2004 BMW X3 Review

Specifications

Three Scoops Please

Walk a kid into an ice cream parlor featuring more flavors in the cooler than square feet on the floor and expect a lengthy, agonizing delay during the selection process. Ive taken my offshoot into such dens of delectability and needed a shave and change of clothes by the time we exited. Sometimes the solution to the “I cant decide which flavor” impasse is to merge the top three picks into a triple-scoop cone of blended delights.

Eventually the same decision-challenged kids grow into adults and find they face an automotive equivalent to the well-stocked ice cream parlor. “Should I choose the sporty 330Ci coupe, the sensible 325Xi wagon or the all-terrain X5 3.0i?” Each of the BMW variants brings with it certain benefits and limitations in terms of handling, performance, family accommodation, cargo space and off-road ability - not to mention value for the almighty buck.

By merging the diversity of performance, practicality and off-road ability into its new for 2004 X3, BMW has delivered the automotive equivalent of a triple-scoop cone to those once indecisive, junior non-conformists. I was, and occasionally remain, a vacillating body of youthful indecision, so I fully appreciate rides that are a distillation of virtues derived from a variety of automotive formats. Recreationally active individuals and families can maximize their automotive applications by relying upon the same vehicle to perform the daily combination of commuting, kid-hauling and recreational duties, and with todays prohibitively high cost of living that just makes sense.

In designing the X3, BMW made sure the “apple didnt fall far from the tree.” The X3 exhibits visual cues that confirm its Bavarian Motor Works heritage. Based largely on the 3-Series sedan, the X3 grille conforms to the expected bi-kidney design. In addition to its similarities with the 3-Series, the X3 shows a familial resemblance to its larger sibling, the X5, which was introduced to us in 1999. This blending of established design elements with lines exclusive to the X3 creates an SUV with a little bite and attitude, which I like. Although step-in height is increased over that of its sedan kin, taking a seat in the X3, or leaving it, is effortless thanks to the added elevation. Once situated behind the wheel, driver sightlines are improved over those encountered by drivers of conventional 3-Series sedans, or worse yet, low slung roadsters such as the Z4; score another benefit derived from the three-scoop concept.

BMW designers and engineers definitely had their “Wheaties” the day they penned the X3s interior layout and architecture. Optimal use was made of the compact SUVs limited overall dimensions. As amazing as a David Copperfield illusion, the engineers managed to provide rear seat passengers with more legroom and headroom than granted in the larger BMW X5. Crowning the illusion is the slightly larger cargo-hold of the smaller X3. At 17.0 cubic feet with the rear seats upright and 55.1 cubic feet when the split-folding seats are dropped, the X3s cargo area is 15-liters and 10-liters larger respectively.

But the X3s interior generosity is not limited to spatial needs. All five seating positions deliver a healthy dose of comfort, but its the front buckets that come as part of the Sport Package that reign supreme. The leather clad front seats in my tester offered the firm support expected in Germanic automobiles, while also featuring seat cushions with extendable front edges necessary for increasing thigh support for the vertically gifted. I dont understand why so few manufacturers provide this most welcome adjustment - maybe its more culturally specific than I thought! Regardless of cultural characteristics, these optional sport seats also provided much needed side bolstering, necessary given the X3s penchant for rapid deviations in direction.

Fit and finish within the cab is of typical BMW quality. Translation: very good. Hard plastics and unpleasant tactility are no more evident than a Republican at a Democrat fundraiser. There are however, some fairly expansive, heavily grained soft-touch slabs of plastic comprising the majority of the dash and door panels. Albeit given the X3s SUV status, this is not a complaint. The material imparts a quality feel, but best of all its durable and easily cleaned, which is appropriate for a Bimmer that might actually see a spate of off-roading.

On the versatility front, the X3 is a class leader. Beneath the floor of its rear cargo hold BMW has neatly stowed the vehicles battery, jack and multiple implements of functionality, such as tie-down anchors. These heavy duty rings can be positioned in the two fastening rails, standard on the 3.0i, and used to ensure precious cargo is not tossed about the rear when the driver gives way to a little enthusiasm or roads become unsettled. BMW also supplies additional fastening rail accessories. The device I find fascinating is the bike rack, which is capable of holding two racing bikes or mud encased mountain bikes snugly within the X3s cargo cavern.

Perhaps best of all in my shining example of Bavarian craftsmanship was the optional glass sunroof and fixed glass panel, termed “panorama roof” by BMW, that combine to give the X3 and open and airy presence which extends rearward to benefit the backseat passengers as well. Opening this gaping hole in the roof and finding a serpentine backroad is about the closest an SUV driver will ever come to duplicating the euphoria found in throwing a roadster through the curves and undulations therein.

And in the case of my tester, the optional torque-happy 3.0-liter (182 cu-in) inline-six provided plenty of thrust to do just that. This engine is a BMW icon, revving freely to redline and producing plenty of grunt in the process. While rated at only 225-horsepower and 214 pounds-feet of torque, its “Double Vanos” variable camshaft control must do something magical as this beautifully balanced machine pulls longer and stronger than its specs would intimate. Power is plentiful at low rpm and delivered very linearly and audibly, in a pleasing sort of way.

In my Mystic Blue metallic tester, the smooth escalation of power was fed through a six-speed manual gearbox that shifted with deft precision. The short throws engaged with a decisive click-click, affirming to the driver that the intended gear was locked and loaded. Although expertly finding the gears was a done-deal, releasing the clutch smoothly was more of challenge than it should have been. Why? Well perhaps the rigors inflicted by one journalist after another were beginning to take their toll on what otherwise, is an awesome box of cogs. Nonetheless, equipping an SUV with a six-speed manual transmission convinces me that BMW isnt just paying lip service to their claim, “any road, any reason, any time.”

Pick a winding road and the X3 will serve up sports-car-like handling sufficient to dispel any preconceptions of what SUVs are supposed to drive like. In fact, with handling so composed and predictable it wasnt until I opened the door and dropped my size 11s to the roadway that the X3s SUV reality hit me like a swat across the head. Similar to underestimating the drop of a fairly high step, plopping a foot out of the X3 can be met with an unexpectedly long drop, especially after deluding yourself that youve been hustling a sports sedan about town.

Throwing the X3 into a corner rewards with plenty of road feel and agreeable understeer when the limits of adhesion are impending. At this point in the arc, a smooth application of the throttle and a little more twist of the wheel will glue the X3 to the intended line, thanks in part to BMWs new xDrive technology. The X3 generates very little front-end plow due to its well-balanced chassis and sturdy underpinnings, the sturdiness of which can be overbearing at times. You guessed it; all this handling performance comes at a price. In the X3 3.0is case, with sport suspension, the price is both cash and comfort based. The cash well leave until the end, the comfort issue well put out there now.

The X3 rides upon a fully independent suspension setup that shares DNA with the much revered 3-Series architecture. The beefed up settings in the X3 include coil springs at all four corners, with struts and an anti-roll bar up front and a multi-link setup with an anti-roll bar out back. As mentioned, my test unit was equipped with the sport package, which ups the calibration of these assemblages in order to produce razor sharp handling. In the process, ride comfort flies out the window like cash on rent day. Yes, I love terrific handling vehicles, but I love my internal organs and spine more. For that reason, I would opt for the regularly suspended X3 3.0i should I find myself in need of a triple-scoop automotive treat. But ride comfort versus handling is a personal thing, rather like boxers versus briefs. To prospective purchasers I would recommend spending a day with each to ensure that whichever is chosen, sport or not, strikes the balance thats right for them and their anatomy.

Although the X3 is not intended for heavy-duty off-road use, evidenced by its lack of skid plates and low range set of gears, it is equipped with BMWs latest in all-wheel drive technology, xDrive. Not only does xDrive ensure tenacious traction by instantaneously directing torque to the wheels with grip, it aids in maintaining vehicle stability in the event control is lost due to poor road surfaces or excessive cornering speed. Helmut Riedl, BMW Group chassis director commented, “xDrive is the perfect system for maximizing the driving enjoyment of BMWs Sports Activity Vehicles. Through its variable distribution of drive, front-to-rear, it offers intelligent power as an antidote to loss of control, rather than braking or power reduction via DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). xDrive keeps the fun in driving.”

Under normal operation, the X3s power is split 62/32 in favor of the rear wheels. This eliminates torque steer and improves the X3s handling dynamics. If need be, the power can be completely shifted (100 percent) to either the front or rear wheels. Combined with an antilock-brake based traction control system, xDrive will easily fulfill off-road needs, provided the terrain isnt such that the X3s limited ground clearance of 201 mm (7.91-in) or its car-based tires become an issue. Aiding this type of usage is BMWs Hill Descent Control feature, which selectively applies the brakes automatically to restrain the X3 from gathering unwanted speed during a steep descent.

Discarding speed is something the X3 3.0i does with alarming efficiency, especially when its curb weight of 1,825 to 1,845 kg (4,023 to 4,067 lbs) - the difference depending on manual or auto transmissions - is factored into the equation. Equipped with vented antilock discs front and rear, it recompenses drivers with stops that are startlingly brief for a ride classed as an SUV. Accentuating the performance aspect of anchoring an X3 is its antilock system, which “knows” when to interrupt the process and when not to. Unlike some ABS systems that impose before their time, the X3 allows its driver to play quite heartily with the brakes before the antilock threshold is breached. Braking execution in the X3 is predictable, progressive and easily modulated regardless of road surface conditions. Included with the X3s Dynamic Stability Control system is a Dynamic Brake Control system, which will, in the event of extreme braking, speed up and reinforce the build up of brake pressure, helping to ensure the shortest possible stopping distance.

Regrettably there are occasions when the most powerful of brakes and complementary technologies will not keep us out of harms way. To mitigate these undesirable instances, BMW has laden the X3 3.0i with much protection, beginning with front airbags for the driver and passenger, including occupant detection sensors in the seats. Side thorax airbags are also included for the driver and front passenger, along with a head airbag system for front and rear occupants.

Not only is occupant safety high on the X3 3.0is radar, so is comfort and convenience. There is very little that one could wish for that does not arrive as standard equipment in the X3 3.0i. In addition to the likes of heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, intermittent wipers, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, the 3.0i receives automatic climate control, interior air filter, cruise control, 8-way power front seats, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated visor mirrors and automatic headlights. A Premium package adds leather upholstery, front-seat lumbar adjustment, power panorama sunroof, BMW Assist telematics system, wood interior trim, and an automatic day/night rearview mirror; while the as tested Sport Package adds a sport steering wheel, sport seats w/thigh-support adjustment, Shadowline exterior trim, sport suspension, 235/50HR18 tires and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

So its time to ante-up the cash for what is perhaps the best handling SUV on the planet. Like I inferred at the beginning, it aint cheap. Although relatively speaking, it isnt out of line either. The MSRP for the X3 3.0i is $36,300, although the junior powered X3 2.5i can be had for $30,300.

There is no doubt that quality costs money. In the Austrian built X3 there is much quality, henceforth plenty of dough is needed to call it “mine.” But in acquiring this more-than-cute-ute, owners will appreciate the versatility and performance, both on-road and off-road the X3 3.0i delivers - all the while, hauling up to five adults and as George Carlin would say, plenty of their “stuff.”

According to Forrest Gump, life is like a box of chocolates. If Forrest knew of the blended virtues of the X3 3.0i, I am certain he would say, “the X3s like a triple-scoop cone, you know exactly what youre gonna get; searing performance, outstanding practicality and Germanic quality.”