Comparative test October 16, 2013 Purpose and means

The facelifted Land Rover Freelander challenges German premium crossovers. We decided to compare it with some of the best representatives of the segment, namely the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

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Test drive August 21, 2012 Weighted decision

Crossovers are by far one of the most popular vehicle classes. The first generation BMW X3, for example, sold over half a million copies around the world in seven years, after which the demand for it began to gradually subside. At the end of 2010, it was replaced by the second generation X3.

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Growth Benefits (X3 xDrive35i; Drive20d) Test Drive

Contrary to modern fashion, which dictates the reduction of dimensions even in a large format, the Bavarian crossover "BMW X3" in the second generation has become noticeably larger than before. And more powerful. And more dynamic. That does not prevent it from simultaneously being more economical and more environmentally friendly than its predecessor. In addition, he received a new chassis, four-wheel drive as standard and other technical innovations.

Christmas present (Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, Land Rover Freelander2, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Volvo XC60) Comparative test

The segment of small but powerful luxury crossovers has formed as a class quite recently, but it is these cars that are now rapidly gaining popularity. They are a welcome purchase for many car enthusiasts and the best gift for car enthusiasts. Drive your doubts away from yourself and take the queue before it's too long ..

In the summer of 2010, the Bavarian automaker released official photos of the second-generation BMW X3 crossover in the new F25 body, which made its world debut in September at the Paris Motor Show.

Externally, the new BMW X3 F25 (2015-2016) has become somewhat larger and more solid: the bumpers have changed, the new front optics have acquired a strip of LED daytime running lights, there are elegant stampings on the sidewalls, the rear-view mirrors have become larger.

Options and prices BMW X3 (F25).

Compared to its predecessor, the new BMW X3 lengthened by 83 mm (up to 4,652), added 28 mm "in the shoulders" (up to 1,881) and grew in height by 13 mm (up to 1,687), the wheelbase increased by 15 millimeters (up to 2 810). The dimensions of the novelty in all respects surpass the main competitors - and. At the same time, despite the increased size, the X3 II generation has become even somewhat lighter than the previous model.

Inside, the SUV boasts a completely new interior with a different front panel and center console, which has acquired a large 8.8-inch dipole, a new steering wheel and door panels, as well as modified seats.

The boot volume of the new BMW X3 F25 is 550 liters, which is 70 liters more than its predecessor, the backrest of the rear sofa folds in a ratio of 60:40, but an optional seat that folds in a ratio of 40:20:40 can be ordered. By folding the backrests of the rear row, the volume of the compartment increases to 1,600 liters.

Initially, only two engines were offered for the crossover: the basic version of the xDrive35i received a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline turbo engine producing 306 hp. and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,300 rpm. Paired with a new 8-speed automatic, the BMW xDrive35i can accelerate from standstill to 100 km / h in 5.7 seconds, and its top speed is 245 kilometers per hour.

The second option is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel unit with turbocharged and common rail direct injection. The power of this engine is 184 hp, the maximum torque is 380 Nm. The engine is aggregated with a 6-speed manual transmission and accelerates the new X3 to hundreds in 8.5 seconds. at a maximum speed of 210 km / h.

Later, the line was expanded to include an initial 184-horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine (xDrive 20i modification), as well as a more powerful 245-horsepower version of the same unit (xDrive 28i) and two more three-liter diesel engines with a return of 250 h.p. (xDrive 30d) and 313 hp. (xDrive 35d). As follows from the designation, all, without exception, versions, versions of the model are all-wheel drive.

Updated BMW X3

In early February 2014, BMW introduced an updated version of the X3 (F25) crossover, which received a redesigned appearance, an improved interior and an upgraded diesel engine. The world premiere of the novelty took place in March at the Geneva Motor Show.

Externally, the BMW X3 (2015-2016) got redesigned bumpers, new rear-view mirrors with integrated turn signal repeaters, and the main one - a larger radiator grille and other head optics made in the style of the new.

Also, several additional options for painting the body and wheel designs were prepared for the car. The interior architecture of the updated BMW X3 2015 remained the same, but the center console was slightly modified, new trim materials and additional upholstery schemes appeared, as well as an upgraded iDrive system with a built-in touch panel in the controller.

The base two-liter diesel in the xDrive 20d version now produces 190 hp. (400 Nm) against 184 forces and 380 Nm earlier, plus it became a little more economical compared to the previous version. The rest of the engines remained unchanged - in total for the BMW X3 (F25) in the European market, four diesel and three gasoline engines are available, which are aggregated in tandem with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-band automatic.

Sales of the updated BMW X3 in Russia started in the summer at a price of 2,670,000 to 3,580,000 rubles, with deliveries of cars being carried out both from the USA and the local Kaliningrad assembly. The latter in some versions are even slightly more expensive due to the richer standard equipment.

Photo BMW X3 (F25) 2015

The second generation BMW X3 crossover on the Russian market is offered exclusively with an all-wheel drive transmission and six engines. Among them are 2-liter gasoline "fours" with turbocharging (184 and 245 hp) and 3-liter inline "sixes" with a capacity of 258 and 306 forces, as well as turbodiesels with a volume of 2 liters (184 hp) and 3 liters R6 (249 or 258 forces).

POLISHING WILL HELP YOU

When buying an X3, check the body first. He himself is resistant to corrosion, but the paintwork is quite delicate. Therefore, chips and scratches on the front of the body, sills and wheel arches appear quite quickly. Any harmless contact, such as with a fuel nozzle hose, can mark the X3's body. Of course, minor defects can be removed by polishing, but more serious defects will require more significant costs.

Polishing is sometimes used to restore the transparency of the windshield, which does not shine with hardness and is already overwritten by wipers for 15,000-20,000 km. Native expensive, about 50,000 rubles. plus work about 15,000 rubles. However, on the market you can find a high-quality and more affordable "non-original".

Door seals are often peeled off, which is why moisture begins to penetrate into the interior and trunk. Repair, however, will be inexpensive. But replacing worn out leatherette chairs will pull about 25,000-35,000 rubles. along with work.

CHAIN \u200b\u200bATTRACTION

Of the motors, the most in demand are 2-liter petrol "fours". But they are also the most problematic. As a rule, after 50,000-70,000 km, they have a chain that drives the timing mechanism (timing) and the oil pump. You cannot drag out the replacement. As soon as you feel that the engine has become louder, it works intermittently at idle and dulls during acceleration, drive the car to an official or specialized service, where they probably know about this problem. Since on warranty crossovers, both chains with dampers and sprockets were changed for free. But if a malfunction is found on a used X3, the second owner will have to pay at least 80,000 rubles. A turbocharger does not live long - sometimes only 60,000-80,000 km. And it costs 100,000 rubles from dealers. - not counting the replacement work. To extend the life of the turbine, do not turn off the engine immediately after stopping - let the bearings cool, and also change the oil more often and clean the radiators from dirt at least once every two years.

The inline 258-strong "six" N52 is simpler in design and more reliable. But her turbo version of 306 hp. quite capricious and expensive to operate. True, used X3s with such engines are extremely rare in our country.

The risk group of all gasoline engines is a water pump (12,500 rubles) and a fuel pump (22,000 rubles), an exhaust gas recirculation valve, oxygen sensors (5600-11,000 rubles) and mass air flow (9500 rubles). In addition, you must constantly monitor the performance of the candles. The fact is that misfiring can lead to breakdown of catalytic converters, the price of which is about 55,000 rubles.

But diesels are reliable. Just remember, the guarantee of their longevity is high-quality fuel and oil. Therefore, the X3 resource depends on the choice of the correct refueling and regular service. However, there have been cases when the turbine of a 2-liter engine broke down during normal maintenance. A new one costs from 90,000 rubles, not counting replacement work. However, some craftsmen restore the turbocharger for an order of magnitude less money. The rest of the motors, especially the "six", are devoid of congenital defects. If you give them a conditioned "diesel fuel", then it is possible only after 150,000 km of run that you will need to replace the glow plugs (6,500 rubles each), injection nozzles and a fuel pump (from 38,000 rubles).

CHECK THE DISTRIBUTION

With all engines, except for the base 184-horsepower, for which a 6-speed "mechanics" is offered, an 8-band automatic transmission was combined. Used X3 on the "handle" are very rare - the bulk of our cars are equipped with "automatic". Nothing bad can be said about him. Even if one-time breakdowns did happen, dealers on warranty vehicles repaired or even changed the automatic transmission for free. To extend the life of this complex and expensive unit, make it a rule to renew the oil in it every 60,000 km.

But the transfer case presents unpleasant surprises. The first symptoms of the disease occurred already at 50,000-60,000 km, when cars begin to twitch and stumble slightly in corners. As soon as you notice this, immediately go to the service. Then you can still get by with an oil change with a software flashing for 10,000 rubles. Otherwise, the dealer will bill you for 200,000 rubles. for the new RC, not counting the work on its replacement. This defect is massive for X3, so some workshops have learned to restore "handouts", offering repaired for 70,000 in exchange for your killed. To prevent breakdowns of the transfer case, its clutch and gearboxes, tires of the same dimension and degree of wear should be used on all wheels, and the pressure in the rear and front ones should preferably be maintained at 2.3 and 2.2 bar, respectively.

BET ON NEORIGINAL

Independent suspension X3 will not upset with unforeseen expenses. However, it all depends on the driving style: those who like to prance on the asphalt and drive tram tracks without reducing speed will often change the details of the chassis. At the same time, dealer prices for consumables do not differ in humanity. For example, for the front and rear pads in official services they ask for 14,000 and 16,000 rubles. accordingly, and replacement of brake discs will cost 70,000 rubles! You can save money by buying spare parts in the online store and servicing the car in a specialized service. X3 owners often complain about unpleasant squeaks in the rear suspension. The problem is solved by treating floating silent blocks with thick grease. Dealers do this operation for prevention before the winter season.

In the steering, the statistics are spoiled by an electric rack, the price of which at the officials is already 136,000. Knocks appear in it already at 60,000-80,000 kilometers - bushings and bearings on the main shaft wear out. The Germans have repeatedly modernized the rail, but it has not become much more reliable. In America, where, by the way, the car is produced, a recall campaign was carried out on this occasion. On warranty cars in Russia, the rail was also updated for free. Only by 2014 the problem was solved by increasing the resource of the node to 100,000-120,000 km. I must say that this defect caused the appearance of specialized workshops in our country, which restore the mechanism for an average of 30,000 rubles. Another disease of the X3 steering - the creak and tapping of the steering shaft - is treated by replacing the crosspiece for just 9500 rubles.

THE YOUNGER IS THE MORE RELIABLE

The battery load of the electronically packed X3 is pretty high. It is not surprising that after two years the battery fails, having previously highlighted the corresponding low battery icon on the electronic display. Dealers do not change the battery for free - not a warranty case - and ask 22,000 rubles for a new one. Although in car dealerships you can buy it 4-5 times cheaper. In general, failures and glitches in electrical equipment periodically occur, although they still do not pull statistics. However, at each maintenance it is recommended to diagnose the system and throw off the accumulated errors.

When choosing a second-hand BMW X3, it is more advisable to opt for post-styling copies younger than 2014, when the 2-liter petrol engines and steering rack have become more reliable. In order to protect yourself as much as possible from unplanned expenses, it is better to choose a diesel modification of the crossover with any engine size.

The BMW X3 is a premium compact SUV that combines noble design, a high level of practicality and functionality, and the driving behavior normally found in the "iron horses" of the Bavarian automaker ...

Its main target audience is wealthy people (often family) who practice an active lifestyle, which is why they need a reliable, versatile and well-equipped car ...

The second generation of the crossover (in-plant index "F25") was demonstrated by the Germans to the world community in September 2010 on the catwalks of the International Paris Motor Show, and just over a month later its sales began in the world's leading markets.

Compared to its predecessor, the five-door has changed in all directions - it has become more expressive in appearance and more luxurious inside, has grown in size, "armed" with thoroughly modernized technology and received new options.

Since its inception, this SUV has periodically undergone minor improvements, but in 2014 it was the turn of a major modernization (the updated car debuted in March at the Geneva Motor Show) - the exterior and interior were refreshed, new engines were added to the range and the list of available equipment. In this form, the off-road vehicle lasted on the conveyor until 2017, after which it gave way to a model of the next generation.

The "second" BMW X3 looks nice, "thoroughbred", balanced and moderately aggressive, but at the same time quite laconic - in its appearance one cannot find outstanding design solutions, however, as well as any mistakes.

An expressive front end with a haughty look of twin headlights and branded "nostrils" of a radiator grille, a dynamic silhouette with developed "muscles" on the sides and large wheel arches, a tightened stern with frowning lanterns and a raised bumper - the crossover has a noble appearance that fully corresponds to its premium status.

The length of the second generation BMW X3 is 4657 mm, its width “extends” to 1881 mm and its height is 1661 mm. The wheelbase is 2810 mm at the five-door, and its ground clearance does not exceed 204 mm.

In "stowed" form, the weight of the off-road vehicle varies from 1795 to 1895 kg (depending on the version).

Inside "X-third" there is nothing superfluous: restrained and presentable design, perfect ergonomics in all aspects, expensive finishing materials and an excellent level of performance.

An exemplary "toolkit" with dial gauges and a colored board between them, a three-spoke multi-steering wheel of optimal dimensions and a massive center console flaunting the screen of the iDrive media center and intuitive blocks of the audio system and "microclimate" - the interior of the crossover is designed to match the exterior, without chasing visuals.

The interior of the second incarnation of the BMW X3 is designed to accommodate five people - there is ample headroom in both rows. At the front, the car is equipped with successful seats with variable cushion lengths, pronounced side bolsters and wide adjustment intervals, and at the rear - a comfortable sofa with a well-defined cushion shape and an optimal backrest tilt.

One of the “Bavarian's” trump cards is a neat trunk with smooth walls, which in normal condition is capable of taking 550 liters of luggage. "Gallery", divided into three sections, when folded forms a completely flat floor and brings the volume of the "hold" to 1600 liters. In the underground niche of the off-road vehicle, there is a container for small things, but there is no spare wheel there, even a small one.

On the Russian market, the second generation BMW X3 is provided with a wide range of power units:

• The petrol "combined" includes in-line four- and six-cylinder engines with a working volume of 2.0 and 3.0 liters with turbocharging, direct injection system and variable valve timing:
  • The "younger" version generates 184 horsepower at 5000-6250 rpm and 270 Nm of torque at 1250-4500 rpm, or 245 hp. at 5000-6500 rpm and 350 Nm of peak thrust at 1250-4800 rpm;
  • and "senior" - 306 hp. at 5800-6400 rpm and 400 Nm of rotational potential at 1200-5000 rpm.
• The diesel part consists of "fours" and "sixes" of 2.0 and 3.0 liters, respectively, with a vertical layout, turbocharging and a direct "power supply" system:
  • the return of the first is 190 hp. at 4000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1750-2250 rpm;
  • and the second - 249 hp. at 4000 rpm and 560 Nm of ultimate thrust at 1500-3000 rpm.

All motors are mated with an 8-band "automatic" and all-wheel drive xDrive transmission with a multi-plate clutch, which is responsible for transferring torque to the front wheels, and engines with a capacity of 184 and 190 hp. - also with a 6-speed "mechanics" (by default).

The BMW X3 of the second generation is based on a "rear-wheel drive" platform with a longitudinally arranged engine, and its monocoque body is mostly made of high-strength steel. On both axles of the car, independent suspensions with coil springs and lateral stabilizers are used (as an option - also with adaptive shock absorbers): in the front - a double-lever, in the rear - a multi-link.

The crossover boasts a rack and pinion steering system with an electromechanical power steering and a brake complex with disc brakes “in a circle” (ventilated in the front), ABS, EBD and other electronics.

In the secondary market of Russia, the second "release" of the BMW X3 in 2018 can be purchased at a price of ~ 900 thousand rubles.

The simplest equipment of the second generation model has in its arsenal: six airbags, ABS, ESP, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, engine start from a button, 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, electric drive and heated mirrors, fog lights, heated front seats, media center, high-quality audio system and much more.

The car is being assembled in Spartanburg, (South Carolina (USA) and Chennai (India)).

Design

The dynamic appearance of the X3 F25 was created by Adrian van Hooydonk and compared to the E83, the 2nd generation looks more elegant. The front of the car with a slanted grille, large xenon headlights, a powerful front bumper with fog lights, chrome exterior trim and clear contours of the hood characterize the sporty crossover.

The side view also characterizes the unique interpretations of the X Series design lines. They include highly flared wheel arches, short distances between the front axle and the dashboard, further emphasizing the dynamic appearance.

The rear is characterized by horizontal lines that emphasize the robust character of the F25, while the precise lines and expressively modeled surfaces create an attractive effect of light and shadow.

Salon

The modern interior of X3 F25 is made of high quality materials. The front and rear have plenty of roomy compartments and cup holders, while the three rear seats offer exceptional travel comfort. The luggage compartment is from 550 to 1600 liters and is the best in its segment. The rear seat backs can be split 40:20:40 and can be folded together or individually.

Equipment

Also for comfortable driving, the F25 is equipped with an Auto Start Stop function, braking energy recovery, EPS electric power steering, intelligent lightweight construction, tires with reduced rolling resistance, which help to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, and additionally a gear shift indicator.

The F25 X3 has a completely redesigned suspension with "NORMAL", "SPORT" and "SPORT +" modes. It comes standard with BMW xDrive permanent four-wheel drive, and its electronic control unit is linked to the DSC dynamic stability control.

The safety system includes front airbags, side head airbags, three-point automatic seat belts on all seats, belt force limiters, belt pretensioners, crash-active front head restraints, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages in the rear ...

The innovative BMW ConnectedDrive system offers a range of comfort and safety features such as automatic 2-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, high-quality audio and navigation system with hard drive, Head-Up Display, adaptive headlights, high-beam assist and camera rear view including top.

For even more exclusivity, the X3 crossover is available with 2 special equipment packages - and.

Specifications BMW X3 F25

Engines and model range

Video review of the BMW X3 F25 from the "Big Test Drive"

Videos of BMW X3 F25