2004 BMW X3 3.0I engine

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

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repeatedly to run through the following
control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside air flows
into the vehicle
>Left-hand indicator lamp on Ð AUC
mode: the system recognizes pollutants
in the outside air and blocks the flow of
air when necessary. The system then
recirculates the air currently within the
vehicle.
Depending on the air quality, the auto-
matic system then switches back and
forth between outside air supply and
recirculation of the air within the vehicle
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the out-
side air supply into the vehicle is com-
pletely blocked. The system then recir-
culates the air currently within the
vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during opera-
tion in the recirculated-air mode, you
should switch it off while also increasing air
supply as required. The recirculated-air
mode should not be used over a sustained
longer period of time, as the air quality
inside the vehicle deteriorates.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window
defroster is activated,
the indicator lamp comes on.
The rear window defroster switches off
automatically.
You can have your vehicle adjusted in
such a way that the rear window
defroster switches on automatically. It is
then switched on at outside temperatures
of less than approx. +46/397within
5 minutes of the engine start.<
Ventilation
The air vents for the upper body area can
be adjusted:
1Serrated dials for opening and closing
the vent outlets through an infinitely-
variable range
2Selector levers for airflow direction
3Use the serrated dial 3 to adjust the
amount of cool air that is added to the
airflow emerging from the vent outlets
for the upper body
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vents to direct the flow of cool
air in your direction, for instance, if the inte-
rior has become too warm, etc.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows
past you and is not directed straight at you.
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter*
The built-in microfilter removes dust and
pollen from the incoming air. The activated-
charcoal filter provides additional protec-
tion by filtering gaseous pollutants from the
outside air. This combined filter is replaced
when maintenance is performed by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center. A
substantial reduction in air supply indicates
that the filter must be replaced before nor-
mal maintenance.

Things to remember when driving
76
Things to remember when driving
Break-in procedures
To ensure that your vehicle provides maxi-
mum economy throughout a long service
life, we request that you observe the fol-
lowing instructions:
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
During this initial period you should attempt
to avoid constant, steady-state operation
and vary both vehicle and engine speeds
as often as possible. Until the break-in
period has been completed you should
also refrain from exceeding the following:
>4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h.
Always obey all official speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid
pressing the accelerator beyond the kick-
down point.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/
2,000 km, the engine and vehicle speeds
can be gradually increased.
You should also comply with these break-in
procedures should the engine or one of the
differentials be replaced later in the course
of the vehicle's service life.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with
their manufacture, tires do not achieve their
full traction potential until after an initial
break-in period. For this reason, drive with
extra care during the initial 200 miles/
300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum speed
limits.
When the vehicle is operated on wet
or slushy roads, a wedge of water
may form between the tire and the road
surface. This phenomenon is referred to as
hydroplaning and can lead to partial or
complete loss of traction, vehicle control
and braking effectiveness. Reduce your
speed on wet roads.<
Brake system
Approx. 300 miles/500 km must elapse
before the brake pads and rotors achieve
the optimal pad-surface and wear patterns
required for trouble-free operation and
long service life later on.
To break in the separate handbrake drums,
apply the handbrake lightly when coasting
to a standstill Ð at a traffic signal, for
instance; use caution to avoid posing a
danger to other road users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure
from time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
handbrake is set.
Vacuum for the brake system servo
unit on your BMW is available only
when the engine is running. When you
move the vehicle with the engine off Ð e.g.
by towing Ð substantially higher levels of
pedal force will be required to brake the
vehicle.<
Clutch
The function of the clutch is also only at its
optimized level after a distance driven of
approx. 300 miles/500 km. During this
break-in period, engage the clutch gently.
General driving notes
High temperatures
Extreme temperatures occur at the
catalytic converter on this and every
catalyst-equipped vehicle. Do not remove
the heat shields installed adjacent to vari-
ous sections of the exhaust system, and
never apply undercoating to them. When
driving, standing at idle and while parking
take care to avoid possible contact
between the hot exhaust system and any
highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead

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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

Things to remember when driving
80
Driving on bad roads
Your BMW X3 is at home on all paved and
unpaved roads. It combines all-wheel drive
with the advantages of a normal passenger
car.
Driving on unpaved terrain can cause
damage to the vehicle.<
When you are driving on bad roads, there
are a few points which you should strictly
observe Ñ for your own safety, for that of
your passengers, and for the safety of the
vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle
before you begin driving. Do not take
risks with the vehicle under any circum-
stances
>Always adapt the driving speed to the
road conditions. The more steep and
uneven the roadway is, the lower the
speed should be
>You can operate your vehicle on uphill
and downhill gradients with a maximum
slope of 50 %. If you wish to drive on
uphill and downhill grades of this
nature, make sure beforehand that the
engine oil and coolant levels are near
the max mark, refer to pages 94 and 96
>For very steep downhill driving, use Hill
Descent Control HDC, refer to page 51.
Driving off is possible on upward
inclines of up to 33%.
The permitted side inclination is 50 %
>While driving, watch carefully for obsta-
cles such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid
these obstacles whenever possible
>Avoid that the body makes contact with
the ground, e.g. on the crests of hills
and bumpy roads
>Do not drive in water that is deeper than
20 in/50 cm. If you must drive through
water up to that depth, drive at a walk-
ing speed and do not stop.
After leaving the water, press on the
footbrake gently several times while
driving at a low speed. The brake appli-
cations will help to dry the brakes, thus
preventing a reduction in braking per-
formance caused by the moisture. For cleaning the handbrake, apply the
lever slightly at approx. 25 mph/40 km/
h and continue to drive for approx. 200
yards/200 meters, provided that traffic
conditions allow you to do so.
Please bear the following points in mind
after driving on poor roads, in order to pre-
serve the road safety of your BMW:
>Clean the heavy dirt from the body
>Clean mud, snow, ice and other materi-
als from the wheels and tires. Check the
tires for damage.

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Never attempt to continue driving
until the tank is completely empty, as
engine functions could be affected, and the
vehicle could sustain damage as a result.<
Fuel specifications
The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
minimum 91 AKI
AKI = Anti Knock Index.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use of
leaded fuels will cause permanent
damage to the system's oxygen sensor and
the catalytic converter.<

Under the engine hood
92
Under the engine hood
Never attempt to perform any service
or repair operations on your vehicle
without the required professional technical
training. If you are unaware of the regula-
tions that need to be observed, BMW rec-
ommends that you have this work per-
formed at a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center, as otherwise unqualified handling
of parts and materials can lead to safety
risk for vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Hood
Unlocking
Pull the lever located under the left side of
the instrument cluster.
Opening
Press the release handle and open the
engine hood.
Closing
Let the engine hood fall from approx. 1 ft/
30 cm so that it can be heard to engage.
Observe the same precautions that
apply to all closing operations by
ensuring that the hood's travel range is
clear and unobstructed before allowing the
hood to fall into position.
If you see any signs that the hood is not
completely closed while driving your vehi-
cle, you should stop at once and close it
securely.<

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Engine compartment
1Reservoir for windshield and headlamp
washer system94
2Body ground Ð negative terminal108
3Auxiliary terminal for jump-starting108
4Engine oil filler neck95 5Brake fluid reservoir96
6Dipstick for engine oil94
7Coolant expansion tank96