Get DRIVING TIPS -> Things to remember when driving Guide for BMW X3 SUV Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

Things to remember when driving

Engine, transmission, and axle drive

Vehicle features and options

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km

Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km, do not exceed the

maximum engine speed and vehicle speed:

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.

▷

For gasoline engine 4,500 rpm and

100 mph/160 km/h.

Additional information:

Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.

Avoid full throttle or kickdown under all circum-

stances.

Break-in procedures

From 1,200 miles/2,000 km

From 1,200 miles/2,000 km, the engine speed

and the vehicle speed can be gradually in-

creased.

General information

Moving parts need to interact with one another

smoothly.

Tires

The following break-in procedures will help the

vehicle achieve a long service life and good

efficiency.

Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur-

ing circumstances when tires are brand new.

Drive conservatively for the first

200 miles/300 km.

During break-in, do not use the Launch Con-

trol.

Brake system

Safety information

Brake disks and brake pads must be broken

in to avoid the conditions that can lead to

brake noise. Drive cautiously for the first ap-

prox. 300 miles/500 km.

Warning

Due to new parts and components, safety

and driver assistance systems can react with

a delay. There is a risk of accident, injury, and

property damage. After installing new parts

or with a new vehicle, drive conservatively

and intervene early if necessary. Observe the

break-in procedures of the respective parts

and components.

Following part replacement

The same break-in procedure should be ob-

served if any of the components mentioned

above have to be renewed.

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Driving at high speeds

General driving notes

Warning

Closing the tailgate

Damage to vehicle components can nega-

tively impact handling at high speeds. This

includes, among other things, tires, under-

body and parts for improving aerodynamics.

There is a risk of accident, injury, and prop-

erty damage. Have damage corrected by an

authorized service center or another qualified

service center or repair shop. Do not drive at

high speeds until the damage is corrected.

Safety information

Warning

An open tailgate protrudes from the vehicle

and can endanger occupants and other road

users or damage the vehicle in the event of

an accident, braking or evasive maneuvers.

In addition, exhaust gas or water may enter

the vehicle interior. There is a risk of injury

and risk of property damage. Do not drive

with the tailgate open.

Hot exhaust system

Warning

Driving with the tailgate open

If the vehicle still needs to be driven with the

tailgate open:

High temperatures can occur underneath the

body, for instance caused by the exhaust

system, while driving. Contact with the ex-

haust system can cause burns. There is a risk

of injury. Do not touch the exhaust system,

including the exhaust pipe, when hot.

▷

Close all windows.

Greatly increase the blower output.

Drive moderately.

Secure the tailgate, e.g., with a tensioning

belt.

Warning

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 and an injury hazard.

Do not remove the heat shields installed and

never apply undercoating to them. Make sure

that no combustible materials can come in

contact with hot vehicle parts while driving, in

Neutral or during parking.

Ground clearance

NOTICE

If the ground clearance is insufficient,

e.g., underground garage entrances, speed

bumps, or curbs, the ground may come

into contact with vehicle parts, e.g., spoiler,

and the underbody. There is a risk of prop-

erty damage. Ensure that there is sufficient

ground clearance available. Adjust your driv-

ing style to the respective conditions.

Exhaust gas particulate filter

Principle

The exhaust gas particulate filter collects soot

particles. The soot particles are burned at high

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Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

temperatures to clean the exhaust gas particu-

late filter as necessary.

▷

Deactivate the speed control system.

Activate Sport Mode via My Modes.

If possible, drive at varying speeds.

General information

Additional information:

My Modes, refer to page 127.

Depending on vehicle equipment and national-

market version, the vehicle is equipped with

an exhaust particulate filter. For more informa-

tion on the exhaust particulate filter, contact an

authorized service center or another qualified

service center or repair shop.

▷

Additional information:

My Modes, refer to page 127.

Mobile communications in the

vehicle

The following may occur when cleaning for

several minutes:

▷

The combustion engine may not run as

smoothly for a short time.

Warning

Vehicle electronics and mobile communica-

tion devices can influence one another. There

is radiation due to the transmission oper-

ations of mobile communication devices.

There is a risk of injury and risk of property

damage. If possible, only use mobile commu-

nication devices, e.g., mobile phones, when

connected directly to an external antenna or

Personal eSIM in order to prevent mutual in-

terference and to deflect radiation from the

vehicle interior.

A somewhat higher RPM is necessary to

reach usual power development.

Fuel consumption may be higher. The

higher fuel consumption is included as

mean value in the display for the current

consumption.

▷

The exhaust system is emitting a small

amount smoke, even after the engine is

shut off.

There is audible noise, e.g., radiator fan is

running, even several minutes after the en-

gine is shut off.

Aquaplaning

On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can

form between the tires and the surface of the

road.

It is normal for the radiator fan to run for sev-

eral minutes after driving, even with short trips.

Condensation in drive system

This phenomenon is referred to as aquaplan-

ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete

loss of contact between the tires and the road

surface, ultimately undermining your ability to

steer and brake the vehicle.

Various driving profiles ensure that the drive

system functions properly. A driving style with

consistently low loads can negatively affect

overall functionality, e.g., condensation forming

in the drive system. Occasionally running the

engine longer with higher loads can counteract

this.

Driving through water

If condensation has formed in the drive sys-

tem, a corresponding Check Control message

appears. In this case, on the next drive outside

of town, proceed as follows for approx. 30 mi-

nutes:

General information

When driving through water, follow the follow-

ing:

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Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

▷

Only drive through when the combustion

engine is running.

Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid

any obstacles with a minimum of steering

movement.

To prevent the combustion engine from

being switched off by the Auto Start/Stop

function, engage selector lever position S.

The sounds from the hydraulic circuits indicate

that the Antilock Braking System is regulating

the vehicle.

▷

The combustion engine also does not shut

off in selector lever position R.

Objects in the travel path of the pedals

▷

Only drive through calm water.

Drive through water at a maximum of walk-

ing speed, up to 3 mph/5 km/h.

Warning

Objects in the driver's footwell can limit the

pedal travel or block a depressed pedal.

There is a risk of accident, injury, and prop-

erty damage. Stow objects in the vehicle such

that they are secured and cannot enter into

the driver's footwell. Use floor mats that are

suitable for the vehicle and can be safely at-

tached to the floor. Do not use loose floor

mats and do not layer several floor mats.

Make sure that there is sufficient clearance

for the pedals. Ensure that the floor mats

are securely fastened again after they were

removed, for instance for cleaning.

With pre-heating:

▷

Drive through water only up to a maximum

height of 9.8 inches/25 cm.

Without pre-heating:

▷

Drive through water only up to a maximum

height of 17.7 inches/45 cm.

Additional information:

Auto Start/Stop function, refer to page 119.

Safety information

NOTICE

When driving too quickly through deep water,

the water can penetrate the engine compart-

ment, the electrical system, or the transmis-

sion. There is a risk of property damage.

When driving through water, do not exceed

the maximum indicated water level and the

maximum speed for driving through water.

Pedal feel when driving off

After turning on drive-ready state from idle

state, the pedal may feel unusual, e.g., the

pedal travel path may feel short or long. After

the brake pedal has been fully released, the

pedal will feel as usual again.

Driving in wet conditions

Braking safely

In case of wet roads, exposure to road salt or

in heavy rain, gently depress the brake pedal

every few kilometers. Ensure that this action

does not endanger other road users.

General information

The vehicle is equipped with an Antilock Brak-

ing System as a standard feature. Perform

emergency braking as required by the situa-

tion. To achieve the best possible braking as-

sistance, do not reduce the pressure on the

brake pedal during full braking.

The heat generated while braking dries brake

disks and brake pads and protects them

against corrosion.

In this way the brake power will be available

when you need it.

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Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

If corroded, the brake disks can cause corro-

sion adhesion with the brakes when braking

slowly. This usually cannot be corrected.

Hills

General information

Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the

gear that requires least braking effort. Other-

wise, the brake system may overheat and re-

duce braking effect.

Condensation water under the

parked vehicle

When using the automatic climate control, con-

densation water develops and collects under-

neath the vehicle.

You can increase the engine braking effect by

downshifting, going all the way to first gear, if

needed.

Driving on poor roads

Safety information

Principle

Warning

Because of its greater ground clearance, the

vehicle can be driven on a variety of road types

and qualities.

Light but constant pressure on the brake

pedal can lead to high temperatures, brake

wear, and even failure of the brake system.

There is a risk of accident, injury, and prop-

erty damage. Avoid placing excessive stress

on the brake system.

Safety information

NOTICE

Objects in unpaved areas, for instance

stones or branches, can damage the vehicle.

There is a risk of property damage. Do not

drive on unpaved terrain.

Warning

In Neutral or with drive-ready state switched

off, safety functions, for instance engine brak-

ing effect, braking assistance and steering

assistance, may be restricted or not availa-

ble. There is a risk of accident, injury, and

property damage. Do not attempt to drive in

Neutral or with drive-ready state switched off.

When driving on poor roads

For your own safety and the safety of passen-

gers, as well as of your vehicle when driving on

poor-quality roads, note the following:

▷

Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before

driving off.

Brake disk corrosion

Corrosion on the brake disks and soiling of the

brake pads are increased under the following

circumstances:

▷

Do not take risks when driving.

Adjust the speed to the road surface con-

ditions. The steeper and more uneven the

road, the slower your speed should be.

▷

Low mileage.

Extended stationary periods.

Low load.

▷

When driving on steep uphill or downhill

gradients, add engine oil up to near the

max. level mark.

Aggressive, acidic, or alkaline cleaning

agents.

For steep downhill driving, use Hill Descent

Control.

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Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

▷

Do not allow the vehicle body or underbody

to come into contact with the ground.

ments of a sporty driving style. For more infor-

mation on sport tires, contact an authorized

service center or another qualified service cen-

ter or repair shop.

To ensure the best possible traction when

driving off, activate driving off support as

necessary.

Before and after driving on a racetrack, have

the vehicle checked by an authorized service

center or another qualified service center or

repair shop.

▷

If the wheels continue to spin, press the ac-

celerator pedal with enough force that the

driving stability control systems can distrib-

ute the driving force to the wheels.

Additional information:

Roof bars

▷

Hill Descent Control, refer to page 209.

Drive-off support, refer to page 208.

Principle

Roof bars are devices that are mounted on the

vehicle to facilitate the transport of luggage.

After a trip on poor roads

To ensure driving safety, check the wheels and

tires for damage after driving on poor-quality

roads. Clear heavy soiling from the body.

When driving with a roof bar, various specifica-

tions, e.g., correct load, must be followed.

If the vehicle body or underbody has come

into contact with the ground, have the vehicle

checked by an authorized service center or an-

other qualified service center or repair shop.

General information

Roof bars recommended by the manufacturer

of the vehicle are available as optional acces-

sories.

Safety information

Driving on racetracks

Warning

When driving with a roof load, e.g., roof bars,

the vehicle's center of gravity is higher. This

increases the risk of the vehicle tipping in

critical driving situations. There is a risk of

accident, injury, and property damage. Drive

with roof load only with activated Dynamic

Stability Control.

The vehicle is not designed for use in M Sport

or motorsport-like competition. There is a risk

of accident, injury, and property damage. Do

not use the vehicle for M Sport or motorsport-

like competitions.

Higher mechanical and thermal loads during

racetrack operation lead to increased wear.

Use of the vehicle in M Sport or motor sport

type competition is an improper use of the ve-

hicle and may affect your warranty coverage.

Please consult the New Vehicle Limited War-

ranty Booklet for further information on war-

ranty matters.

Installation

You can only install roof bars if the vehicle has

a roof rail.

Follow the installation instructions for roof bars

when installing.

The vehicle manufacturer recommends using

special sport tires, e.g., high-performance tires.

Sports tires are matched to the special require-

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Things to remember when driving

DRIVING TIPS

Loading

Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center

of gravity when loaded, they have a significant

effect on vehicle handling and steering.

When loading and driving, note the following:

▷

Do not exceed the permissible roof load,

axle load, and gross vehicle weight.

▷

Distribute the roof load evenly.

The roof load should not extend past the

vehicle sides.

▷

Always place the heaviest items on the bot-

tom.

Secure roof luggage firmly, for instance us-

ing tie-down straps.

Do not let objects project into the swiveling

range of the tailgate.

Drive carefully. Do not drive off or brake

suddenly or take corners at speed.

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DRIVING TIPS -> Things to remember when driving for Your BMW X3 SUV Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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