BMW X3 E83, facelift 2006 20i (150 Hp) xDrive


Overall Rating

7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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, facelift 2006 Overview:

BMW X3 (E83, facelift 2006). With 200 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1655 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.5 s). The top speed reaches 198 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

20i (150 Hp) xDrive Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate for city driving but struggles with highway overtakes or when fully loaded, feeling underpowered.

Fuel Economy

Relatively high fuel consumption for its modest power output, making it less efficient than expected.

Best Use Case: Strictly city driving or for budget-conscious buyers who do not prioritize performance.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent xDrive all-wheel-drive system for traction
  • • Strong and efficient diesel engine options (especially 2.0d 177hp and 35d)
  • • Practical and spacious SUV with good cargo capacity
  • • Engaging driving dynamics for an SUV
  • • Premium interior feel for its era

Cons:

  • • Firm ride quality can be uncomfortable on rough roads
  • • Older infotainment system lacks modern features
  • • Petrol engines are generally thirsty
  • • Potential for costly maintenance and common BMW issues (e.g., swirl flaps, electrical)
  • • Some interior plastics feel less premium than later BMW models

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E83, facelift 2006: 2007 - 2010).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:X3
Generation:E83, facelift 2006
Modification (Engine):20i (150 Hp) xDrive
Start of production:2008
End of production:2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:150 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:75.2 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:200 Nm @ 3750 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:N46B20 More details about the engine N46B20
Engine displacement:1995
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.25 l
Coolant:8.7 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:84 mm mm
Piston Stroke:90 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.5 sec
Maximum speed:198 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11 kg/Hp, 90.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.3 kg/Nm, 120.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1655
Max. weight:2200
Max. roof load:75 kg
Max load:545
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1560 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:480 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1600 kg
Fuel tank capacity:67 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:720 kg
Permitted towbar download:80 kg
Size:
Ramp-over (brakeover) angle:17.2°
Wading depth:500 mm
Length:4569 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1853 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1674 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2795 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1538 mm
Rear (Back) track:1556 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):201 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.7 m [above average]
Approach angle:23.9°
Departure angle:21.8°
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size215/60 R17
Wheel rims size7J x 17

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