2004 BMW X3 2.5I SAV air condition

A congenial climate
64
A congenial climate
Use the automatic facility by operating the
AUTO button 12. Select an interior tem-
perature that is comfortable for you.
Detailed setting options are described for
you in the following section.
Your vehicle has been designed to
automatically select your personal cli-
mate-control settings whenever you unlock
the doors using your individually pro-
grammed remote control.<
If you want, you can have this function
deactivated.<
Automatic air distribution and supply
The AUTO program adjusts the
airflow and distribution patterns
for you while also using your
preselected temperature setting as the
basis for adjusting the interior climate to
adapt to external influences Ð summer, win-
ter.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO pro-
gram by selecting specific air
distribution patterns for your
personal comfort, the auto-
matic air supply remains in
operation. You can direct air to
flow onto the windows , toward the
upper body , and into the footwell .
You can reactivate the automatic air distri-
bution mode by selecting the AUTO button.
Temperature
The figures in the display pro-
vide a general indication of inte-
rior temperature. When you
start the vehicle, this system
ensures that the selected tem-
perature is achieved as quickly
as possible. It then maintains this tempera-
ture, regardless of the season.
Air supply/blower
You can vary the air supply by
pressing the upper or lower
button. This switches off the
automatic program for the air
supply, and the word AUTO
goes out in the display. The automatic
mode for air distribution remains in opera-
tion as before. You can reactivate the auto-
matic air supply mode by selecting the
AUTO button.
If you press the lower button when at the
lowest blower speed, all displays go out:
the blower, heating and air conditioner are
switched off. The outside air supply is
closed. You can restart the automatic cli-
mate control by pressing any of its buttons.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly removes
ice and condensation from the
windshield and door windows.
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumid-
ified and Ñ depending on the
temperature setting Ñ warmed
again. Depending on the weather, the
windshield may fog over briefly when the
engine is started. The window mist is
reduced during A/C operation.
The air conditioner comes on automatically
when you select the AUTO program.
During air conditioning condensation
forms, which then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water of this
kind are thus normal.<
Outside air/AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control/
Recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the imme-
diate environment by tempo-
rarily suspending the supply of outside air.
The system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. Press the button

Reference
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Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
77
to a fire, and with it the risk of serious prop-
erty damage as well as personal injury.<
Parking the vehicle
Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water under the vehicle are thus normal.
Before driving into the car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to
page 31, as otherwise they could be dam-
aged due to the width of the vehicle.
Deactivate the rain sensor as otherwise
damage could result from undesired wiper
activation, refer to page 42.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface. This phenomenon is referred
to as hydroplaning, and is characterized by
a partial or complete loss of contact
between tires and road surface, ultimately
undermining your ability to steer and brake
the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 20 in/50 cm,
and then only at walking speed. Otherwise,
the vehicle's engine, the electrical systems
and the transmission may be damaged.<
Safe braking
Emergency stops
The best way to brake is to apply maximum
pressure to the brake pedal during emer-
gency Ð panic stops. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you
can nevertheless avoid possible obstacles
with a minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates
to the driver that ABS is in its active mode. Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Otherwise, even light
but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possi-
bly even brake failure.<
Wet conditions
While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles. Watch traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat which is gener-
ated by the brake applications helps to dry
the brake pads and rotors. The required
braking force will then be available when
you need it.
On a grade
You can retain full and unimpaired braking
efficiency by downshifting to a gear in
which only minimal brake applications are
needed when descending long or steep
downhill stretches.
You can further enhance the engine's brak-
ing effect by selecting a lower gear in the
automatic transmission's manual mode,
downshifting as far as first gear on
extremely steep stretches, refer to
page 38. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake sys-
tem.
During slower downhill driving, use the Hill
Descent Control HDC, refer to page 51.
Never drive with the clutch pressed,
with the transmission in Neutral or
with the engine switched off, as otherwise
there is no engine braking when the trans-
mission is in Neutral, and no power-assist
for brakes and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.<
Corrosion
When the vehicle is driven only occasion-
ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are

Wheels and tires
86
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð to a great extent
Ð driving safety that depend on the condi-
tion of the tires and the maintenance of the
specified tire pressure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regu-
larly and correct it if necessary,
including compact wheel: at least every
two weeks and before beginning a longer
trip. If you fail to observe this precaution
you may be driving on tires with incorrect
tire pressures, a condition that cannot only
compromise your vehicle's driving stability,
but also lead to tire damage and the risk of
an accident.
Do not drive with a depressurized, i.e. flat
tire. A flat tire will seriously impair your
vehicle's handling and braking response.
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to
loss of control over the vehicle.<
Checking the pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. That means after a maximum
of 1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the
vehicle has been parked for at least 2
hours. When tires are warm, the tire infla-
tion pressure increases.
After correcting the inflation pressure(s),
always reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor,
refer to page 53.
Checking inflation pressure
The inflation pressures for your standard
tires can be seen on the door pillar when
you open the driver's door.
After correcting the inflation pres-
sure(s), always reinitialize the Flat Tire
Monitor, refer to page 53.<
Inflation pressure for other tire sizes
The table below provides all the correct
inflation pressures for the specified tire
sizes at ambient temperature.
For correct identification of the right
tire inflation pressure for your tires,
observe the specifications for the corre-
sponding tire size.<

Wheels and tires
90 with specialized knowledge and corre-
sponding equipment.<
The correct wheel and tire combination
affects various systems whose function
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS,
DSC or xDrive.
Have the wheel and tire assemblies bal-
anced every time either a wheel or a tire is
replaced.
BMW does not recommend the use of
retreaded tires, as otherwise driving
safety may be reduced. Possible variations
in the design and the age Ð which could be
substantial Ð of the carcasses can lead to
unusually rapid wear.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that
BMW has tested and approved for your
particular vehicle. Variations in factors such
as manufacturing tolerances mean that
even wheels and tires with identical official
size ratings could actually have different
dimensions than the approved units Ð these
differences could lead to body contact, and
with it the risk of severe accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used, BMW
cannot evaluate their suitability, and there-
fore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
After a flat tire, always remember to have
the specified wheel and tire combination
remounted on the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible.
Recommended tire brands
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire
size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. You can obtain a list of
these from your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center. Observe any country-specific
regulations, e.g. on making a correspond-
ing entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-mounted tires have been spe-
cially selected to provide optimized perfor-mance when installed on your vehicle; if
properly cared for, they will provide a com-
bination of safety and excellent ride com-
fort.
Special characteristics of winter
tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in
cold winter driving conditions. Although all-
season M+S tires provide better winter
traction than summer tires, they generally
fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
When switching to winter tires, observe the
descriptions at Tire condition and Replac-
ing wheels/tires, refer to page 89.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents. Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. The technicians at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be
glad to assist you with the required profes-
sional knowledge and specialized equip-
ment.<
Storage
Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against contact
with oil, grease and fuel.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure specified on the side of the tire.
Snow chains*
Do not exceed a vehicle speed of
30 mph/50 km/h with snow chains
mounted.<
Only certain snow chains have been tested
by BMW and classified and approved as
safe. You can obtain a list of these from
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
BMW recommends the use of approved
narrow-link snow chains only. These snow
chains are approved exclusively for use on

Reference
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Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
97
Maintenance
The BMW maintenance
system
The BMW maintenance system is designed
in such a way that it reliably ensures the
road safety and operating reliability of the
vehicle Ð keeping the cost for you as low as
possible.
Regular maintenance is not only required
for the safety of the vehicle, it also
improves the resale value.
Service Interval Display
The BMW Maintenance System takes the
driving conditions of the vehicle into
account when determining service inter-
vals:
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in
short-distance urban driving are not the
equivalent of the same distance covered at
moderate speeds in long-distance high-
way travel.
The BMW maintenance system is divided
into engine oil service as well as Inspec-
tions I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual loads on the vehi-
cle covers every kind of operating situa-
tion. However, even those who drive only
short distances Ð significantly less than
6,200 miles/10,000 km annually Ð should
have the engine oil changed at least every
2 years since oil deteriorates over time,
regardless of use.Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over
the course of time. To ensure that the brake
system continues to provide safe and reli-
able performance, remember to have the
brake fluid changed every two years at the
latest by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center, also refer to page 46 and to the
Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
For detailed information on required main-
tenance items and the work involved,
please refer to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or to the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.
Depending on operating conditions, it may
be advisable to have the body checked for
damage from rocks or gravel as a precau-
tion against corrosion.
BMW recommends that you have
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center perform the maintenance and
repair.
Check that the maintenance work is
recorded in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models. These entries will serve
as proof that the vehicle has received reg-
ular maintenance.<
Care
For all information on this subject, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle brochure.

Reference
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Mobility
105
Mounting compact wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt
from the mounting surfaces of the
wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts
3.Position the new wheel or compact
wheel. Secure the wheel by turning at
least two lug bolts into opposite bolt
holes
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts.
Tighten all the bolts securely in a diag-
onal pattern
5.Lower the jack and remove it from
beneath the vehicle
6.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pat-
tern
7.Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems and valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
After mounting the compact wheel or cor-
recting the inflation pressure, reinitialize
the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to page 53.
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not attempt
to raise another vehicle model with it or to
raise any load of any kind. To do so could
cause accidents and personal injury.
To ensure safety, always have the lug bolts
checked with a calibrated torque wrench to
ensure that they are tightened to the spec-
ified torque of 101 lb ft/140 Nm as soon as
possible.<
Stow the defective wheel in the luggage
compartment.
When you mount wheels other than Genu-
ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
bolts may also be required.
Replace the defective tire as soon as pos-
sible and have the new wheel/tire bal-
anced.
Driving with the compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Do not
deactivate DSC, as otherwise unstable
driving conditions may result.<
The driving characteristics change, for
example reduced track stability on braking,
extended braking distance, and altered
self-steering characteristics in the limit
range. In conjunction with winter tires,
these characteristics are more pro-
nounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. You should re-equipping to
wheels and tires of the original size as
quickly as possible.<
Battery
Battery care
The battery is 100% maintenance-free, i.e.,
the electrolyte will last for the life of the bat-
tery when the vehicle is operated in a tem-
perate climate.
Please contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center with any ques-
tions concerning the battery.<
Do not disconnect the battery when
the engine is running. If you do so, the
ensuing voltage surge will damage the
vehicle's onboard electronics.<
Indicator lamp
The battery charge-current indica-
tor lamp lights up:
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a defect on the alternator
V-belt or charge current circuit of the alter-
nator. Contact the nearest BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.
Do not continue driving if the V-belt is
defective. The engine could be dam-
aged due to overheating.
Moreover, an increased amount of force is
required for steering if the onboard supply
voltage falls dramatically.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
119
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
A/C operation
Ð air conditioner 60
Ð automatic climate
control 63
ABS Antilock Brake
System 50
Ð indicator lamp 50
Accessories 6
Activated-charcoal filter 65
Adaptive Head Light 57
Adding engine oil 95
Adjusting seats 27
Ð electric 29
Ð mechanical 28
Air, drying, refer to A/C
operation 61, 64
Airbags 54
Ð deactivating 34
Ð indicator lamp 55
Ð sitting safely 27
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode 61, 64
Air conditioner 60, 63
Air distribution
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Airing, refer to
Ventilation 61, 65
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation 61, 65
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 86
Air supply
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation 61, 65
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications 85Alarm system 24
Ð avoiding unintentional
alarms 25
Anchorages 73
Antifreeze
Ð coolant 95
Ð washer fluid 94
Antifreeze protection
Ð coolant 95
Anti-theft alarm system 18
Ð refer to Alarm system 24
Anti-trapping mechanism
Ð panorama glass roof 24
Ð power windows 22
Approved engine oils 95
Approved gross vehicle
weight 116
Armrest 68
Ð front 68
Ð rear 68
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray 69
Ð front 69
Ð rear 69
AUC Automatic
recirculated-air
control 64
Automatic
Ð air distribution 64
Ð air supply 64
Automatic car wash, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 63
Automatic cruise control 43
Automatic curb monitor 32
Automatic headlamp
control 57
Automatic program, refer to
automatic air-
distribution 64Automatic rear window
cleaning 43
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC 64
Automatic transmission
Ð malfunction 41
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
Ð indicator lamp 41
Ð interlock 37
Ð selector lever interlock 40
Ð shiftlock 40
Average fuel
consumption 48
Average speed 48
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 25
Axle load, permitted 116
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats 28
Backup lamps 39
Ð replacing bulbs 102
Bad roads 80
Bar, towing 109
Batteries, disposal 106
Battery 105
Ð indicator lamp 12, 105
Ð jump-starting 108
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 30
Beverage holders 67
Black ice, refer to Ice
warning 47
Blower
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate
control 64
BMW maintenance
system 97
BMW sports seat 28
Bore, refer to Engine
data 114

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
121
Coolant 95
Ð indicator lamp 95
Ð level 96
Ð temperature gauge 45
Coolant temperature
gauge 45
Cooling, refer to
Temperature 61
Copyright 2
Cruise control
Ð buttons in steering
wheel 14
Ð indicator lamp 43
Cruise control, refer to
Ð Programmable cruise
control 43
Cruising range 48
Cup holder, refer to
Beverage holders 67
Curb weight 116
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 114
D
Dashboard system, refer to
Cockpit 10
Data, technical
Ð dimensions 115
Ð engine 114
Ð filling capacities 117
Ð weights 116
Daytime driving lamp 57
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 50
Ð indicator lamp 50
Decommissioning the
vehicle, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure 97
Defect, refer to Manual
operation
Defects 7
Defrosting, windows 61
Ð air conditioner 62
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Ð rear window
defroster 61, 65Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
Ð air conditioner 62
Ð automatic climate
control 64
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting
windows 62, 64
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting
windows 62, 64
Digital clock 46
Dimensions 115
Dipstick, engine oil 94
Directional indicators, refer
to Turn signal
indicators 41
Discs brakes 76, 77
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 114
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 58
Displays, refer to
Instrument
cluster 11
Disposal
Ð batteries 106
Ð oil 95
Doors
Ð locking and unlocking 20
Ð manual operation 20
DOT Quality Grades 88
Draft-free ventilation 61, 65
Drawbar support load 116
Driving lamps, refer to
Parking lamps/low
beams 57
Driving notes 76
Driving on bad roads 80
Driving stability control
systems 50
Driving through water 80
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 50
Ð indicator lamp 51
E
Electrical malfunction
Ð door lock 20
Ð doors 20
Ð driver's door 20
Ð fuel filler door 84
Ð panorama glass roof 24
Ð tailgate 21
Electric power windows 22
Electronic Stability
Program ESP, refer to
Dynamic Stability
Control 50
Emergency actuation, refer
to Manual operation
Emergency call 107
Engine
Ð breaking in 76
Ð data 114
Ð indicator lamp 37
Ð malfunction in electronic
circuitry 38
Ð speed 45
Engine compartment 93
Engine coolant 95
Engine hood 92
Engine oil 95
Ð indicator/warning
lamp 94
Ð prescribed oils 95
Engine oil grades 95
Engine oil level 94
Ð indicator/warning
lamp 94
Engine oil pressure 94
Ð indicator/warning
lamp 94
Engine oil sensor 94
Ð indicator/warning
lamp 94
Engine output, refer to
Engine data 114
Engine temperature, refer
to Coolant
temperature 45
Equipment range, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for