BMW X3 F25 35i (306 Hp) xDrive Steptronic
Overall Rating
BMW X3:
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by BMW since 2003, based on the BMW 3 Series platform. BMW markets the car as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line luxury vehicles.
The first-generation X3 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria—who also manufactured all X3s under contract to BMW. BMW manufactured the second-generation X3 at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, United States. Starting with the third generation, BMW South Africa's Rosslyn plant began production of the X3, alongside the Spartanburg plant, after the facility underwent a major upgrade to prepare for the X3 production, replacing the long-running 3 Series production in the plant. About 76,000 units will be manufactured there annually....(Read more on Wikipedia)
F25 Overview:
BMW X3 (F25). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1805 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.7 s). The top speed reaches 245 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Achieved a strong 5-star rating in 2011, demonstrating excellent all-round safety performance for occupants in various collision scenarios.
35i (306 Hp) xDrive Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Blistering acceleration and strong top-end power, providing a truly sporty driving experience with a characteristic inline-six sound.
Fuel Economy
Expectedly higher fuel consumption for a high-performance petrol engine, especially noticeable in urban settings.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging driving dynamics with precise steering
- • High-quality interior materials and build
- • Spacious and practical cabin with generous boot space
- • Wide range of efficient and powerful engines
- • Excellent xDrive AWD system for all-weather capability
- • Good safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Cons:
- • Firm ride, especially on larger wheels or M Sport suspension
- • Potentially high maintenance and repair costs for premium parts
- • Some engines (e.g., N47 diesel timing chain, early N20 petrol) have known reliability concerns
- • Infotainment system can feel dated on earlier models without iDrive updates
- • Rear legroom could be better for taller adults on long journeys
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E83, facelift 2006: 2009 - 2010).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | X3 |
| Generation: | F25 |
| Modification (Engine): | 35i (306 Hp) xDrive Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 2010 |
| End of production: | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 306 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 102.7 Hp/l [79mm more] |
| Torque: | 400 Nm @ 1200-5000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | N55B30A More details about the engine N55B30A |
| Engine displacement: | 2979 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Twin-power turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 245 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.9 kg/Hp, 169.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.5 kg/Nm, 221.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1805 |
| Max. weight: | 2365 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 560 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1600 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 550 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2400 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 67 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 19.4° |
| Wading depth: | 500 mm |
| Length: | 4648 mm mm [79mm more] |
| Width: | 1881 mm mm [28mm more] |
| Height: | 1661 mm mm [13mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2810 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2098 mm |
| Front track: | 1594 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1610 mm |
| Front overhang: | 861 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 977 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 212 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.9 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 25.7° |
| Departure angle: | 22.6° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Steptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/50 R18 W |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18 |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |






















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