BMW X3 2005 Review
- BMW X Models
- BMW X3
- BMW X Models 2005
- BMW X3 2005
- BMW X Models Reviews
- BMW X3 Reviews
- BMW Reviews
- BMW SUV Range
- SUV
- BMW
- Prestige & Luxury Cars
The excellent BMW X5's little sister, the X3, arrived last year to satisfy buyers who didn't want a "big" SUV.
Unfortunately, the X3 is only 100mm shorter than the X5 and only marginally smaller in other dimensions. It even shares an engine with the X5.
Indeed, there is a relatively small price difference – about $8000 or close to 10 per cent – to further close the gap and even the cars' physical appearances are similar. The X3 gains friends because in the dirt, at least, it's quite a capable machine.
Part of that off-road competency is BMW's excellent all-wheel- drive system that allocates power to the wheel/s with the most traction. Combined with a decent ground clearance, fat tyres and an all-up mass that is about 200kg lighter than an equivalent X5, the X3 is quite a surprise.
Even without a low-range transfer case, it took to some sandtracks with ease. Let down the tyres and it'll go even farther, though I'd suggest travelling with a mate in a Land Cruiser or Patrol when the sand goes to powder.
Through the sand trails north of Perth, the X3 3.0i – designating the three-litre 170kW petrol six – had heaps of torque and excellent throttle response.
It's helped by a five-speed auto box with sequential shifting, and though that manual-shift option is nice, the wagon ran better in the dirt in full-auto mode.
The suspension was long-legged and compliant, so comfort also rated as tops.
Back on the bitumen a few niggles became a big headache.
The X3's booming exhaust makes it a noisy vehicle to drive, and even worse for the driver is the complaints from passengers.
It is so out of character I scrambled around underneath trying to find exhaust pipe holes, though other critics have agreed it's a noisy machine.
That aside, the engine is a sparkler and really makes the wagon get up and fly. The small steering wheel, virtually all-black interior and solid handling traits make it feel more like a sports car than a baby SUV.
Buyers seeking flexibility have flip-and-fold rear seats for a long, though narrow, cargo ability.
Though the test car came with many features, most are options that come at a high price.
The base model, which sells at $71,400, doesn't have a lot of goodies, though airconditioning, electric windows and mirrors, CD player and dual airbags are standard.
The test car had another $20,000 of options – including satnav/tv at $6990, wiring for Bluetooth ($700), metallic paint ($1700), headlight washer ($700) and a superb electric sunroof ($3300) that almost stretched the length of the roof.
There's not even a full-size spare tyre! So, this is not an inexpensive SUV and, without on-road costs, you're looking at about $91,500.
But though it's a great driving car – noise aside – it's not as good as the X5. I guess that's what sister rivalry is all about.
Pricing guides
Range and Specs
Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
---|---|---|---|
X5 4.8IS | 4.8L, PULP, 6 SP AUTO | $11,660 – 15,510 | 2005 BMW X Models 2005 X5 4.8IS Pricing and Specs |
X3 2.5I | 2.5L, PULP, 5 SP | $6,270 – 8,800 | 2005 BMW X Models 2005 X3 2.5I Pricing and Specs |
X3 3.0D | 3.0L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO | $7,700 – 10,780 | 2005 BMW X Models 2005 X3 3.0D Pricing and Specs |
X5 4.4I | 4.4L, PULP, 6 SP AUTO | $7,810 – 11,000 | 2005 BMW X Models 2005 X5 4.4I Pricing and Specs |
$6,820
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data