2006 BMW X3 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2004-2015 BMW X3 as a used buy. BMW was one of the early prestige companies to spot the surge in interest in SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles). Realising that most SUV buyers aren't interested in exploring off-road trails but wanted a tall station wagon BMW calls its vehicles SAVs, (Sports

It’s not just we Aussies and the Yanks that love their SUVs, Europeans have really been getting into them in recent years; and the big name German marques have quickly cottoned onto the boom in these handy vehicles. BMW began its SUV range with the X5 and has gradually worked its way down in size with new models X3 and finally the X1. The reduction in size was caused by the realisation by car makers that most SUV buyers aren’t interested in exploring the wilds of their respective countries, rather they want a capacious station wagon with a driving position that’s higher than cars’.Note that BMW would like us to call its vehicles SAVs, standing for Sports Activity Vehicle, but no-one seems particularly interested in that acronym so we will stick with SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).The midsize BMW X3 is the subject of this week’s article as it’s proving very popular in recent times. In Australia around one third of all BMW sales are in SUVs. The biggest seller is the X5, but the X3, introduced here in July 2004, is holding its own in the sales race. Interestingly, the second generation X3, sold from March 2011, is significantly larger than the original and is within a few centimetres of the first-generation X5 in many dimensions.If you’re looking for a family car the gen-two BMW X3 has ample legroom for those in the rear seat and three children will find they have good shoulder room. Boot space is good and the luggage areas are well shaped and easy to load in all X3 models.As there’s almost no demand for a BMW that can go off road, the suspension guys have gone for handling and comfort ahead of traction on unsealed surfaces. Clever electronics, further enhanced on the gen-two X3, do give it more grip in harsh going than you might expect.Four and six-cylinder engines are offered in petrol and diesel format. BMW has long been a specialist in turbocharged engines and both the petrol and diesel units work well. There’s the usual lag before things start to really motor well, but once the engines are past that stage they are beautifully responsive.Though the diesels are the more economical we do have a preference for turbo-petrol engines as they just love to rev way up in the scale, whereas the diesels give up in the high 4000s. Even better are the naturally aspirated straights sixes - one of our all time favourite powerplants. These are offered in 2.5 and 3.0-litre capacity.Six-speed manual gearboxes were offered in the early days, but were never popular and disappeared from the new-car price list during 2008. If you’re keen on DIY gearshifting you may find a few manuals have been privately imported. Be sure a private import meets all areas of Australian regulations.Automatic transmissions began with five forward speeds in 2004, this increased to six in 2006, then eight in the all-new model of 2011. There are manual overrides that give you a fair bit of control as BMW has long been an expert in sporting automatics.BMW is long established in Australia and has a well organised dealer network. The concentration is on major metro areas but there are quite a few in country cities and even large country towns. Spare parts are relatively expensive, but no more so than others in this class of SUV. We seldom here any real complaints about availability. Similarly, insurance costs aren’t low, but you generally seem to get value for money.Do it yourself work on an SUV like this should be left to minor items only. These are complex cars with a multitude of electronic items and should be left to BMW dealers. There are some ex-BMW mechanics in private practise and owners speak very highly of them, however, they may not have access to the very latest information or changes to the X3.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe BMW X3 is generally trouble free, but it makes sense to buy a used one with a full service history. The car will have been in contact by way of the internet with the technical departments in the German head office each time it was serviced at an official dealership.The use of incorrect tyres can cause problems with the transfer case due to incorrect rolling radii. Make a note of the details of tyres then contact BMW for a list of recommended tyres. If you suspect one has been off the beaten track - a rare event - examine the bumper corners, doors sills and undertray for damage - or choose an X3 that hasn’t beaten about the bush.Make sure a petrol engine starts almost instantly, or a diesel within a couple of seconds. Slow starting can indicate real problems. An inspection of the interior, including the luggage area will reveal that a car has been used as a workhorse for carting kids or other heavy-duty stuff.CAR BUYING TIPCars aimed at those who really like to drive may have been thrashed. Blindingly obvious? Yes, but too few buyers take this into account when falling in love with a potential new car. 

Once the X5, BMW's SUV breakthrough model had blazed a trail across our 4WD landscape it was to be expected that the company would follow it up with a more compact model. That was the X3 and it arrived in 2004.The X3 slotted in below the X5 in much the same way the 3-Series fitted into the passenger car range underneath the 5-Series.It looked much the same as its larger cousin, but was smaller, and cost heaps less. While it had the BMW corporate look the tough chunky look that made the X5 attractive was lost, the X3 looked wimpy by comparison.Buyers could choose between two six-cylinder petrol engines and a turbo-diesel. The base petrol engine was a 2.5-litre unit boasting 141kW and 245Nm, the larger one 3.0 litres putting out 170kW and 300Nm. The diesel option was a 3.0-litre turbocharged six that put out 160kW and 480Nm.There was a 6-speed manual gearbox available, but only on the 2.5-litre model; all others had an automatic transmission with the option of manual shifting.Final drive was full-time four-wheel drive with BMW's xDrive system to maintain grip in slippery going.Underneath the suspension was independent all round, the brakes were discs with ABS, the alloy wheels were wrapped in all-round rubber, and the spare was only a space-saver.Inside the X3 had all you could desire with the list of standard features including automatic air-conditioning, cruise, remote central locking, leather trim, multi-function steering wheel, power mirrors and windows and CD sound.IN THE SHOPThe jury is out on BMW durability. The build quality is high, and they certainly look the goods sitting in the showroom, but history suggests that cars with the blue-and-white spinner badge can become expensive as the kays climb. If you choose to get into one it's best to do it when the kays are low and get out again before the bills start to roll in.Look for an independent specialist to have the servicing done, as dealers tend to be very expensive. Same goes for parts. Bought from a dealer parts are expensive, but relief can be found with the independents who are able to source much cheaper parts that still do the job.Servicing is critical so make sure any prospective purchase has had the required maintenance. Look for oil leaks around the engine, and coolant leaks from the radiator.IN A CRASHWith a comprehensive array of active and passive safety features the X3 was given 4 stars out of a possible five by ANCAP.Active features include ABS braking, traction control, electronic stability control and hill descent control, while passive safety is well covered by a combination of dual front airbags, head and side airbags.UNDER THE PUMPNothing special on the petrol front with the 2.5-litre averaging in the mid- to high-11s by BMW's own claim, and the 3.0-litre returning low-12s.On Carsguide's test the 2.5i auto returned an average of 11.8L/100km, bang on the BMW claim.The turbo diesel was the way to go for economy with an average claimed of 8.6L/100km. BMW recommended 98-octane premium unleaded for the petrol models, but have approved E10 ethanol blend for the X3.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $67,900 to $74,600Engine: 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol, 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol, 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo dieselPower/torque: 141 kW/245 Nm (2.5), 170 kW/300 Nm (3.0), 160 kW/480 Nm (TD)Transmissions: 5-speed auto, 6-speed auto, 6-speed man, 4WDEconomy: 11.2/11.9 L/100 km (2.5 man/auto), 12.1 L/100 km (3.0), 8.6 L/100 km (TD)Body: 5-door wagonVariants: 2.5i, 3.0i, 3.0d (from 2005)Safety: 4-star ANCAPVERDICT Smaller, cheaper version of popular X5 set a new benchmark for compact SUVs.

It's a long way from the green hills of Bavaria to the parched plains of Bourke in Australia's outback.

Welcome to the BMW X3 3.0d. From the outset some three years ago, the X3 has been viewed with a degree of reservation. It is, after all, essentially a bargain version (in BMW terms) of the highly successful X5.Maybe the marking has been a little tough. Maybe it was influenced by the feeling there was something cynical about BMW's decision to knock out a slightly shrunken version of the X5 and declare it different.Initially, at least, the scheme to outsource production of the car with Austrian company Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik (MSF) also raised eyebrows and questions about how serious BMW was with its new venture.Time has proven the fears unfounded. The X3 has been accepted into a market looking for more compact, city-friendly versions of the over-sized off-roaders and yet it still couldn't find its way onto the personal favourites list, even with the wonderful BMW 3.0-litre straight six-petrol engine.That all changed with the arrival of the latest generation of BMW's 3.0-litre oil-burner. An engine already recognised as outstanding in the 5 Series has performed a complete personality transplant in the X3.There is a price to pay but it is one that should be accepted with good grace for it is surely good value. At $75,400, the diesel is $3000 more than the equivalent petrol and a world apart. The X3 3.0d should be a poster child for the push to diesel.It is a prime example of the best benefits of the modern diesel: torque to burn across a huge rev range, refinement (not something you could say about previous generations of diesel) and economy that takes the edge off Australia's ludicrous diesel pricing premium.So neat is the all-aluminium, in-line, six-cylinder turbo-diesel that it can even deflect the buyer's attention from the rather un-BMW like plastic feel that has characterised the X3 since launch.The availability of better quality diesel fuel has opened the door for the technology in the 3.0-litre X3 — the latest high-pressure piezo common-rail fuel-injection system with twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder delivering high output, low exhaust emissions and low fuel consumption in an engine that can spin up to 5000rpm.Power output of 160kW at 4000rpm and a muscular 480Nm of torque from 1750rpm to 2750rpm gives the X3 a lively feel and a claimed acceleration time of 7.9 seconds from 0-100km/h. That makes the X3 diesel quicker, slightly, than the petrol version — something that would have had the people in white coats almost certainly looking for you had that been claimed a decade ago.There is still a little flatness, not really lag, as the turbo spools up but the overall feel of the acceleration is akin to a good-sized V8.A muted diesel clatter is still evident from outside the X3 at idle — not somewhere an owner is likely to hear it too often. But from inside the cabin, the sound is more akin to pleasantly large-bore petrol powerplant.The economy, however, is all diesel. Averaging just over 9.1L/100km on the test, the X3 passed with flying colours as that included a high percentage of spirited enjoyment of the engine's willing torque.The variable all-wheel-drive system suffers from the general shortcomings of such an arrangement — a tendency to understeer and a relatively poor turning circle, although by no means the worst experienced recently.Standard electronic fare includes ABS, stability control, hill-descent control and trailer-stability control. There are eight airbags, climate control, cruise control, trip computer, alloy wheels, fog lights, rain sensors and multi-function steering wheel.

Yes, given the right circumstances, a diesel would be on a short list of purchase options.They go so well, so "grunty" and responsive but use minimal fuel and we hate coughing up for petrol every few days at the bowser.Some diesels are better than others but all modern, high pressure injection derivatives have strong points.BMW has added a diesel variant to its X3 compact SUV.It arrived at the same time as the BMW 530d sedan and both share the same, latest generation, straight six cylinder, turbo diesel engine.This engine is not from the successful X5 but is BMW's latest development of the in-line six cylinder format.As expected, it takes a good thing to higher levels of refinement, power and torque and to lower levels of fuel consumption and emissions.The engine is an all aluminium construction with a high-tech direct injection system operating at 1600bar or 23,200psi in the old measure. It also features twin camshafts and four valves a cylinder.Good for 160kW/480Nm output, this is as good or better power than a petrol engine of similar capacity while torque output eclipses many V8s.It does this sipping a mere 8.6 litres/100km and can sprint from 0-100kmh in 7.9 seconds. The engine is a showcase for BMW technology from the bottom of the sump to the cam cover.And it's significantly lighter than similar engines.Being an SUV means the X3 3.0d needs some sort of multi-terrain capability which it has in the form of xDrive electronic all wheel drive.This system varies drive between the axles with up to 100 per cent drive to the rear and variations in between depending on tyre grip.A full array of dynamic controls is fitted to the vehicle such as automatic stability control, hill descent control and cornering brake control.Safety equipment includes eight air bags.Specified to a luxury level, the $75,400 X3 diesel misses out on nothing in the equipment department: leather, climate control, 17in alloys, front and rear park distance control, multi-function steering wheel.An extensive list of options is also available.The vehicle looks handsome with colour coded bumpers and a distinctive BMW appearance - like a (slightly) downscaled X5.It's roomy and comfortable inside with extremely low levels of noise or vibration. Engine performance is excellent and is never found wanting at any speed including off idle.Ride is sporty but comfortable and the X3 sits on the road like a sporty car.Given the choice, and ignoring the premium price, this is the X3 we'd pick over the two petrol versions.