General Introduction
The concept of the BMW X3 was first viewed to the public at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003, a smaller BMW 3-series automobile platform based SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle). Although BMW X3 is advertised as an SAV, it is a compact entry-level luxury crossover SUV. It even won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Sport Utility Vehicle award for 2005. From the years 2003 to 2007, the BMW X3 has been changed and improved of its model and now is available on the United States market.
Design
This smaller BMW has a front and rear face that resembles the X5 SUV, tap with LED lights and interior upgrades. The cold weather package includes heated seats both in the front and the rear is as well available which is perfect during freezing seasons. It also includes audio anti-theft protection of which its code is integrated in-dash. Most of its parts came from the E46 330xi. The overall length of the X3 is 179.9 inches and the overall width is 73 inches. It has an overall height of 66 inches and a ground clearance of 8 inches. The wheelbase is 110.1 inches, the front track is 60 inches and the rear track is 60.7 inches. The BMW X3 also has a sleek black exterior. Three series parts were reused by the BMW engineers. The BMW X3 intends to have the concept of futuristic interior with the basic shape of the car as the BMW X3. It is using a new four wheel drive system to power the BMW X3. Everything is designed to give comfort and security for passengers.
Engine
BMW X3’s new improved changes having a 3.0si engine that can easily produce 260 horsepower and 225 torque at just a lower (2500) RPM that provides ample cruising speed. It is provided with an engine, a very powerful contraption of 2,999 cc 3 liters in-line.
Brakes
The four disc brakes of BMW X3 include four ventilated discs. It is well equipped with brake assist system and with electronic brake distribution to provide safety to its passengers.
Other Features
Music lovers will surely enjoy riding BMW X3. It comes with the manufacturer’s own RDS audio system with AM or FM and CD player that also reads the MP3 format. Also, the front seats have a cigar lighter designed for smoking passengers. The BMW X3 also has front fog lights and complex halogen bulb headlights that have surface lens. The glass electric front to rear sunroof have heat reflected glasses. The windshield wipers are with automatic alternating wipe and rain sensor and a computer where speed, average fuel consumption average and range for remaining fuel are viewed. The BMW X3 also comes with heat reflective glasses. The gear knob is trimmed with luxury alloy and leather. The doors and dashboard are of wood or wood grain designs. It also possesses a lockable glove compartment and two head restraints that are height adjustable.
Performance
On the highway, it has a fuel economy EPA of 26 mpg and on the city it has an EPA of 18 mpg. The BMW X3 is also equipped with a multipoint injection fuel system and a fuel tank that can store up to 17.7 gallon of premium unleaded fuel 91. The X3 also uses the multi-point injection fuel system.
Safety
The BMW X3 has four-wheel ABS. it has a 3.64:1 axle ratio. Via ABS, engine management and the traction can be controlled electronically. It also has a stability control and a space saver under body steel rim. It also comes with an Immobilizer. BMW X3 has 3-point reel front seat belts on the driver’s seat and also at the passenger’s seat plus pretensioners. Also it is equipped with an audio anti-theft protection.
What The Critics Say
The BMW X3 has been criticized at first due to its being a bumpy and poor tastes in interior designs and low off road ability. Of course, the BMW X3 has already addressed the first two concerns in 2005. Now the matching plastics and carpeting definitely improved the riding quality of the X3. Riding is definitely softer this time around. So of course now that a lot of the X3’s problems have been tweaked and improved, consumers could expect a better and optimum driving experience this time around.
