BMW X3

BMW X3

BMW X3
BMW
aka	{{{aka}}}
Production	2003–present
Class	Compact luxury crossover SUV
Body Style	{{{Body Style}}}
Length	4,708 mm (185.4 in)
Width	1,891 mm (74.4 in)
Height	1,676 mm (66.0 in)
Wheelbase	2,864 mm (112.8 in)
Weight	{{{Weight}}}
Transmission	{{{Transmission}}}
Engine	{{{Engine}}}
Power	{{{Power}}}
Similar	{{{Similar}}}
Designer	{{{Designer}}}

The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by BMW since 2003, based on the BMW 3 Series platform. Now in its third generation, BMW markets the car as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line luxury vehicles.

See Autopedia's comprehensive BMW X3 Review.

Recent Changes

• For 2011, the new X3 gets its M Sport package and new Inline-6 petrol and diesel engines.[1]

X3 M Sport

• After 6 years of production, BMW is replacing the X3 with an all-new second-generation. An inch (12mm) taller, 3.36-inches (83mm) longer, 1.1-inches (28mm) wider, the new CUV rides on 0.6-inches (15mm) longer wheelbase, at 110.6 inches (2,810mm), and is higher off the ground by half an inch. Set to go on sale by the end of 2010, it will debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. [2]

This was followed the next day with BMW unveiling the second-gen X3 M Sport Package. [3] Second Generation X3

X3 M Sport Package

• The X3 received several updates for the 2007 model year, with a slightly redesigned fascia and the inclusion of fiber optic lights in the rear - which has become a staple of 21st century BMW. The refresh also includes the new engines which debuted in the E90 3 Series, and the interior has been finished in leather, wood, and gloss highlights.In 2007 model year 2.5 liter engine discontinued.

Styles and Major Options

The 2007 X3 comes in one trim, the 3.0si. It features a 3.0L 260hp I-6 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission and xDrive all wheel drive. A 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and sport suspension are also available, and safety options are plenty. Some of the standout features of the X3 include:

• 17" Silver Alloy Wheels
• 8-way power front bucket seats
• Power windows, locks, and mirrors
• Leatherette seating and door trim
• Leatherette shift knob and leather telescopic tilt steering wheel
• Express open/close sunroof
• Automatic climate control
• 8-speaker AM/FM/MP3/CD audio system
• Heated front wiper jets
• Rear lip spoiler

Pricing

Add more fields as necessary.

MODEL Trims
xDrive28i	xDrive35i	Trim3	Trim4
MSRP
$37,625	$41,925	$Price3	$Price4
Invoice
$Price1	$Price2	$Price3	$Price4

Gas Mileage

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
3.0si manual	3.0si auto
MPG
18/26	19/26

Reliability

The X3 is a relatively new SUV, but the 2004 model has earned an overall Green rating from Automotive Information Systems, indicating minimal problems in all categories. However, in reference to the new 2007 model, Consumer Reports states that "reliability has recently dropped to below average."

• RECALL ALERT: On August 13, 2008, BMW announced a recall affecting 200,000 MY 2006 3-series, MY 2004-2006 5-series cars and MY 2004-2006 X3s due to a faulty front passenger airbag sensor that could develop from small cracks within the seat detection mat. Though no one has reportedly been hurt, such a defect might stop the front passenger airbag from deploying in the event of an accident. [4]

According to the latest Top Gear reliability survey, the X3 is the most reliable as the engines and gearboxes remained strong.[5]

Safety

Although safety test information for the X3 is not yet available on the NHTSA website, Autos.com reports that the X3 ranks 2nd in their Luxury SUV category for safety. The Mercedes-Benz ML350 and ML500 are tied for first. Standard safety features include:

• ABS and driveline traction control
• DSC-X electronic stability control
• Front and rear anti-roll bars
• Four wheel anti-lock brakes
• Driver/passenger front- and side-impact airbags
• 1st/2nd row overhead airbags
• Side impact bars

Photos

Colors

A complete list of colors is viewable at CarsDirect.com. Some of the available choices include:

Exterior

• Alpine White
• Black Sapphire Metallic
• Crimson Red
• Jet Black
• Montego Blue Metallic
• Platinum Bronze Metallic
• Titanium Silver Metallic

Interior

• Black
• Gray
• Sand Beige
• Sand Beige/Black

Main Competitors

• Acura RDX
• Cadillac SRX
• Lexus RX
• Land Rover LR2
• Infiniti EX
• Volvo XC60

Hybrid Models

There are currently no hybrid models of the BMW X3 in production.

Interior

This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfort and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.

Resale Values

According to Kelley Blue Book, "despite its slow sales, the X3 is expected to retain a strong resale value. Kelley Blue Book estimates the X3 to hold 68-percent of it value at 24 months and 55-percent at 48 months."

Criticisms

• "Shod in the rear with the 45-series, W-rated rubber of the optional Sport package, the X3's ride is hard-edged, concussive, and insufferable." - Car and Driver
• "Fuel economy rating for the manual transmission model with 3-liter engine is only 17 miles a gallon in city driving, though. This is the same city rating as a Ford Explorer with two-wheel drive, six-cylinder engine and automatic transmission." - Carpoint
• "If you're looking for a smooth ride, this is not the vehicle for you. Considering that you can get behind the wheel of an X5 for $6000 more, the X3 seems pretty pricey." - Kelley Blue Book
• "Most noticeable is its lack of German-ness. Unlike some, I didn't find the materials inside up to BMW standards (though I did find the seats pretty comfortable), and the doors shut with a clang instead of a thunk." - AutoWeek

Third generation (G01; 2017)

The third generation is codenamed G01 and was unveiled in June 2017. Drivetrains include two 2.0-litre diesel units known as B47, a next-generation 3.0-litre diesel engine (B57), and a petrol variant (B58): a gasoline-powered, turbo-charged straight-six with a displacement of 2,998 cc and a plug-in hybrid.

It was designed by Calvin Luk, BMW's Australian designer.

Technology is shared with the BMW 5 Series (G30), such as gesture control (optional), LED exterior and interior lighting, and the BMW iDrive 6.0 system with a 12.5-inch touch-screen monitor for navigation systems. Depending on the model, the new X3 is as much as 55 kg (121 lb) lighter than a comparably equipped corresponding model from the previous X3 generation.

In July 2018, BMW introduced the ability to option the X3 with the sDrive intelligent rear-wheel drive system.

In 2019, the X3 xDrive 30e (which shares its powertrain and platform with the G20 330e xDrive) iPerformance model was introduced, sharing its engine with the X3 sDrive20i/xDrive20i and a 50 kW (67 hp) electric motor, it has a maximum electric range of 27–30 mi (43–48 km). It has a 12 kWh battery (9.6 kWh usable) along with a newly developed system called "XtraBoost" allowing a temporary power increase from the electric motor of up to 30 kW (40 hp).

In the same year, BMW introduced the X3 M and X3 M Competition (F97) and the X4 M and X4 M Competition (F98), with the former being the first time an X3 had a full M version while the latter being the first time an X4 had a M version, the X3 M and X4 M are fitted with a 3.0 L S58 straight-six that produced 473 horsepower with the Competition models producing 503 horsepower.

All 18-40 and iX3 models can be fitted with M Performance Parts. These include carbon fibre mirrors.

Full M models can be fitted with full M specific M Performance Parts. These include a spoiler, sport steering wheel, carbon fibre vents and kidney grilles.

Second generation (F25; 2010)

The F25 is the second generation of BMW X3. The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. For this generation, production moved from Magna Steyr in Austria to at BMW's United States plant in Greer, South Carolina. Production started on 1 September 2010, and ended in August 2017.

Dimensions-wise, the F25-based X3 is almost as large as the original E53 series X5.[26] At launch, all models use all-wheel drive, badged as xDrive. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or eight-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission. The emission standard for all engines was Euro 5. A rear-wheel drive only model called sDrive was added to the range in some markets in 2012.

M Performance Parts were released in the facelift and can be installed to all models. These include carbon fibre mirrors, a sport steering wheel, M rims, black kidney grilles and Aluminium pedals. 30d models also get a power boost kit making 27 hp more (286 hp) and 18d and 20d models can be fitted with a dual exhaust.

Markets

Europe

UK models went on sale on 18 November 2010. Early UK models included the xDrive20d. xDrive30d was added in April 2011. xDrive35d was added from September 2011. sDrive18d was added on 20 August 2012. From Spring 2013, the latest generation of BMW Professional Navigation System became available.

North America

US models arrived in US BMW Centers by the end of 2010 as 2011 model year vehicles. Early US models included xDrive28i, xDrive35i. In 2013 model year (produced in April 2012 and delivered in May 2012), a turbo four cylinder xDrive28i was introduced as replacement for the inline six xDrive28i, with new features such as standard Auto Start/Stop, Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO, New Driver Assistance Package (includes Lane Departure Warning). All US market vehicles come with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

For 2011, the F25 X3 is available in the US, only with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine either normally aspirated or with a twin-scroll turbocharger.

In 2012, the F25 X3 xDrive28i model's 3.0L naturally-aspired inline six-cylinder gasoline engine was replaced by the 2.0L TwinPower twin-scroll, single-turbo inline four-cylinder gasoline engine that was first introduced on the BMW 3 Series (F30), the BMW N20, more specifically coded N20B20O0. A rear-wheel-drive sDrive28i model joined the X3 model lineup, marking the first non-xDrive BMW SAV to ever be sold in the United States.

In 2013, the F25 X3 xDrive28d model joined the X3 lineup, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder diesel engine, again first introduced on the BMW 3 Series (F30). As of 2017, the xDrive28d model of the F25 X3 is no longer available for sale in the United States.

2014 update

In 2014 for the 2015 model year, the F25 received an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) facelift. Changes include new modified twin circular headlights (optional LED headlights), redesigned kidney grille, new front, and rear bumpers, and exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators; a centre console with the optional automatic climate control system in high-gloss black-panel look, new cup holders with a sliding cover for the centre console, new exterior colours, upholstery designs, interior trim strips, and light-alloy wheels; new xLine equipment package, optional Smart Opener for the automatic tailgate and storage packages.

The vehicle was unveiled in 84th Geneva International Motor Show 2014, followed by 114th New York International Auto Show 2014 (xDrive28d).

First generation (E83; 2003)

History and development

Along the heels of a very successful and ongoing production run of the BMW X5, BMW decided in the early millennium that it wanted to compete with the likes of the Freelander, Lexus RX and other small luxury SUV's just as the X5 had previously done so well in its respective classes. Thus the X3 (internally known as E83), was born.

File:06x43.jpg

What thus emerged was a concept unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003. Dubbed the xActivity, BMW previewed to the public for the first time what a smaller SAV based on a 3 series platform would look like. The concept had no windows, for the most part no roof, and a sleek futuristic interior. Only the basic shape of the car would emerge as the BMW X3.

Just as BMW used many parts from the E39 5 Series parts bin in the making of the X5, the same occurred in the X3's development, whereby BMW engineers reused 3 series parts. In-fact complete sets of parts came straight out of the E46 330xi, emerging unscathed in the X3 (e.g. rear suspension).

xDrive

When the BMW X3 premiered in late 2003, BMW announced that it would be using a new 4 wheel drive system to power it and its bigger brother - The (refreshed) X5.

Instead of a 60-40 (rear-front) power split (which all millennium 4 wheel drive BMW's exhibit - 325xi, 330xi, early X5) with power being cut to wheels which lost traction through DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), xDrive allowed both of these vehicles to split power between the front and rear axles through use of a multiplate clutch located between the gearbox and the Cardian shaft. This setup allowed xDrive vehicles to split power in virtually any way it pleased. If the car felt like it was in a threatening situation (note not an unstable one), xDrive would react immediately, often before the driver ever knew of its intervention, to alleviate traction and control of the vehicle. xDrive is also closely knit with DSC. In the case that wheelspin stills occurs while xDrive is or has been shifting power, DSC can brake independent wheels to regain traction. xDrive also helps in cornering. When the vehicle feels it is about to understeer or oversteer, the vehicle cuts traction to either of the front wheels or rear wheels to help regain stability and keep the driver on the road.

There are two key things about xDrive. The first being that it was one of the first technologies used to intervene before the driver was ever aware that the car could be unstable. The second being that its intervention is transparent to the driver - that is unknown to the driver.

Reaction

Right from the start, the BMW X3 had been criticized for its harsh ride and poor interior by critics. BMW rectified both in 2005, with a slightly softer ride and by matching plastics and carpeting in the 2005 X5's. It has also been criticized for not being built at a BMW factory. It is assembled by a sub-contractor - Magna Steyr - in Graz, Austria.

The automotive press however for the most part had mixed views of the X3 ranging all over the spectrum - unusual for BMW, but then again not so unsual for modern BMW's.

2005 model year changes

• Bluetooth could actually be ordered straight from the factory (part of the Premium Package) and functioned without dealer intervention. (Although the BMW X3 was originally offered and promised with Bluetooth support in 2004, none of the cars that shipped from the factory actually had it installed. Few were able to get it to work with a little bit of tinkering from their dealer.)
• Interior was vastly upgraded with changes to all plastics (making them match, unlike the 2004 model). Also instead of having grey carpeting which was present on all 2004 X3's, the 2005 X3 came with carpeting that matched the leather ordered (with the exception of the Terracotta interior, whose carpeting is black).
• Slightly softer suspension.
• Front wheel fenders are one piece, as opposed to the two piece found on 2004 models.
• A 2.0d engine became available in some markets - joining the 2.5i and 3.0i engines (found stateside) as well as the 3.0d engine sold elsewhere in the world.
• An 'Open-Door' indicator was added to rectify the complaint made by many on the 2004 models.

2006 model year changes

• The new R6 engines available across the rest of the BMW lineup were, as with the 2006 X5 & 2006 Z4, curiously absent from the 2006 X3. It is rumored that the X3 will not get the R6 until the all-new BMW X5 is released in 2007 which will include the R6 engine amongst other newer engines. The X3 will receive, however, redesigned monochromatic front and rear fascias to replace the flat black bumpers. Also, the 2.5i variant will no longer be sold in the U.S., as buyers tended to go more for the 3.0i model.

• U.S. bound 2006 X3's were all equipped with a special version of the 'M' technik bodykit as standard. The difference being in that the U.S. cars had unpainted door sills and wheel arches. U.S. spec Sport Package 2006 X3's got the full 'M' bodykit (with painted front, side and rear plastic) available in the rest of the world as a BMW accessory.

• 2.5i was removed for sale from the U.S. market.

2007 X3 blackonwhiteleft.jpg

2006 X3 onsnow.jpg

2006 X3 engine.jpg

2006 X3 dashboard.jpg

2006 X3 frontinterior.jpg

2006 X3 rearinterior.jpg

2006 X3 trunkspace.jpg

X3 xDrive18d

Worldwide

The UK police uses the X3 xDrive20d as Interceptors as part of a four-year deal beginning late 2010. Other cars in the docket include the 530d Saloon and Touring, 330d Saloon and Touring, all variants of X1, X5 xDrive30d and xDrive40d. [6]

Awards

• 2007 National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council Secure By Design award

External links

• Official BMW X3 homepage
  • Official BMW X3 online configurator
• BMW X3 India
• 2009 BMW X3 xDrive: New Special Editions & Minor Revisions
• New BMW X3 xDrive18d achieves a combined 38mpg
• 2011 BMW X3 SUV Teased on Official Site
• New BMW X3 Officially Revealed: Mega Gallery with Over 200 High Res Photos
• 2011 BMW X3 fills out, adds a dash of sport
• VIDEO: 2011 BMW X3 SUV in Motion - Plus Styling Poll
• BMW Releases Details on M Sport Package for 2011 X3 SUV
• BMW Drives New 2011 X3's Prices Down, Starts from $37,625
• 2011 BMW X3 gets M Sports Package and New Inline-Six Petrol and Diesel Engines
• What is news about BMW X3 2022?

This page uses some content from Wikipedia. The original article was at BMW X3. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Autopedia, the text of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.