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2004 BMW X3
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| Smaller than the real thing |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:47:23 |
| Rating |
 423 ( -46 -10.87% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
Front interior view of the 2004 BMW X3. Photo courtesy BMW.
2004 BMW X3
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The 2004 BMW X3 is slightly smaller and less expensive than it's larger stable mate, the BMW X5.
Rear exterior view of the BMW X3. The BMW X3 takes much of its styling from the BMW X5.
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Front interior, from the passenger side, of the 2004 BMW X3.
The 2004 BMW X3 plows through snow. Traditional BMW engineering excellence and attention to detail is expected from the 2004 BMW X3.
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BMW has received a lot of attention lately with its huge product offensive and sales success. The introduction of the new Z4 roadster and upcoming 6-series sports coupe have generated buzz in the sports car community, while the controversial restyling of the 5- and 7-Series sedans have sparked debate among some upper class consumers. This luxury marque has also paid attention to its X5 "Sports Activity Vehicle" (SAV), which was recently updated, and is now the third best-selling Bimmer vehicle, in the U.S.
For 2004, BMW expands its SAV lineup, offering a slightly smaller version of the X5, called the X3. Available at a considerably smaller price than its stablemate, the introduction of the new model should be less dramatic, but BMW hopes that it will maintain the performance, agility, and comfort associated with "The Ultimate Driving Machine". BMW also hopes its X3, which is priced in the biggest segment of the SUV market, will bring into its fold a host of new and competitive buyers. Starting at $30, 995, X3 joins the luxury nameplate market, which recently doubled in size with a forecast that it will double again before 2005.
Slightly smaller dimensions
BMW's X3 is smaller than the X5, but not by much. The wheelbase, width, and height are each about an inch shorter on the X3, and overall length is cut by four inches. The curb weight of an X3 with the same engine/tranny combo as the X5 is a more noticeable 600-lbs less. However, its interior cargo carrying capacity is slightly larger (X3 boasts 71 cubic feet of cargo volume (space behind the front seats).
Proven powerplants
Two familiar engines are offered in the X3, named for its power mills that come from BMW's 3-Series vehicles. A 2.5-liter inline-6 produces 184-hp. and 175-lb.-ft. of torque, while the 3-liter version bumps up output to 225-hp. and 214-lb.-ft. A six-speed manual comes standard behind both mills, with a five-speed STEPTRONIC automatic available optionally. A sport suspension is optional.
New AWD system
The X3 was designed and built with the existing X5 in mind, but offers its bigger brother something in return. A new "intelligent" AWD system, called xDrive, was designed for the X3 but also has been applied to 2004 X5s. The xDrive system distributes torque to either the front or rear instantly, as soon as torque transfer is needed and often before traction breaks. The transfer is infinitely adjustable and varies fully from one end to the other. The system responds in unfavorable or traction-compromised conditions and keeps the car moving (in say, snow or on dirt roads with loose sand), but also activates during normal hard cornering, reducing understeer and oversteer. Handling is enhanced, a result that is always important to BMW.
Several other features contribute to stability as well, including four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Dynamic Brake Control, Hill Descent Control, and Dynamic Stability Control. X3's suspension is a double-pivot, strut-type front suspension, while a "Central Link" rear suspension is a new, beefed-up multi-link setup that comes from BMW's from 3-Series cars. Hardware such as front and rear anti-roll bars supplement these electronic helpers. Standard is engine-speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering. Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive steering is a stand-alone option.
Interior goodies
In addition to the xDrive system, BMW emphasizes interior features to distinguish the X3. For example, several music devices can be used via the Accessory Audio Input Adapter, while DVD-based navigation is read in the dash on a 16:9 widescreen display. For occupants seeking a natural widescreen, the X3 offers a two-piece Panorama Moonroof that provides about ten square feet of light. Another feature, an interior bike rack, comes standard on 3-liter models and optional on 2.5-liter versions. The system transports two road or mountain bikes inside the vehicle, therefore protecting them from the elements, potential theft, and low overhangs. Two aluminum rails are mounted to the cargo floor in the rear and the bikes are clamped to them after the front wheels have been removed (in the same way that bicycles are fastened to Thule or Yakima roof systems). BMW even provides straps to attach the dislocated front wheel to the bicycle's frame.
A variety of option packages and stand-alone options include sports suspension; a Sport Package with "Sport seats," upscale wheels with 18-inch tires, a "sport" steering wheel and Shadowline (black) exterior trim; a Premium Package with a Panoramic Moonroof, with two large panels, both of which can be tilted up at the rear and a total of nearly ten square feet of glass.
SAV safety
Always keeping safety in mind, BMW designed the X3 with a high seating position but a low center of gravity. Since the front driveshaft goes through the oil sump, weight is kept closer to the ground and helps eliminate body roll and potential rollover. Two-stage frontal airbags act with front seatbelt tensioners and force limiters in head-on impacts, while front seat side-impact airbags and front/rear Head Protection Systems maintain head/body integrity during other collisions. All of these systems and airbags are standard. BMW does offer optional rear side-impact bags, in addition. Other safety features include a Flat Tire Warning indicator, automatic fuel pump shutoff during severe collisions, Automatic Collision Notification (via satellite), and an Intelligent Safety and Information System that directs airbag and safety equipment activation.
The major news associated with the X3 is its price and the new xDrive system. By enhancing stability and traction in difficult driving conditions, BMW provides its customer with even more safety. The system also, however, improves general handling characteristics, proving that no matter what, BMW is interested in accentuating the driving experience in all conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is BMW?
Bavaria's Bayerische Motoren Werkes (BMW) is the purveyor of some of the most legendary automobiles in history. BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, with its motorcycle division added in 1980. Since, the company's North American operations have grown to include marketing, sales and financial-services organizations in the United States and Canada; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; a design firm in California; and various other operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in North America through a network of more than 375 automobile and 190 motorcycle retail centers in the U.S. and Canada. BMW's North American headquarters are located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
The BMW Group, includes Rolls Royce, MINI, and BMW's passenger cars and "truck family". Sales are concentrated in the premium side of the market.
When will the newest model go on sale and at what price?
On sale in the U.S. starting February 6, 2004, the base price for the 2.5-liter versions is $30, 995 and $36, 995 for 3.0-liter models.
What are its best features?
Attractive and edgy exterior styling, upscale interior appointments and BMW performance characteristics, including a great throttle note make the X3 a stand-out model for 2004. A great surprise and delight feature is the interior bike rack, which comes standard on 3-liter models and is optional on 2.5-liter versions. We drove the new model over a course of 200 miles near Carefree, Arizona. We found its handling superb, particularly along a 30-mile-long track of narrow dirt road, with a pebbled surface, no shoulder and death-defying drop-offs. Its new xDrive system kept us square on the rods and was seamless in operation. It felt like a BMW, it drove like a BMW and has the added bonus of SUV utility.
Any complaints?
While the ride and seat feel are comfortable overall, we found the suspension setting slightly stiff for driving on bumpy roads.
What is xDrive?
The xDrive system distributes torque to either the front or rear instantly, as soon as power transfer is needed and often before traction breaks. The transfer is infinitely adjustable and varies fully from one end to the other, up to 100 percent, although with normal driving torque is distributed 40 front/60 rear.. The system, which is located behind the transmission and works with BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, responds in unfavorable or traction-compromised conditions and keeps the car moving (in say, snow or on dirt roads with loose sand), but also activates during normal hard cornering, reducing understeer and oversteer. Handling and safety are both enhanced.
2004 BMW X3 Reviewer's Notes
Base price: $30,995 ($695 destination charge included)
Engine: 2.5-liter inline-6 (184 hp @6,000 rpm, 175 lb.-ft. @3,500 rpm); 3-liter inline-6 (225 hp @5,900 rpm, 214 lb.-ft. @3,500 rpm)
Transmission: 6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic with STEPTRONIC
Wheelbase: 110.1 in.
Length: 179.7 in.
Width: 72.8 in.
Height: 66 in.
Head/shoulder/legroom: front: 39.3/55.8/40.2 in.; rear: 39.4/55.4/35.8 in.
Curb weight, lbs.: 4,001-4,067
Towing capacity, lbs.: 3,500
Fuel economy: 16-18 city/23-25 highway mpg
Safety equipment: Two-stage frontal airbags; standard front side-impact airbags; optional rear side-impact airbags; front and rear Head Protection Systems; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; Dynamic Brake Assist; Dynamic Stability Control; Hill Descent Control; Flat Tire Warning; Automatic fuel pump shutoff (severe collisions)
---Story by Sue Mead
---Photos courtesy of BMW
© 2003, Sue Mead, All Rights Reserved. |
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