
Practical interior accessories
70
Car phone preparation*
Hands-free system
On vehicles with car phone preparation* 
the hands-free microphone is located on 
the headliner near the interior lamp.
For more information on the car phone, 
refer to Owner's Manual for Telephone. 
Ski bag*
The ski bag allows the safe and clean 
transport of up to four pairs of standard skis 
or up to two snowboards.
The ski bag itself plus the additional capac-
ity provided by the luggage compartment 
make it possible to transport skis with a 
length of up to 2.10 m. When skis of 2.10  m 
in length are loaded the ski bag will tend to 
contract, reducing its overall capacity. 
Loading
1.Pull down the center armrest, press the 
button and take out the cover
2.Press the button again; the cover in the 
luggage compartment opens. If you 
press the button firmly the first time, this also opens the cover in the luggage 
compartment
3.Extend the ski bag between the front 
seats. The zipper allows more conve-
nient access to stored objects and can 
also be left open to allow the ski bag to 
dry
4.Insert the belt tongue of the ski bag belt 
in the center safety belt buckle.
Please ensure that the skis are clean before 
loading them into the bag. Take care to 
avoid damage from sharp edges.
Securing the load
Secure the bag's contents by tightening 
down the strap at the buckle.
Secure the ski bag in this way. If you 
fail to do so, it could move around and 
endanger occupants during braking or eva-
sive maneuvers.< 
To store the ski bag, perform the above 
steps in reverse order. 

Things to remember when driving
78 less frequent, there is an increased ten-
dency for corrosion to form on rotors, while 
contaminants accumulate on the brake 
pads. This occurs because the minimal 
pressure which must be exerted by the 
pads during brake applications to clean the 
rotors is not reached. 
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, 
the brakes will tend to respond with a pul-
sating effect that even extended applica-
tion will fail to cure. 
Cargo loading 
To avoid loading the tires beyond 
their approved carrying capacity, 
never overload the vehicle. Overloading 
can lead to overheating and increases the 
rate at which damage develops inside the 
tires. The ultimate result can assume the 
form of a sudden air loss.<
Determining the load limit
1.Locate the following statement on the 
driver's door pillar:
The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never 
exceed XXX lbs or YYY kg. Failure to 
observe this can compromise your 
vehicle's driving stability and cause 
vehicle damage.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers that will be riding 
in your vehicle
3.Subtract the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers from XXX 
pounds or YYY kilograms4.The resulting figure equals the available 
amount of cargo and luggage load 
capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals 
1,400 lbs and there will be five 150-lbs 
passengers in your vehicle, the amount 
of available cargo and luggage load 
capacity is 650 lbs:
1,400 lbs minus 750 lbs = 650 lbs
5.Determine the combined weight of lug-
gage and cargo being loaded on the 
vehicle. That weight should never 
exceed the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity calculated in Step 4
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, 
part of the load from your trailer will be 
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the 
manual for transporting a trailer to 
determine how this may reduce the 
available cargo and luggage load 
capacity of your vehicle.
Load
The permitted load is the total of the weight 
of occupants and cargo/luggage. The 
greater the weight of occupants, the less 
cargo/luggage can be transported. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 103
Tailgate lamp
5 Watt bulb 
1.Pull off the bulb holder
2.Replace the bulb.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind 
translucent lenses serve as the light source 
for many of the controls and displays in 
your vehicle. These light-emitting diodes, 
which operate using a concept similar to 
that applied in conventional lasers, are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emitting 
diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never 
stare into the unfiltered light for sev-
eral hours, as irritation of the retina could 
result.<
Changing a wheel 
Safety precautions to observe in the 
event of a flat tire and during all tire 
changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from 
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat, surface. 
Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead 
setting of the wheels. Set the handbrake 
and engage first gear, reverse gear or 
selector-lever position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehi-
cle and well away from your immediate 
working area, behind a guardrail, for 
instance.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard 
warning lamp is required, set it up on the 
roadside at an appropriate distance from 
the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm sur-
face which is not slippery. The vehicle or 
the jack could slip to the side if you attempt 
to raise the vehicle on a soft or slippery sur-
face such as snow, ice, tiles, etc. 
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar 
object as a support base for the jack, as 
this would prevent it from extending to its 
full support height and reduce its load-car-
rying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie 
under the vehicle, and never start the 
engine while it is supported by the jack.< 
What you will need 
Open tailgate and raise or remove floor 
cover, refer to page 72. 
1Vehicle jack 
2Chock 
3Lug wrench 
In order to avoid rattling noises later, note 
the position of the tools when you remove 
them and return them to their original posi-
tion when you are through using them.
Compact wheel
The compact wheel is located under the 
cargo area on the floor of the vehicle. 

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 

Everything from A to Z
120 Bottle holder, refer to 
Beverage holders 67
Brake fluid 96
Ð indicator lamp 96
Ð level 96
Ð replacing 96
Brake force display 54
Brake lamps
Ð defect 57
Ð indicator lamp 12
Ð replacing the bulbs 102
Brake pads and rotors
Ð breaking-in procedure 76
Brakes 77, 96
Ð ABS 77
Ð brake fluid 96
Ð break-in procedure 76
Ð handbrake 38
Ð indicator/warning 
lamp 38
Brake system
Ð brake-fluid level 96
Ð brake pads 96
Ð corrosion 77
Ð disc brakes 76, 77
Ð indicator lamp 96
Ð rotors 76, 77
Brake wear warning
Ð brake pads 96
Ð indicator lamp 96
Break-in procedures 76
Bulbs and lamps 99
Buttons in steering 
wheel 14
C
California Proposition 
65 Warning 98
Capacities 117
Car care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for 
your vehicle brochureCargo area 71
Ð capacity 116
Ð cover 71
Ð floor cover 72
Ð folding rear seat 
backrest 71
Ð increasing volume 71
Ð lashing eyes 73
Ð manual unlocking 21
Ð opening, remote 
control 19
Ð opening/closing 21
Ð opening from the 
outside 21
Ð sockets 73
Ð volume 116
Cargo bay, refer to Cargo 
area 71
Cargo loading 78
Caring for leather, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer 
to Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Caring for the vehicle finish, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Key 
set 18
Car phone preparation 70
Car wash 77
Car wash, refer to Caring 
for your vehicle brochure
Catalytic converter, refer to 
High temperatures 76
Central locking system 18
Ð interior 20
Changes, technical, refer to 
For your own safety 6
Changing a wheel 103
Check Gas Cap
Ð indicator lamp 12, 84
Checking inflation 
pressure 86
Child's seats, refer to 
Child-restraint 
systems 34
Child-restraint systems 34
Child-safety locks 36
Chock 103Chrome parts, care, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cigarette lighter
Ð front 69
Ð rear 69
Circulation of air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode 61, 64
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Cleaning the windshield 42
Cleaning windows, 
reservoir 94
Clean the rear window 42
Clock 46
Ð 12/24 hour mode 48
Ð setting, refer also to 
Owner's Manual for 
Radio/Onboard 
computer 46
Clutch 76
Ð breaking in 76
Cockpit 10
Cold start, refer to Starting 
the engine 37
Comfort operation
Ð panorama glass roof 20
Compact wheel
Ð wheel changes 103
Compression ratio, refer to 
Engine data 114
Computer 47
Computer, functions 48
Condensation, refer to A/C 
operation 61, 64
Connecting a vacuum 
cleaner, refer to Lighter 
socket 69
Consumption, refer to 
Average fuel
consumption 48
Consumption indicator, 
refer to Fuel gauge 45
Contents 3
Controls, refer to 
Cockpit 10
Convenience operation
Ð from outside 20
Ð windows 20 

Everything from A to Z
122 US models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability 
Program, refer to DSC 
Dynamic Stability 
Control 50
Exhaust system, refer to 
High temperatures 76
Exterior mirror
Ð automatic dimming 
feature 32
Exterior mirrors 31
F
Fan, refer to Air 
supply 61, 64
Filling the windshield 
washer reservoir 94
Filter
Ð refer to Microfilter 62
Ð refer to Microfilter/
Activated charcoal 
filter 65
First-aid kit 108
Fittings, tow-starting and 
towing 109
Flat tire 103
Ð compact wheel 103
Ð Flat Tire Monitor 53
Flat Tire Monitor 53
Ð indicator lamp 53
Flooding, refer to Driving on 
bad roads 80
Floor cover 72
Fluid level
Ð indicator lamp 94
Fog lamps 58
Ð replacing bulbs 102
Folding rear seat back 71
Folding rear seat 
backrest 71
Footbrake, refer to Brake 
system 77, 96
Footbrake, refer to General 
driving notes 77, 96
Front/rear reading 
lamps 58
Front airbags 54
Front center armrest 68Front seat adjustment 27
Fuel 85
Ð average
fuel consumption 48
Ð capacity 117
Ð gauge 45
Ð quality 85
Ð volume 48
Fuel capacity 117
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel 
gauge 45
Fuel display, refer to Fuel 
gauge 45
Fuel filler cap 84
Fuel filler door 84
Ð releasing in the event of 
electrical defect 84
Fuses 106
G
Garage-door opener, refer 
to Integrated universal 
remote control 66
Gasoline, refer to Fuel 
quality 85
Gasoline consumption, 
refer to Average fuel
consumption 48
Gasoline display, refer to 
Fuel gauge 45
Gear changes, refer to 
Automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 40
Gear display 41
Gear lever
Ð automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 39
Ð manual transmission 39
General driving notes 76
Glove compartment 68
Grills, refer to 
Ventilation 61, 65
Ground clearance 80
H
Halogen lamps 100
Handbrake
Ð indicator lamp 38Hands-free microphone, 
refer to Car phone
preparation 70
Hands-free system 70
Hazard warning flashers 10
HDC Hill Descent 
Control 51
Headlamp control, 
automatic 57
Headlamp flasher 41
Ð indicator lamp 41
Headlamps 100
Ð bulb replacement 99
Headlamps, care, refer to 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Headlamp washer
reservoir 94
Headlamp washer 
system 94
Ð cleaning headlamps 42
Ð tank capacity, refer to 
Filling capacities 117
Ð washer fluid 94
Head restraints 28
Heated mirrors 32
Heated rear window
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate 
control 65
Heated seats 30
Heated steering wheel 31
Heated windshield, 
automatic climate 
control 64
Heating
Ð exterior mirror 32
Ð rear window 61, 65
Ð seats 30
Ð steering wheel 31
Heating and 
ventilation 60, 63
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo 
loading 78
Height, refer to 
Dimensions 115
Height adjustment
Ð seats 28
Ð steering wheel 31 

Everything from A to Z
126 Starting assistance, refer to 
Jump-starting 108
Starting difficulties
Ð temperature 38
Starting-off assistance, 
DSC 50
Starting the engine 38
Startup difficulties
Ð jump-starting 108
Status of this Owner's 
Manual at time of 
printing 5
Steering lock 37
Steering wheel 10, 14
Ð adjustment 31
Ð lock 37
Steering wheel heater 31
Steering wheel with 
buttons 14
Steptronic 39
Storage compartments 68
Storage package 68
Storage package nets 68
Storage space, refer to 
Cargo area 71
Storing seat position, refer 
to Seat and mirror 
memory 29
Storing the seat 
adjustment 29
Straps, refer to Loading 78
Stroke, refer to Engine 
data 114
Supply reservoir cleaning 
systems 94
Switches, refer to 
Cockpit 10
Switching off the engine 38
Symbols 4
T
Table of contents 3
Tachometer 45
Tailgate
Ð closing 21
Ð emergency operation 21
Ð opening from the 
outside 21
Ð remote control 19Tailgate lamp
Ð bulb replacement 103
Tail lamps
Ð bulb replacement 102
Ð indicator lamp 57
Tank capacity 117
Technical modifications 6
Telephone, refer to 
separate Owner's Manual
Temperature
Ð air conditioner 61
Ð automatic climate 
control 64
Temperature, tires 88
Temperature display
Ð ice warning 47
Ð outside temperature 47
Ð setting the units 47
Temperature gauge 45
Thigh support 
adjustment 28, 29
Three-point belt 30
Tightening torque 105
Tilt alarm sensor 25
Ð switching off 25
Tilt function, passenger-
side mirror 32
Tire inflation pressures 86
Tire pressure monitoring, 
refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor 53
Tires
Ð age 88
Ð break-in procedure 76
Ð changing 89
Ð condition 89
Ð DOT Quality Grades 88
Ð flat 103
Ð inflation pressure 86, 87
Ð replacing 89
Ð storage 90
Ð temperature 88
Ð traction 88
Ð treadwear 88
Ð Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading 89
Ð wear indicators, refer to 
Tire tread/damage 89
Ð wheel change 103
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit 99Torque of lug bolts 105
Tow bar 109
Tow fittings 109
Towing 109
Towing the vehicle 109
Tow rope 109
Tow sockets for tow 
fitting 109
Tow-starting 109
Track width, refer to 
Dimensions 115
Traction 88
Traction control
Ð DSC 50
Trailer loads 116
Transmission 39
Ð automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 39
Ð manual transmission 39
Transmission lockout, refer 
to P Parking 40
Transmission 
malfunction 41
Transporting children 34
Transporting children 
safely 34
Tread depth, refer to Tire 
tread 89
Treadwear 88
Trip-distance counter, refer 
to Trip odometer 45
Trip odometer 45
Trunk, refer to Cargo 
area 71
Trunk lid, refer to 
Tailgate 21
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions 115
Turn signal indicators 41
Ð bulb replacement 101
Turn signal indicators, side
Ð bulb replacement 101
U
Underbody protection, 
refer to Caring for your 
vehicle brochure
Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading 89