2006 BMW X3 Overview

Introduction

The BMW X3 is hard to beat for people who want BMW's heritage look, powertrain and packaging, but desire the flexibility a sport-utility vehicle offers.

The X3 comes in one model, the 3.0i. The X3 3.0i sports a 225-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6 hooked to BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a five-speed automatic Steptronic is a no-charge option. Safety features include ABS, two-stage frontal airbags, front door-mounted side-impact airbags and curtain airbags for front and rear seat head protection, front safety belts with automatic tensioners and force limiters, all standard. Adaptive brake lights also signal the urgency with which the driver has pressed the brake pedal.

For 2006, the BMW X3's engine options get smaller and there are minor design changes.

The X3 is quick and fast, and the xDrive puts it at the head of the class when weather or road goes north. It's roomy, both for passengers and cargo. And just as important, it's replete with safety features, both active and passive.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a new six-speed automatic with Steptronic is a no-charge option. The X3 3.0si is stuffed with standard equipment. Cockpit amenities include Sensatec leatherette upholstery; Panorama glass moonroof with fully automatic, two-piece glass panels; rain-sensing windshield wipers with automatic headlight control; and flat tire warning system. The xDrive, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control combine to offer excellent handling, grip, traction, stability on gravel roads, muddy two-tracks and snow-covered backroads.

For 2007, the BMW X3 comes in one model, the new 3.0si. Replacing last year's 225-hp 3.0-liter inline-6 is a totally new 260-hp 3.0-liter inline-6.

The BMW X3 is a versatile Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), blending all-road capability and utility with sports car-like performance and handling.

The X3 is available in one trim, the 3.0si, outfitted with a 260 hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic with Steptronic shifting is available at no additional charge. It is comprehensively equipped, with standard features that include: 17-inch alloy wheels; leatherette upholstery; a Panorama glass moonroof ; rain-sensing windshield wipers with automatic headlight control; and a tire pressure monitor. The X3's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control combine to offer excellent handling, traction and stability for a wide variety of terrain and weather conditions.

The BMW X3 is largely a carryover from 2007. Active front headrests become standard for 2008, and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system now incorporates a rollover sensor.

The X3 is available in one trim, the xDrive30i, outfitted with a 260-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic with Steptronic manual shift mode is available at no additional charge. A comprehensive list of standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a Panorama glass moonroof, automatic climate control, wood interior trim and durable leatherette upholstery. The X3's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control combine to offer excellent handling, traction and stability for a wide variety of terrain and weather conditions. Additional safety-related features include anti-lock disc brakes, rollover sensor, front side-impact airbags, overhead airbags for both rows and a tire pressure monitor.

The BMW X3 carries over with minimal changes for 2009. The naming convention changes to put more emphasis on xDrive, with new badging on the front doors, and options are restructured.

The X3 is available in one trim, the xDrive30i, outfitted with a 260-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic with Steptronic manual shift mode is available at no additional charge. A comprehensive list of standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, wood interior trim and durable leatherette upholstery. The X3's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Descent Control combine to offer excellent handling, traction and stability for a wide variety of terrain and weather conditions. Additional safety-related features include anti-lock disc brakes, rollover sensor, front side-impact airbags, overhead airbags for both rows and a tire pressure monitor.

For 2010, the BMW X3 gets HD radio added to standard equipment, while the panoramic glass moonroof becomes optional.