| BMW X3 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 2003–present |
| Model years | 2004–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact luxury crossover SUV |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by German automaker BMW since 2003.
Based on the BMW 3 Series platform, and now in its second generation, BMW markets the crossover as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line of vehicles The first generation X3 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria—who also manufactured all X3s under contract to BMW BMW manufactures the second generation X3 at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, United StatesFirst generation (E83; 2003–2010)
| First generation (E83) | |
|---|---|
2003–2006 BMW X3
|
|
| Overview | |
| Production | August 2003 – 31 August 2010 |
| Assembly | Austria: Graz (Magna Steyr) Egypt: 6th of October City (BAG) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor) |
| Layout | Longitudinally mounted, front engine, four-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic and manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,795 mm (110.0 in) |
| Length | 2004–08: 179.7 in (4,564 mm) 2009–10: 4,570 mm (179.9 in) |
| Width | 1,855 mm (73.0 in) |
| Height | 2007–08: 1,675 mm (65.9 in) 2004–06 & 2009–10: 1,673 mm (65.9 in) |
The first generation BMW X3, internally designated as the E83, was produced from 2003 to 2010 and based on the BMW 3 Series platform. The E83 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria—who also manufactured all first generation X3s under contract to BMW.
As a precursor to the X3, in 2003 BMW presented the xActivity concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show featuring the 3 Series platform and a fixed-profile convertible body style with reinforced longitudinal rails connect the A-pillars to the rear of the car on both sides, eliminating B- or C-pillars.
The X3 premiered in September 2003 at the Frankfurt Auto Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung), sharing its rear suspension with the E46 330xi and using an automatic four-wheel drive system marketed as xDrive. All X3 models feature BMW's all wheel drive system, with a default 40:60 torque split between the front and rear axles and the ability to direct all torque to either axle. The system used an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch to enable infinitely adjustable, fully variable distribution of torque from front to rear with the capability of up to 100 percent of engine torque going to either axle. BMW markets the crossover as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's descriptor for its X-line of vehicles.
The X3 was conceived to combine the agility of a compact model with the driving experience of the company's X5. The X3 featured an upright, high H-point seating configuration, marketed as "command seating". Styling exhibited interacting concave and convex surfacing, characteristic for the company at the time along with a reinterpreted Hofmeister kink.
BMW upgraded the model in 2005 and facelifted the model in 2007, with revised body bumpers, engine, interior trim, and suspension.
The X3 3.0i won the Canadian Car of the Year Best Sports Utility Vehicle award for 2005. The X3 was initially criticised for its harsh ride, austere interior, lack of off-road capability and high price.
2003–2006
- 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 servicing from their dealer.)
- The interior was upgraded with more consistent plastic panels. Also instead of having grey carpeting which was present on all 2004 X3s, the 2005 X3 came with carpeting that matched the leather ordered (with the exception of the Terracotta interior with black carpeting).
- Slightly softer suspension.
- Front 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 on the 2004 models.
2006–2010
In September 2006, the E83 received a facelift with revised headlights, grille, front bumper, tail lights, rear bumper, and interior.
For the 2007 model year, the US market X3 was powered by the N52 inline 6-cylinder engine that debuted on the 2006 E90 3 Series. Internationally, the X3 received smaller engines including the 4-cylinder petrol and diesel options. In Europe, the range started with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol, a 4cyl. turbo diesel and continues with 6-cylinder turbo & bi-turbo diesels. The largest diesel offered was the sport diesel with 286 bhp (213 kW; 290 PS).
U.S. market 2006 X3's were equipped with a version of the 'M' technik body kit with unpainted door sills and wheel arches. U.S. spec Sport Package 2006 X3's received the full 'M' body kit (with painted front, side and rear plastic) available internationally as a factory accessory. 2.5i was removed for sale from the U.S. and Adaptive headlamps and a panoramic sunroof were made available, as well as upgraded dashboard components and leather seating.
Since September 2008, the Edition Exclusive and Edition lifestyle were available. The M-Sport Package was replaced in March 2009 by the Sport Limited Edition.
Safety
| Adult Occupant: |   |
| Child Occupant: | |
| Pedestrian: | |
Engines
- Petrol
| Model | Year | Engine code | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top speed km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0i/ xDrive20i | 2004–2010 | N46B20 | 110 kW (148 hp) @6200 | 200 N·m (150 lb·ft) @3750 | 11.5 | 198 |
| 2.5i | 2004–2006 | M54B25 | 135 kW (181 hp) @6000 | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3500 | 8.9(MT) / 9.8(AT) | 208 |
| 2.5si/ xDrive25i | 2007–2010 | N52B25 | 160 kW (215 hp) @6500 | 250 N·m (180 lb·ft) @2750–4250 | 8.5(MT) / 8.9(AT) | 210(MT/AT) 221(MT)* / 220(AT)* |
| 3.0i | 2004–2006 | M54B30 | 170 kW (228 hp) @5900 | 300 N·m (220 lb·ft) @3500 | 7.8(MT) / 8.1(AT) | 210(MT/AT) 224(MT)* / 210(AT)* |
| 3.0si/ xDrive30i | 2007–2010 | N52B30 | 200 kW (268 hp) @6650 | 315 N·m (232 lb·ft) @2750 | 7.2(MT) / 7.5(AT) | 210(AT/MT) 232(AT)* / 228(MT)* |
- Diesel
| Model | Year | Engine code | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top speed km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xDrive18d | 2009–2010 | N47D20 | 110 kW (148 hp) @4000 | 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @1750 | 10.3 | 195 |
| 2.0d/ xDrive20d | 2005–2007 | M47TU2D20 | 110 kW (148 hp) @4000 | 330 N·m (240 lb·ft) @2000 | 10.2 | 198 |
| 2007–2010 | N47D20 | 130 kW (174 hp) @4000 | 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @1750–3000 | 8.9(MT) / 9.2(AT) | 206(MT) / 205(AT) | |
| 3.0d/ xDrive30d | 2003–2004 | M57TUD30 | 150 kW (201 hp) @4000 | 410 N·m (300 lb·ft) @1500–3250 | 7.9(MT)/ 8.2 (AT) | 210(MT/AT) 218(MT)* / 215(AT)* |
| 2004–2010 | M57TU2D30 | 160 kW (215 hp) @4000 | 500 N·m (370 lb·ft) @1750–2750 | 7.4(MT) / 7.7(AT) | 210(AT/MT) 220(AT/MT)* |
|
| 3.0sd/ xDrive35d | 2007–2010 | M57TU2D30 | 210 kW (282 hp) @4400 | 580 N·m (430 lb·ft) @1750–2250 | 6.4 | 240 |
* In combination with optional Edition Sport, M-Sport package, dynamic packet or certain alloy wheels.
Cross Country
The X3 Cross Country, also known as the X3 CC is an X3 prepared for rally raid competition. It features a 2.9-litre inline-6 (debore and destroked M57TU2D30 engine from 3.0 litre to 2.9-litre), twin turbocharged diesel engine.
