BMW Faqs

After the successful introduction of the midsize X5 “sports activity vehicle” in 2000, BMW showed off the compact X3 for the 2004 model year. Less expensive and more nimble than its larger stablemate, the X3 is based on the acclaimed 3 Series line of compact sport sedans, just as the X5 is based on the midsize 5 Series. Unlike the X5, which is built in the U.S., the X3 comes to our shores from Graz, Austria.

While the X5 has injected the sport-utility segment with much needed on-road athleticism, it’s the X3 that really delivers the goods in terms of handling prowess. Perfect weight distribution (50 percent over the front wheels and 50 percent over the rear) and a center of gravity that’s low for an SUV combine with a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension to produce tenacious cornering abilities (again, for an SUV). An optional Sport Package hones handling even further.

For 2006, the entry-level 2.5i with its 2.5-liter V6 engine, which works well in the 3 Series sedan but seems weak in this heavier SUV, gets dropped from the lineup. The only available version is now the 3.0i that’s powered by the same 225-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 found in the base X5. Around 600 fewer pounds of curb weight make it seem livelier here.

It comes mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a slick-shifting five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. Fuel economy is fair for a compact SUV: 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The 2006 X3 3.0i receives body-colored front and rear bumpers and chrome-trim around the windows and front grilles; the Sport Package now includes color-keyed side skirts and bumpers and a revised steering wheel along with other functional and cosmetic upgrades. An 18-inch alloy wheel upgrade is newly available with this package.

Dynamic Stability Control improves handling by preempting wheel spin and, consequently, losing control of the vehicle. Sophisticated electronic brake proportioning adjusts front and rear braking for optimal stopping power, and Hill Descent Control stabilizes speed on sharp downgrades.

The X3’s interior is more functional than fancy, which is what we’ve come to expect from BMW. Front, front-side and side-curtain airbags are standard, with rear-side airbags optional. Options include an integrated iPod adapter, heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel and front and rear parking proximity warnings. Unlike many SUVs and minivans and a growing number of passenger cars, the X3 does not offer an optional rear DVD entertainment system.