The 'X' Factor - The all-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 The World's First Premium Sports
Activity Vehicle in its Class. * 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 in length,
the X3 is 87 millimetres longer than the 3 Series Touring, but almost
30 centimetres shorter than the new 5 Series Saloon. And measuring
4,667 mm 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 versus 2,725
millimetres on the 3 Series Touring and 2,820 millimetres on the X5. In
terms of height, on the other hand, the X3, measuring 1,674
millimetres, is clearly higher than both the 3 Series Touring and the
5 Series Saloon (1,468 mm), only the X5 leaving an even longer shadow
with its height of 1,715 mm. And with only the driver sitting at the
wheel, ground clearance of the X3 measuring exactly 201 millimetres 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
170 kW, 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 141 kW. Revving
smoothly even up to high speeds, the 3.0-litre six-cylinder also allows
the driver to accelerate quickly and dynamically from 0 to100 km/h in
just 7.8 seconds. And despite this performance the ultra-modern
3.0-litre gasoline engine outperforming even the strict EU 4 emission
standard consumes just 11.4 litres (100 kilometres). 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 150 kW 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 to100 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. Unladen weight is between 1,740 kg (X3
2.5i) and 1,850 kg (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, the two three-litre models even being able to tow 2,000
kg 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 Europe and North America from the beginning of
2004. Other markets will follow later.