2006 BMW X3 3.0I check engine

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
57
Automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for the driver's judg-
ment in determining when the vehicle lamps
should be switched on. For example, the sys-
tem cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To
avoid safety risks, you should always switch on
the lamps manually under these conditions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the head-
lamp control adjusted.<
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other assumptions, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
In ignition position 2, turn the light
switch into the automatic headlamp
control position, refer to page56.
The LED next to the symbol lights up.
In order not to blind oncoming traffic, the Adap-
tive Head Light is not active when driving in
reverse and only points toward the passenger
side when the vehicle is stationary.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also have the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking. When doing
so, be sure to comply with national regulations.
After switching off the engine, press the lever
past the resistance point in the corresponding
direction 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. For this reason, avoid using them for
extended periods; otherwise, it may no longer
be possible to start the engine.<
Front fog lamps*
Briefly press the button once again to switch
on/off.
The parking lamps or low beams must
be switched on for the fog lamps to
operate. The green indicator lamp lights
up when the fog lamps are on.

Practical interior accessories
66 The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
You can use the system when the engine is run-
ning or when the ignition is switched on.
If the system cannot be operated after
repeated programming, check whether
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the
instructions of the original hand-held transmit-
ter or press and hold down the programmed
memory button 1 of the integrated universal
remote control. If the LED2 on the integrated
universal remote control flashes rapidly for a
short time then lights up for approx. 2 seconds,
this indicates that the original hand-held trans-
mitter uses an alternating-code system. In the
case of an alternating-code system, program
the memory buttons 1 as described in the sec-
tion below on alternating-code transmitters.<
Alternating-code transmitters
Consult the operating instructions of the unit
you wish to set when programming the univer-
sal remote control. You will find information
there on the possibilities for synchronization.
When programming hand-held transmitters
that employ an alternating code, please follow
these additional instructions:
Programming will be easier with the aid of
a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the
remote-controlled equipment.
2.Program the integrated universal remote
control as described above in the section on
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3.Locate the button on the receiver of the
equipment to be set, e.g. on its drive unit.
4.Press the button on the receiver of the
device you want to set up. After step 4, you
have approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5.Press the programmed memory button1
of the integrated universal remote control
three times.The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
If you have questions, please contact your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.<
Deleting stored programs
Press both outer buttons1 for approx. 20 sec-
onds, maintaining pressure until the LED2
starts to flash: all stored programs are deleted.
It is not possible to delete individual programs.
Cup holders
Do not place glass containers in the cup
holders; otherwise, there is a danger of
injury in the event of an accident.<
Front
Depending on your optional equipment, the
center console contains either one or two cup
holders.
Passenger side*
The cup holder for the front passenger is
located beneath the air vent.

Refueling
84
Refueling
Fuel cap
Opening
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling. Otherwise, no fuel can be dis-
pensed into the tank and the Service Engine
Soon lamp lights up.<
1.Open fuel filler door. To do so, briefly press
it at the rear edge.
2.Turn fuel filler cap counterclockwise.
3.Put the fuel filler cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler door.
Closing
Replace the cap and turn it clockwise until you
hear a clearly audible click.
Be careful not to crush the cap leash between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
The warning lamp
* lights up.
The fuel cap is not properly closed or is
missing. Check whether the fuel cap is
properly closed.
Manually releasing fuel filler door
In the event of an electrical malfunction in the
system, you can release the fuel filler door man-
ually:
1.Open the cover flap in the cargo area on the
right-hand side panel, refer to page72.
2.Pull the green button. The fuel filler flap is
released.
Always observe all applicable precautions
and regulations when handling fuels.
Never carry spare fuel containers in your vehi-
cle. Whether empty or full, these containers can
leak, cause an explosion, and lead to fire in the
event of a collision.<
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, comply with all
applicable safety precautions posted at
the service station.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler
nozzle while filling the tank; otherwise, this can
result in:
>premature pump shutoff
>reduced efficiency in the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 17.7 gallons/67 liters, including the
reserve capacity of approx. 2 gallons/8 liters.

Under the hood
94
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving
style and operating conditions.
Warning lamp
Engine oil pressure
The warning lamp lights up red:
The engine oil pressure is too low.
Stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level
and top off as needed. If the oil level is correct:
have the system checked immediately.
Do not continue driving. The engine could
be damaged because of inadequate lubri-
cation.<
Engine oil level
The warning lamp lights up yellow dur-
ing driving. In addition, an acoustic sig-
nal sounds.
The oil level is at the absolute minimum. Add
engine oil as soon as possible. Until then, do not
drive more than approx. 30 miles/50 km.
The warning lamp lights up yellow after
the engine is switched off. In addition,
an acoustic signal sounds.
Top off engine oil at the earliest opportunity,
e.g. when refueling.
Engine oil sensor
The warning lamp lights up yellow
within 30 seconds after starting the
engine:
The oil level sensor is defective. Have it
checked as soon as possible.
Checking oil level
1.With the engine at operating temperature,
i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km of uninter-
rupted driving, park the vehicle in a horizon-
tal position.
2.Switch off engine.
3.After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick out
and wipe it off with a clean lint-free cloth,
paper towel, or similar material.4.Carefully push the dipstick all the way into
the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil should extend to between the two
marks on the dipstick.
5.Push the oil dipstick into the dipstick tube
as far as possible again.
The oil quantity between the two marks of the
dipstick is approx. 1.1 US quarts/1 liter.
Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the
dipstick. Excess oil can damage the
engine.<
Adding engine oil
Do not add oil until the oil level has dropped to
just above the lower marking on the dipstick,
refer to page94.
Add oil within the next 30 miles/50 km;
otherwise, engine damage could result.<
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach of chil-
dren and heed warnings on the contain-
ers. Otherwise, you could endanger your
health.<
Oil change
Have the oil changed only by your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
95
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil in between oil
changes. Only use oils with the API SH specifi-
cation or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for more details concerning BMW
High Performance Synthetic Oil or other
approved synthetic oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
BMW engines are designed to operate
without additives, and their use could
even lead to damage in some cases.<
Viscosity classes
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class depends
on the climate conditions in the area where you
typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to SAE classes
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving in all ambient
temperatures.
Coolant
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up: coolant
level is too low; top off at the next
opportunity.Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause
burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. The additives
present a health hazard.<
Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-
posing of used coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.The engine must be at ambient tempera-
ture.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
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 drawing 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 snugly.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss cor-
rected as soon as possible.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
97
Maintenance
The BMW maintenance
system
The BMW maintenance system supports the
preservation of the road 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 maintenance standpoint,
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 and Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals accord-
ing to the actual loads on the vehicle covers
practically every kind of operating situation.
However, even those who drive only short dis-
tances, significantly less than 6,200 miles/
10,000 km annually, should have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates 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 and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics
The chief components that make up the emis-
sions content can be checked by a device that
uses the OBD socket.

Maintenance
98 This socket is located under a cover on the left
side of the driver's footwell, just under the dash-
board.
Emissions values
The warning lamp lights up. Exhaust
values are deteriorating. Have the vehi-
cle checked as soon as possible.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will flash.
This indicates a serious rate of engine misfire.
When this occurs, you should reduce speed
and consult the nearest BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center as soon as possible. Severe
engine misfire even for only a short period of
time can seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic converter.
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can detect
the vapor leak and the indicator lamp will light
up. If the filler cap is subsequently tightened,
the indicator lamp should go out within a few
days.<
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
You can find useful information on caring for
your BMW in the Caring for your vehicle bro-
chure.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
101
bracket. To do so, loosen the bolt, refer to
arrow, and place the reservoir to one side.
Bear in mind that the windshield washing
system reservoir is heavy. If you do not,
injuries or damage to the vehicle can occur.<
For bulb replacement procedure, refer to
Driver's side.
Halogen high beams
H7 bulb, 55 watts
Always wear gloves and eye protection –
the atmosphere within the bulb is pres-
surized. Failure to observe this precaution can
lead to personal injury should the bulb be dam-
aged.<
For checking and adjusting headlamp
aim, please contact your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.<
Driver's side
1.Open the clip and remove the lamp cover.
2.Press the bulb holder downward and
remove, refer to Low beams.
3.Pull off the lamp base; plug in a new lamp
base.
4.Place the lamp base with the lower edge
against the bracket and press it in until the
lamp base locks into place.
Make sure that the cover does not fall into
the engine compartment; otherwise, the
vehicle can be damaged or other road users can
be endangered.<
Front passenger side
Before replacing the bulb, remove the reservoir
of the windshield washer system from the
bracket, refer to Halogen low beams on
page100.
For bulb replacement procedure, refer to
Driver's side.
Turn signal, front
21 watt bulb
Access to the turn signal is at the edge of the
lamp unit, refer to arrow.
Make sure that the lamp base does not fall
into the engine compartment; otherwise,
the vehicle can be damaged or other road users
can be endangered.<
1.Turn the lamp base and remove it.
2.Replace the bulb.
3.Insert the lamp base. If it does not snap into
place immediately, turn the lamp base until
it does.
Side-mounted turn signals
5 Watt bulb
1.Use finger pressure against the rear end of
the lamp, refer to arrow, to press it forward
for removal.