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
113
Giving and receiving assistance
Receiving assistance
The Roadside Assistance of the BMW Group
offers you assistance in the event of a break-
down around the clock, as well as on weekends
and public holidays.
The phone numbers of the Roadside Assis-
tance control center in your home country can
be found in the Contact brochure.
In the case of vehicles with the corresponding
equipment, you can use buttons in the head-
liner to contact Roadside Assistance or initiate
an emergency call.
When the emergency call is initiated, a tele-
phone connection is established to the BMW
Assist Response Center.
In vehicles with BMW Assist enabled, if the cur-
r en t p o s it io n o f y o u r v eh i c le c a n b e d et e r m in e d ,
it will be transmitted to the BMW Assist
Response Center.
The conditions for initiating an emergency call
or contacting Roadside Assistance:
>Ignition key in position 1 or higher
>The car phone is logged on to a mobile tele-
phone network
>The emergency call system is operable
Access to buttons*
To open the cover:
Briefly press the cover, refer to arrow.
1Emergency call
2Roadside Assistance
Initiating an emergency call*
Press button 1 for at least 2 seconds.
The LED above the button lights up. As soon as
a voice connection to the BMW Assist
Response Center has been established, the
LED flashes. If the LED flashes, but you are
unable to hear the emergency Response Cen-
ter, you may still be heard by the Response
Center.
For technical reasons, the emergency call
cannot be guaranteed under the most
unfavorable conditions.<
Under certain conditions, an emergency call is
initiated automatically immediately after a
severe accident. The automatic emergency call
is not affected by the button being pressed.
Roadside Assistance*
Press button 2 for at least 2 seconds.
The LED above the button lights up. As soon as
a voice connection to Roadside Assistance has
been established, the LED flashes.
On a country-specific basis, with BMW Assist
enabled, the current position of your vehicle is
determined at the same time.
Warning triangle*
The warning triangle is stored behind the right
side panel in the cargo area.
To open the side trim panel: press the button.
Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
115
Starting engine
1.Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and
let it run at a slightly elevated idling speed
for a few minutes.
2.Start the engine on the other vehicle in the
usual way.
If the first start attempt is not successful,
wait a few minutes before another attempt
in order to allow the discharged battery to
recharge.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the connection sequence.
If need be, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow starting and towing
Obey all applicable laws and guidelines
for tow starting and towing.<
Do not allow any passengers other than
the driver to ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page104, and must
always remain in the vehicle. It can be screwed
in at the front or rear of the BMW.
Only use the tow fitting that comes with
the vehicle and screw it in as far as it will
go. Use the tow fitting only for towing on roads.
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do
not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise,
the tow fitting and the vehicle can be dam-
aged.<
Access to screw thread
Front
Push the cover in the bumper out of the recess
with a screwdriver.
Rear
Press on the mark provided on the cover.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1; otherwise, the steering lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine
switched off. It is therefore necessary to exert
increased effort for braking and steering.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral.
Automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Changing selector lever positions, refer to
page39.
Do not exceed a towing speed of
45 mph/70 km/h and a towing distance
of 90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
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.<
Everything from A to Z
124
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System50
– indicator lamp12
Acceleration assistance
– refer to Acceleration
assistant52
– refer to DSC50
Acceleration assistant52
Accessories, refer to For your
own safety5
Accident, refer to Receiving
assistance113
Activated-charcoal filter66
Adaptive Head Light59
Adding engine oil100
Adjusting seats28
– electrically28
– mechanically28
– mechanically, Sports seat29
Airbags56
– deactivating front passenger
side34,56
– front passenger side,
deactivating34,56
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags57
– sitting safely27
– warning lamp57
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode62,66
Air conditioner61
Air distribution
– air conditioner62
– automatic climate control65
Airing, refer to
Ventilation63,66
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation63,66Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure90
Air vents, refer to
Ventilation63,66
Air volume62
– adjusting manually65
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications89
Alarm system25
– avoiding unintentional
alarms26
All-season tires, refer to
Special characteristics of
winter tires95
All wheel drive, refer to
xDrive51
Anchorage points76
Antifreeze
– coolant101
– washer fluid42
Antilock Brake System
ABS50
– indicator lamp12
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system19,25
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights122
Approved engine oils100
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights122
Armrest
– front71
– rear71
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray72
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control66
Audio device, external72Automatic
– air distribution65
– air volume65
– recirculated-air control
AUC66
Automatic car wash, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control64
Automatic cruise control43
Automatic curb monitor32
Automatic deactivation of
front passenger airbags56
Automatic headlamp
control58
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– indicator lamp40
– interlock37
– selector lever interlock39
– shiftlock39
– towing115
– tow starting116
AUTO program65
Average fuel consumption48
– setting units47
Average speed48
– setting units47
Avoiding unintentional
alarms26
Axle loads, refer to
Weights122
B
Backrest, refer to Seats28
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support29
Backup lamps, bulb
replacement107
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit114
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
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