BMW X3

BMW X3
2011 BMW X3 (F25)
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2003–present
Model years	2004–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact luxury crossover SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

The BMW X3 is an compact luxury crossover SUV ^[1] manufactured by German automaker BMW since 2003. Based on the BMW 3 Series platform, and now in its second generation, BMW markets the crossover as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line of 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 manufactures the second generation X3 at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, United States.

First generation (2003–2010)

First generation (E83)
Overview
Production	2003–2010 (Germany) 2004–2012 (Egypt)
Model years	2004–2010 2004–2012 (Egypt)
Assembly	Austria: Graz Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor) Egypt: 6th of October City (BAG)[2]

As a precursor to the X3, BMW presented the xActivity concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003—based on the 3 Series platform and featuring a vestigial frame-structure convertible roof with reinforced, longitudinal rails connect the A-pillars to the rear of the car on both sides, eliminating B- or C-pillars and creating a distinct profile.

The X3 premiered in September 2003 at the Frankfurt Auto Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung), sharing its rear suspension with the E46 330xi and using an automatic four-wheel drive system marketed as xDrive. The system used an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch to enable infinitely adjustable, fully variable distribution of torque from front to rear with the capability of up to 100 percent of engine torque going to either axle. The X3 was conceived to combine the agility of a compact model with the driving experience of the company's X5. The X3 featured an upright, high H-point seating configuration, marketed as "command seating". Styling exhibited interacting concave and convex surfacing, characteristic for the company at the time along with a reinterpreted Hofmeister kink.

2006–2008 BMW X3 (E83) 2.5si, Australia

BMW upgraded the model in 2005 and facelifted the model in 2007, with revised body bumpers, engine, interior trim, and suspension.

The X3 3.0i won the Canadian Car of the Year Best Sports Utility Vehicle award for 2005. The X3 was initially criticised for its harsh ride, austere interior, lack of off-road capability and high price.^[3]

Second generation (2010–present)

Second generation (F25)
Overview
Production	2010–present
Model years	2011–present
Assembly	India: Chennai, Tamil Nadu (CKD) United States: Greer, South Carolina Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)

BMW X3 xDrive28i, Australia

The F25 platform is the second generation of BMW X3 being released in 2010 for the 2011 model year. For this generation production will move from Austria to BMW's US factory in Greer, SC which currently produces the X5 and X6.^[4]

The F25-based X3 is almost as large as the original X5 E53.^[5]

For 2011, the F25 X3 is available in the US, only with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine either normally aspirated or with a twin scroll turbocharger. All US market vehicles come with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In other world markets various combinations of engines are offered including 2.0 and 3.0-litre diesel engines with either the eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

X3 Cross Country

X3 CC in the 2007 Dakar Rally

The X3 Cross Country, also known as the X3 CC is an X3 prepared for rally raid competition.^[6][7] It features a 2.9 litre inline-6 (debore and destroked M57TU2D30 engine from 3.0 litre to 2.9 litre), twin turbocharged diesel engine.^[8]

Production and sales

In 2005 BMW sold 20 percent more X3s than in 2004, making sales of 110,700 vehicles. On 18 June 2008, the 500,000th X3 was produced in Graz.

For 2015, the X3 receives a mid-generational refresh which includes the introduction of a diesel model, as well as updated headlights and rear bumper. Motor Trend had posted up photos of the refreshed model online at www.motortrend.com

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to BMW X3.