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2004 BMW X3 Full Review
Date Published: 3/27/08
Also in the 2004 BMW X3 Review:
2004 BMW X3 Review
BMW's compact all-wheel-drive wagon is sportier but slightly smaller than most like-priced SUVs. X3 slots below BMW's larger, costlier X5 SUV, but it has virtually the same passenger space, more cargo volume, and is some 600 lb lighter. It takes its inline 6-cyl powertrains from BMW's 3-Series cars. The X3 2.5i has a 184-hp 2.5-liter, the X3 3.0i a 225-hp 3.0. Both team with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. The X3 seats five and has a liftgate without separate-opening glass. Despite 8 inches of ground clearance, X3 is intended for only light-duty off-road work. It shares with X5 BMW's new xDrive AWD, designed in large part to enhance on-road handling. xDrive lacks low-range gearing, but hill descent control automatically limits steep downhill speeds to a crawl. ABS and antiskid/traction control are standard. So are front side airbags and head-protecting tubular side airbags; rear torso side airbags are optional. X3 comes with 17-inch wheels. A Sport Package option includes firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, and sport front seats. Optional on the 3.0 are 18-inch wheels with summer performance treads. Leather upholstery is optional, as are dual sunroofs with sliding front panel and glass rear skylight. Other options include a navigation system, xenon headlamps, and front and rear obstacle detection.
News
BMW's junior SUV has only just hit the streets, so no big changes are likely soon. Still, we wouldn't be surprised to see a sportier, more potent version in the next year or two with a turbocharged 6-cyl or a small V8.
2004 BMW X3 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling/roadholding | Entry/exit |
| Automatic-transmission performance | |
| Cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 29 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2004 BMW X3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/10/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2.5i 4-door wagon | $30,300 | $27,735 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 3.0i 4-door wagon | $36,300 | $33,195 | $695 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.5i
Powertrain
2.5-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, side head-protection airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, hill descent control, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, vinyl upholstery, height-adjustable front bucket seats, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, intermittent wipers, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails, rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/55HR17 tires, alloy wheels.
3.0i adds to 2.5i:
Powertrain
3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, interior air filter, cruise control, 8-way power front seats, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$3,300
|
$3,005
|
|
Leather upholstery, front-seat lumbar adjustment, power Panorama sunroof, BMW Assist telematics system, wood interior trim, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
|
||
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$1,500
|
$1,365
|
|
Sport steering wheel, sport seats w/thigh-support adjustment, Shadowline exterior trim, sport suspension, 235/50HR18 tires, unique alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Lighting Pkg.
|
||
|
2.5i
|
$1,100
|
$1,000
|
|
Automatic xenon headlights, fog lights, rain-sensing wipers.
|
||
|
Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
Heated front seats, ski sack, headlight washers.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$1,275
|
$1,210
|
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Rear side airbags
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$385
|
$350
|
|
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$700
|
$635
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power Panorama sunroof
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$1,350
|
$1,230
|
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$1,450
|
$1,320
|
|
8-way power front seats
|
||
|
2.5i
|
$995
|
$905
|
|
Includes driver-seat and mirror memory.
|
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|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
Heated steering wheel
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$150
|
$135
|
|
2.5i requires Premium Pkg. or cruise control.
|
||
|
Upgraded variable-assist power steering
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$250
|
$230
|
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
2.5i requires Premium Pkg. or trip computer.
|
||
|
BMW Assist telematics system
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
2.5i requires cruise control.
|
||
|
Trip computer
|
||
|
2.5i
|
$300
|
$275
|
|
Cruise control
|
||
|
2.5i
|
$475
|
$430
|
|
Power-folding mirrors
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$250
|
$230
|
|
Aluminum interior trim
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Requires Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Special wood interior trim
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Requires Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Upgraded sound system
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$675
|
$615
|
|
Satellite radio prep
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$75
|
$70
|
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$150
|
$135
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Xenon headlights
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$800
|
$730
|
|
Includes automatic levelling. 2.5i requires Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Fog lights
|
||
|
2.5i
|
$260
|
$235
|
|
Rear privacy glass
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$350
|
$320
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$475
|
$430
|
|
235/50VR18 front tires and 255/45VR18 rear tires
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
Requires Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
2004 BMW X3 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW X3 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 110.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 179.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4001 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 71.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I6 | dohc I6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /152 | 3.0 /182 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 184 @ 6000 | 225 @ 5900 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 175 @ 3500 | 214 @ 3500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed manual | 18/25 | 17/25 |
| 5-speed automatic | 18/24 | 16/23 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | BMW X3 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Austria
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
|
Tester's Comments
|
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 |
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|
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Major Options: Cold Weather Pkg. (Heated Front Seats, Heated Washers, Ski Bag), Premium Pkg. (Panorama Galss Moonroof, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, Upgraded Interior Trim, Leather Upholstery, Lumbar Support), Sport Pkg. (18-inch Allow Wheels, Sport Steering Wheel, Sport Suspension, Sport Seats, Shadowline Trim), Automatic Transmission, Privacy Glass, Foglights, Rain Sensors, Alarm Pre-Warning, Aluminum Finish Interior Trim Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 17.71 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Damon Bell Nice, but not 44 grand nice. Kirk Bell Maybe value should come down a point. I really like this vehicle, but can't imagine spending the money for it. I'd own it, but would never buy it. The 3.0 is nice, tool, but I think the 2.5 would be underpowered. I'd hate to pay $31,00-$35,000 for an underpowered, small SUV. Mark Bilek As delightful as the X3 might be to drive on a twisting mountain road, I can't see any reason for buying this vehicle other than vanity. It just doesn't make sense--especially with a $40,000-plus price tag. BMW is fooling themselves. Rick Cotta X3 emphasizes the "sport" in "sport utility," but at too much expense to the "utility"--not to mention ride comfort, noise, and rear-seat accommodations. Not the way I'd spend the $43,000 of our tester--or even $33,000. Tom Appel Forty-four large is a stiff tab, but the execution here is excellent. This is a supremely useful and entertaining package hurt only by the smallish rear seat and steep price of entry. A 2.5i manual might be the value leader here, but any X3 is charming alternative to the balky bulky competition. |
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Also in the 2004 BMW X3 Review:
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