2009 BMW X3 XDRIVE 30I Owner's Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
103
Engine oil
Engine oil consumption depends on driving
style and operating conditions.
Warning lamp
Engine oil pressure
The warning lamp lights up red:
The engine oil pressure is too low.
Stop the vehicle immediately and
switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level
and top off as needed. If the oil level is correct:
Have the system checked immediately.
Do not continue driving. The engine could
be damaged because of inadequate lubri-
cation.<
Engine oil level
The warning lamp lights up yellow dur-
ing driving. An acoustic signal also
sounds and "+1.0 " is displayed in the
instrument cluster, refer to page103.
The oil level is at its absolute minimum; top off
e n g i n e o i l a s s o o n a s p ossible. Until then, do not
drive more than approx. 125 miles/200 km.
The warning lamp lights up yellow after
the engine is switched off. In addition, a
signal sounds.
Top off engine oil at the earliest opportunity,
e.g. with your next refueling.
The warning lamp lights up yellow
within 30 seconds after starting the
engine:
The oil level sensor has failed. It is not possible
to take a current or meaningful measurement.
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Checking oil level
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil
level control.
For the most precise possible display of the oil
level, the engine must be at operating tempera-
ture, i.e. after at least 6.5 miles/10 km of unin-
terrupted driving. You can have the oil level dis-
played while you drive or while the vehicle is standing on a flat surface with the engine run-
ning.
You can have the current oil level displayed in
the instrument cluster.
Press button1. The oil level is checked and dis-
played for approx. 15 seconds.
In order to cancel the display early, press but-
ton 1 again.
Possible displays
1Oil level OK
2Oil level is being detected
This process can last approx. 3 minutes
while standing on a flat surface and approx.
5 minutes while driving.

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
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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.

Maintenance
106
Maintenance
BMW maintenance system
The BMW maintenance system supports the
preservation of the road and operating safety of
your BMW.
Regular maintenance is not only required for
the safety of the vehicle, it also improves the
resale value.
Service Interval Display
The BMW maintenance system takes the driv-
ing conditions of the vehicle into account when
determining service intervals:
From the maintenance standpoint,
62,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated in
short-distance urban driving are not the equiva-
lent of the same distance covered at moderate
speeds in long-distance highway travel.
The BMW maintenance system is divided into
engine oil service and Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals accord-
ing to the actual loads on the vehicle covers
practically every kind of operating situation.
However, even those who drive only short dis-
tances, significantly less than 6,200 miles/
10,000 km annually, should have the engine oil
changed at least every 2 years since oil deterio-
rates over time, regardless of use.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over the
course of time. To ensure that the brake system
continues to provide safe and reliable perfor-
mance, remember to have the brake fluid
changed at least every two years by a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center, also refer to the
Service and Warranty Information Booklet for
US models or the Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models.<
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models and
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Please consult your Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet for US models and Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models
for additional information on service require-
ments.
BMW recommends that you have service
and repair operations performed at your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center.
Take the time to ensure that these service pro-
cedures are confirmed by entries in your vehi-
cle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
for US models and Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian models. These entries
verify that your vehicle has received the speci-
fied regular maintenance.<
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnostics
The chief components that make up the emis-
sions content can be checked by a device that
uses the OBD socket.
This socket is located under a cover on the left
side of the driver's footwell, just under the
instrument cluster.

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.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
109
Hand washes
When washing the vehicle by hand, use ample
water and optionally Auto Shampoo. Clean the
vehicle with gentle pressure, using a sponge or
a washing brush.
Before cleaning the windshield, deacti-
vate the rain sensor or switch off the igni-
tion in order to prevent undesired wiper activa-
tion.<
Obey local regulations for washing vehi-
cles by hand.<
Headlamps
Do not rub dry and never use abrasives or
strong solvents to clean the covers.
Use shampoo or insect remover to soften
insects and then rinse with ample water.
Remove accumulated ice and snow with win-
dow deicer, not a scraper.
Windows
Use glass cleaner to clean outer and inner sur-
faces of windows and mirror glass.
Do not clean mirror glass with cleansers
that contain powdered quartz.<
Wiper blades
Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to
prevent streaking.
Wax residues and dirt on the windshield
cause streaking during wiper operation
and lead to premature wear on wiper blades and
can cause the rain sensor to malfunction.<
Caring for vehicle finish
Regular care and maintenance helps your vehi-
cle retain its value and protects its finish against
the long-term effects of finish-damaging sub-
stances.
Environmental factors that occur locally or
regionally can have a negative impact on the fin-
ish of your vehicle and may damage it. It is
therefore important to adjust the frequency and
extent of vehicle care accordingly.Immediately remove particularly corrosive sub-
stances such as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake
fluid, tree sap, or bird droppings; otherwise,
they can damage the finish.
Repairing damages to finish
Depending on the severity of the damage,
have stone damage or scratches touched
up immediately in order to prevent rust from
forming.<
BMW recommends having paint damage pro-
fessionally repaired in accordance with factory
guidelines using Genuine BMW finish materials.
Waxing
It is time to wax the vehicle when water no
longer beads on the clean surface of the paint.
Use only products that contain carnauba wax or
synthetic waxes to protect the finish.
Rubber seals
Only treat with water or rubber cleaner.
To avoid noise or damage, do not use
care products that contain silicone when
caring for rubber seals.<
Chrome parts
Carefully clean parts such as the radiator grille,
door handles, or window frames with ample
water and added shampoo, particularly when
they have been exposed to road salts. Use
chrome polish for additional treatment.
Light-alloy wheels
By design, the system produces dust during
braking, which settles on the light-alloy wheels.
Remove it frequently with an acid-free wheel
cleaner.
Do not use corrosive, acid-containing,
strongly alkaline, or coarse cleansers or
steam cleaners hotter than 1407/606; oth-
erwise, you can damage your vehicle.<
Aluminum running boards
Superficial rust on the aluminum running
boards can be removed with a special cleanser.

Care
110
Outside sensors
Keep sensors outside the vehicle, e.g.
Park Distance Control, clean and free of
ice in order to maintain full functionality.<
Interior care
Upholstery materials/cloth coverings
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in order
to remove surface dirt.
With heavy soiling, such as spotting caused by
beverages, use a soft sponge or a lint-free
microfiber cloth in combination with suitable
interior cleaners. Follow instructions on the
packaging.
Clean upholstery material in large areas
extending all the way to the seams. Avoid
rubbing forcefully.<
Open Velcro-type fasteners on pants or
other items of clothing can damage the
seat covers. Make sure that Velcro-type fasten-
ers are closed.<
Leather/leather seat covers
The leather used by BMW is a high-qual-
ity natural product. Slight grain patterns
are part of the typical properties of a leather in
its natural state.<
Dust and road grime chafe in pores and folds,
leading to pronounced abrasion and premature
degradation of the leather surface. We there-
fore suggest that you clean the leather at fre-
quent intervals with a dust cloth or vacuum
cleaner.
Particularly with light-colored leather, make
sure that it is cleaned regularly since it tends to
soil more easily.
Treat the leather twice a year with a leather
lotion since dirt and grease break down the pro-
tective layer of the leather.
Carpets/cargo area
Floor carpeting and floor mats can be vacu-
u m e d o r w h e n m o r e h e a vily soiled, cleaned with
an interior cleaner.
Floor mats can be removed for cleaning. When
inserting them, make sure that the seat rails do
not protrude over the floor mats; otherwise the
floor mats can be damaged.
Fluff on floormats results from the production
process and can be removed by repeated vacu-
uming.
Plastic components inside
>Imitation leather surfaces
>Lamp lenses
>Covering glass of the instrument panel
>Matte components
Clean with water and solvent-free plastic
cleaner if so desired.
Fine wooden components
Use a damp cloth to clean fine wooden trim
panels and components. Follow up by drying
with a soft cloth.
Safety belts
Do not clean with cleansers; this can
destroy the webbing.<
Displays
Use a display-cleaning cloth or a soft, nonabra-
sive, lint-free cloth to clean displays, e.g. of the
radio or the instrument panel.
Avoid rubbing too forcefully when clean-
ing displays; otherwise, you can damage
them.<
Never use chemical-based cleansers or
scouring household cleansers. Keep all
liquids away from the equipment. Moisture can
attack or damage the surfaces of electrical
components.<
CD/DVD players
Do not use cleaning CDs; they can dam-
age parts of the player.<