2005 BMW X3 2.5I Service engine soon

Cockpit
12
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
different colors and combinations.
The following section explains the significance
of the individual colors as well as how you
should respond when they appear.
>red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>yellow:
Have the system inspected as soon as
possible
or
For your information
>green:
For your information
>blue:
For your information
Buttons on steering wheel*
The buttons integrated into the steering wheel
are provided so that you can operate a number
of accessories quickly and without being dis-
tracted from traffic conditions. You may oper-
ate:
>Selected audio source functions
>Recirculated-air mode/steering wheel
heater Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System
+49
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis
control system for Canadian models
Brake pads
+92
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 47, 49
Flat Tire Monitor
+49
Automatic transmission
+36
Engine oil
+90
Service Engine Soon
+94
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for
Canadian models
Check Gas Cap
* +80
Engine electronics
+34
Battery charge current
+101
Topping off coolant91
Topping off washer fluid90
Lamp defective53
Turn signals38
Front fog lamps54
Headlamp flasher38
High beams54
Cruise control40
Indicates from ignition key in posi-
tion 2 when a door or the tailgate is
opened.

Driving
34
Driving
Ignition lock
0 Steering locked
T h e k e y c a n b e in s e r t e d o r r e m o v e d in t h i s p o s i-
tion only.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the left or right until you hear the lock
engage.
Interlock
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
To turn the key back to position 0 or to remove
it, first place the selector lever in position P.
1 Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often makes
it easier to turn the key from 0 to 1.
Some power accessories are ready for opera-
tion.
2 Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
3 Starting engine
Engine
Do not allow the engine to warm up while idling.
Begin driving immediately at moderate engine
speed.
The engine idle speed is controlled by the
engine computer system. Increased idle
speeds at startup are normal and should decrease as the engine warms up. If engine
speed does not decrease, service is required.
To prevent the battery from discharging, always
switch off electrical devices which are not in use
and the ignition when the vehicle is not being
driven.
Do not run the engine in closed rooms, as
otherwise inhaling toxic exhaust gases
can cause unconsciousness and death. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the
engine running, since an unattended vehicle
with a running engine represents a safety haz-
ard.
When driving, standing at idle and while parking
take care to avoid possible contact between a
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.<
Indicator lamps
If the Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp comes on either continuously or
intermittently, this indicates a malfunc-
tion in the emissions-related electronic sys-
tems. Although the vehicle remains operational,
you should have the systems checked by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center at the ear-
liest possible opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the
need for service, not that you need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center at the next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates
a high level of engine misfire. Reduce speed
and contact the nearest BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center immediately. Severe engine
misfiring over even a short period of time can
seriously damage emission control system
components, especially the catalytic converter.

Refueling
80
Refueling
Fuel filler door
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling, as it is not possible to add fuel with
the engine running, and attempts to do so may
also trigger the Service Engine Soon lamp.<
To open and close: press the rear edge of the
fuel filler door.
Manual release
In the event of an electrical malfunction in the
system, you can release the fuel filler door man-
ually:
1.Open the cover flap in the cargo area on the
right-hand side panel, refer to page68.
2.Pull the green button.
Always observe all applicable precautions
and regulations when handling fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehi-
cle. Whether empty or full, these containers can
leak, cause an explosion, and lead to fire in the
event of a collision.<
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, comply with all of
the applicable safety precautions posted
at the service station.<
Put the filler cap in the bracket attached to the
fuel filler door.
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Lifting the filler nozzle
during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>can lead to reduced efficiency in the fuel-
vapor recovery system
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Closing fuel filler cap
Fit the cap and turn it clockwise until you clearly
hear a click.
Close the filler cap carefully after refueling
until a click is heard. While closing, be
sure not to squeeze the strap which is fastened
to the cap. A loose or missing cap will activate
the Check gas cap lamp
*.<
The warning lamp
* lights up.
The fuel filler cap is not properly closed
or is missing. Check whether the fuel
filler cap is properly closed.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 17.7 gallons/67 liters, including the
reserve capacity of approx. 2 gallons/8 liters.

Maintenance
94 the bottom of the instrument cluster and under
a cover. The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The most important components for the com-
position of the emissions can be checked by a
device via this interface.
If the Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp lights up either continuously or
intermittently, this indicates a malfunc-
tion in the emissions-related electronic sys-
tems. Although the vehicle remains operational,
you should have the systems checked by your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center at the ear-
liest possible opportunity.
The illuminated indicator informs you of the
need for service, not that you need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should be
checked by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center at the next opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this indicates
a high level of engine misfire. Reduce speed
and contact the nearest BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center immediately. Severe engine
misfiring over even a short period of time can
seriously damage emission control system
components, especially the catalytic converter.
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight enough,
the OBD system can detect leaking vapor
and the indicator lamp will light up. If the fuel
filler cap is then tightened, the indicator lamp
will usually go out after a short period of time.<
Event Data Recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or more
sensing and diagnostic modules or a recording
device capable of recording or transmitting cer-
tain vehicle data or information. In addition, if
you have a Subscription Service Agreement for
the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle infor-
mation may be transmitted or recorded in order
to provide such services.
Care
For all information on this subject, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle brochure.

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