2004 BMW X3 2.5I SAV wheel

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

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
43
matically heated as of ignition key
position 2.
Cleaning headlamps*
When the vehicle lighting system is
switched on, the headlamps are cleaned at
regular and appropriate intervals.
Rear window wiper
Rear window wiper in intermittent mode.
When reverse gear is engaged, the wiper
operates continuously.
You can also program the interval:
1.Briefly move the wiper lever from posi-
tion 0 to position 2
2.Wait for desired interval; maximum of
30 seconds
3.Move the wiper lever from position 0 to
position 2 again
To change the wiper blades, refer to
page 99.
Cruise control*
The vehicle maintains and stores the speed
that you set as of a speed of approx.
20 mph/30 km/h.
You can use cruise control whenever the
system is active while the engine is run-
ning.
Indicator lamp
Indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up green:
System ready for operation using
the buttons in the steering wheel.
Activating the system
From ignition key position 2:
Press button in steering wheel; the indica-
tor lamp in the instrument cluster comes
on. You are able to use the cruise control.
Do not use the cruise control when
driving on winding roads, in heavy
traffic or in poor road conditions Ð e.g. snow, rain, ice, loose road surface Ð that do
not permit a constant speed.<
Deactivating system
Press the button repeatedly until the indi-
cator lamp in the instrument cluster goes
out.
The cruise control is also deactivated when
the ignition key is turned to position 0. The
speed stored in the memory is deleted in
the process.
Maintaining and storing speed or
accelerating
Briefly press button +:
The system maintains and stores the cur-
rent vehicle speed. Every time you briefly
press the button, the vehicle's speed
increases by roughly 1Ðmph/1 km/h.
Press and hold button
+:
The vehicle accelerates without pressure
on the accelerator pedal. When you release
the button, the system maintains and
stores the current speed.
If, on a downhill gradient, the engine's
braking effect is not sufficient, the
controlled speed can be exceeded. Speed
can drop on uphill grades if the engine out-
put is insufficient.<
Decelerating
Briefly press button Ð:
Every time you briefly press the button,
the vehicle's speed decreases by roughly
1 mph/1 km/h if you are already driving
with cruise control.
Press and hold button
Ð:
With the cruise control active, the system
automatically reduces the throttle opening
to slow the vehicle. When you release the
button, the system maintains and stores
the current speed.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
50
Limits of the system
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always
remains with the driver. Even when sensors
are involved, there is a blind spot in which
objects cannot be detected. The system is
also subject to the physical limits that apply
to all forms of ultrasonic measurement,
such as those encountered with tow bars
and trailer couplings, or thin and wedge-
shaped objects etc. Low objects already
displayed, e.g. a curb, can also disappear
from the detection area of the sensors
again before a continuous tone sounds.
Loud sources of sound, inside and outside
the vehicle, could drown out the PDC sig-
nal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice
or snow in order to ensure that they
will continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Keep the spray at least 4 in/10 cm away
from the sensors.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended
array of systems designed to enhance and
maintain vehicle stability under extreme
conditions. The following section describes
these functions based on ABS, DSC, HDC
and xDrive.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS enhances active safety by preventing
the wheels from locking under braking. The
vehicle continues to be steerable during
hard braking.
ABS also includes Electronic brake-force
distribution EBV.
Safe braking, refer to page 77.
Electronic brake-force distribution
EBV
EBV controls the brake system's applica-
tion pressure at the rear wheels to ensure
stable deceleration.
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
The Dynamic Brake Control actively sup-
ports the driver in dangerous braking situa-
tions. Quickly pumping the brake pedal
increases the braking effect with low pedal
pressure so that the shortest possible
braking distance is achieved. This system
exploits all of the benefits provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal for the duration of the brake applica-
tion. DBC is deactivated when you release
the brake pedal.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
The concept
DSC maintains vehicle stability, even in
critical driving situations.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine.
The system optimizes the driving stability
during acceleration and when starting from
a standstill. The system recognizes any
tendency for the vehicle to assume an
unstable attitude such as oversteer or
understeer; it then counteracts this ten-
dency with a combination of graduated
reductions in engine torque and selective
braking intervention at individual wheels.
DSC provides optimal stability within the
limits defined by the laws of physics.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Avoid using the
additional safety margin provided by the
system as an excuse for taking unneces-
sary risks.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC
system. Never allow anyone other than
authorized professional technicians to
carry out service or repairs on the system.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
51
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out soon after you start
the engine.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is active and is regulating the drive
and braking forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off using the but-
ton and the stabilizing interventions are no
longer available.
Switching off DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp comes
on and stays on.
Stabilizing interventions of the chassis con-
trol system DSC are no longer available.
However, the braking interventions that
simulate the function of the differential lock
continue to be active.
In the following exceptional circumstances,
it may be effective to switch off the DSC for
a short period:
>When rocking the vehicle and starting
off in deep snow or on loose road sur-
faces
>On sandy road surfaces
>On poor surfaces with deep ruts
>If the wheels churn on muddy surfaces
>When driving with snow chains.
As a result of the braking interven-
tions, the brakes may be subjected to
additional loads when the system is
switched off. In order to limit the brake tem-
perature, brief automatic masking of the
brake activation is possible.
To maintain vehicle stability, always drive with the system switched on when possi-
ble.<
Switching DSC on
Press the DSC button again; the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
DSC is now activated.
xDrive
xDrive is the all-wheel drive system of your
BMW X3. The combined effects of xDrive
and DSC further optimize the traction and
dynamic driving characteristics. The all-
wheel drive system xDrive variably distrib-
utes the drive torque to the front and rear
axle depending on the driving situation and
prevailing road conditions.
Hill Descent Control HDC
The concept
HDC is a system for hill descent assistance
that reduces the speed on steep downward
inclines and makes it even easier to control
the driving characteristics of your BMW
under these conditions.
The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active intervention
from the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle
speeds below approx. 20 mph/35 km/h.
When driving down steep hills with a speed
below approx. 20 mph/35 km/h, the vehi-
cle reduces speed automatically down to
slightly more than walking speed, approx.
5 mph/8 km/h, and then maintains this
speed at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes to
vary this automatically controlled speed
within a range extending from approx.
3 mph/5 km/h to 15 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the
same range by using the +/Ð buttons of the
cruise control in the steering wheel.
HDC is automatically deactivated once
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.
35 mph/60 km/h.

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

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
53
available. See your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center to have the system
repaired.
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in the four fitted tires as
you drive. The system provides an alert
whenever the inflation pressure drops sig-
nificantly in relation to the pressure another
tire.
The check of the tire inflation pressure is
based on monitoring the relative speeds of
the wheels. A flat tire is detected and
reported on the basis of a deviation in cer-
tain speed ratios.
Functional requirement
So that the Flat Tire Monitor can learn the
correct inflation pressure, please perform
the following:
1.Check the inflation pressures in all tires
2.Compare with the inflation pressure
table on page 87 and correct if neces-
sary
3.Initialize the system.
Limits of the system
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused
by outside factors and does not detect a
natural, even pressure drop in all four
tires.<
In the following situations, on the other
hand, there can be delays in detecting tire
pressure losses, and even system failure:
>When driving on snow-covered or slip-
pery road surfaces
>In the case of performance-oriented
driving: slip on the drive wheels, high
lateral acceleration
>False alarms and undetected loss of
pressure may occur when you are driv-
ing with snow chains fitted>When driving with a compact wheel, the
Flat Tire Monitor cannot operate.
Initializing the system
Perform the initialization immediately
every time you correct the inflation
pressure, change a tire or change a wheel
or all wheels. A drive is required for this
purpose.<
1.Before the start of driving, start the
engine, but do not drive off
2.Press the button until the yellow indica-
tor lamp in the instrument cluster lights
up for a few seconds
3.Drive off.
It takes a few minutes until the Flat Tire
Monitor can detect and indicated a flat tire.
Do not initialize the system when driv-
ing with snow chains or with a com-
pact wheel.<
Flat tire
Indicator lamp
The symbol in the instrument clus-
ter lights up in yellow.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle
carefully. Avoid sudden braking and
steering maneuvers
2.Identify damaged tire
If identification is not possible,
contact your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center.<
3.Replace the damaged tire, refer to
Changing a wheel on page 103.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
54
Brake force display
The brake force display indicates the inten-
sity with which you are applying your
brakes to drivers of following vehicles.
The display consists of two stages:
>Normal braking:
Brake lamp 1 lights up on both sides of
the vehicle together with the center
brake lamp
>Heavy braking and braking with ABS:
Brake lamps 1 and 2 light up on both
vehicle sides together with the center
brake lamp.
Airbags
The following airbags are located beneath
the marked covers:
1Front airbags for driver and front pas-
senger
2Head airbags in front and rear
3Side airbags in front and rear
*
Protective effect
The front airbags help protect the driver
and front passenger by responding to fron-
tal impacts in which safety belts alone can-not provide adequate restraint. When
needed, the head and side airbags help
provide protection in the event of side
impact. The relevant side airbag supports
the side upper body area. The relevant
head airbag supports the head and pro-
vides protection against objects entering
the vehicle.
The airbags are deliberately not triggered
in every impact situation, e.g. less severe
accidents, certain roll-over situations or
rear-end collisions.
The rear seat side airbags may
already have been deactivated by a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Labels in the rear door opening should indi-
cate the status of your rear seat side air-
bags. If you are uncertain of their status, or
wish to have the airbags activated or deac-
tivated, please contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.<
For information on the correct sitting posi-
tion, refer to page 27.
Do not apply adhesive materials to
the cover panels of the airbags, cover
them or modify them in any other way.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag reten-
tion system from the vehicle. Never modify
or tamper with either the wiring or the indi-
vidual components in the airbag system.
This category includes the upholstery in the
center of the steering wheel, on the instru-
ment cluster, the side trim panels on the
doors, and the roof pillars along with the
sides of the headliner. Do not attempt to
remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been trig-
gered, because there is a danger of burns.
If you note any indication of system mal-
function, if you desire to have an airbag
deactivated, or if the airbag retention sys-
tem is triggered in response to an accident,
you should always entrust all inspection,
repair and dismantling operations to your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Unprofessional attempts to service the sys-
tem could lead to failure in an emergency
or undesired airbag activation, either of
which could result in personal injury.

Practical interior accessories
72
Loading cargo with the rear seat
back folded down
Holders for the cassette are fitted to the
backs of the rear seat backs, refer to
arrow 1.
Guide in the cassette from the right side
until it locks in place, refer to arrow 2. Here,
the cargo area cover must always point in
the direction of travel and the loop of the
partition net must point upward.
You can pull out the partition net and insert
it in the holders in the roof area above.
Partition net*
Pull the partition net by the loop from the
cassette; hold the bar on both sides and
insert in the holder.
Do not allow the partition net to snap
back into place, as otherwise there is
a danger of injury and the partition net
could be damaged.<
Behind the side trim panel
Press the button to open.
Floor cover
Opening
For access to the compact wheel etc.
To open, raise the cover by the handle,
refer to arrow.
If required, you can remove or raise the
floor cover.
Raising
Swing up the floor cover and hook it onto
the handle of the cargo area cover with its
catch.