2004 BMW X3 3.0I child

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility

Contents
The fastest way to find specific topics is to
use the index, refer to page 119.

Using this Owner's Manual

4Notes

At a glance

10Cockpit

Controls

18Opening and closing
27Adjustments
34Transporting children safely
37Driving
45Everything under control
49Technology for comfort, convenience
and safety
57Lamps
60A congenial climate
66Practical interior accessories

Driving tips

76Things to remember when driving

Mobility

84Refueling
86Wheels and tires
92Under the engine hood
97Maintenance
98Laws and regulations
99Replacing components
107Giving and receiving assistance

Reference

114Technical data
117Everything from A to Z

Opening and closing
22
Electric power windows
Opening and closing windows
As of ignition key position 1:
>Press the switch up to the resistance
point:
The window continues to move as long
as you continue to press the switch
>Press the switch beyond the resistance
point:
The window moves downward auto-
matically. Briefly press the switch again
to stop the opening movement.
You can close the windows in the same
manner by pulling the switch.
After switching off the ignition
You can operate the electric power win-
dows for up to 15 minutes as long as nei-
ther of the front doors has been opened.
When leaving the vehicle parked,
always remove the remote control
from the ignition lock and close the doors;
this precaution prevents children from
operating the electric power windows and
injuring themselves, etc.<
For convenience operation with the door
lock, refer to page 20.
Anti-trapping mechanism
If the closing force rises beyond a pre-
defined threshold during closing, the sys-
tem will immediately stop moving the win-
dow prior to lowering it slightly.
Despite the anti-trapping mechanism
you should always inspect the win-
dow's travel path prior to closing it, as the
safety system might fail to detect certain kinds of obstructions, such as very thin
objects, and the window would continue
closing.
You can disable the anti-trapping mecha-
nism by pressing the switch beyond the
resistance point and holding it.<
Following interruptions in electrical
power supply
After disconnecting the battery, the anti-
trapping mechanism must be reinitialized.
To do this, open and close the windows
once and continue pull the switch for 2 sec-
onds after closing.
Safety switch
With the safety switch, you can prevent the
rear windows from being opened or closed
via the switches in the rear passenger area,
by children, for example. The indicator
lamp lights up when this safety feature is
activated.
Press the safety switch whenever
children are riding in the rear of the
vehicle. Careless use of the electric power
windows can lead to injury.<
You can deactivate the function again
as of ignition key position 1.<
Accessories in the window area
After installing any accessory Ð such as a
clamp-on antenna for a portable phone Ð
within the window's travel range, you will
need to have the system reinitialized for
use under the new conditions. Please con-
tact your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Cen-
ter.

Reference
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Mobility
23
Panorama glass roof*
To prevent injuries, exercise care
when closing the panorama glass roof
and keep it in your field of vision until it is
shut.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the remote control and close the doors to
prevent children from operating the glass
roof and injuring themselves, etc.<
Raising, opening, closing
The glass roof and sliding panel are opera-
tional as of ignition key position 1.
After the ignition has been switched off:
You can operate the panorama glass roof
for up to 1 minute as long as neither of the
doors has been opened.
Opening the glass roof and sliding
panel together
Within 2 seconds, push the switch back-
ward twice beyond the resistance point.
The glass roof moves to the convenience
position and the sliding panel opens com-
pletely. To open the glass roof fully at a
standstill, slide the switch backward
beyond the resistance point.
Sliding the switch again stops the motion.
Closing the glass roof and sliding
panel together
Within 2 seconds, push the switch forward
twice beyond the resistance point.
The glass roof and sliding panel close com-
pletely.
Sliding the switch again stops the motion.
Operating sliding panel
>Opening, closing:
Slide the switch up to the resistance
point in the desired direction.
The motion continues for as long as the
switch is held
>Automatic opening, closing:
Slide the switch beyond the resistance
point in the desired direction.
Sliding the switch again stops the
motion.
Operating glass roof
>Opening, closing:
Slide the switch up to the resistance
point in the desired direction.
The motion continues for as long as the
switch is held
>Automatically in convenience position:
Slide the switch beyond the resistance
point in the desired direction.
In the convenience position, the glass
roof is not fully opened.
Sliding the switch again stops the
motion.
>Automatic opening and closing:
Slide the switch beyond the resistance
point in the desired direction. The glass
roof moves initially into the conven-
ience position. To open or close fully at
a standstill, slide the switch beyond the
resistance point in the desired direc-
tion.
Sliding the switch again stops the
motion
>To raise: slide switch
To lower: slide switch forward.
Sliding the switch again stops the
motion.
Ventilation setting
In the ventilation setting, the glass roof is
raised and the sliding panel opens to a gap:
Press the switch twice within 2 seconds.
Pressing the switch again stops the
motion.

Reference
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Driving tips
Mobility
25
>The high beams, which flash on and off
in the same rhythm.
Arming and disarming the alarm
system
When the vehicle is locked or unlocked
with the key or the remote control, the
alarm system is also simultaneously armed
or disarmed.
If the alarm system has been properly
armed, the hazard warning flashers light up
once.
You can have different acknowledg-
ment signals set to confirm arming
and disarming.<
You can also open the tailgate with the sys-
tem armed using the button on the
remote control, refer to page 19. When you
close the tailgate, the system is rearmed.<
Switching off the alarm
>Unlock the vehicle using the remote
control, refer to page 19
>Turn the ignition key to position 1.
Indicator lamp displays
>The indicator lamp below the interior
rearview mirror flashes continuously:
the system is armed
>The indicator lamp flashes during arm-
ing: door(s), the hood or tailgate are not
completely closed. Even if you do not
close the alerted area, the system
begins to monitor the remaining areas,
and the indicator lamp flashes continu-
ously after 10 seconds. However, the
interior motion sensor is not activated >If the indicator lamp goes out when the
system is disarmed: no manipulation or
attempted intrusions have been
detected in the period since the system
was armed
>If the indicator lamp flashes for 10 sec-
onds after the system is disarmed: an
attempted entry has been detected in
the period since the system was armed.
Following triggering of an alarm, the indica-
tor lamp will flash continuously.
Avoiding unintentional alarms
The tilt alarm sensor and interior motion
sensor may be switched off at the same
time. You can do this to prevent a false
alarm from being triggered in garages with
elevator ramps, for instance, or when the
vehicle is transported by trailer or train:
Lock twice:
>Press the button on the remote
control twice consecutively
>Lock using the door lock twice.
The indicator lamp lights up briefly and
then flashes continuously. The tilt alarm
sensor and the interior motion sensor are
deactivated as long as the system is
armed.
If you wish, the tilt alarm sensor and
interior motion sensor are perma-
nently switched off. You can have this set
at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Cen-
ter.<
Interior motion sensor
In order for the interior motion sensor to
function properly, the windows and pan-
orama glass roof must be completely
closed.
However, be sure to switch off the interior
motion sensor Ð refer to Avoiding uninten-
tional alarms Ð when you
>leave children or animals in the vehicle
>the windows or panorama glass roof
are to remain open.
The tilt alarm sensor and interior
motion sensor are switched off inad-

Reference
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Mobility
27
Adjustments
Sitting safely
The ideal sitting position can make a vital
contribution to relaxed driving that is as
fatigue-free as possible. The sitting posi-
tion plays an important role together with
the safety belts and airbags in providing
occupants with maximum levels of passive
safety in an accident. Therefore, observe
the following instructions, as otherwise the
protective function of the safety systems
may be impaired.
For additional information on transporting
children safely, refer to page 34.
Sitting safely with airbags
Always maintain an adequate dis-
tance between yourself and the air-
bags. Always hold the steering wheel by
its rim with hands at the 9 o'clock and
3 o'clock positions, to minimize the risk of
injuries to your hands and arms in the event
of airbag deployment.
No one and nothing is to come between the
airbags and the seat occupant.
Do not use the cover of the front airbag on
the front passenger side as a storage area.
Make sure that the front passenger is cor-
rectly seated, i.e. feet or legs not resting on
the instrument panel, as otherwise leg inju-
ries can result if the knee and front airbag is
triggered.
Never let an occupant's head rest near or
on a side airbag because the inflating air-
bag could cause a serious or fatal injury.<
Even if you adhere to all the instructions
injuries resulting from contact with airbags
cannot be fully excluded, depending on the
circumstances. The ignition and inflation
noise may provoke a mild Ð usually tempo-
rary Ð hearing loss in extremely sensitive
individuals.
For airbag locations and additional infor-
mation on airbags, refer to page 54.
Sitting safely with safety belts
Even though there is an airbag, wear a
safety belt every time you get in the vehi-
cle. Although airbags enhance safety by
providing added protection, they are not a
substitute for safety belts.
Your vehicle has five seats that are all
equipped with a safety belt.
Occupants should sit upright and be
properly restrained at all times:
infants and small children in appropriate
child-restraint systems; larger children and
adults using the safety belts.
Expectant mothers should always wear
their safety belts, taking care to position
the lap belt against the lower hips, where it
will not exert pressure against the abdomi-
nal area.
Never allow more than one person to wear
a single safety belt. Never allow infants and
small children to ride in a passengers lap.
Do not route the belt across your neck, or
run it across sharp edges. Be sure that the
belt does not become caught or jammed.
Avoid twisting the belt while routing it firmly
across the hips and shoulder. Do not allow
the belt to rest against hard or fragile
objects. Otherwise, in the event of a frontal
impact, a loose lap belt could slide over
your hips, leading to abdominal injury.
Avoid wearing clothing that prevents the
belt from fitting properly and pull the lap
belt periodically to readjust the tension
across your shoulder in order to avoid a
reduction in the retention effect of the
safety belt.<
For fastening safety belts, refer to page 30.
Seats
Note before adjusting
Never try to adjust your seat while
operating the vehicle. The seat could
respond with unexpected movement, and

Reference
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31
Releasing
1.Press the red button in the buckle
2.Hold the belt
3.Guide the belt back into its reel.
The upper shoulder strap's anchorage
point will be in the correct position for seat
occupants of every build if the seat is cor-
rectly adjusted, refer to page 27.
The two rear safety belt buckles integrated
in the rear seat are for passengers sitting
on the left and right. The belt buckle
embossed with the word CENTER is
intended exclusively for use by passengers
riding in the center position.<
Damage to safety belts
If the safety belts are damaged or
stretched in an accident: have the
entire belt system, including the tensioning
mechanisms, replaced at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center. Have the belt
anchorage points inspected for damage at
the same time. Failure to observe this pre-
caution may prevent the safety belts from
effectively providing optimal protection
when needed. If a child-restraint system
was in the vehicle during an accident, con-
sult the manufacturer's instructions regard-
ing replacement.<
Steering wheel
Adjustments
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving. There is a risk
of accident from unexpected movement.< 1.Fold the clamping lever downward
2.Adapt the steering wheel in the longitu-
dinal direction and height of the seat
position
3.Fold the clamping lever back up.
Steering wheel heating*
The button for steering wheel heating is
located in the steering wheel, refer to
page 14.
Steering wheel heating: switching on/off.
The steering wheel heating operates from
ignition key position 2.
Press the button to activate or deactivate
this system.
The indicator lamp within the button lights
up when the steering wheel heating is in
operation.
Mirrors
Adjusting exterior mirrors
1Mirror switch for 4-way adjustment
2Left/right selector switch

Transporting children safely
34
Transporting children safely
The right place for children
Children always in the rear
Accident research shows that the safest
place for children in a vehicle is in the rear
seat.
Older children should be tightly secured
with a safety belt, after they have outgrown
a booster seat that is appropriate for their
age, height and weight.
A child sitting in the rear seat and not
properly restrained may place his or
her head on or near the airbag, if so
equipped. For example, a child Ñ even
though belted Ñ may fall asleep with his or
her head against the side airbag. It may be
difficult for a driver to ensure that children
in the rear seat will remain properly posi-
tioned at all times and do not place their
heads on or near the side airbag. There-
fore, we recommend that the rear side air-
bags, if provided, be deactivated if you plan
to transport children in the rear seat.<
Deactivation of the rear seat side
airbags
The rear seat side airbags may already
have been deactivated by a BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center. Labels in the rear
door opening should indicate the status of
your rear seat side airbags. If you are
uncertain of their status, or wish to have the
airbags activated or deactivated, please
contact your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center.
Child-restraint system in rear
Children under 13 years of age and
children less than 5 ft/150 cm tall
should always ride in the rear and the
restraint systems should be properly
adjusted.<
Younger children should be secured in an
appropriate forward-facing child-restraint system that has first been properly secured
with a safety belt.
All rear seating positions in your vehicle
meet the recommendations of SAE J1819,
an industry-recommended practice for
securing child-restraint systems in motor
vehicles.
Exception for the front passenger
seat
Should it become necessary to use a
child-restraint system on the front
passenger seat, the airbags on the passen-
ger's side must be deactivated. The pas-
senger airbag indicator lamp above the
interior rearview mirror must light up con-
tinuously. Otherwise, the front passenger
airbags remain active and there is consid-
erable risk of injury to children if the airbags
are triggered, even with a child-restraint
system. In this case, children should be
seated in the rear and the system should be
checked at your BMW Sport Activity Vehi-
cle Center.<
Never install a rearward-facing child-
restraint system in the front passen-
ger seat of this vehicle if the passenger air-
bag is not deactivated. If you do so, the
child could be severely injured when the
airbag is triggered.
Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag
supplemental restraint system for the front
passenger. Because the backrest on any
rearward-facing child-restraint system Ð of
the kind designed for infants under 1 year
and 20 Ibs/9 kg Ð would be within the air-
bag's deployment range, you should never
mount such a system in the front passenger
seat, since the impact of the airbag against
the child restraint's backrest could lead to
serious or fatal injuries.<
More information on automatic deactiva-
tion of the front passenger airbags, refer to
page 55.

Reference
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Controls
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Mobility
35
Installing child-restraint
systems
Before installing any child-restraint system
or child seat, read the following:
Observe the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions for instal-
lation and use. Otherwise the degree of
protection can be reduced.
After an accident, have all parts of the rele-
vant vehicle safety belt system checked by
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center and
replaced if necessary.<
Commercially-available child-restraint sys-
tems are designed to be secured with a lap
belt or with the lap belt portion of a combi-
nation lap/shoulder belt. Improperly or
inadequately installed restraint systems
can increase the risk of injury to children.
Always read and follow the instructions that
come with the system.
Child seat security
All of the rear belt retractors and the front
passenger's safety belt can be locked for
mounting and securing child-restraint sys-
tems.
Information regarding this is located near
the buckle latch of each safety belt.
To lock the safety belt
Pull the entire length of the belt from the
belt retractor. Allow the reel to retract the
belt somewhat and engage the buckle,
then tighten the belt against the child-
restraint system. The retraction mechanism
is now locked.
To unlock the safety belt
Release the buckle, remove the child-
restraint system and allow the belt retractor
to reel the belt completely in.
Child-restraint system with tether
strap
If you use a child-restraint system with a
tether strap, three additional tether anchor-
age points have been provided, refer to the
arrows in the illustration. Depending on the
location selected for seating in the rear
passenger area, attach the tether strap to
the corresponding anchorage point to
secure the child-restraint system, as
shown in the illustration below.
Each seating position is fitted with a head
restraint.
Outer seating positions:
Lift the head restraint and pass the tether
strap between the head restraint and the
seat back. It is recommended to readjust
the head restraint into the lowest possible
position.
Center seating position:
The head restraint must be adjusted into
the lowest possible position. Pass the
tether strap over the head restraint.