2005 BMW X3 2.5I Transmission

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
49
Activating system
Press the button; the indicator lamp comes on.
The indicator lamp flashes when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Deactivating system
Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes
out.
HDC is deactivated immediately above approx.
35 mph/60 km/h and after approx. 10 seconds
when the ignition is switched off.
Using HDC
In vehicles with manual transmission:
Use HDC in first gear and in reverse gear, as in
the higher gears the engine's braking action
diminishes.
On vehicles with automatic transmission:
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.
Malfunction in vehicle stability control
systems
The warning lamp lights up yellow.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control is defec-
tive. Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.If one of the malfunctions described
below occurs, proceed cautiously and
defensively. When driving on poor roads, avoid
using the full throttle or kick-down positions of
the accelerator as well as heavy and panic brak-
ing. Otherwise the drive train may be damaged
or accidents can occur.<
The red brake warning lamp lights up
together with the warning lamps for
ABS and DSC/xDrive. In addition, a
warning signal sounds. ABS, DSC,
HDC and xDrive have failed. Drive may
then only be carried out via the rear
axle. If the brake warning lamp lights up
yellow in the described combination,
the EBV Electronic brake-force distribution is
still available. Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on 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 avail-
able. It is then possible to exert driving force
only via the rear axle. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Flat Tire Monitor
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the infla-
tion pressures in the four mounted tires as you
drive. The system provides an alert whenever
the inflation pressure drops significantly in rela-
tion to the pressure in another tire.

Practical interior accessories
62
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control
replaces up to three different hand-held trans-
mitters for various items of radio-controlled
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 trans-
mitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons1. Once this is done, each of the
devices can be actuated with the appropriately
programmed memory button 1. The indicator
lamp 2 confirms transmission of the signal.
Should you sell your vehicle one day, be sure to
delete the stored programs beforehand for your
safety, refer to page63.
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 peo-
ple, animals or objects are within the travel
range of the device. Also, comply with the
safety precautions of the original hand-held
transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If you see this symbol on the packaging
or in the manual supplied with the orig-
inal 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 transmitters
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 lamp2 starts to flash. The three
memory buttons1 are cleared.
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a
distance of approx. 2 in/5 cm to 8 in/20 cm
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the
hand-held transmitter and memory
buttons1 depends on the relevant system
of the original hand-held transmitter used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit button
on the original hand-held transmitter and
the desired memory button 1 of the inte-
grated universal remote control. Initially, the
indicator lamp2 flashes slowly. Release
both buttons as soon as the indicator
lamp2 flashes rapidly. If the indicator
lamp2 does not flash rapidly after approx.
15 seconds, change the distance.
5.To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
73
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles equipped with a catalytic
converter, extremely high temperatures
are generated in this vehicle. Do not remove the
heat shields installed adjacent to various sec-
tions of the exhaust system, and never apply
undercoating to them. When driving, standing
at idle and while parking take care to avoid pos-
sible contact between the hot exhaust system
and any highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to
a fire, resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW does not recommend using mobile
communications devices, e.g. portable
phones, in the interior of the vehicle without a
direct connection to an outside antenna. Other-
wise the vehicle electronics and mobile com-
munications device can affect each other. In
addition, there is no assurance that the radia-
tion which results during transmission will be
dissipated from the vehicle interior.<
Inside rearview mirror, automatically
dimming*

The inside rearview mirror contains two photo-
cells that control the automatic dimming func-
tion. One is integrated into the mirror glass, the
other is located on the back of the mirror.
For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells
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.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are thus normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page28, as
otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
Deactivate the rain sensor as otherwise dam-
age could result from undesired wiper activa-
tion, refer to page39.
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 sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between tires and
road surface, ultimately undermining your abil-
ity 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 trans-
mission may be damaged.<
Use handbrake on inclines
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes
by slipping or riding the clutch, use the
handbrake instead. Otherwise greater clutch
wear will result.<
Safe braking
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard
equipment. The best way to brake is to apply
maximum pressure to the brake pedal during
emergency: panic braking. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort.

Things to remember when driving
74 Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Wet roads
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 generated by the brake applications helps to
dry the brake pads and rotors. The full braking
force will then be available when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and reduced effi-
ciency of the brake system, drive long or
steep downhill gradients in the gear in which
the least braking is required. Otherwise, even
light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
You can further enhance the engine's braking
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 page37. This strategy helps you avoid
placing excessive loads on the brake system.
During slower downhill driving, use the HDC Hill
Descent Control, refer to page48.
Never drive with the clutch engaged, the
transmission in Neutral or with the engine
switched off, as otherwise there is no engine
braking when the transmission is in neutral, and
no power-assist for brakes and steering with
the engine switched off.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or other objects
to protrude into the area around the brake or
accelerator pedals and obstruct their move-
ment.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency 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 pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result
can assume the form of a sudden air loss.<
Determining load limit
1.Locate the following statement on your
vehicle's placard
*:
The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX Ibs. or YYY kg, as otherwise the vehicle
may be damaged and unstable driving con-
ditions may result.<
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.

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.<

Technical data
112
Weights
Capacities
X3 2.5iX3 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
Payload
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 71/2,011 71/2,011
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 17.7/67
approx. 2/8Fuel specification:
page81
Windshield washer/
headlamp washer systemquarts/liters approx. 3.2/3.0
approx. 6.9/6.5For details: page90
Engine oil and filter change quarts/liters approx. 6.6/6.2 For details: page90

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