spare key, for example when using
hotel valet parking.<
Because any persons or animals left
unattended in a parked vehicle could
lock the doors from the inside, you should
always take the vehicle's keys with you so
that the vehicle can be opened again from
the outside at any time.<
Unlocking
Press the button.
Press the button once to unlock the driverÕs
door only; press a second time to unlock all
remaining doors as well as the tailgate and
the fuel filler door.
Convenience opening mode
Press and hold the button. The windows
and the sliding panel of the panorama glass
roof are opened.
Press the button a second time and hold.
The panorama glass roof is opened.
If you desire, you can have this spe-
cial feature activated/deactivated on
a vehicle-specific basis.<
Locking and securing
Press the button.
If you desire, the vehicle locks auto-
matically if no door or lid is opened
after unlocking. You may have this function
set on a vehicle-specific basis if you wish.<
Switching off the tilt alarm sensor*
and interior motion sensor*
Press the button once again directly
after locking.
For details, refer to page 25.
Switching on the interior lamps
If the vehicle is locked, press the
button.
Panic mode*
By pressing and holding the button for
more than approx. two seconds, you can
trigger the alarm system in response to any
impending danger.
To switch off the alarm: press any of the
buttons.
Unlocking tailgate
Press the button.
The tailgate will open slightly, regardless of
whether it was previously locked or
unlocked.
Before and after a trip, ensure that the
tailgate has not been opened uninten-
tionally.
A previously locked tailgate is also locked
after closing.<
If you desire, the tailgate can only be
opened using the remote control if the
vehicle is unlocked. This can be adjusted.<
Malfunctions
The remote control system may be affected
by other units or equipment operating in
the immediate vicinity of your vehicle.
Should the remote control fail to operate
owing to interference of this kind, you can
respond by using the master key to unlock
your vehicle at one of the doors.
In case of faults, please contact your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. You can
also obtain replacement keys there.
If it is no longer possible to lock the vehicle
via the remote control, the battery is dis-
charged. Use this remote control during an
extended drive; this will recharge the bat-
tery, refer to page 18.

Transporting children safely
36 Adjust the tether strap according to
the child-restraint manufacturer's
instructions.<
LATCH* child-restraint fixing
LATCH: Lower Anchor and Tethers for
CHildren.
The rear outer seating positions are pro-
vided with anchors for a LATCH child-
restraint fixing.
Access to anchorage points
The illustrations show the left rear seat as
an example. The anchorage points for the
LATCH child seat fixing are located behind
the cover caps.
Remove the cover caps toward the front.
Press on to remount.
Canadian models only:
The anchorage points for the LATCH child-
restraint fixing are identified by buttons.
To fit the child seat fixing LATCH, fol-
low the operating and safety instruc-
tions of the manufacturer.<
Before mounting the LATCH child-restraint
fixing, remove the cover caps.1.Engage the center safety belt into the
belt buckle
2.Pull the belt away from the area of the
child seat fixing.
For driving
With side airbags in the rear, make
sure that children do not lean out of
the child's seat toward the door panel, as
otherwise major injuries can result if the
side airbags are triggered.<
You can have the rear side airbags perma-
nently deactivated.
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
will be happy to advise you.
Child-safety lock of rear doors
Slide down the safety levers on the rear
doors:
The door can now be opened from the out-
side only.
Safety switch for power windows
Always press the safety switch for the elec-
tric power windows, refer to page 22, when
children are in the rear of the vehicle.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
37
Driving
Ignition lock
0 Steering locked
The key can only be inserted or removed in
this position.
After removing the key, turn the steering
wheel slightly to the left or right until you
hear the lock engage.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Only move the selector lever from
position P with the engine running. To turn
the key back to position 0 or to remove it,
first place the selector lever in position P:
Interlock.<
1 Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often
makes it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Individual current consumers are ready for
operation.
2 Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Engine start
Engine
Do not allow the engine to warm up while
idling. Drive off immediately at moderate
engine speed.
Engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased
speeds at startup are normal and should decrease as the engine warms up. If engine
speed does not decrease, service is
required.
To prevent the battery from discharging,
always switch off electrical devices which
are not in use and the ignition when the
vehicle is not being driven.
Do not run the engine in closed
rooms, as otherwise inhaling toxic
exhaust gases can cause unconsciousness
and death. The exhaust gases contain car-
bon monoxide, an odorless and colorless,
but highly toxic gas. Do not leave the vehi-
cle unattended with the engine running,
since an unattended vehicle with a running
engine represents a safety hazard.
When driving, standing at idle and while
parking take care to avoid possible contact
between a hot exhaust system and any
highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead
to a fire, resulting in serious personal injury
and property damage.<
Indicator lamps
If the Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp comes on either continuously
or intermittently, this indicates a
fault in the emissions-related electronic
systems. Although the vehicle remains
operational, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center at the earliest possible
opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the
need for service, not that you need to stop
the vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center at the next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indi-
cates a high level of engine misfire. Reduce
speed and contact the nearest BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center immediately.
Severe engine misfiring over even a short
period of time can seriously damage emis-

Driving
38 sion control system components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon indicator lamp
for Canadian models.
Malfunction in the engine electron-
ics.
You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine speed.
Please have it checked by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Starting the engine
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine from
starting if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time. Do not turn it for more
than approx. 20 seconds. Release the igni-
tion key immediately as soon as the engine
starts.<
If the engine fails to start on the first
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or cold:
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
During a cold start at very low tempera-
tures, as of approx. +57/Ð156, at high
altitudes over 3,300 ft/1,000 m:
>For the first attempt, run the start for
longer, approx. 10 seconds
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Avoid frequent starting is quick suc-
cession or repeated start attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise,
the fuel is not burned or inadequately
burned and there is a danger of overheat-
ing and damaging the catalytic converter.<
Manual transmission
1.Engage the handbrake
2.Gearshift lever in idle position
3.Press the clutch pedal
4.Start the engine.Before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, place the gearshift
lever in idle position and apply the hand-
brake.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Automatic transmission
1.Press the brake pedal
2.Place the selector lever in position P
or N
3.Start the engine.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage
the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
with the engine running.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Switching off the engine
Do not remove the ignition key when
the vehicle is moving, as otherwise
the steering could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the ignition key and lock the steering.
When parking on downward inclines, apply
the handbrake.<
Manual transmission
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Automatic transmission
Engage selector-lever position P, turn igni-
tion key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up from
ignition switch position 2 with the
handbrake set Ð an acoustic signal
also sounds when starting off.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
39
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
To engage
The lever engages automatically.
To release
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the but-
ton and lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the
handbrake while the vehicle is in motion,
do not pull it too strongly. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the handbrake
lever.
Strong application of the handbrake can
lead to overbraking of the rear axle and
associated 'fishtailing' of the vehicle rear
end.
The brake lamps do not light up when the
handbrake is applied.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
When parking on inclines, apply the hand-
brake, as even engaging the first or reverse
gear might not under certain circum-
stances secure the vehicle against moving.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Engage selector-lever position P.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided
braking action, occasionally apply the
handbrake lightly when the vehicle is
slowly coming to a standstill at a traffic light
if the traffic conditions are suitable.<
Manual transmission
While shifting gear in the 5th/6th gear
level, make sure that you press the
gearshift lever to the right to prevent inad-
vertently selecting a gear in the 3rd/4th
gear level.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes
by slipping or riding the clutch. Use the
handbrake instead, since a slipping clutch
increases clutch wear.<
Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Press the gearshift lever to the left to over-
come the resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will turn
on automatically when the ignition key is in
position 2.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic*
You can drive as with a normal automatic
transmission. In addition, you can also shift
manually.
If you move the selector lever from position
D to the left into gearshift gate M/S, this
activates the sports-style shift programs of
the automatic transmission. As soon as you
move the selector lever slightly towards +
or Ð, the Steptronic shifts gear and manual
operation is activated. When you wish to
use the automatic transmission mode
again, move the selector lever to the right
into the D position.

Driving
40
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + Ð
Engine started
The engine can only be started in selector-
lever positions P Ð Park Ð or N Ð Neutral.
Range selection
An interlock prevents inadvertent gear-
shifts into selector-lever positions R and P.
To cancel the interlock, press the button on
the front of the selector-lever knob.
Shiftlock
Press the brake pedal before shifting
out of P or N; the shift command will
not be executed unless the brake is applied
Ð Shiftlock.<
To prevent the vehicle from 'creeping'
after you select a range, maintain
pressure on the brake pedal until you are
ready to start. If you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, engage selector-lever
position P and apply the handbrake. If you
fail to do this, the vehicle could move.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with
the engine running, as such a vehicle rep-
resents a potential safety hazard.<
P Park
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
The transmission locks to prevent the rear
wheels from turning.
R Ñ Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
N Ð Neutral
Select only if your journey is interrupted for
a longer period.
D Drive Ð Automatic shift program
This position is designed for driving under
all normal operating conditions. All forward
gears are available.
Kickdown
A kickdown provides you with maximum
acceleration and the maximum road speed
in position D.
Press the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
M/S Manual mode and
Sport Program
Shifting from D into M/S activates the Sport
program and this is indicated with SD in the
gear display. The Sport Program is
designed for performance-oriented driving.
The first time the selector lever is even
slightly touched, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts from the Sport program into
manual operation.
If you start to move the selector lever
towards
+, the transmission shifts
upwards; moving it towards
Ð shifts down-
wards. The gear display shows M1 through
M5.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed only
when they will result in a plausible combi-
nation of engine and vehicle speed; thus,
for example, a downshift that would cause
the engine to overrev will not be executed
by the system. The gear selected will