BMW X3 2.0d 2007 Review

BMW's plan to execute a major change in philosophy says everything we need to know about the refinement and performance of the modern turbo-diesel engine. The new, price-leading version of the X3, like the cheapest 5 Series, is powered not by the traditional small-capacity inline six, but a third-generation 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel.

On sale in November, the $62,500 auto-only X3 2.0d undercuts the 2.5 petrol auto by a significant $6K; the 3.0d by a massive $13,400, and could easily be on its way to becoming the most popular X3 variant.

Munich's newest four-pot diesel, launched in a slightly more gutsy form in the 120d in June, uses higher pressure (1800bar instead of 1600bar) common-rail technology to boost power by 15kW to 125kW at 4000rpm. Torque is lifted 10Nm to 340Nm at 1750rpm. Only a clattery idle gives the diesel away. Apart from a typically diesel-doughy throttle action, acceleration is brisk, the wide power band perfectly suited to ZF's brilliant six-speed auto and, for what it is worth, 140km/h is this X3's natural cruising speed. No complaints, either on the combined 7.0L/100km fuel cycle.

The recently facelifted X3 has done little to address the styling issues - the ugly connection around the headlights, bonnet and front guards - but at least the chassis engineers have backed off the suspension settings. The ride, even on the 17s of the car we drove, is now comfortable and appropriate for the X3's everyday role on the school run. The most affordable X3 is still expensive, but just watch it climb the sales charts.

OIL'S WELL
BMW, slow to appreciate that Australians would accept the diesel alternative even in the X5 and X3 SUVs, has now embraced the concept across all but its 7 Series and sports car models.

The X5 3.0d was first available in March 2003 and, with close to 70 percent of all X5s oilers, one in five BMWs sold here is a turbo diesel. Munich is moving fast to introduce diesels that produce less emissions than the EU's voluntary limit of 140g/km of CO2. In addition, brake regeneration - to become standard on the 3, 5 and 6 Series, and the X3 and X5 - is claimed to cut consumption by up to seven percent. In Germany, there is now a 635d powered by the brilliant 210kW twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel - yet to make it to Australia - while the new 123d gets a 150kW twin-turbo four.

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