BMW X3 2006 xDrive35d (E83)
BMW X3 2006 3.0 diesel description
Crossover / SUV BMW X3 2006 xDrive35d has been produced from September, 2006 to January, 2010. It has six-cylinder diesel engine with displacement of 3.0 litres, which produces power of 286 horsepower on 4400 rpm - this is the most powerfull BMW X3 2006 - 2010 version and torque 580 Nm (Newton metres) on 1750 revolutions per minute.
This 6-cylinder 24-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has Common Rail fuel system, it has no turbine. Engine versions compliant with Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards available. Approximate engine life expectancy (mileage until serious repairs are required) for this engine is between 270 000 and 450 000 kilometres. Note that engine life can be longer or shorter depending on maintenance.
More engine specs
The BMW M57 engine is regarded as one of the best German-built power units. Its inline-six layout is praised for reliability, and cars equipped with this engine are often more desirable on the used ...
This BMW X3 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 8 litres.
BMW X3 2006 xDrive35d has all four wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) and automatic gearbox with 6 gears.
BMW X3 2006 xDrive35d accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 6.6 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 240 km/h.
In combined cycle (city and motorway), the BMW X3 2006 xDrive35d fuel consumption is 7.8 litres per 100km (12.8 km/l), city fuel economy - 9.7 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 6.7 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 67 litres or 17.7 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 840 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1000 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 9.8 litres per 100 km, which is 26% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW X3 fuel consumption.
BMW X3 safety
During safety testing BMW X3 has obtained 4 stars from five, which means good safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW X3 is evaluated with four stars, children safety - with four stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW X3 got one star.

BMW X3 2006 xDrive35d technical data
Model: | BMW X3 xDrive35d | ||
---|---|---|---|
Body style: | Crossover / SUV | ||
Production period: | 2006. September ... 2010. January | ||
Engine: | 2993 cm3 Diesel, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 208 g/km |
Power: | 286 HP ON 4400 RPM | Torque: | 580 NM ON 1750 RPM |
Gearbox: | Automatic gearbox (6 gears) | Drive type: | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
Top speed: | 240 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 6.6 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.8 (combined) 9.7 (urban) 6.7 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 9.8 l/100km (24 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
Fuel tank capacity: | 67 litres (17.7 gallons) | ||
Car dimensions: | 4.57m (length) 1.85m (width) 1.67m (height) | ||
Turning diameter: | 12 meters | ||
Ground clearance: | 201 mm (approximate, with standard suspension, unladen vehicle) | ||
Trunk capacity: | 480 litres | ||
Trunk max capacity: | 1560 litres (with rear seats folded down) | ||
Gross weight: | 2385 kg |
BMW X3 2006 xDrive35d engine M57D30TU2
Engine reliability and common problems:
The BMW M57 engine is regarded as one of the best German-built power units. Its inline-six layout is praised for reliability, and cars equipped with this engine are often more desirable on the used market. Despite delivering strong performance, the engine remains fuel-efficient and user-friendly.The Bosch Common Rail system with electromagnetic injectors is highly reliable and long-lasting, provided high-quality fuel and regular maintenance are ensured. At higher mileage, occasional issues may arise, such as leaks at the fuel rail pressure regulator or failure of the main pump, though in some cases, replacing the internal filter solves the problem. Failures are most often linked to poor fuel quality. For engines built before 2003, injectors are repairable—later versions usually require full replacement.
The turbocharger itself is robust and rarely fails. Most boost-related problems stem from cracked vacuum lines or a stuck pressure regulator. A faulty crankcase ventilation system can also cause oil to be forced through the turbo.
Timing chains in the first two engine generations were known to last over 500,000 km. However this, the third generation, received an updated timing setup, may require chain replacement before reaching 300,000 km—a costly repair.
Other recurring issues include coolant leaks from plastic piping, thermostat failure, malfunctioning viscous fan clutch, worn-out crankshaft damper pulleys, or failure of the glow plug control module. Additionally, second-generation engines used a steel exhaust manifold, which was prone to cracking, while the first and third generations came with a more durable cast iron version.
Overall, this engine can last around 270,000 to 450,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement | 2993 cm3 |
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Number of cylinders | 6 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 84 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 90 mm |
Compression ratio | 17 : 1 |
Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
Timing chain change interval | 200,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
Fuel system | Common Rail Common rail fuel injection provides more engine power, is quieter, more environmentally friendly and offers better fuel economy, but is more expensive to maintain and repair. |
BMW X3 2006 xDrive35d oil type | 5W-30 |
Oil capacity | 8 litres (8.5 quarts) More service info |
Power | 231 - 286 HP ON 4400 RPM |
Torque | 500 - 580 NM ON 1750 RPM |
Start of production (year) | 2005 |
Duration of production | 5 years |
Engine also used on | BMW 5 sērija BMW 3 sērija BMW X5 BMW 7 sērija BMW X6 and 2 other models |
Most often compared to
All BMW X3 crossover [2006 - 2010] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
---|---|---|---|---|
BMW X3 2006 2.0 xDrive20i 4x4
Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 9.3 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2009 2.0 18d 4x4
Jan 2009 — Dec 2010 Most fuel efficient diesel version |
2.0 Diesel | 143 HP | 6.2 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2006 2.0d 4x4 Sep 2006 — Sep 2007 | 2.0 Diesel | 150 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2007 2.0 xDrive20d 4x4 Sep 2007 — Jan 2010 | 2.0 Diesel | 177 HP | 6.5 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2007 2.0 xDrive20d 4x4 Sep 2007 — Jan 2010 | 2.0 Diesel | 177 HP | 6.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW X3 2006 2.5 xDrive25i 4x4
Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.5 Petrol | 218 HP | 9.3 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2006 2.5 xDrive25i 4x4 Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 | 2.5 Petrol | 218 HP | 9.5 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW X3 2006 3.0 xDrive30i 4x4
Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 Most powerfull petrol version (272 HP) |
3.0 Petrol | 272 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2006 3.0 xDrive30i 4x4
Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 Most powerfull petrol version (272 HP) |
3.0 Petrol | 272 HP | 9.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW X3 2006 3.0 xDrive30d 4x4 Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Diesel | 218 HP | 7.4 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2006 3.0 xDrive30d 4x4 Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Diesel | 218 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW X3 2006 3.0 xDrive35d 4x4
Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds |
3.0 Diesel | 286 HP | 7.8 l/100km | Automatic (6) |