
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
110
Inserting compact wheel
The compact wheel is reinserted in the reverse
sequence of its removal.
When attaching the retaining strap to the
compact wheel, make sure the belt is
threaded through 2 rim openings, with one
unoccupied hole between them; otherwise, the
compact wheel could come loose in an acci-
dent.<
Preparing wheel change
1.Observe the safety precautions on
page109.
2.Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling:
Place the wheel chock behind the front
wheel on the side of the vehicle opposite
the side being raised. If the vehicle is parked
on a downward slope, place the wheel
chock securely in front of this wheel. If the
road surface is steeply inclined, take addi-
tional preventive steps to stop the vehicle
from rolling.
3.Loosen the wheel lugs by a half turn.
Jacking up vehicle
1.Position the vehicle jack at the jacking point
closest to the wheel so that the entire sur-
face of the jack base perpendicularly con-
tacts the ground under the jacking point.
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not attempt
to raise another vehicle model with it or to
raise any load of any kind. To do so could
cause accidents and personal injury.<2.Guide the jack head into the rectangular
recess of the jacking point when cranking
up, refer to drawing inset.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised from the ground.
Mounting a wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Clean the lug bolts.
3.Position the new wheel or compact wheel.
Secure the wheel by screwing at least two
lug bolts into opposite bolt holes. When you
mount wheels other than Genuine BMW
light-alloy wheels, different lug bolts may
also be required.
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
5.Lower the jack and remove it from beneath
the vehicle.
After mounting
1.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
To ensure safety, always have the lug
bolts checked with a calibrated
torque wrench as soon as possible to
ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
fied torque. The tightening torque is
101 lb ft/140 Nm.<
2.Stow the defective wheel in the cargo area.
3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.

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.

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
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
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