Oil changes performed outside the recom-
mended maintenance intervals as indicated
by the Service Interval Indicator
Maintenance Upgrade Option
Please contact your authorized BMW center for
information and availability on the optional Main-
tenance Program Upgrade for coverage up to
6 years and 100,000 miles.
Intervals
Time intervals should be followed using the
maintenance interval as indicated by the BMW
Service Interval Indicator lights on the check
control panel in the dashboard.
Maintenance intervals on motor vehicles have
conventionally been specified based upon accu-
mulated mileage. However, driving conditions
have a major influence on routine maintenance
requirements; distance traveled is only one of
the significant factors. A vehicle driven for
50,000 miles of short trips in the city with
numerous cold starts, prolonged periods of
idling, stop-and-go driving, and high engine
speeds during acceleration requires more fre-
quent maintenance intervals than a vehicle
driven for 50,000 miles for long distances at low
engine speeds primarily at operating tempera-
ture.
The advanced technologies at BMW have led to
the development of the unique BMW Service
Interval Indicator System which computes the
actual optimum maintenance requirements
based not only upon the accumulated mileage,
but taking into account important factors such
as engine coolant temperatures, high or low
engine speeds, short or long trip driving, and
number of vehicle starts. The maintenance inter-
val may therefore be maximized with consider-
able savings to owners of vehicles subjected to
light duty.
This BMW X3 Service and Warranty Information
Booklet should be presented to your authorized
BMW SAV center when maintenance is
required. Your authorized BMW SAV center will
stamp this book documenting the services or
maintenance performed.
Maintenance Program
The displays shown in the illustration appear for
a few seconds once the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1 or after starting the engine.
Together with the message OIL SERVICE or
INSPECTION, the next scheduled service and
remaining distance to this service are displayed
in miles/kilometers.
The remaining distance is determined on the
basis of the past driving style.
A flashing display an d a – sign before the
numerical value mean that the service interval
has been passed by the displayed number of
miles/kilometers. Please make an appointment
with your BMW SAV center.
If the speedometer, tachometer or coolant tem-
perature gauge should develop a fault, the ser-
vice indicator will probably cease to operate
correctly as well, since it depends on correct
speed, distance and temperature readings. The
fault must be located and rectified by an autho-
rized BMW SAV center.
A detailed list of all maintenance operations
included in each of the elements of the BMW
Maintenance Program is found on page s4-9.
These elements are as follows:
Quality Certification I will be performed by your
authorized BMW SAV center and certified on
the following page.
Special Note
Maintenance items and schedules stated herein
reflect the combined recommendations for all
model 2008 BMW X3s, and are subject to
change. The most current maintenance recom-
mendations are available from your authorized
BMW SAV center.
2
The performance of certain subsequent mainte-
nance elements, as required by the BMW New
SAV Limited Warranty, will be specified at inter-
vals computed by the BMW Service Interval
Indicator as follows:
Oil Service: Engine oil should be changed
with the engine at operating temperature.
Note: Change oil at least once a year.
All 2008 BMW X3s are factory-filled with BMW
High Performance Synthetic oils. At the time of
the printing of this booklet, the following oils are
strongly recommended and approved by BMW:
BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil
(BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866)
Mobil 1 5W-30
Mobil 1 5W-40
BMW is evaluating various synthetic oils for
inclusion in our list of recommended motor oils.
For the most current list of synthetic oils, please
contact your authorized BMW SAV center, or call
BMW of North America, LLC at
1 800 831-1117. You can also obtain this infor-
mation from our website, www.bmwusa.com.
BMW recommends that you check your engine
oil level whenever you add fuel to your vehicle. If
you need to add oil between oil changes and
are unable to obtain BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil, Mobil 1 or another special oil on
the list, use a synthetic oil with an API rating of
SJ or higher.
Inspection I: Major vehicle maintenance as
specified in the following pages under Inspec-
tion I.
Inspection II: Additional major vehicle mainte-
nance as specified in the following pages
under Inspection II.
The following maintenance elements must be
performed at the mileage/time stated (time
intervals begin from the vehicle’s production
date):
Brake Fluid Service: Change brake fluid every
two years.
Oxygen Sensor Service: The oxygen sensor
deteriorates strictly on a mileage basis and
must therefore be replaced every
120,000 miles to maximize vehicle fuel econ- omy and minimize exhaust pollution. The
replacement of the oxygen sensor is required
under the terms of the applicable BMW emis-
sion system warranties.
Spark Plug Service: The X3 is equipped with
platinum-tipped spark plugs. These allow a
longer service life than conventional plugs.
Replace spark plugs every 100,000 miles.
Automatic Transmission Service: Change ATF
every 100,000 miles.
The engine coolant has a lifetime rating and
does not need to be changed.
Please see your authorized BMW SAV center for
the most current information.
For your convenience, you may also wish to
have your authorized BMW SAV center perform
any necessary operations to fulfill any state
inspection requirements in your area concurrent
with the maintenance elements specified above
during other repairs. Should you request more
frequent maintenance service, the cost of
these services will not be covered by the
Maintenance Program.
Make sure that confirmation of maintenance
work is always entered in this SAV Service and
Warranty Information Booklet. You may need this
for any warranty claims that become necessary,
and later on as evidence that your SAV has been
given the correct and regular maintenance that
justifies its resale or trade-in value.
BMW has applied the most modern technologi-
cal advances not only to the design and produc-
tion of your SAV, but also to computing of the
optimum maintenance interval for your type of
operations and driving style. Your authorized
BMW SAV center has made a substantial invest-
ment in unique BMW special service tools to
enable BMW factory trained service technicians
to perform quality repairs on your BMW in mini-
mal time. Your service technician looks forward
to serving your every service need and to help
maximize your satisfaction with your BMW, its
longevity, and resale value.
3
Engine Oil Service
Engine Compartment X3 3.0si
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature. We
recommend BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil, p/n 07 51 0 017 866. •
Reset service interval indicator. •
Replace microfilter. •
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool. If
replacement is necessary: Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact
points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness of parking brake
linings only when replacing rear pads. •
Check parking brake actuation and burnish pads. Adjust if necessary. •
Inspect tires. Check and adjust tire pressures per tire pressure placard. •
5
Inspection I
Only those items of inspection work which apply to your vehicle will be performed. This list is subject
to amendment.
Undercarriage X3 3.0si
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature. We
recommend BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil, p/n 07 51 0 017 866. •
Check transmission for leaks. •
Check transfer case for leaks. •
Change oil in transfer case only if prompted by diagnostic short-test. •
Check rear axle for leaks. •
Check front axle differential for leaks. •
Half-shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots. •
Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks. •
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks. •
Check power steering system for leaks. Check power steering fluid level; add fluid if
necessary. •
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle
joints, steering linkage and joint disc. •
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool. If
replacement is necessary: Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact
points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness of parking brake
linings only when replacing rear brake pads. •
Check brake system connections and lines for leaks, damage and incorrect
positioning. •
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary. •
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary. Check condition of
tires (outer surface [left/right]), tread wear and pattern; in case of uneven tread wear,
readjust wheel alignment if requested (invoice separately). •
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust perforation limited warranty. (Must be
performed at least every two years). •
6
Engine Compartment X3 3.0si
Read out diagnostic system. •
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level
and antifreeze protection level. Add coolant if required. •
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if
required. •
Check air conditioner for operation. •
Replace microfilter. (Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions.) •
Reset service interval indicator. •
Body/Electrical
Check battery state-of-charge indicator and charge if required. •
Check lighting system, i.e.: headlights, foglights, parking, back-up, license plate,
interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup
mirrors, luggage compartment/area lights. •
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination. •
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control. •
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer and
flasher switch. •
Check wipers and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions. •
Check condition and function of safety belts. •
Visually examine all SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or attachment of
decals, decorations or accessories. •
Check central locking/double lock. •
Check operation of all latches. •
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger. •
Check rear view mirrors. •
Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or
automatic transmission. •
7
Inspection II
Includes all items listed under Inspection I, and the following checks and maintenance operations.
Engine Compartment X3 3.0si
Replace air cleaner element. (Note: Reduce replacement interval in dusty operating
conditions). •
Brake Fluid Service
Replace brake fluid every 2 years (time interval begins from the vehicle’s production
date). •
Oxygen Sensor Service
Replace Oxygen Sensor every 120,000 miles.
•
Spark Plug Service
Replace spark plugs every 100,000 miles.•
Automatic Transmission Service
Replace ATF every 100,000 miles. •
8
California Emission Control
Warranty Statement* Your
Warranty Rights and Obligations
The California Air Resources Board and BMW of
North America, LLC (BMW NA) are pleased to
explain the emission control system warranty on
your 2008 SAV. In California, new motor vehicles
must be designed, built and equipped to meet
the State’s stringent anti-smog standards.
BMW NA must warrant the emission control
system on your SAV for the periods of time
listed below provided there has been no abuse,
neglect or improper maintenance of your SAV.
Your emission control system may include parts
such as the fuel injection system, the ignition
system, catalytic converter, and engine com-
puter. Also included may be hoses, belts, con-
nectors and other emission-related assemblies.
Where a warrantable condition exists, BMW NA
will repair your SAV at no cost to you including
diagnosis, parts and labor.
Manufacturer’s Warranty Coverage:
– For 3 years or 50,000 miles whichever occurs first:
1. If your SAV fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be
made by BMW NA to ensure that your SAV
passes the inspection. This is your emission
control system PERFORMANCE
WARRANTY.
2. If any emission-related part on your SAV is defective, the part will be repaired or
replaced by BMW NA. This is your short-
term emission control system DEFECTS
WARRANTY.
– For 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occursfirst:
If an emission-related part listed in this Warranty
Section specially noted with coverage for
7 years or 70,000 miles is defective, the part will
be repaired or replaced by BMW NA. This is
your long-term emission control system
DEFECTS WARRANTY.
Owner’s Warranty Responsibilities:
– As the SAV owner, you are responsible for the performance of the required maintenance
listed in your Owner’s Manual. BMW NA rec-
ommends that you retain all receipts covering
maintenance on your SAV, but BMW NA can-
not deny warranty solely for the lack of
receipts or for your failure to ensure the perfor-
mance of all scheduled maintenance.
– You are responsible for presenting your SAV to an authorized BMW SAV center as soon as a
problem exists. The warranty repairs should be
completed in a reasonable amount of time, not
to exceed 30 days.
– As the SAV owner, you should also be aware that BMW NA may deny your warranty cover-
age if your SAV or part has failed due to abuse,
neglect, improper maintenance or unapproved
modifications.
If you have any questions regarding your war-
ranty rights and responsibilities, you should
contact: BMW of North America, LLC
Customer Relations and Services
Department
PO. Box 1227
Westwood, N.J. 07675-1227
Telephone: 1 800 831-1117
Website: www.bmwusa.com
or the California Air Resources Board
9528 Telstar Avenue
El Monte, CA 91731
*The California Emissions Control System Lim-
ited Warranty applies to all 2008 U.S. specifica-
tion BMW SAVs sold, leased, and/or registered
in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachu-
setts, Rhode Island or Vermont.
36