2005 BMW X3 3.0I tow bar

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
47
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the button flashes and a
short continuous tone sounds. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. Switch off PDC. Have the system
checked.
To prevent this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are involved,
there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be
detected. The system is also subject to the
physical limits that apply to all forms of ultra-
sonic measurement, such as those encoun-
tered with tow bars and trailer couplings, or thin
and wedge-shaped objects etc. Low objects
already displayed, e.g. a curb, can also disap-
pear from the detection area of the sensors
again before a continuous tone sounds.
Loud sources of sound, inside and outside the
vehicle, could drown out the PDC signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice or
snow in order to ensure that they will con-
tinue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the sensors
for a prolonged period of time. Keep the spray at
least 4 in/10 cm away from the sensors.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array
of systems designed to enhance and maintain
vehicle stability under extreme conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. This results in an
increase in the active safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Safe braking, refer to page73.
EBV Electronic brake-force
distribution
EBV controls the brake system's application
pressure in the rear wheels to ensure stable
deceleration.
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
When the brake pedal is depressed quickly, this
system automatically generates a maximal
braking force distribution and thus helps keep
the braking distance to a minimum during full
braking. This system exploits all of the benefits
provided by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the brake application. DBC is
deactivated when you release the brake pedal.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents slip at the drive wheels when
starting off and accelerating. DSC also detects
unstable driving conditions, such as a fishtailing
of the vehicle's rear end or the sliding of the
vehicle on its front wheels. In these circum-
stances, DSC helps keep the vehicle on a safe
path, within physical limits, by reducing engine
output and by applying the brakes in individual
wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start the
engine.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Therefore, do not reduce the additional
safety margin again by taking risks.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp goes out shortly
after the engine starts.
When the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is controlling the drive and braking forces.
When the indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off with the button.

Practical interior accessories
68 Do not place heavy and hard objects on
the cover. If you do so, they could endan-
ger occupants during braking maneuvers. Do
not allow the cover to snap back into place, as
otherwise it could be damaged.<
Removal
1.Press the side buttons, refer to arrow1.
2.Pull the cassette towards the rear, refer to
arrow2.
Installation
Push the cassette forward into the two side
holders until it locks in place.
Stowing* when rear seat back is folded
down
Holders for the cassette are fitted to the backs
of the rear seat backs, refer to arrows1.
Guide in the cassette from the right side until it
locks in place, refer to arrow 2. Here, the cargo
area cover must always point in the direction of
travel and the loop of the partition net must
point upward.
You can pull out the partition net and insert it in
the holders in the roof area above.
Partition net*
Hooking partition net into place
Pull the partition net out of the cassette by the
strap. Push together the bar on both sides, refer
to arrows 1, and insert in the brackets. Then
press the bar all the way upward in the middle,
refer to arrow 2, so that it engages in the brack-
ets.
Letting down partition net
Grasp bar on one side on the partition net, press
upward and push together, then release from
the brackets.
Do not allow the partition net to snap back
into place, as otherwise there is a danger
of injury and the partition net could be dam-
aged.<
Behind side trim panel
Press the button to open.

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
105
5.Connect the second terminal clamp of the
negative/– jumper cable to the negative ter-
minal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting engine
1.Start the assisting vehicle's engine and let it
run at an increased idling speed for a few
minutes.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged at a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting and towing
Use tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page95, and must
always remain in the vehicle. It can be screwed
in at the front or rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle, observe the following: only use
the tow fitting that comes with the vehicle and
screw it in as far as it will go. Only use the tow
fitting to tow on roads. Avoid lateral loading of
the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Press out the cover in the front or rear bumper
at the notch at the bottom with a screwdriver.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine
stopped. It is then necessary to exert increased
effort for braking and steering.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h and a towing distance of
95 miles/150 km, as otherwise the drive train
may be damaged.<
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gear lever in neutral.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in N.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes on public roads is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise
it will not be possible to control vehicle
response.<

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.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
113
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System47
– indicator lamp12
Accessories, refer to For your
own safety6
Accident, refer to Receiving
assistance103
Activated-charcoal filter61
Adaptive Head Light53
Adding engine oil91
Adjusting seats24
– electric26
– mechanical25
– mechanical, sports seat25
Air, drying, refer to Air
conditioner57,60
Airbags51
– deactivating front passenger
side31,52
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags52
– sitting safely24
– warning lamp52
Air circulation, refer to Recir-
culated-air mode57,60
Air conditioner56,57
Air distribution
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
Airing, refer to
Ventilation57,61
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation57,61
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure82
Air supply
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation57,61AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications81
Alarm system22
– avoiding unintentional
alarms23
All-season tires, refer to
Special characteristics of
winter tires86
Anchorage points33
Antifreeze
– coolant91
– washer fluid90
Antilock Brake System
ABS47
– indicator lamp12
Anti-theft alarm system16
– refer to Alarm system22
Anti-trapping mechanism
– panorama glass sunroof21
– power windows20
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights112
Approved engine oils91
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights112
Armrest
– front64
– rear64
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray65
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control60
Automatic
– air distribution60
– air supply60
– climate control59,60
– headlamp control53
– recirculated-air control
AUC60Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic cruise control40
Automatic curb monitor29
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic36
– indicator lamp38
– interlock34
– selector lever interlock37
– shiftlock37
– towing105
– tow-starting106
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution
and supply60
Average fuel consumption44
– setting units44
Average speed45
– setting units44
Avoiding unintentional
alarms23
Axle loads, refer to
Weights112
B
Backrest, refer to Seats25
Backup lamps36
– refer to Tail lamps98
– replacing bulbs98
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit104
Bar, towing105
Battery101
– indicator lamp12
– jump starting104
– power failure102
– remote control16
– warning lamp101
Belts, refer to Safety belts27
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders63

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
121
Steering wheel with
buttons12
Steptronic36
Storage compartments64,65
Storage package65
Storage package nets65
Storage space, refer to Cargo
area67
Storing desired speed, refer to
Cruise control40
Storing seat position, refer to
Seat and mirror memory26
Storing tires86
Straps, refer to Cargo
loading74
Supply reservoirs, washer
systems90
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off engine35
Symbols4
T
Table of contents3
Tachometer42
Tailgate19
– closing19
– emergency operation19
– emergency operation, refer
to Manual unlocking19
– opening, remote control17
– opening from outside19
– remote control17
– unlocking manually19
Tailgate lamp, replacing
bulbs98
Tail lamps98
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp53
– replacing bulbs98
Tank capacity112
Technical data110
Technical modifications6
Telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Temperature
– air conditioner57
– automatic climate control60Temperature, tires85
Temperature display
– ice warning44
– outside temperature44
– setting units44
Temperature gage42
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control40
The right wheels and tires86
Thigh support
adjustment25,26
Three-point safety belt27
Tightening torque of the lug
bolts, refer to After
mounting101
Tilt alarm sensor
– remote control17
– switching off17
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror29
Tire inflation pressures82
Tires
– age84
– breaking-in72
– changing86
– changing, refer to Wheel
changes99
– condition85
– damage85
– DOT Quality Grades84
– flat99
– inflation pressure82
– inflation pressure table83
– size, refer to The right
wheels and tires86
– storage86
– temperature85
– traction84
– tread85
– tread wear84
– tread wear indicator, refer to
Tire tread85
– Uniform Tire Quality
Grading84
– winter tires86
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit95Torque
– engine110
– lug bolts101
Tow bar105
Tow fitting105
Towing105
– with automatic
transmission105
Towing eye105
Towing the vehicle105
Tow rope106
Tow sockets for tow
fitting105
Tow-starting105
Track width, refer to
Dimensions111
Traction84
Traction aid, refer to DSC47
Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control47
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic36
– manual transmission36
Transmission locking
mechanism, refer to
PParking37
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction38
Transporting children
safely31
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo75
Tread depth, refer to Tire
tread85
Tread wear84
Tread wear indicator in tire,
refer to Tire tread85
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer42
Trip odometer42
Trunk19
– capacity112
– opening from outside19
– refer to Cargo area67
Trunk lid, refer to Tailgate19
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions111