The BMW X3 Thread

Brawny new M40d joins BMW’s X3 range

BMW has announced a brawny new diesel option for X3 customers, the M40d joining the M40i as the second high-performance model in the mid-sized SUV line-up.

As per the M40d version of the X4, the new variant gets a 240kW/680Nm version of BMW’s 3-litre six-cylinder diesel mill with multi-stage turbocharging. That’s a good 45kW and 60Nm more than you get in the X3 3.0d.

According to BMW, the X3 M40d will send you from standstill to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds - so it’s just a tenth of a second slower off the mark than the M40i, while obviously winning the efficiency race by a substantial margin with its claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.5 litres per 100km, versus the petrol model’s 8.9 l/100km claim.

As you’d expect at this level, X4 M40d is fitted with BMW’s eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission with launch control and the ‘M Performance’ version of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, in this case featuring a more rearward biased power distribution.

As an M Performance model, the M40d also gets a sporty exterior styling package with Cerium Grey garnishes, as well as 20-inch wheels and M Sport suspension and brakes.

We’re currently awaiting word on whether the new diesel flagship is bound for South African shores.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/brawny-new-m40d-joins-bmws-x3-range-15227836
 
BMW X3 M40i 2018 UK review

Should I buy one?

Being a range-topping, performance-oriented version of the X3, the M40i obviously comes with a heftier price tag; £51,705, to be precise.

That makes it a rival for the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, as well as the Porsche Macan S.

While the GLC is arguably suited more towards those after a more extroverted performance SUV, and the Macan certainly the sharper driving tool of the three, the X3 M40i is by no means far off the mark. And, for that reason, it warrants consideration.

BMW X3 M40i specification

Where Surrey, UK Price £51,705; On sale now; Engine inline six, 2998cc, twin-turbo, petrol; Power 355bhp at 5500rpm; Torque 369lb ft from 1520rpm; Gearbox 8-spd automatic; Kerb weight 1885kg; Top speed 155mph (limited); 0-62mph 4.8sec; Fuel economy 33.6mpg; CO2 193g/km; Rivals Porsche Macan S, Audi SQ5, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/x3/first-drives/bmw-x3-m40i-2018-uk-review

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It’s official: new BMW iX3 to be built in China for export

The BMW Group has announced the expansion of its footprint in China, confirming that the upcoming all-electric BMW iX3 will be produced in China for export to global markets.

The German group and its Chinese partner Brilliance Automotive Group Holdings have signed a long-term framework agreement to further expand their joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA).

Under the agreement, the joint venture will increase the capacity of its two local production facilities Tiexi and Dadong in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, to a total of 520 000 BMW brand vehicles in 2019. In addition, the iX3 will be produced by BBA in Shenyang from 2020 and exported to other markets.

“Today’s signing represents a new chapter in the success story of our BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture,” said Harald Krüger, chairman of the board of management of the BMW Group.

“Our agreement sets a long-term framework for our future in China – a future involving continued investment, further growth and a clear commitment to the development and production of electric vehicles. The next chapter of our cooperation has the potential to go beyond our existing motto – in China, for China. The all-electric BMW iX3, produced by BBA from 2020, will find customers around the world,” added Krüger.

In addition to the two automobile production locations, BBA also runs an engine plant, which includes a battery factory for the electrified BMW brand vehicles produced locally in Shenyang.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-bmw-ix3-built-china-export-markets/
 
2018 BMW X3 sDrive20i review: Good value..? - CarAdvice

[video=youtube;fYTFCuwEXjs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYTFCuwEXjs[/video]
 
Alfa Romeo Stelvio vs BMW X3 vs Volvo XC60 comparison review - Drive.com.au

[video=youtube_share;Tksvc1lqCmk]https://youtu.be/Tksvc1lqCmk[/video]
 
BMW SA to donate 20 locally built X3s to NGOs, universities

BMW Group South Africa plans to donate 20 examples of its Rosslyn-built X3 – worth more than R15-million in total – to selected NGOs and educational establishments.

The first organisation to receive its X3 (in xDrive20d guise) is The Rhino Orphanage, a Limpopo-based charity dedicated to saving orphaned baby rhinoceroses.

BMW SA says that universities and technical colleges that have been selected to receive SUVs will be announced in due course.

Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, added that while the local arm of the Munich-based automaker had started production of the X3, it was “building more than just a car in South Africa”.

“We’re honoured to be able to give back, and donating 20 cars to the right kind of organisation is the continuation of our long-standing commitment to charitable causes,” Abbott said.

He added that the NGOs the company had selected were “organisations as dedicated to South Africa as we have been for the past 45 years”.

In April 2018, BMW’s Plant Rosslyn near Pretoria completed the switchover from building the 3 Series sedan to the new-generation X3, before exports kicked off in May 2018.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/bmw-sa-to-donate-20-x3-units-to-ngos-and-universities/
 
Here’s much BMW’s new entry-level X3 models will cost you

BMW South Africa is set to add two new base models to its locally produced X3 range, expanding the line-up from four to six derivatives.

At launch in November 2017, four all-wheel-drive variants were offered in South Africa: the xDrive20d, xDrive30i, xDrive30d and flagship M40i. A year later, however, the new entry-level sDrive20i and xDrive20i models are set to join the range.

The X3 sDrive20i will be priced at R661 199, with its turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine sending 135 kW and 290 N.m to the rear axle via an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims a 0-100 km/h time of 8,2 seconds for this model, with top speed pegged at 215 km/h and combined fuel consumption at a claimed 7,4 L/100 km.

And the X3 xDrive20i? Well, this derivative will come in at R707 405 and employ the very same powerplant, but here linked to all four wheels. Interestingly, the Bavarian automaker claims a slightly tardier dash to three figures (of 8,3 seconds) and fuel consumption of 7,6 L/100 km.

In April 2018, BMW Group South Africa officially announced the start of production of the X3 at its Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, completing the switchover from building the 3 Series sedan.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/heres-much-bmws-new-entry-level-x3-models-will-cost-you/
 
Pricing! BMW X3 range expands with sDrive18d and M40d

In November 2018, BMW South Africa added two new base models to its locally produced X3 range, expanding the line-up from four to six derivatives. And now a further two diesel derivatives have been slipped into the line-up in the form of the entry-level sDrive18d and the flagship M40d.

The X3 sDrive18d is priced at R651 403, which makes it the least expensive variant in the range, undercutting the petrol-powered sDrive20i by some R9 795.

Powered by a 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that sends its 110 kW and 350 N.m to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, the sDrive18d will hit three figures from standstill in a claimed 9,7 seconds, before running out of puff at 198 km/h. The Munich-based firm says this model will sip diesel at just 5,3 litres per 100 km.

And the X3 M40d? Well, this M Performance derivative starts at R1 034 963, which renders it the second-most expensive variant in the line-up (the X3 M40i, of course, will cost you slightly more at R1 038 126). For the record, the M40d’s 3,0-litre turbodiesel inline-six sends 240 kW and 680 N.m to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic, hitting 100 km/h in a claimed 4,9 seconds and topping out at 250 km/h.

In April 2018, BMW Group South Africa officially announced the start of production of the X3 at its Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, completing the switchover from building the 3 Series sedan.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/pricing-bmw-x3-range-expands-with-sdrive18d-and-m40d/
 
New M40d variants finally join BMW SA's X3 and X4 ranges

The new M40d variants have finally joined BMW South Africa’s X3 and X4 ranges, slotting in alongside their M40i siblings at summit of the respective line-ups (until the local arrival of the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition flagships, that it).

Both models employ the Munich-based firm’s 3,0-litre inline-six turbodiesel engine, sending 240 kW and 680 N.m to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sprint from standstill to three figures takes a claimed 4,9 seconds, regardless of which body style you opt for, with top speed electronically pegged at 250 km/h.

So, how much are you looking at for these oil-burning performance SUVs? Well, the X3 M40d is priced from R1 034 964 (that’s R3 415 less than the X3 M40i), while the X4 M40d starts at R1 140 264 (also R3 415 less than the X4 M40i).

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/new-m40d-variants-finally-join-bmw-sas-x3-and-x4-ranges/

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BMW X3 M/X4 M Performance Parts Shown

The performance-infused BMW X3 M and X4 M are expected to in South Africa later this year and although we will be driving both in the United States this week, BMW has revealed the X3 M and X4 M with performance parts, take a look…

While we wait in anticipation for our very own Ciro De Siena to return from the US with a report on the X3 M and X4 M, this is what they will look like dressed-up in M Performance bits.

Carbon fibre is extensively used to complete the look with features such as a carbon fibre radiator grille, carbon fibre intakes and door sill finishers with carbon fibre inserts and an M Performance overprint. The roof edge spoiler is finished in gloss black, the same finish for the rear fins on the X4 M. The M Performance decals add colour and exclusivity to the overall package. LED door projectors with M Performance motifs add a special touch at night.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/bmw-x3-mx4-m-performance-parts-shown/46791/

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BMW X3 M and X4 M get M Performance Parts treatment

BMW is now opening its M Performance Parts catalogue to the X3 M and X4 M, allowing owners to give a more distinctive design edge to their high performance crossovers.

As it goes with these packages, there are no performance mods here, but remember that the X3 M and X4 M are already fitted with the M Division’s most powerful six-cylinder engine yet, good for 353kW in the standard models and 375kW in the Competition derivatives, with 600Nm on command in both cases. According to BMW, the respective versions get from 0-100k/h in 4.2 and 4.1 seconds.

What the Performance Parts offer is a more distinct style through a range of exterior components that are hand-crafted from carbon fibre, and then given a high-gloss polish.

Buyers can opt for a grille surround, air breathers and door sill finishers, all in carbon fibre, as well as M lettering on the front, side and rear of the car. Also available are a rear spoiler for the X3 M and rear fins for the X4 M, both finished in high-gloss black.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...-m-get-m-performance-parts-treatment-24844628
 
BMW details battery-powered iX3 ahead of 2020 debut

BMW has released more details about its upcoming iX3, while also confirming that the electric SUV will enter production in 2020.

While not the brand’s first fully electric vehicle, this battery-powered X3 will be the first BMW that’s available in electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel powertrain guises.

The iX3 will also usher in BMW’s “completely redeveloped” fifth-generation eDrive technology, which was designed in-house by BMW, and which will also power the upcoming BMW i4 and iNext.

Its 74 kWh battery features pioneering battery cell technology and according to BMW, it will allow a range of over 440km between charges, on the WLTP test cycle.

It’s not going to be a slouch either, with BMW quoting maximum outputs of 210kW and 400Nm for the iX3.

 
DRIVEN: BMW X3 M40d Steptronic Sport

Summary

There's something quite satisfying about driving a product as competent as the X3 M40d and then considering the fact it's manufactured right here in South Africa. I’ve said it before but if your budget can’t quite stretch to an X5, the X3 is a great option. It's only marginally behind the X5 in terms of comfort and technology ... and once you climb behind the wheel, you'll likely be impressed on so many levels.

FAST FACTS

Model: BMW X3 M40d Steptronic Sport
Price: R1 083 184
Engine: 3,0-litre, six-cylinder turbodiesel
Power: 240 kW at 4 400 r/min
Torque: 680 N.m at 1 750 r/min
0-100 km/h: 4,9 seconds
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 6,7 L/100 km
CO2: 176 g/km
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Maintenance Plan: 5-year/100 000 km


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