2007 BMW X3 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

More power and a subtle restyle mark this compact SUV for 2007. X3 retains its basic five-passenger design, BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive, and an inline 6-cyl engine. The '07, however, is rebadged 3.0si for a new engine with 260 hp, 35 hp more than the outgoing 3.0i. A 6-speed manual transmission remains standard. The available automatic transmission now has 6 speeds vs. 5. X3's 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 side airbags are optional. An available Sport Package includes firmer suspension and 18-inch wheels, with 19s now available separately. A sunroof and rear glass skylight are standard. Heated rear seats and multiadjustable "comfort" front seats are new options. Other options include leather upholstery, navigation system, steering-linked xenon headlamps, and front/rear obstacle detection. Appearance changes involve new bumpers and lights, along with cabin-trim revisions.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically 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 Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.

News

X3 won't be redesigned until at least 2010. Whenever that happens, sources say, BMW will shift production from Europe to its South Carolina plant, alongside the just-redesigned X5. This suggests the next X3 will be a junior X5 in makeup as well as market position. Indeed, it's said to use the same basic platform as the larger SUV. Engines should comprise one or more inline 6-cyl units and perhaps a small V8, but all will run on gasoline. BMW has lately reversed course by saying it will not offer diesel engines in America anytime soon.

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2007 BMW X3 Road Test

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	4.6

Strong acceleration from a stop and during highway passing and merging. BMW's claim of 7.9 sec 0-60 mph feels right. Nonlinear throttle response aggravates smooth driving, as does transmission's jerky upshifts, delayed downshifts. Its manual override does help, though.

Fuel Economy

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
5	5

Test automatic-transmission 3.0si averaged 19.5 mpg in mostly highway driving. X3 requires premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	5

Sporty and firm even with base suspension, but bumps are absorbed without undue harshness or unwanted body motions. No opportunity to test with sport suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	4.8

Responsive and carlike in any driving condition. Generally good steering feel, but some testers complain effort is too heavy at low speeds. Tight turning radius a help in close quarters. Good brake pedal feel.

Quietness

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	4.5

Impressively low tire and wind noise. Engine makes a classy growl while accelerating, is muted while cruising. Some minor rattles noted in the cargo area of one test example.

Controls

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	5.6

Most audio and all climate functions separate from navigation system, a plus. Navigation system itself is difficult to program, with cryptic markings and fussy controls. Materials more sturdy than rich, which some testers find inappropriate given X3's pricing.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
7	6.1

Good overall leg room, and head room ample even under large sunroof housing. Seats lack sufficient padding for ideal long-distance comfort. Manual tilt/telescope steering wheel may not offer enough reach for some drivers. Wide center console pushes driver's right foot too far toward the center of the foot well for some drivers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
6	4.8

Available heated rear seats a comfort plus. Seat cushion set a bit low for adult comfort, but head, leg, knee, and toe room is sufficient.

Cargo Room

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
7	7.2

Compact station wagon floor space, but SUV height. Rear seatbacks fold without removing headrests or flipping lower cushion, but don't rest fully flat. Generous front-door map pockets highlight otherwise meager interior storage.

Value within Class

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
2	5.5

Like BMW's 3-Series cars, X3 gives up outright size to most like-priced competitors, but delivers sporty handling and a quiet ride. Its new engine delivers more power than previous models but at a cost of poor throttle response and jerky transmission behavior. Couple that with steep pricing, and X3 is an underwhelming choice.

Total Score

3.0si w/nav. sys., auto.	Class Average
57	53.1

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		36
Average Score		53
High Score		60

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2007 BMW X3 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/16/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

3.0si 4-door wagon	$38,000	$34,960	$775

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

3.0si

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/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, 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.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/55HR17 tires, alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
3.0si	$2,550	$2,320
Leather upholstery, front-seat lumbar adjustment, BMW Assist system w/one year service, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, compass.

Sport Pkg.
3.0si	$2,200	$2,000
Sport steering wheel, sport seats w/adjustable thigh support, body cladding, sport suspension, 235/50HR18 tires, unique alloy wheels. Requires leather upholstery. NA w/heated steering wheel, comfort seats.

Cold Weather Pkg.
3.0si	$1,000	$910
Heated front and rear seats, ski sack, headlight washers.

Powertrain
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
3.0si	$0	$0


Safety
Rear side airbags
3.0si	$385	$350


Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
3.0si	$700	$635


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
3.0si	$1,800	$1,640


BMW Assist system
3.0si	$750	$685
Includes one year service, wireless cell phone link.

Leather upholstery
3.0si	$1,450	$1,320


Comfort seats
3.0si	$1,000	$910
ordered w/Premium Pkg.	$700	$635
Front seats w/lumbar and headrest adjustment, 2-way upper backrest angle adjustment. Requires leather upholstery.

Heated front seats
3.0si	$500	$455


Heated steering wheel
3.0si	$150	$135


Upgraded variable-assist power steering
3.0si	$250	$230


Special wood interior trim
3.0si	$0	$0


Upgraded sound system
3.0si	$675	$615


High definition radio
3.0si	$500	$450


Cargo net
3.0si	$150	$135


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked xenon headlights
3.0si	$800	$730


Rear privacy glass
3.0si	$350	$320


Special paint
3.0si	$475	$430


235/50HR18 tires
3.0si	$500	$455


235/45R19 front tires and 255/40R19 rear tires
3.0si	$950	$865
Requires Sport Pkg.

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2007 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.	260 @ 6600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	225 @ 2500

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	18/26

6-speed automatic	19/26

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

< 2007 BMW X3 Photos

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

Also in the 2007 BMW X3 Review:

BMW X3

BMW X3 Road Test

BMW X3 Prices & Equipment

BMW X3 Specs & Safety

BMW X3 Photos

BMW X3 Full Review