Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the technical specifications and performance metrics of the 2018 BMW X3 30d. If you're a car enthusiast or someone considering purchasing this model, you're in the right place. Let's get started!

Engine and Performance

The heart of the 2018 BMW X3 30d is its robust engine. The X3 30d features a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine, known for its smooth power delivery and impressive torque. This engine is part of BMW's EfficientDynamics family, designed to offer a blend of performance and fuel efficiency. Specifically, it produces around 265 horsepower (195 kW) and a massive 620 Nm of torque. This substantial torque figure is crucial for effortless acceleration and comfortable cruising, even when the car is fully loaded or towing. The engine utilizes common rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry to optimize combustion and boost performance across the rev range. This combination ensures that the engine responds quickly to throttle inputs, providing a satisfying driving experience.

Furthermore, the 2018 X3 30d comes standard with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. This transmission is renowned for its smooth and quick shifts, contributing to both the car's performance and its fuel economy. It also offers manual shift capability via paddle shifters on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to take more control when desired. The combination of the powerful diesel engine and the sophisticated transmission results in impressive performance figures. The X3 30d can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in approximately 5.8 seconds, which is quite remarkable for a vehicle of its size and type. Its top speed is electronically limited to 240 km/h (149 mph), ensuring it has plenty of performance for highway driving. In real-world driving conditions, the engine's abundant torque means that overtaking is effortless and the car always feels responsive and eager.

The engine is also equipped with various technologies to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. These include an advanced exhaust gas recirculation system, a diesel particulate filter, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection. These systems work together to minimize the levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter in the exhaust gases, helping the X3 30d to meet stringent emissions standards. As a result, the car is not only powerful and enjoyable to drive but also relatively clean and environmentally friendly. Overall, the engine and performance characteristics of the 2018 BMW X3 30d make it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile and capable SUV. The combination of power, efficiency, and refinement is hard to beat, and it is one of the key reasons why this model has been so popular among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.

Dimensions and Weight

Okay, let's talk about the physical attributes of the 2018 BMW X3 30d. Understanding the dimensions and weight of a vehicle is crucial for various reasons, including parking, maneuverability, and even safety considerations. The 2018 X3 30d has a length of approximately 4.71 meters (185.4 inches), a width of about 1.89 meters (74.4 inches), and a height of around 1.68 meters (66.1 inches). These dimensions make it a mid-size SUV, offering a good balance between interior space and ease of handling in urban environments. The wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear axles, is approximately 2.86 meters (112.6 inches). This relatively long wheelbase contributes to the car's stability and ride comfort, providing a smooth and composed driving experience.

When it comes to weight, the 2018 X3 30d has a curb weight of approximately 1,825 kilograms (4,023 pounds). This weight includes the vehicle itself with all standard equipment, fluids, and a full tank of fuel. It's important to note that the actual weight may vary slightly depending on the specific options and accessories fitted to the car. The gross vehicle weight, which is the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle including passengers and cargo, is around 2,440 kilograms (5,379 pounds). This figure is important for ensuring that the vehicle is not overloaded, which can affect its handling and braking performance.

The dimensions and weight of the X3 30d also have implications for its aerodynamic performance. The car's shape is designed to minimize air resistance, which helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise at higher speeds. Features such as theActive Air Stream kidney grille, which automatically closes to reduce drag when cooling is not required, contribute to this aerodynamic efficiency. Furthermore, the weight distribution of the X3 30d is carefully optimized to enhance its handling characteristics. BMW aims for a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles, which helps to improve the car's balance and responsiveness in corners. This attention to detail in terms of dimensions, weight, and aerodynamics is a key factor in the X3 30d's overall performance and driving experience. Understanding these aspects can help you appreciate the engineering that goes into making this SUV a well-rounded and capable vehicle.

Fuel Consumption and Emissions

Let's dive into fuel consumption and emission figures for the 2018 BMW X3 30d. Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for many car buyers, and the X3 30d strikes a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Officially, the combined fuel consumption is rated at around 5.7 to 6.0 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 47 to 49 miles per gallon). Of course, real-world fuel consumption can vary depending on driving conditions, habits, and the specific configuration of the vehicle. In urban environments, the fuel consumption may be slightly higher, while on long highway journeys, it can be lower.

The CO2 emissions of the 2018 X3 30d are in the range of 149 to 157 grams per kilometer, depending on the specific model and options. These figures are based on the official European testing cycle (NEDC), which has since been replaced by the more stringent WLTP standard. Under the WLTP standard, the fuel consumption and emissions figures are typically higher, reflecting more realistic driving conditions. However, the NEDC figures provide a useful point of comparison for vehicles of this era. The X3 30d is equipped with several technologies to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. These include start-stop technology, which automatically shuts off the engine when the car is stationary, such as at traffic lights, and regenerative braking, which captures energy during braking and uses it to recharge the battery.

Furthermore, the engine is designed to operate efficiently across a wide range of speeds and loads, thanks to its advanced combustion system and turbocharger technology. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission also plays a crucial role in optimizing fuel economy, as it ensures that the engine is always operating in its most efficient range. The X3 30d also features an Eco Pro mode, which encourages more economical driving habits by adjusting the engine management system, transmission settings, and climate control system. This mode can help drivers to further reduce their fuel consumption and emissions. In addition to CO2 emissions, the X3 30d is also designed to minimize other harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. As mentioned earlier, it is equipped with a diesel particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection to reduce these emissions. Overall, the 2018 BMW X3 30d offers a reasonably good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, thanks to its advanced engine technology and various fuel-saving features. While it may not be the most economical SUV on the market, it provides a compelling combination of power, refinement, and environmental responsibility.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Now, let's explore the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 BMW X3 30d. As mentioned earlier, the X3 30d comes standard with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. This transmission is a key component of the car's performance and efficiency. It is designed to provide smooth and quick gear changes, whether in automatic mode or when using the manual shift paddles on the steering wheel. The eight gears allow for a wide range of ratios, which helps to optimize both acceleration and fuel economy. Lower gears provide strong acceleration from a standstill, while higher gears allow for relaxed and efficient cruising at highway speeds. The transmission is also adaptive, meaning that it can adjust its shift patterns based on the driver's style and the driving conditions. For example, it will hold gears longer and shift more aggressively when the driver is accelerating hard or driving on a winding road. In contrast, it will shift earlier and more smoothly when the driver is cruising gently on a flat road.

The Steptronic transmission also features a launch control function, which allows for maximum acceleration from a standstill. When engaged, this function optimizes the engine and transmission settings to deliver the best possible launch performance. This can be particularly useful for achieving the quickest possible 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) time. In addition to the advanced transmission, the 2018 X3 30d also features BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This system is designed to provide optimal traction and stability in all driving conditions. It can distribute power between the front and rear wheels as needed, depending on the road surface and the driver's inputs. In normal driving conditions, the xDrive system typically sends most of the power to the rear wheels, which helps to maintain the car's sporty handling characteristics. However, if the system detects a loss of traction at the rear wheels, it can quickly and seamlessly transfer power to the front wheels to improve grip and stability. This all-wheel-drive system is particularly beneficial in slippery conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice. It helps to prevent wheel spin and maintain directional stability, giving the driver more confidence and control. The xDrive system also works in conjunction with the car's stability control system (DSC) to further enhance safety and handling. Overall, the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 BMW X3 30d are designed to deliver a smooth, responsive, and confident driving experience in all conditions.

Suspension and Brakes

Let's chat about the suspension and braking systems in the 2018 BMW X3 30d. These components are crucial for the car's handling, ride comfort, and safety. The X3 30d features a sophisticated suspension system that is designed to provide a balance between sporty handling and comfortable ride quality. At the front, it uses a double-joint spring strut axle, while at the rear, it has a five-link axle. This combination is designed to provide precise wheel control and minimize body roll in corners. The suspension is also tuned to absorb bumps and vibrations effectively, providing a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough road surfaces. The X3 30d also offers optional adaptive suspension, which allows the driver to adjust the suspension settings to suit their preferences and the driving conditions. With adaptive suspension, the car can automatically adjust the damping force at each wheel, depending on the road surface and the driving style. This can result in improved handling, ride comfort, and overall driving experience.

As for the brakes, the 2018 X3 30d is equipped with powerful disc brakes on all four wheels. These brakes are designed to provide strong and consistent stopping power, even under hard use. The front brakes are typically larger than the rear brakes, reflecting the fact that the front wheels bear most of the braking load during deceleration. The brakes are also equipped with various electronic aids, such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake assist, and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. Brake assist detects emergency braking situations and automatically increases the braking force to help the driver stop more quickly. EBD distributes the braking force between the front and rear wheels to optimize braking performance and stability. In addition to these standard features, the X3 30d also offers optional features such as adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, which can automatically maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead and even bring the car to a complete stop if necessary. Overall, the suspension and braking systems of the 2018 BMW X3 30d are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable driving experience. They offer a good balance between sporty handling and refined ride quality, and they are equipped with various electronic aids to enhance safety and performance.

Hopefully, this gives you a comprehensive overview of the 2018 BMW X3 30d's technical specifications and performance data. Happy driving, folks! Remember to always drive safely and responsibly.