BMW X3 E83 3.0d (218 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 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.3 l/100km). With a weight of 1880 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.

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.

3.0d (218 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Strong performance with impressive acceleration for an SUV, making it highly capable on the road.

Fuel Economy

Respectable fuel economy for a powerful diesel, especially on longer runs, offering a good balance of power and efficiency.

Best Use Case: Highway / Long Distance

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:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E83: 2003 - 2006).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:X3
Generation:E83
Modification (Engine):3.0d (218 Hp)
Start of production:2004
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:218 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:72.8 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:500 Nm @ 1750 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M57D30 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
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
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.4 sec
Maximum speed:210 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.6 kg/Hp, 116 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.8 kg/Nm, 266 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1880
Max. weight:2350
Max load:470
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1560 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:500 l
Fuel tank capacity:67 l
Size:
Length:4569 mm [Same length.]
Width:1853 mm [Same width.]
Height:1674 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2795 mm [Same wheelbase.]
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 brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/55 R17
Wheel rims size8.0 J X 17
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Behind the wheel of the BMW X3. How does it handle on the road?