The 2008 BMW X3 comes in one model: the 3.0si with a 260-hp 3.0-liter inline-6. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic with Steptronic is a no-charge option.
The X3 3.0si ($39,425) comes with Sensatec leatherette upholstery; automatic climate control with micro-filter and air recirculation; eight-way power adjustable front seats with two-way active headrests and driver seat and mirror memory; three-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with cruise control; two aluminum fastening rails and slip-proof reversible flooring in cargo compartment; split 60/40 fold-down rear seats; Panorama glass moonroof with fully automatic, two-piece glass panels, rain-sensing windshield wipers with automatic headlight control; automatic-dimming rearview mirror; AM/FM/CD audio with eight speakers, a new auxiliary input jack on the back of the center console.
The 3.0si Premium Package ($2,800) upgrades with Nevada leather upholstery, four-way power lumbar support for both front seats, automatic dimming inside rearview mirror, ambient interior/exterior lighting and BMW Assist (with four years of service) with Bluetooth integrated wireless communication system. The Premium Package Seat upgrade ($700) substitutes Comfort seats with lumbar support.
The Sport Package ($2,300) includes an 8x18-inch wheel upgrade; a full body-color aerodynamic kit with body-color side skirts; a sports suspension with stiffer springs and anti-roll bars; 235/50R18 all-season tires; Shadowline exterior trim; a sport steering wheel; and eight-way power adjustable front sport seats with two-way manual thigh support. Big 19-inch wheels ($950) with mixed-size performance tires are available with this package.
New for 2008 is a Sport Activity Package ($1,400), which includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, privacy glass, Shadowline exterior trim (black window frames), running boards and Star Spoke 18-inch wheels with all-season tires.
The Cold Weather Package ($1,000) includes a headlight washer system; a ski bag; heated front seats and heated rear seats. Other options include Servotronic steering ($250), xenon adaptive headlights with auto-leveling ($800), front and rear Park Distance Control ($700), 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels ($300); 18-inch Star Spoke alloys ($500); heated front seats ($500); heated steering wheel ($150); cargo net ($150); navigation system ($1,800); BMW Assist with Bluetooth technology ($750); privacy glass ($350); premium sound system ($675); and comfort seats with lumbar support ($1,000).
Dealer-installed accessories include a trailer-hitch kit; skid plates; running boards; roof-rack systems; aerodynamic body components; Sirius satellite radio; six-disc CD changer; special shift knobs and handbrake grips; cargo organizer; cargo-area floor net; cargo-area carrier for two bicycles; alarm system; and interface for an iPod.
Safety features include ABS, two-stage front airbags, front door-mounted side-impact airbags and curtain airbags for front- and rear-seat head protection, front safety belts with automatic tensioners and force limiters. The upgraded braking system now integrates Brake Drying, Brake Standby, Start-off Assistant and Brake Fade Compensation, and the adaptive brake lights signal the urgency with which the driver has pressed the brake pedal. A tire pressure monitor (mandated) comes standard. Optional safety features include side-impact airbags for the rear-seat passengers ($385).