BMW X3 (G01) in Unusual Spec (South Africa)
Discussion
As someone who tends to get an itch every 2 or so years to change up the fleet, I thought it be time to update you all on the most recent purchases. Gone are the Fortuner V6 and the Bmw Z4 (Readers cars threads somewhere on the forum), and enter a White 2019 BMW X3. Once again this was a vehicle in Port Elizabeth, and I am based in Cape Town, so an early morning flight and a drive back was in order.
I have owned this vehicle now for about 9 months and on first glance it looks like any other high spec X3 but beneath the exterior lies what is actually an extremely boggo X3. In general the South African market tends to largely follow the UK market in terms of which specs are available to buy, although we are a bit slower to adopt the electric car trend than first world nations. Back to the X3, however.
You may or may not have heard that this engine even exists in the X3, but it's full name is the SDrive18d - Essentially a Rear Wheel Drive version, with a downtuned B47 engine. It develops 110kw and 350NM of torque. The reason why BMW put this engine into the X3 is a head scratcher as this would be seen as an entry level engine in a 1 series, let alone an X3.
In terms of spec, it gets an MSport pack, and a pano roof, but other than that it is bare bones - small centre screen, no xenons (!!!) and part leather/cloth upholstery.
I tend to drive with a light right foot, so the powertrain suits me well, and BMW is known to match the 8 speed auto so well to its powertrains that the package doesn't feel overwhelmed by its weight. An advantage of this combo is also that fuel consumption truly is epic and on a long run, mid 5s l/100km is easily attainable (approx 51mpg).
Anyways, some photos below and spoiler alert, I will be doing a readers thread for the other 2 vehicles in the fleet - a 2012 Green Suzuki Jimny and a 2017 VW Up!
I have owned this vehicle now for about 9 months and on first glance it looks like any other high spec X3 but beneath the exterior lies what is actually an extremely boggo X3. In general the South African market tends to largely follow the UK market in terms of which specs are available to buy, although we are a bit slower to adopt the electric car trend than first world nations. Back to the X3, however.
You may or may not have heard that this engine even exists in the X3, but it's full name is the SDrive18d - Essentially a Rear Wheel Drive version, with a downtuned B47 engine. It develops 110kw and 350NM of torque. The reason why BMW put this engine into the X3 is a head scratcher as this would be seen as an entry level engine in a 1 series, let alone an X3.
In terms of spec, it gets an MSport pack, and a pano roof, but other than that it is bare bones - small centre screen, no xenons (!!!) and part leather/cloth upholstery.
I tend to drive with a light right foot, so the powertrain suits me well, and BMW is known to match the 8 speed auto so well to its powertrains that the package doesn't feel overwhelmed by its weight. An advantage of this combo is also that fuel consumption truly is epic and on a long run, mid 5s l/100km is easily attainable (approx 51mpg).
Anyways, some photos below and spoiler alert, I will be doing a readers thread for the other 2 vehicles in the fleet - a 2012 Green Suzuki Jimny and a 2017 VW Up!
Nice to see some more South Africans active in this forum! It rides remarkably well, even on Msport low profile rims. There are quite a few of these white Msport 18ds, almost like it was a special consignment of fleet/company cars. But quite correct, in SA it’s all about how expensive your car looks with little disregard for any non visual spec.
Actually drove through to Lourensford wine estate for a lunch and massage today - lovely part of the world
Actually drove through to Lourensford wine estate for a lunch and massage today - lovely part of the world
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