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BMW X3 E83 3.0i (231 Hp)
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)
E83 Overview:
BMW X3 (E83). With 300 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1835 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.8 s). The top speed reaches 224 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The BMW X3 E83 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, BMW vehicles of this era generally featured robust construction and standard safety features like ABS and multiple airbags.
3.0i (231 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth and responsive inline-six petrol, offering good acceleration and a refined driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is on the higher side, typical for a naturally aspirated petrol SUV of this era, making it less economical.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent driving dynamics for an SUV, true to BMW's heritage.
- • Strong and efficient diesel engines, particularly the 3.0d variants.
- • Spacious and practical interior with good cargo capacity.
- • Standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system provides confident traction.
Cons:
- • Firm ride quality can be uncomfortable on rougher roads.
- • Interior quality and design were criticized as less premium than other BMWs of its time.
- • Higher fuel consumption for petrol models, especially with automatic transmission.
- • Potential for common issues like transfer case problems, swirl flaps (diesels), and rust.
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | X3 |
| Generation: | E83 |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0i (231 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 231 Hp @ 5900 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 77.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 300 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M54B30 |
| Engine displacement: | 2979 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.2 l |
| Coolant: | 10.5 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: | 16 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 224 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 125.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1835 |
| Max. weight: | 2260 |
| Max load: | 425 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1560 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 67 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4569 mm mm |
| Width: | 1853 mm mm |
| Height: | 1674 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2795 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1524 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1542 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 200 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.0J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the BMW X3? Tell us in the comments!