BMW X3 E83

The BMW X3 was developed in 2003 as a more budget-friendly alternative version of the flagship X5. The SUV made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Earlier, a concept of this model called xActivity was presented at the Detroit Auto Show. However, the BMW X3 in the E83 body has not received wide popularity in the domestic market. Nevertheless, experts note the reliability of the compact crossover.

The development of this model was based on the all-wheel drive version of BMW 3 E46. But, due to the difference in the weight category of the two modifications, in X3 many details and elements have been strengthened. The car can safely compete with Audi Q5, Chevrolet Captiva, Hyundai Santa Fe, Infiniti EX, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Murano.

At first, the SUV was assembled in Graz, Austria, and after some time the production was moved to South Carolina. In Thailand, the assembly of the SUV has been organized since 2005, and a year later it was launched in Egypt. For the domestic market BMW X3 E83 was assembled for a long time at the automobile plant of Kaliningrad “Avtotor”. Before the crossover was removed from the assembly line in 2010, more than half a million cars were sold. Then the model was replaced by the next generation of BMW X3.

Exterior

SUV BMW X3 E83 2004 belongs to luxury class cars. According to the European classification, the crossover belongs to the J segment or SUV. According to the reviews of BMW X3 E83 owners, the appearance of the budget compact SUV is not characterized by that representativeness and aggression, as the X5. The model is characterized by a peculiar design and atypical exterior.

Despite the fact that the E46 version of the SUV is based on the creation of the SUV, the dimensions of the BMW X3 E83 are quite large. The length of the Bavarian is 4569 mm, width – 1853 mm, height – 1674 mm. The size of the wheelbase is 2795 mm. The ground clearance of 20.1 cm is quite enough to overcome small off-road.

The BMW X3 E83 crossover has well thought-out proportions. Dynamism of character is expressed in the elongated hood, aggressive appearance, bloat. Angel eyes emphasize belonging to the legendary concern. SUV BMW X3 E83 is not distinguished by a variety of body colors, nevertheless, even in seemingly boring gray color the car looks worthy and representative.

The front bodywork features the signature grille. Front and rear optics are characterized by severity and unified style. The headlights located at the rear are divided into two parts, one of which is built into the luggage compartment lid. In many ways, the exterior of the BMW X3 E83 resembles the more expensive and representative model X5. In general, high ground clearance and compactness give the car the appearance of a crossover.

According to the owners’ reviews of the BMW X3 E83, a small disadvantage in the design of the body is the sill plates. They are designed to become on them when landing in the cabin, but motorists note this point rather inconvenient. Thus, a wide sill turns out to be rather an unnecessary development of manufacturers. Bad weather conditions lead to soiling of clothes when getting into the car and hitting the sills.

Owners of BMW X3 E83 crossover BMW X3 E83 note the high quality of the body paintwork. Even over time, the surface is resistant to corrosion, there are no chips, scratches and swellings. If you buy a used BMW X3 E83 with traces of corrosion, you should be seriously wary. Most likely the car has been in an accident and the rust is a consequence of the accident.

Interior

Due to the fact that the BMW X3 E83 was created on the basis of the E46, the cars have common elements of the interior. The cars are similar by the similar arrangement of buttons, center console, dashboard. The principal differences are only in multimedia systems.

Due to the increased dimensions of the BMW X3 E83, the dashboard has been expanded and there is a wider distance between the buttons and instruments. Initially this moment is a little confusing, however, after a small amount of time the driver gets used to the ergonomics. Location of control elements is convenient and logical, which makes the trip more comfortable. At night, the panel is illuminated with a reddish tint, which is not annoying and does not distract from the road.

The disadvantage of the interior of the BMW X3 E83 crossover is the roughness of leather. In addition, there is no separate climate control. There is no electric steering wheel adjustment, but it is not so critical.

The steering wheel is very soft, comfortable, pleasant, does not cause discomfort during trips. Reviews about the interior of the BMW X3 E83 note not the best quality of plastic materials. Tactilely, the plastic is pleasant, but it seems that the exterior design looks too simple. As an option, you can buy a panoramic sunroof, a sports package, trim made of beige, orange leather with wooden or aluminum inserts.

Despite the wide wheelbase of the BMW X3 E83, space in the cabin has not increased due to the longitudinal location of the powertrain. Nevertheless, passengers do not notice any inconveniences in the cabin. There is more than enough space. On the back row passengers will feel comfortable. There is also a convenient armrest and a place for glasses in the back. However, the peculiarity of cup holders is that it is easy to insert a glass, but it will not be easy to pull it out. At first glance, this disadvantage is an advantage, especially when driving at speed. It can be seen that the manufacturers have thought through every detail.

The trunk of the BMW X3 E83 is quite spacious and has a capacity of 480 liters. Folding down the rear row of seats, you can get three times more free space. The luggage compartment pleases with a lot of trifles in the form of an organizer for small things, a duffel net, as well as high-quality finishing materials. SUVs BMW X3 E83, designed for the European car market, do not have a spare wheel in the trunk. As a rule, you can find a battery, tools and a first aid kit under the false floor.

Engines

The powertrain lineup of the BMW X3 E83 consists of gasoline and diesel engines. At the time of the start of assembly, buyers could choose between two gasoline units with a capacity of 2.5 or 3.0 liters. Six-cylinder 2.5-liter motor squeezes out up to 218 horses at a maximum possible speed of 210 km / h. Acceleration of the car to a hundred is carried out in 8.5 seconds. The average gasoline consumption of the BMW X3 E83 2.5 does not exceed 7.7 liters in mixed mode. Three-liter gasoline six-cylinder engine develops a maximum power of 272 hp, accelerating up to 210 km / hr. The car starts from seats to 100 km in 7.2 seconds. Fuel consumption is 7.7 liters of gasoline in the mixed cycle. According to the owners’ reviews BMW x3 e83 2.5 has the best among the whole line of indicators of dynamics and reliability. The only disadvantage of the engine N52 2007 according to reviews is increased fuel consumption.

The base engine is a two-liter inline four-cylinder 150-horsepower motor. The engine is able to squeeze up to 198 km/h. Acceleration to 100 is made in 11.5 seconds. Fuel consumption in city mode is 13.1 liters, on the highway is spent 9.3 liters per 100 km of travel. Owners of BMW X3 E83 with two-liter engine note low dynamic characteristics of BMW X3 E83.

Among the diesel units at the time of the debut of the BMW X3 E83, a three-liter six-cylinder modification was available. The 3.0 diesel engine develops power up to 286 horses. The maximum possible speed of this engine is 240 km/hour. The engine is able to accelerate to a hundred in 6.4 seconds. The average fuel consumption of the BMW X3 E83 3.0 d is 6.7 liters of diesel per 100 km of travel.

Further manufacturers introduced a four-cylinder two-liter turbodiesel unit, the power of which did not exceed 177 horsepower. The engine BMW X3 E83 N47D20 has an in-line arrangement of cylinders and direct fuel injection.  The car BMW X3 E83 2.0 d develops a maximum speed of 206 km / h. The motor accelerates from the start to 100 km in 8.9 seconds. Fuel consumption in mixed mode is 5.7 liters.

For BMW X3 E83 crossover it is recommended to use synthetic motor oil with viscosity 5W30, 5W40, 0W40. Filling volume varies from 4.25 to 6.5 liters depending on the engine type. It is recommended to change the oil at least once a year or every 10,000 km.

Diesel engines have more problems and diseases than their gasoline counterparts. After a lot of mileage, there are problems with the crankshaft damper pulley. Repair of the engine BMW X3 E83, equipped with pierzo injectors, will cost a tidy sum. In addition, the weak points in diesel units are turbocharger, timing chain. It is not uncommon to encounter cases of chain breakage, the replacement of which is an expensive measure, because the motor has to be dismantled.

Technical features

Manufacturers strived to create a practical car. The Bavarians have achieved the goal, and if the appearance of the crossover is quite controversial, the technical characteristics of the BMW X3 E83 are at the highest level.

The BMW X3 E83 crossover is equipped with a modified xDrive all-wheel drive system, a designation that was only introduced in 2008. xDrive works by distributing torque to the axles using an electronic multi-plate clutch. The standard mode allows to distribute traction in the proportion of 40/60 with a large indicator on the rear wheels. The electronically controlled traction allows the wheels to maintain traction even in the most challenging weather conditions.

The xDrive all-wheel drive system is characterized by reliability, but it has its drawbacks. For example, after 100,000 kilometers of mileage, the transfer case failure is detected, however, the low cost of repair work is pleasing. In addition, when connecting the all-wheel drive there are jolts in the axle. To extend the life of the xDrive system, it is important to change the oil in the transfer case after 40,000 km.

As for the transmission of the BMW X3 E83, the engines work in tandem with a five- or six-range automatic transmission, as well as a six-speed manual gearbox.

The manual transmission was reliable only on two-liter gasoline and diesel engines. Powerful power units, developing high torque, led to failure of the mechanical transmission, which could not withstand such loads. Malfunctions led to wear of the clutch and dual mass flywheel.

BMW X3 E83 automatic transmissions are more reliable and have a longer service life. The first defects, which manifest themselves in the form of jerking, prolonged gear shifting and slipping, occur only after 200,000 kilometers of mileage.

The design of the front suspension is based on Mac Ferson struts with telescopic shock absorbers, at the rear there is a multi-lever arm with double-acting shock absorbers. The suspension structure is rather complicated, but its repair is not particularly expensive. Most often problems occur with stabilizer struts on the front suspension, as well as shock absorbers, upper arms.

All brakes are disc brakes, controlled by ABS, DSC integrated safety systems.

Electronics

Good visibility at night is ensured by the bi-xenon optics. The Bi-Xenon is combined with Adaptive Steering Headlights, which follow the steering wheel movements and optimally illuminate the road even at night.

The vehicle is equipped with an emergency proximity function during parking. The system allows you to determine the distance from the car to an obstacle. Romantics will appreciate the presence of a panoramic glass sunroof, which provides an excellent view. BMW X3 E83 crossover BMW X3 E83 has two-stage stop signals. The system helps to improve the attention of drivers behind. When braking or ABS is activated, the brake lights shine brighter.

In addition, the interior of the crossover BMW X3 E83 in the expensive configuration is equipped with a full electric package, heating of all seats, electric seat adjustment.

The disadvantage of the BMW X3 E83 electronics is the breakage of the window elevator cables and burning out of their electric motor. Otherwise, the electrics of the crossover are quite reliable. Sometimes there is a failure of ESP control unit, located inside the door on the driver’s side. The reason lies in moisture ingress. Electric seat heating leads to a decrease in the quality of leather upholstery over time.

Options

A feature of the crossover BMW X3 E83 is luxury equipment even in the standard configuration. In the basic modification, the car is equipped with alloy wheels of the size of 17 inches. On the version of the BMW 3.0 sd fit 18-inch wheel disks. Optionally, if desired, you can buy on the BMW X3 E83 wheels with a tire size of 19 inches. The standard equipment additionally includes a tire leak indicator by means of a tire leak indicator light, which allows the wheels to be inflated in good time.

The basic modification of BMW X3 E83 is equipped with front, side airbags, curtain airbags providing head protection. The seat belts have tension limiters and pre-tensioners.

In addition, the BMW X3 E83 is equipped with the following parameters and features as standard:

• Interior fabric upholstery;
• ABS;
• ESP;
• Air conditioning;
• Fog lights;
• Power package.

The most expensive equipment additionally includes the following functions:

• Xenon headlights;
• Climate control system;
• Electrically adjustable seats;
• Multimedia system;
• Heated seats front and rear;
• Leather upholstery.

Difference between restyling and prerestyling

In 2006 the crossover BMW X3 E83 underwent restyling. The exterior was slightly changed due to the updated grille, bumper, dodgers BMW X3 E83. According to BMW X3 E83 restyling reviews, the interior trim has improved, and the xDrive all-wheel drive system has expanded its functions.

The technical characteristics of the BMW X3 E83 2006 have also been changed. The manufacturers have modified power units. Gasoline 2.5- and 3.0-liter engines have been replaced by similar in capacity, but updated in power parameters. The power of the engines increased to 218 and 272 horses, respectively. Power units were equipped with six-speed manual or automatic.

The lineup of diesel units has also undergone changes. Manufacturers have introduced three new motors. Two-liter engines with an output of 143 and 177 horsepower, working in conjunction with 6ACPP or 6ICPP.

Generations and configurations

1 generation – restyled

10.2006 – 10.2010

1 generation

02.2003 – 09.2006