2004 BMW X3 2.5I SAV transmission

Driving
44
Interrupting the cruise control
When the system is activated, press but-
ton. The indicator lamp stays on. You can
use the cruise control again whenever
required by calling up the speed that was
stored last.
In addition, the system is automatically
interrupted in response to the following
conditions:
>When you apply pressure to the brake
pedal
>When you apply pressure to the clutch
pedal or when you move the automatic
transmission selector lever from D to N
>If you exceed or fall below the con-
trolled speed for an extended period,
by pressing the accelerator, for exam-
ple.
Recalling the stored speed
Press button:
The vehicle accelerates to and maintains
the last speed stored.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
52
Activating the system
Press the button; the indicator lamp comes
on.
The indicator lamp flashes when the brakes
are applied automatically.
Deactivating the system
Press the button again; the indicator lamp
goes out.
Above approx. 35 mph/60 km/h HDC is
immediately deactivated, and when the
ignition is switched off after approx.
10 seconds.
Using HDC
On manual transmission vehicles:
Use HDC in first gear and in reverse gear,
as in the higher gears the engine braking
effect diminishes.
On automatic transmission vehicles:
You can use HDC in every drive position.
Malfunction
If the indicator lamp in the button goes out
in the HDC mode or fails to light up when
the button is pressed:
HDC is temporarily not available, as the
brake temperature is too high.
Malfunctions of the driving stability
control systems
The red brake warning lamp lights
up together with the warning lamps
for ABS and DSC/xDrive. In addi-
tion, a warning signal sounds:
ABS, DSC and xDrive have failed.
Drive may then only be carried out
via the rear axle. Please have it checked by the nearest BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle Center.
Proceed cautiously and defensively.
When driving on poor roads, refrain
from using full throttle and avoid pressing
the accelerator beyond the kickdown point.
Otherwise the drive train may be damaged
or accidents can occur.<
If the brake warning lamp lights up yellow in
the described combination, the Electronic
brake-force distribution EBV is still avail-
able.
Indicator and warning lamps for
Canadian models.
The warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up in yellow.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC is
defective. Have the system checked and
repaired at your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center as soon as possible.
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
The warning lamp lights up continu-
ously and a warning signal sounds:
DSC or the xDrive all-wheel system
has failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC or the
all-wheel drive system xDrive are no longer
available. Drive may then only be carried
out via the rear axle. Please have it
checked by the nearest BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle Center.
Proceed cautiously and defensively.
When driving on poor roads, refrain
from using full throttle and avoid pressing
the accelerator beyond the kickdown point.
Otherwise the drive train may be damaged
or accidents can occur.<
The warning lamp lights up:
Malfunction in the driving stability
control systems. HDC is no longer

Practical interior accessories
66
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control
replaces up to three different hand-held
transmitters for various items of radio-con-
trolled equipment such as door openers
and house alarm systems. The integrated
universal remote control recognizes and
learns the transmitted signal of each of the
original hand-held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held trans-
mitter can be programmed on one of the
three memory buttons 1. Following that,
each of the devices can be actuated with
the appropriately programmed memory
button 1. The indicator lamp 2 flashes to
confirm transmission of the signal.
If the vehicle is sold, the memory of the
memory buttons 1 should be cleared, refer
to page 67.
To prevent possible damage or injury,
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always
inspect the immediate area to make certain
that no people, animals or objects are
within the travel range of the device. Also,
comply with the safety precautions of the
original hand-held transmitter.<
Checking the compatibility
If you see this symbol on the pack-
aging or in the manual supplied with
the original hand-held transmitter, it
is safe to assume that it is compatible with
the integrated universal remote control.
If you have additional questions,
please consult your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or call
1-800-355-3515.
You can also visit these websites:
www.bmwusa.com or
www.homelink.com. HomeLink is a registered trademark owned
by Johnson Controls, Inc.<
Programming
1Memory buttons
2Indicator lamp
Fixed-code hand-held transmitter
1.Turn the ignition key to position 2
2.For initial use:
Press both outer buttons 1 for approx.
20 seconds, maintaining pressure until
the indicator lamp 2 starts to flash. The
three memory buttons 1 are cleared
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter
at a distance of approx. 2 in/5 cm to
8 in/20 cm to the memory buttons 1
The required distance between
the hand-held transmitter and
memory keys 1 depends on the relevant
system of the original hand-held trans-
mitter used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit but-
ton on the original hand-held transmit-
ter and the desired memory key 1 of the
integrated universal remote control. Ini-
tially, the indicator lamp 2 flashes
slowly. Release both buttons as soon
as the indicator 2 lamp flashes rapidly. If
the indicator lamp 2 does not flash rap-
idly after approx. 15 seconds, change
the distance
5.To program other original hand-held
transmitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.

Reference
At a glance
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

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
95
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil can damage the
engine.
Adding engine oil
While you should wait until the level has
dropped to just above the lower mark
before adding oil, you should never allow
the oil level to fall below this mark.
BMW engines are designed to oper-
ate without additives, and their use
could even lead to damage in some cases.
This also applies to the manual transmis-
sion, automatic transmission, the differen-
tial and the power steering system.<
Recommendation: have the oil change
conducted by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come
into contact with oil should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Always store oils, grease and similar mate-
rials so that they are inaccessible to chil-
dren. Comply with warning labels and
information on containers.<
Always observe all applicable rules
and regulations for environmental
protection when disposing of used oil.<
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. Based on exten-
sive testing, BMW has approved only cer-
tain engine oils.
Use only approved BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil.If you are unable to obtain BMW High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil between
oil changes. Use only oils with the API SH
specification or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for details concerning the spe-
cific BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil
or synthetic oils which have been
approved.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit this website:
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this informa-
tion.
Viscosity ratings
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class
depends on the climate conditions in the
area where you typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils are in SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
>These oils may be used for driving in all
ambient temperatures.
Coolant
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up:
Coolant level is too low; top up at
the earliest opportunity.
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. Escaping
coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents are
hazardous to health. You should always
store them in their original containers and
in a location which is inaccessible to chil-
dren. Antifreeze and anticorrosion agents
are flammable. Therefore, do not pour over
hot engine parts, as otherwise they could
catch fire and cause burns. Always observe
the instructions for use provided on the
containers.<

Technical data
116
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
BMW X3 2.5iBMW X3 3.0i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg4,001/1,815
4,045/1,8354,023/1,825
4,067/1,845
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg4,993/2,265
5,049/2,2905,049/2,290
5,104/2,315
Load
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs/kg
lbs/kg992/450
1,003/4551,025/465
1,036/470
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 2,425/1,100 2,425/1,100
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 2,756/1,250 2,778/1,260
Approved roof load capacity lbs/kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 71/2,010 71/2,010

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
117
Capacities
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 17.7/67
approx. 2/8Fuel specification:
page 85
Windshield / Headlamp washer
systemquarts/liters approx. 6.9/6.5 For details: page 94
Cooling system including heater quarts/liters 10.6/10.0 for
manual
transmission
10.8/10.2 for
automatic
transmissionFor details: page 95
Engine oil and filter change quarts/liters approx. 6.6/6.2 For details: page 94
Manual, automatic transmission
and differentialÐ Lifetime fluid, no fluid
change required

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