BMW x3 2005 User Manual

Hot exhaust system

As in all vehicles equipped with a catalytic
converter, extremely high temperatures

are generated in this vehicle. Do not remove the
heat shields installed adjacent to various sec-
tions of the exhaust system, and never apply
undercoating to them. When driving, standing
at idle and while parking take care to avoid pos-
sible contact between the hot exhaust system
and any highly flammable materials such as hay,
leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead to
a fire, resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.

Mobile communications devices in
vehicle

BMW does not recommend using mobile
communications devices, e.g. portable

phones, in the interior of the vehicle without a
direct connection to an outside antenna. Other-
wise the vehicle electronics and mobile com-
munications device can affect each other. In
addition, there is no assurance that the radia-
tion which results during transmission will be
dissipated from the vehicle interior.

Inside rearview mirror, automatically
dimming*

The inside rearview mirror contains two photo-
cells that control the automatic dimming func-
tion. One is integrated into the mirror glass, the
other is located on the back of the mirror.
For trouble-free operation, keep the photocells
clean and do not cover the area between the
interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do
not attach any kind of stickers on the windshield
in front of the mirror, either.

When the vehicle is parked

Condensation forms in the air conditioner sys-
tem during operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are thus normal.

Before driving into a car wash

Fold in the exterior mirrors, refer to page

, as

otherwise they could be damaged due to the
width of the vehicle.
Deactivate the rain sensor as otherwise dam-
age could result from undesired wiper activa-
tion, refer to page

Hydroplaning

When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge

of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This phenomenon is referred to as hydro-
planing, and is characterized by a partial or
complete loss of contact between tires and
road surface, ultimately undermining your abil-
ity to steer and brake the vehicle.

Driving through water

Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 20 in/50 cm, and then only

at walking speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the trans-
mission may be damaged.

Use handbrake on inclines

Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes
by slipping or riding the clutch, use the

handbrake instead. Otherwise greater clutch
wear will result.

Safe braking

Your BMW is equipped with ABS as standard
equipment. The best way to brake is to apply
maximum pressure to the brake pedal during
emergency: panic braking. Since the vehicle
maintains steering responsiveness, you can
nevertheless avoid possible obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort.