2011 BMW X3 Review by Mike Hanley
The BMW X3 may have been a pioneer among compact luxury crossovers, but a number of competitors — including the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class and Volvo XC60 — have entered the fray since its debut as a 2004 model. Now, with the second-generation X3, BMW has new metal to take them on.
The 2011 BMW X3 is still the small luxury crossover of choice for driving enthusiasts, but its substantially more forgiving suspension tuning should make the new version far more appealing.
I tested the base xDrive28i, which starts at $36,750; with options, our test car's sticker price was $43,875. For a side-by-side comparison with the competitors mentioned above, click here.
See also:
2010 BMW X5 Review
Aside from a low clatter at startup, there are few initial signs that BMW's diesel-powered X5 is a different sort of beast. Drive it you must, though, because diesel power is addictive. As is the ca ...
Automatic Hold
The concept
This system assists the driver by automatically
setting and releasing the brake, such as when
moving in stop-and-go traffic.
The vehicle is automatically held in place when
it is s ...
Programming
LED, arrow 1.
Memory buttons, arrow 2.
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. Initial setup:
Press both outer buttons 1 and 3 for approx.
20 seconds until the L ...