2008 BMW X3-Series AWD 4dr 3.0si

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• 2008 BMW X3-Series Review Summary
• 2008 BMW X3-Series Review Handling
• 2008 BMW X3-Series Review Safety
• 2008 BMW X3-Series Noteworthy

2008 BMW X3-Series Details

Select a different trimAWD 4dr 3.0si

Base MSRP: $38,600
Fuel: 3.0l/183
MPG (city): 19
MPG (highway): 26
Base Invoice: $35,510
Body style: Sport utility
Destination: $825
Transmission: 6-speed a/t
Engine: Gas i6
Drive Type: All Wheel Drive


2008 BMW X3-Series Overview The 2008 BMW X3 comes in one model: the 3.0si with a 260-hp 3.0-liter inline-6.  A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic with Steptronic is a no-charge option.   The X3 3.

 

          

2008 BMW X3-Series Review Summary
The 2008 BMW X3 is a small luxury crossover SUV that comes in a single 3.0si trim level. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, leatherette (a.k.a vinyl) upholstery, full power accessories (including front seats), keyless entry and a CD player with an auxiliary audio input. There are three major option packages: a Cold Weather package (heated front and rear seats, headlight washers and a ski bag), a Premium package (leather seating and additional interior and exterior lighting), a Sport package (firmer suspension calibrations, 18-inch alloys, running boards, privacy glass, blackout window frames). Stand-alone options include 19-inch wheels, park assist, an upgraded sound system, HD radio, a navigation system with iDrive, 16-way “Comfort” front seats and adaptive xenon headlights. BMW has come a long way with the X3 since its introduction to the compact luxury SUV class in 2004. The 2004 X3 was criticized for being harsh and unrefined and its interior was far below the typical BMW standards of quality. The 2008 X3 has improved greatly in its ride and interior. It is propelled by an athletic 3.0-liter inline-6 engine rated at 260 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. There is a choice of either a six-speed manual or Sportmatic six-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels through a standard all-wheel-drive system providing peace of mind in adverse weather. Reviewers praise the X2 for it’s outstanding power delivery, sporty handling and overall performance, available manual transmission, above average cargo capacity for its size and high quality interior. Autos testers most commonly complained that the X3 features a relatively stiff ride, high price tag and dated exterior design.

2008 BMW X3-Series Review Handling
The 2008 BMW X3 is essentially a 3-Series wagon that will appeal to enthusiast drivers as it stops, steers and corners like you would expect from a BMW. Its 260 horsepower engine is less than that of most rivals and its ride is a bit stiffer making it handle more like an SUV than a crossover. That said, the X3’s suspension is nimble and the brakes are strong and resistant to fade.

2008 BMW X3-Series Review Safety
The BMW X3 features full-length side curtain airbags, front-seat side airbags, active headrests, antilock disc brakes and a stability control system. Additional features include automatic brake drying (whereby the rotors are lightly “wiped” during wet weather conditions) and hill descent control. Rear seat side airbags are optional. The federal government has not yet crash tested the 2008 BMW X3, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names it a “Top Safety Pick” and it received the highest score of “Good” after both frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.

2008 BMW X3-Series Noteworthy
Few vehicles in the luxury compact SUV class can offer the premium handling and competitive all-wheel-drive performance that the X3 comes standard with. The availability of a six-speed manual transmission is also a rarity in a class dominated by automatic-only competitors. Luxury compact SUVs are often criticized for their lack of cargo space, but the X3 excels in this area thanks to a rear seat that can accommodate 6-footers, and generous cargo capacity that measures 71 cubic feet (when the rear seat is folded).