2005 BMW X3 2.5I catalytic converter

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.

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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
81
Never attempt to continue driving until
the tank is completely empty, as engine
functions could be affected, and the vehicle
could sustain damage as a result.<
Fuel specifications
The engine uses unleaded gasoline only.
Required fuel
Premium unleaded gasoline,
minimum octane rating: 91.
Minimum octane rating corresponds to the
Anti Knock Index AKI and is determined to the
so-called (R+M)/2 method.
Do not use leaded gasoline, as otherwise
the lambda probe and catalytic converter
will be permanently damaged.<
Use high-quality brands
Field experience has indicated significant dif-
ferences in fuel quality: volatility, composition,
additives, etc., among gasolines offered for sale
in the United States and Canada. Fuels contain-
ing up to and including 10 % ethanol or other
oxygenates with up to 2.8 % oxygen by weight,
that is, 15 % MTBE or 3 % methanol plus an
equivalent amount of co-solvent, will not void
the applicable warranties with respect to
defects in materials or workmanship.
The use of poor-quality fuels may result in
drivability, starting and stalling problems
especially under certain environmental condi-
tions such as high ambient temperature and
high altitude.
Should you encounter drivability problems
which you suspect could be related to the fuel
you are using, we recommend that you respond
by switching to a recognized high-quality
brand. Failure to comply with these recommen-
dations may also result in unscheduled mainte-
nance.<

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.

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.<

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