
Driving
38 To use the automatic function again, move the 
selector lever to the right into position D.
Malfunction 
The warning lamp lights up. A malfunc-
tion has occurred in the transmission 
system. Avoid heavy loads.
While it will still remain possible to move the 
selector lever to any desired position, the trans-
mission will revert to its default mode with only 
a limited number of forward gears. 
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Information on towing and jump starting, refer 
to page105. 
Turn signals/headlamp 
flasher 
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Turn signals
Atypically rapid flashing of the indicator 
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb has 
gone out. After the ignition is switched off, 
make sure that the roadside parking lamps have 
not been left on.< 
Signaling briefly
Press lever to resistance point and hold for as 
long as you wish to signal.
Washer/wiper system/
rain sensor* 
0Wipers retracted 
1Intermittent or rain sensor operation
2Normal wiper speed
3Fast wipe
4Brief wipe
5Select interval time or set sensitivity of rain 
sensor
Fold-out position
The right wiper is partially concealed by the 
hood. 
To move the wipers into a vertical position:
1.Switch on wipers in lever position 1.
2.When the wipers are approximately vertical, 
move the ignition key to position 0.
For changing the wiper blades, refer to page95.
Fold the wipers back down onto the wind-
shield before you turn the ignition key to 
p o s i t i o n  1  o r  2  a g a i n .  I f  y o u  d o  n o t ,  t h e y  c o u l d  b e  
damaged.<
Intermittent mode
Not on vehicles with rain sensor.
You can set the wipe interval to four stages with 
the serrated dial 5. 
In addition, the wipe interval is varied automati-
cally depending on road speed.  

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 89
Engine compartment 
1Reservoir for windshield and headlamp 
washer system90 
2Body ground: negative terminal104
3Auxiliary terminal for jump starting104 
4Engine oil filler neck91 
5Brake fluid reservoir92
6Dipstick for engine oil90
7Coolant expansion tank91 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 101
light-alloy wheels, different lug bolts may 
also be required.
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all 
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
5.Lower the jack and remove it from beneath 
the vehicle.
After mounting
1.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
To ensure safety, always have the lug 
bolts checked with a calibrated 
torque wrench as soon as possible to 
ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
fied torque. The tightening torque is 
101lbft/140Nm.< 
2.Stow the defective wheel in the cargo area.
3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure 
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems and valve stem 
seal caps against dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source 
of gradual air loss.< 
4.Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to 
page49.
Do not initialize the system when driv-
ing with the compact wheel.< 
5.Replace the damaged tire with a new one as 
soon as possible and have the new wheel 
balanced.
Driving with compact wheel 
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. Do not deacti-
vate DSC, as otherwise unstable driving condi-
tions may result.< 
The driving characteristics change, for example 
reduced track stability on braking, extended 
braking distance, and altered self-steering 
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction 
with winter tires, these characteristics are more 
pronounced. 
Only one compact wheel may be 
mounted. You should re-equip with 
wheels and tires of the original size as quickly as 
possible.<
Vehicle battery 
Maintenance
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the 
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery 
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center 
will be happy to consult you on all questions 
concerning the battery.
Warning lamp 
The warning lamp lights up. The bat-
tery is no longer being charged. The 
alternator V-belt is defective or there is 
a malfunction in the charge current circuit of the 
alternator. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.
Do not continue driving if the V-belt is 
defective. The engine could be damaged 
due to overheating. 
Moreover, an increased amount of force is 
required for steering if there is a sharp drop in 
the onboard supply voltage.< 
Charging battery 
Charge the battery in the vehicle only when the 
engine is not running. Use the connections pro-
vided in the engine compartment. For connec-
tions, refer to Jump starting on page104. 
Disposal 
Have old batteries disposed of following 
replacement at your BMW Sports Activity 
Vehicle Center or bring them to a collection 
point. Maintain the battery in an upright position 
for transport and storage. Always secure the 
battery to prevent it from tipping over during 
transport.< 

Giving and receiving assistance
104
First-aid kit* 
Beneath the front passenger's seat. 
To open: pull the handle and fold the cover 
downward. 
To close: fold the cover up. 
Some of the articles in the first-aid kit may 
be used within a limited time only. There-
fore, check the expiration dates of the contents 
regularly and replace the contents in a timely 
fashion as needed. You can find replacements 
in any pharmacy. Always observe all legal regu-
lations requiring a first-aid kit to be carried in the 
vehicle.< 
Jump starting 
When your battery is discharged, you can use 
two jumper cables to start your vehicle with 
power from the battery in a second vehicle. You 
can also use the same method to help start 
another vehicle. Use only jumper cables with 
fully-insulated clamp handles. 
To avoid the risk of potentially fatal injury, 
always avoid all contact with electrical 
components while the engine is running. Care-
fully observe the following instructions to avoid 
personal injury and/or damage to one or both 
vehicles.<
Preparing
1.Check whether the battery of the other 
vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and 
approximately the same capacitance in Ah. 
This information can be found on the bat-
tery.2.Switch off the engine of the vehicle provid-
ing assistance.
3.Switch off any electrical systems and com-
ponents in both vehicles.
Ensure that no contact exists between 
the bodywork on the two vehicles, other-
wise there is a danger of short circuits.< 
Connecting jumper cables
To avoid personal injury from sparks, 
always follow this sequence when con-
necting jumper cables.< 
On your BMW, the auxiliary terminal for jump 
starting in the engine compartment serves as 
the battery positive terminal, refer also to 
engine compartment overview on page89. 
The symbol + is embossed on the cover.
1.Open the cover of the BMW auxiliary termi-
nal for jump starting, refer to arrow1.
2.Connect one terminal clamp of the posi-
tive/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal 
of the battery or an auxiliary terminal of the 
vehicle providing starting assistance.
3.Connect the second terminal clamp of the 
positive/+ jumper cable to the positive ter-
minal of the battery or to an auxiliary termi-
nal of the vehicle to be started. 
Your BMW has a special nut that serves as the 
body ground or negative terminal, refer to 
arrow2.
4.Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/– 
to the negative terminal of the battery or to 
an engine or body ground of the vehicle 
providing assistance. 

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 105
5.Connect the second terminal clamp of the 
negative/– jumper cable to the negative ter-
minal of the battery or to the engine or body 
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting engine
1.Start the assisting vehicle's engine and let it 
run at an increased idling speed for a few 
minutes. 
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the 
usual way. 
If the first start attempt is not successful, 
wait a few minutes before another attempt 
in order to allow the discharged battery to 
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing 
the connection sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and 
recharged at a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle 
Center.
Never use spray fluids to start the 
engine.< 
Tow-starting and towing 
Use tow fitting 
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the 
onboard tool kit, refer to page95, and must 
always remain in the vehicle. It can be screwed 
in at the front or rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting and the 
vehicle, observe the following: only use 
the tow fitting that comes with the vehicle and 
screw it in as far as it will go. Only use the tow 
fitting to tow on roads. Avoid lateral loading of 
the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the 
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread 
Press out the cover in the front or rear bumper 
at the notch at the bottom with a screwdriver.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering lock will 
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine 
stopped. It is then necessary to exert increased 
effort for braking and steering.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with 
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h and a towing distance of 
95 miles/150 km, as otherwise the drive train 
may be damaged.<
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gear lever in neutral.
Vehicles with automatic transmission 
Selector lever in N.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or 
ropes on public roads is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar 
The towing vehicle may not be lighter 
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise 
it will not be possible to control vehicle 
response.<  

Giving and receiving assistance
106 The tow fittings used should be on the same 
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset 
angle, please observe the following: 
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will 
be strictly limited in corners. 
>When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will 
exert lateral forces, tending to push the 
vehicle sideways. 
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only. 
Otherwise damage could result on other 
vehicle parts.<
With tow-rope 
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make 
sure that the tow-rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated 
stresses on vehicle components when 
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps. 
Secure the tow-rope on the tow fitting only. 
Otherwise damage could result on other vehicle 
parts.< 
With tow truck
Do not tow the X3 with only the front or 
rear axle raised, as otherwise the wheels 
could lock and the transfer case could be dam-
aged.< 
Only have the X3 transported on a load bed.
Tow-starting 
Do not tow-start vehicles with an auto-
matic transmission. 
Jump starting, refer to page104.< 
Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only 
be tow-started when the engine is cold. It is bet-
ter to jump start the engine, refer to page104. 
1.Switch on the hazard warning flashers, 
comply with country-specific regulations. 
2.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
3.Engage the 3rd gear. 
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch 
pedal completely depressed and slowly 
release the clutch. After the engine starts, 
immediately depress the clutch pedal com-
pletely again. 
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow 
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked. 
Do not activate the HDC Hill Descent 
Control during tow-starting, refer to 
page48.<  

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
 113
Everything from A to Z
Index 
A
ABS Antilock Brake 
System47
– indicator lamp12
Accessories, refer to For your 
own safety6
Accident, refer to Receiving 
assistance103
Activated-charcoal filter61
Adaptive Head Light53
Adding engine oil91
Adjusting seats24
– electric26
– mechanical25
– mechanical, sports seat25
Air, drying, refer to Air 
conditioner57,60
Airbags51
– deactivating front passenger 
side31,52
– indicator lamp for front 
passenger airbags52
– sitting safely24
– warning lamp52
Air circulation, refer to Recir-
culated-air mode57,60
Air conditioner56,57
Air distribution
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
Airing, refer to 
Ventilation57,61
Air outlets, refer to 
Ventilation57,61
Air pressure, refer to Tire 
inflation pressure82
Air supply
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
Air vents, refer to 
Ventilation57,61AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications81
Alarm system22
– avoiding unintentional 
alarms23
All-season tires, refer to 
Special characteristics of 
winter tires86
Anchorage points33
Antifreeze
– coolant91
– washer fluid90
Antilock Brake System 
ABS47
– indicator lamp12
Anti-theft alarm system16
– refer to Alarm system22
Anti-trapping mechanism
– panorama glass sunroof21
– power windows20
Approved axle load, refer to 
Weights112
Approved engine oils91
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights112
Armrest
– front64
– rear64
Artificial leather, refer to the 
Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Ashtray65
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control60
Automatic
– air distribution60
– air supply60
– climate control59,60
– headlamp control53
– recirculated-air control 
AUC60Automatic car wash, refer to 
the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Automatic cruise control40
Automatic curb monitor29
Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic36
– indicator lamp38
– interlock34
– selector lever interlock37
– shiftlock37
– towing105
– tow-starting106
AUTO program, refer to 
Automatic air distribution 
and supply60
Average fuel consumption44
– setting units44
Average speed45
– setting units44
Avoiding unintentional 
alarms23
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights112
B
Backrest, refer to Seats25
Backup lamps36
– refer to Tail lamps98
– replacing bulbs98
Bandages, refer to First-aid 
kit104
Bar, towing105
Battery101
– indicator lamp12
– jump starting104
– power failure102
– remote control16
– warning lamp101
Belts, refer to Safety belts27
Beverage holder, refer to Cup 
holders63 

Everything from A to Z
118
J
Jacking points100
Jumping, refer to Jump 
starting104
Jump starting104
K
Key Memory30
Keys16
Kick-down37
L
Lamps and bulbs95
Lashing eyes, refer to 
Securing cargo75
LATCH child-restraint fixing 
system33
LEDs light-emitting diodes98
Length, refer to 
Dimensions111
License plate lamp, replacing 
bulbs98
Lifting handle, compact 
wheel99
Light-alloy wheels, care, refer 
to the Caring for your vehicle 
brochure
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs98
Lighter65
Lighter socket65
Lighting of instruments54
Lights, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams53
Lights on warning53
Light switch53
Load, refer to Cargo 
loading74
Lock buttons, doors, refer to 
Locking19
Locking
– from inside18
– from outside16
Locking, vehicle
– from inside18
– from outside16Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside18
– from outside16
Low beams53
– automatic53
– indicator lamp, defective 
lamp53
– replacing bulbs96
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support26
Lug bolts100
– torque101
Luggage compartment19
– capacity112
– cover, refer to Cargo area 
cover67
– floor cover69
– increasing volume67
– opening/closing, refer to 
Tailgate19
– opening from outside19
– opening with remote 
control17
– refer to Cargo area67
– remote control17
Luggage compartment cover, 
refer to Cargo area cover67
Luggage compartment lid, 
refer to Tailgate19
Luggage compartment net, 
refer to Partition net68
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack76
Lug wrench99
Lumbar support26
M
Maintenance93
Maintenance system93
Malfunctions
– automatic transmission38
– door lock18
– fuel filler door80
– panorama glass sunroof22
– tailgate19Manual operation
– door lock18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door80
– panorama glass sunroof22
– tailgate19
Manual transmission36
Master key16
– with remote control16
Maximum speed, with winter 
tires86
Mechanical seats25
Memory, refer to
– Seat and mirror memory26
– Vehicle Memory, Key 
Memory30
Microfilter
– air conditioner58
– automatic climate control61
Microphone, refer to Car 
phone preparation66
Microphone for telephone66
Mini-Disc operation, refer to 
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Mirrors28
– automatic curb monitor29
– mirror heating29
– mirror memory, refer to Seat 
and mirror memory26
Multi-function steering wheel, 
refer to Buttons on steering 
wheel12
Multifunction switch
– turn signals/headlamp 
flasher38
– washer/wiper system38N
Navigation system, refer to 
Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer/Radio 
and Navigation System
Neck support, refer to Head 
restraints25
Nets65
Non-smoker's equipment 
package65