BMW X3 Reviews

A few years later a 40W intellect in a 100W socket in the product planning department mused that if people loved the big wagon, surely they would equally love a smaller one — and the quicker they built it the better.From there flowed the plan for then X3 in a bid to sweep up those who found the X5 too big or too expensive, but still desired to have the blue-and-white badge in their garage. The original X3 seemed all that the planners envisaged: It was a little smaller, though not much, and it was a little less expensive, although not much. It was, however, definitely cheap.Developed and produced out-of-house by Magna Steyr Fahrezeugtechnik (MSF), an Austrian company, you couldn't help thinking it could have been so much better with so much more of the BMW "feel" about it. Obviously BMW shared some of those thoughts.With the arrival of the second-generation car some key issues have been addressed.While the exterior make-over is minor - a larger grille, redesigned body-coloured bumpers front and rear, changes to the lights — and just enough differentiation to allow the owner of the latest generation to appear at least slightly superior, it is the interior that really redeems the X3.Gone is the feeling that you have paid a premium price for a utilitarian experience. The new X3 now looks, feels and even smells as a BMW should.A new three-spoke steering wheel, restyled instrument panel, metal door handles, storage spaces and wooden trim — standard across the range — speak of soul, rather than Seoul.A trio of more powerful and economic engines add to the quality of the revised X3. On test we drove only the 3.0-litre diesel (briefly) and the 3.0-litre petrol, missing out on the 2.5-litre petrol — which is the only model to offer the new six-speed manual.Each of the 3.0-litre engines, coupled to a sharp six-speed Steptronic auto, have much to like about them. The diesel would be a more practical choice for the improved off-road activities the X3 is capable of with its new-generation X-Drive all-wheel-drive system.Both its considerable range and strength at low revs would benefit an X3 destined for a bit of sand and dust. Around town the smoother petrol unit has the edge with its (relative) off-the-mark punch and quieter operation.There is the usual grab-bag of electronic intervention and control functions — stability control and traction, dynamic stability control, ABS, dynamic brake control, automatic slip control, cornering brake control, increased braking readiness, fade compensation, dry brake function and hill descent control — to make your experience in the X3 safer and more relaxed.There are also six dual-stage airbags — front, side and curtain.On road performance, never really an issue with the X3, remains better than average for a sports utility vehicle, or sports activity vehicle in BMW-speak.There are the obvious and unavoidable shortcomings of a high-mass, high-ride vehicle — particularly noticeable in tightening corners — but overall the experience is positive.A couple of niggles remain, at least one of which — the absence of power adjustment for the driver's seat — is an obvious cost-saving measure. There is also the matter of the deletion of the i-Drive and shifting most of the useful operations such as radio and navigation to dash-mounted dials.As one who never actually despised i-Drive, I find the new system less convenient, because reaching the fiddly knobs is more difficult and distracting than the centrally-mounted i-Drive control.Closing the tailgate can also cause problems as the only grab-point is a recess on the door, an issue for the vertically challenged.

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.

The excellent BMW X5's little sister, the X3, arrived last year to satisfy buyers who didn't want a "big" SUV.Unfortunately, the X3 is only 100mm shorter than the X5 and only marginally smaller in other dimensions. It even shares an engine with the X5.Indeed, there is a relatively small price difference – about $8000 or close to 10 per cent – to further close the gap and even the cars' physical appearances are similar. The X3 gains friends because in the dirt, at least, it's quite a capable machine.Part of that off-road competency is BMW's excellent all-wheel- drive system that allocates power to the wheel/s with the most traction. Combined with a decent ground clearance, fat tyres and an all-up mass that is about 200kg lighter than an equivalent X5, the X3 is quite a surprise.Even without a low-range transfer case, it took to some sandtracks with ease. Let down the tyres and it'll go even farther, though I'd suggest travelling with a mate in a Land Cruiser or Patrol when the sand goes to powder.Through the sand trails north of Perth, the X3 3.0i – designating the three-litre 170kW petrol six – had heaps of torque and excellent throttle response.It's helped by a five-speed auto box with sequential shifting, and though that manual-shift option is nice, the wagon ran better in the dirt in full-auto mode.The suspension was long-legged and compliant, so comfort also rated as tops.Back on the bitumen a few niggles became a big headache.The X3's booming exhaust makes it a noisy vehicle to drive, and even worse for the driver is the complaints from passengers.It is so out of character I scrambled around underneath trying to find exhaust pipe holes, though other critics have agreed it's a noisy machine.That aside, the engine is a sparkler and really makes the wagon get up and fly. The small steering wheel, virtually all-black interior and solid handling traits make it feel more like a sports car than a baby SUV.Buyers seeking flexibility have flip-and-fold rear seats for a long, though narrow, cargo ability.Though the test car came with many features, most are options that come at a high price.The base model, which sells at $71,400, doesn't have a lot of goodies, though airconditioning, electric windows and mirrors, CD player and dual airbags are standard.The test car had another $20,000 of options – including satnav/tv at $6990, wiring for Bluetooth ($700), metallic paint ($1700), headlight washer ($700) and a superb electric sunroof ($3300) that almost stretched the length of the roof.There's not even a full-size spare tyre! So, this is not an inexpensive SUV and, without on-road costs, you're looking at about $91,500.But though it's a great driving car – noise aside – it's not as good as the X5. I guess that's what sister rivalry is all about.

When I was handed the keys to the X3, I thought it would be like driving about town in a shrunken version of the X5.Kind of a mini-me soft-roader with a bit less flair and a bit more lair. The automotive equivalent of comparing Prince William and Prince Harry.That was always going to prove a rather broad statement, as, like the royals, these cars may share a similar gene pool but the two variants differ wildly.This isn't immediately obvious if you simply look at their exteriors. Side by side, the X3 is slightly smaller, lacks the deep crease down the flanks of the X5, and is narrower when both are viewed from front on.But it's similar enough that it fooled more than one person during my time behind the wheel into asking: "So what's the X5 like?"For the record, the X5 is an absolute gem. So much so, that in its various guises it consistently rates at, or near, the top of luxury 4WD comparison tests.A week at the wheel of an optioned-up 4.4i – powered by a V8 adapted from the 745i sedan – shows what a luxury cruiser this is on and off the bitumen.It handled a gallop up the freeway to Newcastle as well as any luxury car, and is one of the quietest, most comfortable vehicles in its class.The six-speed automatic gearbox is a fab match, providing consistently smooth acceleration through the range and not wasting any of the 235kW on tap in this version.The suspension set-up features an electronically controlled self-levelling system at the rear. It helps conquer the excessive body roll that makes many high-set 4WDs feel as if you're stuck in steerage on a ferry across Bass Strait.The return journey through logging trails in the Watagan State Forest provided a good test of the' X5's off-road credentials, with BMW's xDrive system working flawlessly.BMW reckons xDrive is almost "clairvoyant".Hyperbole aside, it does do a damn fine job of regulating power between axles, with the Dynamic Stability Control system then apportioning power to the individual wheels that most need it.Inside, the X5 is a class act, with levels of comfort and the type of refined interior BMW is famous for, ranging from the wood inlay in the dash through to the soft Nappa leather seats.Stepping straight from the X5 into the X3, you immediately notice the difference in style and size: it's more jeans than jodhpurs.The X3 is narrower, andBMWhas gone for a funky feel with aluminium-look details, an oddment storage net for the passenger and plastic fittings that don't quite match the standards of the X5.Beneath the hood you can choose a 2.5-litre, 141kW straight six or a threelitre, 170kW powerplant.The 2.5-litre comes with either a sixspeed manual box or five-speed auto; the three-litre model is auto only.The three-litre test car was a lively performer, but at higher speeds it seemed overly keen to chop between gears if your speed deviated even a little.Handling is fine, but you do notice the narrower track and greater body roll if you push it hard into corners.During a short romp through some muddy trails on the edge of Sydney, the xDrive system again proved itself although ground clearance, at slightly more than 200mm in both models, means it's not too difficult to scrape the belly of these beasts.In the end, the X3 is a handy performer, but is it a contender or a wannabe?Starting price for the 2.5-litre X3 is $65,300, while the base X5 lists at $81,400 and the impressive six-cylinder turbo diesel X5 is a steal at $81,900.The price gap hardly seems big enough to warrant choosing the youngster, and BMW must have been a bit concerned before the X3's launch that it could cannibalise X5 sales.This hasn't happened, however, with VFACTS figures for July showing 151 X3s were sold and X5 sales stayed much the same at 227. In July, 2003, the X5 sold 216, so this modest increase is really a double win for BMW.In the end, the extra $16,000 you pay for an X5 is easily justified, but as BMW knows, there are a significant number of people out there for whom $80,000 is just too steep a price to pay – especially if you begin ticking the options boxes and watch the price climb towards $100,000.With the launch of its 1-Series small car in October, BMW will be hoping it doesn't eat into sales of its bread-andbutter 3-Series range.Although the price of the upmarket 120i is yet to be announced, the 118i – not slated to go on the market until 2005 – is expected to be below $40,000.

And with sales of sports utility vehicles also out of control, BMW cannot get enough X5s in any configuration to satisfy demand.So it is that the compact X3 four-wheel-drive has been introduced here.It's not much smaller than an X5, but substantially cheaper. And it just may satisfy those who want a luxury SUV for its wagon shape and convenience, rather than its off-road ability.Those buyers will certainly not be disappointed with the X3 urban wagon.It's great on our city streets where it points and darts with a nimbleness belying its size.Jump in behind the wheel and there is a very 3 Series feel about the cockpit. Almost sporty.However, set the wheels in motion and it drives and handles nothing like a 3 Series.And neither should it. The X3 has permanent four-wheel-drive (called xDrive) that varies power distribution to the front and rear as needed, so it doesn't understeer and oversteer like the rear-wheel-drive 3 Series.Despite having the same body dimensions as many compact SUVs on the market, such as the Toyota RAV-4, Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V, it has a longer wheelbase which gives it far better ride.It also doesn't bounce over speed bumps. The BMW takes them on at speed without hesitation and sorts itself out quick-smart afterwards, rather than bouncing down the road.And there is little body language in the corners, the X3 sitting flat and in control.But the sophisticated suspension and chassis calls on the little 2.5-litre engine to do much more than it can.Plant your foot and it screams like a banshee without much response from the speedo.For an extra $9300, the three-litre engine is a better option for those demanding performance.Although it takes a second look to tell an X3 from an X5, the little guy seems a bit sharper than its tired big brother, sitting lower and sportier than most other compact SUVs. Only that grille and back door retain a spartan ugliness.Inside, there is a functional and uncluttered dashboard, efficient instrumentation and all the cruise and audio controls on the steering wheel where they should be.It feels cosier than the X5, yet there is good room in the back and plenty of luggage space.The auto box is adequate, but the sequential shifter is on the slow side.Brakes are strong with all the usual BMW auto assistance, yet giving good progressive feel to the driver.Fuel consumption is erratic with a huge disparity between city and highway driving, thanks to the underpowered engine which has to work so much harder to get going in traffic.The stated figures of 17L/100km around town and 9L on the highway seem about right. The manual apparently does much better.As for its off-road ability, it is handy on unsealed roads where it rallies well, but don't expect it to climb rocks, wade through water over 500mm or crest dunes.If you want to dress it up for an urban assault, expect to pay big dollars: options include park distance controls ($1680), sport suspension ($400), metallic paint ($1700), panorama sun roof ($3300), adaptive headlights ($2970) and navigation system ($6990).

The arrival of the compact X3 was as inevitable as the sequel to the X-Men movie, which includes an entertaining reprise outing by Hugh Jackman as the nasty but nice Wolverine.The X3 is a bit like that. An entertaining romp. The same basic plot in a new package. But no nasty with the nice.We're still waiting to hear if an X1 will roll in alongside the baby 1 Series from BMW, but the X3 is here now and about to do a great job for people who have looked longingly at the X5 but have been unable to afford the $81,900 starting price for the 3.0-litre turbodiesel or $118,000 for the V8 version.The X3 has plenty of bait for the hook. It is a classy compact wagon that seats five adults, has a choice of six-cylinder engines, comes with permanent all-wheel drive and BMW's xDrive system to handle low-grip situations, and is built to BMW quality standards with plenty of standard equipment, starting from $65,300.The X3's size is deceptive – it bears an uncanny resemblance to the X5. Then again, some say it looks like a Toyota RAV4.Whatever, it has enough bulk to line up handily against such rivals as the Lexus RX330, the Honda MD-X and Jeep's Grand Cherokee, which are in a similar price category for prestige four-wheel-drive buyers. Some people will also consider it against an X5, and the range of rivals could easily run to the Subaru Outback or the new Ford Territory.The mechanical package includes two hi-tech sixes, a 2.5 with 141kW and a 3.0-litre with 170kW, though the 2.5i X3 is the only model available with a manual gearbox. Otherwise it's all auto, with tiptronic touch change for manual work.The suspension, as you would expect, is fully independent and there are anti-skid four-wheel disc brakes with meaty alloy wheels and dual-purpose tyres – though the spare is only a space saver – as well as a full pack of BMW electronics for stability control, traction and braking.The X3 2.5i opens the price run at $65,300 with the manual gearbox. It comes with automatic air-con, 10 airbags, a leather-wrap steering wheel with cruise control, automatic headlamps, an on-board computer and CD radio, all of which makes it a reasonable deal.If you want the 3.0i you'll be looking for $74,600 before extras.ON THE ROADThe X5 has been our four-wheel-drive benchmark since the day it arrived. It's costly, sure, but it is the vehicle that most all-paw shoppers – not adventurers, but weekend hobbyists – would like to have in the driveway.A Toyota LandCruiser is the best for the big Outback trip, the X5 is the one for doers with dollars.The X3 is much the same, only in a smaller and slightly more responsive package. It still looks like a wagon and has enough meat to make an impact, but it drives like a high-rider car.It's a lot less expensive than an X5 – we would never say cheaper – but still pretty costly when you can have a Subaru Outback from less than $40,000.The dollars buy an extremely well-built car – heft the mount for the roll-out luggage cover and you get the feel – and it carries five adults in relative comfort. It's also well-equipped, though our X3 2.5i jumped to $71,750 by the time the automatic gearbox, wonderful panorama sunroof and alloy running boards were added.The X3 doesn't really need tweaking, even if the full-length glass sunroof is great for brightening a winter day. It could be too much of a good thing in summer.The 2.5i gets along pretty handily. It has a smooth response and solid overtaking push, and the touch-change auto is as nice – or nicer – than most five-speed manuals. It's relatively good at the pumps, too, averaging 11.8 litres/100km on test.Handling is well-balanced and predictable and the X3 rides firmly yet with plenty of compliance, and is easy to park. It feels a little nicer than the X5 and has less weight to massage around corners or to stop.There isn't much to quibble about, though the location of the six-stack CD unit in the centre console is silly. It robs the space you'd use for a wallet or nibbles.We didn't find the cabin too inspiring, particularly compared with the classy look and feel of a Lexus RX330, but the seats are comfortable and we really liked the leather-wrapped wheel.Compared with the RX, the X3 is much more masculine. It's not as perky as a 2.5, but feels tougher and more likely to enjoy an off-road romp. It's the same, pretty much, against the Honda MD-X. And on quality and comfort, The X3 could also make a case against the basic model in the Mercedes ML line-up.The X3 is a classy newcomer that's had an instant impact on our four-wheel-drive favourites list.THE BOTTOM LINECONDENSING the benchmark X5 has done a lot more than merely create a German rival for the Toyota RAV4.

BMW's X3 wagon initially will be available with the choice of an entry-level 2.5-litre in-line six-cylinder engine or the meaty 3-litre version of the Munich maker's much lauded six-potter.But this baby BMW wagon will not be burning oil, like its bigger brother, the X5, until much later.BMW says other engine variants may be considered depending on demand.This is one of the first official pictures of the X3, which previously has been shown only in concept form at motor shows.It is too early to be specific about prices, with the X3 breaking ground as the first genuine premium compact offroader.The X3, labelled by BMW as a Sports Activity Vehicle, will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.The X3 carries a blend of classic and new BMW design cues. There is a relatively long wheelbase with short overhangs and strongly flared wheel arches.Lacking nothing in punch and pulling power and yet retaining a high level of sophistication and smoothness, the 3-litre six develops 170kW. The recently introduced straight-six turbo-diesel engine with second-generation common-rail direct injection produces 150kW and a massive 410Nm of torque.One of the innovations shown on the X3 is the xDrive four-wheel-drive system, which provides infinitely adjustable torque between the front and rear wheels. It can recognise the need to adjust power distribution and respond before the wheels lose grip.Its Dynamic Stability Control kicks in later than on a conventional four-wheel-drive vehicle.This all-terrain vehicle signifies a new class for a lifestyle-orientated, adventure-seeking driver looking for an upmarket escape machine.BMW has a stabiliser system for those who want to tow a trailer or boat.The X3 comes with a standard six-speed gearbox, with the option of a five-speed automatic transmission. Hill Descent Control, a system it inherited when it owned Land Rover, is standard.BMW says the X3 has been engineered for a low centre of gravity to reduce body roll, with the front drive shaft extending through the oil sump.Europe and North America will be first to get the X3 early next year. Australia will get the car next winter.