2007 BMW X3 3.0I liftgate

Things to remember when driving
84
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an optional
accessory for your BMW. Please familiarize
yourself with the information contained in the
installation instructions.
Loading luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response. You should
therefore always remember not to exceed the
approved roof load capacity, the approved
gross vehicle weight, or the axle loads when
loading the rack.
These specifications can be found under
Weights on page122.
The roof load must be evenly distributed and
must not extend outward beyond the limits of
the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the glass
sunroof and that objects do not project into the
opening path of the liftgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
while you drive.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Driving on poor roads
Your X3 is at home on all paved and unpaved
roads. It combines all-wheel drive with the
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Driving on unpaved terrain can cause
damage to the vehicle.<
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you should strictly observe –
for your own safety and that of your passengers,
as well as to protect the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
you begin driving. Do not take risks with the
vehicle under any circumstances.>Always adapt your driving speed to the road
conditions. The more steep and uneven the
roadway is, the lower the speed should be.
>You can operate your vehicle on uphill and
downhill gradients with a maximum slope
of 50 %. If you wish to drive on uphill and
downhill grades of this nature, make sure
beforehand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the MAX mark, refer to
pages99 and101.
>When descending very steep hills, use
HDC Hill Descent Control, refer to page51.
It is possible to start off on inclines of up
to 32 %.
The permitted side tilt is 32 %.
>While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
>Avoid having the body make contact with
the ground, e.g. on the crests of hills and
bumpy roads. The ground clearance of the
vehicle is a maximum of approx. 8.0 in/
20 cm. Please be aware that the ground
clearance can vary depending on the load
and operating conditions of the vehicle.
>Do not drive in water that is deeper than
20 in/50 cm. If you must drive through water
up to that depth, drive at a walking speed
and do not stop.
After leaving the water, press on the foot-
brake gently several times while driving at a
low speed. The brake applications will help
to dry the brakes, thus preventing a reduc-
tion in braking performance caused by the
moisture.
To clean the handbrake, apply the lever
slightly at approx. 25 mph/40 km/h and con-
tinue to drive for approx. 200 yards/
200 meters, provided that traffic conditions
allow you to do so.
>Depending on the road condition, it can be
useful to temporarily activate DTC, refer to
DTC Dynamic Traction Control on page51.
>If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress
the accelerator pedal far enough to permit
the driving stability control systems to dis-

Replacing components
108 Brake lamp:
1.Remove bulb holder, refer to arrow 2.
2.Remove and replace the bulb.
License plate lamps
C5W bulb, 5 watts
1.Press the lamp out to the side with a screw-
driver.
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
Liftgate lamp
10 watt bulb
1.Take out the bulb holder.
2.Replace the bulb.
Center brake lamp
This lamp is designed with LED technology. In
the event of a malfunction, please consult a
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a garage
that works in accordance with BMW guidelines
with appropriately trained personnel.
Wheel changes
Safety precautions to observe in the
event of a flat tire and during all tire
changes:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from passing
traffic. Park on a firm, flat, surface. Switch on the
hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel with the wheels point-
ing straight ahead. Engage the handbrake and
shift into first gear or reverse, or move the
selector lever to position P.
All passengers should be outside the vehicle
and well away from your immediate working
area, behind a guardrail, for instance.
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard warning
lamp
* is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tile, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is
supported by the jack.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
109
What you will need
Open liftgate and raise or remove floor cover,
refer to page76.
1Vehicle jack
2Lug wrench
3Chock
In order to avoid rattling noises later, note the
position of the tools when you remove them and
return them to their original position when you
are through using them.
Compact wheel
The compact wheel is located under the cargo
area on the undercarriage of the vehicle.
Removing compact wheel
1.Unscrew bolt, refer to arrow1.
2.Fold up lifting handle, refer to arrow2.
3.Turn the handle to the left as far as possible,
refer to arrow3.
Turning the handle releases the com-
pact wheel. Its weight of approx.
18 lbs./8 kg is then entirely supported by
the handle.<4.Slowly lower the handle as far as possible,
refer to arrow4.
5.Pull the compact wheel to the rear so that it
is still securely resting in its compact wheel
receptacle.
6.If need be, turn the wheel in the compact
wheel receptacle so that the attachment of
the retaining strap to the rim points toward
the rear.
7.Rotate the clamp by 180°, refer to arrows 1,
and unhook the retaining strap from the
clamp, refer to arrow 2.
8.Take out the compact wheel toward the
back.
9.Fasten the retaining strap to the compact
wheel receptacle and resecure the compact
wheel receptacle by reversing the above
steps.
The width of the defective wheel prevents
it from fitting into the compact wheel
receptacle in place of the compact wheel
itself.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
125
Bar, towing116
Battery111
– charging111
– disposal111
– indicator lamp12
– jump starting114
– power failure111
– remote control18
– warning lamp111
Belts, refer to Safety belts31
Beverage holder, refer to Cup
holders70
Blower, refer to
– Air volume62
– Air volume, adjusting
manually65
BMW homepage4
BMW maintenance
system102
Bottle holder, refer to Cup
holders70
Brake assistant50
– warning lamp52
Brake fluid101
– level101
– warning lamp101
Brake force display55
Brake lamps107
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb12,58
– replacing bulbs107
– two-stage55
Brake pads82
– breaking-in80
– warning lamp82
Brake pedal, refer to Safe
braking81
Brake rotors
– brake system80
– breaking-in80
Brakes81,101
– ABS50,81
– brake fluid101
– brake pads82
– breaking-in80
– handbrake38
– indicator/warning lamp12Brake system101
– brake fluid101
– brake pads82
– breaking-in80
– disk brakes82
– warning lamp101
Brake wear warning
– refer to Brake pads82
– warning lamp101
Breakdown service, refer to
Receiving assistance113
Breaking-in80
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs104
Buttons on steering wheel13
C
California law
– Event Data Recorders103
– Proposition 65 Warning5
Calling, refer to telephone
Owner's Manual
Can holder, refer to Cup
holders70
Capacities123
Capacity, Cargo area122
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, securing83
Cargo area22,74
– capacity122
– cover75
– emergency release, refer to
Opening manually22
– enlarging74
– floor cover76
– foldable rear backrest74
– hatch, refer to Liftgate22
– lashing eyes76
– opening from outside22
– opening with remote
control20
– power socket72Cargo loading82
– load83
– securing cargo83
– stowing cargo83
– vehicle82
Caring for artificial leather,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Caring for carpet, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Caring 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 preparation73
Car radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Car wash81
– 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
operating instructions
Central locking system19
– interior21
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changing a wheel108
Changing gears
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
Changing wheels94

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
127
Door lock21
Doors
– locking and unlocking from
inside21
– manual operation21
– unlocking and locking,
confirmation signals19,21
DOT Quality Grades93
Draft-free ventilation63,66
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams58
Driving notes80
Driving on poor roads84
Driving stability control
systems50
Driving through water84
Driving tips, refer to Driving
instructions80
Drying air, refer to Switching
cooling function on/
off62,65
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control50
– indicator lamp51
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control51
– indicator lamps51
DVD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC50
– indicator lamp51
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC51
– indicator lamps51
E
Electrical malfunctions
– automatic transmission
malfunction40
– door lock21
– driver's door21
– fuel filler door88
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Electronic brake-force
distribution50Electronic Stability Program,
refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control50
Emergency call113
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– doors21
– driver's door21
– fuel filler door88
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Emergency Service, refer to
Receiving assistance113
Engine
– breaking-in80
– data120
– indicator lamps37
– overheated, refer to Coolant
thermometer46
– speed45
– starting37
– switching off38
Engine compartment98
Engine coolant101
Engine coolant
temperature46
Engine oil99
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils100
– approved engine oils100
– electronic oil level control99
– indicator/warning lamp99
– possible displays99
– required oil grades100
– specifications, also refer to
Approved engine oils100
Engine oil grades100
Engine oil level, indicator/
warning lamp99
Engine oil pressure99
– indicator/warning lamp99
Engine output, refer to Engine
data120
Equipment package, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for
US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian modelsESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control50
Exhaust system81
Exterior mirrors
32
– automatically dimming33
External audio device72
Eye, tow starting and
towing115
F
Failure of electrical
accessories112
False alarms, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms26
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts31
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter63
– Microfilter/activated
charcoal filter66
First-aid kit114
Flat tire108
– compact wheel109
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– refer to Tire inflation
pressure90
– refer to Wheel changes108
– Tire Pressure Monitor54
Flat Tire Monitor53
– indicator lamp53
– initializing system53
– snow chains96
– system limits53
– warning errors53
Flooding, refer to Driving
through water81
Floor cover76
Fog lamps, indicator lamp59
Folding rear seat back74
Four wheel drive, refer to
xDrive51
Front airbags56
Front fog lamps59
– replacing bulbs107

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
129
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview12
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory18
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure90
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– Tire Pressure Monitor54
Initializing, refer to Power
failure23,24
INSPECTION46
Instrument cluster11
Instrument lighting60
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated universal remote
control67
Interior lamps60
– remote control20
Interior motion sensor26
– switching off20,26
Interior rearview mirror33
– automatic dimming
feature33
– compass68
Interlock37
Intermittent mode of the
wipers41
Interval indicator, Service46
J
Jacking points110
– vehicle jack110
Jump starting114
K
Key Memory18
Keys18
– key-specific settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory18
Kick-down40
L
Labeling, tires93
Lamps and bulbs104
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing load83
LATCH child restraint fixing
system35
LEDs light-emitting
diodes105
Length, refer to
Dimensions121
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs108
Liftgate22
– closing22
– emergency operation22
– manually opening22
– opening from outside22
– remote control20
Liftgate lamp, replacing
bulbs108
Lifting handle, compact
wheel109
Light-alloy wheels, care, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs105
Lighter72
Lighter socket72
Lighting of instruments60
Lights, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams58
Light switch58
Load
– determining load limit82
– refer to Cargo loading82
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking21
Locking
– from inside21
– with the remote control19
Low beams58
– automatic58
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb58
– replacing bulbs105Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support29
Lug bolts110
– torque110
Luggage compartment22
– capacity122
– cover, refer to Cargo area
cover75
– floor cover76
– increasing volume74
– opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate22
– opening from outside22
– opening with remote
control20
– refer to Cargo area
74
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer
to Opening manually22
– opening with remote control,
refer to Unlocking liftgate20
– refer to Liftgate22
Luggage compartment net,
refer to Partition net75
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack84
Lug wrench109
Lumbar support29
M
Maintenance102
– refer to Service Interval
Display46
Maintenance system102
Malfunctions
– automatic transmission40
– door lock21
– fuel filler door88
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Manual air distribution62,65
Manual operation
– door lock21
– driver's door21
– fuel filler door88
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
131
Precious wood, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Pressure, tires90
Pressure monitoring,
tires53,54
Programming settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory18
Puncture, Flat Tire Monitor53
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant101
Radio, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Radio-control key, refer to
Master key with remote
control18
Radio navigation, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Rain sensor41
Range, setting units47
Reading lamps
– front60
– rear60
Rear armrest, refer to Armrest,
rear71
Rear backrests, folding74
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps107
Rear lamps and reflector, refer
to Tail lamps107
Rear parcel shelf, refer to
Cargo area cover75
Rear seat back, folding74
Rearview mirrors, exterior32
Rear window defroster
– air conditioner62
– automatic climate control66
Rear window safety switch23
Rear window wiper42
– wiper blade
replacement104
Rechargeable flashlight71
Recirculated-air mode
– air conditioner62
– automatic climate control66Refueling88
Remaining distance, refer to
Cruising range48
Remaining distance until
service46
Remote control19
– garage-door opener67
– liftgate20
– malfunction20
Removing condensation,
windows
– air conditioner62
– automatic climate control65
Replacement fuses112
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs104
Replacing tires
– new wheels and tires94
– wheel changes108
Replacing windshield
wipers104
Reporting an accident, refer to
Initiating an emergency
call113
Reporting safety defects7
Required oil grades, refer to
Approved engine oils100
Reserve indicator lamp, refer
to Fuel gauge45
Restraint systems
– for children34
– refer to Safety belts31
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– manual transmission39
Roadside Assistance, refer to
Receiving assistance113
Roadside parking lamps59
Roller cover for cargo area,
refer to Cargo area cover75
Roof load capacity, refer to
Weights122
Roof-mounted luggage
rack84
Rope, refer to Tow starting
and towing115Rotating coin holder, refer to
Storage compartments71
Run-flat indicator, refer to Flat
Tire Monitor53
S
Safety belts31
– safe sitting position27
– warning lamp31
Safety belt tensioners, refer to
Safety belts31
Safety defects7
Safety feature, window23
Safety systems, refer to
– ABS Antilock Brake
System50
– Airbags56
– DSC Dynamic Stability
Control50
– xDrive51
Screw thread for tow
fitting115
Seat heating30
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory30
Seats
– adjusting electrically28
– adjusting sports seat29
– heating30
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory30
– sitting safely27
– storing the setting30
Securing, vehicle, with the
remote control19
Securing cargo, refer to Cargo
loading82
Selector lever
– automatic transmission39
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
Selector lever interlock, refer
to Shiftlock39
Selector-lever positions,
automatic transmission39
Service, refer to Receiving
assistance113

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
133
Tires
– age93
– breaking-in80
– changing94
– changing, also refer to Wheel
changes108
– coding93
– condition94
– damage94
– DOT Quality Grades93
– flat108
– inflation pressure90
– inflation pressure table92
– size, refer to Correct wheels
and tires95
– storage95
– temperature94
– traction93
– tread94
– tread wear93
– Uniform Tire Quality
Grading93
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth94
– winter tires95
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit104
Torque
– engine120
– lug bolts110
Touch signaling41
Tow bar116
Tow fitting115
Towing115
– with automatic
transmission115
Towing eye115
Towing the vehicle115
Tow rope116
Tow sockets for tow
fitting115
Tow starting115
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor54
Track width, refer to
Dimensions121
Traction93Traction control, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control50
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– manual transmission39
Transmission locking
mechanism, refer to
PPark40
Transmission malfunction,
refer to Malfunction40
Transporting children
safely
34
Transport securing device,
refer to Securing cargo83
Traveling on poor roads84
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tread depth94
Tread wear93
Tread wear indicator in tires,
refer to Minimum tread
depth94
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer45
Trip odometer45
Trunk lid, refer to Liftgate22
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions121
Turning lamp59
Turn signals40
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs106
– side, replacing bulbs107
U
Units47
– outside temperature47
Universal garage-door
opener, refer to Integrated
universal remote control67
Universal remote control67
Unlocking
– from inside21
– hood97
– with the remote control19Unlocking and locking doors
with the remote control19
Upholstery care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
V
Valve screw caps, refer to
After mounting110
Vehicle
– battery111
– breaking-in80
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cargo loading82
– dimensions121
– disposal, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– locking from inside21
– parking38
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weights122
Vehicle battery111
Vehicle jack109
– jacking points110
Vehicle Memory18
Ventilation63,66
– draft-free63,66
Viscosity100
Voice command system, refer
to separate Owner's Manual
W
Warning and indicator lamps,
overview12
Warning triangle113
Warranty, refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models102
Warranty and service6
Washer fluid42