2005 BMW X3 2.5I battery replacement

Notes
6
For your own safety
Maintenance and repair
Advanced technology, e.g. the use of
modern materials and high-performance
electronics, requires specially adapted mainte-
nance and repair methods. Therefore, only have
corresponding work on your BMW carried out
by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a
workshop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. If work is carried out improperly, there is
a danger of consequential damage and the
related safety risks.<
California Proposition 65 Warning
California law requires us to state the following
warning:
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of
automobile components and parts,
including components found in the interior fur-
nishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds. Batter-
ies also contain other chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer. Wash your
hands after handling. Used engine oil contains
chemicals that have caused cancer in labora-
tory animals. Always protect your skin by wash-
ing thoroughly with soap and water.<
Parts and accessories
For your own safety, use genuine parts
and accessories approved by BMW.
When you purchase accessories tested and
approved by BMW and Genuine BMW Parts,
you simultaneously acquire the assurance that
they have been thoroughly tested by BMW to
ensure optimum performance when installed
on your vehicle.
BMW warrants these parts to be free from
defects in material and workmanship.
BMW will not accept any liability for damages
resulting from installation of parts and accesso-
ries not approved by BMW.
BMW cannot test every product made by other
manufacturers to verify if it can be used on a
BMW safely and without risk to either the vehi-
cle, its operation or its occupants.
Genuine BMW Parts, BMW Accessories and
other products approved by BMW, together
with professional advice on using these items,
are available from all BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Centers.
Installation and operation of non-BMW
approved accessories such as alarms, radios,
amplifiers, radar detectors, wheels, suspension
components, brake dust shields, telephones,
including operation of any mobile phone from
within the vehicle without using an externally
mounted antenna, or transceiver equipment, for
instance CBs, walkie-talkies, ham radios or sim-
ilar accessories may cause extensive damage
to the vehicle, compromise its safety, interfere
with the vehicle's electrical system or affect the
validity of the BMW Limited Warranty. Refer to
your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center for
additional information.<
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
the emission control devices and sys-
tems may be performed by any automotive
repair establishment or individual using any cer-
tified automotive part.<

Opening and closing
16
Opening and closing
Key set
1Master keys with remote control
Every master key with remote control con-
tains an extended-life battery as a power
supply, which is charged automatically in
the ignition lock as you drive. You should
use each master key at least twice a year in
order to maintain the charge condition.
Depending on which master key is detected
by the vehicle during unlocking, different
settings in the vehicle are requested and
executed, refer to Vehicle and Key Memory
on page30.
2Spare key
For storage in a safe place, such as in your
wallet.
This key does not fit in the lock of the glove
compartment. This is an advantage, e.g.
when valet parking at a hotel. The key is not
intended for constant use.
Replacement keys
Replacement and additional keys are available
from your BMW Sport Activity Vehicle Center.
Central locking system
The concept
The central locking system is ready for opera-
tion whenever the driver's door is closed. The
system engages or releases the locks on the
>doors
>tailgate
>fuel filler door
The central locking system can be operated
from the outside
>via the remote control
>via the driver's door lock
and from inside via the button for the central
locking system.
When the system is locked from inside, the fuel
filler door remains unlocked, refer to page18.
The anti-theft system is automatically activated
whenever you activate the central locking sys-
tem from outside the vehicle. This prevents the
doors from being unlocked via the lock buttons
or door handles. The alarm system is also
armed or disarmed.
In the event of a serious accident, the central
locking system unlocks automatically. In addi-
tion, the hazard warning flashers and interior
lamps switch on.
Opening and closing: from
outside
Using the remote control
When you engage/release the vehicle locks,
you also activate/deactivate the anti-theft sys-
tem, arm/disarm
the alarm system, and switch
the interior lamps on/off.
You can set an acoustic signal to remind
you if the ignition key is still in the ignition
lock after you open the driver's door.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
95
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in a compart-
ment on the left in the cargo area.
Replacing wiper blades
Front
1.Move the wiper into the fold-out position,
refer to page38.
2.Lift the wiper arm and press the securing
spring, refer to arrow.
3.Pull the wiper blade off toward the wiper
arm.
4.Insert the new blade and snap it into place.
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.<
Rear
1.Lift the wiper arm.
2.Pull off the wiper blade, refer to arrow.
3.Insert a new wiper blade.
Lamps and bulbs
The lamps and bulbs make essential contribu-
tions to the safety of your vehicle. Therefore,
comply fully with the following instructions dur-
ing bulb replacement. If you are not familiar with
the specified procedures, BMW recommends
having the replacements carried out at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. To
install, use a clean cloth, napkin etc. or hold the
bulb by its metal socket.<
A replacement bulb set is available from your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
To prevent short circuits, before working
on any electrical system, equipment or
accessory you should always switch it off and
disconnect the cable from the battery's nega-
tive terminal before starting.
To avoid possible injury or equipment damage
when replacing bulbs, observe any instructions
provided by the bulb manufacturer.<
When maintaining the headlamps, please
comply with the instructions in the sepa-
rate Caring for your vehicle brochure.<

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.

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

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
119
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation57,61
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing105
O
OBD connector93
Octane rating, refer to Fuel
quality81
Odometer42
Oil
– approved engine oils91
– capacity112
– dipstick90
Oil change interval
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models
– refer to Service Interval
Display43
Oil consumption90
Oil grades91
Oil level90
– warning lamp90
Oil pressure90
– warning lamp90
Oil sensor90
– warning lamp90
OIL SERVICE43
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal101
Onboard computer, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Onboard Diagnostics OBD
interface socket93
Onboard tool kit95
Opening and closing
– from inside18
– from outside16
– using the door lock18
– using the remote control16
Output, refer to Engine
data110Outside air
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
Outside temperature display
– changing unit of measure44
– in computer44P
Panorama glass sunroof21
– automatic opening and
closing21
– closing with electrical
malfunction22
– comfort operation18
– comfort position21
– initializing21
– power failure21
– remote control17
Parcel shelf, refer to Cargo
area cover67
Park Distance Control PDC46
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control46
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake35
Parking lamps53
– replacing bulbs97
Parking lamps/low beams53
Parking vehicle35
Partition net68
Parts and accessories, refer to
For your own safety6
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function29
Pathway lighting53
PDC Park Distance Control46
Plastic, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
– Microfilter58
– Microfilter/activated
charcoal filter61
Portable phone, refer also to
separate Owner's Manual
Power failure
– battery102
– panorama glass sunroof21
– windows20Power seat adjustment26
Power socket65,69
Power windows20
– initializing20
– safety switch20
Pressure, tires82
Pressure monitoring, tires49
– Flat Tire Monitor49
Programming settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory30
Protective function, panorama
glass sunroof21
Puncture, Flat Tire Monitor49
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant91
Radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Radio-control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control16
Radio navigation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Rain sensor39
Range, setting units44
Reading lamps
– front55
– rear55
Rear backrests, folding67
Rear seat back, folding67
Rearview mirrors, exterior28
Rear window defroster
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control61
Rear window safety switch20
Rear window wiper39
– wiper blade replacement95
Recirculated-air mode
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
Reflector, refer to Tail
lamps98
Refueling80
– fuel filler door80
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range45

Everything from A to Z
122 Turn signals38
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs97
Turn signals, side, replacing
bulbs97
U
Undercarriage protection,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Units44
– outside temperature44
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote control62
Universal portable phone
preparation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control62
Unlocking
– from inside18
– from outside16
– hood88
Upholstery care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
V
Valve
– insert101
– screw cap101
Vehicle
– battery101
– breaking-in72
– care, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– cargo loading74
– decommissioning, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
– dimensions111
– parking35
– washing, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– weights112
Vehicle battery101Vehicle jack99
– jacking points100
Vehicle jacking points100
Vehicle Memory30
Ventilation57,61
– draft-free58,61
Viscosity91
Voice control, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
W
Warning and indicator
lamps11
Warning triangle103
Warranty, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models93
Warranty and service7
Washer fluid90
Washer fluid reservoir
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities112
– refer to Windshield/
headlamp washer
system90
Weights112
Wheel/tire combination86
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions111
Wheel bolt, wrench99
Wheel changes, compact
wheel99
Wheels and tires86
Width, refer to
Dimensions111
Windows20
– convenience operation18
– safety switch20
Windshield washer
reservoir90
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities112
Windshield washer system
– washer/wiper system38
– washer fluid90Windshield wiper blade
replacement95
Windshield wipers, refer to
Washer/wiper system38
Winter tires86
– changing99
– condition85
– storage86
Wiper blade replacement95
Wiper system38,90
Wood decor, refer to Fine
wood parts
Working in the engine
compartment88
Wrenches, refer to Onboard
tool kit95
X
xDrive48
Xenon lamps97
– replacing bulbs97