2008 BMW X3 3.0SI mirror

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
61
Front fog lamps*
Briefly press the button to switch on/off.
The parking lamps or low beams must
be switched on for the fog lamps to
operate. The green indicator lamp lights
up when the fog lamps are on.
If the automatic headlamp control is acti-
vated, the low beams will come on auto-
matically when you switch on the fog lamps.<
Instrument lighting
Turn the knurled wheel to adjust the illumina-
tion intensity.
Interior lamps
The interior lamps, footwell lamps*, door exit
lighting
* and courtesy lamps* are controlled
automatically.
With the courtesy lamps, LED lamps are located
in both exterior mirrors to illuminate the exterior
area before the front doors.
If you wish, you can have the interior
lamps switch on after you unlock the vehi-
cle mechanically. You may have this function
activated/deactivated if you wish.<
If the interior lamps remain switched on
after locking the vehicle, one of the doors
or the liftgate may not be completely closed.<
Switching interior lamps on and off
manually
Briefly press button 1.
If the interior lamps, footwell lamps, door exit
lighting and courtesy lamps are to remain
switched off continually, press the button for
approx. 3 seconds.
You can have your interior lamps set to
dim smoothly to the desired level when
you switch them on or off.<
Front reading lamps
Switch on and off with buttons 2.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
83
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle is depen-
dent on various factors. You can improve your
vehicle's fuel consumption and reduce the
strain on the environment with several mea-
sures, your driving style and regular mainte-
nance.
Removing unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Removing attached parts following use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear luggage
racks which are no longer required following
use. Attached parts on the vehicle impair the
aerodynamics and increase the fuel consump-
tion.
Closing windows and panorama glass
sunroof
An open panorama glass sunroof or an open
window also increases the aerodynamic drag,
and with it the fuel consumption.
Checking tire inflation pressures
regularly
Check the tire inflation pressures at least twice
a month and before starting off on a longer trip
and correct them if necessary.
An insufficient tire inflation pressure increases
the rolling resistance, therefore increasing fuel
consumption and tire wear.
Driving off immediately
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it
running while the vehicle remains stationary.
Instead, drive off immediately at a moderate
engine speed. This enables a cold engine to
reach its operating temperature most rapidly.
Looking well ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by
maintaining a corresponding distance to the
vehicle driving ahead. Driving smoothly and
looking ahead reduces fuel consumption.
Avoiding high engine speeds
Only use 1st gear when starting off. Accelerate
briskly from 2nd gear while avoiding high
engine speeds and shifting up prematurely.
When the desired speed is reached, shift into
the highest possible gear and drive at constant
speed at the lowest possible engine speed.
Always remember: driving at low engine speeds
decreases fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Using overrun conditions
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and allow the vehicle to coast in
the highest possible gear.
On a downhill stretch of road, take your foot off
the accelerator and allow the vehicle to coast in
the suitable gear.
The flow of fuel is interrupted in overrun.
Switching off the engine during longer
stops
Switch off the engine during longer stops, e.g.
at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic
jams. You already save fuel from approx. 4 sec-
onds with the engine switched off.
Switching off functions currently not
required
Functions like the air conditioner, seat heating
or the rear-window defroster require a lot of
energy and consume additional fuel. This plays
a major role especially when driving in urban
and in stop-and-go traffic. Therefore, switch off
these functions when they are not really
required.
Having maintenance carried out
Have regular maintenance performed on the
vehicle to achieve optimum the economy and
service life of your vehicle. BMW recommends
having maintenance performed by a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. Also observe
the BMW maintenance system, refer to
page105.

Things to remember when driving
84
General driving notes
Closing 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.
2.Greatly increase the air supply of the air
conditioning system or automatic climate
control, refer to page64 or67.
Hot exhaust system
High temperatures occur in the exhaust
system of every vehicle. Do not remove
the heat shields installed adjacent to various
sections of the exhaust system, and never apply
undercoating to them. When driving, standing
at idle, and parking, take care to avoid possible
contact between the hot exhaust system and
any highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to
a fire, resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
pipe, it can cause burns.<
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the air conditioner/auto-
matic climate control system during operation,
and then exits under the vehicle. Traces of con-
densed water under the vehicle are therefore
normal.
Before driving into a car wash
Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page33;
otherwise, they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
Deactivate the rain sensor; otherwise, damage
could result from undesired wiper activation,
refer to page42.
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between tires and
road surface, ultimately undermining your abil-
ity to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The danger of hydroplaning increases as tire
tread depth decreases, also refer to Minimum
tread depth on page97.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 20 in/50 cm, and then only
at walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems, and the trans-
mission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes
by slipping or riding the clutch, use the
handbrake instead. Otherwise, greater clutch
wear will result.<
Safe braking
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard
equipment. In situations in which it is required, it
is best to apply the brakes fully. Since the vehi-
cle maintains steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicates to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Wet roads
On wet roads or in heavy rain, briefly apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few miles.
Watch traffic conditions to ensure that this
maneuver does not endanger other road users.
The heat that is generated by the brake applica-
tions helps to dry the brake pads and rotors.
The full braking force will then be available
when you need it.

Replacing components
114 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
pages54, 55.
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 page117.
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
page31.
>Time
Must be set again, refer to page47.

Everything from A to Z
128 Charge-current indicator
lamp12,114
Check Gas Cap, warning
lamp12,92
Child's seats, refer to Child
restraint systems35
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH36
Child restraint systems35
– installing35
– with tether strap36
Child-safety locks37
Child seat security35
Chock112
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter74
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode64,68
Cleaning, vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning rear window43
Clock47,48
– 12 or 24 hour mode48
– setting, also refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
– setting time47
Closing
– from inside21
– with the remote control19
Clothes hooks74
Clutch82
– breaking-in82
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine38
Combination of wheel/tire98
Compact wheel, wheel
changes112
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments73
Compartments in cargo area,
refer to Behind side trim
panel78Compass, digital70
Computer48
– also refer to Owner's Manual
for Onboard Computer
– functions48
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked84
Confirmation signal for
locking/unlocking
vehicle19,21
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices74
Connecting electrical
devices74
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption49
Consumption indicator, refer
to Fuel gauge46
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenience operation
– from outside21
– panorama glass sunroof21
– windows21
Coolant104
– level104
– temperature gauge47
– warning lamp104
Cooling, refer to
Temperature64,67
Copyright2
Correct wheels and tires98
Courtesy lamps61
Cruise control44
– buttons on steering
wheel13
– indicator lamp44
Cruising range49
Cup holders72
Curb weight, refer to
Weights124
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data122
D
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting61
Dashboard system, refer to
Cockpit10
Data, technical122
– dimensions123
– engine122
– filling capacities124
– weights124
Daytime running lamps59
Deactivating front passenger
airbags35,57
Defective lamp59
Defects7
Defrosting windows64,67
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows64,67
Digital clock47
Digital compass70
Dimensions123
Dimming mirror34
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals41
Disk brakes85
Displacement, refer to Engine
data122
Display illumination, refer to
Instrument lighting61
Display lighting, refer to
instrument lighting61
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster11
Disposal, vehicle battery114
Disposal of the vehicle, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control50
Door exit lighting61
Door handle lighting59

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
129
Door keys18
Door lock21
Doors
– locking and unlocking from
inside21
– manual operation21
– unlocking and locking,
confirmation signals19,21
DOT Quality Grades96
Draft-free ventilation65,68
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams59
Driving notes84
Driving on poor roads87
Driving stability control
systems51
Driving through water87
Driving tips, refer to Driving
instructions84
Drying air, refer to Switching
cooling function on/
off64,67
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control51
– indicator lamp52
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control52
– indicator lamps52
DVD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC51
– indicator lamp52
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC52
– indicator lamps52
E
Electrical malfunctions
– automatic transmission
malfunction41
– door lock21
– driver's door21
– fuel filler door92
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25Electronic brake-force
distribution51
Electronic Stability Program,
refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control51
Emergency call116
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– doors21
– driver's door21
– fuel filler door92
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Emergency Service, refer to
Receiving assistance116
Engine
– breaking-in82
– data122
– indicator lamps38
– overheated, refer to Coolant
thermometer47
– speed46
– starting38
– switching off39
Engine compartment101
Engine coolant104
Engine coolant
temperature47
Engine oil102
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils103
– approved engine oils103
– electronic oil level
control102
– indicator/warning lamp102
– possible displays102
– required oil grades103
– specifications, also refer to
Approved engine oils103
Engine oil grades103
Engine oil level, indicator/
warning lamp102
Engine oil pressure102
– indicator/warning lamp102
Engine output, refer to Engine
data122
Equipment package, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control51
Exhaust system84
Exterior mirrors33
– automatically dimming34
External audio device74
Eye, tow starting and
towing118
F
Failure of electrical
accessories115
False alarms, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms26
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts32
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter65
– Microfilter/activated
charcoal filter68
First-aid kit117
Flat tire111
– compact wheel112
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– refer to Tire inflation
pressure94
– refer to Wheel changes111
– Tire Pressure Monitor55
Flat Tire Monitor54
– indicator lamp54
– initializing system54
– snow chains99
– system limits54
– warning errors54
Flooding, refer to Driving
through water84
Floor cover78
Fog lamps, indicator lamp61
Folding rear seat back76
Footwell lamps61
Four wheel drive, refer to
xDrive52
Front airbags57

Everything from A to Z
130 Front fog lamps61
– replacing bulbs110
Front passenger airbags
– automatic deactivation57
– status58
Fuel93
– average consumption49
– capacity124
– gauge46
– quality93
– saving83
Fuel cap92
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge46
Fuel filler door92
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction92
Fuel gauge46
Fuel tank contents, refer to
Filling capacities124
Full preparation package
mobile phone, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Fuses115
G
Garage-door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control69
Gasoline
– refer to Fuel quality93
– refer to Fuel
specifications93
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge46
Gear indicator in automatic
transmission with
Steptronic40
Gearshift lever, manual
transmission40
General driving notes84
Glove compartment72
Grills, refer to
Ventilation65,68
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights124
Ground clearance87
H
Halogen lamps108
Handbrake39
– indicator lamp39
Hands-free microphone75
– refer to Car phone
preparation75
Hazard warning flashers10
HDC Hill Descent Control52
Head airbags57
Headlamp control,
automatic60
Headlamp flasher41
– indicator lamp12
Headlamps108
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacing bulbs107
Headlamp washer reservoir
– capacity, refer to Filling
capacities124
– refer to Washer fluid43
Headlamp washer system
– headlamp washing43
– washer fluid43
Head Light, refer to Adaptive
Head Light60
Head restraints29
– sitting safely27
Heated mirrors33
Heated rear window
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control68
Heated seats31
Heated steering wheel34
Heater
– rear window64,68
– windshield washer jets43
Heating
– exterior mirror33
– seats31
– steering wheel34
Heating and ventilation63,66
Heavy cargo, refer to Cargo
loading85
Height, refer to
Dimensions123Height adjustment
– seats28
– steering wheel34
High beams60
– headlamp flasher60
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs109
High Performance Synthetic
Oil103
Hill-climbing ability, refer to
Driving on poor roads87
Hill Descent Control HDC
52
Hills85
Holder for beverages72
Hood100
Horn10
Hotel function18
Hot exhaust system84
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to Brake assistant51
Hydroplaning84
I
Icy conditions, refer to
Outside temperature
warning48
Ignition38
Ignition key18
Ignition key positions, refer to
Ignition lock38
Ignition lock38
Imprint2
Indicator/warning lamp
– airbags58
– alarm system25
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic41
– brakes104
– coolant temperature47
– DSC52
– engine temperature47
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– fog lamps61
– front passenger airbags58
– reserve46
– safety belt warning32
– Tire Pressure Monitor55

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
131
Indicator and warning lamps,
overview12
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory,
Key Memory18
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure94
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– Tire Pressure Monitor55
Initializing, refer to Power
failure23,24
INSPECTION47
Instrument cluster11
Instrument lighting61
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated universal remote
control69
Interior lamps61
– remote control20
Interior motion sensor26
– switching off20,26
Interior rearview mirror34
– automatic dimming
feature34
– compass70
Interlock38
Intermittent mode of the
wipers42
Interval indicator, Service47
J
Jacking points113
– vehicle jack113
Jump starting117
K
Key Memory18
Keys18
– key-specific settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory18
Kick-down41
L
Labeling, tires96
Lamps and bulbs107
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing load86
LATCH child restraint fixing
system36
LEDs light-emitting
diodes108
Length, refer to
Dimensions123
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs111
Liftgate22
– closing22
– emergency operation22
– manually opening22
– opening from outside22
– remote control20
Liftgate lamp, replacing
bulbs111
Lifting handle, compact
wheel112
Light-alloy wheels, care, refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs108
Lighter74
Lighter socket74
Lighting
– door handles59
– instruments61
Lights, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams59
Light switch59
Load
– determining load limit85
– refer to Cargo loading85
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking21
Locking
– from inside21
– with the remote control19Low beams59
– automatic60
– indicator lamp, bulb
defect59
– replacing bulbs108
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support29
Lug bolts113
– torque113
Luggage compartment22
– capacity124
– cover, refer to Cargo area
cover77
– floor cover78
– increasing volume76
– opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate22
– opening from outside22
– opening with remote
control
20
– refer to Cargo area76
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 net78
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack87
Lug wrench112
Lumbar support29
M
Maintenance105
– refer to Service Interval
Display47
Maintenance system105
Malfunctions
– automatic transmission41
– door lock21
– fuel filler door92
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Manual air distribution64,67