Refined six-cylinder petrol engines
Turbo-diesel engines bring grunt
Spacious interior
Competent dynamics

Suspension lacks compliance, especially at low speeds
Steering lacks traditional BMW feel
For 2.0-litre N47 turbo-diesel engines, camshaft sprocket teeth could damage the timing chain
For 2.5- and 3.0-litre M54 engines, VANOS susceptible to failure
For X3 3.0d, screws for butterfly valves in M57TU2D3 0 engine could come loose and cause engine damage

Review: BMW E83.I X3 (2004-06)

Overview

Released in June 2004, the BMW E83 Mk.1 (E83.I) X3 was a compact, four-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Graz, Austria, the E83 X3 range initially consisted of the 2.5i and 3.0i, powered by 2.5- and 3.0-litre inline six cylinder petrol engines, respectively (see table below). In November 2005, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 3.0d, powered by a 3.0-litre inline six cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

The E83 X3 was based on the E46 3-Series platform and, compared to the E46 3-Series sedan , was 94 mm longer (at 4565 mm), 114 mm wider (1853 mm), 259 mm taller (1674 mm) and had a 70 mm longer wheelbase (2795 mm). Furthermore, the X3 had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

BMW E83.I X3 specifications
Variant	Engine	Trans.	Years	Peak power	Peak torque
2.5i	2.5-litre petrol I6 (M54 B25)	5sp auto, 6sp man.	2004-06	141 kW at 6000 rpm	245 Nm at 3500 rpm
3.0i	3.0-litre petrol I6 (M54 B30)	5sp auto	2004-06	170 kW at 5900 rpm	300 Nm at 3500 rpm
3.0d	3.0-litre turbo-diesel I6 (M57 TU2D30)	6sp auto	2005-06	160 kW at 4000 rpm	480 Nm at 1750-2750 rpm

xDrive

The X3 was fitted with BMW’s permanent ‘xDrive’ four-wheel drive system which had an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. Generally, the clutch was partially engaged and provided a 40:60 front:rear torque split. In addition to partial engagement, however, the clutch could also be fully engaged (50:50 front:rear torque split) or completely open (all torque to the rear wheels) – the latter would occur when driving at high speed or when parking.

The xDrive system interacted with the electronic stability control system such that torque distribution could be varied in response to oversteer or understeer, and individual wheels could be braked to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the E83 X3 included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, hill descent control and front and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2008 X3 2.0d received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.77 out of 37. In the offset crash test, the passenger compartment held its shape well, but protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver; passenger leg protection was also marginal.

Features

Standard features for the X3 2.5i included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a leather-wrapped gearshift and handbrake, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, roof rails, an on-board computer and immobiliser. Beyond this, the 3.0i and 3.0d were also fitted with leather seats.

November 2004: X3 update

In November 2004, the X3 received a number of minor updates, including one-piece front fenders, softer suspension for a more compliant ride and the grey-coloured carpets in the 3.0i and 3.0d were replaced with carpets that matched the leather seats.

November 2005: X3 update

In November 2005, the X3 underwent another update (for the 2006 model year) – standard features were extended to include leather seats (previously omitted from the 2.5i), front and rear parking sensors and a rear-seat ski bag; the 3.0i and 3.0d were also fitted with an electrochromatic rear view mirror. Visually, these updated models could be identified by their new 17-inch alloy wheel designs and colour-coded bumpers.

Review: BMW E83.II X3 (2006-08)