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2005 BMW X3 Full Review
Date Published: 3/27/08
Also in the 2005 BMW X3 Review:
2005 BMW X3 Review
X3 is somewhat smaller than most like-priced SUVs. It slots below BMW's larger, costlier X5, but has near-identical passenger space, more cargo volume, and is some 600 lb lighter. Like X5, the X3 seats five, has a liftgate with fixed glass, and includes BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. Inline 6-cyl engines power two models: a 184-hp 2.5i and a 225-hp 3.0i. Both offer 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Despite eight inches of ground clearance, X3 is intended only for light-duty off-roading. The AWD lacks low-range gearing, but includes a hill descent control that automatically limits speed down steep grades. ABS and antiskid/traction control are standard. So are front side airbags and head-protecting tubular side airbags; rear torso side airbags are optional. Standard wheels are 17-inchers, but 18s are available in a Sport Package that also includes firmer suspension and sport front seats. The 3.0 also offers the 18s with "summer" performance tires. Leather upholstery is available for both models, as are dual sunroofs with a sliding front panel and rear glass skylight. Other options include navigation system, steering-linked xenon headlamps, and front/rear obstacle detection.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.
Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.
Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.
News
A recent British report says a redesigned X3 isn't due for another 5 years and will be built not in Europe but in the U.S. The new production site signals that the "Mark II" will be a junior X5 in makeup as well as market position, sharing a new flexible platform (which BMW calls "L4") with the redesigned X5 that should issue from the same South Carolina plant in late '06. Power for the next X3s should come from one or more of the new high-tech 6-cyl engines used in BMW's latest 3- and 5-Series cars. V8 and turbo-6 models are strong prospects, perhaps arriving before the redesign as a way to maintain buyer interest in the current design. A diesel may also loom in X3's future. BMW says it will soon offer diesel power for the first time in the U.S., and strongly hints that the X3 and/or X5 will get the nod. Based on company statements, we think one or both of the "oil-burner" SUVs could arrive as early as the '07 model year.
2005 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 it should match BMW's claimed 7.6 sec with manual, 7.9 with automatic. Both engines smooth, punchy, but not all testers were impressed with passing power or automatic-transmission response. Manual transmission has slick action but long throws.
| 2.5i, auto. | 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.3 |
Test 2.5i with automatic transmission did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity to time 3.0i, but it should match BMW's claimed 7.6 sec with manual, 7.9 with automatic. Both engines smooth, punchy, but not all testers were impressed with passing power or automatic-transmission response. Manual transmission has slick action but long throws.
Fuel Economy
With automatic transmission, test 2.5i averaged 19.1 mpg, a 3.0i 17.7 mpg, both in a city/highway mix. That's in line with SUVs of similar power, weight. No opportunity yet to measure with manual transmission. All X3s require premium-grade fuel.
| 2.5i, auto. | 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
With automatic transmission, test 2.5i averaged 19.1 mpg, a 3.0i 17.7 mpg, both in a city/highway mix. That's in line with SUVs of similar power, weight. No opportunity yet to measure with manual transmission. All X3s require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Base suspension follows BMW pattern: firm but not punishing on bumps, confidently stable at higher speeds, even on wavy surfaces. Taut Sport Package chassis combines with low-profile 18-inch tires for abrupt vertical motions on most bumps, and rides too harshly for us to recommend.
| 2.5i, auto. | 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.5 |
Base suspension follows BMW pattern: firm but not punishing on bumps, confidently stable at higher speeds, even on wavy surfaces. Taut Sport Package chassis combines with low-profile 18-inch tires for abrupt vertical motions on most bumps, and rides too harshly for us to recommend.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Handles twisty roads almost like a sports sedan, with modest cornering lean for an SUV, plus secure AWD stability and grip. Quick steering with fine road feel adds to driving enjoyment. Base suspension only a bit less athletic than hard-riding Sport Package setup.
| 2.5i, auto. | 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 4.7 |
Handles twisty roads almost like a sports sedan, with modest cornering lean for an SUV, plus secure AWD stability and grip. Quick steering with fine road feel adds to driving enjoyment. Base suspension only a bit less athletic than hard-riding Sport Package setup.
Quietness
Engines sound classy, but some testers say they're intrusive on long highway trips. Wind rush acceptable for a tall, boxy SUV, but becomes a roar with sunroof open--even at 40 mph. Tires a bit noisy except on smooth asphalt, especially "summer" performance treads.
| 2.5i, auto. | 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Engines sound classy, but some testers say they're intrusive on long highway trips. Wind rush acceptable for a tall, boxy SUV, but becomes a roar with sunroof open--even at 40 mph. Tires a bit noisy except on smooth asphalt, especially "summer" performance treads.
Controls
Sporty cabin design, with main gauge cluster drawn from BMW's Z4 sports cars. Controls logically arrayed, clearly marked, but some are quite spread out. Navigation screen flips open at eye level; system not too tough to program and doesn't control audio or climate functions, but can still distract from driving. Interior materials mostly sturdy but lack richness--to encourage hard use by active owners, says BMW.
| 2.5i, auto. | 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Sporty cabin design, with main gauge cluster drawn from BMW's Z4 sports cars. Controls logically arrayed, clearly marked, but some are quite spread out. Navigation screen flips open at eye level; system not too tough to program and doesn't control audio or climate functions, but can still distract from driving. Interior materials mostly sturdy but lack richness--to encourage hard use by active owners, says BMW.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good head room, ample leg space, though lower dashboard crowds front passenger's knees. Supportive seats have set-and-forget comfort, fine bolstering in fast turns. Modest ride height, but broad doorsills dictate a big stretch to clear protruding lower-body trim. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel may not go low enough to suit some drivers. Short on small-items storage, and center-console cupholder placed so that taller containers interfere with driver's elbow--annoying with manual transmission.
| 2.5i, auto. | 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Good head room, ample leg space, though lower dashboard crowds front passenger's knees. Supportive seats have set-and-forget comfort, fine bolstering in fast turns. Modest ride height, but broad doorsills dictate a big stretch to clear protruding lower-body trim. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel may not go low enough to suit some drivers. Short on small-items storage, and center-console cupholder placed so that taller containers interfere with driver's elbow--annoying with manual transmission.
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 bench seat firm, nicely contoured.
| 2.5i, auto. | 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
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 bench seat firm, nicely contoured.
Cargo Room
Compact station wagon floor space, but SUV height. Rear seatbacks fold without removing headrests or flipping lower cushion, but don't rest fully flat. Interior storage nets, clever cargo-floor rails are handy, but cost extra on 2.5i.
| 2.5i, auto. | 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Compact station wagon floor space, but SUV height. Rear seatbacks fold without removing headrests or flipping lower cushion, but 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 sporty performance and solid quality.
| 2.5i, auto. | 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 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 sporty performance and solid quality.
Total Score
| 2.5i, auto. | 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 57 | 57 | 57 | 55 | 50.7 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 30 | |
| Average Score | 50 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2005 BMW X3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/06/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2.5i 4-door wagon | $30,300 | $27,755 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 3.0i 4-door wagon | $36,300 | $33,215 | $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, front and rear 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, vinyl upholstery, height-adjustable front bucket seats, center console, 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, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), wood interior trim, power Panorama sunroof, steering-wheel radio controls, 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
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
Leather upholstery, front-seat lumbar adjustment, BMW Assist system, 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 all-season tires, unique alloy wheels.
|
||
|
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
|
$1,275
|
$1,210
|
|
3.0i
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
||
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
|
$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.
|
||
|
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 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-look interior trim
|
||
|
2.5i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
2.5i w/Premium Pkg., 3.0i
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Wood interior trim
|
||
|
2.5i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
2.5i w/Premium Pkg.
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
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 |
||
|
Steering-linked bi-xenon headlights
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$800
|
$730
|
|
Fog lights
|
||
|
2.5i
|
$260
|
$235
|
|
Rear privacy glass
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$350
|
$320
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
2.5i, 3.0i
|
$475
|
$430
|
|
235/50R18 front and 255/45R18 rear performance tires
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
Requires Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
2005 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 | 17/24 | 17/25 |
| 5-speed automatic | 17/23 | 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
Also in the 2005 BMW X3 Review:
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