2010 BMW X3 XDRIVE 30I check engine

Lamps
60
Automatic headlamp control*
In switch position3, the low beams are
switched on or off automatically, for example in
tunnels, at dawn and dusk, and in the event of
precipitation. The Adaptive Head Light
* is acti-
vated.
When you enter a tunnel with bright ceiling
lighting, this can delay the switching on of your
low beams.
The headlamps can also come on when the sun
is low on the horizon in a blue sky.
The low beams remain switched on
regardless of the ambient light when you
switch on the front fog lamps
*.
When the daytime driving lamps are activated,
refer to page59, the low beam headlamps are
always switched on when the switch is in posi-
tion3 and the ignition is switched on.<
If so desired, the light switch can remain in
position3. The exterior lamps are automatically
switched off after the ignition is switched off.
Automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for the driver's judg-
ment in determining when the vehicle lamps
should be switched on. For example, the sys-
tem cannot detect fog or hazy weather. To
avoid safety risks, you should always switch on
the low beams manually under these condi-
tions.<
You can have the sensitivity of the head-
lamp control adjusted.<
Adaptive Head Light*
The concept
Adaptive Head Light is a variable headlamp
control system that enables better illumination
of the road surface. Depending on the steering
angle and other parameters, the light from the
headlamp follows the course of the road.
In tight curves, e.g. serpentines, or when mak-
ing turns, up to a speed of approx. 43 mph/
70 km/h, a turning lamp is switched on and illu-
minates the inside of the curve.
Activating Adaptive Head Light
With the ignition on, turn the light switch to the
Automatic headlamp control position, refer to
page59.
The turning lamp is switched on automatically
depending on the steering angle or the turn sig-
nal position.
In order not to blind oncoming traffic, the Adap-
tive Head Light points toward the passenger
side when the vehicle is stopped. When driving
in reverse, only the turning lamp is active and
lights up the region on the outside of the curve.
Malfunction
The LED next to the symbol for automatic head-
lamp control flashes. Adaptive Head Light is
malfunctioning or has failed. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
High beams/
roadside parking lamps
1High beams
2Headlamp flasher
3Roadside parking lamps
Roadside parking lamps, left or right*
You also have the option of lighting up just one
side of your vehicle when parking. When doing
so, be sure to comply with national regulations.
After switching off the engine, press the lever
up or down past the resistance point, arrow 3.
The roadside parking lamps drain the bat-
tery. For this reason, avoid using them for
extended periods; otherwise, it may no longer
be possible to start the engine.<

Reference
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Controls
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Mobility
69
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can
replace as many as three hand-held transmit-
ters for various radio-controlled accessories,
such as garages, exterior gates, or lighting sys-
tems. The integrated universal remote control
recognizes and learns the transmitted signal of
each of the original hand-held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons1. Then, the programmed memory
button1 can operate the device whenever the
ignition is switched on. The LED2 indicates
transmission of the signal.
Should you sell your vehicle one day, be sure to
delete the stored programs beforehand for your
security, refer to page70.
To prevent possible damage or injury,
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect
the immediate area to make certain that no peo-
ple, animals or objects are within the travel range
of the device. Also, comply with the safety pre-
cautions of the original hand-held transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If you see this symbol on the packaging
or in the manual supplied with the origi-
nal hand-held transmitter, then it is safe
to assume that the radio-controlled device is
compatible with the integrated universal
remote control.
If you have additional questions, please
ask at your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center or call: 1-800-355-3515.
You can find also information on the Internet at:
www.bmwusa.com or
www.homelink.com.
HomeLink is a registered trademark of
Johnson Controls, Inc.<
Programming
1Memory buttons
2LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Turn the ignition key to position 2.
2.For initial use: press the left and right mem-
ory button1 for approx. 20 seconds until
the LED2 flashes rapidly. All stored pro-
grams are deleted.
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a
distance of approx. 4 in/10 cm to 12 in/
30 cm from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the
hand-held transmitter and memory
buttons1 depends on the relevant system
of the original hand-held transmitter used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit button
on the original hand-held transmitter and
the desired memory button 1 of the inte-
grated universal remote control. Initially, the
LED2 flashes slowly. Release both buttons
as soon as the LED2 flashes rapidly. If the
LED2 does not flash rapidly after approx.
15 seconds, then change the distance and
repeat the step.
5.To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4.
The corresponding memory button1 is now
programmed with the signal of the original
hand-held transmitter.
You can use the system when the engine is run-
ning or when the ignition is switched on.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
83
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle is depen-
dent on various factors. You can improve your
vehicle's fuel consumption and reduce the
strain on the environment with several mea-
sures, your driving style and regular mainte-
nance.
Removing unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Removing attached parts following use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear luggage
racks which are no longer required following
use. Attached parts on the vehicle impair the
aerodynamics and increase the fuel consump-
tion.
Closing windows and panorama glass
sunroof
An open panorama glass sunroof or an open
window also increases the aerodynamic drag,
and with it the fuel consumption.
Checking tire inflation pressures
regularly
Check the tire inflation pressures at least twice
a month and before starting off on a longer trip
and correct them if necessary.
An insufficient tire inflation pressure increases
the rolling resistance, therefore increasing fuel
consumption and tire wear.
Driving off immediately
Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it
running while the vehicle remains stationary.
Instead, drive off immediately at a moderate
engine speed. This enables a cold engine to
reach its operating temperature most rapidly.
Looking well ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking by
maintaining a corresponding distance to the
vehicle driving ahead. Driving smoothly and
looking ahead reduces fuel consumption.
Avoiding high engine speeds
Only use 1st gear when starting off. Accelerate
briskly from 2nd gear while avoiding high
engine speeds and shifting up prematurely.
When the desired speed is reached, shift into
the highest possible gear and drive at constant
speed at the lowest possible engine speed.
Always remember: driving at low engine speeds
decreases fuel consumption and reduces wear.
Using overrun conditions
When approaching a red light, take your foot off
the accelerator and allow the vehicle to coast in
the highest possible gear.
On a downhill stretch of road, take your foot off
the accelerator and allow the vehicle to coast in
the suitable gear.
The flow of fuel is interrupted in overrun.
Switching off engine during longer
stops
Switch off the engine during longer stops, e.g.
at traffic lights, railroad crossings or in traffic
jams. You already save fuel from approx. 4 sec-
onds with the engine switched off.
Switching off functions currently not
required
Functions like the air conditioner, seat heating
or the rear-window defroster require a lot of
energy and consume additional fuel. This plays
a major role especially when driving in urban
and in stop-and-go traffic. Therefore, switch off
these functions when they are not really
required.
Having maintenance carried out
Have regular maintenance performed on the
vehicle to achieve optimum the economy and
service life of your vehicle. BMW recommends
having maintenance carried out by a BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle Center. Also observe
the BMW maintenance system, refer to
page106.

Refueling
92
Refueling
Fuel filler cap
Opening
Always switch off the engine before refu-
eling. Otherwise, no fuel can be dis-
pensed into the tank and the Service Engine
Soon lamp lights up.<
1.Open fuel filler door. To do so, briefly press
it at the rear edge.
2.Turn fuel filler cap counterclockwise.
3.Place the fuel filler cap in the bracket
attached to the fuel filler door.
Closing
Replace the cap and turn it clockwise until you
hear a clearly audible click.
Be careful not to crush the cap leash between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
The warning lamp
* lights up.
The fuel filler cap is not properly closed
or is missing. Check whether the fuel
filler cap is properly closed.
Manually releasing fuel filler door
When a malfunction is occurring, you can
unlock the fuel filler door manually:
1.Open the cover flap on the right-hand side
panel of the cargo area, refer to page78.
2.Pull the green button. The fuel filler door is
released.
Always take all applicable precautions
and comply with all regulations when han-
dling fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these con-
tainers can leak, cause an explosion, and lead to
fire in the event of a collision.<
Observe the following when refueling
When handling fuels, comply with all
applicable safety precautions posted at
the service station.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle com-
pletely into the filler pipe. Avoid lifting the filler
nozzle while filling the tank; otherwise, this can
result in:
>Premature pump shutoff
>Reduced efficiency in the fuel-vapor recov-
ery system
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.

Reference
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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.

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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.

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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.
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.