🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

X3

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

E83

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact luxury SUV (SAV - Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW terminology)

Target Audience:

Individuals seeking a premium, sporty, and versatile SUV with BMW's driving dynamics

Competitors:

Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, Acura RDX, Lexus RX

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned BMW handling and driving engagement in an SUV package

Drivetrain:

Standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction and stability

Design:

Distinctive BMW styling, functional interior space

Licensing:

Officially licensed, derived from OE (Original Equipment) materials

Convenience:

Online, on-demand access, eliminating the need for bulky printed manuals

Value Proposition:

Cost savings compared to professional repair, empowering DIYers

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

All gasoline and diesel engine variants available for the 2004 X3

Drivetrain Coverage:

xDrive all-wheel-drive system, transfer case, differentials, drive axles

Suspension Steering Coverage:

Front and rear suspension components, steering rack, power steering system

Braking System Coverage:

Front and rear brakes (discs, calipers, pads), ABS, DSC, parking brake

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, fuses, relays, ECUs, lighting, battery, alternator

Body Exterior Coverage:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, exterior trim

Body Interior Coverage:

Interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC controls, airbags, safety restraints

Heating Air Conditioning Coverage:

HVAC system, climate control, refrigerant, compressor, blower motor

Infotainment Coverage:

Radio, navigation system, speaker system, antenna

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (comprehensive factory data)

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Online Software (Web Browser Access)

Duration:

1 Year (with option for renewal)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, drivetrain (xDrive, transmission, differentials)

Chassis:

Suspension (front/rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, parking), wheel alignment

Electrical And Electronics:

Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, ECUs, sensors, actuators, lighting, comfort systems, safety systems (airbags, ABS, DSC)

Body And Accessories:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC, infotainment, security system

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, electrical system testing, mechanical component diagnosis

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine component repair/replacement (e.g., head gasket, pistons), transmission service, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement

Component Removal Installation:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major and minor components

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on required diagnostic tools and equipment (e.g., ISTA/D, scan tools) and their use

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners

Clearances Tolerances:

Precise specifications for component clearances and tolerances

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Web-based platform accessible via browser

Quality:

N/A (digital format)

Type:

N/A (digital format)

Type:

N/A (digital format)

Functionality:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Types:

Includes diagrams, schematics, and technical illustrations

Devices:

Compatible with PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet (requires internet connection and web browser)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

N52B30 (for 3.0i model)

Engine Type:

3.0L Inline 6-Cylinder Aluminum/Magnesium Alloy Engine

Displacement:

2996 cc (183 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 2,500 - 4,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic or equivalent

Variable Valve Timing:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Type:

N/A (Automatic standard for 2004 E83 X3)

Shifting Modes:

Automatic and Manual modes (Steptronic)

Fluid Type:

BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent approved fluid)

Transmission Control:

Electronic Control Unit (ECU) controlled

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

73.0 inches (1855 mm)

Height:

64.4 inches (1636 mm)

Wheelbase:

109.8 inches (2790 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,057 lbs (1840 kg)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

Approx. 20.6 cubic feet (583 liters)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

Approx. 60.6 cubic feet (1715 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)

IIHS Front Offset Crash:

Good

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)

Braking Assistance:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (side curtain airbags)

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Professional Radio/CD player or optional Professional Navigation System.

Audio System:

Standard 6-speaker system, optional upgraded Hi-Fi or Logic7 sound systems.

Connectivity:

Optional Bluetooth integration for hands-free calling.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Climate Control:

Standard manual air conditioning, optional automatic climate control.

Seats:

Standard manually adjustable front seats, optional power-adjustable seats with memory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000-45,000 miles, or as indicated by CBS.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as indicated by CBS.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 miles (for original equipment plugs).

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 approved synthetic oil, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 BMW Premium Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (or Pentosin CHF 11S).

Crankcase Ventilation Valve:

PCV valve can become clogged, leading to oil leaks, rough idling, and increased oil consumption.

Oil Filter Housing Gasket:

Leaking oil filter housing gasket is a common issue, causing oil spots under the vehicle.

Power Steering Pump Hose:

Cracked or leaking power steering pressure hose can lead to fluid loss and steering issues.

Thermostat Housing:

Plastic thermostat housing can crack, causing coolant leaks.

Transfer Case Actuator Motor:

Failure of the transfer case actuator motor can result in AWD system warning lights and loss of drive to the front wheels.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.

First Generation:

The first generation X3 (E83) debuted in late 2003 for the 2004 model year, designed to fit between the compact X1 and the mid-size X5.

Platform:

Built on the BMW 3 Series (E46) platform, contributing to its agile handling characteristics.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily produced at the BMW plant in Rosslyn, South Africa.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reception:

The X3 was generally praised for its driving dynamics, luxury features, and BMW brand appeal, though criticized by some for its ride quality and interior space compared to competitors.

Jd Power Dependability:

Varied ratings, often mid-pack for its segment during this period.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Consumer Reports generally rated the X3's reliability as average or below average during its initial production years.