BMW X3 (E83)

he first generation BMW X3, internally designated as the E83, is a crossover marketed by German automaker BMW from 2003-2010. Based on the BMW 3 Series platform. BMW markets the crossover as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's descriptor for its X-line of vehicles.

 

The E83 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria — who also manufactured all first generation X3s under contract to BMW. BMW manufactures the second generation X3 at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, United States.

 

Manufacturer  BMW

Production  2003–2010

Assembly  6th of October City, Egypt (BAG)

Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr)

Kaliningrad, Russia (Avtotor)

Class  Compact crossover SUV

Body style  4-door SUV

Layout  Longitudinally mounted, front engine, four-wheel drive

Engine  3.0L 260 hp (190 kW) I6

Transmission  6-speed automatic and manual

Wheelbase  2,795 mm (110.0 in)

Length  2004-08: 179.7 in (4,564 mm)

2009-present: 4,570 mm (179.9 in)

Width  1,855 mm (73.0 in)

Height  2006-08: 1,675 mm (65.9 in)

2004-05 & 2009-present: 1,673 mm (65.9 in)

Related  BMW 3-Series

Engines

 

All models are equipped with the BMW xDrive All Wheel Drive system, with a default 40:60 torque split between the front and rear axles and has the ability to direct all the torque to either axle.

Model  Model Year  Engine

X3 xDrive18d  2009-2010  N47D20

X3 2.0d/ xDrive20d  2005-2010  M47TU2D20

X3 2.0i/ xDrive20i  2004-2010  N46B20

X3 2.5i  2004–2006  M54B25

X3 2.5si/ xDrive25i  2007-2010  N52B25

X3 3.0d/ xDrive30d  2004-2010  M57TUD30

X3 3.0sd/ xDrive35d  2007-2010  M57TU2D30

X3 3.0i  2004–2006  M54B30

X3 3.0si/ xDrive30i  2007-2010  N52B30

Rear view of X3 (2004–2006)

Model Year 2005

2004–2005 BMW X3 3.0i (US)

Bluetooth could actually be ordered straight from the factory (part of the Premium Package) and functioned without dealer intervention. (Although the BMW X3 was originally offered and promised with Bluetooth support in 2004, none of the cars that shipped from the factory actually had it installed. Few were able to get it to work with servicing from their dealer.)

The interior was upgraded with more consistent plastic panels. Also instead of having grey carpeting which was present on all 2004 X3s, the 2005 X3 came with carpeting that matched the leather ordered (with the exception of the Terracotta interior with black carpeting).

Slightly softer suspension.

Front fenders are one piece, as opposed to the two piece found on 2004 models.

A 2.0d engine became available in some markets - joining the 2.5i and 3.0i engines (found stateside) as well as the 3.0d engine sold elsewhere in the world.

An 'Open-Door' indicator was added on the 2004 models.

 

BMW X3 (E83)

Model years 2006–2010

 

In September 2006, the E83 received a facelift with revised headlights, grill, front bumper, tail lights, rear bumper, and interior.

 

For the 2007 model year, the US market X3 was powered by the N52 inline 6-cylinder engine that debuted on the 2006 E90 3 Series. Internationally, the X3 received smaller engines including the 4-cylinder petrol and diesel options. In Europe, the range started with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol, a 4cyl. turbo diesel and continues with 6-cylinder turbo & bi-turbo diesels. The largest diesel offered was the sport diesel with 286 bhp (213 kW; 290 PS).

 

U.S. market 2006 X3's were equipped with a version of the 'M' technik body kit with unpainted door sills and wheel arches. U.S. spec Sport Package 2006 X3's received the full 'M' body kit (with painted front, side and rear plastic) available internationally as a factory accessory. 2.5i was removed for sale from the U.S. and Adaptive headlamps and a panoramic sunroof were made available, as well as upgraded dashboard components and leather seating.

 

Since September 2008, the Edition Exclusive and Edition lifestyle were available. The M-Sport Package was replaced in March 2009 by the Sport Limited Edition.

X3 model year 2007

X3 model year 2007

Interior of the model year 2007