2009 BMW X3 XDRIVE 28I warning

Under the hood
104 3Oil level at minimum
At your earliest opportunity, add 1 US quart/
1 liter engine oil, also refer to Adding engine
oil.
4Oil level too high
Have vehicle checked immediately;
otherwise, overfilled oil can lead to
engine damage.<
5Oil level sensor has failed
It is not possible to take a current or mean-
ingful measurement.
Do not add engine oil. It is possible to con-
tinue driving. Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Adding engine oil
Add the maximum quantity of 1 US quart/1 liter
of oil only after the warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up, refer to page103, or
when the oil level measurement "+1.0 " appears
on the display.
Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km;
otherwise, engine damage could result.<
Keep oil, grease, etc. out of reach of chil-
dren and heed warnings on the contain-
ers. Otherwise, you could endanger your
health.<
Oil change
Have the oil changed only by your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel.
Approved engine oils
The quality of the engine oil selected has critical
significance for the operation and service life of
an engine. BMW continuously approves spe-
cific oils after confirming their suitability for use
in its vehicles with extensive testing.
Only use approved BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain BMW High Perfor-
mance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of another synthetic oil in between oil
changes. Only use oils with the API SH specifi-
cation or higher.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for more details concerning
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil or other
approved synthetic oils.<
You can also call BMW of North America at
1-800-831-1117 or visit the website
www.bmwusa.com to obtain this information.
BMW engines are designed to operate
without additives, and their use could
even lead to damage in some cases.<
Viscosity classes
Viscosity is the oil flow rating as defined in
SAE classes.
The selection of the correct SAE class depends
on the climate conditions in the area where you
typically drive your BMW.
Approved oils belong to the SAE classes
0W-40, 0W-30, 5W-40, and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used for driving in all ambient
temperatures.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
105
Coolant
Warning lamp
The warning lamp lights up:
Coolant level is too low; top off at the
next opportunity.
Do not open the cooling system when the
engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause
burns.<
Coolant consists of water and coolant additive.
Not all commercially available additives are suit-
able for your BMW. Ask your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center for suitable additives.
Only use suitable additives; otherwise,
engine damage may result. The additives
are harmful to your health, so follow the instruc-
tions on the containers.<
Always observe all applicable environ-
mental laws and regulations when dis-
posing of used coolant additives.<
Checking coolant level
1.Only open the hood after the engine has
cooled down.
2.Turn the cap of the expansion tank counter-
clockwise to allow any accumulated pres-
sure to escape, then continue turning to
open.
3.The coolant level is correct when it is
between the MIN and MAX marks, also refer
to illustration next to filler neck.
4.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant up to
the specified level – do not overfill.
5.Screw on the cap and tighten snugly.
6.Have the reason for the coolant loss cor-
rected as soon as possible.
Brake system
Malfunction
Brake fluid
The warning lamp lights up red despite
the handbrake being released.
The brake fluid in the reservoir has
fallen to below the minimum level. At the same
time, a considerably longer brake pedal travel
may be noticeable. Have the system checked
immediately.
During continued driving, increased brake
pedal travel may be necessary, and con-
siderably longer braking distances may result.
Please adapt your driving style accordingly.<
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
107
Emissions values
The warning lamp lights up. Exhaust
values are deteriorating. Have the vehi-
cle checked as soon as possible.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will flash.
This indicates a serious rate of engine misfire.
When this occurs, you should reduce speed
and consult the nearest BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center as soon as possible. Severe
engine misfire even for only a short period of
time can seriously damage emission control
components, especially the catalytic converter.
Display of the previously described mal-
function on Canadian models.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can detect
the vapor leak and the indicator lamp will light
up. If the filler cap is subsequently tightened,
the indicator lamp should go out within a few
days.<
Event data recorders
Your vehicle may be equipped with one or more
sensing and diagnostic modules or a recording
device capable of recording or transmitting cer-
tain vehicle data or information. In addition, if
you have a Subscription Service Agreement for
the BMW Assist system, certain vehicle infor-
mation may be transmitted or recorded in order
to provide such services.

Care
108
Care
Car-care products
BMW recommends that your vehicle be
cleaned, cared for, and maintained using prod-
ucts that have been approved by BMW for this
purpose.
Regular cleaning and care makes a significant
contribution to maintaining the value of your
BMW.
Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will
be happy to advise you on products and ser-
vices for the cleaning, care, and maintenance of
your BMW.
Genuine BMW Care Products are materi-
als tested, lab tested, and field tested and
offer optimum care, maintenance, and protec-
tion for your vehicle.<
Do not use cleansers that contain alcohol
or solvents; they can damage your vehi-
cle.<
Cleaning agents can contain substances
that are dangerous or pose health risks.
For this reason, always read and comply with
the warnings and danger notices on the pack-
aging. Open the doors or windows on your vehi-
cle whenever cleaning the interior. Make sure
that there is sufficient ventilation when working
in enclosed spaces. Use only products that are
provided for cleaning vehicles.<
Exterior care
Washing your vehicle
In the winter months, it is especially
important to ensure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Heavy soiling and
road salts can result in damage to the vehicle.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them. Failure to do so
may lead to a reduction in braking efficiency and
also to corrosion of the brake rotors.<
Car washes
Give preference to cloth car washes.
Before driving into the car wash, check whether
the system is suitable for your BMW. To do so,
pay attention to the following points:
>Dimensions of your vehicle, refer to
page129
>If necessary: fold in the exterior mirrors,
refer to page33.
>Maximum permissible tire width.
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Deactivate rain sensor
* to prevent undes-
ired wiper operation.
>Deactivate rear window wiper and protect
from damage. Ask the operator of the car
wash about suitable protection measures
should the need arise.
>Remove additional add-on components,
e.g. spoilers or telephone antennas; other-
wise, they could be damaged.
Steam cleaners/high pressure cleaning
jets
When using steam cleaners or high pres-
sure cleaning jets, be sure to maintain a
sufficient distance and do not exceed a maxi-
mum temperature of 1407/606.
Insufficient distance or excessive pressure or
temperature can damage parts of the vehicle or
water can penetrate to the interior of the vehi-
cle. Follow the operating instructions for the
high pressure cleaning jet.<
Do not aim high pressure cleaning jets at
sensors such as those of the Park Dis-
tance Control for long periods of time and main-
tain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.<

Replacing components
116 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
119
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 page122.
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.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
121
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 request.
When the emergency request is initiated, a
telephone connection is established to the
BMW Assist Response Center.
In vehicles with BMW Assist enabled, if the cur-
rent position of your vehicle can be determined,
it will be transmitted to the BMW Assist
Response Center.
The conditions for initiating an emergency
request 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 request
2Roadside Assistance
Initiating an emergency request*
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
request cannot be guaranteed under the
most unfavorable conditions.<
Under certain conditions, an emergency
request is initiated automatically immediately
after a severe accident. The automatic collision
notification 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
123
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 page112, 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
page40.
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.<