Cockpit
12
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified
with
+ are checked for proper function each
time you turn the ignition key. They each light
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored sys-
tem, the corresponding lamp will either fail to go
o u t w h e n t h e e n g i n e i s s t a r t e d , o r i t w i l l c o m e o n
again during normal driving. Detailed informa-
tion is provided on the specified pages.
Battery charge current
+105
Headlamp flasher39
High beams57
Engine oil
+94
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System
+48
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis
control system for Canadian models
Brake system
+
With handbrake released50, 96
With handbrake engaged37
With other warning lamps50
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Brake pads
+96
Please fasten safety belt
+29
Airbags
+53
Front fog lamps57
Automatic transmission +38
Turn signals39
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 48, 49
Service Engine Soon
+98
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Check Gas Cap
* +84
Engine electronics
+36
Washer fluid low41
Coolant low95
Flat Tire Monitor
* +50
Tire Pressure Monitor
* +52
Lamp defective56
Cruise control41
With ignition key in position 2, this
warning lamp indicates that a door
or the liftgate is open.
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility Reference
13
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light up in
different colors and combinations.
The following section explains the significance
of the individual colors as well as how you
should respond when they appear.
>red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>yellow:
Have the system inspected as soon as
possible
or
for your information
>green:
For your information
>blue:
For your information
Buttons on steering wheel*
The buttons integrated into the steering wheel
are provided so that you can operate a number
of accessories quickly and without being dis-
tracted from traffic conditions. You may oper-
ate:
>Selected audio source functions
>Recirculated-air mode/steering wheel
heater
>Cruise control
>Selected telephone functions
>Voice command system
In order to operate a system, it must be
switched on.<
Telephone*/voice command system*
Press briefly:
Accept incoming call, start dialing, terminate
call.
Extended pressure:
Activate/deactivate voice command system
Telephone*/audio sources*
Display/hide phonebook. Display entries con-
secutively with buttons for fast forward/reverse
Fast forward/reverse
>Radio
Press briefly: next station
>CD
Press briefly: skip track
Extended pressure: fast forward/reverse
>Phone
Browse through list of names
Volume
On the sports steering wheel* and M sports
steering wheel
*, the +/– buttons for the volume
are on the left side of the steering wheel.
Cruise control*
Cruise control: resuming
Cruise control: accelerating and storing + as
well as decelerating and storing –
On the sports steering wheel
* and M sports
steering wheel
*, the +/– buttons for the cruise
control are on the right side of the steering
wheel.
Cruise control: activating/interrupting/deacti-
vating
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
41
Cleaning windshield, rear window and
headlamps*
0Wipers retracted
1Cleaning windshield and headlamps
2Rear window wiper intermittent mode
3Cleaning rear window
Do not activate the washer if there is
any danger of the fluid freezing on the
windshield. If you do so, your vision could be
obscured. To avoid freezing, use a washer fluid
antifreeze, refer to Washer fluid. Do not activate
the washer when the washer fluid is empty as
this will damage the washer pump.<
Cleaning windshield
The system sprays washer fluid against the
windshield and activates the wipers for a brief
period.
The washer jets are automatically heated
whenever the engine is running or the ignition is
switched on.
Cleaning headlamps*
When the vehicle lighting system is switched
on, the headlamps are cleaned at regular and
appropriate intervals.
Rear window wiper
Rear window wiper in intermittent mode. When
reverse gear is engaged, the wiper operates
continuously.
You can also program the interval:
1.Briefly move the wiper lever from position 0
to position 2.
2.Wait for desired interval; maximum of
30 seconds.3.Move the wiper lever from position 0 to
position 2 again.
Washer fluid
Washer fluid antifreeze is flammable. For
this reason, keep it away from sources of
flame and store it only in its original containers.
Store it so that it is inaccessible to children.
Always follow the instructions for use provided
on the containers.<
Reservoir for washer fluid
Fill with water and, if required, with an antifreeze
additive according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
To maintain the mixing ratio, mix the
washer fluid before adding it to the reser-
voir.<
Capacity
Approx. 3.2 US quarts/3 liters.
With headlamp washer system
* approx.
6.9 quarts/6.5 liters.
Cruise control*
The vehicle maintains and stores the speed
that you set as of a speed of approx. 20 mph/
30 km/h.
You can use cruise control whenever the sys-
tem is active while the engine is running.
On the sports steering wheel
* and M sports
steering wheel
*, the +/– buttons for the cruise
control are on the right side of the steering
wheel.
Driving
42 Do not use the cruise control under unfa-
vorable conditions that do not permit a
constant speed, e.g. when driving on winding
roads or in heavy traffic or when negotiating
poor road conditions such as snow, rain, ice, or
a loose road surface. Otherwise, you could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp lights up green:
System ready for operation using the
buttons on the steering wheel.
Activating system
As of ignition key position 2:
Press button on steering wheel; the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. You
are able to use the cruise control.
Deactivating system
Press the button repeatedly until the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
The cruise control is also deactivated when the
ignition key is turned to position 0. The speed
stored in the memory is deleted in the process.
Maintaining speed, storing, and
accelerating
Briefly press + button:
The system maintains and stores the current
vehicle speed. Each additional touch of the but-
ton increases the speed by approx. 1 mph/
1km/h.
Press and hold + button:
The vehicle accelerates without pressure on
the accelerator pedal. When you release the
button, the system maintains and stores the
current speed.If the braking action of the engine is insufficient
on a downhill stretch, the controlled speed can
be exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill grades if
the engine output is insufficient.
Decelerating
Briefly press – button:
Each press of the button decreases the vehi-
cle's speed by roughly 1 mph/1 km/h, provided
that you have already activated the cruise con-
trol.
Press and hold – button:
With the cruise control active, the system auto-
matically reduces the fuel supply to slow the
vehicle. When you release the button, the sys-
tem maintains and stores the current speed.
Interrupting cruise control
When the system is activated, press button 1.
The indicator lamp stays on. You can use the
cruise control again whenever required by
requesting the speed that was stored last.
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted in response to the following conditions:
>When you apply pressure to the brake pedal
>When you apply pressure to the clutch
pedal or when you move the automatic
transmission selector lever from D to N
>If you exceed or fall below the controlled
speed for an extended period, by pressing
the accelerator, for example
>When DSC is activated
Resuming stored speed
Press button:
The vehicle accelerates to and maintains the
last speed stored.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
49
Deactivating DSC
Press the button; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up continuously.
DSC is now deactivated.
Stabilizing interventions of the chassis control
system DSC are no longer available. However,
the braking interventions that simulate the
function of the differential lock continue to be
active.
In the following exceptional circumstances, it
may be useful to switch off DSC for a short
period:
>When rocking the vehicle and starting off in
deep snow or on loose road surfaces
>On sandy road surfaces
>On poor surfaces with deep ruts
>If the wheels spin on muddy surfaces
>When driving with snow chains
As a result of the braking interventions,
the brakes may be subjected to additional
loads when the system is switched off. In order
to limit the brake temperature, brief automatic
suppression of the brake activation is possible.
To maintain vehicle stability, always drive with
the system switched on when possible.<
Reactivating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. DSC is now acti-
vated.
xDrive
xDrive is the all-wheel drive system of your X3.
The combined effects of xDrive and DSC fur-
ther optimize the traction and dynamic driving
characteristics. The all-wheel drive system
xDrive variably distributes the drive torque to
the front and rear axle depending on the driving
situation and prevailing road conditions.
HDC Hill Descent Control
The concept
HDC is a system for hill descent assistance that
reduces the speed on steep downward inclines
and makes it even easier to control the driving
characteristics of your BMW under these condi-
tions. The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active intervention from
the driver.
HDC is available for activation at vehicle speeds
below approx. 20 mph/35 km/h. When driving
down steep hills with a speed below approx.
20 mph/35 km/h, the vehicle reduces speed
automatically down to slightly more than walk-
ing speed, approx. 5 mph/8 km/h, and then
maintains this speed at a constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary
this automatically controlled speed within a
range extending from approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to
15 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same
range by using the +/– buttons of the cruise
control on the steering wheel.
Everything from A to Z
118
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System48
– indicator lamp12
Accessories, refer to For your
own safety6
Accident, refer to Receiving
assistance107
Acknowledgment signal for
locking/unlocking
vehicle19,20
Activated-charcoal filter64
Adaptive Head Light57
Adding engine oil94
Adjusting seats27
– electrically27
– mechanically27
– mechanically Sports seat28
Airbags53
– deactivating front passenger
side33,54
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags54
– sitting safely26
– warning lamp54
Air circulation, refer to Recir-
culated-air mode60,63
Air conditioner59
Air distribution
– air conditioner60
– automatic climate control63
Airing, refer to
Ventilation61,64
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation61,64
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure86
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation61,64
Air volume60
– adjusting manually63AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications85
Alarm system24
– avoiding unintentional
alarms25
All-season tires, refer to
Special characteristics of
winter tires90
All wheel drive, refer to
xDrive49
Anchorage points73
Antifreeze
– coolant95
– washer fluid41
Antifreeze protection,
coolant95
Antilock Brake System
ABS48
– indicator lamp12
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system18,24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights116
Approved engine oils95
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights116
Armrest
– front67
– rear68
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray68
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control63
Automatic
– air distribution63
– air volume63
– recirculated-air control
AUC63
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochureAutomatic climate control62
Automatic cruise control41
Automatic curb monitor31
Automatic deactivation of
front passenger airbags54
Automatic headlamp
control56
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic38
– indicator lamp39
– interlock36
– selector lever interlock38
– shiftlock38
– towing109
– tow starting110
AUTO program63
Average fuel consumption46
– setting units45
Average speed46
– setting units45
Avoiding unintentional
alarms25
Axle loads, refer to
Weights116
B
Backrest, refer to Seats27
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support28
Backup lamps
– bulb replacement102
– refer to Tail lamps102
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit108
Bar, towing110
Battery105
– disposal106
– indicator lamp12
– jump starting108
– power failure106
– remote control18
– warning lamp105
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
126 Selector lever interlock, refer
to Shiftlock38
Selector-lever positions,
automatic transmission38
Service, refer to Receiving
assistance107
Service and warranty7
Service Engine Soon36,98
Service Interval Display44,97
Setting interior
temperature60,63
Shifting gears with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic39
Shiftlock38
Side airbags53
Side tilt, permissible80
Side turn signals, bulb
replacement101
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely26
– with airbags26
– with head restraint26
– with safety belt26
Ski bag69
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray68
Snow chains91
Socket, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket69
Soft drink can holder, refer to
Cup holders66
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency call107
Spare fuses106
Spare key18
Spare wheel, refer to Compact
wheel103
Speed
– with compact wheel105
– with winter tires90
Speedometer11
– refer to Instrument
cluster11
Split rear backrest, refer to
Enlarging cargo area70
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic39Sports seat28
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems48
Starting, refer to Starting
engine36
Starting difficulties
– at very low temperatures37
– jump starting
108
Starting engine36
Status of passenger
airbags54
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steering lock36
Steering wheel10,13
– adjustment31
– buttons on steering
wheel13
– heater31
– lock36
Steering wheel with
buttons13
Steptronic38
Storage compartments67
Storage package68
Storage package nets68
Storage space, refer to Cargo
area70
Storing desired speed, refer to
Cruise control41
Storing seat position, refer to
Seat and mirror memory29
Storing tires90
Straps, refer to Cargo
loading78
Sunroof, refer to Panorama
glass sunroof23
Supply reservoirs, washer
systems41
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching cooling function on/
off60,63
Switching off engine37
Symbols4
T
Tachometer43
Tail lamps102
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb56
– replacing bulbs102
Tank capacity116
Technical data114
Technical modifications6
Telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Temperature
– air conditioner60
– automatic climate control63
Temperature, tires89
Temperature display
– outside temperature45
– outside temperature
warning45
– setting units45
Temperature gauge44
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant thermometer44
Temperature warning45
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control41
The individual vehicle5
The right wheels and tires90
Thigh support adjustment28
Three point safety belts29
Tightening torque of lug bolts,
refer to After mounting105
Tilt alarm sensor
– remote control19
– switching off19,25
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror31
Tire inflation pressure
monitoring, refer to Tire
Pressure Monitor52
Tire inflation pressures86
– restoring86
Tire Pressure Monitor52
– malfunction warnings52
– resetting system52
– system limitations52
– warning lamp52