2006 BMW X3 3.0I oil change

Everything under control
44
Coolant temperature gauge
Blue
The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate
engine and vehicle speeds.
Between blue and red fields
Normal operating range. It is permissible for the
dial to drift up to the red field.
Red
Comes on while driving:
The engine is overheated. Switch off the engine
immediately and allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to page95.
When you switch on the ignition, the warning
lamp1 comes on briefly to confirm that the sys-
tem is operational.
Service Interval Display
Remaining distance until next service
due
The displays shown in the illustration appear for
a few seconds as of ignition key position 1 or
after starting the engine.Together with the message OIL SERVICE or
INSPECTION, the next scheduled service and
remaining distance to this service are displayed
in miles/kilometers.
The remaining distance is determined on the
basis of the past driving style.
A flashing display and a – sign before the
numerical value mean that the service interval
has been passed by the displayed number of
miles/kilometers. Please make an appointment
with your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Clock
If you wish to have a continuous clock display,
you can also have the time displayed in the dis-
play of the car radio, refer to Owner's Manual for
Radio.
You can set the clock to also be displayed in the
radio, as follows.
Setting time
As of ignition key position 1:
Hours
1.Hold button2 pressed for a few seconds
until the hours are displayed and the colon
flashes.
2.Press button1 repeatedly until the desired
hour is set.
Minutes
3.Press button2 to change to the minutes
display.
4.Press button1 repeatedly until the desired
minutes are set.

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.

Technical data
116
Weights
Capacities
X3 2.5iX3 3.0i
Curb weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg4,001/1,815
4,045/1,8354,023/1,825
4,067/1,845
Approved gross vehicle weight
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg4,993/2,265
5,049/2,2905,049/2,290
5,104/2,315
Payload
with manual transmission
with automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg992/450
1,003/4551,025/465
1,036/470
Approved front axle load lbs./kg 2,425/1,100 2,425/1,100
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2,756/1,250 2,778/1,260
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 71/2,011 71/2,011
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or the gross vehicle weight.
Notes
Fuel tank
Reserve gal./liters
gal./litersapprox. 17.7/67
approx. 2/8Fuel specification:
page85
Windshield washer/
headlamp washer systemquarts/liters approx. 3.2/3.0
approx. 6.9/6.5For details: page41
Engine oil and filter change quarts/liters approx. 6.6/6.2 For details: page94

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
119
Belts, refer to Safety belts29
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders66
Blower, refer to
– Air volume60
– Air volume, adjusting
manually63
BMW maintenance system97
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders66
Brake fluid96
– level96
– warning lamp96
Brake force display53
Brake lamps
– brake force display53
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb12,56
– replacing bulbs102
Brake light, refer to Brake
lamps102
Brake pads96
– breaking-in76
– warning lamp96
Brake pedal, refer to Safe
braking78
Brake rotors
– brake system76
– breaking-in76
Brakes78,96
– ABS48,78
– brake fluid96
– brake pads96
– breaking-in76
– handbrake37
– indicator/warning lamp12
Brake system96
– brake fluid96
– brake pads96
– breaking-in76
– disk brakes78
– warning lamp96
Brake wear warning
– refer to Brake pads96
– warning lamp96
Breakdown service, refer to
Receiving assistance107
Breaking-in76Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs99
Buttons on steering wheel13
C
California law
– Event Data Recorders98
– Proposition 65 Warning6
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders66
Capacities116
Capacity, cargo area116
Car care, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Car-care products, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cargo, securing79
Cargo area21,70
– capacity116
– cover71
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually21
– enlarging70
– floor cover72
– folding rear seat backrest70
– lashing eyes73
– lid, refer to Liftgate21
– opening from outside21
– opening with remote
control19
– power socket69
Cargo loading78
– load79
– securing cargo79
– stowing cargo79
– vehicle78
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochureCaring for leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for plastic, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring for vehicle finish, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Car keys, refer to Key set18
Car phone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car phone preparation69
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Car wash77
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Cellphone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Central locking system18
– interior20
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel103
Changing gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– manual transmission38
Changing wheels89
Charge-current indicator
lamp12,105
Charging battery106
Check Gas Cap, warning
lamp12,84
Checking oil level94
Child's seat, refer to Child
restraint systems33
Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH34

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

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