2005 BMW X3 2.5I engine

Lamps
54
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In ignition key position 2, turn the light
switch to the position Automatic head-
lamp control, refer to page53.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, the Adaptive
Head Light
>is not active when driving in reverse
>i s o n l y a c t i v e t o w a r d p a s s e n g e r ' s s i d e w h e n
stationary
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
faulty or has failed. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
High beams/roadside parking
lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also enjoy the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking. When using
this function, comply with national regulations:
In ignition key position 0 or with ignition key
removed:
Move the lever into the corresponding turn sig-
nal position.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. Avoid using for longer periods, as
otherwise it may not be possible to start the
engine.<
Fog lamps*
Briefly press the button once again to switch
on/off.
The parking lamps or low beams must
be switched on for the fog lamps to
operate. The green indicator lamp
lights up when the fog lamps are.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Instrument lighting
Turn the serrated dial to adjust the illumination
intensity.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
57
Air supply/blower
You can select blower speeds 1
to 4. The heating and ventilation
become more and more effective
as the air supply settings are
increased. In position 0, the blower
and heater are switched off. The air supply is
blocked in position 0.
Temperature
To increase the temperature of the
interior, turn to the right.
Air distribution
You can direct air to flow onto the
windows , toward the upper
body and into the footwell .
All intermediate settings are possi-
ble. In the setting, there is a
slight flow of air onto the windows to keep them
free of condensation.
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster is
activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window
defroster switches off automatically.
You can have your vehicle programmed in
such a way that the rear window defroster
switches on automatically. It is then switched
on at outside temperatures of less than approx.
+397/+46 within 5 minutes of the engine
start.<
Air conditioner
The air is cooled and dehumidified
and warmed again as needed,
depending on the temperature set-
ting. Depending on the weather, the windshield
may fog over briefly when the engine is started.
You can reduce condensation forming on the
windows by switching on the air conditioner.Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.<
Outside air/recirculated-air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors outside the vehicle by tem-
porarily switching off the outside
air supply. The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing air supply as
required. The recirculated-air mode should not
be used over a sustained period of time, other-
wise the air quality inside the vehicle will deteri-
orate.<
Ventilation
The air vents for the upper body area can be
adjusted:
1Serrated dials
Serrated dials for opening and closing the
vent outlets through an infinitely-variable
range.
2Levers
Selector levers for airflow direction.
3Serrated dial
Use this serrated dial to adjust the amount
of cool air that is added to the airflow
emerging from the vent outlets for the
upper body.

A congenial climate
60
A congenial climate
For almost all conditions, the AUTO pro-
gram 12 offers the optimal air distribution and
air volume. Select an interior temperature you
find pleasant.
The following section contains more detailed
information on the available setting options.
Your vehicle has been designed to auto-
matically select your personal climate-
control settings whenever you unlock the doors
using your individually programmed remote
control.<
Automatic air distribution and supply
The AUTO program adjusts the
airflow and distribution patterns for
you while also using your prese-
lected temperature setting as the basis for
adjusting the interior climate to adapt to exter-
nal influences: summer, winter.
The cooling is switched on automatically with
the AUTO program.
Individual air distribution
You can cancel the AUTO program
by selecting specific air distribu-
tion patterns for your personal
comfort, the automatic air supply
remains in operation. You can
direct air to flow onto the win-
dows , toward the upper body , and into
the footwell . You can reactivate the auto-
matic air distribution mode by selecting the
AUTO button.
Adjusting temperature
The figures in the display provide a
general indication of interior tem-
perature. When you start the vehi-
cle, the AUTO program ensures
that the selected temperature is
achieved as quickly as possible. It
then maintains this temperature, regardless of
the season.
Air supply/blower
You can vary the air supply by
pressing the upper or lower button.
This switches off the automatic
program for the air supply, and the
word AUTO goes out in the dis-
play. The automatic mode for air
distribution remains in operation as before. You
can reactivate the automatic air supply mode by
selecting the AUTO button.
If you press the lower button when at the lowest
blower speed, all displays go out: the blower,
heating and air conditioner are switched off.
The outside air supply is shut off. You can
restart the automatic climate control by press-
ing any of its buttons.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly removes ice
and condensation from the wind-
shield and door windows.
Air conditioner
When the air conditioning is on,
the air is cooled, dehumidified,
and then reheated depending on
the temperature setting. Depending on the
weather, the windshield may fog over briefly
when the engine is started. The air conditioner
reduces the formation of condensation on the
windows.
The air conditioner can only operate when the
engine is running and is automatically switched
on with the AUTO program.
Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water
under the vehicle are therefore normal.<
Outside air/AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control/recirculated-
air mode
You can respond to unpleasant
odors or pollutants in the immedi-
ate environment by suspending
the supply of outside air. The system then recir-

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
61
culates the air currently within the vehicle.
During AUC operation, a sensor detects pollut-
ants in the outside air and controls the shut-off
automatically.
Press the button repeatedly to run through the
following control sequence:
>Indicator lamps off: outside air flows into the
vehicle.
>Left indicator lamp on, AUC mode: the sys-
tem recognizes pollutants in the outside air
and blocks the flow of air when necessary.
The system then recirculates the air cur-
rently within the vehicle. Depending on the
air quality, the automatic system then
switches back and forth between outside air
supply and recirculation of the air within the
vehicle.
>Right-hand indicator lamp on: the outside
air supply into the vehicle is shut off contin-
uously. The system then recirculates the air
currently within the vehicle.
If condensation starts to form on the
inside window surfaces during operation
in the recirculated-air mode, you should switch
it off while also increasing air supply as
required. The recirculated-air mode should not
be used over a sustained period of time, other-
wise the air quality inside the vehicle will deteri-
orate.<
Rear window defroster
When the rear window defroster is
activated, the indicator lamp
comes on. The rear window
defroster switches off automatically.
You can have your vehicle set so that the
rear window defroster switches on auto-
matically. It is then switched on at outside tem-
peratures of less than approx. +397/+46
within 5 minutes of the engine start.<
Ventilation
The air vents for the upper body area can be
adjusted:
1Serrated dials
Serrated dials for opening and closing the
vent outlets through an infinitely-variable
range.
2Levers
Selector levers for airflow direction.
3Serrated dial
Use this serrated dial to adjust the amount
of cool air that is added to the airflow
emerging from the vent outlets for the
upper body.
Ventilation for cooling
Adjust the vents to direct the flow of cool air in
your direction, for instance, if the interior has
become too warm.
Draft-free ventilation
Set the vent outlets so that the air flows past
you and is not directed straight at you.
Microfilter/activated-charcoal filter*
The built-in microfilter removes dust and pollen
from the incoming air. The activated-charcoal
filter provides additional protection by filtering
gaseous pollutants from the outside air. This
combined filter is replaced when maintenance
is performed by your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center. A substantial reduction in air supply
indicates that the filter should be replaced
before normal maintenance.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
63
The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
You can use the system when the engine is run-
ning or when the ignition is switched on.
If the system cannot be operated after
repeated programming, check whether
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the
instructions of the original hand-held transmit-
ter or press and hold down the programmed
memory button 1 of the integrated universal
remote control. If the indicator lamp 2 on the
integrated universal remote control flashes rap-
idly for a short time then lights up for approx.
2 seconds, this indicates that the original hand-
held transmitter uses an alternating-code sys-
tem. In the case of an alternating-code system,
program the memory buttons 1 as described at
the section on alternating-code transmitters.<
Alternating-code transmitters
Consult the operating instructions of the unit
you wish to set when programming the univer-
sal remote control. You will find information
there on the possibilities for synchronization.
When programming hand-held transmitters
that employ an alternating code, please follow
these additional instructions:
P r o g ra m m in g w i ll b e ea s i er w it h t h e a i d o f
a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the
remote-controlled equipment.
2.Program the integrated universal remote
control as described above at Fixed-code
hand-held transmitters.
3.Locate the button at the receiver of the
equipment to be set, e.g. on the drive.
4.Press the button on the receiver of the
device you want to set up. After step 4, you
have approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5.Press the programmed memory button1
of the integrated universal remote control
three times. The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
If you have questions, please contact your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.<
Clearing memory buttons
Press both outer buttons 1 for approx. 20 sec-
onds until the indicator lamp2 starts to flash:
all of the memory buttons are cleared.
The memory of individual memory buttons 1
cannot be cleared.
Cup holders
Front
Depending on your optional equipment, the
center console contains either one or two cup
holders.
Passenger side*
The cup holder for the front passenger is
located beneath the air/heating vent.
1.Press the trim piece below the air/heating
vent, arrow.
2.Insert cup.

Things to remember when driving
72
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts should be allowed to adjust to one
another. To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long service
life, we request that you observe the following
instructions.
Engine and differential
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km:
Drive at varying engine and driving speeds,
however do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph/
160 km/h in the process:
Always obey all official speed limits.
Refrain from using full throttle and avoid press-
ing the accelerator beyond the kick-down point.
Once you have driven 1,200 miles/2,000 km,
the engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. For this reason, drive with extra care
during the initial 200 miles/300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum speed lim-
its.
When the vehicle is operated on wet or
slushy roads, a wedge of water may form
between the tire and the road surface. This phe-
nomenon is referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehi-
cle control and braking effectiveness. Reduce
your speed on wet roads.<
Brake system
Approx. 300 miles/500 km must elapse before
the brake pads and rotors achieve the optimal
pad-surface and wear patterns required for
trouble-free operation and long service life later
on. To break in the separate handbrake drums,
apply the handbrake lightly when coasting to a
stop – at a traffic signal, for instance; use cau-
tion to avoid posing a danger to other road
users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure from
time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
handbrake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the vehicle
with the engine off – e.g. by towing – substan-
tially higher levels of pedal force will be required
to brake the vehicle.<
Clutch
The functio n of the clutch is als o only at its o pti-
mized level after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following component replacements
Observe the break-in instructions again if previ-
ously addressed components must be replaced
again during driving later.
General driving notes
Closing tailgate
Operate the vehicle only when the tail-
gate is completely closed, as otherwise
exhaust fumes could enter the interior of the
vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
tailgate open:
1.Close all windows and the panorama glass
sunroof.
2.Greatly increase the air supply of the air
conditioner or automatic climate control,
refer to page56 or59.

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.