2010 BMW X3 XDRIVE 30I ESP

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
33
Damage to safety belts
When strained by an accident or when
damaged: have the safety belt system,
including the belt tensioners, replaced and have
belt anchorage points inspected. Have this
work done only by your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or by a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. Otherwise,
there can be no guarantee that the safety
devices will function properly.<
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors
The passenger side mirror is more curved
than the driver's mirror. Objects in the
mirrors are closer than they appear. Do not esti-
mate the distance to following traffic based on
the view in the mirrors; otherwise, there is an
increased risk of accident.<
1Adjustments
2Switching over to the other mirror or to the
automatic parking function
*
Storing the mirror positions, refer to Seat and
mirror memory on page31.
Manual adjustments
The mirrors can also be manually adjusted by
pressing at the edges of the mirror glass.
To prevent the exterior mirrors on this
vehicle from being damaged, always fold
them in by hand before entering an automatic
car wash.<
Automatic heating
When the outside temperature falls below a
specified temperature, both outside mirrors are
automatically heated whenever the engine is
running or the ignition is switched on.
Tilting down passenger's mirror,
automatic parking function*
Activating
1.Select the driver's exterior mirror with
switch 1.
2.Shift into reverse or engage selector lever
position R.
The mirror glass tilts downward slightly on
the passenger side. This allows the driver to
see the area immediately adjacent to the
vehicle – such as a curb – when parking, etc.
Deactivating
Select the passenger side mirror with switch1.
Interior rearview mirror
T o re duce glar e fr om ve hicle s be hind y ou when
you are driving at night, tilt the mirror by turning
the button.

Transporting children safely
36
LATCH child-restraint
system
LATCH: Lower Anchor and Tethers for CHil-
dren.
For attachment and use of a LATCH child
restraint device, follow the operating and
safety instructions of the system manufac-
turer.<
Before attaching the child's seat, pull the belt
out of the vicinity of the child's seat attachment
points.
Make sure that the LATCH anchors have
correctly engaged and the child restraint
device is resting snugly against the backrest.<
Rear seats
The anchorage points for the LATCH mounts
are located behind the cover caps. Before
installing the child's seat, pull the cover caps
out toward the front.
Child restraint device with tether strap
The top tether strap attachment points
are only intended for attachment of child
restraint device; other uses can damage the
attachment points. there are three additional attachment points,
refer to arrows, under covers in the floor of the
cargo area. Remove the corresponding cover
before use.
Routing of tether strap
Make sure that the tether strap is not
routed over sharp objects and does not
twist on its way to the attachment point; other-
wise, the belt can fail to properly secure the
child restraint device in the event of an acci-
dent.<
1Direction of travel
2Head restraint
3Child restraint device tether strap
4Tether strap hook

Driving
38
Driving
Ignition lock
0Steering locked
1Steering unlocked
2Ignition switched on
3Starting engine
Steering locked
The key can be inserted or removed in this posi-
tion only.
After removing the key, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the left or right until you hear the lock
engage.
Interlock with automatic transmission
The key can only be turned back to position0
or removed if the selector lever is in position P:
interlock.
Steering unlocked
A slight steering wheel movement often makes
it easier to turn the key from0 to1.
Some power accessories are ready for opera-
tion.
Ignition switched on
All vehicle systems are ready for operation.
Starting engine
Do not run the engine in enclosed spaces;
otherwise, inhalation of toxic exhaust
gases can cause unconsciousness and death.
The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,
an odorless and colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the
engine running, since an unattended vehicle
with a running engine is a safety hazard.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always shift
into neutral or selector lever position P and
engage the handbrake firmly before leaving the
vehicle with the engine running.<
Do not discontinue the starting procedure pre-
maturely, but also do not prolong it for more
than 20 seconds. Release the ignition key
immediately as soon as the engine starts.
When starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not allow the engine to warm up while
parked; instead, start driving immediately at a
moderate engine speed.
Indicator lamps
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.
The warning lamp lights up. Malfunc-
tion in the engine electronics. You can
continue to drive with reduced engine

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
45
In addition, the system is automatically inter-
rupted in response to the following conditions:
>When you apply pressure to the brake pedal
>When you apply pressure to the clutch
pedal or when you move the automatic
transmission selector lever from D to N
>If you exceed or fall below the set speed for
an extended period, by pressing the accel-
erator, for example
>When DSC is activated
Resuming stored speed
Press button:
The vehicle accelerates to and maintains the
last speed stored.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
51
Malfunction
The LED in the button flashes and a short con-
tinuous tone sounds. PDC is malfunctioning.
Switch off PDC. Have the system checked.
To prevent this problem, keep the sensors
clean and free of ice or snow in order to ensure
that they will continue to operate effectively.
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray sensors for long periods and keep the
sprayer at least 4 in/10 cm away from the sen-
sors.
System limits
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always remains
with the driver. Even when sensors are involved,
there is a blind spot in which objects cannot be
detected. The system is also subject to the
physical limits that apply to all forms of ultra-
sonic measurement, such as those encoun-
tered with tow bars and trailer couplings, or thin
and wedge-shaped objects. Low objects
already displayed, e.g. curb edges, can come
into the blind spot of the sensors before or after
a continuous tone sounds. The system may fail
to detect higher obstacles such as projections
from walls.
Loud sources of sound, inside and outside the
vehicle, could drown out the PDC signal tone.<
Driving stability control
systems
Your BMW is equipped with an extended array
of systems designed to enhance and maintain
vehicle stability even under unfavorable driving
conditions.
ABS Antilock Brake System
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. This results in an
increase in the active safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine. Safe braking, refer to page84.
Electronic brake-force distribution
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure a stable braking behavior.
Brake assistant
When the brake pedal is depressed quickly, this
system automatically generates a maximum
braking force distribution and thus helps keep
the braking distance to a minimum during full
braking. This system exploits all of the benefits
provided by ABS.
As long as you want full braking to continue, do
not reduce pressure on the brake.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
DSC prevents slip at the drive wheels when
starting off and accelerating. The system also
detects unstable driving conditions, such as a
fishtailing of the vehicle's rear end or the sliding
of the vehicle on its front wheels. In these cir-
cumstances, DSC helps keep the vehicle on a
safe path, within physical limits, by reducing
engine output and by applying the brakes in
individual wheels.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with DSC. An appropriate driving
style always remains the responsibility of the
driver. Do not squander the additional margin of
safety by driving dangerously; otherwise, you
run the risk of causing an accident.<
Deactivating DSC
Maintain pressure on the button until the DSC
indicator lamp lights up, but do not press for
longer than approx. 10 seconds. DTC Dynamic
Traction Control and DSC are deactivated

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
52 jointly. These systems do not take their cus-
tomary stabilizing actions.
To increase vehicle stability, reactivate DSC as
soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
For monitoring purposes
When the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC is controlling the drive and braking
forces.
When the indicator lamp lights up:
DSC is deactivated.
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC is a variation of DSC that is optimized for
forward momentum for particular road condi-
tions, e.g. unplowed snow-covered roads. In
this mode, the system assures maximum for-
ward momentum, but with limited driving stabil-
ity. For this reason, drive with corresponding
caution.
In the following exceptional circumstances, it
may be useful to temporarily activate DTC:
>When driving on snow-covered inclines, in
slush, or on unplowed, snow-covered roads
>When freeing a stuck vehicle or starting up
in deep snow, sand, or on a loose ground
surface
>When driving with snow chains
*
Activating DTC
Press the button; the DTC indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
For monitoring purposes
When the indicator lamp flashes:
DTC is controlling the drive forces and
braking forces.
When the indicator lamp lights up:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press the button again; the DTC indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster goes out.
xDrive
xDrive is the all-wheel drive system of your
BMW. The combined effects of xDrive and DSC
further optimize the traction and dynamic driv-
ing characteristics. The all-wheel drive system
xDrive variably distributes the drive torque to
the front and rear axle depending on the driving
situation and prevailing road conditions.
HDC Hill Descent Control
The concept
HDC is a system for hill descent assistance that
reduces the speed on steep downward inclines
and makes it even easier to control the driving
characteristics of your BMW under these condi-
tions. The vehicle moves at slightly more than
walking speed without active intervention from
the driver.
You can activate HDC at vehicle speeds below
approx. 20 mph/35 km/h. If it is traveling down a
steep slope at a speed below approx. 20 mph/
35 km/h, the vehicle then automatically decel-
erates down to slightly more than walking
speed, approx. 5 mph/8 km/h, and then keeps
this speed constant.
You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary
this automatically controlled speed within a
range extending from approx. 3 mph/5 km/h to
15 mph/25 km/h.
You can specify a target speed within the same
range by using the +/– buttons of the cruise
control on the steering wheel.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
54 After releasing the brake, start driving immedi-
ately; otherwise, the acceleration assistant will
no longer hold the vehicle after approx.
2 seconds and the vehicle will start to roll back-
ward.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp for the brake system
lights up in yellow. The acceleration
assistant has failed. The vehicle will not
be held after the brake is released. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor detects a pressure loss in
a tire based on comparing the speeds of the
individual wheels while driving.
In the event of a pressure loss, a change occurs
in the rolling circumference and therefore the
rotation speed of the corresponding wheel.
This change is detected and signaled as a flat
tire.
Functional requirement
To ensure the reliable signaling of a flat tire, the
system must be initialized at the correct tire
inflation pressure.
The initialization must be carried out after
each correction of the tire inflation pres-
sure and after every tire or wheel change.<
System limits
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot predict sud-
den severe tire damage caused by out-
side factors and does not detect a natural, even
pressure drop in all four tires.<
In the following situations, the system could be
delayed or malfunction:
>When the system has not been initialized
>When driving on snow-covered or slippery
road surfaces
>Sporty driving style: slip in the drive wheels,
high lateral acceleration.>When driving with snow chains
*
When driving with a compact wheel, the Flat
Tire Monitor cannot operate.
Initializing system
The initialization is completed while driv-
ing and can be interrupted at any time.
The initialization automatically continues when
driving resumes.
Do not initialize the system when driving with
snow chains
* or with a compact wheel.<
1.Start the engine just before driving, but do
not begin to drive.
2.Press the button for at least 4 seconds, but
not longer than 2 minutes. After the button
is released, the indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up yellow for a few sec-
onds.
3.Begin driving.
The initialization is completed while driving,
without requiring any further input from you.
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamp lights up red. In addi-
tion, an acoustic signal sounds. There is
a flat tire or extensive inflation pressure
loss.
1.Reduce speed and stop the vehicle care-
fully. Avoid sudden braking and steering
maneuvers.
2.Identify damaged tire.
If identification is not possible, con-
tact your BMW Sports Activity Vehi-
cle Center.<
3.Replace the damaged wheel, refer to
Wheel changes on page115.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
56 Have the damaged tire replaced by your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a workshop
that is familiar with TPM and works in accor-
dance with BMW repair procedures, using
appropriately trained personnel.
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and
then lights up continuously. Flat tires
cannot be detected.
Such a message is displayed in the following
situations:
>When a malfunction is occurring:
Have the system checked
>When a wheel without TPM electronics is
mounted, e.g. a compact wheel
>When TPM is experiencing temporary inter-
ference from other systems or devices that
use the same frequency
NHTSA/FMVSS-required explanation
of 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
System
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,
then you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires. As an added safety
feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring system, TPMS, that
illuminates a low tire pressure warning lamp
when one or more of your tires are significantly
underinflated. When the low tire pressure warn-
ing lamp lights up, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a sub-
stitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached
the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure warning lamp.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure warning lamp. When
the system detects a malfunction, the warning
lamp will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehi-
cle startups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal
low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunc-
tions may occur for a variety of reasons, includ-
ing the installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check
the TPMS malfunction warning lamp after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alter-
nate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to con-
tinue to function properly.Brake force display
The brake lamps light up in two stages,
depending on how heavily you apply the brakes.
>Normal braking
The brake lamps and the center brake lamp
light up.
>Heavy braking
The rear fog lamps light up as well.