Get CONTROLS -> Climate control Guide for BMW X3 SUV Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

Climate control

CONTROLS

Climate control

Icon

Function

Vehicle features and options

Air recirculation mode.

This chapter describes model-specific equip-

ment, systems, and functions that are currently

available, or may become available in the fu-

ture, even if they are not present in the vehicle.

Automatic recirculated-air con-

trol.

Additional information:

Fresh air.

Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.

Climate control

SYNC program.

Seat heating.

Overview

Functions in the Climate menu

Some climate control functions, e.g., seat heat-

ing or air flow, can be configured using the

Climate Comfort menu on the control display.

Active seat ventilation.

Steering wheel heating.

Icon

Function

Turn the climate control sys-

tem on/off.

Buttons, automatic climate control

Automatic program.

Temperature.

Air flow.

Air distribution.

Air conditioning.

Maximum cooling.

The defrost function and rear window heat-

ing can be turned on/off using the instrument

panel.

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Climate control

CONTROLS

Turning the air conditioning system

on/off

The climate control system can be turned on or

off via iDrive.

Icon

Function

Defrost function.

Rear window defroster.

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

Rear automatic climate control

2.

Tap the power button.

Icon

Function

The entire climate control system is turned on

or off with the last settings applied.

Automatic program.

When the air conditioning system is turned

on, individual climate control functions can be

turned off.

Temperature.

Air distribution.

Seat heating.

Settings

You can configure individual settings for cli-

mate control functions via iDrive, e.g.:

▷

Seat heating intensity.

Pre-ventilation.

1.

To configure the climate control

functions individually, select the icon for the

Climate Control menu on the menu bar.

Calling up climate control functions

Access the Climate menu via iDrive:

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

2.

Tap the settings button.

Or:

3. Select the desired setting.

Go through the menu as follows: Apps menu /

"Vehicle" / "Climate control".

Turning rear automatic climate

control on/off

To display the menu bar with temperature set-

tings in full screen mode, for example, when

using third-party apps, swipe up from the

lower edge of the control display.

Functional requirements

▷

Automatic climate control is turned on.

▷

Defrost function is deactivated.

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Climate control

CONTROLS

▷

Temperature.

Via iDrive

Seat heating.

Active seat ventilation.

Steering wheel heating.

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

General information

2.

Tap the settings button.

The automatic program takes seat occupancy

into account, regulating the climate in an en-

ergy-efficient manner that is tailored to the oc-

cupants.

3. "Rear climate control"

4. Select the desired setting.

The rear automatic climate control can be ac-

tivated with standard setting for temperature

and AUTO program:

At the same time, a condensation sensor con-

trols the automatic program in order to prevent

window condensation to the extent possible.

"Reset settings at the end of the trip"

Locking the rear automatic climate

control

Overview

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

2.

Tap the settings button.

3. "Rear climate control"

4. "Lock rear climate control"

1

Air flow intensity

Climate control functions bar

Settings

2

3

4

5

Automatic program

Temperature

Principle

Seat heating

The automatic program ensures a comforta-

ble climate, which can be modified with the

desired temperature and individual settings.

Steering wheel heating

Active seat ventilation

The AUTO program cools, ventilates, and

heats the vehicle interior automatically.

Depending on the equipment, the automatic

program provides the best possible settings

for climate control functions depending on

the outside temperature, interior temperature,

sunlight, seat occupancy and the desired tem-

perature setting:

▷

Air flow.

Air distribution.

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Climate control

CONTROLS

4. "Driver" or "Front passenger"

5. Select the desired setting.

Turning the automatic program

on/off

Each level has a specific control range of the

intensity.

The AUTO program can be switched on or off

via iDrive.

Based on the stored data models, the intensi-

ties are dynamically adjusted while driving. It is

not necessary to manually change the desired

intensity to lower or higher levels while driving.

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

Custom settings for climate control functions

are saved and applied automatically, e.g., after

the vehicle is started.

2.

Tap the automatic program button.

Switching the rear climate control

automatic program on/off

Temperature

Via iDrive

Principle

The automatic climate control cools or heats

to the configured temperature and then keeps

the temperature constant.

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

Setting the temperature

2.

Tap the settings button.

3. "Rear climate control"

4. "Automatic climate"

Select the desired setting.

Via rear climate control display

Tap the button.

You can set the desired temperature for driver

and front passenger individually on the menu

bar.

Setting the intensity

When the automatic program is activated,

the intensity of individual climate control func-

tions, e.g., seat heating, is adjusted individu-

ally.

▷

Increase the temperature.

Reduce the temperature.

Do not rapidly switch between different tem-

perature settings. Otherwise, the automatic cli-

mate control will not have sufficient time to ad-

just the set temperature.

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

2.

Tap the settings button.

3. "Individual settings"

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Climate control

CONTROLS

▷

Tap up arrow: Increase air flow.

Tap down arrow: Reduce air flow.

Setting the rear automatic climate

control temperature

Via iDrive

Air distribution settings

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

Principle

In manual mode, the air distribution can be

adjusted as needed.

2.

Tap the settings button.

3. "Rear climate control"

Adjusting the air distribution

The air distribution can be set via iDrive:

4. Set the desired temperature.

Via rear climate control display

Set the desired temperature:

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

2. Select the desired setting:

▷

Raise the temperature.

Lower the temperature.

▷

Aim the air flow into the footwell, ar-

row 1.

Air flow

Aim the air flow toward the upper body

area, arrow 2.

Aim the air flow at the windshield, ar-

row 3.

Principle

The air flow generated by the blower can be

adjusted as needed.

The selected air distribution is displayed.

The air flow may be reduced to preserve the

vehicle battery.

Adjusting the air flow

The air flow can be set via iDrive.

1.

Tap the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

Adjusting the air distribution of the

rear climate control

2.

Select the desired setting.

Automatic program:

Tap the icon on the rear climate control

display to set the desired air distribu-

tion.

▷

Tap the large air flow icon to increase the

air flow.

▷

Tap the small air flow icon to reduce the air

flow.

Manual mode:

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Climate control

CONTROLS

Functional requirement

Maximum cooling can be used when the out-

side temperature exceeds approx. 32 ℉/0 ℃

and when drive-ready state is on.

Air conditioning

Principle

With the climate control function, the air inside

the vehicle is cooled and dehumidified, then

warmed again depending on the temperature

settings.

Turning maximum cooling on/off

Maximum cooling can be turned on or off via

iDrive:

Functional requirement

The climate control function can be used with

standby or drive-ready state.

1. Select the Climate menu icon on the menu

bar.

2.

Tap the maximum cooling button.

Switching the cooling function on/off

The air conditioning can be switched on or off

via iDrive:

Air flows out of the air vents to the upper body

area. Open the vents.

Air recirculation mode

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

Principle

With air recirculation, if unpleasant odors or

pollutants are detected in the outside air, the

outside air supply can be temporarily stopped.

The system then recirculates the interior air.

2.

Tap the climate control function but-

ton.

In recirculated-air mode, the air conditioning

is automatically turned on to dry the air and

avoid window condensation.

With automatic air recirculation, outside air is

fed in, or the interior air is recirculated, de-

pending on the outside air quality.

Depending on the weather, the windshield and

the side windows may fog up briefly when

drive-ready state is switched on.

When air recirculation is off, outside air is chan-

neled into the interior.

When using the cooling mode, condensation

that will exit below the vehicle.

The interior filter cleans the incoming fresh

air or the circulated interior air in recirculation

mode.

Maximum cooling

General information

If there is window condensation, turn off the air

recirculation.

Principle

Maximum cooling is used to cool the vehicle

interior quickly and effectively.

The lowest temperature and the maximum air

flow are set automatically.

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Climate control

CONTROLS

Turning air recirculation on/off

Air recirculation mode can be switched on or

off via iDrive:

General information

The following settings can be applied:

▷

Temperature.

Air flow.

Air distribution.

Automatic program.

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

2. The current operating mode is displayed on

the climate control functions bar. Tap the

button until the desired operating mode is

set.

Turning the SYNC program on/off

The SYNC program can be switched on or off

via iDrive:

▷

Recirculating air.

Fresh air.

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

2.

Tap the SYNC program button.

Automatic air recirculation.

If the settings for the front passenger's side or

rear are changed, the SYNC program turns off

automatically.

Depending on vehicle equipment, the air recir-

culation turns off automatically after some time

based on the ambient conditions in order to

prevent condensation.

Defrost function

SYNC program

Principle

With the defrost function, ice and condensation

are quickly removed from the windshield and

the front side windows.

Principle

If the SYNC program is activated, the settings

for the driver's side are transferred to the pas-

senger's side and to the rear.

The air flow and air temperature are automati-

cally optimized for the removal of ice and con-

densation.

For improved comfort, when the SYNC pro-

gram is deactivated, the following settings are

adjusted automatically in the automatic pro-

gram depending on seat occupancy:

The air distribution is directed toward the

windshield and front side windows.

If there is window condensation, turn on the

automatic program to take advantage of the

condensation sensor.

▷

If the front passenger seat is unoccupied,

the settings for the driver's side are applied

to the front passenger side.

When the defrost function is turned on, the rear

automatic climate control is deactivated to pro-

vide maximum performance.

▷

If the seats in the rear are unoccupied, the

default settings for the rear are applied.

When the seat is occupied again, the most re-

cent settings are reapplied.

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Climate control

CONTROLS

Turning the defrost function on/off

General information

If the trip is continued within approx. 15 mi-

nutes after an intermediate stop, the functions

are turned on automatically with the tempera-

ture that was last set.

To activate or deactivate the defrost

function, press the defrost button on

the instrument panel.

The LED of the button is illuminated when the

system is switched on.

Adjusting seat heating

Make sure that air is able to flow to the wind-

shield and front side windows.

Automatic program

When the automatic program is activated, the

intensity of seat heating can be adjusted: As

you drive, the heater output is automatically

adjusted according to your set intensity.

Rear window defroster

Principle

With the rear window defroster, ice and con-

densation are quickly removed from the rear

window.

Adjusting seat heating manually

The heater output level can be adjusted man-

ually:

Functional requirement

The rear window heating can be used when

standby or drive-ready state is on.

Turning the rear window defroster

on/off

To turn the rear window heating on/off,

press the rear window heating button

on the instrument panel.

1. Select the icon for seat climate control on

the menu bar, arrow 1.

The LED illuminates when the rear window

heating is turned on.

2.

Tap the seat heating button repeat-

edly until the desired level is selected, ar-

row 2.

The rear window defroster switches off auto-

matically after a certain period of time.

If a consumption-optimized drive mode is se-

lected, the heater output is reduced.

Seat heating

Turning the rear automatic climate

control seat heating on/off

Principle

When the seat heating is used, seats are

heated depending on the outside temperature

and the interior temperature.

Tap the icon on the rear climate control

display to set the desired heating out-

put level.

The intensity can be stored using the auto-

matic program. This function can be adjusted

as necessary.

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Climate control

CONTROLS

The intensity can be stored using the auto-

matic program. This function can be adjusted

as necessary.

Active seat ventilation

Principle

The system cools the seat and backrest as

necessary, ensuring a pleasant seat tempera-

ture.

Adjusting steering wheel heating

Automatic program

When the automatic program is activated, the

intensity of steering wheel heating can be ad-

justed. As you drive, the heater output is auto-

matically adjusted according to your set inten-

sity.

Adjusting active seat ventilation

Automatic program

When the AUTO program is on, the intensity

of seat ventilation can be adjusted. As you

drive, the ventilation is automatically adjusted

according to the set intensity.

Adjusting steering wheel heating

manually

The heater output level can be adjusted man-

ually:

Adjusting active seat ventilation

manually

The ventilation level can be adjusted manually:

1. Select the icon for seat climate control on

the menu bar, arrow 1.

1. Tap the seat climate control icon on the

menu bar, arrow 1.

2.

Tap the steering wheel heating but-

ton repeatedly until the desired level is se-

lected, arrow 2.

2.

Press the seat ventilation button re-

peatedly until the desired level is selected,

arrow 2.

If a consumption-optimized drive mode is se-

lected, the heater output is reduced.

Steering wheel heating

Ventilation

Principle

When the steering wheel heating is used, the

steering wheel is heated depending on the

outside temperature and the interior tempera-

ture.

The ventilation system has different options for

direct or indirect ventilation to optimize air flow

in the vehicle.

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Climate control

CONTROLS

The air flow heats or cools noticeably, depend-

ing on the set desired temperature.

Air quality

General information

The following components improve the air

quality inside the vehicle:

Front ventilation

▷

Emissions-tested vehicle interior.

Interior filter.

Air conditioning system to control the tem-

perature, air flow, and air recirculation.

▷

Pre-ventilation.

Interior filter

The interior filter cleans the incoming fresh

air or the circulated interior air in recirculation

mode.

▷

Adjust the air flow from the vent, arrows 1.

Change the air flow direction, arrows 2.

Ventilation in the rear

Depending on the equipment:

▷

Dust and pollen is filtered out from the in-

flowing air.

▷

Nano-particle emissions are reduced.

Gaseous pollutants are filtered.

Microbial particles, viruses and allergens

are filtered.

The manufacturer of the vehicle recommends

having the interior filter changed during vehicle

maintenance.

▷

Change the air flow direction, arrow 1.

Knurled wheel for variable opening and

closing of the air vents, arrow 2.

Pre-ventilation

Principle

Setting the ventilation

Pre-ventilation is used to cool or heat the vehi-

cle interior before beginning a drive. The vehi-

cle interior is ventilated or heated as necessary

using residual engine heat, depending on the

set temperature and ambient temperature.

Depending on the desired ventilation, align the

air flow directly or indirectly toward the pas-

sengers.

Open the air vents and position them to ensure

effective air conditioning.

The system can be switched on and off directly

or via a preset departure time.

The activation time is determined based on

the outside temperature. The system promptly

switches on before the selected departure

time.

280

Climate control

CONTROLS

The system switches off automatically after a

certain period of time. The system continues to

run for some time after being switched off.

On the desired weekdays, the system will

be switched on before the set departure

time.

The departure time is preselected in two steps:

Functional requirements

The following functional requirements apply for

pre-ventilation:

▷

Set the departure time.

Activate departure times.

Allow for at least 10 minutes between setting

and activating the departure time and depart-

ing at the planned time. This gives the air con-

ditioning sufficient time to prepare the vehicle

interior.

▷

The vehicle is in idle state or standby state.

The vehicle battery is sufficiently charged.

If pre-ventilation is switched on, the vehicle

battery will be discharged. Thus, limit the

maximum activation time to save the vehi-

cle battery. System can be used again once

engine is started or after a short drive.

Setting the departure time

The departure time can be set via iDrive:

▷

Time and date are set correctly.

The ventilation air vents are open.

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

Switching pre-ventilation on/off

Pre-cooling can be switched on or off via

iDrive:

2.

Tap the settings button.

3. "Pre-ventilation"

4. "Departure plan"

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

5. Select the desired departure time.

6. Set the desired departure time.

7. Select the day of the week, as necessary.

2.

Tap the settings button.

3. "Pre-ventilation"

Activating the departure time

The departure time can be activated via iDrive:

4. Select the desired setting.

Departure time

1.

Tap the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

Principle

Different departure times can be set to ensure

a comfortable interior temperature in the vehi-

cle at the time of departure:

2.

Tap the settings button.

3. "Pre-ventilation"

▷

One-time departure time: the time can be

set.

4. "Departure plan"

5. Activate the desired departure time.

The system is switched on once.

▷

Departure time with weekday: Time and

day of week can be set.

281

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CONTROLS

ensure sufficient ventilation. Do not switch on

pre-conditioning in enclosed areas or areas

with insufficient ventilation, e.g. in enclosed

garages.

Display on the instrument cluster

Icon

Description

Icon illuminates: a

departure time is acti-

vated.

Warning

Icon flashes: pre-ven-

tilation is switched

on.

When pre-conditioning is in operation, high

temperatures can occur underneath the

body, for instance caused by the exhaust

system. If combustible materials such as

leaves or grass come in contact with hot

parts of the exhaust system, these materials

can ignite. There is a risk of fire, injury, and

property damage. Make sure that no com-

bustible materials can come in contact with

hot vehicle parts during pre-conditioning, e.g.

leaves, grass, natural gas, gasoline, oil or

other combustible objects.

Activation on the My BMW app

Depending on vehicle equipment, the My BMW

App with remote functionality can be used to

turn on precooling at a preset departure time

or immediately.

Pre-conditioning through

Remote Engine Start

Functional requirements

The following functional requirements apply for

pre-conditioning:

Principle

Pre-conditioning cools or heats the vehicle in-

terior to a comfortable temperature prior to

departure. This system automatically cools,

ventilates, and heats depending on the in-

side/outside temperature and set temperature.

Snow and ice may be removed more easily.

▷

The vehicle is in idle state or standby state.

The battery is sufficiently charged.

The tank capacity is sufficient.

The hood is closed.

The system starts the engine automatically

and allows it to run for a limited period of time.

Time and date are set correctly.

The ventilation air vents are open.

Safety information

Enabling the automatic engine start

function

The automatic engine start must be enabled

before using the system. Otherwise, the en-

gine cannot switch on automatically to air-con-

dition the vehicle interior.

DANGER

If the exhaust pipe is blocked or ventilation

is insufficient, harmful exhaust gases can pol-

lute the area in and around the vehicle or

penetrate the vehicle. The exhaust gases

contain pollutants which are colorless and

odorless. In enclosed areas or areas with in-

sufficient ventilation, exhaust gases can also

accumulate outside of the vehicle. There is a

danger to life. Keep the exhaust pipe free and

282

Climate control

CONTROLS

Automatic engine start can be enabled via

iDrive:

Press the button on the vehicle key

three times within 1 second.

After operating the vehicle key, it takes

approx. 3 seconds for the engine to switch on.

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

To turn off pre-conditioning, press the button

again three times within 1 second.

2.

Tap the settings button.

Turning off with the Start/Stop button

Pre-conditioning can be turned off directly

by pushing the Start/Stop button without de-

pressing the brake pedal.

3. "Pre-conditioning"

4. "Remote Engine Start"

5. "Start engine for climate control"

6. Confirm the legal disclaimer.

Air conditioning for departure time

Turning on/turning off the pre-

conditioning

Principle

Scheduled departure times can be set up in

the system to ensure a comfortable interior

temperature in the vehicle at the time of depar-

ture:

General information

The pre-conditioning turns off automatically

after max. 15 minutes for safety reasons.

▷

One-time departure time: the time of the

scheduled departure can be set.

The pre-conditioning can only be activated

twice in a row.

Pre-conditioning is turned on once.

Pre-conditioning can be used again as soon as

drive-ready state is activated and then deacti-

vated again.

▷

Departure time with weekday: Time and

day of week for the scheduled departure

can be set.

The departure time is preselected in two steps:

Switching on via iDrive

▷

Set the departure time.

Activate departure times.

Pre-conditioning can be switched on or off via

iDrive:

Pre-conditioning activates automatically a few

minutes before the set departure time. Pre-

conditioning stays on for a short time after the

set departure time.

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

For safety reasons, the air conditioning can

only be activated once for the departure time.

2.

Tap the settings button.

3. "Pre-conditioning"

4. "Start now"

Pre-conditioning can be used again as soon as

drive-ready state is activated and then deacti-

vated again.

Switching on/off via vehicle key

Pre-conditioning can be turned on/off using

the vehicle key.

Observe the information about the intended

use of the vehicle.

Additional information:

For Your Own Safety, refer to page 9.

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Climate control

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Setting the departure time

The departure time can be set via iDrive:

Confirmation signals from the

vehicle

Activation of the pre-conditioning is confirmed

by the light flashing twice.

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

The parking light turns on while the pre-condi-

tioning is on.

2.

Tap the settings button.

3. "Pre-conditioning"

4. "Departure plan"

5. Set the departure time.

6. Select the day of the week, as necessary.

Activating the departure time

The departure time can be activated via iDrive:

1.

Select the Climate menu icon on the

menu bar.

2.

Tap the settings button.

3. "Pre-conditioning"

4. "Departure plan"

5. Activate the desired departure time.

Display

The activated pre-conditioning

temperature is displayed on the

instrument cluster.

The engine runs for the purpose

of operating the pre-condition-

ing. The vehicle is not ready to drive.

Icon

Description

Icon on the instrument

panel.

Icon illuminates: a depar-

ture time is activated.

Icon flashes: pre-condi-

tioning is switched on.

284

CONTROLS -> Climate control for Your BMW X3 SUV Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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