Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW X3 E83 2.5i (192 Hp) Steptronic
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 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 relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.8 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.
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) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for daily driving, but the automatic transmission makes it feel less sprightly and responsive.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is on the higher side, typical for an automatic petrol SUV, impacting running costs.
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) Steptronic |
| 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 |
| Piston Stroke: | 75 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 17.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.8 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: | 9.3 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 |
| Width: | 1853 mm |
| Height: | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2795 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| 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 | 17 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the BMW X3 live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!