2006 BMW X3 3.0I window

Air conditioner
62
Automatic climate control*
1Airflow directed toward the windshield and
side windows
2Airflow for the upper body64
3Airflow to footwell64
4Manually varying air distribution63
5Adjusting temperature63
6Temperature display63,
Air volume63
7Manually varying air volume638Defrosting windows and removing
condensation63
9Rear window defroster64
10Switching cooling function on/off63
11Outside air/AUC Automatic recirculated-air
control/recirculated-air mode63
12AUTO program63

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
63
A congenial climate
For almost all conditions, the AUTO pro-
gram12 offers the optimal air distribution and
air volume, refer to AUTO program below. You
need only select an interior temperature that
you find pleasant.
The following sections contain more detailed
information on the available setting options.
Your vehicle has been designed to auto-
matically select your personal climate-
control settings whenever you unlock the doors
using your individually programmed remote
control.<
AUTO program
The AUTO program handles the
adjustment of air distribution to the
windshield and side windows, in
the direction of the upper body, and in the foot-
well. It also adapts your instructions for the air
volume and temperature to outside influences
throughout the year, e.g. solar radiation or win-
dow condensation.
The cooling is switched on automatically along
with the AUTO program.
Manually switching air distribution on/
off
You can direct air to flow onto the
windows , toward the upper
body and into the footwell .
You can reactivate the automatic
air distribution mode by selecting
the AUTO button.
Temperature
Set the desired temperature.
The automatic climate control
assures that this temperature is
reached as quickly as possible any
time of year, using maximum cool-
ing or heating capacity as needed, and then
keeps this temperature constant.When you change between different tem-
perature settings in rapid succession, the
system does not have enough time to achieve
the desired temperature.<
Manually adjusting air volume
By pressing the lower button, you
can reduce the air volume. You can
increase it by pressing the upper
button.
You can reactivate the automatic
air volume mode by pressing the AUTO button.
Switching system on/off
At the lowest fan speed, press the lower button
to turn off the automatic climate control com-
pletely. All displays disappear.
Press any button to turn the automatic climate
control back on again.
Defrosting windows and removing
condensation
This program quickly removes ice
and condensation from the wind-
shield and front door windows.
Switching cooling function on/off
When the air conditioning is on, the
air is cooled, dehumidified, and
then reheated depending on the
temperature setting. Depending on the
weather, the windshield may fog over briefly
when the engine is started.
The cooling function is automatically switched
on along with the AUTO program. It is only pos-
sible to cool the passenger compartment with
the engine running.
AUC Automatic Recirculated-air
Control/recirculated air mode
You can set the desired operating
mode by pressing the button
repeatedly:
>LEDs off: outside air continuously flows into
the vehicle.

Air conditioner
64 >Left LED on, AUC mode: a sensor detects
pollutants in the outside air. The system
suspends the supply of outside air as
needed and recirculates the air currently
within the vehicle. As soon as the concen-
tration of pollutants in the outside air has
decreased sufficiently, the system switches
automatically back to supplying outside air.
>Right LED on, recirculated-air mode: the
outside air supply into the vehicle is shut off
continuously. 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 and increase the air supply as needed.
The recirculated-air mode should not be used
over a sustained period of time; otherwise, the
air quality inside the vehicle will steadily deteri-
orate.<
Rear window defroster
The rear window heating switches
off automatically after a certain
amount of time.
Ventilation
1Knurled wheels for opening and closing the
air vents through an infinitely variable range
2Levers for changing airflow direction
3Knurled wheel for more or less cool air from
the air vents for the upper body region
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 microfilter removes dust and pollen from
the incoming outside air. The activated-char-
coal filter provides additional protection by fil-
tering gaseous pollutants from the outside air.
This combined filter is replaced when mainte-
nance is performed by your BMW Sports Activ-
ity Vehicle Center. A substantial reduction in
air supply indicates that the filter should be
replaced before normal maintenance.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
77
1.Close all windows and the panorama glass
sunroof.
2.Greatly increase the air supply of the air
conditioning system or automatic climate
control, refer to page60 or63.
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures occur in the exhaust
system of every vehicle. Do not remove
the heat shields installed adjacent to various
sections of the exhaust system, and never apply
undercoating to them. When driving, standing
at idle, and parking, take care to avoid possible
contact between the hot exhaust system and
any highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to
a fire, resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
Mobile communications devices in
vehicle
BMW does not recommend using mobile
communications devices, e.g. mobile
phones, on the interior of the vehicle without a
direct connection to an outside antenna. Other-
wise, the vehicle electronics and mobile com-
munications device can affect each other. In
addition, there is no assurance that the radia-
tion which results during transmission will be
dissipated from the vehicle interior.<
Interior and exterior mirror,
automatically dimming*
Two photocells are used to control the auto-
matically dimming interior and exterior mirrors.
One is integrated into the mirror glass, the other
is located on the back of the mirror.For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells
clean and do not cover the area between the
interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do
not attach any kind of sticker to the windshield
in front of the mirror, either.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page30;
otherwise, they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
Deactivate the rain sensor; otherwise, damage
could result from undesired wiper activation,
refer to page40.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between tires and
road surface, ultimately undermining your abil-
ity to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The danger of hydroplaning increases as tire
tread depth decreases, also refer to Minimum
tread depth on page89.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 20 in/50 cm, and then only
at walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical system, and the transmis-
sion may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes
by slipping or riding the clutch, use the
handbrake instead. Otherwise, greater clutch
wear will result.<

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.

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