New BMW X3
The New BMW X3. The World's First Premium Sports Activity Vehicle in its
Class. 3 1. The New BMW X3. 8 2. Design. 10 3. The New xDrive
All-Wheel-Drive System. 12 4. Chassis and Suspension. 17 5. Power
Units. 18 6. Safety. 24 7. Interior and Equipment. 27 8. Optional
Extras. 30 9. The Market for the BMW X Family. 35 10. Production of
the BMW X3. 37 11. Specifications. 38 12. Output and Torque
Diagram. 39 13. Exterior and Interior Dimensions. 42 An entirely
new category of vehicles for the demanding, active individual. -
Superior, dynamic stance with unmistakable design. - xDrive: New,
intelligent all-wheel drive for supreme agility. - 3.0- and 2.5-litre
straight-six gasoline and 3.0-litre diesel engines. - Sporting and
versatile in both driving characteristics and equipment. BMW is
enlarging the highly successful X-family through the addition of a very
dynamic and versatile new vehicle: The new BMW X3 combines the
outstanding agility of a typical BMW with the broad range of practical
benefits offered by a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). The BMW X3 is
indeed the first premium vehicle of its kind in the SAV segment below
the X5, setting out in the market to conquer roads and tracks the world
over. The X3 combines the characteristic proportions of a Sports
Activity with both classic and new BMW design elements. The modern
design language with that unique interplay of concave and convex
surfaces gives the X3 a youthful, fresh appearance. Numerous
characteristic details, particularly the re-interpretation of the
classic "Hofmeister kick" in the rear side windows, the newly
designed double kidney grille, as well as the front and rear lights
underline the unique position of this special model within the BMW
range. Long wheelbase with short overhangs and the roof line slowly
dropping to the rear accentuate the dynamic character of this Sports
Activity even at a standstill. Powerfully bulged wheel arches and the
striking front end, finally, give this newcomer a strong character full
of self-confidence, emphasizing its superior stance in every situation.
A new dimension in the BMW model range. The basic facts and figures
alone clearly show that this is an all-new, absolutely unique model
series: Measuring 4,565 millimetres (197.7'') in length, the X3 is 87
millimetres (3.4'') longer than the 3 Series Touring, but almost 30
centimetres (11.8'') shorter than the new 5 Series Saloon. And
measuring 4,667 mm (183.7'') from bumper to bumper, the X5, in turn, is
clearly the X3's bigger brother. We find the same relative figures when
considering the wheelbase of the X3 measuring 2,795 millimetres
(110.0''), versus 2,725 millimetres (107.3'') on the 3 Series Touring
and 2,820 millimetres (111.0'') on the X5. In terms of height, on the
other hand, the X3, measuring 1,674 millimetres (65.9''), is clearly
higher than both the 3 Series Touring (1429 mm/ 56.3'' ) and the 5
Series Saloon (1,468 mm/57.8'' ), only the X5 leaving an even longer
shadow with its height of 1,715 mm (67.5''). And with only the driver
sitting at the wheel, ground clearance of the X3 measuring exactly 201
millimetres (7.91'') is absolutely sufficient even on rough terrain.
Muscular straight-six power units for sporting performance. BMW's
straight-six gasoline and diesel engines famous for their supreme
refinement and performance ensure dynamic motoring wherever you go.
Developing maximum output of 231 bhp, the agile X3 3.0i reaches a top
speed in standard trim of 210 km/h , the optional high-speed set-up
available with the Sports Package allowing an even higher top speed of
224 km/h. The power unit featured in the X3 2.5i, in turn, develops
maximum output of 192 bhp. Revving smoothly even up to high speeds, the
3.0-litre six-cylinder also allows the driver to accelerate quickly and
dynamically from 0-100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds. The aficionado of
supreme torque will be thrilled in particular by the X3 3.0d, the
straight-six turbodiesel with second-generation common rail direct fuel
injection only recently upgraded developing maximum output of 204 bhp in
the X3, and giving this superior Sports Activity no less than 410 Nm
maximum torque. This also provides a top speed of 210 km/h increased
even further to 218 km/h with BMW's high-speed set-up. And when it
comes to acceleration, the diesel is also an outstanding performer,
booming from 0-100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. Fuel consumption in the
process remains very modest, however, the X3 3.0d requiring just 8.4
litres of diesel for 100 kilometres, equal to 33.6 mpg Imp. All three
engine variants come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and
are available as an option with five-speed automatic transmission. The
new xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The all-new, intelligent xDrive
all-wheel-drive system setting a new standard in the agility of
all-wheel-drive vehicles is a particular highlight of the BMW X3:
xDrive allows infinite, fully variable distribution of drive forces
between the front and rear axle, the system immediately recognising the
need for a change in power distribution and responding extremely
quickly to such a change, in usual road-going situations generally
before the wheel even loses its grip. This enables xDrive to transmit
optimum drive power to the respective axle at all times even when
taking a bend at speed, significantly reducing over- and understeer in
the process. On the road xDrive offers a significant improvement of
agility, driving pleasure and safety all in one. Suspension control
systems such as DSC are not required until a much later point in time
than on a conventional all-wheel-drive vehicle, and xDrive guarantees
better traction and driving conditions on rough or slippery terrain,
since engine power is transferred almost instantaneously to the wheels
with more grip as soon as a wheel is about to spin, thus reliably
interrupting the flow of traction. Excellent driving experience thanks
to the commanding seating position. In its versatility the new X3 is an
outstanding performer not only on all kinds of terrain, where it
consistently demonstrates its agile and dynamic character. Rather, the
sophisticated interior and the wide range of equipment make the X3 the
ideal BMW for the active and versatile individualist in every other
respect, too. Sitting in their commanding position so characteristic of
a BMW Sports Activity, the occupants not only see the world around them
from a very clear, pleasant perspective, but also enjoy a very modern
and spacious interior: The X3 combines elegance and an aesthetic look
appropriate for a vehicle of this character with a sporting ambience
and a wide range of practical details. Able to choose from a great many
classical as well as sporting and modern materials and colours, the
customer has numerous options in personalising the interior of his - or
her - X3. Within the cockpit the two circular instruments are grouped
in typical BMW style within an elegant pinnacle, the middle of the
dashboard is dominated by the optional 16:9 colour monitor of the
navigation system moving up automatically when in use. Lots of space
and superior functions. The X3 offers truly ample space behind the
tailgate opening up to a steep angle for easy access, allowing
convenient accommodation of all kinds of luggage and sports equipment
such as several mountain bikes: Depending on the arrangement of the
seats, luggage space is up to 1,560 litres or almost 55 cubic feet.
Numerous additional storage compartments and boxes round off the
superior functionality of the X3 with a service load, depending on the
engine, of up to 500 kilos (1,100 lb). Unladen weight is between 1,740
kg/3,837 lb (X3 2.5i) and 1,850 kg/4,079 lb (X3 3.0d). And if you wish
to take along even heavier and bulkier sports equipment or any other
kind of trailer, the optional towing hook on the X3 2.5 is homologated
for trailers weighing up to 1,800 kg (3,969 lb), the two three-litre
models even being able to tow 2,000 kg (4,410 lb) on a trailer equipped
with brakes. Regardless of the weight towed, BMW's unique trailer
stability control ensures safe driving conditions with, say, a boat
trailer or other trailers of any kind. This extension of the DSC
suspension control system is standard, just like HDC Hill Descent
Control for taking downhill gradients safely even on loose ground. In
the process of developing the X3, BMW's engineers have naturally given
particular significance to active and passive safety. Right from the
start, the remarkable configuration and design principle of a BMW
Sports Activity, with the front drive shaft running through the oil
sump, has given the X3 a very low centre of gravity, reducing body sway
in the process. With its intelligent distribution of power, xDrive
keeps the X3 very stable and secure even in fast bends, generally
avoiding critical situations from the beginning. And should such a
situation arise nevertheless, DSC suspension control featured as
standard intervenes immediately to restore the stability of the X3. Yet
a further feature fitted as standard on the X3 is the Tyre Pressure
Indicator (TPI) constantly comparing wheel speed in order to monitor air
pressure in the tyres and giving the driver both an optical and an
acoustic warning in the event of any loss of pressure. Additional
highlights: panorama roof and Adaptive Headlights. The BMW X3 comes
with a very wide range of optional features, two particular highlights
being the new, large panorama roof and BMW's innovative ALC Adaptive
Headlights. The two-piece panorama roof extends almost completely
throughout the entire roof area of the X3, covering a glass area of
0.65 square metres. And the driver is able to open up the roof
completely simply at the touch of a button. Adaptive Headlights, in
turn, improve the driver's visibility in the dark by swivelling to the
side in an infinite adjustment process geared to the steering angle of
the vehicle. This adjusts the two bi-xenon headlight units as required
as a function of the steering angle, yaw rate and road speed, thus
illuminating bends ahead of the driver clearly and brightly. BMW
offers the particularly performance-minded purchaser of the X3 a special
Sports Package which, thanks to its specific suspension set-up, gives
the X3 an even higher top speed. Further features included in this
package are white direction indicators, satin chrome, and star-spoke
light-alloy wheels, as well as a leather sports steering wheel and
sports seats for both the driver and front passenger. The new BMW X3
will be available in the Middle East from February 2004.
