BMW is one of the top car brands that offer a variety of car makes and models. Regardless, the BMW X3 is among the finest cars ever made by BMW. It is an excellent all-around car as it comes with a high-end interior, a comfortable cabin, a high-performance engine, fantastic handling, and it’s reliable.
Besides, the BMW X3 is the best-selling BMW SUV on the market. It has three trims to pick from; the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, and M40i. The sDrive30i is the base model and it comes with a rear-wheel-drive system. The xDrive30i comes with an all-wheel-drive system, while the M40i is the performance trim.
If you live in cold areas, the BMW X3 xDrive30i is the best option as it can handle slippery surfaces, such as snowy roads and icy surfaces. Contrarily, the M40i is better for those who want speed and power.
History of the BMW X3
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV made by BMW. This car was introduced in 2003, 4-years after introducing the BMW X5. Besides, the BMW X3 is based on the BMW 5-Series platform. Since its introduction, the car is in its third generation, which also comprises some of the most durable BMW X3s of all time.
The BMW X3 was designed to be more compact than the BMW X5. However, it has similar features and driving experience. The first generation was manufactured between 2003 and 2011, the second generation between 2011 and 2017, and the third generation from 2017 to the present.
Features of the BMW X3
Appearance
The BMW X3 is well designed to compete favorably with other compact SUVs in their class. It has a large kidney grille sandwiched between two LED headlights. It also has large wheels that give it a sporty look. The interior of the BMW X3 is also top-notch with one of the best infotainment features.
With a wheelbase of 112.8-inches, a length of 185.9-inches, a width of 74.7-inches, and a height of 66-inches, this car can accommodate both tall and short individuals.
Performance
The BMW X3 is a high-performance car. What’s more, it comes with three different variants, allowing buyers to pick a car of their preference. The first variant is the BMW sDrive30i, while the second variant is the BMW xDrive30i.
The third variant is the BMW M40i, which is the performance model. It comes 3.0-liter inline-6 engine with a total of 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the base trims that accelerate from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds, this model takes only 4,4 seconds. So, it is faster and more powerful.
Comfort and Cargo space
Since the BMW X3 is a compact SUV, it is perfect for a family of five. The car is not too big or small for an ideal family. Thanks to the total passenger volume of 101.4 cubic feet, 40.3-inches front legroom, and 36.4-inches second-row legroom. Both cars feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 248-hp.
Aside from offering ample passenger space, the car also comes with a large cargo area to help you keep all your belongings safe when going for a trip. It has 28.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row, while it has a total of 62.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Fuel-efficiency
Unlike most cars in its class, the BMW X3 is very fuel-efficient. It has an EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and a combined 24 mpg. Its CO2 emissions are also low with a total of 7.3 tons per year.
Price
The BMW X3 is fairly priced, considering all the features that it comes with. The BMW sDrive30i has a base price of $44,600, while the xDrive30i goes for around $44,600, and the BMW M40i goes for about $58,700. So, if you want a sportier design with extra power, you can pay extra to get the M40i.
FAQ
Is the BMW X3 reliable?
When compared to other BMW series, the X3 is a very reliable car. However, when you compare it with other cars in its class, this car is not so reliable. This is because the car comes with several issues that are also pretty costly to deal with. As a result, it is not very reliable but ranks slightly above average.
What are some of the common problems of the BMW X3?
The BMW X3 is an excellent compact SUV with top-notch and advanced features. However, this car also comes with some challenges that you should know about so that you can be prepared to deal with them. Some of those issues include oil leakage, sunroof rattle & leak, heavy steering, loss of brake power, and much more.
What is high mileage on BMW X3?
The BMW X3 is an outstanding compact SUV with exceptional features. Nonetheless, if you intend to purchase a quality used BMW X3, knowing the miles it has covered is vital. This is because a BMW X3 with over 100k miles comes with more issues than one with less than 100,000 miles.
Is the BMW X3 a good car?
Yes, the BMW X3 is a nice car if you want a compact SUV that is easy to drive around town, but also comfortable, spacious, performs outstandingly, and is practical. The upscale interior oozes luxury and the highly advanced technological features make it safe and fun to drive.
Is the BMW X3 cheap to maintain?
No, BMW X3 is not cheap to maintain. This is because of the various issues that this car faces, more so when it hits over 100,000 miles. Besides, the cost of spare parts is high, meaning more money to spend. And with the expensive BMW service, this car can cost you a lot to keep it running.
Summary
The BMW X3 is an excellent all-rounded compact SUV. Thanks to its comfortable and upscale cabin, powerful engine, agile handling, sleek design, safety features, and ample cargo space. Nonetheless, it also has some problems, such as oil leaks, loss of brake power, engine overheating, and much more.
What’s more, the BMW X3 is sold at an exceptional price and you can select either a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system, depending on your needs. The AWD variant is good for people in dry areas but not in cold areas where it snows. All in all, it is a nice car with excellent fuel economy.
