Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2006 BMW X3 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 BMW X3 Review:
2006 BMW X3 Review
X3 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. A 225-hp inline 6-cyl is the only engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard; a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate is a no-cost option. Despite 8 inches of ground clearance, X3 is intended only for light-duty off-roading. Its AWD lacks low-range gearing, but includes hill descent control. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and head-protecting tubular side airbags; rear torso side airbags are optional. Also available is a Sport Package that includes firmer suspension and sport front seats. A sunroof and rear glass skylight are standard. Options include leather upholstery, navigation system, steering-linked xenon headlamps, and front and 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 Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
News
Late word has the X3 being freshened for 2007. Changes should involve a light styling touch-up and a few new features.
A fully redesigned X3 isn't expected before 2010, at which time production reportedly shifts from Europe to the U.S. That suggests the replacement will be a junior X5 in makeup as well as market position. Indeed, it reportedly shares a new flexible platform (which BMW calls "L4") with the redesigned 2007 X5 built in South Carolina. V8 and/or turbo-6 power are rumored for the next X3. In addition, BMW says it wants to bring diesel power to its U.S. lineup, and strongly hints that X3 and/or X5 will get the nod. Based on company statements, we think one or both of the "oil-burner" SUVs could arrive by model-year '08.
A fully redesigned X3 isn't expected before 2010, at which time production reportedly shifts from Europe to the U.S. That suggests the replacement will be a junior X5 in makeup as well as market position. Indeed, it reportedly shares a new flexible platform (which BMW calls "L4") with the redesigned 2007 X5 built in South Carolina. V8 and/or turbo-6 power are rumored for the next X3. In addition, BMW says it wants to bring diesel power to its U.S. lineup, and strongly hints that X3 and/or X5 will get the nod. Based on company statements, we think one or both of the "oil-burner" SUVs could arrive by model-year '08.
2006 BMW X3 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling/roadholding | Entry/exit |
| Automatic-transmission performance | |
| Cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No opportunity to time, but it should match BMW's claimed 7.6 sec with manual, 7.9 with automatic. Smooth, punchy engine, but not all testers were impressed with passing power or automatic-transmission response. Manual transmission has slick action but long throws.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 4.5 |
No opportunity to time, but it should match BMW's claimed 7.6 sec with manual, 7.9 with automatic. Smooth, punchy engine, 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 3.0i averaged 17.7 mpg. That's in line with SUVs of similar power, weight. No opportunity yet to measure with manual transmission. All X3s require premium-grade fuel.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
With automatic transmission, test 3.0i averaged 17.7 mpg. 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.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.7 |
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.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 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.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 4.1 |
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.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.6 |
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. Center-console cupholder placed so that taller containers interfere with driver's elbow--annoying with manual transmission.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
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. 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.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
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. Short on small-item storage.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
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. Short on small-item storage.
Value within Class
Base price places X3 in premium-SUV territory, and a fully optioned X3 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.
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Base price places X3 in premium-SUV territory, and a fully optioned X3 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
| 3.0i, auto. | 3.0i w/Prem. Pkg., auto. | 3.0i w/Prem., Sport Pkgs., nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 58 | 58 | 56 | 52.5 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 29 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2006 BMW X3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 3.0i 4-door wagon | $36,800 | $33,670 | $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
3.0i
Powertrain
3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, side head-protecting 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 w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, 8-way power front bucket seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, trip computer, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rails, rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/55HR17 tires, alloy wheels.
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 w/one year service, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
|
||
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
Sport steering wheel, sport seats, body cladding, sport suspension, 235/50HR18 tires, unique alloy wheels. Requires leather upholstery. NA w/heated steering wheel.
|
||
|
Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
Heated front seats, ski sack, headlight washers.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Rear side airbags
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$385
|
$350
|
|
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$700
|
$635
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Leather upholstery
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$1,450
|
$1,320
|
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
Heated steering wheel
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$150
|
$135
|
|
Upgraded variable-assist power steering
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$250
|
$230
|
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
BMW Assist system
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
Includes one year service, wireless cell phone link.
|
||
|
Aluminum-look interior trim
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Wood interior trim
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Upgraded sound system
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$675
|
$615
|
|
Satellite radio prep
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$75
|
$70
|
|
Cargo net
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$150
|
$135
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Steering-linked bi-xenon headlights
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$800
|
$730
|
|
Rear privacy glass
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$350
|
$320
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$475
|
$430
|
|
235/50R18 front and 255/45R18 rear performance tires
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$300
|
$275
|
|
Requires Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
235/50HR18 tires
|
||
|
3.0i
|
$475
|
$430
|
|
|
||
2006 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 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /182 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 225 @ 5900 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 214 @ 3500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed manual | 17/25 |
| 5-speed automatic | 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
|
|||
 |
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Major Options: Titanium Silver Metallic, Premium Package (auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, lumbar support, BMW Assist system and services), Heated Steering Wheel, Luggage Net, Heated Front Seats, Xenon Headlights, Navigation System, Premium Sound System, Satellite Radio Preparation, Privacy Glass Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 18.45 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski There are any number of compact, midsize, and even large SUVs that do just about everything better than X3 at the same or substantially lower cost. Memo to BMW: Stick to cars, this SUV thing isn't working, nor does it suit your brand image. John Biel APR |
|||
|
|
Also in the 2006 BMW X3 Review:
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
