BMW X3 2.5i SAV 2005 - Manual (Page 77)

Things
to re
memb
er when
driving
76
> Read and comply with the information
enclosed with the heavy-duty cargo straps.
Always position and secure the load as
described above. If you do not, it can even
endanger the passengers during braking or
evasive maneuvers.
Never exceed either the approved gross vehicle
weight or either of the approved axle loads, refer
to page
112 , as excessive loads can pose a
safety hazard, and may also place you in viola-
tion of freeway safety laws.
You should never transport heavy or hard
objects unsecured in the passenger compart-
ment, as they could fly around and pose a safety
hazard to the vehicle's occupants during abrupt
braking or evasive maneuvers.
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Roof-mounted luggage rack*
A special rack system is available as a optional
accessory for your BMW. Please observe the
information contained in the installation instruc-
tions.
Loading luggage rack
Because roof racks raise the vehicle's center of
gravity when loaded, they have a major effect on
its handling and steering response. You should
therefore always remember not to exceed the
approved roof weight, the approved gross vehi-
cle weight or the axle loads when loading the
rack.
You can find the specified weights in the Tech-
nical data section on page
112 .
Make sure that the load is evenly distributed,
and that it does not extend outward to beyond
the limits of the loading surface. Always load the
heaviest pieces first – on the bottom. Be sure
that adequate clearance is maintained for rais-
ing the glass sunroof, and that objects do not
project into the opening path of the tailgate.
Secure roof-mounted cargo correctly and
securely to prevent it from shifting or being lost
during the trip.
Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and
braking maneuvers. Take corners gently.
Driving on poor roads
Your X3 is at home on all paved and unpaved
roads. It combines all-wheel drive with the
advantages of a normal passenger car.
Driving on unpaved terrain can cause
damage to the vehicle.
<
When you are driving on poor roads, there are a
few points which you should strictly observe –
for your own safety, for that of your passengers,
and for the safety of the vehicle:
> Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
you begin driving. Do not take risks with the
vehicle under any circumstances.
> Always adapt the driving speed to the road
conditions. The more steep and uneven the
roadway is, the lower the speed should be.
> You can operate your vehicle on uphill and
downhill gradients with a maximum slope of
50%. If you wish to drive on uphill and
downhill grades of this nature, make sure
beforehand that the engine oil and coolant
levels are near the MAX mark, refer to
pages
90 and 91 .
> For very steep downhill driving, use HDC
Hill Descent Control, refer to page
48 . It is
possible to start off on upward inclines of up
to 32%.
The permitted side tilt is 32%.
> While driving, watch carefully for obstacles
such as rocks or holes. Try to avoid these
obstacles whenever possible.
> Avoid that the body makes contact with the
ground, e.g. on the crests of hills and bumpy
roads. The ground clearance of the vehicle
is a maximum of approx. 8.0 in/20 cm.
Please be aware that the ground clearance
can vary depending on the load and operat-
ing conditions of the vehicle.
> Do not drive in water that is deeper than
20 in/50 cm. If you must drive through water
up to that depth, drive at a walking speed
and do not stop.
After leaving the water, press on the foot-
brake gently several times while driving at a
low speed. The brake applications will help
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