BMW X3

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2003 – present
Model years	2004 – present
Class	Compact crossover SUV
Body style	5-door MPV
Layout	Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

The BMW X3 is a crossover SUV marketed by German automaker BMW since 2003. Based on the BMW 3 Series platform, and now in its second generation, BMW markets the crossover as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line of vehicles. The first generation X3 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria—who also manufactured all X3s under contract to BMW. BMW manufactures the second generation X3 at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, United States.

First generation (2003–2010)

BMW X3 E83

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2003–2010 (Austria) 2004–present (Egypt)
Model years	2004–2010 2004–present (Egypt)
Assembly	Austria: Graz Egypt: 6th of October City (CKD)

Main article: BMW X3 (E83)
As a precursor to the X3, BMW presented the xActivity concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003—based on the 3 Series platform and featuring a vestigial frame-structure convertible roof with reinforced, longitudinal rails connect the A-pillars to the rear of the car on both sides, eliminating B- or C-pillars and creating a distinct profile.
The X3 premiered in September 2003 at the Frankfurt Auto Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung), sharing its rear suspension with the E46 330xi and using an automatic four-wheel drive system marketed as xDrive. The system used an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch to enable infinitely adjustable, fully variable distribution of torque from front to rear with the capability of up to 100 percent of engine torque going to either axle. The X3 was conceived to combine the agility of a compact model with the driving experience of the company's X5. The X3 featured an upright, high H-point seating configuration, marketed as "command seating". Styling exhibited interacting concave and convex surfacing, characteristic for the company at the time along with a reinterpreted Hofmeister kink.

2006–2008 BMW X3 (E83) 2.5si, Australia

BMW upgraded the model in 2005 and facelifted the model in 2007, with revised body bumpers, engine, interior trim, and suspension.

The X3 3.0i won the Canadian Car of the Year Best Sports Utility Vehicle award for 2005. The X3 was initially criticised for its harsh ride, austere interior, lack of off-road capability and high price.

Second generation (2010–present)

BMW X3 F25

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2010 – present
Model years	2011 - present
Assembly	India: Chennai, Tamil Nadu (CKD) United States: Greer, South Carolina

Main article: BMW X3 (F25)
The F25 platform is the second generation of BMW X3 being released in 2010 for the 2011 model year. For this generation production will move from Austria to BMW's US factory in Spartanburg, SC which currently produces the X5 and X6.
The F25-based X3 is almost as large as the original X5 E53.

BMW X3 xDrive28i, Australia

For 2011, the F25 X3 is available in the US, only with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder petrol engine either normally aspirated or with a twin scroll turbocharger. All US market vehicles come with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In other world markets various combinations of engines are offered including 2.0 and 3.0-litre diesel engines with either the eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. All X3s are equipped with BMW's X-Drive all wheel drive system.

X3 Cross Country

X3 CC in the 2007 Dakar Rally

The X3 Cross Country, also known as the X3 CC is an X3 prepared for rally raid competition. It features a 2.9 litre inline-6 (debore and destroked M57TU2D30 engine from 3.0 litre to 2.9 litre), twin turbocharged diesel engine.

Production and sales

In 2005 BMW sold 20 percent more X3s than in 2004, making sales of 110,700 vehicles. On 18 June 2008, the 500,000th X3 was produced in Graz.

Calendar year	Total production	US sales
2004	92,248	34,604
2005	110,719	30,769
2006	114,000	31,291
2007	111,879	28,058
2008	84,440	17,622
2009	55,634	6,067
2010	46,004	6,075
2011	117,944	27,793
2012	149,853	35,173

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Last updated on 31 July 2013 at 09:44.