2005 BMW X3 2.5I ABS

Wheels and tires
86
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center or tire shop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of
retreaded tires, as otherwise driving
safety may be reduced. The causes for this
include the possibly different tire casing struc-
tures and the often wide variations in their age,
which can result in a limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for the correct wheel-and-tire combina-
tion.
The correct wheel-and-tire combination affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC or xDrive.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. After a flat
tire, always remember to have the specified
wheel-and-tire combination remounted on the
vehicle as soon as possible.
Recommended tire sizes and brands
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size,
classifies them as road-safe and approves
them. These are available at a specialized
dealer, preferably your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center. Observe any country-specific
regulations, e.g. on making a corresponding
entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-mounted tires have been specially
selected to provide optimized performance
when installed on your vehicle; if properly cared
for, they will provide a combination of safety and
excellent ride comfort.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated. Unpro-
fessional attempts by laymen to service tires
can lead to damage and accidents. Have this
work performed by skilled professionals only.
The technicians at your BMW Sports Activity
V e h i c l e C e n t e r w i l l b e g l a d t o a s s i s t y o u w i t h t h e
required professional knowledge and special-
ized equipment.<
Storage
Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry place, pro-
tecting them against light whenever possible.
Protect the tires against contact with oil, grease
and fuel. Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressure indicated on the side wall of the
tire.

Under the hood
90
Washer fluid
Headlamp* and windshield washer
system
The antifreeze for the washer systems is
flammable. For this reason, keep it away
from sources of flame and store it only in its
original containers. Store it so that it is inacces-
sible to children. Always observe the instruc-
tions for use provided on the containers.<
We recommend that you mix the washer
fluid before adding it to the reservoir.<
Capacity of the windshield washer system:
approx. 3.2 US quarts/3 liters.
Capacity for equipment with headlamp washer
system: approx. 6.9 US quarts/6.5 liters.
Fill with water and, if required, with an antifreeze
additive according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving
style and operating conditions.
Warning lamp
Engine oil pressure
The warning lamp lights up red:
Stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. Check the engine
oil level; top off as required. If the oil level is cor-
rect: have the system checked immediately.
Do not continue driving. The engine could
be damaged because of inadequate lubri-
cation.<
Engine oil level
The warning lamp lights up yellow while
driving:
The oil level is at the absolute mini-
mum. Add engine oil as soon as possible. Until
then, do not drive more than approx. 30 miles/
50 km.
The warning lamp lights up yellow after
the engine is switched off:
Top off engine oil at the earliest oppor-
tunity, e.g. when refueling.
Engine oil sensor
The warning lamp lights up yellow
within 20 seconds after starting the
engine:
The oil level sensor is defective. Have checked
as soon as possible.
Checking oil level
1.With the engine at operating temperature,
i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km of uninter-
rupted driving, park the vehicle in a horizon-
tal position.
2.Switch off engine.
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick out
and wipe it off with a clean lint-free. cloth,
paper towel, or similar material.
4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil should extend to between the two
marks on the dipstick.
5.Push the oil dipstick into the dipstick tube
as far as possible again.
The oil quantity between the two marks of the
dipstick is approx. 1.1 US quarts/1 liter.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
93
Maintenance
The BMW maintenance
system
The BMW maintenance system supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW.
Regular maintenance is not only required for
the safety of the vehicle, it also improves the
resale value.
Service Interval Display
The BMW maintenance system takes the driv-
ing conditions of the vehicle into account when
determining service intervals:
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in
short-distance urban driving are not the equiva-
lent of the same distance covered at moderate
speeds in long-distance highway travel.
The BMW maintenance system is divided into
engine oil service as well as Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals accord-
ing to the actual loads on the vehicle covers
every kind of operating situation. However,
even those who drive only short distances,
significantly less than 6,200 miles/10,000 km
annually, should have the engine oil changed at
least every 2 years since oil deteriorates over
time, regardless of use.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over the
course of time. To ensure that the brake system
continues to provide safe and reliable perfor-
mance, remember to have the brake fluid changed at least every two years by a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center, also refer to the
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for
US models or the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
For detailed information on required mainte-
nance items and the work involved, please refer
to the Service and Warranty Information Book-
let for US models or to the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Depending on operating conditions, it may be
advisable to have the body checked for damage
from rocks or gravel as a precaution against cor-
rosion.
BMW recommends that you have your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center per-
form the maintenance and repair.
Check that the maintenance work is recorded in
the Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These
entries will serve as proof that the vehicle has
received regular maintenance.<
OBD connector
The interface socket for the Onboard Diagnos-
tics is located on the left of the driver's side at

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
114 Black ice, refer to Ice
warning44
Blower
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
BMW maintenance system93
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders63
Brake fluid92
– level92
– warning lamp92
Brake Force Display50
Brake lamps
– Brake Force Display50
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp12,53
– replacing bulbs98
Brake pads
– breaking-in72
Brake pedal, refer to Safe
braking73
Brake rotors
– brake system72
– breaking-in72
Brakes73,92
– ABS73
– brake fluid92
– breaking in72
– handbrake35
– indicator/warning lamp11
Brake system92
– brake fluid92
– brake pads92
– breaking-in72
– disc brakes74
– warning lamp92
Brake wear warning
– brake pads92
– warning lamp92
Breakdown service, refer to
Receiving assistance103
Breaking-in72
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs95
Buttons on steering wheel12
C
California law
– Event Data Recorders94
– Proposition 65 Warning6
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders63
Capacities112
Capacity, cargo area112
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing75
Cargo area67
– capacity112
– cover67
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual unlocking19
– floor cover69
– folding rear seat backrest67
– lashing eyes69
– lid, refer to Tailgate19
– opening, remote control17
– power socket69
Cargo loading74
– determining load limit74
– securing cargo75
– stowing cargo75
– vehicle74
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for the carpet, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochureCaring for the vehicle finish,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Key set16
Car phone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car phone preparation66
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Car wash73
– refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system73
CD operation, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Central locking system16
– interior18
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel99
Changing gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
Changing wheels86
Charge-current indicator
lamp12,101
Charging battery101
Check Gas Cap, warning
lamp12,80
Checking oil level90
Child's seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems31
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH33
Child-restraint systems31
Child-safety locks33
Chock99
Chrome parts, care, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter65

Everything from A to Z
120 Remaining distance for
Service43
Remote control16
– garage-door opener62
– malfunction17
– tailgate17
Removing condensation,
windows
– air conditioner58
– automatic climate control60
Replacement fuses102
Replacement keys16
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs95
Replacing tires
– new wheels and tires86
– wheel changes99
Replacing windshield
wiper95
Reporting safety defects7
Reserve indicator lamp, refer
to Fuel gage42
Restraint systems
– for children31
– refer to Safety belts27
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic37
– manual transmission36
Roadside Assistance, refer to
Receiving assistance103
Roadside parking lamps54
– replacing bulbs97
Roll-up cover, refer to Cargo
area cover67
Roof load, refer to
Weights112
Roof-mounted luggage
rack76
Rope, refer to Tow-starting
and towing105
Rotating coin holder, refer to
Storage compartments64
Run-flat indicator, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor49
S
Safety belts27
– sitting safely24
– warning lamp27
Safety belt tensioners, refer to
Safety belts27
Safety defects, reporting7
Safety feature, power
windows20
Safety systems, refer to
– ABS Antilock Brake
System47
– Airbags51
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control47
– xDrive48
Screwdriver, refer to Onboard
tool kit95
Seat heating27
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory26
Seats
– adjusting electrically26
– adjusting sports seat25
– heating27
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory26
– sitting safely24
– storing the setting26
Securing cargo, refer to Cargo
loading74
Selector lever, automatic
transmission37
Selector lever interlock, refer
to Shiftlock37
Selector-lever positions,
automatic transmission36
Service, refer to Receiving
assistance103
Service and warranty7
Service Engine Soon34,94
Service Interval Display43,93
Setting interior
temperature57,60
Shifting gears, with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic37Shiftlock37
Side airbags51
Side tilt, permissible76
Side turn signals, replacing
the bulbs97
Sitting safely24
– with airbags24
– with safety belts24
Ski bag66
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray65
Snow chains87
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency call103
Spare fuses102
Spare key16
Spare tire, refer to Wheel
changes99
Spare wheel, refer to Compact
wheel99
Specified oils91
Speed
– with compact wheel101
– with winter tires86
Speedometer11
– refer to Instrument
cluster11
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic37
Sports seat25
Stability control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control47
Starting, refer to Engine34
Starting difficulties
– jump starting104
Starting engine34,35
Starting problems at very low
temperatures35
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steering lock34
Steering wheel10,12
– adjustment28
– buttons12
– lock34
Steering wheel heater28