BMW X3 E83 2.5i (192 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 3.9 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 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 Overview:

BMW X3 (E83). With 245 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1815 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 8.9 s). The top speed reaches 208 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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.

2.5i (192 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Smooth and refined power delivery, offering decent acceleration for its class, but not overtly sporty.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel economy for a petrol SUV, though still relatively high compared to diesel alternatives.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving / Urban

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):2.5i (192 Hp)
Start of production:2003
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:192 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:77 Hp/l
Torque:245 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M54B25
Engine displacement:2494
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:10.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:84 mm mm
Piston Stroke:75 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.2 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.9 sec
Maximum speed:208 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.5 kg/Hp, 105.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.4 kg/Nm, 135 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1815
Max. weight:2240
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 wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/55 R17
Wheel rims size17
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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