2004 BMW X3: Road Test
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2004 BMW X3 ▼
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- MSRP: $30,300 -$36,300
- Invoice: $27,735 -$33,195
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Our road test for the 2004 BMW X3 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 BMW X3 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 BMW X3, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 BMW X3 help you decide if a 2004 BMW X3 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., nav. sys., man. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.2 |
Test 2.5i with automatic transmission did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity to time 3.0i, but engine delivers smooth, ample acceleration; BMW lists 0-60 mph in 7.6 sec with manual transmission, 7.9 with automatic. However, not not all testers were impressed with passing power or automatic-transmission downshifts. Manual transmission throws are long but friction free.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., nav. sys., man. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
With automatic-transmission test models, 2.5i averaged 19.1 mpg, a 3.0i 17.7 mpg, both in city/highway mix--in line with SUVs of similar power, weight. No opportunity to measure with manual transmission. All X3s require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., nav. sys., man. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Base X3 suspension follows BMW pattern: firm but not punishing on bumps, confidently stable at higher speeds even on wavy surfaces. Taut Sport Package suspension in combination with low-profile 18-inch tires triggers abrupt vertical motions on bumps and rides too harshly for us to recommend.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., nav. sys., man. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 4.3 |
Arguably the most-agile SUV of any stripe. Acts much like BMW 3-Series car with SUV ride height and AWD assistance. Accurate, natural-feeling steering. Confidence-inspiring control in turns. xDrive delivers rear-drive feel, minimizes noseplow or fishtailing, even on dry pavement. Low-speed maneuverability enhanced by tight turn radius. Raised center of gravity detracts from sport-sedan feel with some body lean, sway in quick direction changes--most noticed with base suspension.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., nav. sys., man. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3.8 |
Engine note becomes annoying drone on long drives. Wind rush prominent in some side gusts, and even at 40 mph, roars intrusively around air deflector that rises when sunroof opens. Summer performance-tread tires sing, whistle on unblemished pavement.
CONTROLS
| 2.5i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., nav. sys., man. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.3 |
Sporty interior design, with main gauge cluster drawn from BMW Z4 sports car. Controls arrayed logically, marked clearly, though quite spread out across central dashboard stack. Navigation screen flips open at eye level; system itself relatively simple to program, does not incorporate nonnavigation features, but adjusting can distract from driving. Interior materials mostly solid, but BMW says intentionally not opulent to encourage hard use by active owners.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., nav. sys., man. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Good head room. Long footwells for stretch-out space, but front passenger's knees crowded by low-slung dashboard bottom. Supportive seats have set-and-forget comfort, fine bolstering in fast turns. Modest ride height, but broad door sills force legs to stretch uncomfortably to clear protruding lower-body trim. Tilt/telescope steering wheel standard, but may not adjust low enough to suit all drivers. Short on small-items storage space, and anything taller than 12-ounce can in center-console cupholder interferes with driver's elbow during manual-transmission shifting.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., nav. sys., man. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Fine head clearance for tall riders even with intrusion from Panorama sunroof housing. But no excess of foot space, and 6-footers find knees squeezed with front seats moved more than halfway back. Chair-height seat firm, nicely contoured.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., nav. sys., man. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Compact station wagon floor space, but SUV height. Rear seatbacks fold without removing headrests or flipping lower cushion, though don't rest fully flat. Interior storage nets, clever cargo-floor rails are handy, but cost extra on 2.5i.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., nav. sys., man. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Base prices nudge X3 into premium-SUV territory. Adding desirable options anchors it there: A 2.5i with automatic transmission and Premium Package lists for about $35,500, a loaded 3.0i approaches $48,000. Like BMW's 3-Series cars, the X3 gives up outright size to most like-priced competitors but delivers premium performance.
Total Score
| 2.5i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., nav. sys., man. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport pkgs., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 57 | 54 | 55 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 56
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