Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW X3 E83 3.0d (218 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 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1925 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 7.7 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.
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) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Excellent power delivery, with the Steptronic offering smooth, albeit slightly slower, acceleration compared to the manual.
Fuel Economy
Acceptable fuel economy for an automatic diesel SUV of its size, providing a comfortable and efficient drive.
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) Steptronic |
| 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 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 17:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.8 kg/Hp, 113.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.9 kg/Nm, 259.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1925 |
| Max. weight: | 2355 |
| Max load: | 430 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1560 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 67 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4569 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1853 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1674 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2795 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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 | Disc |
| 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 | 8.0 J X 17 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Is it love at first sight with the BMW X3? Tell us your story!