Newbie X3 Owner here with a couple of questions

[JonX]

hey guys and gals, just wanted to introduce myself, im Jon and a proud owner of a pre-owned 2004 X3. My first BMW but not new to the BMW scene as the rents have had a 3 series, 2 5 series and a 7 series BMW. Love driving this SUV, definetly missed German engineering. Just had a couple of questions

- slight whining sound coming from the steering wheel at low speed normal? With past experience with Ford and Mazda, usually was the spiral cable or steering rack and or pump. This vehicle doesn't have electric steering does it?

- Anyone disable day time running lights?

- Anyone install aftermarket HID's to X3's that didn't come with HIDS from factory?

- How do you remove the kidney grilles? Ive done a search already, helpful, but there are 2 types of clips behind the grille...which clips are they?

- Anyone install the ipod jack adapter? Just wondering if its a pain.


Thanks in advance for any info

[RastaGurl]

First of all, welcome! As for your questions, I've only installed an aftermarket iPod adapter (iceLink plus), and as long as you're capable of following relatively simple instructions, it's a breeze.

[AzNMpower32]

When you turn the steering full lock at low speed, its normal to have a slight squealing sound. However, it if occurs at less than full-lock, have it checked out. No electric steering on the X3.

DRLs can be disabled at the dealership, along with various other key/memory programming features.

[E5M1R]

Europe X3 can turn off lights if switch is positiond to 0, if on auto or lights, the lights wil come on att ignition, otherwise it is a trip to a stealer away, it will cost you same if you acctivate or deactivate some of the other key memory functios

[judybe83]

Here's a copy of SI B 09 03 98 E83 it shows the Car Key Memory Settings for your X3. You can deactivate DRL's pg 2 at the bottom, have the clown nose blink even if you do not have an alarm, etc.

If you bought the X3 at a BMW dealer they MIGHT do the programing for free.

ab of ab&jb

[JonX]

awesome, thanks guys for the info....stupid question though, (VW guy) if this was shown to me for my vw lol i would have known that i need the diagnostic tool (vag-com) to do this...but on bmws how would i be able to make those changes to codes? thanks