2007 BMW X3 3.0I xDrive

Cockpit
12
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
Indicator and warning lamps that are identified
with
+ are checked for proper function each
time you turn the ignition key. They each light
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored sys-
tem, the corresponding lamp will either fail to go
o u t w h e n t h e e n g i n e i s s t a r t e d , o r i t w i l l c o m e o n
again during normal driving. Detailed informa-
tion is provided on the specified pages.
Battery charge current
+111
Headlamp flasher40
High beams59
Engine oil
+99
Driving stability control systems/
ABS Antilock Brake System
+50
ABS Antilock Brake System/chassis
control system for Canadian models
Brake system
+
With handbrake released52, 101
With handbrake engaged38
With other warning lamps52
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models
Brake pads
+82
Please fasten safety belt
+31
Airbags
+56
Front fog lamps59
Automatic transmission +39
Turn signals40
DSC Dynamic Stability Control/
xDrive
+ 50, 51
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
+51
Service Engine Soon
+103
Service Engine Soon warning lamp for
Canadian models.
Check Gas Cap
* +88
Engine electronics
+37
Topping off washer fluid42
Coolant low101
Flat Tire Monitor
* +53
Tire Pressure Monitor
* +54
Lamp defective58
Cruise control43
With ignition key in position 2, this
warning lamp indicates that a door
or the liftgate is open.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
51
jointly. These systems do not take their cus-
tomary stabilizing actions.
To increase vehicle stability, reactivate DSC as
soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
For monitoring purposes
When the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is controlling the drive and braking
forces.
When the indicator lamp lights up:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
DTC is a variation of DSC that is optimized for
forward momentum for particular road condi-
tions, e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. In
this mode, the system assures maximum for-
ward momentum, but with limited driving stabil-
ity. For this reason, drive with corresponding
caution.
In the following exceptional circumstances, it
may be useful to temporarily activate DTC:
>When driving on snow-covered inclines, in
slush, or on unplowed, snow-covered roads
>When freeing a stuck vehicle or starting up
in deep snow, sand, or on a loose ground
surface
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button; the DTC indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
For monitoring purposes
When the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC is controlling the drive forces and
braking forces.
When the indicator lamp lights up:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster goes out.
xDrive
xDrive is the all-wheel drive system of your X3.
The combined effects of xDrive and DSC fur-
ther optimize the traction and dynamic driving
characteristics. The all-wheel drive system
xDrive variably distributes the drive torque to
the front and rear axle depending on the driving
situation and prevailing road conditions.
HDC Hill Descent Control
The concept
HDC is a system for hill descent assistance that
reduces the speed on steep downward inclines
and makes it even easier to control the driving
characteristics of your BMW under these condi-
tions. The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active intervention from
the driver.
You can activate HDC at vehicle speeds below
approx. 20 mph/35 km/h. If it is traveling down a
steep slope at a speed below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h, the vehicle then automatically decel-
erates down to slightly more than walking
speed, approx. 5 mph/8 km/h, and then keeps
this speed constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary
this automatically controlled speed within a
range extending from approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to
15 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same
range by using the +/– buttons of the cruise
control on the steering wheel.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
52
Activating HDC
Press the button; the LED lights up.
The LED flashes when the brakes are applied
automatically.
Deactivating HDC
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
HDC is deactivated immediately above approx.
35 mph/60 km/h and after approx. 10 seconds
when the ignition is switched off.
Using HDC
Manual transmission:
Use HDC in low gears and in reverse.
Automatic transmission:
You can use HDC in every drive position.
Malfunction
If the LED in the button goes out in the HDC
mode or fails to light up when the button is
pressed:
HDC is temporarily not available, because the
brake temperature is too high.
Malfunction in vehicle stability control
systems
The warning lamp lights up yellow.
The brake assistant is malfunctioning.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
If one of the malfunctions described
below occurs, drive with restraint and
caution and avoid full braking; otherwise, acci-dents can occur. When driving on poor road
surfaces, avoid full throttle or kickdown position
of the accelerator pedal as these could cause
damage to the drive system.<
The warning lamp for the brake system
lights up in red, together with the warn-
ing lamps for ABS and DSC/xDrive. In
addition, a warning signal sounds.
The driving stability control systems
have failed. It is then possible to exert
driving force only via the rear axle.
If the brake system warning lamp lights
up in yellow in the described combination, then
the EBV Electronic brake-force distribution is
still available. Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
The warning lamp lights up continu-
ously and a warning signal sounds:
Both DSC and DTC or the xDrive all-
wheel drive system have failed.
The stabilizing interventions of DSC or the all-
wheel drive system xDrive are no longer avail-
able. It is then possible to exert driving force
only via the rear axle. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
Acceleration assistant
The acceleration assistant allows you to conve-
niently start off on inclines. You do not have to
use the handbrake.
1.Hold the vehicle with the brake pedal.
2.Step off the brake and immediately start off
with no trouble.
The acceleration assistant holds the vehi-
cle for approx. 2 seconds after the brake
is released. Depending on the load or when
towing a trailer, it is also possible for the vehicle
to roll backward slightly during this interval.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
95
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of
retreaded tires; otherwise, driving safety
may be reduced. The causes for this include the
possibly different tire casing structures and the
often wide variations in their age, which can
result in a limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact and with it, the risk of severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for the correct wheel-and-tire combina-
tion.
The correct wheel-and-tire combination affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC or xDrive.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. After tire
damage, always remember to have the original
wheel and tire combination remounted on the
vehicle as soon as possible.
Wheels equipped with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When installing new tires or when changing
from summer tires to winter tires or vice versa,
only use wheels equipped with TPM electron-
ics; otherwise, the Tire Pressure Monitor can-
not detect a flat tire, refer to page54. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be
happy to advise you in this regard.
Recommended tire brands
BMW recommends particular tire brands for
each tire size. You will recognize them by the
clearly visible BMW identification on the tire
sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling characteris-
tics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold
winter driving conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires do provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the
same levels of cold-weather performance as
winter tires.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.<
Storage
Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry place, pro-
tecting them from light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires from contact with oil, grease and
fuel. Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Changing wheels from one axle to
another
BMW does not recommend changing the front
wheels to the back or vice versa as this can
impair handling characteristics.

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
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
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

Everything from A to Z
134 Washer fluid reservoir,
capacity, refer to Filling
capacities123
Washer reservoir, refer to
Filler neck for washer
fluid42
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray72
Weights122
Wheel/tire combination95
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions121
Wheel bolt, wrench109
Wheel changes, compact
wheel109
Wheels and tires95
Width, refer to
Dimensions121
Windows22
– convenience operation21
– safety switch23
Windshield
– cleaning42
– defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows62,65
Windshield washer reservoir
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities123
– refer to Washer fluid42
Windshield washer system
– washer/wiper system41
– washer fluid42
Windshield wiper blade
replacement104
Windshield wipers, refer to
Washer/wiper system41
Winter tires95
– changing108
– condition94
– storage95
Wiper blade replacement104
Wiper system41
Working in the engine
compartment97
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit104
X
xDrive51
Xenon headlamp105
– replacing bulbs105
Y
Your individual vehicle5