BMW X3 North American Details & Pricing

Press Release

BMW X3 North American Details & Pricing

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Product highlights

General

• New BMW Sports Activity vehicle; more compact & lighter than X5
• Two models, both powered by BMW's legendary inline 6-cylinder engine: X3 2.5i - $30,995 with manual transmission, $32,270 with automatic
  X3 3.0i - $36,995 with manual transmission, $38,270 with automatic
  
• Sets new standards in handling agility for this type of vehicle
• Combines desirable features of sport-utility silhouette (commanding driving position, feeling of safety & substance, muscular design) with BMW performance, road manners, driving pleasure, quality & safety features
• All-road capability
• Assembled under contract to BMW at Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria
• Production of 3.0i model began on September 1, 2003; production of 2.5i model begins in January 2004

Performance & efficiency

• Both models powered by aluminum 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine with variable intake- & exhaust-valve timing:
  X3 2.5i - 184 hp/175 lb-ft. torque
  X3 3.0i - 225 hp/214 lb-ft. torque
• 6-speed manual transmission standard on both models
• STEPTRONIC 5-speed automatic transmission optional on both models
• EPA estimated fuel economy, MPG, city/highway/combined: X3 2.5i 18/25/21 (manual transmission) or 18/24/20 (automatic)
  X3 3.0i 17/25/20 (manual transmission) or 16/23/19 (automatic)
  

Handling, ride & braking, traction, towing ability

• Fulltime all-wheel drive with new xDrive system:
  • Electronically controlled multi-disc clutch for varying front/rear torque split
  • Variation of torque split to optimize not only traction, but also handling dynamics; results in unprecedented agility for this type of vehicle. A prominent German magazine called X3 "The All-Wheel-Drive Athlete"
  • Most operation in all-wheel drive, but rear-wheel drive under specific operating conditions
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a comprehensive traction & stability system including:
  • 4-wheel traction control, with engine & brake intervention
  • Automatic Differential Brake (traction control via brake intervention only, selectable by brief actuation of DSC switch on console
  • Electronic brake proportioning, adjusting front-to-rear braking force for optimum braking effect, even brake & tire wear
  • Dynamic Brake Control, to help achieve shortest stopping distance
  • Stability enhancement in cornering & avoidance maneuvers
  • Hill Descent Control, to help stabilize vehicle speed on downgrades
• Unit body/chassis structure with high rigidity for excellent handling & riding comfort
• Optimum front/rear weight distribution (less than 1% variation from 50% front / 50% rear for all models & variations)
• 4-wheel independent suspension with typical BMW engineering sophistication:
  • Double-pivot front suspension with aluminum components
  • Central Link multi-link rear suspension with aluminum components
  • Generously dimensioned 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes
• Wheels & tires:
  • Standard, both models - 17-in., H-rated all-season tires
  • Sport Package, both models - 18-in. H-rated all-season tires
  • Option, 3.0i only - 18-in., V-rated performance tires, differentiated front/rear sizes (available only in combination with Sport Package)
• 3500-lb. towing capacity, both models; Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) 4993-5104 lb. depending on model & transmission

Exterior & aerodynamics

• Youthful, contemporary, muscular; BMW's "new design direction" in SAV form
• Xenon Adaptive headlights optional on both models
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers standard on 3.0i, optional on 2.5i
• Heated exterior mirrors & windshield-washer jets standard
• Power-fold mirrors optional on both models
• Roof rails standard on both models; accommodate various BMW carrier systems
• Adaptive brakelights standard on both models
• Aerodynamic drag coefficient (CD) an excellent 0.35 for both models

Ergonomics, luxury & convenience

• Attractive & versatile interior for five persons
• Tilt/telescopic steering wheel
• 6-way manual front seats standard in 2.5i; 8-way power front seats with driver's-seat/exterior-mirror memory standard in 3.0i, optional in 2.5i
• Front sport seats included in Sport Package of both models, manual or power depending on model & equipment
• Standard sensatec upholstery & Slate Gray interior trim
• Optional leather upholstery
• Optional wood (2 types) or aluminum-finish interior trim
• Pre-Wiring for SIRIUS Satellite Radio System optional
• Standard 10-speaker audio system
• Optional premium 10-speaker audio system
• Pre-wiring for auxiliary input added to all audio systems
• Vehicle & Key Memory - programmable functional choices to suit customer preferences
• Split folding rear seats
• Variable cargo area with retractable cover, accessory electrical outlets
• 1-piece tailgate, upward-opening, 6-ft. clearance when fully open for person loading or unloading

Safety & security

• Body/chassis unit designed for effective energy management in full-frontal, offset-frontal, side & rear-end impacts
• 3-point safety belts at all seating positions
• Front safety belts include automatic tensioners & force limiters
• Dual-threshold deployment of belt tensioners & front-impact airbags
• 2-stage front-impact Smart Airbags
• Head Protection System for front- & rear-seat occupants
• Side-impact airbags standard in front, optional in rear.
• Battery Safety Terminal
• Multi-function remote, integrated into head of master key; includes selective unlocking & tailgate release

Factory options Available option Packages for both models:

• Premium Package
• Sport Package
• Cold Weather Package
  Available option Package for X3 2.5i only:
• Light Package

Available stand-alone options (for both models unless otherwise noted; some items also included in Packages):

• 5-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission
• Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering
• 18-in. wheels & performance tires in differentiated front/rear sizes (3.0i only)
• Cruise control & leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function controls (optional 2.5i, standard 3.0i)
• Xenon Adaptive headlights with auto-leveling
• Front foglights (optional 2.5i, standard 3.0i)
• Park Distance Control, front & rear0
• Power-fold mirrors
• Metallic paint
• Panorama Moonroof
• BMW On-board Navigation System
• 4-function On-board Computer (optional 2.5i, standard 3.0i)
• Leather upholstery
• Birch Grain wood or aluminum-finish interior trim (requires Premium Package)
• Power front seats (optional 2.5i, standard 3.0i)
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Premium audio system
• Pre-Wiring for SIRIUS Satellite Radio System
• Privacy glass
• Rear-seat side-impact airbags
• Cargo net

BMW SAV Center-installed accessories
(partial listing; not all items available at start of production)

• Trailer-hitch kit with stability function
• Skid plates
• Running boards
• Roof-rack systems
• Aerodynamic body components
• Chrome exhaust extensions
• 6-disc CD changer
• SIRIUS 100-Channel Satellite Radio System
• Special shift knobs & handbrake grips
• Cargo organizer
• Cargo-area floor net
• Cargo-area carrier for 2 bicycles
• Alarm system