|
Petrol: | 2.0 L
N46 I4 | 2.5 L
M54 /
N52 I6 | 3.0 L
M54 /
N52 I6 |
Diesel: | 2.0 L
M47 /
N47 I4 | 3.0 L
M57 I6 }} }} 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 connecting 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. The system used an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch to enable infinitely adjustable, fully variable distribution of torque from rear to front axle with the capability of up to 50 per cent of engine torque going to the front. This is because the rear-biased AWD system X-drive delivers direct drive to the rear axle from the transmission, but the front axle only receives input through the infinitely-variable transfer case clutch "as needed". This makes X-drive particularly durable for acceleration and towing, as the weight shifts rearward during climbing onto the un-clutched directly-driven rear axle. Finally, advanced traction control allows both axles to behave as electro-hydraulically-controlled limited slip differentials employed "as needed" to achieve ultimate traction by synchronizing torque to left and right tires irrespective of grip and resulting in effortless acceleration on any surface. 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. U.S-spec X3 models were well-equipped, with standard equipment such as: the BMW Business A/M-F/M-CD radio (with optional dealer-activated Bluetooth functionality for wireless phones), an eight-speaker premium audio system, leatherette-trimmed seating surfaces, dual power front bucket seats, aluminium interior trim accents, keyless entry, and seventeen-inch (17") aluminium-alloy wheels. Optional equipment included a ten-speaker premium audio system with Digital Sound Processing (DSP), Sirius Satellite Radio, a dashboard-mounted colour GPS navigational system that replaced the upper dashboard storage compartment and contained a modified version of BMW's "iDrive" multimedia system, eighteen-inch (and later nineteen-inch) aluminium-alloy wheels, Nevada leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a security system, BMW Assist, a panoramic dual-pane moonroof, Xenon front headlamps with adaptive front headlamps, and sport front bucket seats.
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 2005 for 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 For 2006, the U.S.-spec X3 lost its 2.5L
M54 inline
6-cylinder engine for the
2.5i model. The only model available from 2006 onwards for the U.S.-spec X3 was the 3.0L
M54 inline 6-cylinder engine (later, the
N52 inline 6-cylinder engine) and the
3.0i model (later,
3.0Si or
xDrive30i). This further increased the X3's base price. 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 . U.S. market 2006 X3s 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.
Pre-facelift styling File:BMW X3 (E83) Facelift front 20100926.jpg|Front File:BMW X3 (E83) Facelift rear 20100926.jpg|Rear
Post-facelift styling File:2006-2008 BMW X3 (E83) 2.5si wagon (2011-10-25) 01.jpg|Front (2.5si) File:2006-2008 BMW X3 (E83) 2.5si wagon (2011-10-25) 02.jpg|Rear (2.5si)
Engines 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.
Safety ANCAP Euro NCAP IIHS == Second generation (F25; 2010) ==