2005 BMW X3 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 BMW X3?
BMW makes minor changes to its X3 for 2005, including more standard equipment on each model to make the vehicle a better value. An MP3-compatible stereo, a storage compartment top, and Matte Titanium and pearl gloss chrome interior trim is added on X3 2.5i models. The more powerful X3 3.0i can be equipped with an automatic transmission at no extra cost, and the panoramic sunroof is now standard. For all X3s, there's a fresh swath of chrome on the exterior, and the interior may now be trimmed in maple or birch wood at no extra cost.

Advantages of the 2005 BMW X3:

• xDrive automatic all-wheel-drive lives up to the hype
• Standard Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) safety systems
• Smooth, torquey inline six engines
• Beautifully designed and crafted interior
• Emphasis on road-going rather than off-roading capability

Objections to the 2005 BMW X3:

• Price skyrockets when options are added
• Rough ride quality

Editor's Advice:
Refreshingly, the BMW X3 is one of the few vehicles in recent memory that lives up to the hype surrounding its debut. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system is brilliant, and though the X3's primary mission is to achieve class-leading highway performance and stable handling regardless of weather conditions, it does reasonably well on all but the most difficult trails too. The X3 is comfortable, with a roomy cargo area, and a wide range of options that can push prices well into the mid-$40,000 range are available to suit a buyer's needs. Perhaps best of all, there's no iDrive controller sitting between the seats. Give the X3 a drive. We think you'll like it.