$36,750 to $41,050
Original MSRP
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BMW's once-popular X3 crossover has been outclassed of late by newer, slicker rivals. Never ones to duck a competitor's challenge, the engineers at BMW have rolled out an ambitious all-new X3 for 2011. Riding on a longer, wider platform than its predecessor, the 2011 X3 is sure to give the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLK-Class a run for their money in the red-hot luxury CUV market.
The X3's complete redesign includes fresh sheet metal that aligns with BMW's successful (though somewhat safe) new design theme. The prominent, upright kidney grille and jewel-like headlamps are a strong statement, while the sweeping side character lines and tapered greenhouse soften things up a bit. The overall result is cohesive and handsome, if not very different. Though the avant-garde BMWs of the Chris Bangle era weren't universally loved, they at least stood out from the crowd. The 2011 X3 is surely classier, but it blends in a bit in this increasingly crowded segment.
For 2011 the X3 is offered in one of two somewhat oddly named trims. The X3 xDrive28i features BMW's silky-smooth straight-six motor and standard all-wheel drive, while the upmarket xDrive35i benefits from high-pressure turbocharging and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Mechanically, the 2011 X3 leapfrogs the competition with an advanced 8-speed transmission and an innovative regenerative braking system. Drive either version of the new X3 and you'll immediately understand why it costs so much, yet still has vinyl-covered seats. Under the hood, buyers are treated to one of BMW's exceptional inline six-cylinder engines. The turbine-like smoothness and balance of the 3.0-liter unit is unmatched by even the most sophisticated competitors.
Though the 2011 X3 tips the scales at over two tons, even the base six-cylinder's 240 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque are plenty for highway merging or brisk passing. An efficient and quick-witted ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, the only gearbox offered, is always ready to capitalize on the engine's large sweet spot. The standard all-wheel-drive system features a rearward torque split in an effort to bring the X3's handling in line with BMW tradition.
The powerful xDrive35i features a turbocharged version of the 3.0-liter six that makes 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. All that added punch helps the 2011 X3 xDrive35i feel exceptionally frisky around town, though enthusiasts seeking a manual transmission to truly take advantage of the power will be left out in the cold. One groundbreaking X3 feature is brake energy regeneration. While commonplace in hybrids, regenerative brakes make their gasoline car debut in the 2011 X3, helping to recharge the battery without the aid of the engine.
A harsh ride plagued the old X3 from the beginning, and BMW engineers have gone to great lengths to soften things up for 2011. The suspension is still vintage BMW with MacPherson struts in front and a multilink setup in back, but the revamped dampers and spring settings allow for much more comfortable cruising. Despite its inflated curb weight, the 2011 X3 is quite agile, slicing through traffic with ease. An optional dynamic handling package allows drivers to fine-tune the X3's ride with adjustable dampers and adds variable effort power steering that sharpens up helm response.
Interior space was another area in which the old X3 was deficient, and as with the ride, the folks at BMW have big improvements in store for 2011. The larger body shell, combined with improved packaging, allows the X3's cabin to accommodate five adults in relative comfort. Rear seat legroom is greatly improved, and the cargo compartment can hold up to 19 cubic feet of gear. The increase in width brings much better elbow room, and the power-adjustable front seats are comfortable and supportive.
Though BMW touts the 2011 X3's newly expanded standard feature list, the base interior is still rather austere. The X3's leatherette seats and matte silver trim are nicely finished but decidedly low-rent. Real cowhide, plus niceties like heated seats, navigation and a power tailgate are expensive options even on the top-line xDrive35i. Checking most of the boxes sends the X3's price over fifty grand in a hurry, not unusual for this segment, but eyebrow-raising nonetheless.
Standard safety features in the 2011 X3 include six airbags, active head restraints and seatbelt pre-tensioners. Though the 2011 model hasn't yet been crash-tested by any major agency, its stiff structure and advanced systems should help the new X3 meet a high standard for occupant protection. Like all BMWs, the 2011 X3 comes with no-cost maintenance during the 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty period, a benefit that can save owners a bundle on increasingly expensive upkeep.
Hi I own a BMW. X3. 2011 . Bought it new . For about 6 months now , when I am driving and running the car , as soos as I stop the car , there is a beep sound and the D ( Drive sign ) in the dash and on the shaft are both flashing a few times . It does that everytime I stop . Anyone knows what can be the solution to resolve that problem ??? The Dealer does not know what can be the problem Thanks
I am a canadian resident and would like to advertise and sell my car with this site. My car is OK for the US. Is it possible?
BMW X3 Tail light are not working
both are priced the same, about $22K. any major differences/engine/transmission changes that make one model year better than the other?
Which is a better car? More reliable? The bmw x3 or the range rover sport??
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM or Sirius satellite radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: hands-free multi-function remote with keyless ignition · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlight cleaners: high pressure washers · Headlights: HID · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Damper Control: electronic · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Navigation wireless data link: Bluetooth · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM or Sirius satellite radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlight cleaners: high pressure washers · Headlights: Auto on · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Damper Control: electronic · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Navigation wireless data link: Bluetooth · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed