Based on the BMW 3 Series platform, the first generation BMW X3, internally known as the E83, was manufactured from 2003 to 2010. BMW and Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria, who also produced all first-generation X3s for BMW under contract, collaborated to design the E83.
The xActivityconcept car, which served as a prototype for the X3, was unveiled by BMW in 2003 at the Detroit Auto Show. It was built on the 3 Series platform and had a fixed-profile convertible body style. Reinforced longitudinal rails connect the A-pillars to the rear of the vehicle on both sides, doing away with the need for B- or C-pillars.
The X3 made its debut in September 2003 at the Frankfurt Auto Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung). It used an automated four-wheel drive system known as xDrive and shared its rear suspension with the E46 330xi. BMW’s all-wheel drive system, with a default 40:60 torque distribution between the front and rear axles and the option to send all torque to either axle, is a standard feature of all X3 variants. Utilizing an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch, the system allowed for totally variable, indefinitely adjustable front-to-rear torque distribution, with the capacity to send up to 100% of engine torque to either axle. In order to describe its X-line of vehicles, BMW refers to the crossover as a Sports Activity Vehicle.
The X3 was designed to combine the agility of a little car with the X5’s driving experience. The upright, high H-point seating arrangement on the X3 was advertised as “command seating.” The styling included a reinterpreted Hofmeister kink as well as interacting concave and convex surfacing, which were distinctive for the brand at the time.
BMW made changes to the engine, interior décor, body bumpers, and suspension in the model’s 2005 update and 2007 facelift.
The 2005 Canadian Car of the Year Best Sports Utility Vehicle title went to the X3 3.0i. Initial complaints about the X3 focused on its rough ride, drab interior, lack of off-road capability, and high pricing.
The BMW Business A/M-F/M-CD radio, an eight-speaker premium audio system, leatherette-trimmed seating surfaces, dual power front bucket seats, aluminum interior trim accents, keyless entry, and seventeen-inch (17″) aluminum-alloy wheels were all standard on US-spec X3 models. These models were well-equipped. A ten-speaker premium audio system with Digital Sound Processing (DSP), Sirius Satellite Radio, a dashboard-mounted color GPS navigational system, eighteen-inch (and later nineteen-inch) aluminum-alloy wheels, Nevada leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a security system, and more were all available extras.
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BMWX3 (E83) (E83)
The BMW X3 was first made available to consumers in 2003. In October 2006, BMW unveiled the mid-life cycle refresh, which added more parts and removed some.
In 1999, BMW introduced the 5-Series-based X5, followed by the X3 four years later. It designated their automobiles as Sports Activity Vehicles, or SAVs, since it believed that they would be used primarily on paved roads and infrequently on soft off-road terrain.
modern BMW X3 (3rd Generation)
For 2018, the X3 had a considerable redesign. Although it was remarkably similar to the previous model, it had a redesigned construction that supported everything from little BMW cars to larger SUVs.
The considerable alterations were underlined by new features including the external lighting’s standard LED bulbs and the grille’s increased prominence. For extra passenger space, the wheelbase was increased by almost 2 inches, and the overall length increased by nearly the same amount, putting it on par with recent competitors like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Inside, the iDrive infotainment system received yet another upgrade with optional gesture control, Apple CarPlay compatibility (although initially no Android Auto), a 3D surround-view camera system, and ventilated front seats.
The base xDrive30i model had an all-wheel-drive, eight-speed automatic transmission, and a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower. Later in the year for 2019, a sDrive30i rear-wheel-drive model was released. A 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 355 horsepower was employed as the enhanced powertrain in a more potent M40i variant.
The third-generation X3 didn’t undergo any significant alterations until 2020, though. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that powered the performance-oriented X3 M initially produced 473 horsepower; a Competition Package increased it to 503 horsepower.
Along with special aesthetics, an adaptive suspension, and 21-inch wheels, the M versions also incorporated a retuned automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model known as the xDrive30e was also released. It has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 12-kWh battery. Together, these components produce 292 horsepower and have an estimated 20-mile electric-only range.
For 2022, all X3s received some new styling and functionality. The grille, lighting, bumpers, and other external trim all received relatively minor updates. A 12.3-inch infotainment display with the most recent iDrive system and Android Auto compatibility was available, along with minor interior improvements to the console. And the X3 PHEV was taken off the production line.
First-generation BMW X3: Fewer recalls, Manual Transmission Option Available
In 2003, the Frankfurt Auto Show would see the world debut of the first-generation BMW X3 (2004-2010). Building a terrific handling SUV was made simple by the chassis and suspension sharing with the 3-Series sedans. The BMW X-Drive technology, which permits a standard 40:60 torque distribution between the front and back axles, would also be utilized by the BMW X3. It would have been designed with the intention of fusing the agility of the more compact 3-series sedans with the more luxurious BMW X5 SUV’s driving dynamics.
A heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker audio system, adaptive headlamps, and leather-trimmed upholstery with motorized front seats were just a few of the many optional features available.
A 2.5L inline six-cylinder engine or a punched-out 3.0L variant of the same engine provides the power. The 2.5L vehicles would produce 181 lb.-ft of torque and 189 horsepower. The more popular 3.0L vehicles, on the other hand, would produce 228 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft of torque. Unexpectedly, the first-generation BMW X3 was available with either a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. Early manual BMW X3 models are becoming harder to find and are highly sought after by enthusiasts.
What factory makes the BMW X3? (Explained & Solved)
The BMW X3 was one of the first high-end SUVs to enter the market, making its debut in 1998.
The luxurious compact crossover offers a dynamic driving experience while being both useful and comfortable.
It makes sense to look into the X3 if you’re looking for a top-tier SUV.
about X3
The BMW X3 was first presented as a more compact luxury crossover to complement the popular BMW X5. It was first sold in North America in 2004. The 2004 BMW X3, a compact vehicle with a total length four inches less than the X5, made its debut with 2.5i and 3.0i models. The 2004 BMW X 3 2.5i had a 2.5-liter inline-six engine that produced 184 horsepower, while the X3 3.0i had a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produced 225 horsepower. Every 2004 BMW X3 crossover came included with the brand’s xDrive all-wheel drive. The 2004 X3 came standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated outside mirrors. After the 2005 model year, the 2.5-liter engine in the BMW X3 crossover was discontinued. The performance of the BMW X3 3.0si for the 2007 model year was increased to 260 horsepower along with an exterior redesign. The 2011 X3 underwent a significant facelift after remaining virtually unaltered for several model years. The 2011 BMW X3 was longer and higher than the model from the previous generation, with smoother bodylines. The BMW X3 was available in two models for 2011: the xDrive28i, which used a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower, and the xDrive35i, which featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter engine capable of 300 horsepower. With the back seat up, the 2011 BMW X3’s five-passenger interior offers 27.6 cubic feet of cargo room. The 2011 X3 xDrive35i variant comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter engine on the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i offered 240 horsepower and up to 28 mpg in fuel efficiency. For 2014, new standard features included ambient lighting, BMW eCall, and BMW TeleService.
Is BMW getting rid of the X3?
Is the BMW X3 being phased out? A: No, BMW has not stated that it intends to stop selling the X3 as of December 2021. But according to BMW, the X3’s plug-in hybrid model, the xDrive30e, will be replaced by a mild hybrid model for the 2022 model year.
What does X3 in a BMW mean?
Based on the BMW 3 Series chassis, the BMW X3 is a small, luxury crossover SUV that has been produced by the German carmaker BMW since 2003. The crossover, now in its third generation, is marketed by BMW as a sports activity vehicle, the term the brand uses exclusively to describe its X-line luxury automobiles.
The first-generation X3 was created by BMW and Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria, who also produced every X3 under BMW’s direction. The second-generation BMW X3 was produced at BMW’s Spartanburg facility in South Carolina, USA. BMW South Africa’s Rosslyn plant, where the third-generation BMW X3 is made, underwent significant renovations in order to make room for the X3, which will eventually replace the firm’s long-running 3 Series production. A total of 76,000 units will be produced there each year.
It was regarded as the market’s first mid-size, high-end SUV. The X3 has only recently begun to compete with the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, which has been renamed GLC-Class as of 2016. It currently occupies the space between the bigger X5 and X6 and the smaller X1 and X2.
What is the Mercedes version of the BMW X3?
Prices for the 2022 BMW X3 range from $43,700 to $69,900, not including a $995 destination fee, for consumers. BMW offers three basic variants of its small luxury SUV. The popular X3 30i is available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) sDrive30i or all-wheel drive (AWD) xDrive30i and boasts a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The price increases by $2,000 when AWD is chosen.
Choose the BMW X3 M40i, which boasts a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine and standard AWD, if you want something with more panache. BMW also offers the X3 M, which features an even more potent 6-cylinder and a modified suspension, for those looking for a high-performance compact SUV. The X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid model is no longer being produced by the carmaker as of 2022.
The 2022 X3 features a variety of linked services, including remote locking and engine starting, live emergency support, concierge services, digital key access, and even a driving recorder, as is characteristic of small luxury SUVs. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also available. To activate desired features, you might need to make additional purchases. After that, you’ll need to manage them on the My BMW app.
If you own an X3 for the first three years or 36,000 miles, BMW will provide free scheduled maintenance.
A 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC costs between $43,850 and $85,600, not including a $1,005 destination fee, if you’re in the market for one. Mercedes provides both normal and “coupe” body types for its small premium SUV. Both are 5-seater, 4-door utility vehicles, but the GLC Coupe is pricier and has a more svelte, curved roofline. (BMW sells it as a separate vehicle and offers a similar feature in the X4)
The 2022 Mercedes GLC comes in three different variants. The GLC 300, a 4-cylinder turbocharged vehicle, comes first. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but you can upgrade to 4Matic AWD for $2,000 more (AWD is standard on the GLC 300 Coupe). Customers seeking more thrill should consider the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, which comes standard with 4Matic AWD and a turbo V6 engine.
The BMW X3 M’s major competition is the high-performance 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, which sits at the top of the lineup. It comes in ordinary and somewhat hotter S states of tune and features a turbocharged V8 engine under the hood. Previously only available in a coupe body style, the GLC 63 is now offered in both the standard SUV and coupe body types for 2022.
Every 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC includes a free, three-year subscription to the Mercedes me connect network of linked services. Remote access, emergency assistance, quick access to roadside services, and Wi-Fi are among the features that are comparable to those on the BMW. A warning will be sent if another car strikes your GLC while it is parked thanks to a parking damage detection system.
Scheduled maintenance is not provided without charge by Mercedes. Instead, customers can buy prepaid plans from the provider.