BMW X3 WAGON LUXURY COMPACT 4WD

BMW X3 WAGON (4 wheel drive)

MODELS:

• X3 2.5i, 6sp manual $65,300
• X3 2.5i, 5sp Steptronic automatic $67,900
• X3 3.0i, 5sp Steptronic automatic $74,600

ON SALE:

• June 26, 2004

HIGHLIGHTS:

• xDrive all wheel drive ("guarantees infinitely variable torque split between front and rear wheels, meaning the wheels with most grip get the most power. Traction is delivered under all conditions, and xDrive works to neutralise tendencies to understeer or oversteer in fast cornering")
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Anti-lock brakes
• Dynamic Brake Control
• Automatic Differential Brake
• Hill Descent Control
• Cornering Brake Control.

STANDARD FEATURES:

• 10 airbags
• multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise control
• 17-inch light alloy wheels
• roof rails
• rain sensor and automatic headlight control, fog lights
• climate control air conditioning
• on board computer
• CD radio

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

• Austria: town of Graz; Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG factory

ENGINE:

• 2.5L, inline 6 cylinder, 141 kW , 245 Nm torque; top speed of 208 kph
• 3L, inline 6 cylinder, 170 kW , 300 Nm torque; top speed 210 kph
  0-100 in 8.1s

TOWING CAPACITY (BRAKED)

• 2.5i: 1700 kg
• 3.0i: 1800 kg

FUEL CONSUMPTION :

• average 12.1 L / 100 km

OPTIONS:

• SPORTS PACKAGE
• white direction indicators, appliqués in high-gloss satin chrome, and light-alloy wheels in star-spoke design. High-gloss satin chrome on the side window surrounds, window shaft covers, the mirror base: all finished in high-gloss black paint.
• leather sports steering wheel, sports seats for the driver and front passenger, as well as the roof lining in Anthracite
• WHEELS
• optional 17-inch and 18-inch designs
• SPORTS SUSPENSION
• sports suspension maintains the same high level of ground clearance while offering firmer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars
• HIGH SPEED SPORTS SUSPENSION
• for X3 3.0i: V spec tyres; 18-inch light alloy rims for high-speed use.

xDrive ALL WHEEL DRIVE

"The big advantage of xDrive: rapid information allowing a quick response
The new xDrive all-wheel-drive system serves as the “brain” controlling the flow of power to the wheels. Directly networked to the DSC driving stability system, xDrive enables DSC to operate even more efficiently.

DSC benefits xDrive in a number of ways. Unlike other all-wheel-drive systems, xDrive is proactive. Conventional all-wheel drive does not respond until the wheels have started to spin, xDrive, evaluating the driver’s wishes via throttle position, is able to recognise driving situations in which all-wheel drive is beneficial.

The result is all-wheel-drive performance and stability before the wheels are able to build up any slipping action in the first place.

xDrive also uses all the information gathered by DSC Dynamic Stability Control, the yaw rate sensor, for example, determining any rotating movement of the vehicle and the steering angle sensor registering the position of the steering wheel.

Together with information on the speed of the vehicle provided by the wheel sensors as a function of lateral acceleration, and on the basis of engine data, xDrive is able to determine the specific driving situation early on so it can distribute drive power perfectly between the front and rear axles.

The result is a significant improvement in agility the driver will appreciate, above all on winding mountain roads.

In practice xDrive provides any required shift of torque and drive forces between the axles with maximum efficiency in the shortest possible time.

A few examples:

When setting off in normal driving conditions, the multiple-plate clutch remains almost completely locked until the X3 has reached a speed of approximately 20 km/h, thus ensuring maximum traction at step off. Then the system distributes engine power fully variably between the rear and front axle as a function of driving conditions. At speeds of 180 km/h or more (in the Northern Territory or where legal), the X3 is driven exclusively by its rear wheels.

In bends re-distribution of drive occurs within split seconds to cut any under- or oversteer. In oversteer conditions in a bend, xDrive will close the multiple-plate clutch even tighter, feeding more power to the front wheels. This allows the rear wheels to build up greater side forces and the vehicle will be stabilised. Interacting with DSC, in turn, xDrive is able to detect any risk of oversteering at a very early point in time, intervening before the driver even recognises the change in driving conditions. DSC Dynamic Stability Control does not intervene until variable drive distribution alone is no longer sufficient to eliminate the risk of oversteer.
During understeer-inducing conditions exiting a bend, xDrive is fed data from the DSC and offsets understeer by reducing drive to the front wheels. In extreme cases, the X3 may switch to 100 percent rear wheel drive. If even this is not enough, DSC will take over. This gives the driver 3 Series sedan levels of grip and poise especially over demanding, twisting roads. xDrive can cope with abrupt full-throttle on or throttle off conditions without the slightest problem. While the lag between the driver flooring the throttle and the engine building up power is 200 milliseconds, the xDrive multi-plate clutch is able to open or close completely within just 100 milliseconds.
When driving with a large steering angle and under low engine power – for example, when parking – all-wheel drive becomes rear-wheel drive, with all the power of the engine going to the rear wheels. This avoids any axle wind-up or extra loading on the steering.

On slippery gradients, a locking up action connecting the front and rear axles prevents individual wheels from spinning. Hence, DSC is required to reduce engine power or apply the brakes only under far more difficult driving conditions. Then, when accelerating again, the locking action of xDrive serves additionally to significantly reduce the risk of losing longitudinal or lateral forces on the various wheels, giving the driver a much safer and more agile driving experience.

A bearing block is connected to the oil sump on the right to allow the use of two drive shafts exactly equal in length. The advantage is that the steering remains free of drive forces, since the drive shaft deflection angle is the same on both left and right sides. A further advantage is an enhanced steering lock helping the X3 to achieve a small turning circle (just 11.7 m), much smaller than a conventional off-roader.

The X3 does not employ a transfer case. This keeps the centre of gravity as low as possible and also it would be superfluous on an X3 considering the purposes for which it is intended. Also, the weight saved allows greater dynamic performance and fuel efficiency from the engine.

Like all other BMW vehicles, DSC Dynamic Stability Control can be switched off on the X3, giving the experienced sporting driver the opportunity to enjoy the dynamic driving qualities of the X3 to the full. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system however cannot be deactivated"

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact your nearest BMW dealership