Autoblog

2011 BMW X3 recalled over power steering issues

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST

2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 BMW X3 has only been on sale for a few months now, but it already faces a recall over a potentially serious problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a control module in the crossover's electric power steering system may malfunction, resulting in a loss of power steering.

This recall only affects X3s built between April 27, 2011 and June 8, 2011 - 50 vehicles in total - and owners will be notified within the coming weeks. BMW dealers will repair the control module free of charge, ensuring that the X3's steering never goes berserk while out on the road. Hit the jump for NHTSA's official release.

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2011 BMW X3 recalled over power steering issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

BMW Super Bowl Ad - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

BMW was one of the few companies to keep its Super Bowl advertising plans to itself until kick off time, but the Roundel came to the game packing two 30-second spots. The company said it wanted to get two messages across to Americans: that its diesels are cleaner and more powerful than ever and that the German manufacturer is continuing to invest in America even as the economy struggles to recover. In order to make that happen, BMW enlisted the vocal talents of actor Chris Pine (of Star Trek fame) for the two spots. Pine is now the official voice of BMW advertising here in the States.

The first ad is clearly aimed at distinguishing the 335d from the American perception of diesel - sluggish old Volvo wagons, rough-idling Mercedes-Benz sedans and soot-spewing trucks and busses. The second ad focuses on the company's efforts in Spartanburg, South Carolina, including producing every X3 on the planet. Hit the jump to check out both spots as well as the full press release.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots?

Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and... American roots? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bimmer Builder: 2011 BMW X3 configurator comes online

Chris Shunk — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, BMW

The 2011 BMW X3 is ready for prime time, with all-new sheet-metal and an equally new interior, a choice of efficient inline six engines and a standard eight-speed transmission. If that sounds like an enticing package, you can now head over to BMW's official website to build your own. The base X3 28i will set you back $37,625, but for that price you'll have to go with non-metallic black or white paint and a Leatherette interior. For another $550, there are eight different metallic paints from which to choose.

On the interior front, there are four different leather options to choose, each of which will set you back $1,450. A fully loaded 28i comes in at $52,150 and includes several different option packages including a $3,450 Premium Package, which includes the $1,450 leather seats and a $3,200 Technology Package with navigation and audio inputs.

Move up to the 300-horsepower X3 xDrive 35i and the base price rockets to $41,925, or $4,300 more than the non-turbo 28i. Max out the available packages and add options like smart phone integration and rear camera and you're looking at an MSRP of $56,750. All prices include $875 destination...

Gallery: 2011 BMW X3: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: BMW]

Bimmer Builder: 2011 BMW X3 configurator comes online originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 BMW X3

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW, First Drives, Luxury

Refined, Not Redefined

2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Long before the segment-bending X6, BMW's crossover strategy was simple: offer the utility of a traditional SUV but in a package that's not only luxurious, but fun to drive. The original X5 Sport ~~Utility~~ Activity Vehicle kicked things off in 1999, and only a few years later, the smaller X3 arrived.

Now, luxury crossovers are a dime a dozen, and automakers are clamoring to be a part of the small CUV segment. In just the past few years, we've been introduced to the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Volvo XC60 and Infiniti EX35, among others. But as the X3 aged, its unusually harsh suspension and not-so-great interior plagued sales. In 2004, BMW moved roughly 35,000 X3s off dealer lots, and just last year, that number dropped to less than 10,000. Things aren't looking good for 2010, either.

Instead of trying to reinvent the formula, BMW has improved on the X3's original idea by offering more refinement, top-notch driving dynamics and heaps of technology focused on efficiency and connectivity. The end result is a compact crossover ready to regain its spot at the head of the class. Find out if BMW succeeded after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 BMW X3: First Drive

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First Drive: 2011 BMW X3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW announces pricing for 2011 X3

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're about to drive the 2011 BMW X3, but before we get behind the wheel, BMW has announced pricing for its next-gen. cute 'ute, and as before, the new CUV will be offered in two trims. The base X3 xDrive28i, which features a 240 horsepower inline-six, will start at $37,625. The more powerful xDrive35i, which boasts a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, starts $41,925. Both models come standard with all-wheel drive and BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2011 BMW X3 will arrive in dealer showrooms at the end of 2010, and both models will be available at launch.

Additionally, Blackberry users will have something to be excited about. The X3 is fitted with technology to pull loads of utility out of its smartphone integration. The navigation screen can display emails when the car is stationary, and when it's in motion, the system utilizes a text-to-speech program to read messages through the audio system.

The base price of the 2011 BMW X3, even though the car has been refreshed and features more standard items, is less than the 2010 model it replaces. It's a $2,100 price drop down from the 2010 base MSRP of $39,725.

Gallery: Paris 2010: BMW X3

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BMW announces pricing for 2011 X3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: BMW X3 is new yet familiar

Chris Paukert — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:58:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has whisked the sheets off its 2011 X3, and the second-generation crossover looks suspiciously like its predecessor. Beyond a seemingly endless parade of spy shots over the last couple of years, that's predictable, as the X3 has been a considerable sales success for the German automaker.

While the sheetmetal stays largely the same, the lineup receives new engines and an eight-speed automatic gearbox that's set to spread like kudzu throughout the automaker's offerings. The X3 also becomes the first model in BMW's growing X franchise to adopt electric power steering (the automaker's controversial variable sports steering rack is optional), as well as optional Damper Control and Dynamic Drive Control (as seen on its range of sedans and sports cars).

In addition to the new sheetmetal, BMW promises added rear seat room, addressing one of the vehicle's key shortcomings for the North American market.

Power will come from BMW's Twinpower Turbo (Bimmerese for twin-scroll turbo) inline six-cylinder engine that gives the XDrive35i model 306 brake horsepower at 5,800 rpm with max torque of 295 pound-feet of torque at just 1,300 rpm. That's good enough for a 0-62 mph time of just 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph, though it's not clear if that figure will be governed when it reaches us Yanks. An entry-level xDrive28i model will also receive I-6 power, with 240 hp and 230 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, diesel mills will also be available in other areas of the globe, but as of yet, BMW officials haven't committed to bringing an oil burner to the States. The gas model, however, should be in showrooms before year's end, and for U.S. buyers, it'll have a shorter distance to travel, as it will be built in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Check out our gallery of live shots below, and hop the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: Paris 2010: BMW X3

Gallery: 2011 BMW X3

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Paris 2010: BMW X3 is new yet familiar

Paris 2010: BMW X3 is new yet familiar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW X3 fills out, adds a dash of sport

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Behold the 2011 BMW X3. It's longer, wider and taller than its predecessors, but you'd be forgiven for thinking it looks remarkably similar to the last X3.

Naturally, BMW's twin-kidney grille is affixed up front, but like the new 5 and 7 Series, it's more upright and slightly larger than before. The lower air dam is slightly chiseled while staying true to BMW's recent organic shapes, and the wider headlamps come equipped with "Corona Rings" and optional Xenon bulbs.

Viewed in profile, the outgoing X3's slab sides have been augmented with a character line running aft of the front wheels and kicking up over the rear fenders, while an upswept D-pillar compliments the redesigned LED taillamps and subtle crease over the rear-mounted Roundel. All in, the new X3 (F25) is half an inch taller, 3.36 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider with a half-inch increase in ground clearance. In keeping with tradition, it's a "lifestyle" vehicle first with no pretenses of hardcore off-roading.

Like the outside, the interior is a subtle evolution of its forebear, with a staid German style balancing functionality and form. The joystick-style transmission lever carries over from BMW's most recent models, along with an 8.8-inch iDrive-controlled screen and a redesigned steering wheel with aluminum accents on the paddle shifters and lower spoke. With the rear seats set in place, rear cargo volume comes in at 19 cubic feet, growing to 56.6 cubes with the 60:40 rear seats folded flat.

The entry-level X3 xDrive28i comes equipped with BMW's naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline six rated at 240 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, allowing BMW's best-selling 'ute to sprint to 60 in 6.7 seconds - about a half second quicker than the outgoing model. Step up for the X3 xDrive35i and you're basking in 300 hp and 300 lb-ft provided by BMW's new single-turbo N55 inline-six. The 0-60 run clocks in at a claimed 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph when kitted out with the optional Sport package.

Channeling that power to the ground is a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox with wider spreads and taller cruising gears to keep fuel economy in check, while standard all-wheel drive splits torque 40:60 front-to-rear thanks to an electronically controlled multi-disc diff and a host of other gizmos.

The MacPherson front struts have been redeveloped along with the multi-link rear suspension, while an optional electronic damping control adapts to the road and driver inputs. Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes are mounted next to the gear selector, tweaking throttle response, transmission shifts, steering assist, DSC settings and suspension firmness.

The newest electronic system for the X3 is the Performance Control feature, which shuffles 80 percent of the torque to the rear under steady-state throttle. Like Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, the BMW's system brakes the inside rear wheel and powers the outside roller to curb understeer and provide a more neutral driving feeling.

Production of the X3 will remain at BMW's Spartanburg, SC plant and sales are set to begin towards the end of the year. Hit the jump for the full details and check out the positively massive gallery of images below.

Gallery: 2011 BMW X3

Continue reading 2011 BMW X3 fills out, adds a dash of sport

2011 BMW X3 fills out, adds a dash of sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First details on 2011 BMW X3 leak out

Zach Bowman — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Europe, Paris Motor Show, BMW, UK, Luxury, Off-Road

2011 BMW X3 - Click above for image gallery

BMW has just dropped a few juicy details about the 2011 X3 on the web along with a few camo'd photos. With the addition of the X1 in European markets, the Bavarian automaker is looking to give its middle child a little extra interior space, so the 2011 X3 will be slightly wider and longer than the beasts currently prowling the Costco parking lot. Even so, weight has been slimmed by around 55 pounds and in a nod to ever-increasing fuel economy concerns, the automaker has also decided to switch the power steering on the X3 from pneumatic to electric to reduce drag on the engine.

Speaking of engines, there won't be any major surprises under the hood. UK buyers will be able to choose between a total of four engines - the standard fair available here in the land of the free plus two turbo-diesel mills. We wouldn't exactly hold our breath waiting for those to show up in our neck of the woods at launch.

Interestingly enough, Autocar reports that BMW is currently investigating a turbocharged four-cylinder variant as well as an AcitveHybrid flavor, though who knows if either of those are slated for U.S. consumption. Look for a full unveil at this year's Paris Motor Show.

Gallery: 2011 BMW X3

[Source: Autocar]

First details on 2011 BMW X3 leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW teasing 2011 X3 well in advance

Zach Bowman — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Crossover, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury

2011 BMW X3 teaser shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Paris Motor Show may be five months out at this point, but that isn't stopping manufacturers like BMW from getting the ball rolling on the long, slow, aggravating striptease of new models. The German manufacturer has just dropped a few sneaky shots of the all-new 2011 X3 for the motoring world to start speculating over. So what do we see? A hood, a taillight, a few body lines and not much else.

It's clear that the hood now wears similar styling to what you'll find on the 3 Series and 5 Series thanks to a few more contours than the previous piece. Beyond that, we don't know too much about the new Bavarian high-rider other than it can whip up a bomb scare in a hurry.

Judging from the spy shots we've come across thus far, we aren't expecting particularly dramatic changes to the X3's exterior. A reworked fascia is likely to join the new hood and taillights, and there is some talk of a four-cylinder engine making its way under the hood for the first time.

Gallery: 2011 BMW X3 Teaser

[Source: BMW]

BMW teasing 2011 X3 well in advance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW wants more people to custom-order X3s with high-margin options

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 17 May 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, BMW

When the second generation X3 goes on sale early next year BMW wants more of its American customers to start special ordering the crossovers rather than buying them off the lot. Custom orders are more the norm in Europe where about half of all BMWs are spec'd up before being delivered to the buyer, and BMW has been promoting its Individual program which allows customers to pick and choose the colors and materials in their vehicles.

The advantage to BMW is that these optioned vehicles have much higher profit margins than the standard configurations typically stocked by dealers. If BMW can succeed in getting more custom orders for the X3 and other models it will improve the bottom line for both its dealers and the automaker as lots won't have to stock nearly as much inventory. The biggest problem is changing American's desire to show up at a dealer and drive something off the lot that day.

Promoting build-to-order will be much easier with the new X3 because production of the new model will be moved from Austria to the recently expanded Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. Building the crossovers here will allow BMW to drastically cut delivery times and BMW will also be more heavily promoting its factory delivery program and the driving classes it offers at the adjacent Performance Center.

[Source: AutoWeek]

BMW wants more people to custom-order X3s with high-margin options originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: BMW X3 prototype reportedly causes bomb scare outside NY museum

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 09 May 2010 18:18:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Government/Legal, Safety, Crossover, BMW

2011 BMW X3 prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Note To Self: Don't leave camouflaged prototypes parked with the engine running next to Central Park in Manhattan. Just a week after a failed car bomb attempt in Times Square, Manhattan is understandably still a bit jittery. An apparent error in judgement by Martin Birkmann, head of product planning for BMW North America, reportedly triggered a bomb scare and the resulting evacuation of several blocks along Central Park West near the American Museum of Natural History this afternoon.

Birkmann was out evaluating a prototype 2011 BMW X3 covered in camouflage when he stopped to enjoy a bit of fresh air in the park. He inadvertently left the engine running and a woman walking her dog rightly thought the vehicle looked suspicious - particularly understandable given that New Yorkers are not as used to seeing such prototypes out and about as much as, say, your average Detroiter.

Police responded to investigate, and after clearing the area of bystanders, found no reason for alarm. Everyone was safe, although the back window of the X3 prototype was apparently shattered in the process. No doubt Birkmann will think twice about where he parks such vehicles in the future. Hat tip to Michael!

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3

[Source: New York Daily News | Image: CarPix]

BREAKING: BMW X3 prototype reportedly causes bomb scare outside NY museum originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 May 2010 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3 out and about in Munich

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, BMW

2011 BMW X3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're expecting the 2011 BMW X3 to debut sometime this year and judging by this latest crop of spy shots out of Munich, Bimmer's mid-level 'ute should be ready for prime-time when the Paris Motor Show rolls around this Fall.

Although the prototype appears slightly larger than the current model, the changes will be largely cosmetic, particularly up front, where the outgoing X3's plebeian proboscis has been dispatched in favor of BMW's new upright fascia. The headlamps appear to have grown in size and we're particularly digging the sculpted bumper, with its larger lower grille, more dramatic lip and angular air intakes.

The styling appears more standard on the sides and out back, although BMW is sure to redesign the D-pillar and fit new LED taillamps inspired by the rest of the range.

Naturally, the 2011 X3 will feature BMW's 3.0-liter six-cylinder powerplants - either naturally aspirated or turbocharged - with a handful of diesel mills available to our friends abroad. However, don't be surprised to hear about some kind of four-cylinder fitted to the X3 after its initial launch, and here's hoping that the 335d and X5 xDrive35d's impressive oilburner finds its way under the hood of the X3 in the U.S. in short order.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3 out and about in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW X3 U.S. launch delayed by up to 6 months for custom order effort

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

According to BMW of North America's president, Jim O'Donnell, the Roundel crew will delay the launch of the 2011 BMW X3 by six months to establish a new customer ordering program and iron out which engines will be available in the States.

The move will apparently make the customization of the X3 both easier for consumers and less expensive for BMW, which plans to offer models with the top ten options on dealer lots. Production of the X3 will move from Magna Steyr's facility in Austria to the automaker's Spartanburg, S.C. plant, where it will be built along side the X5 and X6.

Traditionally, the X3 would be available with the bigger and more expensive inline-six at launch, but BMW plans to make four engines available at the onset, likely a naturally aspirated inline six, turbocharged six and possibly a diesel four-cylinder and the recently introduced six-pot from the 335d.

The delay means we won't be seeing the redesigned X3 in showrooms until the middle of 2011 -- some six months after BMW's U.S-built cute 'ute goes on sale in Europe. However, BMW plans to allow customers to begin ordering their X3s in October of 2010, so expect to see the revamped crossover unveiled in production (or light "concept" guise) early next year.

[Source: Autoweek]

REPORT: BMW X3 U.S. launch delayed by up to 6 months for custom order effort originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3

Dan Roth — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, BMW

Boy howdy does that camouflage make it difficult to suss out what's underneath! BMW's cooking up a new X3, expected to drop in 2011, and the changes don't look to be huge. The smallest SAV - BMW's acronym for ~~Stupid Ass~~ Sports Activity Vehicle - will get rhinoplasty to bring some Concept CS cues to the X3. The heavy camo on the rear windows suggest that BMW might be addressing some of the awkwardness that afflicts the current model, a definite plus. Word is that much sweat will be expended over an updated interior in order to keep up with competitors. A less-hideous X3 that retains its chassis moves while coddling you with a better interior? Sounds good to us, even though we'd still rather have an M3 wagon.

[Source: BMW blog, Photo: Priddy]

Spy Shots: 2011 BMW X3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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