2006 BMW X3 3.0I ESP

Wheels and tires
90 age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of
retreaded tires; otherwise, driving safety
may be reduced. The causes for this include the
possibly different tire casing structures and the
often wide variations in their age, which can
result in a limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact and with it, the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for the correct wheel-and-tire combina-
tion.
The correct wheel-and-tire combination affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC or xDrive.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. After a flat
tire, always have the original wheel-and-tire
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon
as possible.
Wheels equipped with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When installing new tires or when changing
from summer tires to winter tires or vice versa,
only use wheels equipped with TPM electron-
ics; otherwise, the Tire Pressure Monitor can-
not detect a flat tire, refer to page52. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be
happy to advise you in this regard.
Recommended tire brands
BMW recommends particular tire brands for
each tire size. You will recognize them by the
clearly visible BMW identification on the tire
sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling characteris-
tics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires do provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.<
Storage
Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry place, pro-
tecting them from light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires from contact with oil, grease and
fuel. Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure indicated on the side wall of the tire.

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.

Under the hood
96
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up red despite
the handbrake being released. Stop
immediately.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level. At the same time, a
considerably longer brake pedal travel may be
noticeable. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.
During continued driving, increased brake
pedal travel may be necessary, and con-
siderably longer braking distances may result.
Please adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
Brake pads
The warning lamp lights up.
The brake pads have reached their min-
imum pad thickness. Have brake pads
replaced immediately.
For your own safety, use only brake pads
that BMW has approved for your particu-
lar vehicle model. As BMW cannot assess the
suitability of other brake pads for use in your
vehicle, we are unable to assume continued
responsibility for the vehicle's operating safety
if non-approved pads are installed.<

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
107
Giving and receiving assistance
Receiving assistance
The Roadside Assistance of the BMW Group
offers you assistance in the event of a break-
down around the clock, as well as on weekends
and public holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance control center in your home country can
be found in the BMW Dealer directory.
In the case of vehicles with the corresponding
equipment, you can use buttons in the head-
liner to contact Roadside Assistance or initiate
an emergency call.
When the emergency call is initiated, a tele-
phone connection is established to the BMW
Assist response center.
In vehicles with BMW Assist enabled, if the cur-
r en t p o s it io n o f y o u r v eh i c le c a n b e d et e r m in e d ,
it will be transmitted to the BMW Assist
response center.
The conditions for initiating an emergency call
or contacting Roadside Assistance:
>Ignition key in position 1 or higher
>The car phone is logged on to a mobile tele-
phone network
>The emergency call system is operable
Access to buttons*
To open the cover:
Briefly press the cover, refer to arrow.
1Emergency call
2Roadside Assistance
Initiating an emergency call*
Press button 1 for at least 2 seconds.
The LED above the button lights up. As soon as
a voice connection to the BMW Assist response
center has been established, the LED flashes. If
the LED flashes, but you are unable to hear the
emergency response center, you can still be
heard by the response center.
For technical reasons, the emergency call
cannot be guaranteed under the most
unfavorable conditions.<
Under certain conditions, an emergency call is
initiated automatically immediately after a
severe accident. The automatic emergency call
is not affected by the button being pressed.
Roadside Assistance*
Press button 2 for at least 2 seconds.
The LED above the button lights up. As soon as
a voice connection to Roadside Assistance has
been established, the LED flashes.
On a country-specific basis, with BMW Assist
enabled, the current position of your vehicle is
determined at the same time.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is stored behind the right
side panel in the cargo area.
To open the side trim panel: press the button.

Giving and receiving assistance
110
With tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed; otherwise,
it will not be possible to safely control vehicle
response.<
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 fittings
only. Otherwise, other vehicle parts could
be damaged.<
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 to the tow fittings only.
Otherwise, other vehicle parts could be dam-
aged.<
With tow truck
Do not tow the X3 with only the front or
rear axle raised; otherwise, the wheels
could lock and the transfer case could be dam-
aged.<
Have the X3 transported only on a flat bed.To avoid damage, do not lift the vehicle
from the tow fitting or body and suspen-
sion parts.<
Tow starting
If possible, do not tow start the vehicle; jump
start the engine instead, refer to page108.
Vehicles equipped with catalytic convertors
should only be tow started when the engine is
cold. It is not possible to tow start an engine
equipped with an automatic transmission.
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2.Switch on ignition, refer to page36.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
depressed and slowly release the clutch.
After the engine starts, immediately
depress the clutch 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
page49.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
121
Driving notes76
Driving on poor roads80
Driving stability control
systems48
Driving through water80
Driving tips, refer to Driving
instructions76
Drying air, refer to Switching
cooling function on/
off60,63
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control48
– indicator lamp48
DVD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Dynamic Brake Control, refer
to DBC Dynamic Brake
Control48
Dynamic Brake Control DBC
– warning lamp50
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC48
– indicator lamp48
E
Electrical malfunctions
– automatic transmission
malfunction39
– door lock20
– driver's door20
– fuel filler door84
– liftgate21
– panorama glass sunroof24
Electronic brake-force
distribution48
Electronic Stability Program,
refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control48
Emergency call107
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– doors20
– driver's door20
– fuel filler door84
– liftgate21
– panorama glass sunroof24Emergency Service, refer to
Receiving assistance107
Engine
– breaking-in76
– data114
– indicator lamps36
– overheated, refer to Coolant
thermometer44
– speed43
– starting36
– switching off37
Engine compartment93
Engine coolant95
Engine coolant
temperature44
Engine oil94
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils95
– approved engine oils95
– indicator/warning lamp94
– required oil grades95
Engine oil grades95
Engine oil level94
– indicator/warning lamp94
Engine oil pressure94
– indicator/warning lamp94
Engine oil sensor94
– indicator/warning lamp94
Engine output, refer to Engine
data114
Equipment range, refer to
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control48
Exhaust system77
Exterior mirrors30
– automatically dimming77
Eye, tow starting and
towing109
F
Failure of electrical
accessories106
False alarms, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms25
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts29
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter61
– Microfilter/activated
charcoal filter64
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit108
First-aid kit108
Flat tire103
– compact wheel103
– Flat Tire Monitor50
– refer to Tire inflation
pressure86
– refer to Wheel changes103
– Tire Pressure Monitor52
Flat Tire Monitor50
– indicator lamp51
– initializing system51
– snow chains91
– system limits51
– warning errors51
Flooding, refer to Driving
through water77
Floor cover72
Fog lamps, indicator lamp57
Folding rear seat back70
Four wheel drive, refer to
xDrive49
Front airbags53
Front fog lamps57
– replacing bulbs102
Front passenger airbags,
automatic deactivation54
Fuel85
– average consumption46
– capacity116
– gauge43
– quality85
Fuel cap84
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge43