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By Autotropolis Editors
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Strengths: |
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Reflexes like a sport sedan; plenty of room for people and luggage, with a compact footprint. |
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Changes: |
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The BMW X3, completely revised for 2007, sees only minor changes for 2008. Active head restraints are now standard, and there is a new Sport Activity Package that includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels, running boards, unique trim, and privacy glass. The Premium Package now includes ambient lighting. |
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Value: |
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The 2008 BMW X3 is a sport utility vehicle that places much more emphasis on "sport" than "utility." In fact, there are few other vehicles in this segment that feel as nimble and track-ready as the X3, while costing less than $40,000. That doesn't mean the X3 is an SUV in name only, though. With xDrive all-wheel drive, hill descent control, and a cargo capacity of up to 71.0 cubic feet, the X3 is still able to capably fill the ute role. It's just that with its excellent inline six and great sure-footedness, you may forget that's why you bought it in the first place. |
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Overview: |
The 2008 BMW X3 comes with a silky smooth 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine that makes 260-horsepower and 225 lb-ft or torque. The vehicle also comes with xDrive, which is the latest development in BMW's AWD technology. It uses a servomotor to adjust the multi-disc clutch that splits the torque between the front and rear wheels, and in many circumstances the X3 feels just like a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.
Reduced traction causes more power to be fed to the front, and the DSC traction control can even reduce engine torque and brake individual wheels in order to conquer most any hill. A standard push-button hill descent control can maneuver the X3 down steep or slippery hills with no driver throttle or braking input.
The X3 has one and a half cubic feet less interior volume than the X5, and offers the usual combination of BMW austerity mixed with luxury. Options include such treats as xenon headlights, a six-speed automatic transmission, park assist, navigation, and a heated steering wheel.
A Premium Package includes leather seats, auto-dimming mirrors, and Bluetooth. A Sport Package adds a stiffer suspension and larger wheels. The Cold Weather Package comes with front and rear heated seats, and headlight washers.
A new Sport Activity Package includes 18-inch alloys, all-season tires, running boards, and privacy glass, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel. |
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