BMW X3 (F25) Owners Manual: Driving comfort

BMW X3 (F25) Owners Manual / Controls / Driving comfort

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes all standard, country-specific and optional features offered with the series. It also describes features that are not necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to the selected options or country versions. This also applies to safety-related functions and systems. The respectively applicable country provisions must be observed when using the respective features and systems.

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, ACC

The concept

Use this system to select a desired speed that the vehicle will maintain automatically on clear roads.

To the extent possible, the system automatically adjusts the speed to a slower vehicle ahead of you.

The distance that the vehicle maintains to the vehicle ahead of you can be varied.

For safety reasons, it depends on the speed.

To maintain a certain distance, the system automatically reduces the speed, applies the brakes lightly, or accelerates again if the vehicle ahead begins moving faster.

If the vehicle ahead of you brakes to a halt, and then proceeds to drive again within a brief period, the system is able to detect this within the given system limits. Your own vehicle will brake automatically and then accelerate again.

If the vehicle ahead of you drives away again after a prolonged period, briefly press the accelerator pedal or press the appropriate button to reactivate the system. The vehicle will automatically accelerate.

As soon as the road is clear, the vehicle accelerates to the desired speed.

The speed is also maintained downhill, but may not be maintained uphill if engine power is insufficient.

General information

Depending on the driving settings, the features of the cruise control can change in certain areas.

Hints

Personal responsibility

Even an active system holds the driver responsible for his or her driving, particularly for staying in your lane, adjusting your speed, keeping your distance and for your driving style all in relation to traffic.

Technically the system has its limits, it cannot independently react to all traffic situations.

Monitor your driving, be on the alert, observe the vehicle surroundings and other traffic and react when needed, e.g. through braking, steering or make evasive maneuvers - risk of accident.

Unfavorable weather conditions

In the event of unfavorable weather and light conditions, e. g. if there is rain, snowfall, slush, fog or glare, this may result in poorer recognition of vehicles as well as short-term interruptions for vehicles that are already detected.

Drive attentively, and react to the current traffic situation. Intervene actively when necessary, e.g., by braking, steering or making an evasive maneuver, otherwise, there is the risk of an accident.

Before leaving the vehicle, secure it against moving on its own.

Before leaving the vehicle with the engine running: set the parking brake and ensure that the Steptronic transmission is in position P. Otherwise, the vehicle may begin to move.

Overview

Buttons on the steering wheel

System on/off, interrupt

Store, maintain speed

Resume speed

Reduce distance

Increase distance

rocker switch: Maintain, store, change speed

Buttons are arranged according to vehicle's series, optional features and country specifications.

Radar sensor A radar sensor is located in the front bumper for detecting vehicles on the road ahead of the vehicle.

BMW X3. Radar sensor

A dirty or covered sensor may prevent the detection of vehicles.

  • If necessary, clean the radar sensor. Remove layers of snow and ice carefully.
  • Do not cover the view field of the radar sensor.

Camera

BMW X3. Camera

The camera is installed near the interior rearview mirror.

Keep the windshield in the area behind the interior rear-view mirror clean and clear.

A dirty or covered area in front of the interior mirror may hinder the detection of vehicles.

If necessary, clean the area in front of the interior mirror, e.g., carefully remove salt residue in the winter.

Switching on/off and interrupting cruise control

Switching on

Press button on the steering wheel.

The indicator lights in the instrument cluster light up and the mark in the speedometer is set to the current speed.

Cruise control can be used.

Switch off

Deactivated or interrupted system

With deactivated or interrupted system use your brakes, steering and moves as usual to avoid the chance of an accident.

To switch off the system while standing, step on brake pedal at the same time.

Press button.

  • If active: press twice.
  • If interrupted: press once.

The displays go out. The stored desired speed is deleted.

Interrupting

When active, press the button.

If interrupting the system while stationary, press on the brake pedal at the same time.

The system is automatically interrupted in the following situations:

  • When the brakes are applied.
  • When selector lever position D is disengaged.
  • When DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated or DSC is deactivated.
  • When DSC is actively controlling stability.
  • When SPORT+ is activated with Driving Dynamics Control.
  • If the safety belt and the driver's door are opened while the vehicle is standing still.
  • If the system has not detected objects for an extended period, e.g., on a road with very little traffic without curb or shoulder markings.
  • If the detection range of the radar is disrupted, e.g., by dirt or heavy fog.

Maintaining, storing, and changing the speed

Hints

Adjusting the desired speed

Modify desired speed to road conditions and be ready to brake at all times; otherwise, there is the risk of an accident.

Differences in speed

Large differences in speed relative to other vehicles cannot be compensated by the system such as in the following situations:

  • When fast approaching a slowly moving vehicle.
  • When another vehicle suddenly swerves into the wrong lane.
  • When stationary objects are approached at high speed.

Maintaining/storing the speed

Press button.

Or:

BMW X3. Maintaining/storing the speed

Press the rocker switch while the system is interrupted.

When the system is switched on, the current speed is maintained and stored as the desired speed.

This is displayed in the speedometer and briefly in the instrument cluster. Displays in the instrument cluster.

When cruise control is maintained or stored, DSC Dynamic Stability Control will be turned on if needed.

Changing the speed Press the rocker switch up or down repeatedly until the desired speed is set.

If active, the displayed speed is stored and the vehicle reaches the stored speed when the road is clear.

  • Each time the rocker switch is pressed to the point of resistance, the desired speed increases or decreases by approx. 1 mph/1 km/h.
  • Each time the rocker switch is pressed past the point of resistance, the desired speed increases or decreases by a maximum of 5 mph/10 km/h.

Hold the rocker switch in position to repeat the action.

Distance

Select a distance

Adjust the distance according to the traffic and weather conditions; otherwise, there is the risk of an accident. Maintain the prescribed safety distance.

Reduce distance

Press button repeatedly until the desired distance is set.

Instrument cluster will display selected distance.

Increase distance

Press button repeatedly until the desired distance is set.

Instrument cluster will display selected distance.

Calling up the desired speed and distance

While driving

Press button with the system switched on.

In the following cases, the stored speed value is deleted and cannot be called up again:

  • When the system is switched off.
  • When the ignition is switched off.

While standing The system brought the vehicle to a complete standstill:

  • Green marking in the speedometer: Your vehicle accelerates automatically as soon as the vehicle in the range of the radar sensor moves off.
  • Speedometer markings turn orange: no automatic driving off.

    To accelerate to the desired speed automatically, press the accelerator or press the RES or SET button.

Rolling bars in the distance display indicate that the the vehicle detected by the radar sensor has driven off.

Your vehicle was brought down to a halt through stepping on the brake pedal and it is standing behind another vehicle:

1. Press button to call up a stored desired speed.

2. Release the brake pedal.

3. Step on the accelerator briefly, or press the RES rocker switch when the vehicle ahead of you drives away.

Displays in the instrument cluster

Desired speed

  • The marking lights up green: the system is active.
  • The marking lights up orange: the system has been interrupted.
  • The marking does not light up: the system is switched off.

Brief status display

Selected desired speed.

If --- appears briefly on the display for Check Control messages, it is possible that the system requirements are currently not ready for operations.

Distance to vehicle ahead of you Shown is selected distance to the vehicle driving ahead of you.

Distance display

Distance 1

Distance 2

Distance 3

Distance 4

This value is set after the system is switched on.

The system has been interrupted or distance control is temporarily suppressed because the accelerator pedal is being pressed; a vehicle was not detected.

Distance control is temporarily suppressed because the accelerator pedal is being pressed; a vehicle was detected.

Rolling bars: the detected vehicle has driven away.

ACC is no longer accelerating. To accelerate further, activate ACC by briefly stepping on the accelerator pedal, pressing the RES button or rocker switch.

Indicator/warning lights

Personal responsibility

The indicator and warning lights do not relieve the driver of the responsibility to adapt his or her desired driving speed and style to the traffic conditions.

The vehicle symbol lights up orange: A vehicle has been detected ahead of you.

The vehicle symbol flashes orange: The conditions are not adequate for the system to work.

The system was deactivated but applies the brakes until you actively resume control by pressing on the brake pedal or accelerator pedal.

The vehicle symbol flashes red and an acoustic signal sounds: You are requested to intervene by braking or make an evasive maneuver.

Displays in the Head-up Display

Some system information can also be displayed in the Head-up Display.

Distance information

The symbol is displayed when the distance from the vehicle traveling ahead is too short.

  • Active Cruise Control switched off.
  • Display in the Head-up Display selected.
  • Distance too short.
  • Speed greater than approx. 40 mph/70 km/h.

System limits

Speed range The system is best used on well-constructed roads.

The minimum speed that can be set is 20 mph/30 km/h. The maximum speed that can be set depends on the vehicle.

The system can also be activated when stationary.

Comply with the legal speed limit in every situation when using the system.

Detection range

BMW X3. Detection range

The detection lidacity of the system and the automatic braking lidacity are limited.

Two-wheeled vehicles for instance might not be detected.

Limited detection potential

Because of the limited possible detection, you should be alert at all times so that you can intervene if needed; otherwise, there is the risk of an accident.

Deceleration The system does not decelerate for:

  • Pedestrians or similar slow-moving road users.
  • Red traffic lights.
  • Cross traffic.
  • Oncoming traffic.

Swerving vehicles

BMW X3. Swerving vehicles

A vehicle driving in front of you is not detected until it is completely within the same lane as your vehicle.

Swerving vehicles

If a vehicle driving ahead of you suddenly swerves into your lane, the system may not be able to automatically restore the selected distance.

This also applies to major speed differences to vehicles driving ahead of you, e.g., when rapidly approaching a truck. When a vehicle driving ahead of you is reliably detected, the system requests that the driver intervene by braking and carrying out evasive maneuvers, if needed. You must react yourself; otherwise, there is the risk of an accident.

Cornering

BMW X3. Cornering

If the desired speed is too high for a curve, the speed is reduced slightly, although curves cannot be anticipated in advance. Therefore, drive into a curve at an appropriate speed.

In tight curves the system offers only restricted detection where a vehicle ahead of you might be detected late or not at all.

BMW X3. Cornering

When you approach a curve the system may briefly report vehicles in the next lane due to the bend of the curve. If the system decelerates you may compensate it by briefly accelerating.

After releasing the gas pedal the system is reactivated and controls speed independently.

Driving away In some situations, the vehicle cannot drive off automatically; for example:

  • On steep inclines.
  • From behind bumps in the road.

In these cases, step on the accelerator pedal.

Radar sensor

For US owners only The transmitter and receiver units comply with part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communication Commission regulations. Operation is governed by the following: FCC ID:

  • OAYARS3-A

Compliance statement: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

  • This device may not cause harmful interference, and
  • this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modifications or changes to these devices could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

Malfunction

The system cannot be activated if the radar sensor is not aligned correctly. This may be caused by damage incurred during parking, e.g.

A Check Control message is displayed if the system fails.

The function for detecting and responding when approaching stationary vehicles may be limited in the following situations:

  • During calibration of the camera immediately after vehicle shipment.
  • If the camera is malfunctioning or dirty. A Check Control message is displayed.

Cruise control

The concept

The system maintains a preset speed via the buttons on the steering wheel. The system brakes on downhill gradients if engine braking is insufficient.

General information

Depending on the driving settings, the features of the cruise control can change in certain areas.

Hints

Unfavorable conditions

Do not use the system if unfavorable conditions make it impossible to drive at a constant speed, e.g.:

  • On winding roads.
  • In heavy traffic.
  • On slippery roads, in fog, snow or rain, or on a loose road surface.

Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.

Overview

Buttons on the steering wheel

System on/off, interrupt

Store speed

Resume speed

rocker switch: change, hold, store speed

Controls

Switching on

Press button on the steering wheel.

The marking in the speedometer is set to the current speed.

Cruise control can be used.

Switch off

Deactivated or interrupted system

With deactivated or interrupted system use your brakes, steering and moves as usual to avoid the chance of an accident.

Press button.

  • If active: press twice.
  • If interrupted: press once.

The displays go out. The stored desired speed is deleted.

Interrupting

When active, press the button.

The system is automatically interrupted if:

  • The brakes are applied.
  • The clutch pedal is depressed for a few seconds or released while a gear is not engaged.
  • The gear engaged is too high for the current speed.
  • Selector lever position D is disengaged.
  • DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated or DSC is deactivated.
  • DSC is actively controlling stability.
  • HDC is activated.
  • When SPORT+ is activated with Driving Dynamics Control.

Maintaining, storing, and changing the speed

Hints

Adjusting the desired speed

Modify desired speed to road conditions and be ready to brake at all times; otherwise, there is the risk of an accident.

Maintaining/storing the speed

Press button.

Or:

BMW X3. Maintaining/storing the speed

Press the rocker switch while the system is interrupted.

When the system is switched on, the current speed is maintained and stored as the desired speed.

This is displayed, in the speedometer and briefly in the instrument cluster.

When cruise control is maintained or stored, DSC Dynamic Stability Control will be turned on if needed.

Changing the speed Press the rocker switch up or down repeatedly until the desired speed is set.

If active, the displayed speed is stored and the vehicle reaches the stored speed when the road is clear.

  • Each time the rocker switch is pressed to the point of resistance, the desired speed increases or decreases by approx. 1 mph/ km/
  • Each time the rocker switch is pressed past the point of resistance, the desired speed increases or decreases by a maximum of 5 mph/10 km/h.

    The maximum speed that can be set depends on the vehicle.

  • Pressing the rocker switch to the resistance point and holding it accelerates or decelerates the vehicle without requiring pressure on the accelerator pedal.

    After the rocker switch is released, the vehicle maintains its final speed. Pressing the switch beyond the resistance point causes the vehicle to accelerate more rapidly.

Resuming the desired speed

Press button.

The stored speed is reached and maintained.

Displays in the instrument cluster

Indicator lamp

Depending on how the vehicle is equipped, the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster indicates whether the system is switched on.

Desired speed

BMW X3. Desired speed

  • The marking lights up green: the system is active.
  • The marking lights up orange: the system has been interrupted.
  • The marking does not light up: the system is switched off.

Brief status display

Selected desired speed.

If --- appears briefly on the display for Check Control messages, it is possible that the system requirements are currently not ready for operations.

Displays in the Head-up Display

Some system information can also be displayed in the Head-up Display.

PDC Park Distance Control

The concept

PDC is a support when parking. When you slowly approach an object in the rear - or also in the front of the vehicle if the feature is available - then the object is reported through:

  • Signal tones.
  • Visual display.

General information

Ultrasound sensors in the bumpers measure the distances from objects.

The maneuvering range, depending on the obstacle and environmental conditions, is approx. 6 ft/2 m.

An acoustic warning is first given:

  • By the front sensors and the two rear corner sensors at approx. 24 in/60 cm.
  • By the rear middle sensors at approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.

To ensure full functionality:

  • Do not cover sensors, e.g., with stickers, bicycle racks.
  • Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.
  • When using high-pressure washers, do not spray the sensors for long periods and maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.

Hints

Personal responsibility

Even an active system does not relieve the driver from personal responsibility while driving.

Technically the system has its limits, it cannot independently react to all traffic situations.

Monitor your driving, be on the alert, observe the vehicle surroundings and other traffic and react when needed - risk of accident.

Avoid driving fast with PDC

Avoid approaching an object too fast.

Avoid driving off fast while PDC is not yet active.

For technical reasons, the system may otherwise be too late in issuing a warning.

Overview

With front PDC: button in vehicle

BMW X3. With front PDC: button in vehicle

PDC Park Distance Control

Switching on/off

Switching on automatically PDC switches on automatically in the following situations:

  • If selector lever position R is engaged when the engine is running.

    The rearview camera also switches on.

  • If equipped with front PDC: when obstacles are detected behind or in front of the vehicle by PDC and the speed is slower than approx. 2.5 mph/4 km/h.

You may turn off automatic activation:

1. "Settings"

2. "Parking"

3. Select setting.

Settings are stored for the profile currently in use.

Automatic deactivation during forward travel The system switches off when a certain driving distance or speed is exceeded.

Switch the system back on if needed.

With front PDC: switching on/off manually

Press button.

  • On: the LED lights up.
  • Off: the LED goes out.

The rearview camera image is displayed when the reverse gear is engaged by pressing the button.

Display

Signal tones When approaching an object, an intermittent sound indicates the position of the object. E. g.

if an object is detected to the left rear of the vehicle, a signal tone sounds from the left rear speaker.

The shorter the distance to the object, the shorter the intervals.

If the distance to a detected object is less than approx. 10 in/25 cm, a continuous tone is sounded.

With front PDC: if objects are located both in front of and behind the vehicle, an alternating continuous signal is sounded.

The signal tone is switched off, when selector lever position P is engaged on vehicles with Steptronic transmission.

Volume The volume of the PDC signal tone can be adjusted similar to the sound and volume settings of the radio.

Settings are stored for the profile currently in use.

Visual warning The approach of the vehicle to an object can be shown on the Control Display. Objects that are farther away are already displayed on the Control Display before a signal sounds.

A display appears as soon as Park Distance Control (PDC) is activated.

The range of the sensors is represented in the colors green, yellow and red.

When the image of the rearview camera is displayed, the reel can be made to PDC: "Rear view camera".

System limits

Limits of ultrasonic measurement Ultrasonic measuring might not function under the following circumstances:

  • For small children and animals.
  • For persons with certain clothing, e.g. coats.
  • With external interference of the ultrasound, e.g. from passing vehicles or loud machines.
  • When sensors are dirty, iced over, damaged or out of position.
  • Under certain weather conditions such as high relative humidity, rain, snowfall, extreme heat or strong wind.
  • With tow bars and trailer couplings of other vehicles.
  • With thin or wedge-shaped objects.
  • With moving objects.
  • With elevated, protruding objects such as ledges or cargo.
  • With objects with corners and sharp edges.
  • With objects with a fine surface structure such as fences.
  • For objects with porous surfaces.

Low objects already displayed, e.g., curbs, can move into the blind area of the sensors before or after a continuous tone sounds.

False warnings PDC may issue a warning under the following conditions even though there is no obstacle within the detection range:

  • In heavy rain.
  • When sensors are very dirty or covered with ice.
  • When sensors are covered in snow.
  • On rough road surfaces.
  • On uneven surfaces, such as speed bumps.
  • In large buildings with right angles and smooth walls, e.g., in underground garages.
  • In automatic car washes.
  • Through heavy pollution.
  • Due to other ultrasound sources, e.g., sweeping machines, high pressure steam cleaners or neon lights.

Malfunction

A Check Control message is displayed.

The range of the sensors is shown as a shaded area on the Control Display.

PDC has failed. Have the system checked.

To ensure full functionality:

  • Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.
  • dimmed Do not put any stickers on sensors.
  • When using high-pressure washers, do not spray the sensors for long periods and maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.

Surround View

The concept Surround View comprises various camera assistance systems that help the driver when parking, maneuvering, and at complex exits and intersections.

  • Rearview camera
  • Top View
  • Side View

Rearview camera

The concept

The rearview camera provides assistance in parking and maneuvering backwards. The area behind the vehicle is shown on the Control Display.

Hints

Check the traffic situation as well

Check the traffic situation around the vehicle with your own eyes. Otherwise, an accident could result from road users or objects that are not lidtured by the camera.

At a glance

Button in the vehicle

BMW X3. Button in the vehicle

Rearview camera

Camera

BMW X3. Camera

The camera lens is located in the handle of the tailgate. The image quality may be impaired by dirt.

Clean the camera lens.

Switching on/off

Switching on automatically With the engine running, engage lever in position P R.

Automatic deactivation during forward travel The system switches off when a certain driving distance or speed is exceeded.

Switch the system back on if needed.

Switching on/off manually

Press button.

  • On: the LED lights up.
  • Off: the LED goes out.

The PDC is shown on the Control Display.

The rearview camera image is displayed when the reverse gear is engaged by pressing the button.

Switching the view via iDrive

With PDC activated or Top View switched on: "Rear view camera".

The rearview camera image is displayed.

Display on the Control Display

Functional requirement

  • The rearview camera is switched on.
  • The tailgate is fully closed.

Activating assistance functions

More than one assistance function can be active at the same time.

  • Parking aid lines
    "Parking aid lines"
    Lanes and turning radius are indicated.
  • Obstacle marking
    "Obstacle marking"
    Spatially-shaped markings are displayed.

Pathway lines

BMW X3. Pathway lines

  • Pathway lines can be superimposed on the image of the rearview camera.
  • They help you to estimate how much space is needed when parking and maneuvering on level pavement.
  • They are dependent on the current steering angle and are continuously adjusted to the steering wheel movements.

Turning circle lines

BMW X3. Turning circle lines

  • Turning circle lines can only be superimposed on the rearview camera image together with pathway lines.
  • They show the course of the smallest possible turning radius on a level road.
  • Only one turning radius line is displayed after the steering wheel is turned past a certain angle.

Obstacle marking

BMW X3. Obstacle marking

Obstacles behind the vehicle are detected by the PDC sensors and, when respectively equipped, detected by the rearview camera.

Obstacle markings can be faded into the image of the rearview camera.

Their colored margins match the markings of the PDC. This simplifies estimation of the distance to the object shown.

Parking using pathway and turning radius lines

1. Position the vehicle so that the turning radius lines lead to within the limits of the parking space.

BMW X3. Parking using pathway and turning radius lines

2. Turn the steering wheel to the point where the pathway line covers the corresponding turning radius line.

BMW X3. Parking using pathway and turning radius lines

Display settings

Brightness With the rearview camera switched on:

1. Select the symbol.

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting is reached, and press the controller.

Contrast With the rearview camera switched on:

1. Select the symbol.

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting is reached, and press the controller.

System limits

Detection of objects Very low obstacles as well as high, protruding objects such as ledges may not be detected by the system.

Assistance functions also take into account data of the PDC.

Follow instructions in the PDC chapter.

The objects displayed on the Control Display under certain circumstances are closer than they appear. Do not estimate the distance from the objects on the display.

Top View

The concept

Top View provides assistance in parking and maneuvering. The area around the vehicle is shown on the Control Display.

General information

The image is lidtured by two cameras integrated in the exterior mirrors, by the rearview camera and a camera on the front of the vehicle.

The range is no more than approx. 6.5 ft/2 m to the side, front and rear.

Obstacles within this range are thus displayed early on the Control Display.

Hints

Check the traffic situation as well

Check the traffic situation around the vehicle with your own eyes. Otherwise, an accident could result from road users or objects that are not lidtured by the camera.

Overview

Button in the vehicle

BMW X3. Button in the vehicle

Top View

Cameras

BMW X3. Cameras

Front camera

BMW X3. Front camera

The lenses of the Top View cameras are located at the bottom of the exterior mirror housings.

The image quality may be impaired by dirt.

Clean the camera lenses.

Functional requirements

Top View can be used only to a limited extent in the following situations:

  • With a door open.
  • With the tailgate open.
  • With an exterior mirror folded in.
  • In poor light.

The unavailable camera range is depicted by shading.

Switching on/off

Switching on automatically With the engine running, engage lever in position P R.

The rearview camera image is displayed. To switch to the Top View: "Rear view camera"

Automatic deactivation during forward travel The system switches off when a certain driving distance or speed is exceeded.

Switch the system back on if needed.

Switching on/off manually

Press button.

  • On: the LED lights up.
  • Off: the LED goes out.

Top View is displayed.

The rearview camera image is displayed when the reverse gear is engaged by pressing the button.

Display

Display on the Control Display The area surrounding the vehicle can be displayed on the Control Display.

The display appears as soon as Top View is activated.

When the image of the rearview camera is displayed, it is possible to reel to top view: "Rear view camera"

Brightness

With Top View switched on:

1. Select the symbol.

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting is reached, and press the controller.

Contrast

With Top View switched on:

1. Select the symbol.

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting is reached, and press the controller.

Displaying the turning radius and pathway lines

  • The static, red turning radius line shows the space needed to the side of the vehicle when the steering wheel is turned all the way.
  • The variable, green pathway line assists you in assessing the amount of space actually needed to the side of the vehicle.

    The lane line depends on the engaged gear and the current steering angle. The track line is continuously adjusted for the steering wheel movement.

"Parking aid lines"

Turning circle and pathway lines are displayed.

System limits

A Check Control message is displayed when a camera is defective.

Side View

The concept

BMW X3. The concept

Side View provides an early look at cross traffic at blind driveways and intersections. Road users concealed by obstacles to the left and right of the vehicle can only be detected relatively late from the driver's seat. To improve the viewing, each camera, front and rear on the vehicle, detects the traffic area on the side.

Which camera is active is shown on the top edge of the screen.

Hints

The images of the cameras are displayed, depending on the gear selected, on the Control Display.

Check the traffic situation as well

Check the traffic situation around the vehicle on blind driveways and intersections with your own eyes. Otherwise, an accident could result from road users or objects located outside the picture areas of the Side View cameras.

At a glance

Button in the vehicle

BMW X3. Button in the vehicle

  Side View

Cameras

BMW X3. Cameras

Front camera

BMW X3. Front camera

Rear camera

Two cameras are used for the detection.

The image quality may be impaired by dirt.

Clean the camera lenses.

Switching on/off

Switching on/off manually

  Press button.

Depending on the transmission position, the picture of the front or rear camera is displayed.

Switching off automatically By switching into a different function or when changing gears.

Front Side View: when a certain driving distance or speed is exceeded.

Display

General information The traffic area in front of or behind the vehicle is displayed on the Control Display.

Brightness With the Side View switched on:

1. Select the symbol.

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting is reached, and press the controller.

Contrast With the Side View switched on:

1. Select the symbol.

2. Turn the controller until the desired setting is reached, and press the controller.

Warning of crossing traffic

The concept When an object approaching from the side is detected by the front or rear camera, this is depicted by a symbol in the Side View display.

Requirements

  • Side View switched on.
  • Your vehicle moves no faster than walking speed.
  • To detect approaching objects, sufficient brightness, e.g., daylight is necessary.

Display

The yellow symbol is displayed if an approaching vehicle is detected by the camera.

A gray symbol is displayed if crossing traffic cannot be detected.

System limits In the following situations, the warning about crossing traffic may be limited:

  • In poor lighting or visibility conditions.
  • If the camera is soiled or covered.

System limits

The objects displayed on the Control Display under certain circumstances are closer than they appear. Therefore, do not estimate the distance from the objects on the display.

The viewing angle is approx. 180º.

Parking assistant

The concept

BMW X3. The concept

This system assists the driver in parking parallel to the road.

Ultrasound sensors measure parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle.

The parking assistant calculates the best possible parking line and takes control of steering during the parking procedure.

When parking, also take note of the visual and acoustic information and instructions issued by the PDC, the parking assistant and the rearview camera and react accordingly.

A component of the parking assistant is the PDC Park Distance Control.

Hints

Personal responsibility

Even an active system does not relieve the driver from personal responsibility while driving.

Technically the system has its limits, it cannot independently react to all traffic situations.

Monitor your driving, be on the alert, observe the vehicle surroundings and other traffic and react when needed - risk of accident.

Changes to the parking space

Changes to the parking space after it was measured are not taken into account by the system.

Therefore, always be alert and ready to intervene; otherwise, there is the risk of an accident.

Transporting cargo

Cargo that extends beyond the perimeter of the vehicle is not taken into account by the system during the parking procedure.

Therefore, always be alert and ready to intervene; otherwise, there is the risk of an accident.

Curbs

The parking assistant may steer the vehicle over or onto curb if need be. Therefore, always be alert and ready to intervene; otherwise, the wheels, tires, or the vehicle may become damaged.

An engine that has been switched off by the Auto Start Stop function is restarted automatically when the parking assistant is activated.

Requirements

For measuring parking spaces

  • Maximum speed while driving forward approx. 22 mph/35 km/h.
  • Maximum distance to row of parked vehicles: 5 ft/1.5 m.

Suitable parking space

  • Gaps behind an object that has a min. length of 5 ft/1.5 m.
  • Gap between two objects with a minimum length of approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.
  • Min. length of gap between two objects: your vehicle's length plus approx. 3.3 ft/1.0 m.
  • Minimum depth: approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.

Regarding the parking procedure

  • Doors and tailgate closed.
  • Parking brake released.
  • When parking in parking spaces on the driver's side, the corresponding turn signal must be set where applicable.

Overview

Button in the vehicle

BMW X3. Button in the vehicle

Parking assistant

Ultrasound sensors

BMW X3. Ultrasound sensors

The ultrasound sensors for measuring parking spaces are located on the side of the vehicle.

To ensure full functionality:

  • Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.
  • When using high-pressure washers, do not spray the sensors for long periods and maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.
  • Do not put stickers over sensors.

Switching on/off

Switching on with the button

Press button.

The LED lights up.

The current status of the parking space search is indicated on the Control Display.

Parking assistant is activated automatically.

Switching on with the reverse gear Shift into reverse.

The current status of the parking space search is indicated on the Control Display.

To activate: "Parking Assistant"

Switch off

The system can be deactivated as follows:

  •   Press button.
  •  Switch off the ignition.

Display on the Control Display

System activated/deactivated

  Gray: the system is not available.

White: the system is available but not activated.

The system is activated.

System status

BMW X3. System status

  • Colored symbols, see arrows, on the side of the vehicle illustrated. Parking assistant is activated and search for parking space active.
  • Control Display shows suitable parking spaces at the edge of the road next to the vehicle symbol. When the parking assistant is active, suitable parking spaces are highlighted.
  •   The parking procedure is active.

    Steering control has been taken over by system.

  • Parking space search is always active whenever the vehicle is moving forward slow and straight, even if the system is deactivated.

    When the system is deactivated, the displays on the Control Display are shown in gray.

Parking using the parking assistant

Check the traffic situation as well

Louds noises outside and inside the vehicle can drown out the parking assistant's and PDC's signals.

Check the traffic situation around the vehicle with your own eyes; otherwise, there is a danger of an accident.

1. Switch on the parking assistant and activate it if needed.

The status of the parking space search is indicated on the Control Display.

2. Follow the instructions on the Control Display.

The best possible parking position will come after gear change on the stationary vehicle - wait for the automatic steering wheel move.

The end of the parking procedure is indicated on the Control Display.

3. Adjust the parking position yourself if needed.

Interrupting manually The parking assistant can be interrupted at any time:

  • "Parking Assistant" Select the symbol on the Control Display.
  • Press button.

Interrupting automatically The system is interrupted automatically in the following situations:

  • If the driver grasps the steering wheel or if he takes over steering.
  • If a gear is selected that does not match the instruction on the Control Display.
  • If the vehicle speed exceeds approx. 6 mph/10 km/h.
  • Possible on snow-covered or slippery road surfaces.
  • When there are obstacles that are hard to overcome, such as curbs.
  • When there are obstacles that suddenly arise.
  • If the Park Distance Control PDC displays clearances that are too small.
  • If a maximum number of parking attempts or the time taken for parking is exceeded.
  • When switching to another function on the Control Display.

A Check Control message is displayed.

Resume An interrupted parking procedure can be continued if needed.

Follow the instructions on the Control Display to do this.

System limits

No parking assistance The parking assistant does not offer assistance in the following situations:

  • In tight curves.

Functional limitations The system may not be fully functional in the following situations:

  • On bumpy road surfaces such as gravel roads.
  • On slippery ground.
  • On steep uphill or downhill grades.
  • With accumulations of leaves/snow in the parking space.

Limits of ultrasonic measurement Ultrasonic measuring might not function under the following circumstances:

  • For small children and animals.
  • For persons with certain clothing, e.g. coats.
  • With external interference of the ultrasound, e.g. from passing vehicles or loud machines.
  • When sensors are dirty, iced over, damaged or out of position.
  • Under certain weather conditions such as high relative humidity, rain, snowfall, extreme heat or strong wind.
  • With tow bars and trailer couplings of other vehicles.
  • With thin or wedge-shaped objects.
  • With moving objects.
  • With elevated, protruding objects such as ledges or cargo.
  • With objects with corners and sharp edges.
  • With objects with a fine surface structure such as fences.
  • For objects with porous surfaces.

Low objects already displayed, e.g., curbs, can move into the blind area of the sensors before or after a continuous tone sounds.

The parking assistant may identify parking spaces that are not suitable for parking.

Malfunction

A Check Control message is displayed.

The parking assistant failed. Have the system checked.

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BMW X3 (F25) Owners Manual > At a glance: Integrated Owner's Manual in the vehicle
Vehicle features and options This chapter describes all standard, country-specific and optional features offered with the series. It also describes features that are not necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to the selected options or country versions. This also applies to safety-relat ...