Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
97
Under the hood
Never attempt to perform any service or
repair operations on your vehicle without
the required professional technical training. If
you are not familiar with the regulations to be
observed, have work on your vehicle carried out
only by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Cen-
ter or at a workshop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with appropriately
trained personnel. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards.<
Hood
Unlocking
Pull the lever located under the left side of the
instrument cluster.
Opening
To avoid causing damage, make sure that
wiper arms are resting against the wind-
shield before opening the hood.<
Press the release handle and open the hood.
Closing
Close the hood with force by allowing it to fall
from a height of approx. 1 ft/30 cm. It must
engage audibly.
Avoid injuries by making sure that the
hood's closing region is clear and unob-
structed.
If you see any signs that the hood is not com-
pletely closed while driving your vehicle, you
should stop at once and close it securely.<
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
101
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
are harmful to your health, so follow the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-
posing of used coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Allow engine to cool.
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 when it is
between the MIN and MAX marks, also refer
to illustration next to 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.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up red despite
the handbrake being released.
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
immediately.
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.
Replacing components
104
Replacing components
Onboard tool kit
The onboard tool kit is located in a compart-
ment on the left in the cargo area.
Wiper blades
Replacing front wiper blades
1.Move the wiper into the fold-out position,
refer to page41.
2.Lift the wiper arm and press the securing
spring, refer to arrow.
3.Pull the wiper blade off toward the wiper
arm.
4.Insert the new blade and snap it into place.
To prevent damage to the wipers, always
fold them back down onto the windshield
before you turn the ignition key to position 1
or 2 or open the hood.<
Replacing rear wiper blade
1.Lift the wiper arm.
2.Pull off the wiper blade, refer to arrow.
3.Insert a new wiper blade.
Lamps and bulbs
Lamps and bulbs make a significant contribu-
tion to road safety. Therefore, comply fully with
the following instructions during bulb replace-
ment. If you are not familiar with the specified
procedures or they are not described here,
BMW recommends having this work carried out
at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Never touch the glass of new bulbs with
your bare fingers, as even minute
amounts of contamination will burn into the
bulb's surface and reduce its service life. Use a
clean cloth, paper towel, or the like or grasp
bulb by its base.<
A replacement bulb set is available from your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
In all work on the electrical system, switch
off the relevant component to prevent
short circuits. To avoid possible injury or equip-
ment damage when replacing bulbs, follow any
instructions provided by the bulb manufac-
turer.<
When maintaining the headlamps, please follow
the instructions in the separate Caring for your
vehicle brochure.
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.<
Replacing components
112
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse, and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, as
this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
Open the glove compartment and turn the two
quick-release fasteners to the left, refer to
arrows.
Spare fuses, plastic tweezers, and information
about fuse allocation are stored with the fuses.
Giving and receiving assistance
116
Towing methods
To avoid damage, do not lift the vehicle by
the tow fitting or body and suspension
parts.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes on public roads is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the
specific country.
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.
If possible, do not tow start the vehicle; jump
start the engine instead, refer to page114.
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 page37.
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
page51.<
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
Everything from A to Z
128 Front passenger airbags
– automatic deactivation56
– status57
Fuel89
– average consumption48
– capacity123
– gauge45
– quality89
Fuel cap88
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge45
Fuel filler door88
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction88
Fuel gauge45
Fuel tank contents, refer to
Filling capacities123
Full preparation package
mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Fuses112
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control67
Gasoline
– refer to Fuel quality89
– refer to Fuel
specifications89
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge45
Gear indicator in automatic
transmission with
Steptronic39
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission39
General driving notes80
Glove compartment70
Grills, refer to
Ventilation63,66
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights122
Ground clearance84
H
Halogen lamps105
Handbrake38
– indicator lamp38
Hands-free microphone73
– refer to Car phone
preparation73
Hazard warning flashers10
HDC Hill Descent Control51
Head airbags56
Headlamp flasher40
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps105
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– control, automatic58
– replacing bulbs104
Headlamp washer reservoir
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities123
– refer to Washer fluid42
Headlamp washer system
– headlamp washing42
– washer fluid42
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light59
Head restraints29
– installing, front30
– removing, front30
– sitting safely27
Heated mirrors32
Heated rear window
– air conditioner62
– automatic climate control66
Heated seats30
Heated steering wheel33
Heater
– rear window62,66
– windshield washer jets42
Heating
– exterior mirror32
– seats30
– steering wheel33
Heating and ventilation61,64
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo
loading82
Height, refer to
Dimensions121Height adjustment
– seats28
– steering wheel33
High beams59
– headlamp flasher59
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs106
High Performance Synthetic
Oil100
Hill-climbing ability, refer to
Driving on poor roads
84
Hill Descent Control HDC51
Hills82
Holder for beverages70
Hood97
Horn10
Hotel function18
Hot exhaust system81
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to Brake assistant50
Hydroplaning81
I
Icy conditions, refer to
Outside temperature
warning47
Ignition37
Ignition key18
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock37
Ignition lock37
Imprint2
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags57
– alarm system25
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic40
– brakes101
– coolant temperature46
– DSC51
– engine temperature46
– Flat Tire Monitor53
– fog lamps59
– front passenger airbags57
– reserve45
– safety belt warning31
– Tire Pressure Monitor54