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BMW X3 3.0sd Review

OUR TEST CAR: BMW X3 3.0sd (E83)

 
BMW X3 3.0sd  - Page - 1
For a volume-seller, when it was launched in 2004, the BMW X3 probably got off to the worst start for a Bavarian model in the last 50 years. Almost every automotive magazine editor complained about the car in one way or another. First, being just slightly smaller than the first generation X5, people were expecting the same range of options that were on its larger brother. They didn't get them. The X3 didn't even have “Angel Eyes” daytime running lights, which is a real turn-off if you're a BMW fan.

The rather small option list wasn't the only thing that bugged people about it. Most of them complained about not being able to classify the X3. It wasn't a sporty and luxurious SUV (OK, OK, SAV) like the X5, but it wasn't a jacked-up 3 Series Touring with all-wheel-drive either, even though most of the mechanicals of the X3 are shared with the E46 3 Series. OK, so it wasn't very good in off-road territory but it didn't excel on the road either. Some people called it one of the ugliest BMWs ever (and were probably right if you ask some of us) so as a first wrap-up we could all say that BMW didn't played its cards right with the X3.

Well, time proved almost every automotive journalist wrong and the X3 even began outselling much cheaper compact SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, with over 100.000 units sold each year. X3's success convinced even arch-rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz, who took turns in launching their own competitors in this segment. As time passed, BMW realized it had to keep its small(ish) crossover SUV updated, therefore the Bavarian engineers were put to work for the facelift model. Among the changes suffered in 2007 was the upgraded options list, which now includes the long waited for “Angel Eyes” and a new range of engines. The model we tested is the top-of-the-range 3.0sd, almost fully equipped and also having the Motorsport package.

Let's face it, the evil-hobbit look of the X3 isn't quite the most appealing thing on four wheels out there. BMW designers somehow acknowledged customer feedback and completely redesigned the front bumper to look more elegant but at the same time more menacing. The model we tested was also equipped with the Motorsport Technik package, so the X3 lost all its exterior black bits and confronted us with an angrier look.

The headlights received the pretty cool looking “Angel Eyes” treatment, while the stoplights were upgraded with the trendier (and safer) LEDs everybody seems to be having nowadays. The overall shape of the car reminds us of a 1 Series with the M-technik package on stilts and, unlike some other cars, its beauty/ugliness resides in the details. The ever-present “kidney grille” and the Hofmeister kink situated at the base of the C-pillar tell everyone that this is unmistakably a BMW, even though it couldn't ever win a beauty contest.

The X3 has a nice sporty stance from the distance, unlike other compact SUVs, too bad that the second you take a closer look at it it reveals its ugly side. The shape of the headlights can scare little children, while the stoplights look like they came off a LEGO car. Like we said earlier, the side view takes some cues from the 1 Series hatchback , although in a more elongated, uglier form. Even though you wouldn't tell just by looking at it, the X3 sits pretty high, the ground clearance being 20 centimeters (8 inches).

As a whole, especially taking into account the questionable design detalis, the X3 might very well be the ugly-duckling in the BMW range, but the facelift together with the addition of an M-technik package can make it look more bearable. Of course, looking at its number one contender from Mercedes-Benz (the GLK), the X3 wins a few points in the look-department since the front and the rear are a bit more synchronized.

The plastic-is-fantastic interior of the phase-one BMW X3 was sadly carried on the facelift model as well, albeit the build-quality seems to have improved. First thing you notice when you enter a BMW X3 cabin is the button clutter on the center console, reminiscent of the fact this 2008 car is still based on the E46 3 Series platform, which is older than some of our readers.

After a few seconds/minutes of acquaintance, everything seems to be specifically designed with the comfort of the driver in mind, starting with the slightly tilted center console. The car we tested was pretty much full-spec. Even though it was equipped with the M-technik sports package, the front seats weren't Motorsport embedded, but comfort ones. Sure, they were comfortable but the lateral and lumbar support was somehow below expectations, especially since we're talking about a BMW here.

As compact it is on the outside (for an SUV), the interior size doesn't excel either. The legroom is just fine if your height is below 180 cm (6 feet), but the shoulder and headroom don't seem to be designed from a big fellow's perspective. The interior design is very '90s Germanic, with dark plastic buttons on the center console and on the doors, and a very Teutonic less-is-more atmosphere, even though there's a lot of switches and buttons to push everywhere.

The luggage compartment volume (480 liters, or 17 cuFT for you Yanks) is enough to carry enough supplies for its occupants, especially in the case they travel the Indian way, light. Sure, the rear seat can recline (in a 60/40 ratio) in order to provide a flat surface which starts in the trunk and ends behind the front seats, but who's going to actually do that in an X3, really? On the plus side (from an interior volume perspective), the (micro) spare wheel sits outside the cabin or trunk, Range Rover style.

Any sane person who buys an SUV (as SAV/crossoverish the X3 is) clearly doesn't expect a vehicle designed for the city. Unlike some other larger-than-life SUVs, the X3 isn't THAT out of place on busy streets. Sure, we could have used a few inches trimmed from the length as well as width, but the truth is the X3 is not bigger than a medium-sized European station wagon. Plus, the front and rear parking sensors are a perfect addition on the options list.

Even though it has a modern common-rail diesel with intelligent sequential turbocharging, the weight of the X3 30sd (1850 kg or 4078 pounds unladen) comes as a big minus to the fuel consumption, which can reach 16-17 liters per 100 kilometers (14-15 mpg) on a daily basis if you do your errands in a city with lots of stop-and-go traffic. The very few moments of light traffic you encounter are more than enough to massage your back with gentle pushes of the accelerator pedal, since the torque of the three-liter engine can move mountains.

The all round visibility should be good for a vehicle that's taller than most... but it isn't, especially to the rear. BMW designers have somehow won over the engineers and the third (fourth, if you count the one from the rear doors) lateral window curves upwards minimizing the view and maximizing your blind spots. Also, the rear window sits pretty high on the hatch. A big thank you thus goes to the parking sensors.

On the whole, the X3 clearly wasn't made for Metropolis, but it won't push you towards suicide if you have to drive it on a regular basis on busy streets. Sure, the fuel consumption is a bit on the high side and the all-round visibility isn't quite what you would expect from an SUV/crossover but, if you look at it from a more positive view, those 286 hp and the 580 Nm (427.8 lb-ft) have to have their thirst quenched somehow (although we would have preferred they drank less).

Contrary to what you would expect, the X3 3.0sd is a pretty good long journey partner. Highspeed highway bursts of sheer torque can open the mouths of the casual passenger... and keep them that way from 2000 to close to 5000 rpm (if you keep the six-speed automatic in Sport mode), which you have to admit is a rather high number for an oil burner. The noise insulation is adequate although you might want to watch the weight of your right foot, so as to keep the wind-induced decibels out. The X3 has a drag coefficient of 0.35, which is more than good, but it still has a non-aerodynamic hatchback profile, which is bound to directly act on your ear's comfort at high speeds.

The worst thing about the 580Nm (427.8 lb-ft) is (yes, there's also a downside at having too much torque) the fact that it makes the car drive a bit different than others. For example, in a “regular” car, when trying to pass someone you usually do this: check your mirrors, take a good look in the front for upcoming vehicles your way, choose a lower gear, press the accelerator harder and THEN turn the steering wheel slightly to the left to start passing. Well, in a high torque car like the X3 3.0sd, this pretty much means you're not going to finish the pass since you just hit the vehicle in front of you.

In different words, if you're going to “kick it” before you turn the steering wheel in the right direction (even at high cruising speeds), the sheer amount of blistering torque will prove too much to handle, so you better prepare your steering reactions a little different. The 6.4 seconds required from naught to 100 km/h (62 mph) and the 240 km/h (149 mph) are good enough proof of the X3 3.0sd's capabilities on any stretch of road. The (really) thick M-package steering wheel can give your recurring dreams about driving a real sports car and is a good provider of road input. The car's stability is also very car-like, and even though you sit about 20 centimeters higher than in a regular car, the high center of gravity is not that obvious when rapidly switching the direction of moving.

Almost any misinterpretation on your part of the speed you're about to have in a curve is countered by the intelligent xDrive system first and (in rare occasions) by the standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Don't worry, we haven't forgotten the fact that the X3 is still a crossover/SUV and not a highway cruiser, so here are some details about its off-road capabilities. Contrary to most people's opinion, the X3 is not THAT bad in hard terrain. Sure, it ain't not G-Klasse but it can hold its own on gravel, mud or your regular mountain camping areas.

It might not look like it, but it has a ground clearance of a little over 20 centimeters (8 inches), an approach agle of 25.1, departure angle of 23.6 and a break over angle of 19 degrees, while the wading depth is 50 centimeters. For the a regular off-roader this is of course nothing, but from the new wave of car-based crossovers this is among the best. The xDrive system is one of the most intelligent features about the X3, since it works by ensuring that power is delivered exactly where needed, even before the driver realizes it, changing the behavior of the car in real-time.
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71user rating 58 votes
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autoevolution Dec 2008
65
History
6
Exterior
5
Interior
6
In the city
6
Open road
7
Comfort
7
Tech facts
7
Gadgets
7
Safety
7
Conclusion
7
71user rating 58 votes
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