2006 BMW X3 2.5I steering

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
103
Liftgate lamp
5 Watt bulb
1.Take out the bulb holder.
2.Replace the bulb.
Wheel changes
Safety precautions to observe in the
event of a flat tire and during all tire
changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from passing
traffic. Park on a firm, flat, surface. Switch on the
hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel with the wheels point-
ing straight ahead. Engage the handbrake and
shift into first gear or reverse, or move the
selector lever to position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle
and well away from your immediate working
area, behind a guardrail, for instance.
If a warning triangle or portable hazard warning
lamp is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tile, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is
supported by the jack.<
What you will need
Open liftgate and raise or remove floor cover,
refer to page72.
1Vehicle jack
2Lug wrench
3Chocks, folding
In order to avoid rattling noises later, note the
position of the tools when you remove them and
return them to their original position when you
are through using them.
Compact wheel
The compact wheel is located under the cargo
area on the undercarriage of the vehicle.
Removing compact wheel
1.Unscrew bolt, refer to arrow1.
2.Fold up lifting handle, refer to arrow2.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
105
2.Guide the jack head into the rectangular
recess of the jacking point when cranking
up, refer to drawing inset.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised from the ground.
Mounting a wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3.Position the new wheel or compact wheel.
Secure the wheel by screwing at least two
lug bolts into opposite bolt holes. When you
mount wheels other than Genuine BMW
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 from dirt and contamina-tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
4.Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor
* or reset
the Tire Pressure Monitor
*, refer to
pages51, 52.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
when driving with a 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; otherwise, unstable driving condi-
tions may result.<
Mounting the compact wheel can change the
driving characteristics. For example, it can
reduce tracking stability during braking, extend
braking distances, and alter self-steering char-
acteristics in the limit range. 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 advise you on all questions con-
cerning the battery.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up. The battery
is no longer being charged. The alterna-
tor V-belt is defective or there is a mal-
function in the charge current circuit of the
alternator. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.

Replacing components
106 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 has been switched off. For connections,
refer to Jump starting on page108.
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.<
Power failure
After a temporary power supply interruption,
some equipment is subject to limited use and
must be reinitialized. Individual settings are also
lost and must be updated again:
>Panorama glass sunroof
It may be only possible to raise the sunroof.
The system must be initialized, refer to
page23.
>Power windows
The pinch protection system must be reini-
tialized, refer to page22.
>Seat and mirror memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page29.
>Time
Must be set again, refer to page44.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse, and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, as
this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
Open the glove compartment and turn the two
quick-release fasteners to the left, refer to
arrows.
Spare fuses, plastic tweezers, and information
about fuse allocation are stored with the fuses.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
109
Starting engine
1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let it run at a slightly elevated 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 need be, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow starting and towing
Obey all applicable laws and guidelines
for tow starting and towing.<
Do not allow any passengers other than
the driver to ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page99, and must
always remain in the vehicle. It can be screwed
in at the front or rear of the BMW.
Only use the tow fitting that comes with
the vehicle and screw it in as far as it will
go. Use the tow fitting only for towing on roads.
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do
not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise,
the tow fitting and the vehicle can be dam-
aged.<
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; otherwise, the steering lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine
switched off. It is therefore 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; otherwise, the drive train may
be damaged.<
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page38.
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 specific country.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
119
Belts, refer to Safety belts29
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders66
Blower, refer to
– Air volume60
– Air volume, adjusting
manually63
BMW maintenance system97
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders66
Brake fluid96
– level96
– warning lamp96
Brake force display53
Brake lamps
– brake force display53
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb12,56
– replacing bulbs102
Brake light, refer to Brake
lamps102
Brake pads96
– breaking-in76
– warning lamp96
Brake pedal, refer to Safe
braking78
Brake rotors
– brake system76
– breaking-in76
Brakes78,96
– ABS48,78
– brake fluid96
– brake pads96
– breaking-in76
– handbrake37
– indicator/warning lamp12
Brake system96
– brake fluid96
– brake pads96
– breaking-in76
– disk brakes78
– warning lamp96
Brake wear warning
– refer to Brake pads96
– warning lamp96
Breakdown service, refer to
Receiving assistance107
Breaking-in76Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs99
Buttons on steering wheel13
C
California law
– Event Data Recorders98
– Proposition 65 Warning6
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders66
Capacities116
Capacity, cargo area116
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing79
Cargo area21,70
– capacity116
– cover71
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually21
– enlarging70
– floor cover72
– folding rear seat backrest70
– lashing eyes73
– lid, refer to Liftgate21
– opening from outside21
– opening with remote
control19
– power socket69
Cargo loading78
– load79
– securing cargo79
– stowing cargo79
– vehicle78
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochureCaring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for vehicle finish, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Car keys, refer to Key set18
Car phone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car phone preparation69
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Car wash77
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Cellphone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system18
– interior20
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel103
Changing gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– manual transmission38
Changing wheels89
Charge-current indicator
lamp12,105
Charging battery106
Check Gas Cap, warning
lamp12,84
Checking oil level94
Child's seat, refer to Child
restraint systems33
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH34

Everything from A to Z
120 Child restraint systems33
– installing33
– with tether strap34
Child-safety locks35
Child seat security33
Chock103
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter68
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode60,63
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning rear window41
Cleaning windows,
reservoir41
Clock44,45
– 12 or 24 hour mode45
– setting, also refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
– setting time44
Closing
– from inside20
– from outside19
Clothes hooks68
Clutch76
– breaking-in76
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine36
Combination of wheel/tire90
Compact wheel, wheel
changes103
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments67
Compartments in cargo area,
refer to Behind side trim
panel72
Computer45
– also refer to Owner's Manual
for Onboard Computer
– functions45
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked77Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices69
Connecting electrical
devices69
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption46
Consumption indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge43
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– from outside20
– panorama glass sunroof20
– windows20
Coolant95
– level
95
– temperature gauge44
– warning lamp95
Cooling, refer to
Temperature60,63
Cruise control41
– buttons on steering
wheel13
– indicator lamp42
Cruising range46
Cup holders66
Curb weight, refer to
Weights116
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data114
D
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting58
Dashboard system, refer to
Cockpit10
Data, technical114
– dimensions115
– engine114
– filling capacities116
– weights116
Daytime running lamps56
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control48
– warning lamp50
Deactivating front passenger
airbags33,54Defective lamp56
Defects7
Defrosting windows60,63
– air conditioner60
– automatic climate control63
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner60
– automatic climate control63
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows60,63
Digital clock44
Dimensions115
Dimming mirror77
Dipstick, engine oil94
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals39
Disk brakes78
Displacement, refer to Engine
data114
Display illumination, refer to
Instrument lighting58
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting58
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster11
Disposal, vehicle battery106
Disposal of the vehicle, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control47
Door keys18
Door lock20
Doors
– locking and unlocking from
inside20
– locking and unlocking from
outside19
– manual operation20
– unlocking and locking,
acknowledgment
signals19,
20
DOT Quality Grades88
Draft-free ventilation61,64
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams56

Everything from A to Z
122 Fuel filler door84
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction84
Fuel gauge43
Fuel tank contents, refer to
Filling capacities116
Full preparation package
mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Fuses106
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control65
Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption46
– refer to Fuel quality85
– refer to Fuel
specifications85
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge43
Gear indicator with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic38
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission38
General driving notes76
Glove compartment67
Grills, refer to
Ventilation61,64
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights116
Ground clearance80
H
Halogen lamps100
Handbrake37
– indicator lamp37
Hands-free microphone, refer
to Car phone preparation69
Hazard warning flashers10
HDC Hill Descent Control49
Head airbags53
Headlamp control,
automatic56Headlamp flasher39
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps100
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs99
Headlamp washer
reservoir41
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities116
Headlamp washer system
– headlamp washing41
– washer fluid41
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light57
Head restraints28
– installing, front28
– removing, front28
– sitting safely26
Heated mirrors31
Heated rear window
– air conditioner60
– automatic climate control64
Heated seats29
Heated steering wheel31
Heater
– rear window60,64
– windshield washer jets41
Heating
– exterior mirror31
– seats29
– steering wheel31
Heating and ventilation59,62
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo
loading78
Height, refer to
Dimensions115
Height adjustment
– seats27
– steering wheel31
High beams57
– headlight flasher57
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs101
High Performance Synthetic
Oil95
Hill-climbing ability, refer to
Driving on poor roads80Hill descent assistance, refer
to HDC Hill Descent
Control49
Hill Descent Control HDC49
Hills78
Holder for beverages66
Hood92
Horn10
Hotel function18
Hot exhaust system77
Hydraulic Brake Assistant,
refer to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control48
Hydroplaning77
I
Icy conditions, refer to
Outside temperature
warning45
Ignition36
Ignition key18
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock36
Ignition lock36
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags54
– alarm system25
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– brakes96
– coolant temperature44
– DSC48
– engine temperature44
– Flat Tire Monitor51
– fog lamps57
– front passenger airbags54
– overview12
– reserve43
– safety belt warning30
– Tire Pressure Monitor52
Indicator and warning
lamps12
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory32
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure86

Everything from A to Z
124 Master key18
– with remote control18
Maximum speed, with winter
tires90
Mechanical seats27
Memory, refer to
– Seat and mirror memory29
– Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory32
Microfilter
– air conditioner61
– automatic climate control64
Microphone, refer to Car
phone preparation69
Microphone for telephone69
Mirrors30
– automatic curb monitor31
– mirror heating31
– mirror memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory29
Mobile communications
devices in vehicle77
Mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Monitoring tire pressure, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor50
Monitoring tire pressure, refer
to Tire Pressure Monitor52
Multi-function steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel13
Multifunction switch
– turn signals/headlamp
flasher39
– washer/wiper system40
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints28
Nets68
Nonsmoker's equipment
package68,69
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation61,64
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
starting and towing109
O
OBD socket97
Octane rating, refer to Fuel
quality85
Odometer43
Oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils95
– approved engine oils95
– capacity116
– consumption, refer to
Checking engine oil level94
– dipstick94
– level94
– refilling, refer to Adding
engine oil94
Oil change interval, refer to
Service Interval Display44
Oil grades95
Oil level94
– warning lamp94
Oil pressure94
– warning lamp94
Oil sensor94
– warning lamp94
OILSERVICE44
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal106
Onboard Diagnostics OBD
interface socket97
On-board monitor, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Onboard tool kit99
Opening and closing
– from inside20
– from outside19
– using the door lock20
– using the remote control19
Output, refer to Engine
data114
Outside air
– air conditioner60
– automatic climate control63
Outside temperature display
– changing unit of measure45
– on computer45
Overheating of engine, refer to
Coolant thermometer44
P
Panic mode19
Panorama glass sunroof23
– automatic opening and
closing23
– closing with electrical
malfunction24
– comfort operation20
– comfort position23
– initializing23
– power failure23
– remote control19
Parcel shelf, refer to Cargo
area cover71
Park Distance Control PDC47
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control47
Parking assistant, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control47
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake37
Parking lamps56
Parking lamps/low beams56
Partition net72
Parts and accessories, refer to
For your own safety6
Passenger airbags, status54
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function31
Pathway lighting56
PDC Park Distance Control47
Pinch protection
system22,23
– panorama glass sunroof23
– power windows22
Plastic, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Pollen, refer to
– Microfilter61
– Microfilter/activated
charcoal filter64
Power failure
– battery106
– panorama glass sunroof23
– windows22
Power seat adjustment27