2011 BMW X3 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2004-2015 BMW X3 as a used buy. BMW was one of the early prestige companies to spot the surge in interest in SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles). Realising that most SUV buyers aren't interested in exploring off-road trails but wanted a tall station wagon BMW calls its vehicles SAVs, (Sports

Jock downsized to a 2.5-litre X3 and still enjoys it immensely. He likes the easy of entry with the high driving position, the cornering and driver control, the torque at low speed, the size of the cabin, and the look. So far, he has had no problems with his pride and joy.Dr Neil Cranston has owned his X3 for two years, and says it the best car he has driven or owned in 40 years of motoring. He particularly praises the X3’s quality, safely and comfort.John has done 40,000km in his 2012 20d and prefers its size compared to the X5 and X1. He reports that it runs very well and there have been no problems with it to date. He’s not convinced of the suitability of the run-flat tyres for Australian conditions and carries a spare tyre and repair kit when he goes bush.Tony Manning is disillusioned with his 3.0d. It’s only done 111,000km and there has been a succession of expensive problems with it, including transmission woes, radiator leaks, air-conditioning leaks, windscreen washer pump failures, and a turbocharger failure.NEWWith the runaway success of the X5 it was only a matter of time before BMW unleashed a smaller version. The X3 hit our showrooms in 2004, but failed to excite the masses as BMW hoped it would.Compared to the macho-looking X5 the X3 looked like a skinny kid with its long snout and tall, narrow-gutted shape.Minor cosmetic tweaks in 2008 helped, but it still lacked the strong presence that made the X5 so appealing to so many.Same with the interior, which was initially criticised for being unfriendly and bland, but changes made for 2008 went some way to answering the complaints.But it was under the long bonnet that the most significant changes were made.BMW offered two petrol engines and two diesels. The premium-guzzling petrol engines were both in-line sixes, one of 2.5 litres in capacity, the other a 3.0-litre, and both got extra power in the makeover. The turbo-diesels were a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre six.As is the norm with BMW sixes, the petrol engines were silky smooth, revved easy and packed plenty of performance, while the diesels were also smooth and responsive, and delivered the fuel economy expected of a self-igniter.All were linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and the drive was full-time four-wheel drive.On the road the chassis was responsive. The handling was as good as you got in any SUV, but the ride was firm, thanks mostly to BMW’s used of run-flat tyres.NOWThe allure of driving a BMW can be very tempting, but the reality can be at odds with the appeal.Owned short term life can be a breeze, but the dream can turn expensive over the long term. A BMW with high kays showing on the odometer should be approached with caution, and with an average of 80,000km - 150,000km 2008 X3s fall into that category. The last of the E83s, from 2011, are a better choice if you can stump up the readies needed to buy one.Apart from a problem with the transfer gearbox in the four-wheel drive system, the major mechanical components are generally robust and reliable. The same can’t be said for the peripheral components, however.The engines, for instance, don't use oil as a rule, but the plastic components used in the engine bay, like the radiator fittings, hose fittings, drive belt pulleys, all give trouble eventually.The gearboxes are also generally reliable, but the X3 does have a problem with a gear in the transfer gearbox; again it’s made from plastic and is known to break. To add insult to injury you can’t buy the individual parts to repair it, as BMW will only supply you an expensive replacement gearbox.There was a recall in 2011 that covered diesel models. Moisture can get into the fuel filter heater electrical contacts and cause a short circuit that can discharge the battery and affect the starting, and possibly cause a fire.Parts and servicing can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to find a BMW specialist mechanic to service your car, that way you can save money without compromising on the quality of the work.Resourceful mechanics will usually be able to source parts overseas, which can significantly reduce the cost of repairs.To make sure previous owners have kept up the required maintenance ask for a service record, and if you’re unsure about the car you are considering have it checked by an experienced mechanic.

It’s not just we Aussies and the Yanks that love their SUVs, Europeans have really been getting into them in recent years; and the big name German marques have quickly cottoned onto the boom in these handy vehicles. BMW began its SUV range with the X5 and has gradually worked its way down in size with new models X3 and finally the X1. The reduction in size was caused by the realisation by car makers that most SUV buyers aren’t interested in exploring the wilds of their respective countries, rather they want a capacious station wagon with a driving position that’s higher than cars’.Note that BMW would like us to call its vehicles SAVs, standing for Sports Activity Vehicle, but no-one seems particularly interested in that acronym so we will stick with SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).The midsize BMW X3 is the subject of this week’s article as it’s proving very popular in recent times. In Australia around one third of all BMW sales are in SUVs. The biggest seller is the X5, but the X3, introduced here in July 2004, is holding its own in the sales race. Interestingly, the second generation X3, sold from March 2011, is significantly larger than the original and is within a few centimetres of the first-generation X5 in many dimensions.If you’re looking for a family car the gen-two BMW X3 has ample legroom for those in the rear seat and three children will find they have good shoulder room. Boot space is good and the luggage areas are well shaped and easy to load in all X3 models.As there’s almost no demand for a BMW that can go off road, the suspension guys have gone for handling and comfort ahead of traction on unsealed surfaces. Clever electronics, further enhanced on the gen-two X3, do give it more grip in harsh going than you might expect.Four and six-cylinder engines are offered in petrol and diesel format. BMW has long been a specialist in turbocharged engines and both the petrol and diesel units work well. There’s the usual lag before things start to really motor well, but once the engines are past that stage they are beautifully responsive.Though the diesels are the more economical we do have a preference for turbo-petrol engines as they just love to rev way up in the scale, whereas the diesels give up in the high 4000s. Even better are the naturally aspirated straights sixes - one of our all time favourite powerplants. These are offered in 2.5 and 3.0-litre capacity.Six-speed manual gearboxes were offered in the early days, but were never popular and disappeared from the new-car price list during 2008. If you’re keen on DIY gearshifting you may find a few manuals have been privately imported. Be sure a private import meets all areas of Australian regulations.Automatic transmissions began with five forward speeds in 2004, this increased to six in 2006, then eight in the all-new model of 2011. There are manual overrides that give you a fair bit of control as BMW has long been an expert in sporting automatics.BMW is long established in Australia and has a well organised dealer network. The concentration is on major metro areas but there are quite a few in country cities and even large country towns. Spare parts are relatively expensive, but no more so than others in this class of SUV. We seldom here any real complaints about availability. Similarly, insurance costs aren’t low, but you generally seem to get value for money.Do it yourself work on an SUV like this should be left to minor items only. These are complex cars with a multitude of electronic items and should be left to BMW dealers. There are some ex-BMW mechanics in private practise and owners speak very highly of them, however, they may not have access to the very latest information or changes to the X3.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe BMW X3 is generally trouble free, but it makes sense to buy a used one with a full service history. The car will have been in contact by way of the internet with the technical departments in the German head office each time it was serviced at an official dealership.The use of incorrect tyres can cause problems with the transfer case due to incorrect rolling radii. Make a note of the details of tyres then contact BMW for a list of recommended tyres. If you suspect one has been off the beaten track - a rare event - examine the bumper corners, doors sills and undertray for damage - or choose an X3 that hasn’t beaten about the bush.Make sure a petrol engine starts almost instantly, or a diesel within a couple of seconds. Slow starting can indicate real problems. An inspection of the interior, including the luggage area will reveal that a car has been used as a workhorse for carting kids or other heavy-duty stuff.CAR BUYING TIPCars aimed at those who really like to drive may have been thrashed. Blindingly obvious? Yes, but too few buyers take this into account when falling in love with a potential new car. 

Sure, Euro SUVs are seen more double-parked outside private schools or in carparks at posh shopping centres than they are covered in dust and belting along a rough dirt road in the Bush. But they need to be able to handle the latter scenario if they are to have credibility. After all, it's what the original "crossover" vehicles tried to achieve - a foot in each camp. The BMW X3 indeed is a good allrounder: it has the badge respect to be seen among the upper demographic, it is comfortable and has enough gadgets and technology to impress. Its various versions have weird names. We drove the X3 xDrive 20d, which in English means all-wheel-drive, two-litre diesel. As a mid-size luxury  SUV wagon where fuel economy is a criteria, it's a good 'un. Bluetooth connection and USB interface you'd expect, and get. The xDrive is an all-wheel-drive system with variable torque distribution. An eight-speed automatic Steptronic transmission is a highwater mark in this field. Hill descent control underlines this car can get its wheels grubby. The 135kW power and 380Nm torque also impress from a two-litre diesel that is frugal (helped by stop-start) and low emission. It has keyless go. The $62,200 tag makes this the entry level for the X3 series and includes cruise control with downhill braking function, park distance control front and rear, rear view camera, dual zone auto aircon, personalisation of key controls and six-speaker sound system. And the BMW badge. As always BMW hurts with the cost of options, on the test vehicle $2350 for 1in larger diameter wheels, $1900 for metallic paint, $3000 for sunroof, $2000 for sat-nav etc.Leather is not standard on this version. Power seat adjustment adds $2700. Maybe buyers of this X3 are not choosing the diesel because it saves a few bucks at the pumps.When the X3 first came out, observers wondered why, because it was close in size and format to the X5. So what did BMW do for this second-generation X3? Make it bigger - to allow room for the smaller X1. X3 has no feeling of being the X5's poor kid brother.It's an SUV wagon shape with good space inside, though the centre rear seat passenger gets shortchanged. The tailgate is a bit of  reach and struggle to pull down for shorties. Under the car is flat for aero gains. It has no spare wheel - worrying for going off bitumen in the big land. X3 has airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags front and rear plus side airbags for driver and front passenger. It has stability control, a flat tyre indicator, active headrests, ABS, hill-start assist,  all-wheel-drive grip, rear-view camera and cornering brake control. The new model has not been ANCAP crash tested (the original X3 scored four stars). On a flowing bitumen road the driver forgets it's an SUV, the vehicle responding more like a semi-sporty sedan. In top - eighth - gear, it settles at just 1700rpm at 110km/h; good for just a two-litre. Claimed fuel economy is 5.6 litres/100km but we averaged 7, still not bad for a 1725kg AWD wagon.Yet 0-100km/h in 8.8sec is tidy, too. Stability control tames off-bitumen cornering but switch out the DSC and some wheelspin can be achieved to aid on softer surfaces. The diesel engine is just evident on cold start and idling but at constant throttle remains well behaved. You rarely need to go above 2500-3000rpm. On gravel, this X3 is well poised and exudes confidence.A decent-sized BMW SUV giving all-wheel-drive without paying stupid money, though watch out for costly options. It does the job of luxury family wagon and will eat up a graded dirt road. Performance belies the size of the diesel engine, yet it remains frugal.

BMW's new second-generation X3 mid-size luxury SUV is all about more and less and Audi's segment-leading Q5 is squarely in its sights. In the "more" department, there is more standard and optional technology, more exterior size and interior space and more value for money while on the "less" side of the ledger - at least for two of the models - less money is required to put one in your garage and less fuel is required to run them. The new Beemer is longer than the outgoing model, wider and taller - nearly as big as the original X5. There is a 40/20/40 split-fold rear-seat arrangement and with the seats occupied, 550 litres of luggage space nearly three times that with the seat backs down. For the new range, there are three models each starting their moniker with xDrive. The entry-level offering is the $62,200 turbo-diesel-powered 20d and it is followed by the 28i at $71,900 and the range-topper is the 30d turbo-diesel with its $74,900 price tag.All three have the latest eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The entry-level model's $62,200 pricing is unchanged (with more kit), the 28i is $3400 less than before and 30d has been cut by $2500 (with $10K more kit).The 20d and the 28i are available now with the 30d is a couple of months away. The 20d runs a powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine with 135kW/380Nm. Claimed fuel consumption is 5.6litres/100km. Opt for the only petrol-powered X3 in the range - the 28i - and you'll have at your disposal a 3.0-litre straight-six engine that is good for 190kW/310Nm. Buyers of the 30d can look forward to 190kW/560Nm. New styling gives X3 a stronger road presence. All three models come with an impressive array of fancy hi-tech goodies and the two diesel models have a BMW "first" - an idle/stop system for an automatic vehicle. All three versions are fitted with a brake-energy-regeneration system to save fuel. Other across-the-range standard kit includes BMW's latest iDrive driver interface, a reversing camera, a high-resolution 6.5-inch colour screen, aluminium roof rails, USB audio and Bluetooth mobile-phone connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate-control air conditioning, electric power steering, keyless entry. Electronic driver-aids include a permanent four-wheel-drive system that ensures variable torque distribution between the front-and-rear axles. It's linked to the vehicle's dynamic stability-control system. There is an new suspension set-up that has noticeable improved ride and handling and fuel-saving electric power steering is a "first" for a BMW xDrive model. Out on the road during the media-launch drive program the two models we sampled - the 20d and the 28i - proved themselves to be impressive performers with excellent overall driving dynamics. For its part, the two-litre turbo-diesel version did its best work climbing hills and overtaking in third or fourth gears using manual shifting. The three-litre petrol version also performed impressively and BMW engineers are to be commended for the fuel-economy gains and handling improvements they have achieved. Both models are noticeably quieter and comfort levels have also been improved.

THERE is a touch of Goldilocks about the new BMW X3. The X1 is too small for families with children, the X5 is too big and costly for most people, which means the X3 is ... well, just right.It still takes at least $62,200 to get into an X3, but it is a vast improvement over the previous model and a realistic alternative to a range of mid-sized prestige SUVs led by the Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5. BMW even believes it will lure some customers who might be shopping for a Mercedes ML.The revamp of the X3 comes from a back-to-basics assessment of the class and contenders, as well as people's needs. The result is a car that is almost the same size as the original X5 and far more sophisticated than the first X3, including a mechanical package that BMW Australia says is unique and not just a re-work of something from the 3-Series parts bin.There is no price increase on the X3 starter car and BMW Australia has even cut the price of the petrol-powered model while adding more equipment in both cars. It's a welcome move but one that is being done by a lot of companies in 2011, thanks to the strength of the Australian dollar and the level of competition in showroooms.Even so, the X3 comes with a premium pricetag - $62,200 for the turbodiesel-powered xDrive20d and $71,900 for the xDrive28i, with the flagship xDrive30d coming later at $74,900.The good thing is the value is reflected in a car which now has the class and comfort to match the bottom line. BMW has also loaded the X3 with everything from its eight-speed automatic gearbox to a two-way split rear seat, and there is a head-up instrument display available. But the basic X3 misses leather seats, something BMW justifies because it's the same in the Q5.Every BMW comes loaded with cool stuff and the X3 headlines an impressive iDrive system that now give full Bluetooth functionality and iPod connection. But there is also on-demand ancilliary systems for the engine to cut fuel use, as well as a stop-start system, regenerative braking and low rolling-resistance tyres.BMW says its X-drive all-wheel drive leads the class thanks to superior electronic controls and that the 2-litre turbodiesel leads the class for fuel efficiency.The new X3 looks more mature and more imposing. That's partly down to its size, and partly to a move to model it on the original X5. The shape is more X5-ish but also fits well into the current BMW family, with a body that uses a lot of aluminium to come in with a 25- kilo advantage over the previous model.The cabin is far roomier and classier than before, the back seat has proper adult space, and there is reasonable luggage capacity in the tail end. That's help, though, by the absence of a spare tyre as the X3 uses runflat tyres.The X3 is a guaranteed five-star performer with everything from impressive ESP stability control and brilliant ABS brakes to a cabin filled with airbags. It's good to see a rear-view camera as standard on a vehicle with such a family focus, although BMW's head-up display is a non-event if you were polarized sunglasses to combat Aussie glare.Taking the worst first, the ride comfort in the basic X3 is not good. The runflat tyres on the 20d driven by Carsguide turn potholes into thump-bang annoyances and cannot cope with typical Australian secondary road conditions. But that's about all there is on the complaints' list.The new X3 is plush, comfortable, pretty brisk and definitely a car that's up at the top of its class. The 20d gets along very smartly, provided you switch the transmission to sport, and can also run very quietly and frugally in any conditions. It has all the gear you expect for the price and class, although BMW Australia has typically loaded the press preview cars with a lot of (extra cost) optional equipment.The 28i is even better, without the runflat unpleasantness and with a truly sweet engine that's both smooth and very responsive on twisty roads. Both X3s sit flat in corners as you expect on a BMW, have lost the nasty pitchy ride of the previous model, and generally feel more like an X5 than the original X3.So now we are left wondering why the original was so underdone when BMW always had the ability to build a vehicle that could go head-to-head with the XC60 and Q5 and likely come out on top.What the X3 should always have been.