Things to remember when driving
80
Things to remember when driving
Breaking-in
Moving parts should be allowed to adjust to one
another. To ensure that your vehicle provides
maximum economy throughout a long service
life, we request that you comply with the follow-
ing instructions.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
For the first 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and driving speeds, but
do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph / 160 km/h
in the process.
Generally avoid full throttle or kick-down posi-
tion of the accelerator pedal.
After 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and road speed can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. For this reason, drive with extra care
during the initial 200 miles/300 km.
Obey your local and state maximum speed lim-
its.
When the vehicle is operated on wet or
slushy roads, a wedge of water may form
between the tire and the road surface. This phe-
nomenon is referred to as hydroplaning and can
lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehi-
cle control and braking effectiveness. Reduce
your speed on wet roads.<
Brake system
Your vehicle must travel approx. 300 miles/
500 km before the brake pads and rotors
achieve the optimum pad-surface and wear patterns required for trouble-free operation and
long service life later on.
To break in the separate handbrake drums,
apply the handbrake lightly when coasting to a
stop – at a traffic signal, for instance; use cau-
tion to avoid posing a danger to other road
users.
To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure from
time to time.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
handbrake is applied.
Vacuum for the brake system servo unit
on your BMW is available only when the
engine is running. When you move the car with
the engine off – e.g., by towing – substantially
higher levels of pedal force will be required to
brake the vehicle.<
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimum
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following component replacements
Follow the breaking-in instructions again when-
ever subsequent driving requires replacement
of previously mentioned components.
General driving notes
Close the liftgate
Operate the vehicle only when the liftgate
is completely closed; otherwise, exhaust
fumes could enter the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances should make it abso-
lutely necessary to operate the vehicle with the
liftgate open:
1.Close all windows and the panorama glass
sunroof.
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-
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
111
Protect valve stems with valve stem
seal caps from dirt and contamina-
tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
4.Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor
* or reset
the Tire Pressure Monitor
*, refer to
pages53, 54.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
when driving with a compact wheel.<
5.Replace the defective tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
Mounting the compact wheel can change the
driving characteristics. For example, it can
reduce tracking stability during braking, extend
braking distances, and alter self-steering char-
acteristics in the limit range. With winter tires,
these characteristics are more pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. You should re-equip with
wheels and tires of the original size as soon as
possible.<
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
will be happy to advise you on all questions con-
cerning the battery.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up. The battery
is no longer being charged. The alterna-
tor V-belt is defective or there is a mal-
function in the charge current circuit of the
alternator. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.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 page114.
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
page24.
>Power windows
The pinch protection system must be reini-
tialized, refer to page23.
>Seat and mirror memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page30.
>Time
Must be set again, refer to page46.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
121
Dimensions
All dimensions in inches/millimeters. Smallest turning circle dia.: 38.4 ft/11.7 m.
Height with roof rack
*: 66.0 in/1674 mm.
Technical data
122
Weights
X3 3.0iX3 3.0si
Curb weight
>manual transmission
>automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg4012/1820
4067/18454012/1820
4067/1845
Approved gross vehicle weight
>manual transmission
>automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg5015/2275
5071/23005049/2290
5104/2315
Payload lbs./kg 1003/455 1036/470
Approved front axle load
>manual transmission
>automatic transmissionlbs./kg
lbs./kg2425/1100
2425/11002425/1100
2535/1150
Approved rear axle load lbs./kg 2778/1260 2778/1260
Approved roof load capacity lbs./kg 165/75 165/75
Cargo area capacity cu ft/l 71/2,011 71/2,011
Everything from A to Z
126 Charge-current indicator
lamp12,111
Check Gas Cap, warning
lamp12,88
Child's seat, refer to Child
restraint systems34
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH35
Child restraint systems34
– installing34
– with tether strap35
Child-safety locks36
Child seat security34
Chock109
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter72
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode62,66
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning rear window42
Clock46,47
– 12 or 24 hour mode47
– setting, also refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
– setting time46
Closing
– from inside21
– with the remote control19
Clothes hooks71
Clutch80
– breaking-in80
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine37
Combination of wheel/tire95
Compact wheel, wheel
changes109
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments71
Compartments in cargo area,
refer to Behind side trim
panel76Compass, digital68
Computer47
– also refer to Owner's Manual
for Onboard Computer
– functions47
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked81
Confirmation signal for
locking/unlocking
vehicle19,21
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices72
Connecting electrical
devices72
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption48
Consumption indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge45
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– from outside21
– panorama glass sunroof21
– windows21
Coolant101
– level101
– temperature gauge46
– warning lamp101
Cooling, refer to
Temperature62,65
Copyright2
Correct wheels and tires95
Cruise control43
– buttons on steering
wheel13
– indicator lamp43
Cruising range48
Cup holders70
Curb weight, refer to
Weights122
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data120
D
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting60
Dashboard system, refer to
Cockpit10
Data, technical120
– dimensions121
– engine120
– filling capacities123
– weights122
Daytime running lamps58
Deactivating front passenger
airbags34,56
Defective lamp58
Defects7
Defrosting windows62,65
– air conditioner62
– automatic climate control65
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner62
– automatic climate control65
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows62,65
Digital clock46
Digital compass68
Dimensions121
Dimming mirror33
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals40
Disk brakes82
Displacement, refer to Engine
data120
Display illumination, refer to
Instrument lighting60
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting60
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster11
Disposal, vehicle battery111
Disposal of the vehicle, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control49
Door keys18
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