New models - BMW - X3BMW X3 gets slick diesel powerOiler: X3 gets same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel as X5 3.0d and 530d sedan. BMW X3 off-roader gets the same ripping 3.0-litre turbo-diesel power as big bro X58 Dec 2005 BMW has released a revised and expanded X3 four-wheel drive wagon range in Australia, which includes a model variant with an intercooled and turbocharged diesel engine. As is the case in the 530d sedan, the X3 3.0d uses a 3.0-litre twin-cam 24-valve in-line six-cylinder engine producing 160kW of power at 4000rpm and 480Nm of torque between 1750rpm and 2750rpm. This differs markedly from the M57 D30 TU 3.0-litre turbo-diesel found in the bigger X5 4WD wagon, which produces 150kW at 2000rpm and 480Nm at 2000rpm. Dubbed M57 D30 TU2, this new engine features all-aluminium construction and common-rail direct piezo injection for gains in power, emissions, refinement and economy. Another first for the range is the introduction of a six-speed automatic – but only in the diesel. It is a ZF unit featuring a sequential-shift gate that BMW calls Steptronic. The 141kW/245Nm 2.5-litre and 170kW/300Nm 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engines continue unchanged. BMW claims the automatic-only 3.0d returns 8.6L/100km on the combined EU fuel cycle, compared to 11.2L/100km for the 2.5i six-speed manual and 11.9L/100km for the auto 2.5i. The 3.0i returns a claimed 12.1L/100km. Conversely, the X3 3.0d out-accelerates its 3.0i stablemate by 0.2 seconds in the 0-100km/h sprint. It achieves this in 7.9 seconds. The diesel is also Euro4-compliant, exceeding the Australian Design Rules Euro3 emissions standards requirement mandatory from January 2006. Cosmetically, the 2006 X3 editions have colour-coded bumpers, a rear-seat ski-bag, front and rear parking radar and new-design 17-inch alloy wheels. The larger petrol-powered model also gains woodgrain trim and anti-dazzle rearview mirrors. BMW is also expected to introduce the updated N52 B25 160kW/250Nm 2.5-litre and N52 B30 190kW/300Nm 3.0-litre petrol six-cylinder engines to the X3 inside the next few months. Prices will rise by $1000 against the outgoing models. 2006 X3 pricing:2.5i $64,9002.5i (a) $67,500 3.0i (a) $72,400 3.0d (a) $75,400 X3 pricing
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