Overview & Reviews
New or used, the BMW X3 is a great option for premium crossover shoppers who want extra doses of sport and class. As expected in this segment, the two-row X3 offers a high seating position, all-wheel-drive traction and abundant equipment. However, it goes a few steps further with sweet performance-bred engines, above-average handling and genuinely upscale interior appointments.
Now in its second generation, the current BMW X3 is a much-improved vehicle, but it also has significantly more competitors than it used to. As such, the X3 isn't the easy choice it once was. It's still a class leader, though, and many years of the first-generation X3 are solid bets as well. If you're looking for a luxury crossover that's not too large, the BMW X3 certainly belongs on your short list.
Current BMW X3
The current X3 is available in sDrive28i, xDrive28i, xDrive 28d or xDrive35i trim. In BMW-speak, "sDrive" means rear-wheel drive and "xDrive" means all-wheel drive. The 28i models are motivated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 28d switches to a diesel-powered four-cylinder rated at 180 hp and 280 lb-ft. The 35i boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 good for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Every X3 features an eight-speed automatic transmission.
While the X3 may be smaller and cheaper than the hefty X5, you won't feel short-changed inside. The same high-quality materials and construction are present, while standard luxuries on the xDrive28i include a power liftgate, eight-way power front seats, the iDrive electronics interface and a 12-speaker audio system with iPod/USB connectivity. The xDrive35i is similarly equipped but adds adaptive xenon headlights and a panoramic sunroof as standard. All X3s come standard with Driving Dynamics Control, which provides adjustable drive settings that alter the suspension, steering, transmission and throttle calibrations.
Options are largely grouped into packages. Highlights include adaptive suspension dampers, a performance-biased all-wheel-drive system, sport front seats, a head-up display, smartphone integration and a navigation system that brings a larger iDrive display screen.
In reviews, we've consistently found the current BMW X3 to be one of the most appealing luxury crossovers in its class. For those who want an ample dose of driving fun, it's very tough to beat -- especially if you're willing to pony up for the 35i's remarkably powerful and refined engine. For fuel economy fans, the xDrive28d delivers well over 30 mpg on the highway. Although the ride is rather firm, the X3 nonetheless excels at soaking up bumps, while its trademark sharp handling remains a strong suit. The competition's stiffer than ever in this segment, but the current X3 is definitely a top contender.
Used BMW X3 Models
The current, second-generation BMW X3 debuted for 2011. Styling changes from the first generation are subtle, but the X3 is a little bigger this time around, with a gentler ride, a considerably fancier interior and improved power and efficiency.
For its first two years of production, the xDrive28i featured a naturally aspirated inline-6 engine (240 hp and 221 lb-ft) that was turbine-smooth but less fuel-efficient than the turbo-4. The new base engine arrived for 2013, as did standard Driving Dynamics Control and power operation for the liftgate (both previously optional). The xDrive28d and the rear-drive sDrive28i weren't introduced until the 2015 model year, which also marked the advent of a few new features and minor exterior styling changes.
The first-generation BMW X3 was produced from 2004-'10. Originally, there were two six-cylinder models: the 184-hp 2.5i and the 225-hp 3.0i. The 2.5i was discontinued after 2005. As part of a comprehensive update for 2007, the 3.0i became known as the 3.0si (which was subsequently changed to xDrive30i for '09) and gained 35 more hp for a total of 260. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic were available throughout.
Throughout its run, the first-gen BMW X3 provided generous seating space (even for taller adults) and a spacious cargo area. Like the current car, it was also known for being one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs on the market. However, earlier examples were criticized for their unyielding ride and austere interior appointments. Both shortcomings were addressed in the overhaul for 2007, which also brought mild styling tweaks. Accordingly, we advise admirers of this generation to focus on the 2007-'10 models.
User Reviews:
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From SAAB to X3 - 2004 BMW X3
By KARL - November 14 - 5:45 pmOkay, it was time to dump my great 2000 SAAB 9/5 loaded wagon before the warranty ran out. I looked all summer at Jeep, Suburu and Mazda 6 deals and then saw the sign and drive ad for the X3. The dealership had a black on black "basic" X3 and with one test drive, I reached for my wallet. What a great vehicle. It handles like a sports car, gets great mileage and I dont miss the "loaded" features I was used to. The six speed is awesome and of course, the "six" has no turbo, thus no "lag". The only strange thing is not to have cruise control as standard equipment. My buddy says Ill be paying for that .....in fines. It is very smooth and quiet at high speeds.
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Simply........FUN! - 2004 BMW X3
By Wm. B. eamer - November 14 - 10:00 amSome of the reviews Ive read say the ride is too rough. Just not true in my opinion. The sports package might increase the stiffness of the ride a bit. It was a great mix of SUV feel with the fun of a sports car. It is truly SUV meets 300 series BMW. If you are interested in this car, dont listen to the few negative reviews that are out there in regards to the smoothness of the ride, but, rather, go test drive one of these beauties for yourself and you, too, will discover a sweet little ride.
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love this SUV - 2004 BMW X3
By mfeder - November 7 - 12:58 pmWe have owned various Jeep Grand Cherokees, and the Lexus RX 300. By far, the BMW is the superior car. I have no idea what reviewers are talking about- we got ours for the low 30s, not the mid 40s, and love the vehicle. We specifically got it with just black interior- no silly wood, very teutonic, and love it. The ride is superb, stiff- not like a caddy, fortunately... It is undeniably the best SUV on the road for us. To test drive one is to love one.
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BMW X3 2.5i - 2004 BMW X3
By fedenybaires - November 7 - 10:00 amAmazingly fun to drive. excellent compromise between exterior size and interior room
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A great car from BMW - 2004 BMW X3
By taztx968 - November 6 - 1:11 pmThe X3 is a great SUV for people that want the SUV flexibility but a car-like ride. The X3 is very roomy altough it does not look like a behemoth on the road (like the new SUVs from Nissan, Cadillac, etc.) The external style is very sport but elegant at the same time. Interior finish is high quality. The ride may feel a bt stiff on very bumpy roads, but when you ride on winding roads or on the highway you can really enjoy the sporty ride. BMW aced this car. I used to drive an X5 and, although the X5 is more luxurios, the X3 has nothing to envy at all to the X5 (interior room is better in the X3, in particular in the back seats.
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An die Freude! - 2004 BMW X3
By Meefischli - October 31 - 1:00 amWhen they say "Ultimate Driving Machine" they aint just whistling "Beer Barrel Polka"! I was almost dissuaded from buying the X3 by a partially negative review. So glad I dismissed it. Took my new X3 from the showroom on an 800 + mile trek, loving every minute! The vehicle performed flawlessly. Stopped once for breakfast, a few times to gas up...I dont let it go below 1/2 a tank...a couple of stretch breaks. Arrived 12 hours later with my usually painful back feeling great. I expect the return trip to be every bit as enjoyable.
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Buyer be careful - 2004 BMW X3
By Bobkd - October 26 - 2:00 amMy loves her new car. We upraded to a VW from Hondas and now we were getting our first SUV the cute BMW X3. We test drove the 2.5 & 3.0 & did not notice a major difference. Both cars had an arm rest cruise etc, standard in all our other cars. We wanted a white car. We got a white car at what I thought was a hell of a deal.My wife drove her new car home.The next morning my daughter came to see the new car. Dad where is the arm rest, where is --- the list went on. I called the dealer said that what we got was not what we test drove. Basically was told you should of read the window sticker. Warning first time BMW buyers read the sticker, nothing is std on an X3
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Great SUV - 2004 BMW X3
By italiafam - October 24 - 2:00 amMy husband and I were looking around for a new suv for both of us. We test drove many SUVs. After driving the X3, we were sold. We purchased two X3s August 2004, one black and the other silver. Unfortunately, after 3 weeks, I was T- boned by a toyota on the passengers side.The other vehicles whole front end was demolished. My X3 stood the test. I was protected by its well built solid body and I was not harmed.
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Euro Delivery - 2004 BMW X3
By Skibuff - October 21 - 2:00 amOrdered a 2005 and took delivery in Munich on 11 Oct. We spent a week driving through Germany on and off the Autobahns and what a Blast! I love the 6 speed and panoramic roof. Up and down through the Black Forest and along the Rhine for a truly fun time. The last instruction from the delivery center was to keep it under 100 mph and 4500 rpm which was a challenge but even at that, I averaged 20+ mpg. I cant wait for the car to make it from Munich back across the Atlantic. I need to some reprogramming of the automatic adjustments for the seat, mirrors, theft alarm, lights, etc. but thats secondary to the pure fun of driving this nice little piece of German engineering.
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X3 3.0 the best - 2004 BMW X3
By krag - October 9 - 2:00 amawsome ride! fast. responsive, excellent handling. good looks. more like a sports car than an SUV. BMW makes an excellent engine! highly reccomended. the price is right.
