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BMW X3 E83, facelift 2006 2.5si (218 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, facelift 2006 Overview:
BMW X3 (E83, facelift 2006). With 250 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1730 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 8.5 s). The top speed reaches 210 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.5si (218 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Good power for most situations, likely with a manual gearbox for better driver engagement and control.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, making it a less economical choice compared to the diesel engines.
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: 2004 - 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | X3 |
| Generation: | E83, facelift 2006 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5si (218 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2006 |
| End of production: | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 218 Hp @ 6500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 87.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 250 Nm @ 2750-4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | N52B25A More details about the engine N52B25A |
| Engine displacement: | 2497 |
| 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: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78.8 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.9 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 126 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.9 kg/Nm, 144.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1730 |
| Max. weight: | 2260 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 530 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1560 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 480 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1800 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 [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1853 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1674 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2795 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1987 mm |
| Front track: | 1524 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1542 mm |
| Front overhang: | 821 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 953 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 wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.0 J x 17 |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the BMW X3?