Things to remember when driving
80 Please read the information provided with
the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure cargo as
described above. If you do not, it can
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Use only the lashing eyes, refer to page73, to
fasten the heavy-duty cargo straps; otherwise,
the heavy-duty cargo straps could loosen or the
vehicle could be damaged.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page116, as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard and may also place you in viola-
tion of road safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could be thrown about and pose a
safety hazard to the vehicle's occupants during
abrupt braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an optional
accessory for your BMW. Please observe the
information contained in the installation instruc-
tions.
Loading luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response. You should
therefore always remember not to exceed the
approved roof load capacity, the approved
gross vehicle weight, or the axle loads when
loading the rack.
These specifications can be found under
Weights on page116.
Make sure that the load is evenly distributed,
and that it does not extend outward beyond the
limits of the loading surface. Always stow the
heaviest pieces at the bottom. Be sure that ade-
quate clearance is maintained for raising the
glass sunroof and that objects do not project
into the opening path of the liftgate.Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
while you drive.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Driving on poor roads
Your X3 is at home on all paved and unpaved
roads. It combines all-wheel drive with the
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Driving on unpaved terrain can cause
damage to the vehicle.<
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you should strictly observe –
for your own safety and that of your passengers,
as well as to protect the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
you begin driving. Do not take risks with the
vehicle under any circumstances.
>Always adapt the driving speed to the road
conditions. The more steep and uneven the
roadway is, the lower the speed should be.
>You can operate your vehicle on uphill and
downhill gradients with a maximum slope
of 50 %. If you wish to drive on uphill and
downhill grades of this nature, make sure
beforehand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the MAX mark, refer to
pages94 and95.
>When descending very steep hills, use
HDC Hill Descent Control, refer to page49.
It is possible to start off on inclines of up
to 32 %.
The permitted side tilt is 32 %.
>While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
>Avoid having the body make contact with
the ground, e.g. on the crests of hills and
bumpy roads. The ground clearance of the
vehicle is a maximum of approx. 8.0 in/
20 cm. Please be aware that the ground
clearance can vary depending on the load
and operating conditions of the vehicle.
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
