Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (though some entered market later, direct competition was strong)
Key Features
Brand Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos applied to an SUV platform, emphasizing performance and handling.
Powertrain Availability:
Available with inline-six engines, emphasizing smooth power delivery and refinement.
Drivetrain:
Standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction and stability.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language:
English
Format:
PDF
Page Count:
126
Searchability:
Fully indexed and easily searchable
Usability:
Easy to use, printable pages
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Interior Controls:
Instruments and controls, heater and air-conditioner
Seating And Restraints:
Seats and restraints
Maintenance:
DIY maintenance schedule
Procedures Included
General Operation:
Detailed instructions for vehicle operation and features
Maintenance Guidance:
Guidance on routine maintenance tasks and schedules
Technical Depth
Depth Level:
Comprehensive owner-level information for operation and basic maintenance
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine 25I
Engine Code:
M54B25
Configuration:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
2494 cc (152.2 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm (3.31 in x 2.95 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Primary Engine 30I
Engine Code:
M54B30
Configuration:
3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
2979 cc (181.8 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm (3.31 in x 3.53 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type 25I:
6-speed Manual (less common)
Optional
Type 25I 30I:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic
Features
Drivetrain System:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models)
Transfer Case:
Electronically controlled, variable torque distribution
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4569 mm (179.9 in)
Width:
1845 mm (72.6 in)
Height:
1674 mm (65.9 in)
Wheelbase:
2795 mm (110.0 in)
Front Track:
1544 mm (60.8 in)
Rear Track:
1558 mm (61.3 in)
Weights
Curb Weight 25I:
1780 kg (3924 lbs)
Curb Weight 30I:
1790 kg (3946 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
1500 kg (3300 lbs) (with optional towing hitch)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
480 liters (16.9 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
1560 liters (55.1 cu ft)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
NHTSA Side Impact:
★★★★★ (5-Star)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control (ASC+T)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Dual front advanced airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Head:
Front and rear head protection system (side curtain airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Available Systems:
BMW Professional Radio, optional CD changer, optional Logic 7 audio system.
Navigation:
Optional MK4 navigation system with DVD-ROM maps.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) - front and rear sensors.
Headlights:
Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights for improved night vision.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth mobile interface for hands-free calling.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (as indicated by Condition Based Service - CBS).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 60,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
For M54 engines, approximately every 100,000 miles (using long-life iridium spark plugs).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04 approved)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) for both 2.5L and 3.0L engines
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT-2 or Dexron III compatible fluid (refer to specific transmission service bulletin for exact spec)
Known Issues
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system failures can lead to oil leaks and rough running.
Cooling System:
Plastic components in the cooling system (e.g., expansion tank, hoses) can become brittle and leak over time.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket leaks are common due to age and material degradation.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaking power steering pumps and hoses can occur.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing premium vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics and engineering.
Model Evolution
First Generation Launch:
The E83 X3 was first introduced in 2003, with the 2005 model year being part of its initial market introduction in many regions.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the BMW 3 Series (E46) platform, sharing many components and engineering principles.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Popular Mechanics Editors Choice:
While specific awards for the 2005 model year can vary by region and publication, the X3 generally received praise for its driving dynamics and BMW brand cachet.