2004 BMW X3 3.0I manual transmission

Adjustments
32 To prevent the exterior mirrors on this
vehicle from being damaged, always
fold them in by hand before entering an
automatic car wash.<
Adjusting manually
You can also adjust the mirrors manually:
Press the edges of the mirror glass.
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat
and mirror memory on page 29.
Convex mirror
The mirror on the passenger's side
features a lens with a more convex
surface than the mirror installed on the
driver's side. When estimating the distance
between yourself and other traffic, bear in
mind that the objects reflected in the mirror
are closer than they appear. This means
that estimations of the distance to following
traffic should not be regarded as precise.<
Electric heaters
Both mirrors are heated automatically in
ignition key position 2.
Passenger-side exterior mirror tilt
function
Automatic curb monitor*
1.Select the driver's exterior mirror with
the switch 1
2.When you engage reverse gear or
selector-lever position R, the exterior
mirror on the front passenger side tilts
downward slightly. This allows the
driver to see the area immediately adja-
cent to the vehicle Ð such as a curb Ð
when parking, etc.You can have the angle of downward
tilt set in dependence on the key
used.<
Interior rearview mirror
To reduce the dazzle effect of following
vehicles at night, turn the knob.
Interior and exterior mirrors,
automatic dimming feature*
These mirrors automatically dim through an
infinitely-variable range. They automatically
revert to their undimmed mode whenever
the transmission is placed in reverse gear
or selector lever in position R.
For trouble-free operation, keep the
photocells unobstructed and clean
and do not cover the area between the
interior rearview mirror and the windshield.
Do not attach any kind of stickers on the
windshield in front of the mirror, either.<

Driving
38 sion control system components, espe-
cially the catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon indicator lamp
for Canadian models.
Malfunction in the engine electron-
ics.
You can continue to drive with
reduced engine output or engine speed.
Please have it checked by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Starting the engine
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine from
starting if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time. Do not turn it for more
than approx. 20 seconds. Release the igni-
tion key immediately as soon as the engine
starts.<
If the engine fails to start on the first
attempt, for instance, if it is very hot or cold:
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
During a cold start at very low tempera-
tures, as of approx. +57/Ð156, at high
altitudes over 3,300 ft/1,000 m:
>For the first attempt, run the start for
longer, approx. 10 seconds
>Press the accelerator pedal halfway
down while engaging the starter.
Avoid frequent starting is quick suc-
cession or repeated start attempts in
which the engine does not start. Otherwise,
the fuel is not burned or inadequately
burned and there is a danger of overheat-
ing and damaging the catalytic converter.<
Manual transmission
1.Engage the handbrake
2.Gearshift lever in idle position
3.Press the clutch pedal
4.Start the engine.Before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, place the gearshift
lever in idle position and apply the hand-
brake.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Automatic transmission
1.Press the brake pedal
2.Place the selector lever in position P
or N
3.Start the engine.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling,
always select position P and engage
the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
with the engine running.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Switching off the engine
Do not remove the ignition key when
the vehicle is moving, as otherwise
the steering could lock.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the ignition key and lock the steering.
When parking on downward inclines, apply
the handbrake.<
Manual transmission
Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.
Automatic transmission
Engage selector-lever position P, turn igni-
tion key to position 1 or 0.
Handbrake
The handbrake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up from
ignition switch position 2 with the
handbrake set Ð an acoustic signal
also sounds when starting off.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
39
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
To engage
The lever engages automatically.
To release
Pull up slightly on the lever, press the but-
ton and lower the lever.
If exceptional circumstances should
make it necessary to engage the
handbrake while the vehicle is in motion,
do not pull it too strongly. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the handbrake
lever.
Strong application of the handbrake can
lead to overbraking of the rear axle and
associated 'fishtailing' of the vehicle rear
end.
The brake lamps do not light up when the
handbrake is applied.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
When parking on inclines, apply the hand-
brake, as even engaging the first or reverse
gear might not under certain circum-
stances secure the vehicle against moving.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Engage selector-lever position P.<
To prevent corrosion and one-sided
braking action, occasionally apply the
handbrake lightly when the vehicle is
slowly coming to a standstill at a traffic light
if the traffic conditions are suitable.<
Manual transmission
While shifting gear in the 5th/6th gear
level, make sure that you press the
gearshift lever to the right to prevent inad-
vertently selecting a gear in the 3rd/4th
gear level.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes
by slipping or riding the clutch. Use the
handbrake instead, since a slipping clutch
increases clutch wear.<
Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
Press the gearshift lever to the left to over-
come the resistance.
As you do this, the backup lamps will turn
on automatically when the ignition key is in
position 2.
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic*
You can drive as with a normal automatic
transmission. In addition, you can also shift
manually.
If you move the selector lever from position
D to the left into gearshift gate M/S, this
activates the sports-style shift programs of
the automatic transmission. As soon as you
move the selector lever slightly towards +
or Ð, the Steptronic shifts gear and manual
operation is activated. When you wish to
use the automatic transmission mode
again, move the selector lever to the right
into the D position.

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
41
appear briefly in the instrument cluster fol-
lowed by the current gear.
To obtain maximum acceleration, for
passing maneuvers, etc., during
operation in the manual mode, use the
kickdown or downshift manually.<
Shifting from M/S to the selector-lever
positions P, R and N is only possible by
going through D.
Possible displays
P R N D SD M1 M2 M3 M4 M5
Malfunctions
If the indicator lamp lights up, there
is a function fault in the transmis-
sion system.
While it will remain still possible to move
the selector lever to any desired position,
the transmission will revert to operation in
its default mode with only a limited number
of forward gears.
Avoid high loads and drive to the nearest
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Never work in the engine compart-
ment with any of the forward or
reverse gears engaged, as the vehicle
could start to move.<
Information on jump-starting and towing
starts on page 108.
Turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher
1High beams Ð blue indicator lamp
2Headlamp flasher Ð blue indicator lamp
3Turn signal indicators Ð green indicator
accompanied by periodic clicking
sound from the relay
If the flashing indicator lamp and the
clicking from the relay are both faster
than normal, this indicates that one of the
turn signal indicator bulbs is defective.<
Signaling briefly
Press the lever up to but not beyond the
resistance point. It then returns to the cen-
ter position when released.
Washer/wiper system/Rain
sensor*
0Wipers retracted
1Intermittent or rain sensor operation
2Normal wipe
3Fast wipe
4Brief wipe

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