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EnglishMobility -> Under the hood for your BMW X3 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
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
