BMW X3 E83, facelift 2006 3.0d (218 Hp)


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 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.3 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 good (0–100 km/h in 7.4 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.

3.0d (218 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Potent diesel power with likely a manual gearbox, offering engaging and brisk acceleration for its class.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy, though slightly higher than the Steptronic variant, still good for a powerful diesel.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast drivers, mixed driving, and long journeys who prefer manual control.

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):3.0d (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 @ 4000 rpm.
Power per litre:72.8 Hp/l
Torque:500 Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M57D30 [Same engine] More details about the engine M57D30
Engine displacement:2993
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Diesel Commonrail
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:7.5 l
Coolant:10.4 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:84 mm
Piston Stroke:90 mm
Compression ratio:17:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.9 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.4 sec
Maximum speed:210 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.3 kg/Hp, 120.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.6 kg/Nm, 277 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1805
Max. weight:2350
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%):2000 kg
Fuel tank capacity:67 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 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 wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [above average]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size235/55 R17
Wheel rims size8.0J x 17

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