X3 in the Market

At $38,000, the X3 starts substantially higher than its nearest competitor, the Acura RDX. Save for its problematic transmission behavior, the BMW offers a more buttoned-down driving experience than the Acura. For some, that's worth every penny.

As BMW surely knows, the X3 can't sit on its pedestal forever. Land Rover's entry-level LR2 is on the way, and so are the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. If the X3 is to remain a desirable car, BMW will have to fix a few things so buyers need not weigh the good against the bad — because there will be plenty of very good alternatives soon.

    See also:

    Stowing cargo
    BMW X5 BMW X5 BMW X6 BMW X6 ▷ Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not occupied, secure each of the outer safety belts in the BMW X5 in the opposite buckle. ▷ Heavy cargo: ...

    Mounts for the lower LATCH anchors
    Correctly engage the lower LATCH anchors Make sure that the lower LATCH anchors have properly engaged and that the child restraint fixing system is resting snugly against the backrest; otherw ...

    Drive-off assistant
    This system supports driving away on gradients. The parking brake is not required. 1. Hold the vehicle in place with the foot brake. 2. Release the foot brake and drive away without delay. Depen ...