Get Mobility -> Under the hood Guide for BMW X3 SUV First Generation (2004-2010)

Under the hood

Never attempt to perform any service or

repair operations on your vehicle without

the required professional technical training. If

you are not familiar with the regulations to be

observed, have work on your vehicle carried out

only by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Cen-

ter or at a workshop that works according to

BMW repair procedures with appropriately

trained personnel. If this work is not carried out

properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-

age and related safety hazards.<

Closing

Close the hood with force by allowing it to fall

from a height of approx. 1 ft/30 cm. It must

engage audibly.

Hood

Avoid injuries by making sure that the

hood's closing region is clear and unob-

structed.

Unlocking

If you see any signs that the hood is not com-

pletely closed while driving your vehicle, you

should stop at once and close it securely.<

Pull the lever located under the left side of the

instrument cluster.

Opening

To avoid causing damage, make sure that

wiper arms are resting against the wind-

shield before opening the hood.<

Press the release handle and open the hood.

97

Important components in the engine compartment

1

Filler neck for washer fluid of the headlamp

and windshield washer system, refer to

page 42

4

Filler neck for engine oil, refer to

Adding engine oil

5

6

Reservoir for brake fluid, refer to page 101

2

3

Body ground, negative terminal, refer to

page 114

Expansion tank for coolant, refer to

page 101. In vehicles with a gasoline

engine, the expansion tank is on the other

side

Jump starting terminal, refer to page 114

98

standing on a flat surface with the engine run-

ning.

Engine oil

Engine oil consumption depends on driving

style and operating conditions.

You can have the current oil level displayed in

the instrument cluster.

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.<

Press button 1. The oil level is checked and dis-

played for approx. 15 seconds.

In order to cancel the display early, press but-

ton 1 again.

Engine oil level

The warning lamp lights up yellow dur-

ing driving. An acoustic signal also

Possible displays

sounds and "+1.0 " is displayed in the

instrument cluster, refer to page 99.

The oil level is at its absolute minimum; top off

engine oil as soon as possible. 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.

1

2

Oil level OK

Oil level is being detected

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

This process can last approx. 3 minutes

while standing on a flat surface and approx.

5 minutes while driving.

99

3

4

5

Oil level at minimum

Approved engine oils

At your earliest opportunity, add 1 US quart/

1 liter engine oil, also refer to Adding engine

oil.

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.

Oil level too high

Have vehicle checked immediately;

otherwise, overfilled oil can lead to

engine damage.<

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.

Oil 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.

Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle

Center for more details concerning BMW

High Performance Synthetic Oil or other

approved synthetic oils.<

Adding engine oil

You can also call BMW of North America at

1-800-831-1117 or visit the website

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.

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 page 99, or when

the oil level measurement "+1.0 " appears on

the display.

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 SAE classes

Add oil within the next 125 miles/200 km;

5W-40 and 5W-30.<

otherwise, engine damage could result.<

These oils can be used for driving in all ambient

temperatures.

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.

100

Coolant

Brake system

Malfunction

Warning lamp

The warning lamp lights up: coolant

level is too low; top off at the next

opportunity.

Brake fluid

The warning lamp lights up red despite

the handbrake being released.

Do not open the cooling system when the

engine is hot. Escaping coolant can cause

burns.<

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.

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.

During continued driving, increased brake

pedal travel may be necessary, and con-

siderably longer braking distances may result.

Please adapt your driving style accordingly.<

Only use suitable additives; otherwise,

engine damage may result. The additives

are harmful to your health, so follow the instruc-

tions on the containers.<

Display of the previously described mal-

function on Canadian models.

Always observe all applicable environ-

mental laws and regulations when dis-

posing of used coolant additives.<

Checking coolant level

1. Allow engine to cool.

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.

101

Mobility -> Under the hood for Your BMW X3 SUV First Generation (2004-2010)

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