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2009 BMW X3-Series Features Review

September 30, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

[navigation system is] a bear to use—even without BMW's much-maligned iDrive system
Cars.com

function takes priority over opulence
Edmunds

audio and climate controls are logically arrayed
ConsumerGuide

Reviewers assess the 2009 BMW X3's long list of features, most of which, with the exception of the navigation system, are easy to use.

Edmunds notes that standard features on the 2009 BMW X3 include "17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, leatherette (a.k.a. vinyl) upholstery, full power accessories (including front seats), keyless entry and a CD player with an auxiliary audio input." Other standard features on the 2009 BMW X3 include "automatic climate control with micro-filter and air recirculation; Sensatec leatherette upholstery; eight-way power adjustable front seats with two-way manual headrests and driver seat and mirror memory," and more, says MyRide.com.

BMW's navigation system is optional on the 2009 X3. However, Cars.com says it is "a bear to use—even without BMW's much-maligned iDrive system." Many drivers will want to skip this option in favor of an aftermarket nav system.

The BMW X3 is available in only one trim level, but it comes with three major option packages that group together popular options. Edmunds explains the options packages as follows: "Cold Weather package," which includes heated front and rear seats, headlight washers, and a ski bag; the "Premium package" that includes leather seating and additional interior and exterior lighting; a "Sport package" with firmer suspension calibrations, 18-inch alloys, sport seats, and body styling accents; and a "Sport Activity package," which includes the 18-inch alloys, running boards, privacy glass, and blackout window frames.

Conclusion

The 2009 BMW X3 piles on the features, but the interfaces aren’t as friendly as they could be.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:[navigation system is] a bear to use—even without BMW's much-maligned iDrive systemCars.comfunction takes priority over opulenceEdmundsaudio and climate controls are logically arrayedConsumerGuide Reviewers assess the 2009 BMW X3's long list of features, most of which, with the exception of the navigation system, are easy to use. Edmunds notes that standard features on the 2009 BMW X3 include "17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, leatherette (a.k.a. vinyl) upholstery, full power accessories (including front seats), keyless entry and a CD player with an auxiliary audio input." Other standard features on the 2009 BMW X3 include "automatic climate control with micro-filter and air recirculation; Sensatec leatherette upholstery; eight-way power adjustable front seats with two-way manual headrests and driver seat and mirror memory," and more, says MyRide.com. BMW's navigation system is optional on the 2009 X3. However, Cars.com says it is "a bear to use—even without BMW's much-maligned iDrive system." Many drivers will want to skip this option in favor of an aftermarket nav system. The BMW X3 is available in only one trim level, but it comes with three major option packages that group together popular options. Edmunds explains the options packages as follows: "Cold Weather package," which includes heated front and rear seats, headlight washers, and a ski bag; the "Premium package" that includes leather seating and additional interior and exterior lighting; a "Sport package" with firmer suspension calibrations, 18-inch alloys, sport seats, and body styling accents; and a "Sport Activity package," which includes the 18-inch alloys, running boards, privacy glass, and blackout window frames. ConclusionThe 2009 BMW X3 piles on the features, but the interfaces aren’t as friendly as they could be. 2009 BMW X3 STYLING | [7 out of 10] MyRide.com: "dark ash wood trim is now standard" Edmunds: "the styling clearly says BMW " Motor Trend: "freshened visual athleticism" Experts at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 BMW X3 definitely looks like a BMW—but it's missing a sense ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

While the BMW X3 was the lone luxury compact crossover ute a few years ago, there are now plenty of great alternatives. The new Volvo XC60 comes with a torquey inline six-cylinder engine, like the BMW, but it has a roomier interior and, some will think, a more fashionable interior. Volvo also offers more high-tech safety features. The Land Rover LR2 is related to the XC60 but has more off-road credibility, along with a more cluttered interior design. Two new entries, the Mercedes-Benz GLK and Audi Q5, look to woo buyers looking for a smaller yet very luxurious SUV. The GLK has some measure of off-road ability, while the Q5 aims at the crowd planning to stay on-road. The most refined vehicle in this class, the Acura RDX, is a stiff competitor but suffers a bit from a choppy ride and a slightly off-base, zippy turbocharged engine; TheCarConnection.com’s editors also think that the RDX has the best handling.

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See the BMW X3-Series in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2001

Comments (1 total)

  1. By BMW X3 Buy #1, Posted: 9/15/2009

    I am the very VERY disappointed owner of a brand new 2009 BMW X3. Here are some points:
    - 10 mpg city driving.
    - bucking, rocking, rolling, unstable ride at low speeds on regular streets. This is beyond normal SUV hard riding, this is bouncy like a ball.
    - hesitation to accelerate from a stop in a turn uphill.
    - Automatic transmission problems may not have been completely fixed from the 2007 model. See bimmerfest.com for much more information on this subject.
    - Sudden down shifting and loss of speed.
    No one needs to be told how expensive a car this is. Everyone needs to be told BEFORE BUYING what the issues are.
    It is sometimes difficult to find the right sites and it is just pure lack of luck that I did not find out about this car beforehand as I would NEVER HAVE BOUGHT THIS CAR. Can I say yellow fruit?

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