Review: BMW E83 X3 (2004-10)

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.

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)

Overview

Released in December 2006, the E83 Mk.II (E83.II) X3 introduced new engines, transmissions and cosmetic updates. The E83.I X3 2.5i and 3.0i variants were effectively replaced by the 2.5si and 3.0si, the latter introducing more powerful and fuel-efficient engines which were available with a six-speed ZF automatic transmission. The 3.0d continued and, in December 2007, the range was expanded with the 2.0d.

Visually, the E83.II X3 could be identified by its twin circular headlights, LED tail-lights, revised bumpers, larger front fog lamps and grille. Inside, the E83.II featured higher quality materials, re-shaped front seats, larger storage compartments and a revised centre console, three-spoke steering wheel and instrument panel.

xDrive

Compared to its E83.I predecessor, the E83.II X3 featured new parallel networking of the xDrive system with the electronic stability and engine control systems to react faster to changing conditions.

Safety equipment

For the E83.II X3, the electronic stability control system was also upgraded to include a ‘Brake Standby’ function (pre-aligning the brake linings for more effective braking), brake drying function and brake fade compensation. Furthermore, the electronic stability control could also be switched off.

Features

Standard features were extended to include Bluetooth connectivity; when introduced in 2007, the 2.0d was similarly equipped to the 2.5si.

Review: BMW E83.III X3 (2008-10)

Overview

Released in October 2008, the E83 Mk.III (E83.III) X3 introduced re-named variants, but changes were otherwise limited. The X3 variants adopted the ‘xDrive’ prefix and were all offered as ‘Lifestyle’ editions (the ‘Exclusive’ editions were not offered in Australia). Beyond the name change, the xDrive20d and xDrive30d benefited from increased engine outputs relative to their 2.0d and 3.0d predecessors, and the six-speed manual transmission was discontinued (previously available on the 2.5si).

Visually, the E83.III X3 could be identified by its revised alloy wheel designs, graphite metallic grille finish and chrome exhaust tips; inside, there was a new leather-wrapped steering wheel and pearlescent interior dials.

Safety equipment and features

Compared to their E83.II X3 predecessors, safety equipment and features for the E83.III X3 were substantially unchanged.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E83 X3