2005 BMW X3 3.0I ECO mode

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
46
Technology for comfort, convenience and
safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
PDC provides extra safety and convenience
during parking maneuvers. Signal tones indi-
cate the current distance to an object behind or
in front of your vehicle. Four ultrasonic sensors
in both the bumpers monitor the distance to the
nearest object.
The front and rear sensors on the corners have
a range of approx. 2 ft/60 cm. The two rear mid-
dle sensors have a range of approx. 5 ft/1.50 m
and the two front middle sensors of approx.
2.6 ft/80 cm.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate
objects when they are approached
slowly, as is usually the case when parking.
Avoid approaching objects too fast, otherwise
the system may give warning of physical obsta-
cles too late.<
If you tow a trailer, the rear sensors cannot take
any practical measurements. Therefore, they
do not switch on.
Automatic mode
In ignition key position 2, the system is auto-
matically activated after approx. one second
each time you shift into reverse or move the
selector-lever into position R. Wait for this short
time span before moving. The system switches
off when you shift out of reverse.
You can have a signal tone programmed
into the system to verify that the PDC is
active.<
Manual mode
In ignition key position 2, press the button; the
indicator lamp lights up.
Deactivating manual mode
Press the button again; the indicator lamp goes
out.
After driving a distance of more than approx.
160 ft/50 m or exceeding a speed of approx.
20 mph/30 km/h, the system switches off and
the indicator lamp goes out. You can reactivate
the system manually as needed.
Signal tones
The distance to an object behind the vehicle is
signaled, in accordance with the position, by an
intermittent tone from a speaker in the rear.
The distance to an object in front of the vehicle
is signaled by an intermittent tone from a loud-
speaker beneath the instrument cluster.
As the distance between vehicle and object
decreases, the intervals between the tones
become shorter. The signal tone becomes con-
tinuous once the distance to the nearest object
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm.
The signal tone is canceled after approx. 3 sec-
onds when the distance to an object remains
constant during this time, if you are moving par-
allel to a wall, for instance.

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.

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.

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.

Under the hood
92 sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
3.The coolant level is correct if the upper end
of the red float bar is at least at the same
height as the top edge of the filler neck,
refer to arrow. The bar end may only pro-
trude by a maximum of ιin/2 cm, i.e. up to
the second mark on the float bar, refer also
to sketch beside the filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Screw on the cap and tighten firmly.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss elimi-
nated as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up red despite
the handbrake being released:
Stop immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.
During continued driving increased brake
pedal pressure may be necessary, and
considerably longer braking distances may
result. Please adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.<
Display of the previously described
malfunction on Canadian models.
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up.
The brake pads have reached their min-
imum pad thickness. Have brake pads
replaced immediately.
For your own safety: use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for your particu-
lar vehicle model. As BMW cannot assess the
suitability of other brake pads for use in your
vehicle, we are unable to assume continued
responsibility for the vehicle's operating safety
if non-approved pads are installed.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
93
Maintenance
The BMW maintenance
system
The BMW maintenance system supports the
preservation of the traffic and operating safety
of your BMW.
Regular maintenance is not only required for
the safety of the vehicle, it also improves the
resale value.
Service Interval Display
The BMW maintenance system takes the driv-
ing conditions of the vehicle into account when
determining service intervals:
From the point of view of maintenance,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in
short-distance urban driving are not the equiva-
lent of the same distance covered at moderate
speeds in long-distance highway travel.
The BMW maintenance system is divided into
engine oil service as well as Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals accord-
ing to the actual loads on the vehicle covers
every kind of operating situation. However,
even those who drive only short distances,
significantly less than 6,200 miles/10,000 km
annually, should have the engine oil changed at
least every 2 years since oil deteriorates over
time, regardless of use.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over the
course of time. To ensure that the brake system
continues to provide safe and reliable perfor-
mance, remember to have the brake fluid changed at least every two years by a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center, also refer to the
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for
US models or the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models/Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models
For detailed information on required mainte-
nance items and the work involved, please refer
to the Service and Warranty Information Book-
let for US models or to the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
Depending on operating conditions, it may be
advisable to have the body checked for damage
from rocks or gravel as a precaution against cor-
rosion.
BMW recommends that you have your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center per-
form the maintenance and repair.
Check that the maintenance work is recorded in
the Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These
entries will serve as proof that the vehicle has
received regular maintenance.<
OBD connector
The interface socket for the Onboard Diagnos-
tics is located on the left of the driver's side at

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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
115
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode57,60
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning rear window39
Cleaning windows,
reservoir90
Cleaning windshield39
Clock43,44
– 12/24 hour mode44
– setting, also refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
– setting time43
Closing
– from inside18
– from outside16
Clothes hooks65
Clutch72
– breaking-in72
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the
engine34
Combination of wheel/tire86
Compact wheel, wheel
changes99
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments64
Computer44
– also refer to Owner's Manual
for Onboard Computer
– functions44
Condensation, refer to
– Air conditioner57,60
– Parking vehicle73
Connecting a car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Power
socket65
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption44
Consumption indicator, refer
to Fuel gage42
Controls, refer to Cockpit10Convenience operation
– from outside18
– panorama glass sunroof18
– windows18
Coolant91
– level91
– temperature gage42
– warning lamp91
Cooling, refer to
Temperature57,60
Cooling system filling
capacity, refer to Filling
capacities112
Copyright2
Cruise control40
– buttons on steering
wheel12
– indicator lamp40
Cruising range45
Cup holders63
Curb weight, refer to
Weights112
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data110
D
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting54
Dashboard system, refer to
Cockpit10
Data, technical110
– dimensions111
– engine110
– filling capacities112
– weights112
Daytime driving lamps53
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control47
– warning lamp49
Deactivating front passenger
airbags31,52
Decommissioning the vehicle,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Defective lamp53
Defects7Defrosting windows58,60
– air conditioner58
– automatic climate control60
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner58
– automatic climate control60
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows58,60
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows58,60
Digital clock43
Dimensions111
Dipstick, engine oil90
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals38
Disc brakes73
Displacement, refer to Engine
data110
Display illumination, refer to
Instrument lighting54
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting54
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster11
Disposal
– engine oil91
– vehicle battery101
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control46
Door keys16
Door lock18
Doors, manual operation18
DOT Quality Grades84
Draft-free ventilation58,61
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams53
Driving notes72
Driving on poor roads76
Driving stability control
systems47
Driving through water76
Drying the air, refer to Air
conditioner57,60
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control47
– indicator lamp47