2009 BMW X3 XDRIVE 30I sunroof

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
87
Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as an optional
accessory for your BMW. Please familiarize
yourself with the information contained in the
installation instructions.
Loading luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response. You should
therefore always remember not to exceed the
approved roof load capacity, the approved
gross vehicle weight, or the axle weights when
loading the rack.
These specifications can be found under
Weights on page130.
The roof load must be evenly distributed and
must not extend outward beyond the limits of
the loading surface. Always stow the heaviest
pieces on the bottom. Be sure that adequate
clearance is maintained for raising the glass
sunroof and that objects do not project into the
opening path of the liftgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or falling off
while you drive.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Driving on poor roads
Y our B MW is a t home on all pa ve d a nd unpa ved
roads. It combines all-wheel drive with the
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Do not drive off-road, as otherwise the
vehicle may be damaged.<
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you should strictly observe –
for your own safety and that of your passengers,
as well as to protect the vehicle:
>Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
you begin driving. Do not take risks with the
vehicle under any circumstances.>Always adapt your driving speed to the road
conditions. The more steep and uneven the
roadway is, the lower the speed should be.
>You can operate your vehicle on uphill and
downhill gradients with a maximum slope
of 50 %. If you wish to drive on uphill and
downhill grades of this nature, make sure
beforehand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the MAX mark, refer to
pages103 and105.
>When descending very steep hills, use
HDC Hill Descent Control, refer to page52.
It is possible to start off on inclines of up
to 32 %.
The permitted side tilt is 32 %.
>While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
>Avoid having the body make contact with
the ground, e.g. on the crests of hills and
bumpy roads. The ground clearance of the
vehicle is a maximum of approx. 8.0 in/
20 cm. Please be aware that the ground
clearance can vary depending on the load
and operating conditions of the vehicle.
>Do not drive in water that is deeper than
20 in/50 cm. If you must drive through water
up to that depth, drive at a walking speed
and do not stop.
After leaving the water, press on the foot-
brake gently several times while driving at a
low speed. The brake applications will help
to dry the brakes, thus preventing a reduc-
tion in braking performance caused by the
moisture.
To clean the handbrake, apply the lever
slightly at approx. 25 mph/40 km/h and con-
tinue to drive for approx. 200 yards/
200 meters, provided that traffic conditions
allow you to do so.
>Depending on the road condition, it can be
useful to temporarily activate DTC, refer to
DTC Dynamic Traction Control on page52.
>If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress
the accelerator pedal far enough to permit
the driving stability control systems to dis-

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.

Everything from A to Z
134 Check Gas Cap, warning
lamp12,92
Child's seat, refer to Child
restraint devices35
Child restraint devices35
– installing35
– with tether strap36
Child-restraint system
LATCH36
Child-safety locks37
Child seat security35
Cigarette lighter74
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode64,68
Cleaning rear window43
Cleaning your BMW, refer to
Care and maintenance108
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/tire99
Compact wheel, wheel
changes117
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments73
Compartments in cargo area,
refer to Behind side trim
panel78
Compass, digital70
Computer48
– also refer to Owner's Manual
for Onboard Computer
– functions48
Condensation, refer to When
the vehicle is parked84Confirmation 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
Coolant105
– level105
– temperature gauge47
– warning lamp105
Cooling, refer to
Temperature64,67
Copyright2
Correct wheels and tires99
Courtesy lamps61
Cruise control44
– buttons on steering
wheel13
– indicator lamp44
Cruising range49
Cup holders72
Curb weight, refer to
Weights130
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data128
D
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting61
Dashboard system, refer to
Cockpit10
Data, technical128
– dimensions129
– engine128
– filling capacities131
– weights130Daytime driving 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
Dimensions129
Dimming mirror34
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals41
Disk brakes85
Displacement, refer to Engine
data128
Display illumination, refer to
Instrument lighting61
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting61
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster11
Disposal, vehicle battery119
Distance warning, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control50
Door exit lighting61
Door handle lighting59
Door keys18
Door lock21
Doors
– locking and unlocking from
inside21
– manual operation21
– unlocking and locking,
confirmation signals19,21
DOT Quality Grades97
Draft-free ventilation65,
68
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams59
Driving notes84
Driving on poor roads87

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
135
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 sunroof25
Electronic brake-force
distribution51
Electronic Stability Program,
refer to DSC Dynamic
Stability Control51
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– doors21
– driver's door21
– fuel filler door92
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Emergency request121
Emergency Service, refer to
Receiving assistance121Engine
– breaking-in82
– data128
– indicator lamps38
– overheated, refer to Coolant
thermometer47
– speed46
– starting38
– switching off39
Engine compartment102
Engine coolant105
Engine coolant
temperature47
Engine oil103
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils104
– approved engine oils104
– electronic oil level
control103
– indicator/warning lamp103
– possible displays103
– required oil grades104
– specifications, also refer to
Approved engine oils104
Engine oil grades104
Engine oil level, indicator/
warning lamp103
Engine oil pressure103
– indicator/warning lamp103
Engine output, refer to Engine
data128
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 system
84
Exterior mirrors33
– automatically dimming34
External audio device74
Eye, tow starting and
towing123
F
Failure of electrical
accessories120
False alarms, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms26
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts32
Filter, refer to
– Microfilter65
– Microfilter/activated
charcoal filter68
First-aid kit122
Flat tire116
– compact wheel117
– Flat Tire Monitor54
– refer to Tire inflation
pressure94
– refer to Wheel changes116
– Tire Pressure Monitor55
Flat Tire Monitor54
– indicator lamp54
– initializing system54
– snow chains100
– 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
Front fog lamps61
– replacing bulbs115
Front passenger airbags
– automatic deactivation57
– status58
Fuel93
– average consumption49
– capacity131
– gauge46
– quality93
– refer to Average fuel
consumption49
– saving83

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
137
Initializing, refer to Power
failure23,24
INSPECTION47
Instrument cluster11
– refer to Cockpit10
Instrument lighting61
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated universal remote
control69
Interior lamps61
– remote control20
Interior motion sensor26
– switching off20,26
Interior rearview mirror33
– automatic dimming
feature34
– compass70
Interlock38
Intermittent mode of the
wipers42
Interval indicator, Service47
J
Jacking points, vehicle
jack118
Jump starting122
K
Key Memory18
Keys18
– key-specific settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory18
Kick-down41
L
Labeling, tires97
Lamps and bulbs112
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing load86
LATCH child-restraint
system36
Leather care110LEDs light-emitting
diodes113
Length, refer to
Dimensions129
License plate lamp, replacing
bulbs116
Liftgate22
– closing22
– emergency operation22
– manually opening22
– opening from outside22
– remote control20
Liftgate lamp, replacing
bulbs116
Lifting handle, compact
wheel117
Light-alloy wheels109
Light-emitting diodes
LEDs113
Lighter74
Lighter socket74
Lighting, door handles59
Lighting of instruments61
Lights, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams59
Light switch59
Load86
– determining load limit85
– refer to Cargo loading85
Lock buttons, doors, refer to
Locking21
Locking
– from inside21
– with the remote control19
Low beams59
– automatic60
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb59
– replacing bulbs113
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support29
Lug bolts118
– torque118Luggage compartment22
– capacity130
– cover, refer to Cargo area
cover77
– floor cover78
– increasing volume76
– opening/closing, refer to
Liftgate22
– opening from outside22
– opening with remote
control20
– 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 wrench117
Lumbar support29
M
Maintenance106
– refer to Service Interval
Display47
Maintenance system106
Malfunctions
– automatic transmission41
– door lock21
– fuel filler door92
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Manual air distribution64,67
Manual operation
– door lock21
– driver's door21
– fuel filler door92
– liftgate22
– panorama glass sunroof25
Manual transmission40
Master key18
– with remote control18

Everything from A to Z
138 Maximum speed, with winter
tires99
Mechanical seats28
Memory, refer to
– Seat and mirror memory31
– Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory18
Microfilter
– air conditioner65
– automatic climate control68
Microphone, refer to Car
phone preparation75
Microphone for telephone75
Mirrors33
– automatic curb monitor33
– mirror heating33
– mirror memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory31
Mobile phone, refer to
separate operating
instructions
Monitoring tire pressure
– refer to Flat Tire Monitor54
– refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor55
Multi-function steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel13
Multifunction switch
– turn signals/headlamp
flasher41
– washer/wiper system42
N
Navigation system, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints29
Nets73
New keys18
Nonsmoker's equipment
package74
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation65,68
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
starting and towing123
O
OBD socket106
Octane rating, refer to Fuel
quality93
Odometer46
Oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils104
– approved engine oils104
– level103
– refilling, refer to Adding
engine oil104
Oil change interval, refer to
Service Interval Display47
Oil grades104
Oil level103
– warning lamp103
Oil pressure103
– warning lamp103
OIL SERVICE47
Old batteries, refer to
Disposal119
Onboard computer, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Onboard Diagnostics OBD
interface socket106
Onboard tool kit112
Opening and closing
– from inside21
– using the door lock21
– with the remote control19
Output, refer to Engine
data128
Outside air
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control68
Outside temperature display
– changing unit of measure48
– on computer48
Overheating of engine, refer to
Coolant thermometer47
P
Package tray, refer to Cargo
area cover77
Panic mode20Panorama glass sunroof23
– closing after electrical
malfunction25
– convenience operation21
– initializing24
– power failure24
– remote control19
Park Distance Control PDC50
Parking aid, refer to PDC Park
Distance Control50
Parking assistant, refer to
PDC Park Distance
Control50
Parking brake, refer to
Handbrake39
Parking lamps59
Parking lamps/low beams59
Partition net78
Parts and accessories, refer to
For your own safety5
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function33
Pathway lighting59
PDC Park Distance Control50
Pinch protection system23
– power windows23
Pollen, refer to
– Microfilter65
– Microfilter/activated
charcoal filter68
Power failure
– battery119
– panorama glass sunroof24
– windows23
Power seat adjustment28
Power socket
– in cargo area74
– refer to Cigarette lighter
socket74
Power windows22
– initializing23
– safety switch23
Pressure, tires94
Pressure monitoring,
tires54,55
Programming settings, refer
to Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory18
Puncture, Flat Tire Monitor54

Everything from A to Z
140 Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely27
– with airbags27
– with head restraint27
– with safety belt27
Ski bag75
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray74
Snow chains100
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency request121
Spare fuses120
Spare key18
Spare wheel, refer to Compact
wheel117
Speed
– with compact wheel119
– with winter tires99
Speedometer, refer to
Instrument cluster11
Split rear backrest, refer to
Enlarging cargo area76
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic41
Sports seat29
Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems51
Starting, refer to Starting
engine38
Starting difficulties
– at very low temperatures39
– jump starting122
Starting engine38
Starting off uphill, refer to
Acceleration assistant53
Status of passenger
airbags58
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steam cleaners108
Steering lock38
Steering wheel10,13
– adjustment34
– buttons on steering
wheel13
– heater34
– lock38Steptronic40
Storage compartments73
Storage package73
Storage package nets73
Storage space, refer to Cargo
area76
Storing desired speed, refer to
Cruise control44
Storing seat position, refer to
Seat and mirror memory31
Storing tires99
Storing your vehicle111
Straps, refer to Cargo
loading85
Sunroof, refer to Panorama
glass sunroof23
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching cooling function on/
off64,67
Switching off engine39
Symbols4
T
Tachometer46
Tail lamps115
– indicator lamp, defective
bulb59
– replacing bulbs115
Tank, washing systems, refer
to Washer fluid43
Tank capacity131
Technical data128
Technical modifications5
Telephone, refer to separate
operating instructions
Temperature
– air conditioner64
– automatic climate control67
– tires98
Temperature display
– outside temperature48
– outside temperature
warning48
– setting units48
Temperature gauge47
Temperature of coolant, refer
to Coolant thermometer47
Temperature warning48Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control44
Thigh support adjustment29
Three point safety belts32
Tightening torque of lug bolts,
refer to After mounting118
Tilt alarm sensor
– remote control20
– switching off20,26
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror33
Tire inflation pressures94
– monitoring, refer to Tire
Pressure Monitor55
– restoring94
Tire Pressure Monitor55
– malfunction warnings55
– resetting system55
– system limitations55
– warning lamp55
Tire replacement98
Tires
– age97
– breaking-in82
– changing98
– changing, also refer to Wheel
changes116
– coding97
– condition98
– damage98
– DOT Quality Grades97
– flat116
– inflation pressure94
– inflation pressure table96
– size, refer to Correct wheels
and tires99
– storage99
– temperature98
– traction97
– tread98
– tread wear97
– Uniform Tire Quality
Grading97
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth98
– winter tires99
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit112